bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on The Perception and Acceptance of UiTM’s Undergraduates Towards Open and Distance Learning Method in Mandarin Language Teaching and Learning During COVID-19 Movement Control Order Period
Authors: Lian Tay Yang , Ru Chin Jing
Published: December 2020

The unexpected transformation from traditional face-to-face classes to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, due to the implementation of Movement Control Order (MCO) caused by COVID-19 pandemic, has deeply affect the basic Mandarin learners in higher education institutes. After studying Mandarin level 1 through face-to-face classes for only three weeks, students were forced to adjust and adapt to ODL mode within a short amount of time. This situation would inevitably affect their learning quality and progress during the MCO period. Hence, a study on the students’ perception and acceptance towards ODL under this circumstance is crucial as a pilot test, to establish a better understanding on the possibility of ODL’s sustainability as a necessary component in learning Mandarin henceforward. Such study will also help to apprehend and further satisfy students’ requirement on studying Mandarin through ODL, so that it will become an ideal complement, or even a more preferred main option compared to the conventional teaching activities.
From Agenda Setting to Melding: How Individuals Part of Certain On-line Groups Change Their Electoral Behavior amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: DELICOTE Radu
Published: December 2020

Do certain on-line groups influence the individual’s behavior? Moreover, do certain on-line groups tend to influence his or her electoral behavior amid the COVID-19 pandemic? This article aims to assess how or whether being a specific on-line group member (Facebook, WhatsApp, or the equivalent) could hold any influence regarding the individual’s trust in authorities, voting behavior, and if these groups can be a catalyst in this sense. The theoretical part of the article begins with explaining how public perception and its emotional-based elements work, proceeds with analyz- ing throughout agenda setting, priming, framing, second-level agenda-set- ting to agenda melding theories. The practical part of the article consists of explaining how the on-line groups influence the individual throughout sev- eral focus groups involving young politicians and people involved in daily politics. The overall context focuses on local elections in Romania. This ar- ticle proposes an explanation via aforementioned communication theories, on how mass media manages to shape the individuals’ set of opinions and eventually their behavior and how some individuals tend to change their beliefs influenced by certain groups. Mass media holds the ability to stir the public perception by using various techniques such as agenda-setting – by emphasizing different effects of the Corona crisis, priming – by setting several topics’ evaluation frameworks such as infection rates, hospitals’ situation, framing – by using specifics frames and filters to picture the cur- rent pandemic and even pushing individuals to meld their own sets of val- ues and doxies with the ones from familiar social groups. In other words, making them question whether it is safe to go and vote.
Improving Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence of Students through Aqidah Morals
Authors: Kamaluddin Moh , Adawiyah Adawiyah , Rusdin Rusdin
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to discusses Improving Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence of Students through Aqidah Morals. This study uses qualitative methods and data was gathered through observation, in-depth interviews, and written material. Data analysis was analyzed using grounded theory approach. The results showed that the teacher's efforts in improving discipline, honesty, responsibility, and cooperation of students at Madrasah Aliyah 2 Palu City through learning Akidah Akhlak were carried out by providing exemplary in terms of punctual arrival in class, advice and motivation, sanctions/punishment, making students' friends as assisting teachers, applying the discussion method in learning.
Analysis of Judges’ Considerations in Deciding Judicial Divorce at the Palu Religious Court
Authors: Baharuddin Alhamid , B. M. Taufan , Syahabuddin Syahabuddin
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to discuss Judges’ consideration in making decision in the case of judicial divorce. This study uses qualitative methods and data was gathered through observation, in-depth interviews, and written material. Data analysis was analyzed using grounded theory approach. The results showed that there were two basic considerations for judges in deciding a lawsuit for divorce at the Palu Religious Court Class 1A, namely written law and unwritten law. Written laws include Al-Qur'an, Hadith, Laws, and Compilation of Islamic Laws, while the unwritten law is the customs and values ​​that live in society. Based on the decision Number 452/Pdt.G/2019/PA.Pal, these laws were used as the basis for the judge's consideration in deciding this case, because continual disputes and quarrels occurred between husband and wife, that resulted to the separation of residence which has lasted for about 11 months, and it is no longer possible to live in harmony in the household.
Muslim Society Perception of The Unregistered Divorce
Authors: Lutfi Lutfi , Akbar Muhammad , Marzuki Marzuki
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to discuss the view of Muslim people in Marawola, district of Sigi, towards unregistered divorce.  This study uses qualitative methods and data was gathered through observation, in-depth interviews, and written material. Data analysis was analyzed using grounded theory approach. The results showed that the understanding and view of the Marawola community towards unregistered divorce was that of divorce carried out outside a religious court involving only husband and wife and religious leaders. On other occasions, it also involved village officials, where the divorce was only confirmed by a letter of freedom signed by the husband and wife, two witnesses and sometimes also signed by the village head as the one who knew.
Ecological approaches for protecting and perfuming natural sheepskin fur
Authors: Niculescu Olga , Gaidau Carmen , Badea Elena , Miu Lucretia , Gurau Dana , Berechet Mariana Daniela
Published: December 2020

