bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Boost Converter Integrated with Graphical User Interface
Authors: Badri Sesrima , Krismadinata Krismadinata
Published: September 2020

This article discusses the design of a Boost type of DC-DC converter with a monitoring GUI. The increase in the output voltage of the converter is done by adjusting the pulse width (PWM). Change the size of the PWM is done by using a switching component in the form of MOSFETs, as well as the use of a gate drive that serves as a signal and security reinforcement between the control circuit and its main circuit. The input voltage of the converter is designed at 12VDC, with an output voltage of 12VDC-24VDC. In this study the GUI was successfully added to display several variables such as voltage (Volt), current (Ampere), as well as graphs of the input and output voltage of the boost converter. GUI monitoring of the converter can be viewed via a PC using Visual Studio 2012 software.

Artikel ini membahas tentang perancangan sebuah rangkaian konverter DC-DC tipe Boost (penaik tegangan) dengan GUI monitoring. Kenaikan tegangan keluaran dari konverter dilakukan dengan mengatur lebar pulsa (PWM). Pengubahan besar kecilnya PWM dilakukan dengan meggunakan komponen switching berupa MOSFET, serta penggunaan gate drive yang berfungsi sebagai penguatan sinyal dan pengaman antara rangkaian kontrol dan rangkaian utamanya. Tegangan masukan dari konverter dirancang sebesar 12VDC, dengan tegangan keluaran 12VDC-24VDC. Dalam penelitian ini GUI berhasil ditambahkan untuk menampilkan beberapa variabel seperti tegangan (Volt), arus (Ampere), serta grafik tegangan masukan dan keluaran dari konverter boost. GUI monitoring dari konverter dapat dilihat melalui PC menggunakan software Visual Studio 2012.
Effect of Alkaline Treatment on The Mechanical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Composite Material
Authors: Putra M Febriyan Baruna , Sari Delima Yanti , Nurdin Hendri , Mulyadi Rodesri
Published: September 2020

Utilization of natural fiber waste, especially pineapple dau fiber, is a major concern and continues to be developed to utilize and optimize plantation waste as a material that is more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and inexpensive. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of alkaline treatment on the mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber composite material as an appropriate alternative material. The method in this research is the experimental method, where the research was carried out by giving variations in the percentage of alkaline 10% and 20%. The results of the research on the composite material of pineapple leaf fiber using tensile testing showed that giving alkaline treatment with a percentage of 20% made the fiber stronger but brittle. In addition, the orientation direction and immersion time also affect the tensile strength of the fibers.

Pemanfaatan limbah serat alam khususnya serat dau nanas menjadi bahan alternatif menjadi perhatian utama serta terus dikembangkan guna memanfaatkan dan mengoptimalkan limbah perkebunan sebagai bahan material yang lebih ramah lingkungan, hemat energi, dan murah. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh perlakuan alkali terhadap sifat mekanik material komposit serat daun nanas sebagai bahan alternatif tepat guna. Metode dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode eksperimen, dimana penelitian dilakukan dengan pemberian variasi persentase alkali 10% dan 20%. Hasil penelitian material komposit serat daun nanas dengan menggunakan pengujian tarik menunjukkan bahwa pemberian perlakuan alkali dengan persentase 20% membuat serat menjadi lebih kuat namun bersifat getas. Selain itu, arah orientasi dan waktu perendaman juga mempengaruhi kekuatan tarik serat.
A Web-Based Information System for Student Affairs Letter Management : Design and Implementation in Padang State Polytechnics
Authors: Rasyidah Rasyidah , Azmi Meri , Wicaksana Widya
Published: September 2020

Today, to create the official student affair letters in the Padang State Polytechnic has not been computerized yet, so students have to queue and it takes a long time. With this developed system, there is no longer a queuing process at the counter, students can fill out a form through the system and will receive a notification when the official letter has been confirmed from related section. With this system, the campus is also facilitated in the process of searching for data, for example knowing the student who made the letter, the graph of each category of making a letter per year from the letter application. The system is built with the PHP programming language with Code Igniter framework and MySQL as DBMS.

Pembuatan surat kemahasiswaan yang dilakukan di Politkenik Negeri Padang  belum terkomputerisasi, sehingga mahasiswa harus mengantri dan waktu yang dibutuhkan lama.  Dengan sistem yang dikembangkan ini, tidak adalagi proses antrian di loket,  mahasiswa dapat mengisi form surat melalui sistem dan akan menerima notifikasi ketika surat telah dikonfirmasi dari pihak terkait. Dengan sistem ini, pihak kampus juga dimudahkan dalam proses pencarian data, misal mengetahui mahasiswa yang melakukan pembuatan surat, grafik setiap kategori dari pembuatan surat pertahun dari permohonan surat. Sistem dibangun dengan bahasa pemrograan PHP dengan framework Code Igniter dan MySQL sebagai DBMS.
INVESTIGATING THE E-LEARNING READINESS OF GHANAIAN PARENTS DURING COVID-19
Authors: Amanor-Mfoafo Naa Kai , Akrofi Olivia , Edonu Kwamina Kurefi , Dowuona Ebenezer Nortei
Published: September 2020

