Types Of Methods Research Articles

Establishment and clinical application of the HLA genotype database of platelet-apheresis donors in Suzhou

The establishment of a platelet-apheresis donor database may provide a feasible solution to improve the efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with immune platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR). This study aimed to establish HLA genotype database in Suzhou, to provide HLA-I compatible platelets for PTR patients to ensure the safety and effectiveness of platelet transfusions. We used a polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT) method to establish the database by performing high-resolution HLA-A, -B, and –C genotyping on 900 platelet-apheresis donors. HLA-I antibody was detected in patients using a Luminex device, and HLA-I gene matching was performed by an HLA-Matchmaker. We found that the highest frequency of the HLA-A allele was A*11:01 (17.06 %), followed by A*24:02 (14.67 %) and A*02:01 (13.61 %). The highest frequency of the HLA-B allele was B*46:01 (9.78 %), followed by B*40:01 (8.39 %) and B*13:02 (33 %). After the detection of platelet antibodies in 74 patients with immune PTR, we found 30 HLA-A antibodies and 48 HLA-B antibodies, and there were a variety of high frequency antibodies whose alleles were low in the donor database, such as HLA-A*68:02, and B*57:01. After avoiding donor-specific antibodies (DSA) matching, 102 of 209 platelet-compatible transfusions were effective, resulting in an effective rate of 48.8 %, which significantly improved the efficacy of platelet transfusion. The establishment of a platelet donor database is of great significance to improve the therapeutic effect of platelet transfusion in patients with hematologic disorder, and save blood resources, and it is also the premise and guarantee of precise platelet transfusion.

Comparison of Graft Type and Fixation Method in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Based on Randomized Control Studies.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) proves the standard for treating this injury. However, graft choice and method of fixation remain a heavily debated topic. This study investigates the following: bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) vs. hamstring tendon (HT) autograft, single-bundle vs. double-bundle hamstring graft, and metal vs. bioabsorbable screws in ACLR. A systematic review was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data were collected on patient demographics, complications, and functionality scores including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted with Review Manager. Outcome measurements were determined using forest plots with significant differences considered p < 0.05. Twenty-five studies were included, accounting for 2,170 patients. No statistically significant difference was appreciated when comparing BPTB to hamstring autografts. Patients who received a double bundle HT autograft exhibited significantly superior outcomes in terms of revision (p = 0.05), failure (p = 0.002), normal pivot shift tests (p = 0.04), and normal IKDC (p = 0.008). When comparing screw types, bioabsorbable screws had a greater Lysholm score (p = 0.01) and lower failure rates for copolymer screws (p = 0.03). Overall, the data collected suggested that BPTB and HT autografts display similar postoperative results. However, if an HT autograft is used, the data suggest a double-bundle graft improves both functionality and decreases the possible complications. Finally, bioabsorbable screws prove superior to metal screws when looking at both functionality and failure rates. Further research into the superior graft type is still needed. Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Static Strength Training Method for Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

The treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major difficulty in improving patient health. Exercise is one of the main interventions for T2DM. Static strength training is one of the key forms of traditional sports in China. Research shows that static strength training is an effective clinical method for T2DM intervention, but there is no experimental device suitable for static training in mice. One of the difficulties in moving from clinical to basic research is to design appropriate experimental devices. In order to further study the mechanism of static training intervention in T2DM, a simple method for making a static training device for mice is introduced in this paper. This device has the advantages of simple operation, cheap material, and high feasibility. Previous studies conducted under this protocol have shown that static training can effectively reduce blood glucose levels and improve the mitochondrial function of skeletal muscle cells in T2DM mice. The purpose of introducing this device is to promote research on the mechanism of traditional exercise in the intervention of T2DM and to lay a foundation for the quantitative intervention of exercise.

Updating to Optimal Parametric Values by Memory-Dependent Methods: Iterative Schemes of Fractional Type for Solving Nonlinear Equations

In the paper, two nonlinear variants of the Newton method are developed for solving nonlinear equations. The derivative-free nonlinear fractional type of the one-step iterative scheme of a fourth-order convergence contains three parameters, whose optimal values are obtained by a memory-dependent updating method. Then, as the extensions of a one-step linear fractional type method, we explore the fractional types of two- and three-step iterative schemes, which possess sixth- and twelfth-order convergences when the parameters’ values are optimal; the efficiency indexes are 6 and 123, respectively. An extra variable is supplemented into the second-degree Newton polynomial for the data interpolation of the two-step iterative scheme of fractional type, and a relaxation factor is accelerated by the memory-dependent method. Three memory-dependent updating methods are developed in the three-step iterative schemes of linear fractional type, whose performances are greatly strengthened. In the three-step iterative scheme, when the first step involves using the nonlinear fractional type model, the order of convergence is raised to sixteen. The efficiency index also increases to 163, and a third-degree Newton polynomial is taken to update the values of optimal parameters.