Fur and leather have been among the first materials used for clothing and bodily decoration. It is known that Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis used fur clothing. Even though the invention of inexpensive synthetic textiles for insulating clothing led to fur clothing falling out of fashion, fur is still worn in most cool climates around the world such due to its superior warmth and durability. In addition, a huge number of furs exists in the ethnography and anthropology museums around the world. The storage and conservation of furs, old and modern, is still challenging for both conservators and population because most commercial products are highly toxic for humans and environment. We therefore tried to control or limit the damage caused by external factors and insects by using green finishing and maintenance treatments. It is known that essential oils, known for their special perfume, can be used to repel insects. Mint, cedar, lavender oils were hence tested to treat sheepskin furs as a final finishing operation. In addition, the use of new products based on natural oils, ethyl alcohol, nonionogenic surfactants from the class of polyethoxylated fatty acids and of polyethylene glycols, and cationic surfactants (quaternary ammonium salts) were tested and proved they contribute to both perfuming and improving the resistance of furs to moths.
Formulation and characterization of anti‐aging cosmetic emulsions based on collagen hydrolysate and caffeine
Authors: Danila Elena , Albu Kaya Madalina Georgiana , Ghica Mihaela Violeta , Bunea Ana-Maria , Popa Lacramioara , Kaya Durmus Alpaslan , Ozturk Sevket , Marin Maria-Minodora , Dinu-Pirvu Cristina-Elena , Anuta Valentina
Published: December 2020

The goal of this work was to formulate and characterize some O/W emulsions, designed as skin anti-aging creams. The cosmetic formulations based on collagen hydrolysate, caffeine and natural ingredients (essential and vegetable oils) were evaluated organoleptically, in terms of pH, morphological, superficial and rheological properties. The rheological measurements were carried out at 23 and 32°C, and the shear stress versus shear rate ascending and descending rheograms were built, as well as the flow patterns viscosity versus shear rate. All emulsions obtained are stable at different temperatures and the pH values correspond to the skin physiological one, indicating that cosmeceuticals can be safely applied to the skin. Results from the optical microscopy analysis show that all emulsions presented a creamy and foamy appearance. The superficial profiles, quantified through contact angle at solid/liquid interface, indicated a high emulsions hydrophilicity degree. The emulsions showed a pseudoplastic and thixotropic behaviour, facilitating the flow formulations and the topical application. The flow properties were quantified according to the Power law model, and the thixotropic analysis was performed using specific descriptors as thixotropic area and thixotropic index. The designed emulsions presented physico-chemical properties adequate for cosmetic skin care product formulations.
Determination of yield and yield components in different sowing times of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) in Hatay ecological conditions
Authors: Eren Yilmaz , Kaya Durmus Alpaslan
Published: December 2020

This study was carried out in order to determine the yield and yield components of Nigella sativa L. grown in different cultivation periods in Hatay ecological conditions at Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Agriculture, Medical Plants trial area in 2018-2019. The experiment was laid out at spilt plot in randomized blocks with three replications. Trial; The parcels split in random blocks were carried out with 3 repetitions according to the trial pattern. In the trial, sowing was carried out on 15 November, 1 January, 15 February, 1 March, 15 March, 1 April, 15 April, 1 May and 15 May. In the study, some properties related to phenological, herbal properties, yield and yield components were examined during field trial and after harvest. As a result of the measurements taken, the plant height is 19.03-54.00 cm, the number of branches is 8.80-3.78 number/plant the number of plant capsules 3.73-20.67 number/plant, thousand grain weight is 3.04-2.10 g, seed yield is 3.65-51.81 kg.da-1, constant oil rate % was found between 22.47-32.07 values. Due to the increase of summer temperatures early in Hatay ecological conditions, the yield and yield factors of summer planting decreased in this period compared to winter planting. For this reason, November 1-15 is recommended as the most suitable sowing time for black seed in Hatay ecological conditions.
Factors influencing the purchasing decisions of low emission cars: comparing study between Egypt and Slovenia
Authors: Othman Alaa , Dabees Ahmed , Rahma Baher , Knez Matjaz
Published: December 2020

This paper provides a study about the factors influencing the purchasing of low emission vehicles. In order to achieve the objectives of the paper, and in the light of the pool of literature and availability of data, the authors relied on qualitative methods to offers a comparison between Egypt as a developing country and Slovenia as a developed country, through analysing a survey that involves an Egyptian sample and Slovenian samples, it also studies the effect of different push and pull methods on different buyers in order to help the governments as well as the manufacturers to understand the most significant factors that affects the purchasing behaviour of LEV in the future. The results of this paper show the important vehicle performance factors, financial considerations and Environmental considerations along with the gender and age of the consumer and show that consumers are more interested in the total price of the car than in different taxes.
Investigating the impact of Internet of Things on Egyptian ports sustainability
Authors: Bayoumi Engy , Elgazzar Sara , Obrecht Matevz
Published: December 2020

