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This research was conducted to determine the influence of managerial ownership, audit committee, profitability and tax avoidance on company value in manufacturing companies in the consumer goods sector for the 2018-2022 period. This research uses a purposive sampling model and the population in this research is manufacturing companies in the consumer goods sector, totaling 16 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) for the 2018-2022 period that meet the criteria. The data analysis model used is panel data regression analysis. The research results in this study show that simultaneously the variables Managerial Ownership, Audit Committee, Profitability and Tax Avoidance have no influence on Company Value. However, partially the variables Managerial Ownership, Audit Committee, and Tax Avoidance do not have a significant influence on Company Value. Meanwhile, Profitability (ROA) has a significant influence on Company Value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to determine the role of environmental performance, profitability and emission volume in increasing the spread of carbon emissions by moderating company size. This research uses quantitative methods with causality and the data methods used in this research are descriptive statistics, panel data regression, classical assumption tests, hypothesis tests and coefficient of determination using Eviews 12. The population of this research is mining sector companies listed on the Stock Exchange Indonesia from 2019 to 2022. The sample was determined based on the purposive sampling method, with a sample size of 20 so that the total observations in this study were 78 observations. The data used in this research is secondary data. The data collection method uses the documentation method via the official website www.bei.co.id Hypothesis testing uses the t test. Based on the results of panel data linear regression, it shows that the influence of environmental performance with carbon emission disclosure explains that environmental performance is the company's ability to create a green and clean environment. In accordance with legitimacy theory, social relations between companies and society require companies to comply with norms that apply in society, one of which is by protecting the environment, if the company wants to gain legitimacy from society. Then company size can moderate the influence of environmental performance and emission volume on carbon disclosure. The reason company size moderates environmental performance on the disclosure of carbon emissions is that the higher the level of assets of a company, the greater or greater the disclosure of social information made by the company. So it provides a commitment to the interests of the company but must provide benefits to its stakeholders. So that partial profitability has no effect on carbon emissions disclosure, while the volume of carbon emissions has an effect on carbon disclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modifications were successfully carried out on the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) flat sheet membrane, involving the sulfonation and adding polyethylene glycol (PEG), along with variations in the coagulation bath temperature (CBT). The primary objective of these modifications was to examine their impact on the physicochemical characteristics of the membrane and its permeability to a creatinine solution. The findings revealed that the sulfonated PVDF/PEG membrane, printed at a temperature of 30 °C, displayed substantial increases in porosity, hydrophilicity, water uptake and swelling degree. It is important to note that modifications to the PVDF membrane led to a reduction in thermal stability and an increase in creatinine transport efficiency. For the unmodified PVDF membranes, the clearance values for creatinine in phosphate buffer and phosphate buffer saline media were 0.43 (Transport = 28.65%) and 0.42 mg/dL (Transport = 28.05%), respectively. Conversely, the highest creatinine clearance values were achieved by the SPP30 membrane (sulfonated PVDF/PEG-CBT 30 °C), measuring 0.64 mg/dL (Transport = 42.81%) for creatinine and 0.60 mg/dL for urea (Transport = 39.66%). These results indicate that the sulfonated PVDF/PEG membrane exhibits strong potential for use in hemodialysis applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibrinolytic enzyme is one of the cardiovascular disease therapies. Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus is microorganism that has been evaluated to produce fibrinolytic protease by fermentation. This study conducted fermentation of helianthi annui semen (sunflower seed) by Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus to produce fibrinolytic enzyme. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of Initial pH and incubation temperature and its optimization in the production of fibrinolytic protease by Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus FNCC 6010 in solid-state fermentation on helianthi annui semen (sunflower seed) substrate. Optimum condition was determined by maximum protease and fibrinolytic activity. Method: A crude enzyme of protease fibrinolytic was obtained from the supernatant extract of fermented sunflower seed. Protease activity was measured by the skimmed milk agar (SMA) plate method, and fibrinolytic activity was determined by the fibrin agar plate method. Result: It was found that the starting pH affects both the proteolytic and fibrinolytic activity of enzymes that are produced in fermentation. The starting pH of 5.0 showed higher fibrinolytic and proteolytic activity values compared to the starting pH of 7.0. The incubation temperature 33±1 °C had the higher activity compared to 28±1 °C or 37±1 °C. Conclusion: Initial pH and incubation temperature affect the proteolytic and fibrinolytic activity of crude enzyme extracted from fermented sunflower seed by Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus. The optimum condition for producing fibrinolytic protease in the state fermentation