An accelerated stochastic extragradient-like algorithm with new stepsize rules for stochastic variational inequalities

In this paper, we devise a stochastic extragradient-like algorithm incorporated with inertial terms, which requires a single projection onto our feasible set and employs a stochastic approximation version of an Armijo-type line search scheme along a feasible direction, for solving pseudomonotone stochastic variational inequalities. In the algorithm, two different stepsize strategies are employed to update steplength sequences without using the prior knowledge of the Lipschitz constant of involved operators. In the process of the stochastic approximation, we iteratively reduce the variance of stochastic errors. The almost sure convergence, the complexity analysis, and rates are provided in a dimensional space under reasonable conditions. Finally, some numerical experiments with graphical illustrations are reported to demonstrate the applicability and the efficiency of our algorithm in comparison with some projection type methods in the literature.

Genotyping of Leptospira spp. in wild rats leads to first time detection of L. kirshneri serovar Mozdok in Serbia.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of Leptospira species in Belgrade, Serbia, an area where this disease is underexplored. Specifically, the study sought to employ molecular and multilocus sequence typing analyses to fill the gap in understanding the diversity and distribution of Leptospira species within the region. A comprehensive molecular analysis was conducted on kidney samples obtained from Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the urban environment. The study utilized molecular diagnostic techniques including real-time PCR targeting the lipL32 gene and performing sequence-based typing schemes utilizing adk, icdA, lipL32, lipL41, rrs2, and secY genes. These methodologies were applied to ascertain the presence and characterize different Leptospira species and serovars, respectively. The findings revealed the presence of two Leptospira species and three separate serovars in the Belgrade area. This study identified the presence of L. kirschneri serovar Mozdok in Serbia for the first time, a significant discovery previously undocumented in the region. This pioneering investigation sheds light on the molecular diversity and prevalence of Leptospira species in Serbia. The study underscores the importance of employing molecular typing methods to gain insights into the epidemiology and characterization of Leptospira species. These findings significantly contribute to both local and global perspectives on leptospirosis epidemiology, providing vital insights for the development of effective control strategies and interventions. In our recent study, we explored the presence and performed molecular typing of the Leptospira species, the bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, in wild rats in Serbia. This was the first time such a study was conducted in the region. Leptospirosis is a serious disease that affects both animals and humans, often transmitted through contact with water contaminated by infected animals. Our focus was on understanding which types of Leptospira were present in these animals. Excitingly, we discovered a particular strain of Leptospira, known as L. kirshneri serovar Mozdok, for the first time in Serbia. This finding is significant because it sheds light on the presence and spread of different Leptospira serovars in Serbia. It also raises awareness about the potential health risks associated with this serovar, which was previously unknown in the area. Our work fits into a broader context of disease surveillance and public health. By identifying the types of Leptospira present in a specific region, we can better understand the risks to public health and take steps to prevent and control the spread of leptospirosis. This discovery is not just important for scientists studying infectious diseases; it has real implications for public health officials, veterinarians, and anyone concerned with preventing and treating leptospirosis. Our findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of Leptospira in wildlife and synanthropic fauna, to protect both animal and human health.

Empirical Study of the Impact of Social Media Data Analytics on Marketing Strategy

Social Media Data Analytics (SMDA) has emerged as a dynamic and growing field across various disciplines, including marketing. However, practitioners and researchers in the marketing domain have realized that harnessing the full potential of SMDA for guiding marketing strategies necessitates a clear understanding of the relevant SMDA metrics. A significant challenge lies in the lack of clear guidance on which SMDA metrics are most relevant for enhancing marketing strategies. This study aims to empirically evaluate the impact of SMDA on marketing strategies. To achieve this goal, the study carried out a questionnaire for data collection and employs an empirical investigation using the PLS-SEM methodology. The results show that the impact of SMDA on marketing strategy depends on SMDA metrics (data type, platforms and analysis methods) and also on marketing strategy type. The results suggest a valid conceptual model introducing novel metrics for the SMDA concept. These results present a broader perspective on how SMDA affects marketing strategies and suggest that future research should focus on a specific type of marketing strategy and study SMDA metrics in a different and more in-depth way.