There are increasing concerns on the environmental impact of port operations which resulted in pressing global issues such as adopting sustainable technologies to reduce environmental harmful impacts on ports. From the sustainability perspective, a port should manage and balance three aspects which are economic, social, and environmental impacts. Using Internet of things (IoT) technology could minimize the environmental harmful impacts on ports and increase their sustainability. This paper aims at investigating the impact of applying IoT technology on Egyptian ports' sustainability. A semi structured interview was conducted with a representative sample of different stakeholders (government, port authority, freight forwarders, importers and exporters), upon which the main challenges and obstacles to adopt IoT technology in the Egyptian ports were identified. The paper concluded with suggestions and recommendations to help practitioners to consider the applicability of IoT technology as a sustainability driver in the Egyptian ports.
The role of Internet of Things on intelligent transport system: A traffic optimization model
Authors: Hassanin Islam Saleh
Published: December 2020

The road traffic congestion has become an excessive problem and a great pressure on both the governmental and social aspects especially in megacities. Hence, developing control systems that administrate the traffic flows is a vigorous solution, which can solve the problem of traffic congestion especially in megacities that should convert their services to be smart. The Intelligent Transport System (ITS) one of the Internet of Things (IoT) applications that provides a group of pioneer schemes for handling the challenges of traffic congestion. Traditionally, sensor-based structures have been used for gathering traffic information, but the coverage, cost, and real-time matters have remained unexplained. Thus, this paper aims at proposing a new model named Traffic Flow Optimization Model (TFOM) applied in Alexandria as a case study, which is considered a cost-effective and easily maintainable traffic congestion minimization method. It combines Infra-Red (IR) and active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies. TFOM is designed to minimize traffic congestion, given reroute options to the users, taken decisions regarding congestion, and finally it could be an initial step to help future predictions in linear megacities.
Low-pressure plasma treatment applied to polymeric materials for a sustainable footwear industry
Authors: Ruzafa-Silvestre Carlos , Carbonell-Blasco Pilar , Orgiles-Calpena Elena , Aran Ais Francisca
Published: December 2020

In this paper INESCOP proposes the improvement of the bonding of footwear soling materials using the low-pressure plasma surface treatment as a non-polluting and resource-efficient technology by means of adhesive bonds, with a reactive hot melt polyurethane adhesive, as a more sustainable alternative to current chemical surface treatments such as halogenation. More precisely, low-pressure plasma is capable of cleaning and removing all impurities, such as oxides, oils and fats on material surface. Then, it is activated by producing new chemicals species on the top layer of the substrate. Thus, the materials’ surface acquires new surface functionalities, improving the compatibility adhesive-substrate and, therefore their adhesion properties. Furthermore, in this work the surface modifications produced in these materials of different polymeric nature have been optimised to increase their roughness, wettability, adhesive properties, etc., and have been validated through various experimental characterisation techniques. As a result, the samples treated with plasma meet the adhesion requirements for footwear materials. As a result, low-pressure plasma treatment has desmonstrated to be a green, alternative, and sustainable technology in line with European policies on circular economy, which enhances material surface properties by improving the adhesion bonding process.
Treatment of hide liming wastewater by carbon dioxide
Authors: Sliburyte Aukse , Valeika Virgilijus
Published: December 2020

Results of the investigation of hide liming process wastewater treatment by carbon dioxide are presented in a paper. Comparison of the wastewater characteristics before and after the treatment by carbon dioxide was carried out. It was attempted to regenerate sodium sulphide using three different solutions: 10% solution of sodium carbonate and 5% or 10% solution of sodium hydroxide. The kinetic of sodium sulphide concentration, general alkalinity and pH was established. The solutions with the regenerated sodium sulphide were explored for unhairing of hide. The solution of 10% sodium hydroxide with regenerated sulphides was the mostly suitable for this aim. The properties of unhaired pelt were determined and assessed.
Elastomeric nanomaterials based on natural rubber for the food industry
Authors: Stelescu Maria Daniela , Georgescu Mihai , Sonmez Maria , Nituica Mihaela , Stefan Adriana
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the obtaining and characterization of new elastomeric nanocomposites based on natural rubber reinforced with plasticized starch, precipitated silica and layered clay, for obtaining consumer goods for the food industry. Obtaining nanocomposites was carried out by the technique of mixing and melt interleaving. The mixtures were vulcanized in the press, at high temperatures, using peroxides as vulcanizing agents, and triallyl cyanurate as vulcanizing coagent. In order to obtain products with improved characteristics, the influence of the amount of modified organic montmorillonite layered clay (OMMT) Nanomer I31PS and the adhesion promoter between mineral filler and polymer - bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl]-tetrasulfane (TEPS) on the characteristics of the mixtures, was analysed. The rheological characteristics of the samples show an increase of the minimum torque at the increase in the amount of OMMT type nanofiller and a decrease in the optimal vulcanization time by adding the adhesion promoter between the rubber and the filler. An improvement of the mechanical characteristics of the samples was observed at the introduction of both OMMT and TEPS. These changes may be due to both the nanofiller reinforcement effect and the changes in the morphology of the mixture. The samples showed a good behaviour after immersion in different environments specific to the food industry (water, ethyl alcohol, 10% glucose solution, 0.9% sodium chloride solution and sunflower oil). SEM analyses indicate that the starch particles, together with the other ingredients of the mixture, are quasi uniform distributed in the elastomer matrix. Several superficial microcracks are observed, on the surface of the analysed material, without structural discontinuities or other defects.
The iteration method for developing creativity in ecodesign
Authors: Pop Marlena , Horatau Dorina
Published: December 2020

