bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in serum creatinine may cause hypoglycemia among non-critically ill patients admitted to internal medicine units
Authors: Zingerman Boris , Khanimov Israel , Shimonov Mordechai , Boaz Mona , Rozen-Zvi Benaya , Leibovitz Eyal
Published: April 2022

Background: The association between changes in serum creatinine levels and hypoglycemia during hospitalization was investigated. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of medical charts. Patients were categorized as having significant change in creatinine (SCIC) when serum creatinine levels rose or dropped ≥0.3 mg/dL from admission values, at any time during their hospitalization. Patients were considered hypoglycemic if they had at least one documented glucose level ≤70 mg/dL during the hospitalization. Multiple logistic, linear and Cox regression analyses were used to ascertain the association between incident SCIC, severity and timing with incident hypoglycemia. Results: Included were 25,400 (mean age 69.9 ± 18.0, 49.3% were males). Rate of SCIC was 22.2%, and 62.2% of them were diagnosed upon admission. Patients with SCIC had higher incidence of hypoglycemia compared to patients without (13.1% vs 4.1%, respectively, p< 0.001). Patients with SCIC had increased risk of hypoglycemia (OR 1.853, 95% CI 1.586-2.166, p<0.001). The magnitude of SCIC was associated with the incidence (OR 1.316, 95% CI 1.197-1.447, p<0.001) and number of events (HR 0.054, 95% CI 0.021-0.087, p=0.001). More than 60% of patients with hypoglycemia had their first event documented during days 0-6 after SCIC occurrence. Of those, the majority of events occurred on day 0-1, and the rate showed a gradual decrease throughout the first 5 days from SCIC occurrence. Results were similar for patients with and without DM. Conclusion: Changes in creatinine during hospitalization may cause hypoglycemia among patients admitted to internal medicine departments, regardless of DM status.
Lipidomics profiling to reveal the restorative effect of moisturizer in OICD patients
Authors: Fan Ke-liang , Mao Zhen-Xing , Wang Jia , Xu Qing-qing , Liu PengLing , Wang Juan , Wei Dan Dan , Wang Chong-Jian , Yan Lei , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhou Lihong , Yuan Chao , Chen Tian
Published: April 2022

Background: Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD) commonly manifests skin barrier function disrupted. The composition of the skin surface lipids (SSLs) determined the skin barrier function. This study aims to evaluated the repair effect of moisturizer on the skin barrier function of OICD patients and lipidomic tools were used to explore potential repair mechanisms.Methods: A before-after in the same patient study of real-world during December 2019 in Zhengzhou, China. 15 shampoo workers insisted on using moisturizer (2g each time, about 10 times a day) in their back of hands during work breaks. SSLs as main outcome, skin moisture content and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) as secondary outcome were used to evaluate alteration of skin barrier function at different research stages.Results: After using moisturizer for 2 weeks, skin moisture increased significantly (p<0.001) and TEWL decreased. A total of 635 SSLs were detected and classified into 5 main classes. The relative abundance of all lipids increased. Long-chain fatty acid (FA), glycerolipids (mainly triglyceride), cholesterol lipids as main lipids species were repaired for 1-week intervention. Glycerophospholipids as the main lipid was repaired for 2 weeks intervention. Conclusion: Moisturizer could be used as effective interventions to increase SSLs and repair skin barrier function to a certain extent in OICD patients.Trial registration: This study was reviewed and approved by the Zhengzhou University's Life Science Ethics Review Committee and Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ID: ChiCTR2000034103). Informed consent to participates were obtained before enrollment.
Cybercrime, a global and severe transnational problem in UAE and Globally – A Comparative Study
Authors: Alwasmi Muna
Published: April 2022

The approach of the web has significantly affected with current active features, making people and organizations immobilized against being focused on by cybercriminal movement. Cybercrime rates are increasing globally, and the outcomes of this include damage financially and in reputation, privacy loss, and intellectual property breaches. The UAE has become a chief target of cybercriminal activity due to the higher economic activity level and tourism. The present study aims to deliver a comparative study concerning cybercriminal activities and the controlling measures in the UAE and other parts of the world. The study looked, best practices and how organizations may adapt by establishing realistic and acceptable security policies to manage various security risks effectively. The study showed a relative difference between the cybercriminal activity in the UAE and globally. However, it is noted that cybercrimes have been rise, and governments are introducing newer policies, reforms, and measures for all cybercriminal activity.
The impact of greenhouse gas and ozone forcing on the Southern Hemisphere climate system
Authors: Daher Houraa , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: April 2022