In recent times, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented changes in the livelihood of mankind globally bringing most socio-economic activities to a standstill. The Education sector is not exempted. With the current closure of schools to contain the spread of the virus, this study sought to investigate the readiness of Ghanaian parents to support their children with e-learning while at home. Using a survey research method, parents of children in primary one to six responded to a questionnaire. Data collected from 113 parents were analyzed. The study used a factor analysis to analyze the factors influencing parental readiness. The findings indicated that parents with a high socio-economic status were more prepared to assist children with e-learning as compared to parents with low socio-economic status during COVID-19. It is being recommended that schools invest more resources in conducting e-learning training sessions for parents. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on COVID-19 and Education.

 

 Article visualizations:
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS PARAMETERS OF FIGURE SKATING ATHLETESi
Authors: Kutlay Emine , Haslofça Fehime , Haslofça Ercan
Published: September 2020

In order to monitor training effects and physical developments in elite sports, it may be beneficial to perform anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests regularly. In this study, the relationship between the anthropometric properties and physical fitness values of elite figure skating athletes were investigated. 21 elite athletes in the 11-16 age group, female (n=12) and male (n=9), participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken in accordance with The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Σ6 and Σ8 skinfold thickness, body fat ratio (BF%), body mass index (BMI), Manouvrier Index (MI), waist/hip ratio and somatotype components in girls Group II, III and in boys Group II were calculated. Also, balance, flexibility, handgrip strength, vertical jump, agility, medicine ball overhead back throw, speed, and endurance tests were applied to all groups. Descriptive statistical analyzes were made using the IBM SPSS 25.0 statistics program. The relationship between variables was calculated by the Pearson Correlation coefficient. The significance level was taken as p<0.01 and p<0.05. In boys, body weight, body height and arm span, sitting height, BMI, humerus breadth and foot length were observed to be associated with all physical fitness parameters (p<0.01, p<0.05), except balance and agility; Girth measurements were related to handgrip strength, vertical jump, overhead medicine ball backward throw, speed and endurance (p<0.01, p<0.05). Negative relationships of the endomorphic feature with flexibility and endurance were determined (p<0.05). In girls, it was found that body weight, body height, and arm span, sitting height and BMI were related to flexibility, handgrip strength, medicine ball overhead back throw (p<0.01, p<0.05); girth measurements were found to be related to flexibility, handgrip strength, vertical jump, overhead medicine ball back throw (p<0.01, p<0.05); also, significant correlations (p<0.01, p<0.05) were found between the handgrip strength and breadth measurements. Assessment of the relationship between morphological features and motor skills with specific field tests and standardized tests performed at regular intervals in athletes can contribute to the athletes' selection and training planning of the relevant federations and orientating towards their goals.

 Article visualizations:
Development of metacognitive skill in teaching mathematics
Authors: Yernazar Aizhan
Published: September 2020

The study of metacognitive processes in the context of training and education is currently undoubtedly a priority in metacognitive psychology as a whole. The importance of this group of studies is due in many respects to the large representation of the class of processes in question in educational activities. At the same time, work in this area is not limited to a sample of primary school children, as this has been a significant amount of time. In recent years, the inclusion of the category of metacognition in education affects the educational activities of senior students, graduate students, and generally people involved in continuing education. The study described in this article aims at investigating the relation between the development of metacognition skills and success in learning algebraic identity formulas among middle school students. It uses a quantitative approach. Participants are about 50 students of 7th grade from Oral Bilim Innovation Liceum in Kazakhstan and are divided into two groups, namely experimental and control group. The data is collected by taking a pre-test and post-test from both classes. The diagnostic test is constructed by the researcher and confirmed by university professors. During the research students in the experimental group are familiarized with the concept of metacognition and its strategies such as thinking aloud, self-questioning, reflection and active learning strategies by applying them to solve problems with identity formulas. Finally, the data will be analyzed with t-test and much deeper conclusion will be drawn about the development of metacognitive strategies among students in teaching mathematics.
NEW METHODS OF TEACHING LAW PROBLEMS & PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Upadhyay Niteesh Kumar
Published: September 2020

There has been shift from, only ‘Class Room Learning’ to the ‘Clinical Method of Learning’ and it will be the major revolutionizing work in the history of Law Teaching. The researcher will discuss in detail the learning by doing method  which  can be used for teaching law students and also evaluating them.  The present ‘Learning by doing Model" can also be used to evaluate various projects of students. Apart from that the researcher will present quite a few models to integrate the different subjects  with clinical approach of teaching law and make recommendations as to how this can be mentored and evaluated.  The researcher has discussed in detail the model adopted in Galgotias University and its pros and cons and how this model has helped the students in better learning.
Impact of terrible pandemic COVID-19 on Kazakhstani education and it’s outcome.
Authors: Bektursynova Akbota , Sarsengaliyeva Botagoz
Published: September 2020