method was an initial pH of 5.0 and an incubation temperature of 33±1°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of knowledge of the 3M health protocols on 3M behavior in breaking the chain of infectious disease transmission, especially Covid-19. Health protocols that should be followed by all layers of society during activities are known as the 3M (washing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining distance). This research aims to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge of the 3M health protocols and 3M behavior among bank security guards in Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan. The research methodology used is analytical with a cross-sectional design. The study population consists of bank security guards in Sintang Regency who are actively on duty and willing to fill out a questionnaire from December 2021 to May 2022. Univariate data will be presented in tabular form (characteristics, frequencies, and percentages). Bivariate data will be displayed in tables and analyzed using cross-tabulation and the chi-square test. In the chi-square test, a significance value (p-value) of < 0.05 is obtained, indicating a relationship between the knowledge level of the 3M health protocols and 3M behavior related to COVID-19 among bank security guards in Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Although it has long been used as a topical treatment of pityriasis versicolor (PV), the efficacy of topical selenium disulfide as compared to topical ketoconazole in the treatment of PV remains unclear. This study aims to assess the mycological efficacy and safety of SeS2 1.8% shampoo and ketoconazole 2% shampoo for the treatment of PV. Methods A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed in patients with PV during September-December 2018, based on block randomization. Physical examinations, scale provocation test, Wood’s lamp, and potassium hydroxide examination were conducted. Intention to treat analysis was performed to evaluate the mycological efficacy. Results The mycological efficacy and side effect were not significantly different between the ketoconazole group and the selenium group; 94% vs 86% (RR=2.3(95%CI 0.6-8.5), p=0.182), and 22% versus 8%. Conclusions SeS2 1.8% has the same mycological efficacy and side effect as compared to ketoconazole 2% in the treatment of PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective -- Undernutrition among elementary school students is too high in Indonesia. Elementary students in the Indonesian context have many problems in daily breakfast and vegetable consumption. Therefore, health education programs to improve their nutritional status should be conducted in context. Further, this study sought to examine a health education program using a SIMON Comic with an emic Papua approach for improving food intake of breakfast and vegetables among elementary school students in Indonesia. Method -- A quasi-experimental study design with a pre-test-post-test control group was performed on 60 elementary school students (30 in the intervention and 30 in the control group). The intervention group received the comic for one month. Meanwhile, the control group received a leaflet. Food intake of breakfast and vegetable were measured using a self-administred questionnaire to measure knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Data were analysed using the independent T-Test. Results -- The SIMON comic with an emic Papua approach significantly increased students' knowledge about improving breakfast and vegetable consumption, P-value=0.001). However, there was no significant attitude and practice change between comic and leaflet groups in breakfast and vegetables consumption (P-value>0.05). Conclusion -- The SIMON Comic with an emic Papua approach improved knowledge of students about breakfast and vegetable consumption. Therefore, health education for elementary students using this comic should be implemented in the school curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Although it has long been used as a topical treatment of pityriasis versicolor (PV), the efficacy of topical selenium disulfide as compared to topical ketoconazole in the treatment of PV remains unclear. This study aims to assess the mycological efficacy and safety of SeS2 1.8% shampoo and ketoconazole 2% shampoo for the treatment of PV. Methods A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed in patients with PV during September-December 2018, based on block randomization. Physical examinations, scale provocation test, Wood's lamp, and potassium hydroxide examination were conducted. Intention to treat analysis was performed to evaluate the mycological efficacy. Results The mycological efficacy and side effect were not significantly different between the ketoconazole group and the selenium group; 94% vs 86% (RR=2.3(95%CI 0.6-8.5), p=0.182), and 22% versus 8%. Conclusions SeS2 1.8% has the same mycological efficacy and side effect as compared to ketoconazole 2% in the treatment of PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis and characterization of BiVO4 thin film as photoanode of PEC water splitting and degradation of methylene blue had been successfully carried out. BiVO4 was obtained from the electrodeposition of BiOI and VO(acac)2. Variations in potential and deposition time were carried out to obtain optimum performance results. BiVO4 results from a potential of -0.2 V for 10 minutes gave the highest photocurrent. Characterization using XRD and SEM showed that the thin film had nanoporous properties. In addition, analysis with UV-Vis DRS obtained a band gap of 2.51 eV. The application of PEC water splitting was carried out with a tandem dual absorber system, BiVO4 as a photoanode, and CuInS2 photocathode providing an operating current of about 0.5 mA/cm2. The effect of modification with FeOOH catalyst gave a lower photocurrent compared to using a hole-sacrificing agent. In addition, this system can also produce 99.7% degradation of methylene blue. This showed that BiVO4 had a good potency as PEC water splitting