Customer Segmentation With K-Means Clustering Suzuki Mobil Bandung Customer Case Study

In the city of Bandung, it is recorded that until February 2023 as many as 500 thousand private cars crowded the streets in the city of Bandung. People's needs for private cars are met through the purchase of new cars from dealers or used purchases. As a dealer, the main task is to meet car sales targets every month and year. Suzuki dealers, especially in Bandung, do not have solid information about what type of car is most liked by the people of Bandung, what is the background of the customers and what marketing efforts are most optimal to increase sales. Suzuki car sales data for the June-October 2023 period was analyzed as many as 165 sales from various types of cars, customer domicile, customer's proffesion and marketing efforts carried out until the purchase occurred and the choice of payment method. In this paper, a clustering analysis of the K-means method with 4 clusters with car type, customer domicile location, marketing effort, customer profession, transmission type and payment method is made. Analysis performed with IBM SPSS v.29 program.The type of Carry passenger vehicle is the choice of many Suzuki customers in Bandung and Suzuki customers mostly come from the people of Bandung and around Bandung who work as entrepreneurs and traders. Suzuki Bandung needs to maintain and improve Canvansing as an effort to acquire customers as can be seen from the analysis of customer segmentation data in this paper

Multilocus sequence typing and antibiotic resistance of Aeromonas isolated from freshwater fish in Hebei Province.

Aeromonas spp. are the opportunistic pathogens that infect both aquatic and terrestrial homeotherms. They were commonly present in aquatic environments, including effluent, tap water, marine, river, and lake, where they are often isolated from aquatic animals, including fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. The Aeromonas infections can cause sepsis, ulcer, and other symptoms, resulting in the death of massive aquatic animals. Therefore, the prevention and control of Aeromonas is of great significance for the healthy development of aquaculture. In this study, we used modern molecular methods to enhance disease control of Aeromonas isolates from freshwater fish in Hebei Province. A total of 130 Aeromonas spp. isolates were isolated from freshwater fish farms in Hengshui, Handan, and Shijiazhuang and all 130 Aeromonas spp. isolates were sequenced for species identification. Of the 130 Aeromonas spp. isolates, 104 isolates were successfully sequenced, and BLAST analysis showed that Aeromonas veronii was predominant in freshwater fish farms in Hebei Province. In addition, 26 antibiotic resistance profiles were obtained from 102 fully cultured isolates among the 104 Aeromonas spp. isolates whose species was primarily identified, and 44 multidrug-resistant bacteria among the 102 isolates were identified using an antibiotic susceptibility test. Using the Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) method, 33 out of 44 multidrug-resistant isolates with 14 non-Aeromonas reference strains were selected for phylogenetic and MLST analysis, and all 33 multidrug-resistant isolates were A. veronii. A total of 30 new Sequence Types (STs) were obtained by comparing concatenated sequences (gyrB-groL-gltA-metG-ppsA-recA) on PubMLST website. Furthermore, recombination event analysis detected using RDP5 and ClonalFrameML software 42 and 49 recombination events, respectively, and 22 recombination events were validated by four or more algorithms. Since mutation and recombination events increase clonal diversity and single housekeeping gene sequence alignments are limited for identifying species, we propose the use of multiple concatenated sequence loci to increase discriminatory power. In addition, we propose that the MLST method is an appropriate technique to study and develop the resistance mechanisms of multidrug-resistant Aeromonas and to identify Aeromonas systematically in complex samples obtained from the environment.

Standardized approach for four-fenestrated physician-modified endograft to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysms using Valiant Captivia

We describe the feasibility and safety of a standardized approach for four-fenestrated physician-modified endograft (PMEG) placement to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysms using the Valiant Captivia platform (Medtronic). The standardization is based on specific selection criteria for anatomical feasibility, measurement method, and modification technique of a single endograft type. Six cases (two juxtarenal, two pararenal, and two type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms) were treated, with 24 target vessels incorporated with fenestrations. Four cases were treated in an urgent setting and two were elective. The time modification required was 121 ± 18 minutes. Technical success was 100%, with no mortality or complications at 30 days. Postoperative computed tomography at 3 months demonstrated complete aneurysm exclusion, without a type I or III endoleak, no main graft- or fenestration-related loss of integrity, and no target vessel misalignment or stent fracture. The present standardized approach seems safe and feasible and might represent an initial benchmark for comparison with future studies.