General situation of Coronavirus in the world and in Kazakhstan and its impact on our life, especially on education. The article examines the drawbacks of the epidemic COVID-19 on education of Republic of Kazakhstan. By evaluating influence of pandemic and it’s outcomes to learning and teaching, authors also trying to have discussion and critical approach to both Kazakhstani and Global context.  Main aspects like teachers, teaching, parents, assessment that have been influenced by the COVID-19 give us clear information how is life going in a tough period of lifetime and what kind of benefits could be gain and learnt. Every impacted aspect reacted in different way, some had great performance, meanwhile, some had unlikely results. Moreover, how and what did change global pandemic in Kazakhstan education system. The changes could be either positive or negative. How have transformed the education and what kind of tools have been using the teachers so far?
Подходы учителей в преподавании математики через контекст реально-жизненных ситуации в основной школе
Authors: Сатбаев Сындар Кайдарулы
Published: September 2020

Целью данного исследования является изучение восприятия учителями математики математического моделирования в общеобразовательных школах Казахстана. Математическое моделирование - это способ изучения реальных задач на занятиях. Кроме того, в данном исследовании рассматривается влияние взглядов некоторых комментаторов на условия работы школ и необходимость преподавания математики через реальные задачи. Исследование проводилось с использованием плана количественного корреляционного исследования, описательной статистики и T-теста.В опросе приняли участие восемьдесят четыре преподавателя математики из разных школ Казахстана. Данные были отобранны с помощью электронного и бумажного вопросника, состоящего из 24 пунктов. В начале исследования  было предложено заполнить демографическую информацию (включая возраст, пол, род занятий и высший уровень образования), и опыт работы в области преподавания (включая профессиональное развитие, учебный год, тип школы). В следующем разделе участники использовали при ответе на вопрос о своих знаниях преподавание реальных задач и математических задач. Например, были проблемы с выбором, а учителя ссылались на то, есть ли ММ или нет. Следующие вопросы касались восприятия преподавателями математического моделирования. Например, хотят ли они использовать математического моделирования в своих рядах?        Результаты опроса показали, что в целом не знакомы с ММ. Кроме того, учителя, которые думали, что знают математическое моделирование, вообще не знали этого должным образом. Исследование прелогает, что учителя готовы применять ММ, однако, существует множество проблем и препятствий. Например, думают что в их школе плохие возможности для преподавания математического моделирования, или в их школе существует мало учебных программ и учебников по математическому моделированию. По их мнению, ученики и родители не настроены использовать новые подходы на уроках математики. В итоге, существует высокие потребности на профессиональное развитие в области математического моделирования и адекватные отношение со стороны политиков для реализации математического моделирования.
تدريس المفردات باستخدام الأفلام الكرتونية في الجامعة الهلال سجلي
Authors: Syarifah Rahmi
Published: September 2020

Cartoon films are fun and simple art that is accomplished in the hands of children through colorful cardboard papers that are drawn and cut into parts and affixed to each other, then revived by photography and animation, and these drawings are stories from the lives of children and their dreams or stories that narrate the weave of their own imagination to finally end Animated film.So I found the problems in Al Hilal Colledge, that the teacher is unable to attract the attention of students during education and cannot excel students in the subject that he will teach, the poor preparation of Arabic language teachers in the teaching process, and his ignorance of teaching methods even the most students who are forced to absorb the Arabic language. As for the appropriate and interesting way in teaching Arabic to students, it is the teaching of vocabulary using animated films to help students understand educational materials in relationships and interconnections with their daily lives in terms of individual, societal and cultural in order to obtain what he wants from education.As for the research aims for this research, it is to find out the response of students using cartoon films at Al-HilalColledge. And to know the effect of using animated films on teaching vocabulary using a descriptive and qualitative approach. And to analyze the results using statistical analysis.
في المدرسة المتوسطة معهد نور الإحسان المعاصر بانامبونج بسومطرة الغربية (Audacity) تطوير وسيلة تعليم مهارة الاستماع ببرنامج أوداسيتي
Authors: Muslim Jafar  , Devy Aisyah  , Amrina
Published: September 2020

This reseach aimed to develop Arabic listening learning media by using Audacity Programme for the students of Pondok Pesantren Modern Nurul Ihsan Panampung Sumatera Barat. The reseach used R & D method. While, development model used 4-D model : Define, Design, Develop without Disseminate. The result showed that the media of arabic listening which is developed by using audacity can be used properly for the students of Pondok Pesantren Modern Nurul Ihsan Panampung in West Sumatra. According to the expert judgement, the develop media is valid, while the average score is 84.68
PENDEKATAN TAFSIR MAUDHU’I DALAM METODE DAKWAH
Authors: Faisal Muhammad
Published: September 2020