Anthropogenic climate change in the Southern Hemisphere is driven by two forces, the greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) and the stratospheric ozone levels. In the past, the combination of increasing greenhouse gas emissions and ozone depletion over Antarctica worked together leading to an increase in sea surface temperatures and a poleward shift of the storm tracks. With the ozone expected to recover by mid-century, however, the greenhouse gas and ozone forces will oppose each other, and the changes observed previously will begin to weaken or reverse. The role the greenhouse gases and the ozone recovery play in the Southern Hemisphere climate system is examined using Community Climate System Model, version 4 coupled ocean eddy-parameterized and eddy-resolving simulations. The greenhouse gas emissions and ozone levels are specified independently to represent two extremes, peak greenhouse gas emissions and a recovered ozone. In the eddy-parameterized simulations, the ozone recovery signal is found to be stronger on average. In the case of the eddy-resolving simulations, however, the increase in greenhouse gases is stronger especially in eddy-rich regions like western boundary current regions and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, as the eddy-resolving simulations are able to resolve a more accurate eddy field in these highly active regions.
Association between tear meniscus dimensions and higher-order aberrations in patients with surgically treated lacrimal passage obstruction
Authors: Taniguchi Aya , Yunoki Tatsuya , Oiwake Toshihiko , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To analyze the relationship between tear meniscus dimensions and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in patients with lacrimal passage obstruction using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).Methods：This study was a retrospective observational study of 71 eyes of 49 patients with lacrimal passage obstruction. These patients received sheath-guided dacryoendoscopic probing and bicanalicular intubation (SG-BCI) at Toyama University Hospital between August 2020 and October 2021. Using AS-OCT, tear meniscus height (TMH), tear meniscus area (TMA), and total higher-order aberration (HOA) values were measured before and after surgery. Results：Surgical success was achieved in 69 eyes (97.1%). At the final observation, 62 eyes showed lacrimal patency (89.8%). The preoperative TMH, TMA, and HOA values were 1.55 ± 0.96 mm, 0.11 ± 0.14 mm2, and 0.37 ± 0.27 µm, respectively, and the final postoperative TMH, TMA, and HOA values were 0.97 ± 0.74 mm (p<0.0001), 0.06 ± 0.11 mm2 (p=0.02), and 0.29 ± 0.16 µm (p=0.001), respectively. The results showed a significant improvement. The changes in HOAs before and after surgery were positively correlated with the changes in TMH (r = 0.3476, p = 0.0241) and TMA (r = 0.3653, p = 0.0174).Conclusion：SG-BCI for lacrimal passage obstruction resulted in a significant decrease in measured HOAs. The decrease in HOAs was correlated with decreases in tear meniscus dimensions.
The application of an age adjusted D-dimer threshold to rule out suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) in an emergency department setting: A retrospective diagnostic cohort study
Authors: Barrett Liam , Jones Tom , Horner Daniel
Published: April 2022

BackgroundVenous Thromboembolic disease (VTE) poses a diagnostic challenge for clinicians in acute care. Over reliance on reference standard investigations can lead to over treatment and potential harm. We sought to evaluate the pragmatic performance and implications of using an age adjusted d-dimer (AADD) strategy to rule out VTE in patients with suspected disease attending an emergency department setting. We aimed to determine diagnostic test characteristics and assess whether this strategy would result in proportional imaging reduction and potential cost savings.MethodsDesign: Single centre retrospective diagnostic cohort studyAll patients >50 years old evaluated for possible VTE who presented to the ED over a consecutive 12-month period between January and December 2016 with a positive D-dimer result. Clinical assessment records and reference standard imaging results were followed up by multiple independent adjudicators and coded as VTE positive or negative. ResultsDuring the study period, there were 2132 positive D-dimer results. 1236 patients received reference standard investigations. A total increase of 314/1236 (25.1%) results would have been coded as true negatives as opposed to false positive if the AADD cut off point had been applied, with 314 reference standard tests subsequently avoided. The AADD cut off had comparable sensitivity to the current cut off despite this increase in specificity; sensitivities for the diagnosis of DVT were 99.28% (95% CI 96.06-99.98%) and 97.72% for PE (95% CI 91.94% to 97.72). There were 3 potential false negative results using the AADD strategy.ConclusionsIn patients with suspected VTE with a low or moderate pre-test probability, the application of AADD appears to increase the proportion of patients in which VTE can be excluded without the need for reference standard imaging. This management strategy is likely to be associated with substantial reduction in anticoagulation treatment, investigations and cost/time savings.
Evidence-based analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 furin site origin
Authors: Romeu Antonio R.
Published: April 2022

The origin of the SARS-CoV-2 is still unclear. Simply said, its emergence is due to the acquisitionof the polybasic furin cleavage site on the S protein in one of its closest relatives. The recentdiscovery in Laos of bat Rhinolophus coronaviruses that contain receptor binding domains almostidentical to that of SARS-CoV-2, and despite not having the furin site, they can therefore infecthuman cells (1), is the cornerstone to identify the SARS-CoV-2 progenitor. However, it is not yetknown where the insertion of the furin site at the S1/S2 junction in the S protein of the pandemicvirus came from. Not only from where, but also how and when of such acquisition. The mostsurprising was: (i) that the polybasic furin cleavage site is unique to SARS-CoV-2 amongSarbecovirus (2), and (ii) that the inserted four amino acid motif has a CGG-CGG encoded argininepair which is rare in coronaviruses (3). So, my question is if the SARS-CoV-2 insert in the S geneinsert would match to human transcripts. Here, I address this issue by using NCBI and GISAIDdatabases, the NCBI Human Genome Resources, sequence analysis tools and in-house developedbioinformatic tools. I found that the 12-nucleotide insert encoding SARS-CoV-2 furin site 100%match to several human transcripts. Taken together the presence of these human transcripts and theexpression patterns their genes, results provide insight into human potential recombination link toSARS-CoV-2 furin cleavage site, during undetected human-to-human virus transmission. OtherPRRA-like insertions in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are shown.
Effect of Iron Fortification on Anaemia and risk of Malaria among Ghanaian Pre-School Children with Haemoglobinopathies and different ABO blood groups
Authors: Tchum Samuel Kofi , Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Arthur Fareed , Adu Bright , Abubakar Latifatu Alhassan , Oppong Felix Boakye , Dzabeng Francis , Amoani Benjamin , Gyan Thomas , PokuAsante Kwaku
Published: April 2022

BackgroundHaemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency as well as differences in ABO blood group have been shown to influence the risk of malaria and/or anaemia in malaria-endemic areas. This study assessed how iron fortification in addition to weaning meals affects anaemia and the risk of malaria in Ghanaian pre-school children with haemoglobinopathies and different ABO blood groups.MethodsThis study was a double-blind, randomly clustered trial, conducted within six months among infants and young children aged 6 to 35 months in rural Ghana (775 clusters, n = 860). Participants were randomly selected into clusters to receive daily semi-liquid home-prepared meals mixed with either micronutrient powder without iron (non-iron group) or with iron (iron group; 12.5 mg of iron daily) for 5 months. Malaria infection was detected by microscopy, blood haemoglobin (Hb) level was measured with HemoCue Hb analyzer, the reversed ABO blood grouping microtube assay was determined and genotyping by PCR-RFLP analysis. ResultsThe prevalence of G6PD deficiency in the hemizygous male (8.5 %) was higher compared to the homozygous female (2.7 %) but were similar (p=0.668). The prevalence of sickle cell trait (HbAS and HbAC) and sickle cell disease (HbSS) were 17.5 % and 0.5 % respectively. Blood group O was dominant (41.4 %), followed by blood group A (29.6 %), blood group B (23.3 %) whilst blood group AB (5.7 %) was the rarest among study participants. This study observed that children on an iron supplement with HbAS had significantly moderate anaemia at the end line (EL) compared to baseline level (BL) (p < 0.05). However, subjects with HbAS and HbAC, blood group A and O in the iron group had a significantly increased number of malaria episodes at EL than at BL (p < 0.05). Furthermore, children in the iron group with HbSS (p < 0.001) and the non-iron group with HbCC (p = 0.010) were significantly less likely to get malaria.ConclusionsIron supplementation reduced anaemia of children with HbAS genotypes but provides less protection against malaria for children with HbAC and AS, blood groups A and O.
A Rare Case Report of Primary Hepatic Choriocarcinoma with Pregnancy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic challenge
Authors: Pakkala Amith Kumar , Nagari Bheerappa , Nekarakanti Phani Kumar , Bansal Ashish Kumar , Shroff Gourang , Uppin Megha S
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Choriocarcinoma mainly occurs in the gonads but extragonadal origin is infrequently reported. Primary hepatic choriocarcinoma (PHC) is a rare malignancy with only 11 cases reported in literature. Most of the previously reported cases are in males, with none reported in a pregnant female. To our knowledge this is the first case of PHC reported in a pregnant lady. Case description: A 23-year-old primigravida presented with a large liver lesion involving the right lobe of the liver at 28 weeks of pregnancy. Preoperative imaging was suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). She underwent non-anatomical resection of the liver lesion. Surprisingly, her postoperative histopathology revealed a diagnosis of PHC. Her blood workup showed elevated beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). She underwent termination of pregnancy at 32 weeks. Prior to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy four weeks after surgery, whole body positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed multiple bi-lobar liver and pelvic deposits. After multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion she was started on adjuvant chemotherapy. She is currently under regular follow-up, four months post-surgery. Conclusion: PHC is a very aggressive tumor with rapid progression to distant metastasis. It poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge warranting multidisciplinary approach.
A multimodal species distribution model incorporating remote sensing images and environmental features
Authors: zhang xiaojuan , Zhou Yongxiu , Peng Peihao , Wang Guoyan
Published: April 2022

ContextSpecies distribution models (SDMs) are critical in conservation decision-making and ecological or biogeographical inference. However, species distribution models are typically limited to using a single source of information as input to the model. This leaves us with a poor understanding of species distribution and landscape ecology processes.ObjectivesThe aims are to explore the feasibility of multimodal models for biodistribution prediction and address this limitation by developing a multimodal species distribution model that can simultaneously input multiple information sources to investigate a solution to the species distribution model's lack of accuracy with a single information source. MethodsThe proposed “multimodal species distribution model” used ResNet50 and Transformer network structures as the backbone for multimodal data modeling. (i) The ResNet50 network structure was used to compare different input sources' effects on the model's accuracy (SDMM-Net v1 and SDMM-Net v2). (ii) The Transformer network structure was used to investigate the effect of different feature fusion structures and feature fusion methods on the accuracy of the model (PreFuzeMM-Swin, PostFuzeMM-Swin and MidFuzeMM-Swin).ResultsOur model's accuracy was validated using the GEOLIFE2020 dataset, and we achieved the state-of-the-art (SOTA). We discovered that the prediction accuracy of the multimodal species distribution model with multiple data sources of remote sensing images, environmental variables, latitude and longitude information as inputs (29.56%) was higher than that of the model with only remote sensing images or environmental variables as inputs (25.72% and 21.68%, respectively). We also discovered that using a Transformer network structure to fuse data from multiple sources can significantly improve the accuracy of multimodal models, and the PreFuzeMM-Swin network model accuracy is higher than that of the PostFuzeMM-Swin network and MidFuzeMM-Swin network. ConclusionsWe proposed the first multimodal model with multiple sources of information as input for species distribution prediction to advance the research progress of multimodal models in the field of ecology.
Antiprotozoal activity of different Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacterial secondary metabolites and identification of bioactive compounds using the easyPACId approach
Authors: Gulsen Sebnem Hazal , Tileklioğlu Evren , Bode Edna , Cimen Harun , Ertabaklar Hatice , Ulug Derya , Ertug Sema , Wenski Sebastian L. , Touray Mustapha , Hazir Canan , Bilecenoglu Duygu Kaya , Yıldız Ibrahim , Bode Helge B. , Hazir Selcuk
Published: April 2022

