bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metodologi pendakwah dalam program bimbingan remaja wanita bermasalah di Dar As-Saadah, Raudhatus Sakinah dan Rumah Puteri Arafiah
Authors: Ali Nurul Badriyah
Published: July 2020

Dakwah in Islam requires fine strategies and right methodologies in order to make it acceptable, specifically in dealing with problematic teenagers. The journey of dakwah became easy if the right approaches has been applied, specifically to the people who have intolerable reaction towards dakwah. Hence, this article aims to study methodologies of dakwah which had been applied in three rehabilitation centers for problematic girls in Malaysia, Dar As-Saadah, Raudhatus Sakinah and Rumah Puteri Arafiah, in order to make their methodologies as an example to deal with sosial issues. This article used field research, which contains results of interviews and observations of rehabilitation session in these three centers. The results show that; the methodologies used in these three centers including: purification of souls, gentle and firm approaches towards suitable situations, providing a condusive environment, trying to be friendly and kind throughout dakwah process, applying stage by stage approaches, encouragement of applying Sunnah in life, application of good discipline in daily routines and providing them with good skills to build brighter future.

Keywords: dakwah; methodology; girl problematic teenagers; Dar As-Saadah; Raudhatus Sakinah; Rumah Puteri Arafiah.

ABSTRAK: Berdakwah memerlukan strategi dan metodologi tertentu bagi menjamin keberkesanannya, lebih-lebih lagi apabila melibatkan remaja bermasalah. Kesukaran dalam berdakwah dapat diatasi sekiranya metodologi dakwah yang betul dapat dipraktikkan, khususnya bagi golongan yang sukar menerima dakwah dengan hati yang terbuka. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan meneliti metodologi yang digunakan oleh pendakwah dalam program bimbingan kepada remaja yang bermasalah di Dar As-Saadah, Raudhatus Sakinah dan Rumah Puteri Arafiah supaya dapat dijadikan panduan sekaligus diaplikasikan oleh para pendakwah dalam menangani isu sosial remaja. Kajian ini merupakan kajian kualitatif yang menggunakan metode lapangan melalui temubual kepada pembimbing program di pusat-pusat bimbingan dan pemerhatian ke atas suasana dakwah yang dijalankan di sana. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan pendakwah di semua pusat bimbingan menggunakan metodologi pembersihan jiwa, berlemah lembut dan bertegas mengikut keadaan, menyediakan suasana persekitaran kondusif, berusaha menjadi sahabat kepada remaja bermasalah, berperingkat-peringkat dalam berdakwah, menghidupkan sunnah Rasulullah SAW, mementingkan disiplin dalam berdakwah dan melengkapkan diri dengan kemahiran hidup.

Kata kunci: dakwah; metodologi; remaja wanita bermasalah; Dar As-Saadah; Raudhatus Sakinah; Rumah Puteri Arafiah.
Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Tingkah Laku Prososial Dan Impaknya Terhadap Sebuah Ketamadunan: Satu Kajian Tinjauan
Authors: Abu Hassan Fatin Nabilah , Abu Zahrin Syaidatun Nazirah , Mohd Hoesni Suzana
Published: July 2020

Kehidupan dalam era terkini terdedah dengan persekitaran yang mementingkan aspek yang bersifat materialistik dan individualistik. Setiap individu berpotensi untuk mengabaikan segala apa yang berlaku disekitarnya— hatta ketika terdapat individu lain yang sangat memerlukan bantuan. Hal ini demikian kerana wujudnya sifat mementingkan diri sendiri. Kesibukan menguruskan dan memenuhi keperluan peribadi menjadi keutamaan, maka, menghulurkan bantuan di saat orang lain terdesak memerlukan pertolongan menjadi pilihan kedua. Mereka beranggapan bahawa menghulurkan bantuan kepada orang lain tidak memberi manfaat atau ganjaran. Terdapat pelbagai insiatif yang telah dilakukan oleh para aktivis sosial bagi menyedarkan masyarakat tentang kepentingan keterlibatan dalam melaksanakan tingkah laku prososial seperti membantu orang lain tanpa mengharap balasan. Oleh yang demikian, kertas ini bertujuan untuk membincangkan faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkah laku prososial berdasarkan kajian-kajian sedia ada dan mensintesiskannya daripada sudut pandangan Islam. Secara keseluruhannya, kajian ini mendapati bahawa terdapat pelbagai faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkah laku prososial iaitu faktor rasa berterima kasih, religiositi dan intensiti menonton rancangan realiti (reality show). Implikasi kajian ini adalah untuk mewujudkan satu usaha bagi menerapkan cinta kemanusiaan dalam kalangan ummah.

Kata kunci: Ketamadunan; Tingkah laku prososial; Cinta kemanusiaan; Malaysia.
Tahap Keupayaan Kognitif Bacaan Dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Melayu Kanak-Kanak Pemulihan Khas
Authors: Samsudin Nurul Haniza , Abdul Wahid Puteri Roslina , Ja’afar Salinah , Yaakub Mohammad Tawfik
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the reading cognitive ability in Malay Language learning among remedial education children. The cognitive ability among these children was tested based on several reading aspects which include the skills of recognizing or detecting, understanding, and applying as outlined in Bloom’s Taxonomy. This research utilized both the quantitative and qualitative methods in collecting the data. The subjects selected involved eight Standard Three students who were undergoing the remedial class in Puchong, Selangor. The instruments used included both oral and non-oral tests. The research findings indicate that the ability to apply appears to be the most acquired cognitive skill among the subjects (99.58%), followed by the abilities to understand (95.36%), and to remember (95.8%). These findings portray that special remedial children’s cognitive ability level is not only measured from the aspect of reading fluency, but also their abilities in recognizing letters, understanding letter sounds, and applying grammar skills.