Immunopathogenesis and detection methods of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that is increasingly prevalent on a global scale. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases and is a chronic condition primarily influenced by factors such as obesity and genetics. This condition often leads to the development of various cardiovascular diseases. A diverse of different detection methods for the T2D have been developed and achieved good detection and analysis results. In addition, numerous studies have indicated a close connection between T2D and immune inflammation. This research primarily introduces the current status of diabetes, provides a detailed summary of the connection betweenT2D and the immune system, and presents novel immune biomarkers related to T2D. Some new immunological testing methods will be analyzed in this research. In the future, there is hope that these new biomarkers can be used to design more advantageous therapeutic drugs for diabetes patients and more convenient, sensitive, and low-cost detection methods.

The Effect of Rock Type and Test Method on the Relationship Between MODE I Fracture Toughness and Rock Tensile Strength

The Effect of Rock Type and Test Method on the Relationship Between MODE I Fracture Toughness and Rock Tensile Strength

Characterization of the microstructure evolution features of various aggregates based on confocal laser scanning microscope

To reveal the microscale structural evolution characteristics of aggregates, this study employs confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) to conduct the surface microstructures of six aggregates: limestone, basalt, granite, diabase, sandstone, and recycled aggregate (RA). Quantitative analysis was performed on the surface morphology, roughness parameters, and material ratio of the aggregates. The results indicate that the surface features of the aggregates vary with the type and treatment method, and these distinctions may be attributed to variations in diagenetic conditions. In the original state, the surface texture of limestone, basalt, and diabase is relatively minimal, with arithmetic mean height (Ra) distributed between 1.4 μm and 3.5 μm. Conversely, the surface texture of granite, sandstone, and RA is more complex, with Ra distributed between 7.5 μm and 9.5 μm. The roughness indices of basalt, limestone, and diabase show an increasing trend after lime treatment, indicating a more pronounced presence of microscopic peaks and pits. In contrast, all roughness indices of granite, sandstone, and RA exhibit a declining after lime treatment. After polishing, the Ra of the surfaces of the six different aggregates shows varying degrees of reduction. Specifically, Ra decreased by 43.89%, 33.11%, 26.52%, 30.14%, 29.80%, and 38.79% for limestone, basalt, granite, diabase, sandstone, and RA, respectively. Furthermore, the height distribution frequency and material ratio of aggregate surfaces vary with the type and treatment of aggregates. Through grey correlation analysis, the correlation degrees of root mean square slope (Rdq), kurtosis (Rku), and surface texture aspect ratio (Rtr) are 0.9524, 0.9522, and 0.9514, respectively, belonging to hybrid parameter, height parameter, and spatial parameter. This suggests a close relationship between these parameters and the polished stone value (PSV) of the aggregates. These findings offer valuable insights for improving aggregate selection and treatment processes, potentially leading to enhanced durability and performance of construction materials.

Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene polymorphism and its association with somatic cell score and milk production traits in Indian dromedary camels

Our study aimed to explore the genetic variation in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene and establish its association with somatic cell score (SCS) and milk production traits in four Indian camel breeds namely Bikaneri, Kachchhi, Jaisalmeri and Mewari. TLR4 gene fragment of 573 bp spanning 5’ UTR, exon-1 and partial intron-1 region was amplified and genotyped using the PCR-sequence based typing method. Only one SNP located at position C472T was identified. Genotyping revealed two alleles (C and T) and three genotypes: CC, CT and TT. The genotype frequencies for CC, CT and TT were 0.116, 0.326 and 0.558 and allele frequencies for C and T alleles were 0.279 and 0.721, respectively. Association study inferred that the effect of genotype on SCS, lactation yield (LY) and peak yield (PY) was non-significant however heterozygote (CT) genotypes recorded lower SCS and higher LY and PY. It can be concluded that the TLR4 gene possesses limited genetic variation, depicting polymorphism at a single locus in Indian camel breeds with a predominance of the TT genotype. The association study indicated that heterozygote animals possess better udder health and production performance, the statistical significance of which needs to be established using a large data set.

Drift Analysis with Fitness Levels for Elitist Evolutionary Algorithms.