material for hydrogen production and dye waste degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Free radicals from filter cigarettes can contribute to the body's oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde is a substance that the body produces in response to oxidative stress. Antioxidants found in plantain peel extract can be used to counteract oxidative damage. Aim: This study sought to determine whether Wistar rats exposed to filtered cigarette smoke could have their MDA levels reduced by a plantain peel extract. Methods: On Wistar rats, this study used an actual experimental design with a post-test-only control group. Twenty-eight rats from the research sample were split into 4 separate groups. K+ received exposure to cigarette smoke, P1 received exposure to cigarette smoke and extracted at a dose of 200mg/kg BW, and P2 received exposure to cigarette smoke and extracted at a dose of 400mg/kg BW. K-serves as the negative control. K+ received exposure to cigarette smoke. The retroorbital plexus vein was used to draw blood from the dead rats afterward. MDA levels in the plasma were measured using the TBARS technique. Results: The average output of MDA levels in the K1, K2, P1, and P2 groups was 1.695 ppm, 2.430 ppm, 1.791 ppm, and 3.115 ppm, respectively. The K- and K+ groups showed a significant difference in the Mann-Whitney test (p=0.037), as did the K+ and P1 group (p=0.010), K+ and P2 group (p=0.025), and P1 and P2 group (p=0.004). Conclusion: MDA levels in Wistar rats exposed to filter cigarette smoke could be decreased by administering plantain peel extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Blocking the attachment of diphtheria toxins to host cells through the intact receptor binding site (tox B) was the initial mechanism of action of the diphtheria vaccine. Diphtheria outbreaks in populations with good vaccination coverage can be caused by mutations or changes in the genetic structure of the tox B protein. The aim of this study was to characterize the Tox B protein produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolated from 2018 to 2019 in patients in Jakarta who had already received the diphtheria vaccine. Materials and Methods: Of the 89 throat swab specimens of patients with a clinical diagnosis of diphtheria, 10 were positive for diphtheria and toxin. PCR was used to amplify the tox B DNA fragment in the 10 positive isolates. DNA sequencing was conducted with overlapping primers and the DNA sequences were analysed by using SeqScape V2.7. Results: Of the 10 isolates, nine isolate showed a DNA mutation (G30A), but the mutation did not change the amino acid encoding arginin (silent mutation). Our findings indicate that the efficacy of the diphtheria vaccine used in Indonesia has not decreased because of mutations in the tox B genes not change the amino acid. Conclusion: Overall, there are no amino acid changes in the tox B protein, indicating that the outbreaks are not affected by mutation in tox B. Another possible mechanism -- overexpression of the toxin -- is likely responsible for causing diphtheria in patients who have a complete history of immunization in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kampus Mengajar (KM-2) is part of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program promoted by the government to assist junior high and elementary school educators in the learning process. One of these activities was held at SDN 02 Klepu, Semarang, Central Java, which was attended by grade 2 students. Because the target of treatment was low grade children, the literacy learning method used was through game facilities, namely letter cards, word games, and read fast. This paper aims to explore how the role of the learning-by-play method in improving the literacy skills of grade 2 students at SDN 02 Klepu. The point of view used is cognitive psychology based on Gestalt theory. Data obtained through observation and literature study. The game method plays a role in forming initial perceptions in children in this case related to letters and words. The games given to grade 2 students are carried out in stages. The results found that this method was quite effective in improving students' literacy skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of punishment in Indonesia is currently still unable to completely abandon the retributive paradigm that is oriented towards revenge. The number of laws and regulations that contain criminal rules with prison sanctions has implications for the problem of overcrowding in prisons/detention centers. In order to overcome this, the reform of Indonesian criminal law through the drafting of the Draft Criminal Code contains a breakthrough, namely the formulation of the purpose of punishment in which Restorative Justice is contained. In line with this, the presence of an alternative punishment in the Draft Criminal Code has brought fresh air to corrections that are still experiencing the classic problem of prison overcrowding. Correctional institution in this case also have a hand in overcoming the problem of overcrowding through optimizing the duties and functions of Probation Officer. In the Draft Criminal Code, the role of Probation Officer in Indonesia has expanded its scope to approach the practice of probation service in the Netherlands, which is considered quite successful in the application of restorative justice and criminal alternatives. For this reason, this paper will explore the role of Probation Officer in the implementation of restorative justice for adult offenders, while describing its comparison with the practice of probation service in the Netherlands. The method used to answer the problems in this paper is a normative legal research method which is carried out by examining library materials or secondary data. In order to be carried out optimally, the role of Probation Officer in the implementation of restorative justice still requires positive legal support as a foothold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pig carcasses have been used in forensic research because they share several similarities to human cadaver, including decomposition. In several studies, the decomposition of pig's cadaver for a certain time can be used as a model to determine the time of death of a human. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the days of spoilage of pig tissue and the level of average sound intensity produced by the sample. Then, in this study, pig skeletal muscles were allowed to decay with a variation of 1-5 days. Afterward, these muscles were imaged using diode laserbased photoacoustic tomography. Results of the experiment show that the average acoustic intensity level from the first day until the fourth day has increased (78-92 a.u for young pig and 76-86 a.u for old pig) but decreased on the fifth day (88 a.u for young and 84 a.u for old pig). These results can improve forensic imaging because such results can be applied to determine the time of death of human by plotting the ratio of the average sound intensity level of the sample to the number of days of decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the agriculture contribution to the nutritional status of children from farming families by comparing situation of the annual crop with agroforestry and mixed farming systems. A survey was conducted from December 2015 to January 2016 in Buol, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Household socioeconomic and agricultural data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The dietary intake information of the oldest under‐five children was gathered using a 24‐hour recall of food intake, and the results were converted into food groups and nutrient contents. Focus group discussions among male and female farmers were performed to complement the survey's results. The prevalence of respiratory infection and diarrhea in children in the last 2 weeks was assessed. Furthermore, the weight and height of the children were measured. In total, 200 female/male farmers and their under‐five children from annual food crop (n = 79), agroforestry (n = 53), and mixed (n = 68) farming systems were recruited. A very high prevalence of stunted children (above 30%) was recorded in all the groups, whereas the proportion of wasted children was above 5%. The children's nutritional status indicated that an immediate intervention was needed to prevent further deterioration. The results of the binary logistic regression revealed that yearly food expenditure per capita was negatively and significantly correlated with the risk of being stunted (p = 0.047), whereas nonbreastfed children had a 2.9‐fold higher risk of wasting at the time of the survey (p = 0.014). Of all the farmer groups, mixed farming farmers tended to benefit the most from having high cash revenue and food production, leading to a slightly better nutritional status compared to farmers managing annual crop production or agroforestry systems only. Notably, actions need to be undertaken to improve the resilience of all smallholders as well as promote the provision and spending on nutrient‐dense food for children in all the farmer groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane-based polyether sulfone (PES) is a potential candidate for hemodialysis because of its properties such as high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. However, the nature of the hydrophobicity in the PES membrane inhibits their performance in transporting creatinine. In this study, polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were modified using a sulfonation process and the addition of chitosan (CS) and lithium chloride (LiCl) to improve its performance in transporting creatinine. The FTIR spectrum of the modified membrane shows peaks of the sulfonate (-SO 2), amine (NH), and hydroxyl (-OH) groups in absorption areas of 1065 cm−1, 1650 cm−1, and 3384 cm−1, respectively, indicating that the membrane SPES/CS-LiCl has been successfully prepared. The modified PES membranes shows a higher porosity, swelling, water absorption, and hydrophilicity than pure PES membrane. The modification of the PES membrane in this study also enhances the ability of the membrane to transport creatinine. In the pure PES membrane, the creatinine clearance is 0.30 mg/dL, while in the SPES/CS-LiCl (5:2) membrane the creatinine clearance is 0.42 mg/dL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A long-term land use change management (LUMC) experiment was conducted in a sand dune of northeast Japan. • Paddy soil had significantly higher SOC and TN contents than upland and greenhouse but lower than tree area. • C decomposition under aerobic condition was higher than anaerobic condition and both were significantly affected by LUMC and soil depth. • Aerobic N mineralization was lower than anaerobic N mineralization and both were significantly affected by LUMC and soil depth. • Paddy soil had the steepest correlation slopes of C decomposition and N mineralization in four LUMC types. Land use change driven by anthropogenic activities has greatly affected terrestrial C and N cycling; however, it remains unclear how dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) availability respond to long-term land use change in sand dunes. Here, we investigated the changes in SOC, total nitrogen (TN), and their aerobic and anaerobic decomposition or mineralization in a vinyl film paddy, compared with dry land use and management changes (LUMCs) (original upland, greenhouse, and agricultural forest (tree area)) in Shonai sand dunes, northeast Japan. The vinyl film paddy had been singly cultivated for 54 years. Soil samples were collected from five soil depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, 40–50 cm) to compare the effects of depth and LUMC among the four treatments. The C decomposition (Dec-C) was assessed as the aerobic CO 2 production and anaerobic methane and CO 2 productions. Meanwhile, N mineralization (Min-N) was determined as aerobic NH 4 + and NO 3 – production and anaerobic NH 4 + production. The results showed that the vinyl film paddy increased SOC and TN contents, Dec-C and Min-N than upland and