Keywords: cognitive ability, Malay Language learning, remedial education children

ABSTRAK: Makalah ini membicarakan tentang tahap keupayaan kognitif bacaan dalam pembelajaran bahasa Melayu kanak-kanak pemulihan khas. Keupayaan kognitif dalam kalangan kanak-kanak pemulihan khas diuji berdasarkan aspek bacaan, iaitu dengan mengaplikasikan kemahiran mengenal pasti, memahami, dan mengaplikasi seperti yang terdapat dalam Taksonomi Bloom. Kajian ini juga menggunakan kaedah kuantitatif dan kualitatif dalam pengumpulan data. Subjek yang dipilih merupakan lapan orang pelajar darjah tiga yang mengikuti kelas pemulihan khas di Puchong, Selangor. Instrumen yang digunakan ialah ujian lisan dan bukan lisan. Dapatan kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa keupayaan mengaplikasi merupakan keupayaan yang paling dikuasai oleh subjek kajian dalam kemahiran kognitif, iaitu sebanyak 99.58 peratus, diikuti oleh keupayaan memahami 95.36 peratus, dan keupayaan mengingat 95.8 peratus. Dapatan kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa tahap keupayaan kognitif kanak-kanak pemulihan khas bukan hanya diukur daripada kelancaran bacaan sahaja, malah keupayaan mengenal pasti huruf, memahami bunyi huruf, dan mengaplikasi tatabahasa turut diambil kira.

Kata kunci: kognitif bacaan, kanak-kanak pemulihan khas, pembelajaran bahasa Melayu
Peranan Wakaf Dan Cinta Kemanusiaan Untuk Kesejahteraan Umat
Authors: Radin Hasbani Radin Anis Adlina , Abu Zahrin Syaidatun Nazirah , Haron Mohamad Sabri
Published: July 2020

Islam is aimed at fulfilling all demands of life. Waqf is one of the elements considered as a gift to the community. Waqf included in the aspects of philanthropy and love of humanity and respect each other because it is a part of the concerns towards fellow Muslims. In addition to that, philanthropy also links humanity love as a basis of peace of all nations. However, current discussions on humanitarian or philanthropic remains opaque among Muslims. Using qualitative methods in a thematic analysis of Waqf, this paper analyzed to which extent government agencies and non-governmental organizations play their roles in helping the society to ensure the well-being of the ummah.

Keywords: Humanity, Philantrophy, Philantrophist, Waqf.

ABSTRAK: Kehadiran Islam adalah bertujuan untuk memenuhi semua tuntutan kehidupan. Wakaf adalah salah satu elemen yang dianggap sebagai satu pemberian kepada masyarakat. Wakaf termasuk dalam aspek filantrofi dan cinta kemanusiaan dan berkait antara satu sama lain kerana ia adalah satu cabang yang dilihat dalam Islam menjurus kepada sifat keprihatinan sesama muslim. Selain itu, aspek Filantrofi atau kedermawanan juga menghubungkan cinta kemanusian yang menjadi asas kepada titik tolak kedamaian semua bangsa di seluruh dunia. Perbincangan semasa mengenai cinta kemanusiaan atau filantrofi masih kabur dalam pandangan umat Islam. Dengan adanya badan-badan organisasi wakaf dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang ditubuhkan sekaligus dapat membantu ekonomi umat Islam ke arah yang lebih baik. Apabila wakaf dan cinta kemanusiaan dapat dihayati sepenuhnya, maka ia dapat menyumbang kepada kesejahteraan ummah. Pengkaji menggunakan kaedah kualitatif secara analisis tematik berkaitan Wakaf. Oleh itu, pengkaji akan menganalisis bagaimana peranan badan-badan kerajaan dan badan-badan bukan kerajaan memainkan peranan dalam membantu masyarakat menjamin kesejahteraan ummah.

Kata kunci: Cinta kemanusiaan, Filantrophi, Kedermawanan, Keprihatinan, Wakaf.
Puti Jamilan "Raja Perempuan” di Minangkabau
Authors: Nelmawarni Nelmawarni , Warnis Warnis , Kustati Martin , Trinova Zulvia
Published: July 2020

The woman figure from Pagaruyung Minangkabau descendent is still rare to be discussed in many forums. However, the role of women in Malay is very important in political field in 18th century. Tuhfat al-Nafis becomes one of experts who has written the figure comprehensively. In his book, it was described that there is a figure who named Puti Jamilan, who has been well-known as Bundo Kanduang in Pagaruyung Kingdom. She has important position in the hierarchy of Pagaruyung kingdom. Puteri Jamilan or Bundo Kanduang is an intellectual women who has strong influence not only in Minangkabau but also in the coastal area of Sumatra. She has a power to instruct her soldiers to convey messages and letters. She is called by “Women Princess in Minangkabau” or Yang Dipertuan Baginda Puteri Jamilan. It was found in the Dutch museum that Putri Jamilan has strong power in Jambi dan Malacca in the 18th century. In addition, Puti Jamilan is also said to be the foster mother of Sultan Abdul Jalil Rahmad Syah (Raja Kecil Siak). The success of the Small King conquered the throne of Johor was due to the strong support from Puti Jamilan and Pagaruyung Kingdom. Thus, the paper discusses more about Puti Jamilan and her role as Minangkabau's "Women Princess" in political arena in the Malay World.Keywords: Puteri Jamilan; Bundo Kanduang; Raja Perempuan, Minangkabau

