Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. MTB infection does not necessarily progress to TB. Only 5-10% of exposed individuals develop clinical signs and... Show moreTuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. MTB infection does not necessarily progress to TB. Only 5-10% of exposed individuals develop clinical signs and symptoms of TB. Given the impact of mycobacterial exposure and the immunoregulatory consequences for host immunity, it is important to study the integrity and the regulation of immune responses and their downstream signaling pathways in TB endemic areas. Indonesia is a highly TB-burdened country and ranks third globally in TB cases. This thesis, consisting of six studies, explored variation in host immune responses to TB and their genetic background, and variation in clinical presentation. (1) MTB-specific stimulation of IFN-_ production as well as IFN-_ receptor signaling was significantly down-regulated during active TB, correlated with disease severity and __activity. (2) Concentrations of plasma granulysin of active TB patients were found to be low during acute disease. (3) Several genetic markers have been identified to affect susceptibility to TB (IL12B, IL12RB1, IFNG and IFNGR1) and (4) TLR8, DC-SIGN, complement component and scavenger receptor. (5) NRAMP polymorphisms were, however, not associated with susceptibility to TB. (6) TB with concomitant type2 DM presented more symptoms; screening fasting blood glucose in TB patients is clinically important. Show less
Family business groups are ubiquitous in most emerging markets. This book provides a richly documented analysis of the strategy of the Salim Group, one of the largest family conglomerates in... Show moreFamily business groups are ubiquitous in most emerging markets. This book provides a richly documented analysis of the strategy of the Salim Group, one of the largest family conglomerates in Southeast Asia. It argues that the strategy of this group oscillated irregularly between a business model built on connections and a professional business model adapted to markets. Due to its size and closeness to the Suharto regime, the Salim Group played an important role in shaping Indonesia’s economy. Show less
This dissertation deals with Mualang, an Ibanic (Malayic-Dayak) language spoken in the interior of western Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia. Given the relatively large number of speakers ... Show moreThis dissertation deals with Mualang, an Ibanic (Malayic-Dayak) language spoken in the interior of western Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia. Given the relatively large number of speakers (approximately 40,000 people), and due to its fairly isolated geography and some well-maintained socio-cultural traditions, the study of the language considerably broadens our knowledge of the Ibanic language family and the Malayic language group in general. Western Borneo has been posited as a possible homeland-candidate of Proto Malayic speakers. Therefore, linguistic contributions about inland languages in areas such as that of the Mualang language and people will provide Austronesian linguists with more information regarding this issue. This study presents a descriptive account of the grammar of Mualang covering the major features of its sound system, word and sentence structure as well as text grammar topics. The description results from a combination of textual analysis, elicitation and participant observation. The grammar is supplemented by wordlists and an extensive collection of glossed and translated texts. Show less