The methods of conceptualization, the theories behind the green-products are issues that this paper wants to address. Spiral Iteration is a method developing creativity in ecodesign for textile and leather industries. It will be demonstrated that exploratory and experimental research in textile design was able to validate the spiral iteration tools and the aesthetic tools allowing the creative to express, through specific visual language, a whole individual universe of Cultural Design, as green identity of cultural sustainable idea of the products.
GAMBARAN FUNGSI HATI DAN GINJAL PADA PENDERITA MALARIA
Authors: . Darmawaty , M Fitriani , Pakasi Ruland DN , . Hardjoeno
Published: December 2020

the prevalence of malaria disease is still high in Indonesia. It requires to be diagnosed and handled quickly to decrease themorbidity and the mortality. the purpose of this study was to evaluate the results liver and kidney function tests of malaria patients forcomplications and to know the etiology. A cross sectional method was used for this study by using medical record of malaria patientsthat at Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital in Makassar during January to December 2006. Malaria was diagnosed based on pheripheralblood while the examination of Sgot, SgPt (DgKC method), ureum (Barthelots method) and creatinine (Jaffe's method) were doneby chemistry autoanalizer. the increasing concentration of Sgot was found on 14 patients (42.4%) which was consisted of high at 12patients, SgPt on 13 patients (39.4%), ureum on 2 patients (6.1%) and creatinine on 11 patients (33.3%). Plasmodium falciparum wasfound on 18 patients (54.5%) and Plasmodium vivax on 15 patients (45.5%). the Sgot, SgPt, ureum, and creatinine concentrationsmostly exist in normal range, this indicated that liver and kidney damage was still mild. the etiology of malaria disease was Plasmodiumfalciparum and Plasmodium vivax, it was found from examination of pheripheral blood. there was no significant different in this studyfor the increasing of Sgot, SgPt, ureum and creatinine concentrations based on plasmodium etiology.
PLATELET DISTRIBUTION WIDTH VALUE AS A DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC MARKER IN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
Authors: Latif Rahmi Rifany , Kurniawan Liong Boy , Rauf Darmawati
Published: December 2020

An acute coronary syndrome is a form of clinical manifestation of coronary heart disease with atherosclerosis, and thrombosis processes. Platelets play an essential role in thrombosis. High PDW shows a variation of the morphology, and size of a platelet. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study comparing PDW, length of stay, and patient outcome in STEMI, NSTEMI, UAP, and control patients at the Dr.Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar during the period of January 2014 – December 2015. Data were analyzed using statistical software. One hundred, and seventy-two ACS patients were included; 65 patients had UAP, 48 patients had STEMI and 59 patients had NSTEMI. Sixty normal patients were included as a control. Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistical difference in PDW between patients with STEMI, NSTEMI, UAP, and control (p=0.000). Post hoc test showed a significant difference between ACS, and control, STEMI, and control (p=0.000), NSTEMI and control (p=0.000), UAP, and control (p=0.000), but there no significant difference     between STEMI, and NSTEMI (p=0.320), STEMI, and UAP (p=0.980), NSTEMI and UAP (p=0.435). There was no significant difference in PDW between patients who survived, and died (p=0.298), and also patients with a length of stay of â‰¤ 7 days, and > 7 days (p=0.293). Platelet distribution width was higher in ACS patients compared with control patients, but could not be used to predict the outcome, and length of stay of patients with ACS. It is advisable to do further research with a large sample size to avoid bias.
DETERMINATION OF GRAY ZONE RANGE IN HBsAg TEST AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR HBsAg CONFIRMATION TEST
Authors: Latuconsina Vina Zakiah , Handayani Irda , Nurulita Asvin , Bahrun Uleng
Published: December 2020

Hepatitis is an inflammation of liver cells caused by infection (virus, bacteria, paracytes), medication, alcohol consumption, excessive lipid and autoimmune disease. Increasing method (sensitivity) of HBsAg test is often followed by a lot of false positive test results, which need a confirmation test which takes a longer time and higher cost so that it is needed to determine an optimal gray zone range for a confirmation test. This analytical cross-sectional study was held at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory of the Dr.Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar. The subjects were specimens which HBsAg value was within 0.06-1 COI. Specimens were examined using HBsAg confirmation test. Over 49 samples collected there were 32 reactive and 17 non-reactive. 14 out of 32 reactive samples (43.8%) were confirmed as negative (false positive) by HBsAg confirmation test and 3 out of 17 non-reactive samples (17.6%) were confirmed as positive (false negative). Chi-square test showed a significant correlation between HBsAg value and HBsAg confirmation test value (p=0.009). Chi-square test with some intervals with Î±=1% showed that the interval of HBsAg value 0.13-0.17 COI was the interval with the lowest significant value (p=0.004). This subsequent interval was recommended as the gray zone range. The range 0.13-0.17 was most optimal as HBsAg gray zone to determine the need for a confirmation test. A further study with larger samples is suggested.
ASSOCIATION OF ACID-BASE PARAMETERS WITH LACTATE LEVEL IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC ACIDOSIS
Authors: Donaliazarti Donaliazarti , Yaswir Rismawati , Maani Hanifah , Efrida Efrida
Published: December 2020