Da'wah is a call to go to the right path, namely the path that has been determined by Allah Almighty through the Book of Allah (the Qur'an) and the sunnah of His Prophet (hadith). In carrying out the principles of da'wah there are methods that must be considered by the da'i. this is very important considering that the correct and appropriate method in place can make the da'wah listeners interested in following what the da'i have said. pendekatan tafsir maudhu'i is an approach that can be used in the method of preaching. Because by using this approach, the message conveyed by the da'I can be fully conveyed.
DAMPAK LABEL SYARIAH TERHADAP PENDAPATAN PADA USAHA JASA DI KOTA LANGSA (Studi Kasus Pada Amanah Wash Laundry Syariah)
Authors: Nurjanah  , Rafiza Zuliani
Published: September 2020

At present there are a lot of home business industries such as cleaners who use the concept of sharia. This paper would like to examine one of the laundry business that uses the concept of sharia in the city of Langsa. This study aims to look at the impact of sharia labels on income on the Laundry Laundry Laundry Amanah Amanah. The method used is qualitative analysis with comparative and interactive techniques. The results showed that the impact of sharia labels onwashing shariah laundry trust income influences but not significantly because some customers use laundry services based on logic, service quality, location, and others. Then, the application of the thaharah principle to washing clothes in the Islamic Shariah laundry trust is appropriate. Revenue from March to April increased by 4.47%, this is because there are still only the same people who are customers of the Shariah Laundry Trust Trust and customers inviting friends orrelatives of customers to use the Shariah Laundry Trust Trust Service.
ANALISIS DAMPAK PENGANGGURAN BERPENGARUH TERHADAP INDIVIDUAL
Authors: Rianda Cut Nova
Published: September 2020

Unemployment in the individual tends mostly come from the workforce with senior high school level both general or vocational, and Bachelor degree compared with the level of junior and elementary education. This is due to the lack of synchronization between educational planning as well as available employment from the higher level of education owned by the workforce will be higher also aspirasinya to get a more appropriate position or employmentopportunities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect both simultaneously and partially the minimum wage, economic growth, investment, and the proportion of working age population to uneducated unemployed regency or individual. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis and using secondary data. Based on the test results, simultaneously minimum wage, economic growth, investment, and proportion of working age population simultaneously affect the educated unemployed regency or individual. Partially the minimum wage, economic growth, and investment have a negative and significant effect and the proportion of the working age population has a positive and significant impact on the unemployed educated regency or individual.
ANALISIS PENGARUH JUMLAH PENDUDUK DAN PRODUK DOMESTIK REGIONAL BRUTO (PDRB) TERHADAP KEMISKINAN DI KABUPATEN NAGAN RAYA
Authors: Muliza Muliza
Published: September 2020

Product Domestic Regional Bruto (PDRB) on poverty in Nagan Raya Regency both partially and simultaneously during the period 2010 to 2019. The dependent variable in this study is the independent variable is the population and PDRB. The method used to study the effect of the  independent variables on the dependent variable uses multiple linear regression analysis. Based on the results of the study and from the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that the simultaneous variable of population and PDRB is significant to the poverty variable, it can be seen from the F-count value greater than F-table. From the results of the determination coefficient value is calculated under the variable influence of population and PDRB of 87.9% and the remaining 12.1% is influenced by other variables outside this research model, but simultaneously the variable number of population and PDRB does not provide significant results on welfare in Nagan Raya Regency can be seen from the value of Thitung the second variable is smaller than the value of T table.
An Overview of Digital Marketing Practices in India
Authors: Mahalingam S. , Ashokkumar B.
Published: September 2020

The most popular businesses adopt the Internet, not simply as another advertisement tool or marketing instrument. It is seen as a mechanism for transforming the companies and changing everything about the way computers and mobile devices function to serve their customer better and to connect with their suppliers. In short, digital marketing has sparked a business world revolution by pushing out some old established players and rising new leaders. The winners discover new market possibilities, enhanced ways to develop work and better ways to manage and run their companies. Despite this, the digital marketing entrepreneurs still have to take care of their clients and earn a profit to remain in the business. Web-based business success requires the entrepreneur to strike a balance between creating a digital marketing strategy that utilizes the strength of the Internet and meeting customer expectations of convenience and service. Consumer's present use of mobile devices, social media and search engines have led to developing integrated social –local-mobile strategies (SOLOMO). Entrepreneurs may use the SOLOMO strategy effectively as customers enhance their online activities by extensively using these three methods.
The Influence of COVID-19 on Indonesian Investment
Authors: Jeliastiva Jeliastiva , Fachrurazi Farid
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a serious impact on almost all countries in the world, including Indonesia. In response to this case, various policies began to emerge. Starting from the implementation of work from home, social distancing and physical distancing, until the implementation of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB). overseas investors are busy focusing their finances on the needs of their respective countries to fight the virus. Domestic investment (PMDN) is also predicted to experience a slowdown. The social distancing policy resulted in the community not being able to run the economic system well, especially in the Indonesian investment sector so that the perokoniman namely investment in Indonesia decreased and there were some delays in investment by other countries in Indonesia.
Analysis of Internal Control in the Distribution of Agricultural Business Credit
Authors: Sulfiani Sulfiani
Published: September 2020