The fitness level method is a popular tool for analyzing the hitting time of elitist evolutionary algorithms. Its idea is to divide the search space into multiple fitness levels and estimate lower and upper bounds on the hitting time using transition probabilities between fitness levels. However, the lower bound generated by this method is often loose. An open question regarding the fitness level method is what are the tightest lower and upper time bounds that can be constructed based on transition probabilities between fitness levels. To answer this question, we combine drift analysis with fitness levels and define the tightest bound problem as a constrained multi-objective optimization problem subject to fitness levels. The tightest metric bounds by fitness levels are constructed and proven for the first time. Then linear bounds are derived from metric bounds and a framework is established that can be used to develop different fitness level methods for different types of linear bounds. The framework is generic and promising, as it can be used to draw tight time bounds on both fitness landscapes with and without shortcuts. This is demonstrated in the example of the (1+1) EA maximizing the TwoMax1 function.

Molecular characterization of Pasteurella multocida from cats and antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates.

Companion animals, including dogs and cats, are frequently identified as sources of Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium that can be transmitted to humans and cause infections. This survey defines the prevalence, antibiotic sensitivity, capsular types, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) types and virulence factors of P. multocida isolated from cats. A total of 100 specimens from various cat breeds were collected. P. multocida was characterized using both biochemical tests and PCR. Genotypes of isolates were determined using capsular and LPS typing methods. Additionally, virulotyping was performed by detecting the presence of 12 virulence-associated genes. Disk diffusion was used to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates. The prevalence of P. multocida in cats was 29%. Among the isolates, the majority were capsular type A (96.5%) and type D (3.4%), with a predominant presence of type A. Twenty-six of the isolates (89.66%) belonged to LPS genotype L6, whereas three isolates (10.3%) belonged to genotype L3. Among the 12 virulence genes examined, sodC, oma87, ptfA, nanB and ompH showed remarkable prevalence (100%). The toxA gene was detected in four isolates (13.8%). Variations were observed in other virulence genes. The nanH gene was present in 93.1% of the isolates, whereas the pfhA gene was detected in 58.6% of the isolates. The exbD-tonB, hgbB, sodA and hgbA genes showed prevalence rates of 96.5%, 96.5%, 96.5% and 82.8%, respectively. Additionally, particular capsule and LPS types were associated with specific virulence genes. Specifically, the toxA and pfhA genes were found to be more prevalent in isolates with capsular type A and LPS genotype L6. Most isolates were resistant to ampicillin, clindamycin, lincomycin, streptomycin and penicillin. According to this epidemiological and molecular data, P. multocida from cats possess several virulence-associated genes and are resistant to antimicrobial medicines commonly used in humans and animals. Thus, it is crucial to consider the public health concerns of P. multocida in humans.

Protective effect of alizarin on vascular endothelial dysfunction via inhibiting the type 2 diabetes-induced synthesis of THBS1 and activating the AMPK signaling pathway

BackgroundIn this study, we investigated the protective effects of alizarin (AZ) on endothelial dysfunction (ED). AZ has inhibition of the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced synthesis of thrombospondin 1 (THBS1). Adenosine 5‘-monophosphate- activated protein kinase (AMPK), particularly AMPKα2 isoform, plays a critical role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis. PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of AZ on vascular injury caused by T2DM and to reveal the potential mechanism of AZ in high glucose (HG)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and diabetic model rats. Study designHUVECs, rats and AMPK-/- transgenic mice were used to investigate the mitigating effects of AZ on vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by T2DM and its in vitro and in vivo molecular mechanisms. MethodsIn type 2 diabetes mellitus rats and HUVECs, the inhibitory effect of alizarin on THBS1 synthesis was verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) so that increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) content in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we verified protein interactions with immunoprecipitation (IP). To probe the mechanism, we also performed AMPKα2 transfection. AMPK's pivotal role in AZ-mediated prevention against T2DM-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction was tested using AMPKα2-/- mice. ResultsWe first demonstrated that THBS1 and AMPK are targets of AZ. In T2DM, THBS1 was robustly induced by high glucose and inhibited by AZ. Furthermore, AZ activates the AMPK signaling pathway, and recoupled eNOS in stressed endothelial cells which plays a protective role in vascular endothelial dysfunction. ConclusionsThe main finding of this study is that AZ can play a role in different pathways of vascular injury due to T2DM. Mechanistically, alizarin inhibits the increase in THBS1 protein synthesis after high glucose induction and activates AMPKα2, which increases NO release from eNOS, which is essential in the prevention of vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by T2DM.