Metabolic acidosis is prevalent among critically ill patients and the common cause of metabolic acidosis in ICU is lactic acidosis. However, not all ICUs can provide lactate measurement. The traditional method that uses Henderson-Hasselbach equation (completed with BE and AG) and alternative method consisting of Stewart and its modification (BDEgap and SIG), are acid-base balance parameters commonly used by clinicians to determine metabolic acidosis in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to discover the association between acid-base parameters (BE, AGobserved, AGcalculated, SIG, BDEgap) with lactate level in critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis. This was an analytical study with a cross-sectional design. Eighty-four critically ill patients hospitalized in the ICU department Dr. M. Djamil Padang Hospital were recruited in this study from January to September 2016. Blood gas analysis and lactate measurement were performed by potentiometric and amperometric method while electrolytes and albumin measurement were done by ISE and colorimetric method (BCG). Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between acid-base parameters with lactate level based on p-value less than 0.05. Fourty five (54%) were females and thirty-nine (46%) were males with participant's ages ranged from 18 to 81 years old. Postoperative was the most reason for ICU admission (88%). Linear regression analysis showed that p-value for BE, AGobserved, AGcalculated, SIG and BDEgap were 119; 0.967; 0.001; 0.001; 0.689, respectively. Acid-base balance parameters which were mostly associated with lactate level in critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis were AGcalculated and SIG.
COAGULATION ACTIVITY AND D-DIMER IN SEPSIS PATIENTS
Authors: D Anggraini , H Maani , D Rofinda Z
Published: December 2020

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response with the presence of suspected or proven infection. The inflammation will increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines that will activate coagulation and suppress fibrinolytic system. An imbalance of hemostasis mechanism and inflammation in sepsis can progress into Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). The objective of this study was to determine the coagulation activity (platelet count, Prothrombin Time (PT), activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)), and D-dimer in sepsis patients. A descriptive study was conducted at the Dr. M. Djamil Hospital on December 2012-July 2013. Subjects were adult patients with two or more of four criteria for Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and presence of suspected or proven infection admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine. Laboratory examination was conducted in the Clinical Pathology Laboratory Dr. M. Djamil Hospital including the coagulation activity and D-dimer level. Data were processed manually and presented in distribution tables, and diagrams. Subjects of this study were 54 sepsis patients, consisting of 57% males and 43% females with a median age of 53.5 year-old, platelet count 188.5 x 103/µL, PT 13.7 seconds, aPTT 39.3 seconds, and D-dimer level 1.15 Î¼g/mL. Based on this research it can be concluded that coagulation activity in sepsis patients showed that platelets count were still in the normal range while PT and aPTT were prolonged and D-dimer levels were increased.
BALANCE OF PROINFLAMMATORY AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN ROUTINE HEMODIALYZED PATIENTS (A STUDY OF END-STAGE RENAL FAILURE PATIENTS AT THE DR. SARDJITO HOSPITAL YOGYAKARTA)
Authors: Puspitawati Ira , P Purwanto A , Suromo Lisyani B.
Published: December 2020

Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) tend to have immune imbalance triggered by uremia and Hemodialysis (HD) procedures. Contact between dialysis membrane and blood will cause bio-incompatibility reactions inducing complement activation and production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) as well as proinflammatory cytokines and acute phase protein such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Those immune response imbalances will lead to an immunocompromised condition. The objective of this study was to prove the correlation between inflammatory markers (IL-1Î², IL-6 and C-reactive proteins) and its anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10) in routine hemodialyzed patients. This is a cross-sectional observational study involving 90 subjects conducted at the Hemodialysis Installation of the Dr. Sardjito Hospital. The inclusion criteria of this study were patients who underwent routine HD procedures, aged between 18 and 65 years-old, having leukocytes count and albumin level within normal limit. The exclusion criteria of this study were patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and malignancies. Levels of IL-1Î², IL-6  and IL-10 were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), while CRP was measured using highly-sensitive CRP immunoturbidimetry. Statistical analysis was performed by Spearman test. This study results showed correlations between IL-1Î²and IL-10 (p=0.001, r=0.302), IL-6 and IL-10 (p=0.001, r=0.418) and correlation between CRP and IL-10 (p=0.005, r=0.295). There were also correlations between IL-1Î² and IL-6 (p=0.029, r=0.232), IL-6 and CRP (p=0.001, r=0.534), but no correlation was found between IL- 1Î² and CRP (p=0.431, r=0.073). All factors that trigger the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines will trigger the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, the consequences of anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion will happen minutes after the release of inflammatory cytokines. This study showed that there were correlations between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Further studies of polymorphism-related cytokines secretion are warranted.
ANALYSIS OF PLATELET COUNT ON FIBROSIS DEGREE IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS B PATIENTS
Authors: Anwar Hairul , Mutmainnah Mutmainnah , Samad Ibrahim Abdul
Published: December 2020