Abstrak: Sosok seorang wanita dari kaum kerabat Pagaruyung Minangkabau masih tidak banyak dibincangkan secara ilmiah. Meskipun peranan wanita ini begitu penting dalam percaturan politik dan kekuasaan di dunia Melayu pada awal abad ke-18. Salah satu sumber yang menyebutkan tentang sosok wanita ini adalah Tuhfat al-Nafis. Dalam kitab ini disebutkan bahwa di Pagaruyung terdapat seorang wanita yang bernama Puti Jamilan, ibu suri di istana. Beliau adalah ibu atau bunda dari Raja Pagaruyung, yang sebenarnya mempunyai kedudukan yang lebih tinggi dari puteranya dalam hirarki pemerintahan Minangkabau. Puteri Jamilan atau Bundo Kanduang adalah seorang perempuan yang amat cerdas dan mempunyai kuasa politik serta pengaruh moral yang kuat tidak hanya di Minangkabau, bahkan juga di pantai Barat dan Timur Sumatera. Beliau mempunyai kuasa untuk mengutus dan menghantar surat ke dunia luar dengan menggunakan gelaran “Raja Perempuan Minangkabau” atau Yang Dipertuan Baginda Puteri Jamilan. Bahkan Rekod Belanda juga menyebutkan kuasa politik dan moral Puti Jamilan melalui surat-surat yang ditulisnya ke kerajaan-kerajaan di Alam Melayu seperti Jambi dan Melaka pada awal kurun ke-18. Selain itu Puti Jamilan juga dikatakan sebagai ibu angkat kepada Sultan Abdul Jalil Rahmad Syah (Raja Kecil Siak). Keberhasilan Raja Kecil menaklukan takhta Kerajaan Johor adalah berkat sokongan padu dari Puti Jamilan dan Kerajaan Pagaruyung. Sehubungan dengan itu kertas kerja ini akan membincangkan lebih lanjut tentang Puti Jamilan dan peranannya sebagai "Raja Perempuan” Minangkabau dalam percaturan politik di Alam Melayu.Kata kunci: Puteri Jamilan; Bundo Kanduang; Raja Perempuan, Minangkabau
Challenges in Early Quran Education: Identifying Factors that Affect Permata Insan Summer Camp Students’ Performance
Authors: Zakaria Zulkarnin , Md Sallehan Syazwani , Wan Kamaruddin Wan Ahmad Zakry , Ahmad Helmi Ahmad Bazli , Sulieman Islaieh Abdel Rahman Ibrahim
Published: July 2020

Quran education module is a major part in the PERMATA Insan Summer Camp programme for the pre-college gifted and talented students. The annual camp programme integrates STEM modules together with the Quran and Sunnah modules to help students understand and relate science topics with the Quran and Al-Sunnah. The camp participants as young as eight years old were required to memorise selected Quran verses during the camp. Many struggled to perform in the Quran education module. This study was conducted to identify various issues faced by the students in the Quran module. They were tested on their memorisation and later grouped for a special interview session. The findings on the various problems faced by them were analysed and grouped into themes. The discussion with the group of gifted and talented between the age of 8 and 11 years old revealed many concerns that have been found in earlier research on this special group of students. The findings would help further explore better ways to improve the teaching and learning of gifted and talented Muslim students.Abstrak: Modul Pendidikan Al-Quran merupakan unit penting dalam program kem percutian cuti sekolah PERMATA Insan pelajar pintar pra-kolej. Program kem tahunan ini mengintegrasikan modul STEM bersama modul Al-Quran dan Sunah bagi membolehkan pelajar memahami subjek sains berdasarkan tafsir Al-Quran dan pengajian Sunah. Peserta kem berusia dari lapan tahun perlu menghafal surah Al-Quran yang telah ditetapkan sebagai syarat dan penilaian modul kem. Pelbagai cabaran dihadapi para peserta bagi mencapai silibus hafazan yang telah ditetapkan. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi mengenalpasti permasalahan yang dihadapi dalam modul pengajian Al-Quran. Peserta kajian telah diuji, dibahagikan mengikut pencapaian dan ditemubual bagi mengetahui permasalahan yang dihadapi. Dapatan telah dianalisa dan disusun mengikut tema permasalahan. Maklumat dapatan mengenengahkan pelbagai langkah yang dapat diambil untuk membantu pembelajaran Al-Quran yang lebih mantap bagi pelajar pintar berbakat Islam PERMATA Insan.
Pendekatan Terapi Waswas Menurut Perspektif Sarjana Islam Di Era Ketamadunan Islam Abad Ke 8 Sehingga 19 Masihi
Authors: Abdul Rahman Mohd Zahir , Mohd@Amat Robiatul Adawiyah , Razali Zul Azlin , Mohd Amin Mohd Zohdi , Zulkiply Shah Rizul Izyan , Mustapa Ahmad Murshidi
Published: July 2020

