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Objective: This study aims to prove the effect of supplementation of bitter melon leaves extract on glycemic status in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Materials and Methods: This study used a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial. Thirty DFU patients based on PEDIS 1-8 scores who met the criteria were divided into 2 groups consisting of 15 patients as a treatment group with the administration of bitter melon leaves extract at a dose of 6 g/day and 15 patients as a control group of with placebo. This intervention was conducted in 4 weeks. Glycemic status was measured by the value of glycated albumin and examined at baseline and at the end of treatment. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, there was an increase in the baseline value of glycated albumin in the treatment group from 24.5 ± 11.7% to 25.8 ± 12.7% or an increase of 1.3 ± 6.3% and a decrease in the control group from 27.5 ± 13.1% to 25.8 ± 8.5% or a decrease of 1.7 ± 12.4%. The results of the analysis of the effect of supplementation of bitter melon leaves extract on the value of glycated albumin were not significant (p = 0.99). Conclusion: The supplementation of bitter melon leaf extract with a dose of 6 g / day did not significantly affect the value of glycated albumin. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(2) 2021 p.281-287

One of the biggest calls for educators to take part in the 21st century learning is to make sure students equipped with creative thinking. To empower these skills, a variety of effective learning models can be implemented. The current study aimed to develop a learning model that has the potential to improve student creative thinking by integrating Problem-Oriented Project-Based Learning (POPBL) and Student Team Achievement Division (STAD), hence called POPBLSTAD. Plomp design was used as the procedures for developing this product. It consisted of preliminary investigation, design, realization/construction, test, evaluation, and revision. The model was examined through a quasi-experiment. The participants’ creative thinking was evaluated based on five indicators: fluency, originality, elaboration, flexibility, and metaphorical thinking, using an essay test. The POPBLSTAD learning model was confirmed valid with a score of 3.47. The results of the ANACOVA analysis showed that the implementation of POPBLSTAD improved student creative thinking significantly. This finding suggests that POPBLSTAD can be used as an alternative learning model that is effective to refine student creative thinking.

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In the past few decades, forest policies have caused changes in forest landscape and community lifescape in the study area of Walanae Forest Management Unit (KPH Walanae), South Sulawesi Province. This research aims to analyze forest policy dynamics and their impacts on landscape and lifescape dynamics. We quantify landscape dynamics using land use and land cover change and landscape metrics in interpreting remote sensing results of four data sets obtained in 1990, 2000, 2009, and 2016. Furthermore, we investigate lifescape dynamics using qualitative/quantitative description. We found a rapid land use change in forest landscapes within the past 26 years. A significant change showed that, in 1990–2000, the primary forest that changed into the secondary forest and shrubs has changed into dry land agriculture mix shrubs. The decreased area of the forest brought an increase in economic income for people on one side and large disturbances and forest fragmentation on the other. Various forest policies influenced the forest composition and cover but were insufficiently successful in protecting the natural forest. Results showed that several forest policies that considerably impact the landscape and lifescape conditions include forest land designation, industrial forest plantation, and restoration activities. The policies on establishing KPH and social forest program have not shown the maximum result on the landscape and lifescape improvements and, therefore, must be supported.