Library research, namely the authors collect data related to the theory of financing or lending to economically weak entrepreneurs. Field research, namely field research activities, in which the author looks for data that is the object of research, to obtain data the author conducts local observations and direct interviews with the leadership. Observation techniques were carried out by conducting direct observations in the process of distributing credit to economically weak entrepreneurs. Based on the description above, so the authors chose the title "Analysis of Internal Control in Distribution of Farmers Business Credit"
The Concept of Government Innovation Digital and Digital Government Measurement
Authors: Nur Khadijah , Ramdhani Arief Aulia
Published: September 2020

Globalization is a phenomenon in which countries in the world directly or indirectly expect an interaction between people that is much more effective and efficient than previous times. Based on these circumstances, technology created to facilitate and improve the quality of human life shows its role. How is the effectiveness of implementing the SIAP (Education Application Information System) program online in improving the quality of services in the education sector in Banyuwangi Regency. The policy of implementing the B-DiSo (Banyuwangi Digital Society) program is impressed only as an ambition from the leadership, this can be seen from the obstacles in the development of digital friendly-based content, one of which is the application of online SIAP.
Financial Indicators of Selected Service-Provider Companies of Telecommunication Sector in India: An Empirical Study
Authors: Tushar R. Ajmera
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The aim of this article is to measure profitability of selected services provider companies of telecommunication sector in India. The study also aims to identify liquidity and solvency of the selected services provider companies of telecommunication, and how these indicators determine their management efficiency.

Approach/Methodology/Design: In this study, three service-provider telecommunication companies operating in India were selected. The study period is from 2013-14 to 2017-18. The criterion for selection of samples is market capitalization in which higher capitalized companies are selected like Bharti Airtel, Tata Communication and Reliance Communication. In this study ratio analysis is used as accounting tool, and One-way Anova technique is used as statistical tool for the identification of difference between the sample means.

Findings: The major findings of the study indicate that Bharti Airtel and Tata Communication are in a better financial soundness as compared to Reliance Communication. In addition, the results of the study reveal that Reliance Communication suffered huge losses during the study period.

Practical Implications: The study examines the status of the telecommunication sector with the current rules and regulations provided by government. It also assess the financial condition of the selected telecommunication companies, providing a systematic evaluation based on certain financial indicators that can help investors make relevant decisions.

Originality/value: The financial indicators are important figures which give an overview about the financial health of any particular organization. There are number of financial indicators which are employed to identify the fair and true picture of organization. Profitability, liquidity and solvency ratios are one method for the identification of financial strength or weakness out of number of methods.
The Influence of International Pre-Service Teaching Program Towards Students’ Speaking Ability at University of Muhammadiyah Makassar
Authors: Suardi Suardi , Akib Erwin , Ma’ruf Amar
Published: September 2020

The objective of the research is to find out the influence of International Pre-service Teaching Program toward students’ speaking English ability at Makassar Muhammadiyah University.  The researcher applied descriptive qualitative research. The population of the research was the students who join International Pre-service Teaching Program (P2K International) at Makassar Muhammadiyah University. The researcher used total sampling technique. The population consisted of 15 students who joined in 2014 and 13 students who joined in 2015. The result of the research data showed that there were 25.31% students chose Strongly Agree from 237 items in positive statement and 37.14% Agree, 27.85% Undecided, 5.90% Disagree, and then 3.80% students chose Strongly Agree. While 1.57% students chose Strongly Agree from 254 items in negative statement and 10.24% Agree, 21.26% Undecided, 23.63% Disagree, and then 43.30% students chose Strongly Agree. In self-confidence aspect they feel no worry anymore to speak in public, in grammar they can not deny that their grammar become better, in fluently their English speaking is not slow as beginner, and their vocabulary significantly enriched after the program. All these aspects lead the students to become speaker especially in English. Having analyzed the data, it can be concluded that Pre-service teaching international program has significantly influence and improved the students’ English speaking ability at Makassar Muhammadiyah University.
Safety and efficacy of naltrexone for weight loss
in adult patients – a systematic review
Authors: Kulak-Bejda Agnieszka , Bejda Grzegorz , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: September 2020

Introduction

This is a report of a systematic review of the safety and effica�cy of naltrexone or naltrexone/bupropion on weigh

Material and Methods

The databases Medline, PubMed, and Embase as
well as the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register for randomized controlled tri�als were searched for studies published from January 1966 to January 2018.
A meta-analysis, randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, uncontrolled
trials, cohort studies and open-label studies were analysed.

Results

Of 191 articles, 14 fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 1 meta-analysis,
10 randomized controlled trials, and 3 studies without randomization were
found. In these studies, the efficacy and safety of naltrexone/bupropion
in obesity were analysed. In the majority of these studies, patients with
at least 5% or 10% weight loss, as a primary outcome, were investigated.
Generally, naltrexone/bupropion treatment can be a promising therapy for
obese patients, including when combined with mental health treatment.