Waswas atau kecelaruan obsesif-kompulsif (OCD) merupakan antara sepuluh beban penyakit utama di seluruh dunia yang diklasifikasikan oleh World Health Organization (WHO) (Murray, 1996). Sehubungan itu, kupasan terhadap isu waswas ini dari aspek rawatan dan penyelidikan banyak dirujuk kepada psikiatri moden dan klinikal psikologi. Walaubagaimanapun pendekatan rawatan waswas menurut sarjana Islam di era ketamadunan Islam kurang diketengahkan kepada masyarakat. Justeru, objektif kajian adalah untuk mengumpul dan mengenal pasti fokus rawatan waswas oleh sarjana Islam pada abad ke 8 sehingga abad 19 Masihi di bawah pemerintahan khilafah Islam berteraskan empat domain hidup iaitu biologi, psikologi, sosial dan spiritual. Manakala dari aspek metode, kajian mengaplikasi sepenuhnya kajian kualitatif berasaskan dokumentasi. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa terdapat sebanyak 10 terapi berasaskan biologi, 6 pendekatan psikologi, 3 pendekatan bersifat sosial dan 2 amalan beserta 8 doa sebagai pendekatan rawatan secara spiritual. Penemuan ini amat berharga kepada masyarakat Islam kerana keperluan dalam keseimbangan empat elemen ini penting bagi mengatasi masalah waswas dan tidak hanya tertumpu kepada pendekatan rawatan bersifat spiritual.Abstract: Waswas or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of ten major illnesses worldwide are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) (Murray, 1996). In this regard, the focus on this issue of treatment and research has been widely referred to modern psychiatry and clinical psychology. However, waswas treatment based on Islamic scholars in Islamic civilisation era less highlighted to the community. Thus, the objective of the study is to collect and identify the focus of waswas treatment by Islamic scholars in 8 century until 19 century under the reign of Caliph of Islam is based on four domains of life that is biological, psychological, social and spiritual. While, the methodological approach taken in this study is a qualitative research through documentation. The findings show that there are 10 biological-based therapies, 6 psychological approaches, 3 social approaches and 2 practices and 8 dua’ as a spiritual approach. These findings are very very valuable to the Muslim community because the needs in this important balance four elements to overcome waswas and not just focused on spiritual approaches.
Falsafah dan Kurikulum Pendidikan Islam Menurut Pandangan Tokoh Ilmuwan Islam: Imam al-Qabisi
Authors: Mohd Nawi Muhammad Zulazizi , Mohd Nor Muhammad Amirul
Published: July 2020

Islam itu berkembang, terutama dalam bidang pendidikan, kerana ia adalah tonggak dan asas kepada sesebuah tamadun berkembang. Kewujudan tokoh Islam dalam setiap bidang ilmu itu juga merupakan penanda aras bagi perkembangan ilmu yang merangkumi pelbagai aspek yang menjadikan sesebuah tamadun. Kajian ini membincangkan tentang konsep pendidikan al-Qabisi, ada beberapa pemikiran atau pandangan, iaitu tentang pendidikan anak, tujuan pendidikan, kurikulum, metode dan teknik pengajaran serta membahaskan tentang falsafah yang dibawa oleh al-Qabisi. Kajian ini merupakan kajian perpustakaan. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode dokumentasi, iaitu melalui penulisan ilmiah seperti buku, ensikplopedia yang mana dipanggil sebagai analisis dokumen yang dapat membantu menyiakan kajian ini. Hasil kajian ini, mendapati terdapat dua bahagian kurikulum yang dibawa oleh al-Qabisi iaitu kurikulum ijbari dan kurikulum ikhtiyari. Pendidikan agama dan akhlak mulia ini sangat penting untuk menjamin perpaduan dalam masyarakat dan bangsa
TARI JARAN KEPANG BOYOLALI PADA PAGUYUBAN KETHOLENG DI KABUPATEN BOYOLALI (TINJAUAN BENTUK SAJIAN DAN GARAP TARI)
Authors: Putri Widyawati Kedasih , Pamardi Silvester
Published: July 2020

This study discusses the Boyolali Jaran Kepang dance at the Paguyuban Ketholeng in Boyolali Regency. The Boyolali Jaran Kepang dance was composed by Eko Wahyu Prihantoro. The problem taken in this research is, how the form of presentation and how to work on the Boyolali Jaran Kepang dance at the Paguyuban Ketholeng in Boyolali Regency. This research was conducted with a qualitative method using descriptive analysis and data collection techniques of observation, interviews, and literature study. Discusses these two problems, using concepts or thoughts from Slamet MD regarding the elements of dance formation which contain motion, rhythm, expression or taste, costumes, venues and dancers. Discussing the problem of working on using the concept of Rahayu Supanggah which contains material about the work on the event or the work on, working on, working on facilities, furniture or work on the device, determinants of work on and consideration of work on. The results of this study are describing the form of presentation and work on the Boyolali Jaran Kepang dance at the Paguyuban Ketholeng in Boyolali Regency. The Boyolali Jaran Kepang dance in its form of sajin is divided into 3 parts according to the dynamics of its movements. The makeup and clothing in this dance have a simple form and are easy to wear by dancers. The Boyolali Jaran Kepang dance accompaniment used a slendrobarreled accompaniment. In the preparation of the Boyolali Jaran Kepang dance, it is motivated by phenomena found in the Boyolali area. Boyolali Jaran Kepang dance has several elements in the dance work, namely choreographers, composers, dancers, musicians, costumes, movements, and the role of Boyolali Regency government.Keywords: Boyolali Jaran Kepang Dance, Ketholeng, form of presentation, working on dance.
Molecular heterogeneity of pyruvate kinase deficiency
Authors: Bianchi Paola , Fermo Elisa
Published: July 2020