Natural products have been proven to be important starting points for the development of new drugs. Bacteria in the genera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus produce antimicrobial compounds as secondary metabolites to compete with other organisms. Our study is the first comprehensive study screening the anti-protozoal activity of supernatants containing secondary metabolites produced by 5 Photorhabdus and 22 Xenorhabdus species against human parasitic protozoa, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis, Leishmania tropica and Trypanosoma cruzi, and the identification of novel bioactive antiprotozoal compounds using the easyPACId approach (easy Promoter Activated Compound Identification) method. Though not in all species, both bacterial genera produce antiprotozoal compounds effective on human pathogenic protozoa. The promoter exchange mutants revealed that antiprotozoal bioactive compounds produced by Xenorhabdus bacteria were fabclavines, xenocoumacins, xenorhabdins and PAX peptides. Among the bacteria assessed, only P. namnaoensis appears to have acquired amoebicidal property which is effective on E. histolytica trophozoites. These discovered antiprotozoal compounds can serve as starting points for the development of alternative and novel pharmaceutical agents in suppressing human parasitic protozoa in the future.
Comprehensive Analysis of Novel Immune Checkpoint Neuropilins
Authors: Bai Xue-li , He Li-hong , Zhang Xiao-zhen , Lao Meng-yi , Xu Jian , Yang Han-shen , Liang Ting-bo
Published: April 2022

Background: The traditional immune checkpoint blockade therapy benefits some patients with cancer, but there is a lack of response in certain cancers such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), motivating the enthusiasm of developing novel immune checkpoints and effective therapeutic targets. Methods: NRPs expression was analyzed via bioinformatics data, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and multiplexed immunohistochemistry. The relationship of NRPs to tumor immunological features and biological function in PAAD and pan-cancer were evaluated by a series of bioinformatics methods such as ssGSEA, TIDE, Gene Ontology and KEGG. In vitro human PAAD cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were examined using the CCK8, Transwell, and scratch wound healing assays, respectively. In vivo efficacy studies, using C57BL/6 mice and nude mice with PAAD cell-derived orthotopic tumors, employed antibodies against NRP1. Survival curves were constructed for the orthotopic model. Results: The expression of NRPs was generally higher in tumor tissues and that it was associated with a poor prognosis and pessimistic response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In nearly all cancers, the expression of NRPs was positively correlated with the infiltration of myeloid immune cells and the expression of most immune checkpoint genes. As regards tumor microenvironment of human PAAD samples, NRP1 and NRP2 were widely expressed in numerous cells types. Functional enrichment analysis, in vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that NRP1 exhibit potential pro-tumor effects via not only immune-related but also immune-independent interactions. Conclusions: NRPs, especially NRP1, are attractive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various cancers, especially PAAD, providing a new opportunity for tumor immunotherapy.
Blind nasogastric tube insertion performed within one minute or for a maximum of two or three attempts during resuscitation may minimize laryngopharyngeal mucosal injury: a prospective observational study
Authors: Miyamoto Kazuyuki , Takayasu Hiromi , Katsuki Shino , Maeda Atsuo , Suzuki Keisuke , Nakamura Motoyasu , Hida Noriko , Sambe Takehiko , Yagi Masaharu , Sasaki Jun , Hayashi Munetaka , Dohi Kenji
Published: April 2022