Conclusions

Based on these studies, it can be said that naltrexone/bupropi�on treatment is effective in the weight loss of overweight subjects. The nal�trexone/bupropion treatment was well tolerated by the patients, and side
effects were rarely reported.
Protective mechanism of kaempferol against Aβ25-35-mediated apoptosis of pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells through the ER/ERK/MAPK signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ning , Xu Hongdan , Wang Yueying , Yao Yuan , Liu Guoliang , Lei Xia , Sun Huifeng , Wu Xiuhong , Li Jianmin
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Progressive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) is a pathological trait of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid-β increases free radical production in neuronal cells, leading to neuronal cell death. Hormone replacement therapy can reduce the incidence of AD, and oestrogen significantly improves the clinical signs in patients with AD. However, the long-term use of oestrogen causes a variety of diseases. Phytoestrogens have been reported to bind and activate oestrogen receptors in mammals and humans to produce oestrogen-like or anti-oestrogen-like effects. Kaempferol is a flavonoid phytoestrogen that can produce a certain protective effect in neurons. However, the molecular mechanism of kaempferol in AD is unclear.

Material and methods

This study used pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells that were damaged by Aβ25–35 as an in vitro model of AD, and oestradiol was a positive control. The cells were incubated with kaempferol alone or in combination with fulvestrant (an antagonist of ER) and U0126 (an inhibitor of ERK) in Aβ25–35 culture. Cell activity was measured by the MTT method. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expression levels were tested by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.

Results

This study demonstrated that kaempferol protected PC-12 cells from Aβ25–35-induced cell death and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with fulvestrant (an antagonist of ER) and U0126 (an inhibitor of ERK) significantly increased the apoptosis of PC-12 cells. Moreover, kaempferol promoted the expression of anti-apoptotic molecules and inhibited the expression of pro-apoptotic molecules, which were blocked by fulvestrant and U0126.

Conclusions

Kaempferol protected PC-12 cells against Aβ25–35-induced cell apoptosis through the ER/ERK/MAPK signalling pathway.
Quality of life in heart failure patients undergoing hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation versus usual care – results of the Telerehabilitation in Heart Failure Patients (TELEREH-HF) Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Piotrowicz Ewa , Mierzyńska Anna , Banach Maciej , Jaworska Izabela , Pencina Michał , Kowalik Ilona , Pluta Sławomir , Szalewska Dominika , Opolski Grzegorz , Zaręba Wojciech , Glowczynska Renata , Irzmański Robert , Orzechowski Piotr , Kalarus Zbigniew , Piotrowicz Ryszard
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation (HCTR) consisting of telecare (with psychological telesupport), telerehabilitation and remote monitoring of implantable devices might be an innovative option improving heart failure (HF) patients’ quality of life (QoL) and emotional health. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of HCTR on various facets of QoL in HF patients in comparison with usual care (UC) alone.

Material and methods

The present analysis formed part of a multicenter, randomized trial that enrolled 850 HF patients (NYHA I–III, LVEF ≤ 40%). Patients were randomized 1 : 1 to HCTR plus UC or UC only. Patients underwent either an HCTR program or UC with observation. The psychological intervention in the HCTR group included supportive psychological counseling via mobile phone. The Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 Questionnaire was used to assess QoL. Measurements were made before and after a 9-week intervention (HCTR group)/observation (UC group).

Results

After the intervention, the HCTR group showed significant improvement in overall QoL, physical domain (PD) of QoL, and 4 areas of QoL (physical functioning (PhF), role functioning related to physical state (RF), general health (GH), vitality (VI)). A significant positive change in QoL in the UC group was observed only in VI and social functioning. There were also significant differences in QoL after 9-week intervention/observation between the two groups. The results showed greater improvement in HCTR for overall QoL (p = 0.009), PD of QoL (p = 0.0003) and three specific areas of QoL: PhF (p = 0.001), RF (p = 0.003), bodily pain (BP) (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

In comparison to UC, HCTR resulted in improvement in overall QoL, PD of QoL and 3 specific areas of QoL: PhF, RF and BP.
Significant COVID-19 burden in Polish children
Authors: Jackowska Teresa , Wrotek August , Jankowski Mateusz , Pinkas Jarosław
Published: September 2020

Introduction

COVID-19 cases have rarely been reported in children. We sought to analyse the attack rate in paediatric population in Poland, focusing on local variations among the provinces, correlation with the number of tests per capita, and test positivity rate.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study involved the 38.38 million population and detected 17,921 cases (age known in 17,822). Data were collected from publicly available registries and were analysed by age group and province of the country.

Results

Children constituted 6.68% of cases (n = 1,191). The attack rate reached 15.49/100,000 children, increasing with age (10.79/100,000 in < 4 y.o. to 21.59/100,000 in 15–19 y.o.). Significant variations in the attack rates were observed: a 9.52-fold ratio between the highest and the lowest attack rates in provinces. The provinces from the first and fourth attack rate quartiles differed in the test positivity rate (4.96% vs. 1.98%, p < 0.05), but not in the number of tests per capita. The lowest quartile provinces showed 1.87- to 5.78-fold lower attack rates, compared to the directly neighbouring provinces, without any known population susceptibility differences. The attack rates in children and adults correlated very strongly (rho = 0.81). The attack rate correlated with the test positivity rate (rho = 0.64 in children and rho = 0.71 in adults) but not with the number of tests per capita.