Red cell pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is the most common glycolytic defect associated with congenital non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia. The disease, transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait, is caused by mutations in the PKLR gene and is characterized by molecular and clinical heterogeneity; anemia ranges from mild or fully compensated hemolysis to life-threatening forms necessitating neonatal exchange transfusions and/or subsequent regular transfusion support; complications include gallstones, pulmonary hypertension, extramedullary hematopoiesis and iron overload. Since identification of the first pathogenic variants responsible for PK deficiency in 1991, more than 300 different variants have been reported, and the study of molecular mechanisms and the existence of genotype-phenotype correlations have been investigated in-depth. In recent years, during which progress in genetic analysis, next-generation sequencing technologies and personalized medicine have opened up important landscapes for diagnosis and study of molecular mechanisms of congenital hemolytic anemias, genotyping has become a prerequisite for accessing new treatments and for evaluating disease state and progression. This review examines the extensive molecular heterogeneity of PK deficiency, focusing on the diagnostic impact of genotypes and new acquisitions on pathogenic non-canonical variants. The recent progress and the weakness in understanding the genotype-phenotype correlation, and its practical usefulness in light of new therapeutic opportunities for PK deficiency are also discussed.
Mortality reduction in 46 severe Covid-19 patients treated with hyperimmune plasma. A proof of concept single arm multicenter trial
Authors: Cesare Perotti  , Fausto Baldanti  , Raffaele Bruno  , Claudia Del Fante  , Elena Seminari  , Salvatore Casari  , Elena Percivalle  , Claudia Glingani  , Valeria Musella  , Mirko Belliato  , Martina Garuti  , Federica Meloni  , Marilena Frigato  , Antonio Di Sabatino  , Catherine Klersy  , Giuseppe De Donno  , Massimo Franchini  , Covid-19 plasma task force
Published: July 2020

Hyperimmune plasma from Covid-19 convalescent is a potential treatment for severe Covid-19. We conducted a multicenter one arm proof of concept interventional study. Patients with Covid-19 disease with moderate-to-severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, elevated C-reactive Protein and need for mechanical ventilation and/or CPAP were enrolled. One to three 250-300 ml unit of hyperimmune plasma (neutralizing antibodies titer ≥1:160) were administered. Primary outcome was 7-days hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were PaO2/FiO2, laboratory and radiologic changes, as well as weaning from mechanical ventilation and safety. The study observed 46 patients from March, 25 to April, 21 2020. Patients were aged 63, 61% male, of them, 30 were on CPAP and 7 intubated. PaO2/FiO2 was 128 (SD 47). Bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray was present in 36 patients (84%). Symptoms and ARDS duration were 14 (SD 7) and 6 days (SD 3). Three patients (6.5%) died within 7 days as compared to an expected 15% from the National Statistics and 30% from a small concurrent cohort of 23 patients. The upper one-sided 90%CI was 13.9%, allowing to reject the null hypothesis of a 15% mortality. PaO2/FiO2 increased by 112 units (95%CI 82 to142) in survivors, the chest radiogram severity decreased in 23% (95%CI 5% to 42%); CRP, Ferritin and LDH decreased by 60, 36 and 20% respectively. Weaning from CPAP was obtained in 26/30 patients and 3/7 were extubated. Five serious adverse events occurred in 4 patients (2 likely, 2 possible treatment related). In conclusion, Hyperimmune plasma in Covid-19 shows promising benefits, to be confirmed in a randomized controlled trial. This proof of concept study could open to future developments including hyperimmune plasma banking, development of standardized pharmaceutical products and monoclonal antibodies.
Descripción de cinco especies nuevas de Cerion (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Cerionidae) de la región oriental de Cuba
Authors: Suárez Alexis , Fernández Alejandro
Published: July 2020

Se describen cinco especies nuevas del género Cerion Röding, 1878, procedentes cuatro de ellas de la provincia de Holguín, y una de la provincia de Guantánamo, aumentando a 156 las especies y subespecies descritas de Cuba. Como caracteres diagnósticos notables se mencionan para Cerion orteai sp. nov., con localidad tipo en Playa Baracutey, la presencia de dientes columelares y un diente parietal comparativamente más elevado; para Cerion naylae sp. nov., con localidad tipo en Playa Carmona, la ausencia de costillas en la mitad de la concha; para Cerion espinosai sp. nov., con localidad tipo en Playa Baracutey, la forma escalonada que adopta la concha en la zona de inserción sutural; para Cerion moralespradoi sp. nov., con localidad tipo en El Canto, un ápice redondeado y diente parietal bilobulado; y para Cerion harasewychi sp. nov., con localidad tipo en Rafael Freyre, la superficie de la concha con costillas tenues apenas perceptibles. Para todas estas especies se incluyen datos de anatomía interna asociados a la rádula y órganos reproductores.
Pitaya, an Attractive Alternative Crop for Mediterranean Region
Authors: Trivellini Alice , Lucchesini Mariella , Ferrante Antonio , Massa Daniele , Orlando Matteo , Incrocci Luca , Mensuali-Sodi Anna
Published: July 2020

While the ongoing global warming and the economic crisis threaten horticultural and ornamental products production in the Mediterranean region, new challenges and opportunities for renewing plant material occur. Pitaya has great potential as a new crop for Mediterranean growers: it consumes little water and it adapts well to the high temperatures present in the greenhouse. Moreover, the market shows increasing demand of new, healthy exotic fruits and the fruit of these crops are worldwide appreciated as a super fruits. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of introducing a new type of product that in addition to the aesthetic value can combine functional nutritional characteristics, through a whole chain approach, in order to develop basic knowledges and technical information that may lead to the commercial production of pitaya by small-scale farmers in Italy. The results of this study report and discuss various aspects to support the establishment of pitaya cultivation, such as its propagation by cuttings and micropropagation, greenhouse cultivation practices (through the clarification of the sprouting and flowering phenology as well as the fruit maturation period), while providing also information on the sensory properties and the antioxidant levels which naturally occurring in these fruits.
Odour-Evoked Memory in Dogs: Do Odours Help to Retrieve Memories of Food Location?
Authors: Quaranta Angelo , d’Ingeo Serenella , Siniscalchi Marcello
Published: July 2020