Background: Patients under resuscitation are at high risk for aspiration of gastric contents which causes ventilator-associated pneumonia. Therefore, blind nasogastric (NG) insertion is performed for decompression, however minimal trauma to the laryngopharynx can sometimes lead to severe bleeding in patients with a bleeding diathesis. Recently, the usefulness of NG tube placement under the assistance of a Video-laryngoscope (VLS) has reported. However, NG tube insertion is still performed blind, and insertion techniques to minimize mucosal injury during resuscitation are not well understood. We investigated laryngopharyngeal mucosal injury associated with blind NG tube insertion during resuscitation and considered practical blind NG tube insertion guidelines to minimize mucosal injury. Methods: We included patients (n = 84) with cardio pulmonary arrest on arrival in whom blind nasogastric tube insertion was possible within 120 s in the Blind group and those in whom it was not possible in the Difficult (Dif) group. In the Dif group, VLS-assisted nasogastric tube insertion was performed. The laryngopharyngeal mucosal condition was recorded after NG tube insertion using VLS. Patient background, success rates, insertion time, the number of insertions, and injury scores were evaluated. A single regression analysis was performed, and practical blind NG tube parameters for insertion during resuscitation were assessed. Results: Success rates in the Blind and Dif groups were 98.5% and 76.5%, respectively, and insertion times were 48.8 ± 4.0 and 54.8 ± 3.0 s, respectively. The number of insertions (2.1 ± 0.2 vs. 8.1 ± 0.8) and injury scores (1.04 ± 0.21 vs. 6.40 ± 0.64) in the Blind group were significantly lower than those in the Dif group, respectively. Mucosal injuries were most severe in the retropharyngeal wall in both groups. The number of insertions and insertion time both showed strong positive correlations with injury scores.Conclusion: The severity of laryngopharyngeal mucosal injury increased with increased insertion time and the number of insertions. Blind nasogastric tube insertion performed within 1 min or for a maximum of two or three attempts may minimize laryngopharyngeal mucosal injury, and VLS-assisted insertion should be considered if these limits are exceeded.
ANALISIS MANAJEMEN PENGELOLAAN UNIT PENGHIMPUN ZAKAT (UPZ) IAIN MADURA
Authors: Rohmah Nur Lia Nikmatur , Zainal Mohammad , Nadir Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Zakat merupakan salah satu ciri dari sistem perekonomian islam, harta yang dikeluarkan zakatnya akan menjadi berkah, bertambah dan berkembang, tumbuh, suci dan baik. Indonesia memiliki Badan Amil Zakat Nasional (BAZNAS) yang merupakan badan resmi dan satu-satunya dibentuk okeh pemerintah berdasarkan keptusan Presiden Republik Indonesia No. 8 Tahun 2001. BAZNAS membentuk satuan organisasi yang disebut dengan UPZ yaitu Unit Pengumpul Zakat yang berfungsi dalam membantu mengumpulkan zakat (UU No. 23 Tahun 2011 Pasal 1 angka 9). Di Pamekasan lebih tepatnya di IAIN Madura telah mempunyai organisasi yang mengelola dana ZIS dengan nama UPZ IAIN Madura. Dalam penelitian ini penyusun ingin mengetahui bagaimana manajemen pengelolaannya apakah sesuai dengan yang diharapkan atau dirasa tidak maksimal. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan jenis pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan melakukam wawancara langsung kepada Ketua UPZ IAIN Madura yakni Elman Duro yang memperoleh kesimpulan bahwa pengelolaan dana dirasa kurang maksimal dikarenakan dana yang masuk dinilai sedikit untuk seukuran UPZ IAIN Madura.
PENGARUH SHARIA COMPLIANCE TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN DENGAN MEDIASI KINERJA MAQASHID SYARIAH PADA PERBANKAN SYARIAH
Authors: Desta Sri Yulfa , Subagiyo Rokhmat , Usdeldi Usdeldi
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to prove that the mediation of the performance of sharia maqashid affects sharia compliance with financial performance. The method used was a regression analysis based on Structural Equation Modeling with panel data available in the annual reports published by Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia for the period 2014-2019. The results of the study proved that sharia compliance has a direct and significant negative influence on financial performance. However, sharia compliance does not have a significant effect on maqashid sharia performance. Furthermore, maqashid sharia performance has a negative and significant effect on financial performance, but does not mediate the influence of sharia compliance on financial performance at Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia. This research recommends that policymakers confirm regulations regarding the implementation and disclosure of sharia compliance and maqashid sharia performance indicators in the annual reports of Islamic Conventional Banks (ICBs). In addition, it is necessary to design an integrated Islamic banking performance measurement model that includes conventional financial performance indicators with maqashid sharia performance indicators. In practical implementation, ICBs should increase the implementation of sharia compliance and maqashid sharia performance indicators.
Penolakan Ajakan dalam Rangkaian Sosial dari Perspektif Sosiopragmatik
Authors:   UniKL Japan Universities Program, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (MFI), 43650 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Hieda Natsue , Jalaluddin Nor Hashimah ,   Institut Alam dan Tamadun Melayu, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Jaafar Mohammad Fadzeli ,   Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: April 2022

Penolakan ajakan merupakan suatu lakuan bahasa yang penting dikuasai oleh penutur bahasa kedua. Kajian ini dijalankan bertujuan menghuraikan strategi penolakan ajakan yang diambil oleh penutur natif bahasa Melayu (MNS) dan penutur natif bahasa Jepun (JNS) serta menerangkan “kesan kesantunan” terhadap strategi yang diambil oleh MNS dalam bahasa Jepun. Kaedah pengutipan data yang diterapkan dalam kajian ini ialah lakonan terbuka melalui perkhidmatan rangkaian sosial diikuti temu bual pasca lakonan. Kajian dijalankan dengan membandingkan susunan formula semantik serta purata penggunaan emoji dalam kalangan 20 orang MNS dan 20 orang JNS. Perbandingan dilakukan bagi kedua-dua konteks bahasa ibunda dan konteks silang budaya. Kesan kesantunan dibincangkan berasaskan Teori Kesantunan Wacana. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa tiada perbezaan yang ketara antara konteks bahasa ibunda dengan konteks silang budaya dari segi susunan formula semantik mahupun purata penggunaan emoji. Tiada sebarang kes yang menghasilkan kesan kesantunan negatif dalam kajian ini walaupun dua kes dianggap sebagai pemindahan pragmatik. Kajian ini telah membuktikan bahawa strategi yang berlainan daripada norma bahasa sasaran tidak semestinya menjejaskan komunikasi yang lancar dalam interaksi antara budaya, sebaliknya strategi tersebut masih dapat diterima hasil daripada kerjasama antara penghantar mesej dengan penerima mesej.
Kesangsian Terhadap Agama: Memetakan Wacana-Wacana Barat yang Melingkari “Kemodenan” Abdullah Munsyi
Authors:   Jabatan Bahasa Melayu, Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Abdul Rani Mohd Zariat
Published: April 2022