greenhouses at 0–30 cm depth but lower levels than the tree area at all depths. The arithmetic mean for all depths showed the aerobic Dec-C in the paddy (216.0 mg kg−1) was higher than the corresponding anaerobic Dec-C (192.8 mg kg−1). Conversely, the aerobic Min-N (35.9 mg kg−1) was lower than the anaerobic Min-N (75.7 mg kg−1). There were significantly positive correlations among SOC, TN, aerobic and anaerobic Dec-C and Min-N, whereas the paddy had steeper slope than other three LUMCs. Conclusively, our results indicated that long-term conversion of upland to vinyl film paddy increased SOC and TN accumulation and N availability (Min-N) in Shonai sand dunes, which can be applied as an effective agricultural practice to improve fertility of coastal sandy soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previously treated tuberculosis (TB) patients are a widely reported risk factor for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Identifying patients' problems during treatment is necessary to control TB, especially in a high-burden setting. We therefore explored barriers to successful TB treatment from the patients' perspective, aiming to identify potential patient-centred care strategies to improve TB treatment outcome in Indonesia.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in a province of Indonesia with high TB prevalence. Participants from various backgrounds (i.e., TB patients, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, TB activist, TB programmers at the district and primary care levels) were subject to in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). All interviews and FGDs were transcribed verbatim from audio and visual recordings and the respective transcriptions were used for data analysis. Barriers were constructed by interpreting the codes' pattern and co-occurrence. The information's trustworthiness and credibility were established using information saturation, participant validation and triangulation approaches. Data were inductively analysed using the Atlas.ti 8.4 software and reported following the COREQ 32-items.Results: We interviewed 63 of the 66 pre-defined participants and identified 15 barriers. The barriers were classified into three themes, i.e., socio-demography and economy; knowledge and perception and TB treatment. Since the barriers can be interrelated, we determined five main barriers across all barrier themes, i.e., lack of TB knowledge, stigmatisation, long distance to the health facility, adverse drug reaction and loss of household income.Conclusion: The main treatment barriers can be considered to strengthen patient-centred care for TB patients in Indonesia. A multi-component approach including TB patients, healthcare providers, broad community and policy makers is required to improve TB treatment success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is a potential renewable energy source that can be used to replace fossil fuels because of its low toxicity, biodegradability, and renewability. However, biodiesel production requires long reaction times. Hence, a catalyst is needed to speed up the reaction and optimize production conditions. CS/PVA thin film catalyst immersed in NaOH has intriguing catalytic properties that can improve biodiesel conversion efficiency. In this paper, a series of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol‑sodium hydroxide (CS/PVA-NaOH) thin films have been prepared as heterogeneous catalysts in biodiesel production. According to the FTIR spectra data, It shows that the vibrational frequency of the hydroxyl group (-OH) shifted from 3271 cm−1 to 3290 cm−1, indicating the hydrogen bond interaction between chitosan and PVA. Water uptake (45.42–218.64 %), swelling (120.63–142.99 %), porosity (62.67–243.43 %), and the durability of the thin film at pH conditions of 5–11 ha v e been found to be the physicochemical characteristics of blended Chitosan/PVA (4/1; 3/2; 2.5/2.5; 2/3; 1/4 (v/v)). The optimal conditions for producing biodiesel were found to be around 65 °C for 90 min with an oil: methanol molar ratio of 1:7. By using a heterogeneous catalyst of CS/PVA-NaOH, the conversion efficiency from oil to biodiesel was achieved at around 95.39–99.52 %. [Display omitted] • Synthesis and characterization of CS/PVA thin films have been successfully carried out. • NaOH-immersed CS/PVA is an efficient thin film catalyst because it increases the purity of biodiesel • Optimal conditions, kinetic studies, methyl ester analysis, and catalytic mechanisms have been clarified. • Intermolecular hydrogen bonds are crucial in improving the properties of thin films as heterogeneous catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, improvement of urea and creatinine permeability of polyethersulfone (PES) membrane by coating with synthesized tripolyphosphate-crosslinked chitosan (TPP-CS) has been conducted. Original and modified membranes, e.g. pristine PES, polyethersulfone-polyethylene glycol (PES-PEG) and PES-PEG/TPP-CS membranes were characterized using FTIR, DTG, SEM, AFM, water uptake, contact angles, porosity measurement, tensile strength test and permeation tests against urea and creatinine. The results show that the PES modification by TPP-CS coating has been successfully carried out. The water uptake ability, hydrophilicity and porosity of the modified membranes increase significantly to a greater degree. All modified membranes have good thermal stability and tensile strength and their permeation ability towards urea and creatinine increase with the increasing concentration of TPP-CS. PES membrane has urea clearance ability of 7.36 mg/dL and creatinine of 0.014 mg/dL; membrane PES-PEG shows urea clearance of 11.87 mg/dL and creatinine of 0.32 mg/dL; while PES-PEG/TPP-CS membrane gives urea clearance of 20.87–36.40 mg/dL and creatinine in the range of 0.52–0.78 mg/dL. These results suggest that the PES-PEG membrane coated with TPP-CS is superior and can be used as potential material for hemodialysis membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer and cervical cancer were ranked first and