The ability of odors to spontaneously trigger specific memories has been widely demonstrated in humans. Although increasing evidence support the role of olfaction on dogs’ emotions and cognitive processes, very little research has been conducted on its relationship with memory in this species. The present study aimed at investigating the role of olfaction in the recall of detailed memories originally formed in the presence of a specific odor (i.e., vanilla). To test this, three groups of participants were trained with the same spatial learning task while a specific odor (i.e., vanilla) was dispersed in the testing room. Subjects were then divided in three experimental groups and after 24 h delay, they were presented with the same spatial task. The first group (Group 1) performed the task in the presence of a novel odor (i.e., control), whereas the second (Group 2) and the third group (Group 3) carried out the test in the presence of the vanilla odor and no odor (Group 3), respectively. After a brief delay, the test was presented again to the three groups of dogs: subjects of Group 1 were now tested in the presence of the vanilla odor, whereas the Group 2 was tested with the control odor. The Group 3 received no odor in both tests. A significant improvement of dogs’ performance was registered in the control-vanilla odors condition (Group 1), suggesting that the exposure to the odor presented at the encoding time would prompt the recall of spatial memories in dogs.
Novel Equine Faecal Egg Diagnostics: Validation of the FECPAKG2
Authors: Tyson Fiona , Dalesman Sarah , Brophy Peter M. , Morphew Russell M.
Published: July 2020

Faecal egg counts (FECs) are the standard method of diagnosing the level of parasitic helminth egg shedding in horses and other grazing animals. Testing before treatment is an important factor in slowing the appearance of anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites. The FECPAKG2, optimised for livestock, is reported to allow owners to perform FECs on their own animals without the need for a separate microscope or any specialist knowledge by tapping into remote expertise. However, the performance of the FECPAKG2 has yet to be assessed for equids. Therefore, a comparison of the FECPAKG2 (G2) method with an accepted equine FEC method (FECPAKG1(G1)) was performed, using faecal samples from 57 horses in Wales and 22 horses in New Zealand. There was a significant correlation between the FECs obtained by the two methods (p < 0.001) and no effect of the country of origin on the data (p = 0.157). The mean percentage accuracy compared to the control values (mean G2 count as a percentage of the mean G1 count, ±SStandard Error (SE)) was 101 ± 4%. There was no significant interaction between the method applied and the country of origin of the data (p = 0.814). The relative accuracy of the G2 method compared to the control method (FECPAKG1) was not affected by the level of infection (p = 0.124) and it was concluded that the FECPAKG2 method is a suitable method of performing FECs in horses. It is anticipated that the user-friendliness of the method will increase the uptake of FECs amongst horse owners, either by the direct use of the technology or through their veterinary practice, likely slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance.
Dynamic Non-Destructive Evaluation of Piezoelectric Materials to Verify on Accuracy of Transversely Isotropic Material Property Measured by Resonance Method
Authors: Huang Yu-Hsi , Yen Chien-Yu , Huang Tai-Rong
Published: July 2020

In many engineering applications of piezoelectric materials, the design and prediction of the dynamic characteristics depends on the anisotropic electromechanical material property. Through collecting the complete formula in literature and listing all the prepared specimens, transversely isotropic material constants were obtained and verified by dynamic non-destructive evaluation in the paper. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) resonance method was applied to measure and calculate the orthotropic material constants for piezoelectric ceramics. Five specimens need to be prepared for the measurements using an impedance analyzer, in order to obtain the resonant and anti-resonant frequencies from the modes of thickness extension, length-extension, thickness-shear extension, length-thickness extension, and radial extension. The frequencies were substituted into the formulas guided on the IEEE standard to determine the elastic, dielectric, and piezoelectric constants. The dynamic characteristics of soft and hard piezoelectric ceramics in the results from the finite element method (FEM), which is analyzed from the anisotropic material constants of the resonance method, were verified with the mode shapes and natural frequencies found by experimental measurements. In self-heating, considered as operating on resonant frequencies of piezoelectric material, the resonant frequency and corresponding mode shape calculated by the material constants from resonance method in FEM are more accurate than the material property provided by the manufacturer and literature. When the wide-bandwidth frequency is needed to design the application of piezoelectric ceramics, this study completely provided the measurement method and dynamic verification for the anisotropic electromechanically material property.
Streamflow Predictions in a Small Urban–Rural Watershed: The Effects of Radar Rainfall Resolution and Urban Rainfall–Runoff Dynamics
Authors: Grimley Lauren E. , Quintero Felipe , Krajewski Witold F.
Published: July 2020

The authors predicted streamflow in an urban–rural watershed using a nested regional–local modeling approach for the community of Manchester, Iowa, which is downstream of a largely rural watershed. The nested model coupled the hillslope-link model (HLM), used to simulate the upstream rural basins, and XPSWMM, which was used to simulate the more complex rainfall–runoff dynamics and surface and subsurface drainage in the urban areas, making it capable of producing flood maps at the street level. By integrating these models built for different purposes, we enabled fast and accurate simulation of hydrological processes in the rural basins while also modeling the flows in an urban environment. Using the model, we investigated how the spatial and temporal resolution of radar rainfall inputs can affect the modeled streamflow. We used a combination of three radar rainfall products to capture the uncertainty of rainfall estimation in the model results. Our nested model was able to simulate the hydrographs and timing and duration above the threshold known to result in nuisance flooding in Manchester. The spatiotemporal resolution the radar rainfall input to the model impacted the streamflow outputs of the regional, local, and nested models differently depending on the storm event.
Characteristics of Orographic Rain Drop-Size Distribution at Cherrapunji, Northeast India
Authors: Murata Fumie , Terao Toru , Chakravarty Kaustav , Syiemlieh Hiambok Jones , Cajee Laitpharlang
Published: July 2020