Chronic hepatitis B is an infectious liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus that persist for more than 6 months. Fibrosis is a result of fibrogenesis which is the formation of connective tissue (scarring) caused by liver tissue damage. Liver damage will affect the production of thrombopoetin causing disturbances in the balance between destruction and production of platelet resulting in decreased platelet counts. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study by taking the data from medical records of chronic hepatitis B patients who were tested for complete blood count and fibroScan at the Dr.Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar from January 2014 to July 2016. The result showed a total of 323 chronic B hepatitis patients, 99 with severe fibrosis, 84 with moderate fibrosis and 140 with mild fibrosis. The Spearman correlation test showed a significant correlation between the platelet count and the degree of fibrosis (p <0.001) and showed a positive correlation between both of them with a very strong correlation (r = 0.802). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference between platelet count and the degree of fibrosis (p<0.001). The conclusion is that a decreased platelet count is a sign of an increase in the degree of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients. It is suggested to perform another study with larger samples based on the degree of fibrosis.
ROLE OF IMMATURE/TOTAL NEUTROPHIL RATIO, LEUKOCYTE COUNT AND PROCALCITONIN IN DIAGNOSING NEONATAL SEPSIS
Authors: Putri Wirawati I A , Aryati Aryati , Wiradewi Lestari A A
Published: December 2020

Neonatal sepsis is a clinical syndrome of systemic disease, accompanied by bacteremia that occurs during infants in the first month of life. A late diagnosis might increase mortality. The presence of bacteria growth in blood cultures is a definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, culture results are usually obtained of a long time. The study aimed to analyze sensitivity and specificity of the manual I/T ratio, automatic I/T ratio, leukocyte count and procalcitonin (PCT) to diagnose neonatal sepsis. This study used a cross-sectional design, from the NICU room in Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar. There were 59 patients who met the study criteria. Along with blood culture as the gold standard in determining diagnosis of sepsis and with I/T ratio cut-off of 0.2, the sensitivity of manual I/T ratio was 69.2%, specificity 83.9%, PPV 63.9%, NPV 87% and likelihood ratio was 3.06. While the sensitivity of automatic I/T ratio was 47.6%, specificity 85.8%, PPV 55.1%, NPV 81.4% and likelihood ratio was 2.25. Based on the normal range of leukocyte count (9.1 - 34 x 103/Î¼l), sensitivity of leukocyte count was 59%, specificity 71.5%, PPV 46.7%, NPV 80.9% and likelihood ratio was 1.59. With PCT cut-off 0.5 ng/mL, the obtained sensitivity of PCT was 64.3%, specificity 85.8%, PPV 64.3%, NPV 85.8% and likelihood ratio was 3.13.
Comparison of Hepcidin Levels in Children with and without Soil-Transmitted Helminths Infection
Authors: Saputri Dewi , Andriyani Yunilda , Ginting Almaycano
Published: December 2020

Helminths infection is one of the diseases that still occur insociety. The helminth infection caused by theSoil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) group, which is Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm in human cancause chronic bleeding resulting in decreasir on storage in the body and increased level of hepcidin. Hepcidin is a liverhormone which regulates iron metabolism and can function as marker of inflammation and iron deficiency. This study aimedto compare the hepcidin levels in STH-infected and non-infected children. A cross-sectional study was conducted betweenMay and October 2018 on 28 STH infected and 140 non-infected subjects. The collected stool samples were analyzed usingthe Kato-Katz method to determine the presence of STH infection and the degree of infection. Urine samples wereprocessed, and their hepcidin levels were measured using a Sandwich-ELISA method. Measurement was made using aSpectrophotometer. The difference of numeric variables was analyzed using Wilcoxon test. The prevalence of STH infectionwas 16.66%. The prevalence of Trichuris trichiura 10.71%, Ascaris lumbricoides 4.76% and hookworm 2.97%. The prevalenceof a single infection was 14.88% and mixed infection 1.78%. Based on the intensity of infection, 15.48% of subjects were mildinfection, 0.59% moderate infection, and 0.59% severe infection. Hepcidin levels in the infected and uninfected group didnot differ significantly (p=0.978). There were no different hepcidin levels in children with and without soil-transmittedhelminths infection.
Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2 Levels As Prognostic Marker in Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Purnamawaty Sherly , Esa Tenri , Samad Ibrahim Abd
Published: December 2020

Acute Myocardial Infarction (IMA) is the most severe manifestation of coronary arterial disease, and about 60%-75% ofIMA is NSTEMI. It is known that complications are associated with high mortality rates; therefore, predicting thedevelopment of complications in NSTEMI will help physicians improve risk stratification and determine optimal treatment.Suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (ST2) is a family of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptors. Ischemia, injury, and myocardial infarctionwill cause cardiomyocytes to release sST2 associated with a worse prognosis. This study aimed to analyze sST2 levels inNSTEMI patients as a prognostic marker. This study used a prospective cohort method performed on NSTEMI patientstreated at Pusat Jantung Terpadu of Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital during March 2019. Forty-two patients wereinvolved as samples. All patients were tested for sST2 levels by immunochromatography and followed up duringhospitalization. Data on the development of heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock, sudden cardiac arrest, length ofstay, and outcome were recorded during follow-up. Data were statistically analyzed with Mann-Whitney and Spearman test.The results of the sST2 level in NSTEMI with and without heart failure were 114.09±92.01 ng/mL and 58.94±57.75 ng/mL(p=0.014), respectively. There was no significant difference between sST2 levels in NSTEMI with complications ofarrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and sudden cardiac arrest compared and patients without those complications (p>0.05).The level of sST2 was significantly higher in NSTEMI patients who passed away (164.05±77.35 ng/mL) than those whosurvived (72.55±73.15 (p=0.027). There was no correlation between sST2 levels and length of stay (p=0.947). It wasconcluded that sST2 levels could be a prognostic marker for NSTEMI, particularly heart failure and outcome.
The Correlation between Serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Levels and Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Acute Heart
Authors: Mayavani Kenny , Suparyatmo JB. , Ariningrum Dian
Published: December 2020