Makalah ini bertitik tolak daripada pengamatan awal terhadap korpus kesarjanaan tentang Abdullah Munsyi, seorang tokoh yang diberikan gelaran “Bapa Kesusasteraan Melayu Moden”. Pengamatan ini menyerlahkan beberapa kecenderungan dalam kajian-kajian ilmiah sedia ada. Antara kecenderungan tersebut ialah perakuan terhadap “kemodenan” Abdullah Munsyi serta peranan Barat dalam soal kemodenan beliau. Selain itu ialah polemik tentang kewajaran Abdullah Munsyi menerima gelaran tersebut. Dalam konteks kecenderungan korpus yang sedemikian, makalah ini menghujahkan bahawa sejarah serta perkembangan intelektual di Barat memainkan peranan yang signifikan dalam usaha memahami kedudukan Abdullah Munsyi dalam sejarah dan kebudayaan Melayu. Justeru, makalah ini bertujuan untuk memetakan wacana-wacana Barat yang melingkari soal “kemodenan” Abdullah Munsyi, dan seterusnya mengenal pasti idea utama yang menyatukan wacana-wacana tersebut. Makalah ini berhasil dalam memetakan Sekularisme dan Modenisme sebagai wacana-wacana yang terlebih dahulu timbul di Barat, yang kemudiannya melingkari perbahasan tentang “kemodenan” Abdullah Munsyi. Pemetaan ini turut memungkinkan pengenalpastian idea utama yang menunjangi kedua-dua wacana tersebut, iaitu kesangsian terhadap agama terutamanya autoriti keagamaan yang melingkari gelaran “Bapa Kesusasteraan Melayu Moden” kepada Abdullah Munsyi.
Misa Melayu: Sumber Dokumen Penting Pengkajian Tentang Aspek Ekonomi Perak Kurun ke-18
Authors:   Independent Researcher, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA, Mohamed Sharif Siti Noor Hafizah
Published: April 2022

Makalah ini membincangkan Misa Melayu sebagai sumber dokumen penting pengkajian aspek ekonomi Perak (1728–1792). Misa Melayu sering digunakan sebagai dokumen penting dalam penulisan sejarah Perak sebelum ini. Misalnya, dokumen ini sering digunakan untuk membincangkan aspek politik (susur galur atau salasilah sultan-sultan yang mentadbir Perak dan peristiwa-peritiwa politik penting yang melanda Perak) serta aspek sosial (struktur sosial dan adat istiadat negeri Perak) pada kurun ke-18. Namun permasalahannya, dokumen ini jarang diketengahkan dalam pengkajian ekonomi Perak pada kurun yang sama. Ringkasnya, makalah ini mendapati bahawa melalui Misa Melayu, aspek ekonomi utama Perak pada kurun ke-18 dapat diketahui dengan jelas. Sebagai contoh, Misa Melayu membuktikan kemampuan Perak memenuhi jumlah permintaan bijih timah oleh Belanda yang merupakan rakan dagang utama Perak. Selain daripada bijih timah, gajah juga merupakan dagangan utama Perak dan gajah dari Perak dieksport sehingga ke India. Penulisan makalah ini merujuk kepada Misa Melayu sebagai dokumen primer utama selain rekod asing iaitu perjanjian-perjanjian perdagangan antara Syarikat Hindia Belanda dengan Perak.
A Case Study of Malaysian Teachers’ Practice of Play-based Learning in Preschool
Authors:   School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Kheioh San Li , Low Hui Min ,   School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: April 2022

Malaysian early education authorities have advocated for play-based learning in Malaysian classrooms in recent years. However, there is minimal recorded evidence of the state of play-based learning implementation in preschools. This study seeks to investigate the practice of play-based learning by three Chinese-ethnic teachers in a preschool. The choice of a case study is to enable a detailed examination of the intertwining relationship between knowledge, attitude and practice of play-based learning among the case study teachers. The findings obtained from three sets of self-report rating and observation point to a stronger influence of knowledge than attitude on the teachers’ practice of play-based learning. Improved knowledge about play-based learning is critical for the Malaysian preschool teachers to apply play-based learning in their teaching practice. Without adequate knowledge in play-based learning, there is the risk that teachers will continue to perceive “play” and “learning” as two separate entities, and correspondingly believe that play has an adverse effect on learning.
Unilateral Conversion of Minors to Islam: Legal Discourse and Muslim Converts’ Narrative on Custody and Religious Rights in Malaysia
Authors:   ARBA Foundation, Selangor, Malaysia, Nabees Khan Azlan Shah , Samuri Mohd Al Adib ,   Institute of Islam Hadhari, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: April 2022