fourth of the leading cause of death of women in the world. One of natural compounds that was reported on having cytotoxic activity against various cancer cells with high selectivity is betulinic acid. In our previous study, it was found that the acetone extract of Solanum mammosum callus culture contains betulinic acid. The aims of the current study were firstly to investigate the anticancer activity of the acetone extract of S. mammosum as well as betulinic acid, and secondly to quantitatively determine the betulinic acid content in the acetone extract of S. mammosum culture. The anticancer activity was carried out using the MTT method against HeLa and Vero cells. The determination of betulinic acid content was done using the TLC densitometry method. The results showed that the acetone extract of S. mammosum gave anticancer activity against HeLa cancer cells with IC50 value of 120.5 μg/mL, however, it was less active compared to betulinic acid with IC50 of 19.3 μg/mL. Both samples were found to be non-toxic on Vero normal cells. Based on TLC densitometry, the acetone extract of S. mammosum contain 1.2% w/w betulinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Contrasting findings have been published regarding the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on tuberculosis (TB) drug pharmacokinetics (PK).Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of HIV infection on the PK of the first-line TB drugs (FLDs) rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol by assessing all published literature.Methods: Searches were performed in MEDLINE (through PubMed) and EMBASE to find original studies evaluating the effect of HIV infection on the PK of FLDs. The included studies were assessed for bias and clinical relevance. PK data were extracted to provide insight into the difference of FLD PK between HIV-positive and HIV-negative TB patients. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and its protocol was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD42017067250).Results: Overall, 27 studies were eligible for inclusion. The available studies provide a heterogeneous dataset from which consistent results could not be obtained. In both HIV-positive and HIV-negative TB groups, rifampicin (13 of 15) and ethambutol (4 of 8) peak concentration (Cmax) often did not achieve the minimum reference values. More than half of the studies (11 of 20) that included both HIV-positive and HIV-negative TB groups showed statistically significantly altered FLD area under the concentration-time curve and/or Cmax for at least one FLD.Conclusions: HIV infection may be one of several factors that reduce FLD exposure. We could not make general recommendations with respect to the role of dosing. There is a need for consistent and homogeneous studies to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To present EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) index scores in Indonesian type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) outpatients and to investigate the associations between EQ-5D and socio-demographic characteristics and clinical condition.Methods: Socio-demographic data were collected by interviewing participants, clinical data were obtained from treating physicians and self-reporting. Participants originated from primary and secondary care facilities in the Java and Sulawesi regions. Ordinal regression analysis was conducted with the quintiles of the EQ-5D index scores as the dependent variable to investigate the multivariate association with the participants' socio-demographic characteristics and clinical condition.Results: 907 participants completed the five-level Indonesian version of the EQ-5D. The mean age of the participants was 59.3 (SD 9.7), and 57% were female. The overall EQ-5D index score was 0.77 (0.75-0.79). Male participants had a higher EQ-5D index score compared to females, and the highest percentage of self-reported health problems was in the pain/discomfort dimension (61%). Factors identified as being significantly associated with lower EQ-5D index scores were: (i) treatment in secondary care, (ii) lower educational level, (iii) dependency on caregivers, (iv) not undergoing T2DM therapy, and (v) being a housewife.Conclusion: This study provides estimates of EQ-5D index scores that can be used in health economic evaluations. As housewives were found to experience more T2DM-related pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression, targeted approaches to reduce these problems should be aimed specifically at this group of patients. Potential approaches could involve disease-specific-counselors (health literacy partners) who provide routine monitoring of T2DM therapy as well as improved health promotion among T2DM communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to analyze the existing social capital in the community and elaborate on it through community empowerment to manage the family planning village. Communities in rural areas have a variety of potential social capital that can be utilized in implementing the KB village program. Utilization of social capital such as bonding, bridging and linking becomes effective through values, norms, culture, social organizations that exist in society local. The approach used in this study is a mixed-method. The mixed research method used is descriptive qualitative and quantitative approaches. This research was conducted in 3 sub-districts in 3 villages in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province, where the purposively selected villages are villages that run the Family Planning Village Program. The ethnicity of the people in these three villages has different characteristics. The people of Marunjuk Tongah Village are dominated by the Batak Karo ethnic group and the Protestant Christian religion. Islam and Javanese ethnicity dominate Tanjung Rejo Village and Kramat Gajah Village. Sociologically, the social ties of the people in this village come from ethnic and religious similarities, similar places, and blood similarities. Social bridging aspects can be seen in the