Acute Heart Failure (AHF) is a common rapid complication of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). Myocardial dysfunction leads to pathologic remodeling of the heart, which causes AHF. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is expressed by cardiomyocytes and upregulated due to injury and cardiomyocyte damage. Thus, it can be used as a predictor of severe heart damage. This study aimed to determine the correlation between GDF-15 levels and the incidence rate of post-AMI AHF. This prospective cohort study was performed in patients with AMI treated in Dr. Moewardi Hospital from August to September 2019. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was used. Bivariate analysis was applied for Hazard Ratio (HR) with 95% CI. The GDF-15 cut-off used the ROC curve. The Cox Regression Proportional Hazard Model was used for multivariable analysis. The significance value was p <0.05. During the study, there were a total of 74 subjects. Bivariate analysis showed significant correlation between serum GDF-15 levels and hypertension history to the incidence of post-AMI AHF [HR=3.259; 95%CI (1.1558–6.819); p=0.002] and [HR=3.293; 95%CI (1.489-7.282); p=0.003]. Multivariate analysis showed that both variables had a similar strength of the correlation. The risk and the incidence rate of AHF were three times higher in AMI subjects with a history of hypertension and elevated GDF-15 levels. High serum GDF-15 levels and a history of hypertension can be predictors of post-AMI AHF.
Multiple Myeloma with Suspected Non-Secretory Type
Authors: Indrarsi Annisa Ginar , Sukorini Usi
Published: December 2020

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by clonal plasma cell in bone marrow that produceabnormal globulin, which resulted in monoclonal gammopathy. Multiple Myeloma Non-Secretory (MMNS) is a very rareform of multiple myeloma with monoclonal plasmocytic proliferation in bone marrow supported by clinical manifestationand radiological findings. However, plasma cells fail to secrete immunoglobulin. A 44-year-old female came to SardjitoGeneral Hospital with main complaints of weakness and back pain. General weakness and pale palpebral conjunctiva were6 observed (+/+), liver and spleen were not palpable. Blood test results were as follows: Hb 3.0 g/dL, RBC 1.07 x 10 / Î¼L, WBC3 3 562 x 10 /Î¼L, PLT 114 x 10 /Î¼L, A/G ratio 1.07, BUN 51.5 mg/dL, creatinine 4.62 mg/dL, and calcium 3.1 mmol/L. Skeletalsurvey suggested a multiple osteolytic. Protein electrophoresis revealed hypogammaglobulinemia with no M-spike. Therewere 66% of plasma cells in bone marrow. Patient was diagnosed by MMNS. Diagnosis MMNS can be established if clonalplasmacytes is accompanied with renal insufficiency and hypercalcemia. However, monoclonal gammopathy was not foundin serum protein electrophoresis. A case reported of 44-year-old female diagnosed as MMNS with 'punched out' multipleosteolytic, increased plasma cells in bone marrow without evidence of paraprotein in circulation proved by low A/G ratio andnegative M-spike.
Analysis of Serum Uric Acid Level in Patients with and without Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Simbolon Erika Rosaria , Aprianti Suci , Nurahmi Nurahmi , Kuniawan Liong Boy
Published: December 2020

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the microvascular complications in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Diagnosis of diabeticnephropathy is based on any history of DM, a decrease in Glomerular Estimation Filtrate Rate (eGFR) using the CKD-Epiformula, and albuminuria. The role of serum uric acid level in diabetic nephropathy remains an ongoing debate. Serum uricacid levels may be the cause or the result of diabetic nephropathy. This study aimed to analyze serum uric acid levels inpatients with and without diabetic nephropathy and determine its correlation with diabetic nephropathy. This study wasperformed at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, by taking the data from the medical record of type 2 DMpatients from January to April 2018. Fifty-nine patients with diabetic nephropathy and 150 patients without diabeticnephropathy participated in this study. An independent T-test and Pearson's correlation test were used for statisticalanalysis. There was a significant difference in uric acid level between patients with and without diabetic nephropathy(9.57±3.42 mg/dL vs. 6.41±2.86 mg/dL, p < 0.001). There was significant correlation between uric acid serum levels with urea(p < 0.001, r=0.585), creatinine (p<0.001, r=0.413) and eGFR (p < 0.001, r=-0.525) in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Uricacid levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy were higher than patients without diabetic nephropathy. Higher levels ofurea and the serum creatinine led to higher levels of serum uric acid. Contrastingly, a lower eGFR rate led to higher levels ofuric acid.
IL-4 Level in Rifampicin-Sensitive and Rifampicin-Resistant Lung Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Susanto Joko , Nugraha Jusak , Soedarsono Soedarsono
Published: December 2020