The unilateral conversion of minors to Islam is a controversial issue in Malaysia, particularly when it involves conflicting legal rights between Muslim converts and their non-Muslim families regarding issues of parental rights, child custody and determination of the child’s religion. Even more pertinent is the fact that the issue of conversion is intertwined with legal and socio-political issues such as the rising Muslim religious conservatism, Islamisation of law and political identity. As such, this article aims to discuss the issues of parental rights, child custody and determination of the child’s religion in the context of conversion to Islam in Malaysia from a legal and Muslim convert’s perspective. To explore the perspective of Muslim converts on the matter, nine participants were interviewed for the purpose of this study and were recruited through the snowball method amongst activist converts and individuals who were involved in related court cases. This study found that the negotiations that have to be made by these converts demonstrate the pressure they face to prove their commitment to their new religion, all the while maintaining their family dynamic. To some converts, Islam and its terms are referenced in the negotiation process, whether through legal channels or through public discourse; further, there are more peaceful narratives that ensure the family dynamics and its integrity, despite the ultimate goal being a da’wah (proselytisation) agenda. Beyond Malaysia, this study shows how religious laws impact the lives of multiethnic and multireligious community.
Mualaf di Malaysia: Isu dan Penyelesaian Pentadbiran oleh Majlis Agama Islam Selangor
Authors:   Department of Islamic Political Science, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Syed Ismail al-Qudsy Sharifah Hayaati , Mohamed Hamidi Nurhidayah ,   Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: April 2022

Among the mualaf (new Muslim converts) issues faced by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council were issues of the struggle for the deceased’s body, religious status, determination of inheritance and the determination of religious status for children. However, the factors that led to the issue of the mualaf, particularly the administrative aspect, gets less attention than the legal aspect. This study analyses mualaf-related issues occurring between 2000 and 2015, factors that caused the issues and how the Selangor Islamic Religious Council administration solved them. The purpose of this analysis is to identify problems and to analyse the factors that caused the issue to persist as well as to highlight the administrative efforts by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council. This study was done using an interview method, literature survey and documentation analysis using the thematic method. The findings found that there were seven main issues concerning mualaf that were associated with registration administration, caused by administrative complications and refusal to amend their religious status. The administrative complications cover three aspects which are incomplete and insufficient registration information, registration not following the procedure and absence of systematic monitoring. Refusal to amend the religious status owes to their desire to keep secret their Islamic status. In overcoming this issue, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council has taken several measures including online registration through the IMualaf and manual registration, obtaining supporting documents from the mualaf, preparing standard operating procedure for mualaf registration and requiring the registration of Islamic status at the National Registration Department. As a result of this study, some improvements in mualaf registration procedures have been recommended. Such measures include conducting mualaf registration on a fully online basis, developing software that allows registration information to be easily accessed and monitored not only, by the Selangor Zakat Council but also by the National Registration Department.
Faktor Kemudahterancaman Multidimensi bagi Kumpulan B40 di Wilayah Kelantan Selatan
Authors:   Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Kelantan Branch), Kelantan, Malaysia, Ab Rani Nor Zuriati Amani , Ghazali Rospidah ,   Institute for Environment and Development, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia, Ismail Mohd Khairi ,   Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Terengganu Branch), Terengganu, Malaysia
Published: April 2022

Vulnerability means a sense of insecurity resulting from exposure to the threat of the effects of social and environmental changes. The inability to adapt to such changes puts external environmental pressures and uncertain risks on households and communities. The purpose of this study is to identify the multidimensional vulnerability factors of B40 households in the southern region of Kelantan. The respondents consist of 385 heads of B40 households. Data collection was conducted face-to-face through questionnaires. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis. The results of the study found that B40 households face multidimensional vulnerability in terms of economic, social/physical and environmental vulnerabilities. The three components of economic vulnerability factors are (1) job and source of income loss, (2) rising prices and production costs, and (3) lack of capital and marketing. Meanwhile, social/physical and environmental vulnerabilities are explained by one component factor only. In conclusion, B40 households in the southern region of Kelantan need to diversify their income portfolio and not rely on one source of income only. They also need to take precautions against seasonal and environmental changes that will threaten and affect their daily activities. This study can be expanded by using other multidimensional aspects of vulnerability, such as health, market, politics, demographics and agricultural vulnerabilities. The study may also involve M40 and T20 households as respondents for future studies.
Second Rényi entropy and annulus partition function for one-dimensional quantum critical systems with boundaries
Authors: Estienne Benoit , Ikhlef Yacine , Rotaru Andrei
Published: April 2022

We consider the entanglement entropy in critical one-dimensional quantum systems with open boundary conditions. We show that the second Rényi entropy of an interval away from the boundary can be computed exactly, provided the same conformal boundary condition is applied on both sides. The result involves the annulus partition function. We compare our exact result with numerical computations for the critical quantum Ising chain with open boundary conditions. We find excellent agreement, and we analyse in detail the finite-size corrections, which are known to be much larger than for a periodic system.
Chromatographic Profiles of Ethyl Acetate Extracts Produced by Bacillus sp. Collected from the Mangroves in the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Valença Camilla , Hollanda Luciana , Jain Sona , Caramão Elina
Published: April 2022