culture of mutual assistance and community involvement in village activities. Social linking can be seen in establishing cooperative relationships and continuity between the community and formal and non-formal government institutions. The potential for social capital developed by the Family Planning Village administrators is the harmonization of village communities. Rural communities can improve the Family Planning Village program and village development implementation. The use of social capital has been well implemented in managing the Family Planning Village program through community empowerment activities. Understanding the potential of community social capital is an important first step in carrying out community empowerment and physical or social development in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high levels of metal oxides, SiO2, and Al2O3 give coal fly ash the potential for development into zeolite. Zeolite was prepared from fly ash by combining alkaline fusion with hydrothermal treatment. Using this method results in a high surface area, high mechanical properties, and high crystallinity of the sample. Zeolite as a product is modified by TiO2. This study was intended to determine the effect of the operating process in zeolite synthesis from coal fly ash on the types and properties of zeolite and the effect of the aging time of TiO2-modified zeolite at 14, 16, and 20 h. Investigating its physical and optical properties shows that the product contains zeolite X as the major phase. The zeolite X itself contains 96% crystallinity and a specific surface area of 164.78 m² /g. Meanwhile, TiO2/zeolite increases the light absorption in the visible region. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed that a 14 h aging time results in the lowest band gap energy of 2.50 eV and the largest surface area of 189.483 m² /g. X-ray diffraction characterization found that TiO2/zeolite is an anatase crystal (~9 nm) with 99% crystallinity. A pilot examination of the photodegradation performance of the TiO2/zeolite nanocomposite was evaluated using 5 mg/L methylene blue and compared with that of zeolite alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel model of infected nail plate for testing the efficacy of topical antifungal formulations has been developed. This model utilized keratin film made of human hair keratin as a nail plate model. Subsequent to infection by Trichophyton rubrum, the common causative agent of onychomycosis, keratin films as infected nail plate models were treated with selected topical formulations, that is cream, gel, and nail lacquer. Bovine hoof was compared to keratin film. In contrast to the common antifungal susceptibility test, the antifungal drugs tested were applied as ready-to-use formulations because the vehicle may modify and control the drug action both in vitro and in vivo. Extrapolating the potency of an antifungal drug from an in vitro susceptibility test only would not be representative of the in vivo situation since these drugs are applied as ready-to-use formulations, for example as a nail lacquer. Although terbinafine has been acknowledged to be the most effective antifungal agent against T. rubrum, its antifungal efficacy was improved by its incorporation into an optimal formulation. Different gels proved superior to cream. Therefore, this study is able to discriminate between efficacies of different topical antifungal formulations based on their activities against T. rubrum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Livestock as an integral part of farming systems can increase resource use efficiency and land use intensity of agricultural systems, but can also be a driver of forest conversion and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Forest policies that limit land use options may be able to halt forest change, if strongly enforced, but concurrently may also reduce livestock carrying capacity. This study explored the use of the spatially explicit FALLOW model, with a new livestock module, to assess the impact of land use zoning strategies, in combination with access to fodder harvesting, on welfare, fodder availability and landscape carbon stocks in the Upper Konto catchment, Indonesia. The existing land zoning in Upper Konto catchment is in name ‘land-sparing’ but de facto combined with ‘land sharing’ approach with access to cut and carry fodder sources in watershed protection areas. Scenario analysis revealed that the existing land zoning approach is the most promising in terms of balancing fodder availability, farmers’ welfare (total profits gained from production in the landscape minus products consumed by people living in the area) and ecosystem functions (with above-ground carbon stocks as indicator). A pure land sparing approach with agricultural intensification indicates increase in farmers’ welfare but with a higher decrease (in percentage) of landscape above-ground carbon stocks. Hence, careful integration of livestock systems into zoned conservation areas can achieve multiple goals including enhancing peoples’ livelihoods and protecting environmental services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aims to determine how big the influence of Career Development and Training on Employee Performance through Compensation as an Intervening Variable at PT. Nagar Bank. The method used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Square (PLS) 3.0, with a total of 310 respondents. The results of data analysis concluded, there was a significant effect of Career Development variables on Compensation. There is a significant effect of the Training variable on the Compensation variable. There is no significant effect of Career Development variable on Employee Performance. There is a significant effect of the training variable on employee performance. There is a significant effect of the compensation variable on the Employee Performance variable. The Compensation variable mediates the relationship between the Career Development variable and the Employee Performance variable. The compensation variable does not