Tuberculosis remains a global health burden. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection causes humoral and cellularresponses. Macrophages of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis evolve M1 polarization that blocks infection orimmunosuppressive M2, promoting tissue repair mediated by IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. Previous research showed a decrease ofIL-4R and IL-10 expression in lung macrophages of anti-TB drug resistance. A molecular test can detectrifampicin- resistance. There has been no study, which showed the difference in serum IL-4 levels in rifampicin-sensitive andrifampicin-resistant tuberculosis patients. This study aimed to determine the difference between circulating IL-4 levels inrifampicin-sensitive and rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients. This cross-sectional observational studyconsecutively recruited subjects based on positive molecular and acid-fast bacilli microscopic examination from MDR-TBClinic of the Dr. Soetomo Hospital between December 2018 to March 2019. Subjects were classified into arifampicin-sensitive and rifampicin-resistant group. On ELISA measurement, IL-4 data were analyzed with SPSS version 17.Mann-Whitney U test and ROC analysis tests were performed, and p < 0.05 was significant for Î±=0.05 (95% CI). There wassignificant difference between rifampicin-sensitive group (420±281 pg/mL) and rifampicin-resistant group(253±279 pg/mL) (p=0.014). Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed AUC 0.70, the sensitivity of 81.5%, thespecificity of 63.6%, and the cut-off value of 235.6 pg/mL. There was a significantly higher level of circulating IL-4 in therifampicin-sensitive group than the rifampicin-resistant group. IL-4 level in healthy subjects should be measured as thenormal value in the population. Immunology and metabolic parameters should be performed to increase samplehomogeneity. Further study was also needed to understand the IL-4 role in rifampicin resistance of lung tuberculosispatients in the Indonesia population.
Comparison of Blood Gas Analysis between Benchtop and Handheld Device
Authors: Liana Phey , Haris Iza Netiasa , Hasyim Yan Effendi
Published: December 2020

The use of blood gas analysis is to determine the Acid-base status required to treat patients with emergency conditionssuch as metabolic disorders and respiratory diseases. Benchtop device is commonly used in hospitals to analyze blood gas;however, handheld devices are recently more often used in emergency settings due to its quick and simple process. Thisstudy was performed to compare blood gas analysis results between the i-STAT handheld device and the Nova pHox Ultrabenchtop device that were currently being used in the central laboratory. This cross-sectional study was conducted by using42 arterial blood patients that were measured with i-STAT handheld device dan Nova pHox Ultra benchtop device. The pH,pCO2, and pO2 parameters were then evaluated. The data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation test, Mann-Whitneytest, and Bland-Altman plots. This study showed a very strong positive correlation for all parameters. Mann-Whitneycomparison test showed that there was no significant difference between the result of the two devices (p-value > 0.05). Allparameters showed that 95% of plots were within the acceptable limit. There was no clinical significance on the mean biasesof blood gas results between both devices. The i-STAT and Nova pHox Ultra devices showed a good agreement for bloodgas measurement. Therefore, both devices can be used interchangeably with minimal effect on clinical decision-making.
Cut-off Values of Bacteriuria and Leukocyturia for the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Taufik Muhamad Ramdani Ibnu , Ariningrum Dian , Mashuri Yusuf Ari
Published: December 2020

The diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in infants and children is often missed. There have been no studies ondiagnostic tests using automated urine analyzer in pediatric patients. This study aimed to determine the cut-off values ofbacteriuria and leukocyturia using the automated urine analyzer Sysmex UX-2000 to diagnose UTI with the gold standard ofautomated urine culture using VITEK 2 in pediatric patients at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta. An observational analyticalstudy with the cross-sectional design was during August-October 2019 at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory and ClinicalMicrobiology Laboratory of Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta. Eighty-four patients sample were collected. This study'sdependent variable was the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in pediatric patients established with positive culture results(bacterial count of â‰¥ 105 CFU/mL urine). This study's independent variables were the number of urine bacteria (BACT) andthe number of urine leukocytes (WBC) from urinalysis using the Sysmex UX-2000 automated urine analyzer. A diagnostictest was used for data analysis. The best cut-off value for leukocyturia was 37 cells/Î¼L with a 61.1% sensitivity, 63.6%specificity, a positive predictive value of 31.4%; a negative predictive value of 85.7; positive likelihood ratio of 1.64; negativelikelihood ratio of 0.595, and accuracy of 63%. The best cut-off for the number of bacteria was 143 cells/Î¼L with a sensitivityof 66.7%; specificity of 71.2%, the positive predictive value of 38.7%, the negative predictive value of 88.7%; positivelikelihood ratio of 2.14; negative likelihood ratio of 0.432 and an accuracy of 70.2%. A cut-off of 37 cells/Î¼L for leukocyturiaand 143 cells/Î¼L for bacteriuria using an automated urine analyzer can be used for UTI screening in pediatric patients.