Systems analysis and mathematical modeling of partially two-stage processes of material flow distribution

The partially two-stage process of material flow distribution in a logistics system is considered, which consists of enterprises that produce certain products and sell them directly to consumers or through distribution centers. It is assumed that the demand for products is continuously distributed throughout the territory of a certain region. The purpose of the work is to reduce transportation and organizational costs associated with the sale and storage of finished products for a network of production enterprises by developing models and methods of optimization tasks that allow determining the quantity, capacity, and coordinates of distri-bution centers and organizing logistics processes, rationally distributing transportation and material flows among all participants in the logistics process. The relevance of the work is due to the creation of territorially distributed multilevel companies that carry out the entire production cycle from raw material procurement with its comprehensive use, production of products to transportation to end consumers through distribution centers. The mathematical support of the formulated placement-distribution tasks is developed using the basic provisions of the theory of continuous problems of optimal subset division with the placement of subset centers, duality theory, linear programming methods of the transport type, modern algorithms of non-differentiable optimization. The presented models and algorithms allow solving a whole range of strategic planning problems that arise in the production, social, and economic spheres of activity.

PHARE: a bioinformatics pipeline for compositional profiling of multiclonal Plasmodium falciparum infections from long-read Nanopore sequencing data.

The emergence of drug-resistant clones of Plasmodium falciparum is a major public health concern, and the ability to detect and track the spread of these clones is crucial for effective malaria control and treatment. However, in endemic settings, malaria infected people often carry multiple P. falciparum clones simultaneously making it likely to miss drug-resistant clones using traditional molecular typing methods. Our goal was to develop a bioinformatics pipeline for compositional profiling in multiclonal P. falciparum samples, sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION platform. We developed the 'Finding P. falciparum haplotypes with resistance mutations in polyclonal infections' (PHARE) pipeline using existing bioinformatics tools and custom scripts written in python. PHARE was validated on three control datasets containing P. falciparum DNA of four laboratory strains at varying mixing ratios. Additionally, the pipeline was tested on clinical samples from children admitted to a paediatric hospital in the Central African Republic. The PHARE pipeline achieved high recall and accuracy rates in all control datasets. The pipeline can be used on any gene and was tested with amplicons of the P. falciparum drug resistance marker genes pfdhps, pfdhfr and pfK13. The PHARE pipeline helps to provide a more complete picture of drug resistance in the circulating P. falciparum population and can help to guide treatment recommendations. PHARE is freely available under the GNU Lesser General Public License v.3.0 on GitHub: https://github.com/Fippu/PHARE.

Systematic Considerations for a Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) Retrofits: A Review

As a country that has more than half of the country's total territorial waters, Indonesia is highly dependent on shipping activities. Therefore, knowledge of policy updates for each ship from IMO must also be taken into account, one of which is the policy regarding the Ballast Water Management System, which requires every ship to be installed with a Ballast Water Treatment System in order to achieve the goal of a green environment in voyage areas by inhibiting the spread of microorganisms that endanger the area that is caused by ballast water. This regulatory update then creates problems, especially for ships that have been operating for a long time, because the ship has to comply with the standards for D-1 and then also have to comply with the D-2 standards according to the time specified in the convention. So, this review article will discuss the solution to the issues with retrofitting ballast water treatment systems as the addition of a new system to the existing system on a ship that has sailed and pay attention to conceptual aspects consisting of considerations and operations to find the type of ballast water treatment that suits each ship's needs by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each technology type method. There is also consideration for several stages that are commonly used to determine the type of treatment, starting with assessment and planning requirements, selection of space, compliance with BWMS regulations, selection of the ballast water treatment system method, engineering drawing, installation planning, and commissioning. Apart from that, several related innovation considerations were also discussed, including the development of alternative treatment technology, which has the potential for efficiency both in operational aspects and safety standards. Based on research developments, retrofitting the Ballast Water Treatment System with the ultra-violet (UV) treatment is well known as the common treatment beside the electrolysis treatment. The results obtained show that the ultra-violet (UV) method is one of the most efficient treatments when viewed from the way it works and the time duration for the treatment process. This proves that ultra-violet treatment can produce maximum efficiency if the selection of needs and consideration of maximized aspects also exceed the safety aspect as well.