mediate the relationship between the training variable and the employee performance variable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The limited source of human nail plate for studying drug permeation inspired us to develop a nail plate model made of human hair keratin. The manufacturing process consisted of keratin extraction, dialysis, molding, solvent evaporation, and curing, producing a water-resistant film. The permeability of the film was examined using three markers: sodium fluorescein, rhodamine B, and fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran as water-soluble, lipid-soluble, and large molecule models, respectively. Bovine hoof was used for comparison. First investigation showed that keratin films (thickness 120μm) resembled hooves (thickness 100μm) except that these films were more permeable to rhodamine B compared with hooves (1.8-fold, p <0.01). Subsequent investigations using ungual penetration enhancers (urea, thioglycolic acid, and papain) showed that keratin films were generally more susceptible than hooves. This study revealed that the produced keratin film offers a possibility as a human nail plate substitute. However, inclusion of the penetration enhancer must be carefully interpreted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mobile poly(ethylene oxide) diglycidyl ether (PEODGE) segments were chemically grafted onto a soluble wheat protein (WP), and different network structures were formed via coupling reactions with ethyl diamine (EDA) in different PEODGE/EDA (PE) ratios. When the PE ratio was 1:1, linear PEs were the predominant segments grafted onto WP chains and the whole WP−PEODGE−EDA (WPE) system was still soluble with an increased molecular weight. Reducing the amount of EDA in the systems produced insoluble cross-linked WPE networks. The broad distribution of network structures and chain mobility resulted in a broad glass transition for the WPE materials. However, the glass transition started at lower temperatures, and the materials became flexible at room temperature. The PE segments were present in all rigid, intermediate, and mobile phases in WPE networks, while the proportion of mobile WP chains was increased as a result of the plasticization effect from the mobile PE segments. The mobility of the most mobile component lipid was also restricted to some extent when forming the cross-linked WPE networks. The study demonstrated that the formation of different network structures with PE segments could significantly improve the flexibility of WP materials, vary the solubility, and modify the mechanical performance of WP-based natural polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report here the humanization of two mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) using framework shuffling of human germline genes. mAbs EA2 and 47 were raised against the human receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 and EphB4, respectively, which exhibit increased expression levels in many cancer cell lines. One- and two-step strategies were carried out, in which the light and heavy chains of each parental mAb were simultaneously or sequentially humanized. We characterized in detail these newly humanized antibodies in terms of binding affinity to their respective antigen, functional activity, thermostability, electric charge and expression yields. Three previously described framework shuffled, humanized versions of another mouse anti-human EphA2 antibody (mAb B233) were similarly characterized. We show that several of these parameters were either maintained or improved in all humanized molecules when compared with their respective chimaeric counterpart. Therefore, this humanization approach is generally applicable to non-human IgGs and allows for the specific selection of antibodies and antibody fragments exhibiting favorable functional, biochemical and biophysical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Understanding the effect trees have on the growth of crops requires an understanding of the multiple interacting processes that determine resource uptake by the crops. On a Ferralsol in sub-humid western Kenya maize (Zea mays L.) growth was primarily limited by phosphorus availability. We observed that maize growth near grevillea (Grevillea robusta A. Cunn.) tree lines was strongly reduced, while maize growth was slightly increased near cassia (Cassia spectabilis DC (syn. Senna spectabilis, DC, H.S. Irwin and R.C. Barneby). This was contrary to expectations because grevillea has a relatively low nutrient demand while Cassia has a relatively high nutrient demand. We compared maize growth in an experiment with simulations using the mechanistic tree–crop interaction model WaNuLCAS. The model simulations showed that the measured 30–40% decrease in maize growth near the Grevillea tree line was due to 0.025m3m-3 lower soil water contents (at mean levels of 0.35m3m-3 and high pF). This was not due to direct water limitation. The lower soil water content caused decreased P diffusion to roots and a cumulative decrease in crop root-growth and a concomitant decrease in crop growth over time. Measured maize yield near Cassia was 115%, unaffected by trees. Model simulations predicted it should be reduced to 80% due to direct competition for P between tree and crop. This suggests that rhizosphere modifications measured near Cassia roots probably supplied P to the tree itself and also to the maize crop. On P-limiting tropical soils, it is important to prevent soil drying to avoid soil drying induced P deficiency. In these conditions tree species that are able to mobilize P can prevent competition with the crop and may even increase crop performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the kinetic, spectroscopic and ligand binding properties of a truncated catalytic core of cystathionine beta-synthase. Purification of truncated form of cystathionine beta-synthase lacking the C-terminal 143 residue; Iron stoichiometry of the dimeric enzyme; Functions of the different regions of the cystathionine beta-synthase polypeptide.