Conclusions

COVID-19 burden in children is significant. The local differences highlight various testing strategies, but the awareness of SARS-CoV-2 in children is essential. The correlation between attack rates in children and adults shows that the outbreak in children is parallel to the one observed in adults.
The effect of intrauterine insemination preceding frozen-thawed elective single embryo transfer in couples with unexplained subfertility
Authors: Oner Gokalp , Ciftci Banu , Turktekin Nurettin , Tas Mustafa , Ulug Pasa , Kumtepe Yakup
Published: September 2020

Introduction

This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of intrauterine insemination (IUI) before frozen-thawed elective single embryo transfer (FT-eSET).

Material and methods

A total of 200 couples with unexplained subfertility underwent in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to either FT-eSET or IUI preceding FT-eSET. Both groups were composed of 100 women. IUI was timed 6 days before FT-eSET in the IUI preceding FT-eSET group. Implantation rates (IR), biochemical and clinical abortion rates (AR), clinical pregnancy rates (PR), ongoing pregnancy rates (PRs), and live birth rates were measured in this study.

Results

The IUI preceding FT-eSET group was associated with higher rates of clinical pregnancy, 54% vs. 42%, but not significantly. Similarly, IR, PR and live birth rate were higher in the IUI preceding FT-eSET group but not significantly. In the IUI preceding FT-eSET group, the biochemical and clinical abortion rates were lower than in the control group (9.5% vs. 14.2% and 5.5% vs. 5.2%, respectively). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups, either.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing that IUI may precede FT-eSET to improve PR in couples with unexplained subfertility. Also, performing IUI before FT-eSET may decrease biochemical and clinical abortion rates.
lncRNA LINC00152 knockdown suppressed hepatic cancer biological activity
Authors: Ma Yajun , Yang Xuli , Xu Yong , Zhou Rongping , Chen Gang , Fan Deseng , Luo Shikun , Shen Zhili , Yang Dong
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Hepatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers and has a poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether lncRNA LINC 00152 had effects on the development of hepatic cancer and the related mechanisms.

Material and methods

Measuring LINC 00152 in different tissues. In in vitro experiments, we knocked down LINC 00152 expression using si-LINC00152 in HepG2 cells and evaluated cell proliferation by MTT, apoptosis by flow cytometry, invasion by Transwell, and migration by wound healing. The relative protein was evaluated by western blot. In vivo experiments included measuring tumour size and weight, using TUNEL to evaluate cell apoptosis, and measurement of relative protein expression by IHC assay.

Results

In our present study, first, we found that long non-coding RNA LINC00152 expression was significantly enhanced in hepatic cancer tissues and cell lines. Second, we revealed that LINC00152 knockdown had the effect of suppressing cell proliferation and metastasis and stimulating cell apoptosis in vitro. Third, LINC00152 down-regulation significantly suppressed tumour growth and increased cell apoptosis in an in vivo experiment. Mechanistic analyses showed that LINC00152 could regulate EGFR/PI3K/AKT/P21/MMP2/9 pathways in in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that LINC00152 contributes to the oncogenic potential of hepatic cancer and that the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/P21/MMP2/9 signalling pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for hepatic cancer.
Assessing the role of serum prolactin levels and coding region somatic mutations of the prolactin gene in Saudi uterine leiomyoma patients
Authors: ElSokary Hanan Abdelhalim , Abdullah Layla Saleh , Ujaimi Amani , Sahly Nora Naif , Mansouri Nisma , Banaganapalli Babajan , Shaik Noor Ahmad , Elango Ramu , Bondagji Nabeel
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Uterine leiomyomas (UL) are highly prevalent benign smooth

muscle tumors, seen in approximately 70% of women. These hormone re-
sponsive tumors are also known to secrete prolactin (PRL), a hormone

of the anterior pituitary gland. Elevated levels of serum prolactin are a com-
mon clinical finding in different gynecological pathologies including UL.

However, the underlying causes for this elevation are not yet clear. Therefore,
the main objective of this study is to measure the serum PRL in UL patients
and also to investigate its molecular connection with coding region somatic
mutations of the PRL gene.

Material and methods

The serum PRL levels of UL patients were measured
through the ELISA method. The coding region PRL gene mutations in UL
and corresponding myometrium tissues were screened through the Sanger
sequencing method.

Results

Uterine leiomyoma patients demonstrated significant elevation

of the PRL hormone level in serum samples (p ≤ 0.01). No somatic coding re-
gion mutations in the PRL gene were identified. However, four germline vari-
ants (c.570G>A, c.205-102T>A, c.312+177T>C and c.269C>T) were detected.