The genus Bacillus is Gram-positive, anaerobic or aerobic facultative bacteria, often described to be associated with the mangrove rhizosphere. Secondary products of their metabolism, coming from places affected by pollution and environmental stresses, such as mangroves, have been attracting interest from the biotechnological point of view. In view of this scenario, this work analyzed the ethyl acetate extracts of the cultured Bacillus species, previously isolated from mangroves located in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Chromatographic profiles of seven bacterial isolates collected from two different mangroves were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and many important compounds of biotechnological interests, mainly those derived from azo-aromatic compounds such as pyrazines, pyrrolo-pyrazines, and piperazinediones, were detected. This study is one of the first, in our knowledge, prospecting volatile or semi volatile organic compounds from ethyl acetate extracts produced by bacteria isolated from the mangroves, and intents to increase the interest in this coastal ecosystem as a source of compounds with biotechnological applications.
Adapting sanitary inspections for the monitoring of small drinking water supplies in Iceland
Authors: King R. , Gunnarsdottir M. J. , Narfason Þ. , Hjaltadóttir S. , Sigurðsson Á. , Herschan J. , Gardarsson S. M. , McKeown R. M. , Pond K.
Published: April 2022

Sanitary inspections (SIs) are checklists of questions used to identify actual and potential sources and pathways of drinking water contamination. Though the importance of SI adaptation to local contexts is widely acknowledged, there is currently limited guidance on how this should be undertaken in practice. During this research, World Health Organization (WHO) draft template SI forms for spring and borehole supplies were adapted for use in Iceland based on a series of desk reviews and field tests, an approach which may guide other future SI adaptation processes. SI results were collected from 25 spring supplies and nine borehole supplies in three regions of Iceland using adapted SI forms. These results were combined with 10-year historical water quality data from the same supplies to explore potential relationships between both data sets. Binary logistic regression test results indicated a statistically significant association (P = 0.025; odds ratio (OR) 1.864, 95% CI 1.080–3.220) between SI Question 3 (Does ponding from surface water occur around the spring/borehole?) receiving a ‘High’ risk level assignment and at least one historical incidence of water quality noncompliance for the parameters heterotrophic plate count 22 °C, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and turbidity at the same supply. The significant modifications applied to the starting template during the testing and development of the Icelandic SI form emphasises the importance of a robust adaptation process to ensure SI forms are appropriate for the local context. Results from the analysis of SI and water quality test results demonstrated the potential for these data sets to identify the primary risks at a supply. This information may then be used to direct remedial actions, especially when the amount of relevant data increases over time.
Spatial and temporal variation in rainfall and streamflow – Dzalanyama Catchment, Malawi
Authors: Munthali G. , Gumindoga W. , Chidya R. C. G. , Malota M. , Muhoyi H.
Published: April 2022

Mixed research design methods were used to assess the spatio-temporal variation of rainfall and streamflow in the Dzalanyama Catchment, Malawi. Trend analysis was carried out using the Mann-Kendall trend test and showed that only three stations had statistically significant trends at the 5% level in rainfall at different time scales. Three out of five stations indicated statistically significant increasing trends at 5% level on streamflow analysis. The streamflow analysis results indicated that the warm-wet season has high mean values, the highest being 16.95 mm/month (February). The cool-dry season had lower mean values, the lowest being 0.45 mm in September. The coefficient of variation was higher in the wet than the dry months, its highest being 123% in December and the lowest 58% in September. The variability at various stations might arise from factors associated with human activity, and thorough knowledge and analysis of rainfall and streamflow regimes on different time scales are necessary for water resource management to mitigate floods and droughts.
Preparation of structured biochar, its adsorption capacity of N and P and its characterization
Authors: Fanfan Liang , Yungen Liu , Yan Wang , Silin Yang , Rong Ma
Published: April 2022

Structured biochar (SC) was prepared by biochar from cattail-sludge mixture (CS) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and treated as an adsorbent, and the KH2PO4 and NH4Cl solution were treated as adsorbates, to explore the adsorption capacity of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) on SC in water. A single factor experimental method was employed to determine the optimal parameters for SC. The results showed that: 60% sizing amount, 5 N (cm2)−1 molding pressure, 160 °C molding temperature and 95 min molding time were optimal parameters for SC preparation. The adsorption of P and N on SC conforms to the Langmuir model, with the distribution of adsorption sites on the surface tending to be even. The adsorption of P and N on SC is favorable and spontaneous, and the adsorption tends to be monolayer adsorption with a major role for chemical adsorption. The higher the temperature, the higher the adsorption capacity of P and N on SC is, and the affinity of SC with P is higher than that with N. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model for the adsorption of N and P by SC has a high degree of fit. The pHpzc value of SC was 8.57. The hydrophobicity and stability of SC are rather high, with the surface particles closely bonded and increased roughness and pore diameter. The adsorption mechanism of P and N on SC can be attributed to pore filling, electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding. The results can provide a new technology for the resource utilization of cattails and sludge, a new idea for the recycling and reuse of biochar, and a basis for the selection of materials for the treatment of eutrophic water bodies.