The rain drop size distribution (DSD) at Cherrapunji, Northeast India was observed by a laser optical disdrometer Parsivel 2 from May to October 2017; this town is known for the world’s heaviest orographic rainfall recorded. The disdrometer showed a 30% underestimation of the rainfall amount, compared with a collocated rain gauge. The observed DSD had a number of drops with a mean normalized intercept log 10 N w > 4.0 for all rain rate categories, ranging from <5 to >80 mm h − 1 , comparable to tropical oceanic DSDs. These results differ from those of tropical oceanic DSDs, in that data with a larger N w were confined to the stratiform side of a stratiform/convective separation line proposed by Bringi et al. (2009). A large number of small drops is important for quantitative precipitation estimates by in-situ radar and satellites, because it tends to miss or underestimate precipitation amounts. The large number of small drops, as defined by the second principal component (>+1.5) while using the principal component analysis approach of Dolan et al. (2018), was rare for the pre-monsoon season, but was prevalent during the monsoon season, accounting for 16% (19%) of the accumulated rainfall (precipitation period); it tended to appear over weak active spells or the beginning of active spells of intraseasonal variation during the monsoon season.
Analytical Methods for the Determination of Fatty Acid Esters of Hydroxy Fatty Acids (FAHFAs) in Biological Samples, Plants and Foods
Authors: Kokotou Maroula G.
Published: July 2020

Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) constitute a class of recently identified novel lipids exhibiting anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to their high biological significance, a tremendous effort has been devoted to the development of analytical methods for the detection and quantitation of FAHFAs during the last five years. The analysis of FAHFAs is very challenging due to the great number of possible regio-isomers arising from the great number of possible combinations of FAs with HFAs, and the low abundancies of FAHFAs in biological samples. The aim of this review article is to summarize all the cutting-edge analytical methodologies for the determination of FAHFAs in biological samples, plant tissues and food matrices, with emphasis on extraction and analysis steps. All the analytical methodologies rely on the use of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), providing high sensitivity due to the MS detection. Powerful and robust analytical methodologies may highly contribute in studying FAHFAs levels under various biomedical conditions, and facilitate our understanding of the role of these lipid species in physiological and pathological conditions.
4-(N-Alkyl- and -Acyl-amino)-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione Analogs as Metallo-β-Lactamase Inhibitors: Impact of 4-Linker on Potency and Spectrum of Inhibition
Authors: Gavara Laurent , Verdirosa Federica , Legru Alice , Mercuri Paola Sandra , Nauton Lionel , Sevaille Laurent , Feller Georges , Berthomieu Dorothée , Sannio Filomena , Marcoccia Francesca , Tanfoni Silvia , De Luca Filomena , Gresh Nohad , Galleni Moreno , Docquier Jean-Denis , Hernandez Jean-François
Published: July 2020

To fight the increasingly worrying bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the discovery and development of new therapeutics is urgently needed. Here, we report on a new series of 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione compounds as inhibitors of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), which represent major resistance determinants to β-lactams, and especially carbapenems, in Gram-negative bacteria. These molecules are stable analogs of 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole-derived Schiff bases, where the hydrazone-like bond has been reduced (hydrazine series) or the 4-amino group has been acylated (hydrazide series); the synthesis and physicochemical properties thereof are described. The inhibitory potency was determined on the most clinically relevant acquired MBLs (IMP-, VIM-, and NDM-types subclass B1 MBLs). When compared with the previously reported hydrazone series, hydrazine but not hydrazide analogs showed similarly potent inhibitory activity on VIM-type enzymes, especially VIM-2 and VIM-4, with Ki values in the micromolar to submicromolar range. One of these showed broad-spectrum inhibition as it also significantly inhibited VIM-1 and NDM-1. Restoration of β-lactam activity in microbiological assays was observed for one selected compound. Finally, the binding to the VIM-2 active site was evaluated by isothermal titration calorimetry and a modeling study explored the effect of the linker structure on the mode of binding with this MBL.
Development of an Electrochemical Immunosensor for Specific Detection of Visceral Leishmaniasis Using Gold-Modified Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Martins Beatriz R. , Barbosa Yanne O. , Andrade Cristhianne M. R. , Pereira Loren Q. , Simão Guilherme F. , de Oliveira Carlo J. , Correia Dalmo , Oliveira Robson T. S. , da Silva Marcos V. , Silva Anielle C. A. , Dantas Noelio O. , Rodrigues Virmondes , Muñoz Rodrigo A. A. , Alves-Balvedi Renata P.
Published: July 2020