Conclusions

This study is the first one to confirm that serum PRL level ele-
vation among UL patients is not connected to somatic mutations in the PRL

gene. However, PRL genetic polymorphisms may indirectly contribute to the
disease etiology.
Reduction of lymphocyte count at early stage elevates severity and death risk of COVID-19 patients: a hospital-based case-cohort study
Authors: Fei Jun , Fu Lin , Li Ying , Xiang Hui-Xian , Xiang Ying , Li Meng-Die , Liu Fang-Fang , Xu De-Xiang , Zhao Hui
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Several reports have noted that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) induced lymphopenia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, the clinical significance of lymphopenia remains unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between lymphopenia at an early stage and the prognosis of COVID-19 patients.

Material and methods

All 192 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected and patient’s prognosis was followed up.

Results

On admission, 84 (43.8%) patients suffered from lymphopenia among COVID-19 patients. The count and percentage of lymphocytes on admission were lower among patients over 70 years old than those of younger patients. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that older age was a risk factor of lymphopenia. Of interest, chest CT score, a key marker of lung injury, was increased among COVID-19 patients with lymphopenia. By contrast, PaCO2, SpO2 and oxygenation index, several respiratory function markers, were decreased in COVID-19 patients with lymphopenia. Moreover, total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL), two markers of hepatic injury, creatinine and urea nitrogen, two indices of renal function, and creatine kinase, AST and LDH, three myocardial enzymes, were elevated in COVID-19 patients with lymphopenia. Among 84 COVID-19 patients with lymphopenia, 32.1% died. The fatality rate was obviously higher in COVID-19 patients with lymphopenia.

Conclusions

Older COVID-19 patients are more susceptible to lymphopenia. Multiple organ injuries were more serious in COVID-19 patients with lymphopenia. Lymphopenia at an early stage aggravates the severity and elevates the death risk of COVID-19 patients.
Analysis of major otosclerosis-associated variants in RELN and TGFB1 genes in Polish patients
Authors: Oziębło Dominika , Domagała Sara , Leja Marcin L. , Skarżyński Henryk , Ołdak Monika
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Otosclerosis (OTSC) is one of the most common causes of progressive adult-onset hearing loss in the Caucasian population, with a female preponderance. The etiology of OTSC is complex and there are a number of genetic variants reported to be associated with OTSC susceptibility, but no data on the genetic background of OTSC in patients originating from the central-eastern part of Europe have been available. The purpose of our study was to investigate in Polish patients the frequency of genetic variants previously reported to be most strongly associated with OTSC.

Material and methods

Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples or buccal swabs. Variants in TGFB1 (rs1800472) and RELN (rs39335, rs39350, rs39374) were genotyped in surgically confirmed OTSC patients (n = 94) and a control group (n = 198) using custom TaqMan SNP genotyping assays and real-time PCR. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between the groups in statistical analysis and the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to estimate the risk.

Results

For all of the tested variants the distributions of alleles and geno­types were not statistically significantly different between OTCS patients and the control group. There were also no statistically significant differences in relation to gender of the tested subjects.

Conclusions

Despite multiple confirmatory studies on TGFB1 and RELN association with OTSC development in some populations, no significant association between the studied variants and OTSC was found in Polish patients. Our results indicate the presence of inter-population differences in OTSC susceptibility factors and confirm the large genetic heterogeneity of this disorder.
The new method, the old problem – role of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography in the diagnosis of breast cancer among Polish women
Authors: Steinhof-Radwańska Katarzyna , Grażyńska Anna , Barczyk-Gutkowska Anna , Kajor Maciej , Powązka Piotr , Lorek Andrzej , Szlachta-Świątkowska Ewa , Morawska Irmina , Okas Karolina , Lelek Zuzanna , Bielińska Magdalena , Gisterek Iwona , Casańas Beata , Pilch-Kowalczyk Joanna
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The aim of the study was to evaluate spectral mammography (CESM) in diagnosing breast cancer, which is based on sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).

Material and methods

The study included a group of 547 women who underwent spectral mammography and
histopathological verification of the lesion, previously seen in mammography and/or ultrasound. In the group of
547 women, 593 focal lesions were diagnosed. All CESM examinations were carried-out with a digital mammography device dedicated to performing dual-energy CESM acquisitions. An intravenous injection of 1.5 ml/kg of body mass of non-ionic contrast agent was performed.

Results

The analysis includes 593 breast lesions, in this group cancer was detected in 327 (55.14%) lesions, and in 256 (43.17%) cases benign lesions were confirmed by histopathological examination and at least 12 months of observation. The method shows differentiation of benign and malignant lesions in the breast: sensitivity of 97.86%, specificity of 59.4%, PPV – 74.76%, NPV – 95.76%.

Conclusions

Spectral mammography could be an ideal method to detect breast cancer. Thanks to the high NPV (95.76%), it facilitates the exclusion of cancer in situations where pathological contrast enhancement is not observed. The unsatisfactory specificity of the study (59.4%) would not make it safe to avoid a core needle biopsy of lesions that undergo contrast enhancement.