Visceral leishmaniasis is a reemerging neglected tropical disease with limitations for its diagnosis, including low concentration of antibodies in the serum of asymptomatic patients and cross-reactions. In this context, this work proposes an electrochemical immunosensor for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in a more sensitive way that is capable of avoiding cross-reaction with Chagas disease (CD). Crude Leishmania infantum antigens tested in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were methodologically standardized to best engage to the sensor. The antibodies anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-Leishmania sp. Present in serum from patients with diverse types of CD or leishmaniasis were chosen. A screen-printed carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticles was the best platform to guarantee effective adsorption of all antigens so that the epitope of specific recognition for leishmaniasis occurred efficiently and without cross-reaction with the evaluated CD. The current peaks reduced linearly after the recognition, and still were able to notice the discrimination between different kinds of diseases (digestive, cardiac, undetermined Chagas/acute and visceral chronic leishmaniasis). Comparative analyses with ELISA were performed with the same groups, and a low specificity (44%) was verified due to cross-reactions (high number of false positives) on ELISA tests, while the proposed immunosensor presented high selectivity and specificity (100%) without any false positives or false negatives for the serum samples from isolated patients with different types of CD and visceral leishmaniasis. Furthermore, the biosensor was stable for 5 days and presented a detection limit of 200 ng mL−1.
Views of People with Diabetes Regarding Their Experiences of the Facilitators and Barriers in Type 1 Diabetes Inpatient Care: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Nikitara Monica , Constantinou Costas S. , Andreou Eleni , Latzourakis Evangelos , Diomidous Marianna
Published: July 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to comprehend how people with diabetes view their experiences of the possible barriers and facilitators in inpatient care for type 1 diabetes from non-specialized nurses. Design: An interpretative phenomenology analysis (IPA) was conducted. Methods: The sample consisted of people with type 1 diabetes 1 (n = 24) who use the services of the state hospitals in Cyprus. The data were collected in two phases: firstly, focus groups with people with diabetes (n = 2) were conducted and analysed, and then individual semi-structured interviews with people with diabetes (n = 12) were conducted. Results: It is evident from the findings that people with diabetes experienced several barriers in diabetes inpatient care, which is concerning since this can have adverse effects on patients’ outcomes. No facilitators were reported. Conclusion: Significant results were found in relation to the barriers to diabetes inpatient care. Crucially, the findings demonstrate that all these factors can negatively affect the quality of care of patients with diabetes, and most of these factors are related not only to diabetes care but also generally to all patients who receive inpatient care. Interestingly, no participant reported any facilitators to their care, which further affected the negative perceptions of the care received.
Schedule Delay Risk Analysis in Construction Projects with a Simulation-Based Expert System
Authors: Koulinas Georgios , Xanthopoulos Alexandros , Tsilipiras Thomas , Koulouriotis Dimitrios
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we present a simulation-based approach for effectively estimating delay risks in project schedules and predicting the possibilities of in-time project completion for various deadlines. The main contribution of this study is the development of a novel approach for duration risk quantification, which uses a newly introduced equation for total risk estimation regarding activities’ durations, and quantifying the manager’s experience as expressed through a questionnaire. In addition, the proposed approach integrates these preferences into a simulation-based framework used for estimating the activities’ durations variation and predicting the actual project duration with more accuracy. Furthermore, using different distributions according to each activity characteristic supports decision making from a wide range of experts, from risk-averse to risk-seeking managers. The proposed method was applied to estimate the total project completion time of a complicated hotel renovation project and the possibility for the project to be delivered within an imposed deadline. The promising results in comparison to the classic PERT method proved that this process can better express the uncertainty and provide project risk managers with better predictions when estimating budget and time-critical overruns under lack of knowledge and historical data.
Resistance to Neoadjuvant Treatment in Breast Cancer: Clinicopathological and Molecular Predictors
Authors: Chica-Parrado María Rosario , Godoy-Ortiz Ana , Jiménez Begoña , Ribelles Nuria , Barragan Isabel , Alba Emilio
Published: July 2020

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) in Breast Cancer (BC) has proved useful for the reduction in tumor burden prior to surgery, allowing for a more extensive breast preservation and the eradication of subjacent micrometastases. However, the impact on prognosis is highly dependent on the establishment of Pathological Complete Response (pCR), in particular for Triple Negative (TN) and Hormonal Receptor negative/Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 positive (HR−/HER2+) subtypes. Several pCR predictors, such as PAM50, Integrative Cluster (IntClust), mutations in PI3KCA, or the Trastuzumab Risk model (TRAR), are useful molecular tools for estimating response to treatment and are prognostic. Major evolution events during BC NAC that feature the Residual Disease (RD) are the loss of HR and HER2, which are prognostic of bad outcome, and stemness and immune depletion-related gene expression aberrations. This dynamic nature of the determinants of response to BC NAC, together with the extensive heterogeneity of BC, raises the need to discern the individual and subtype-specific determinants of resistance. Moreover, refining the current approaches for a comprehensive monitoring of tumor evolution during treatment, RD, and eventual recurrences is essential for identifying new actionable alterations and the integral best management of the disease.
Cross-Cultural Validation of the Italian Version of the Bt-DUX: A Subjective Measure of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Who Underwent Surgery for Lower Extremity Malignant Bone Tumour
Authors: Morri Mattia , Bekkering Peter Willem , Cotti Marco , Meneghini Matilde , Venturini Enrico , Longhi Alessandra , Mariani Elisabetta , Forni Cristiana
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to translate the English bone tumour DUX (Bt-DUX-Eng) questionnaire for lower extremity bone tumour patients, a disease-specific quality of life (QoL) instrument, into Italian and then examine the validity of the Italian version of Bt-DUX (Bt-DUX-It). The adaptation and translation process included forward translation, back-translation, and a review of the back-translation by an expert committee. The Bt-DUX-It was validated in a sample of adolescents treated for lower extremity osteosarcoma in Italy. Assessments included the Bt-DUX, the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment Core Quality of Life Questionnaire of Cancer Patients (EORTC QLQ-C30). Fifty-one patients with a median age of 20 years (range: 15–25) completed the questionnaires. The mean Bt-DUX score was 70 (range: 16.30–100). The internal consistency of the overall score and that of the Bt-DUX-It was good: Cronbach’s α was 0.95. Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the Bt-DUX (total and domain scores) and EORTC QLQ C30 and TESS were overall moderate to good, reaching a p-value <0.01 in all cases. The Bt-DUX-It version is a useful tool for measuring QoL in patients with bone tumour and has similar internal consistency, construct validity, and discrimination as those of the Dutch and English versions.