Statistical Analysis of Accident Patterns and The Causes at A State Road in Perlis

Data from the World Health Organization have stated that each year, approximately 1.3 million road users are at high risk of a road traffic accident. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the accident patterns and causes at a state road of Kangar to Alor Setar. The methods used to evaluate the accident patterns are the chi-squared test (CST) and level of service (LOS) survey. The Pearson CST shows that the significant factors for accidents are the age of the drivers, in which people below 30 years old are likely to be involved in accidents ( = 0.037), and type of vehicles used, in which motorcycles are more prone to be involved in accidents ( = 0.000). However, gender shows an equal risk for accident involvement ( = 0.911). The LOS E is observed on evenings of Monday and Friday, indicating the unstable flows of traffic during those periods. Partial least squares structural equation modelling is used to evaluate the causes of accidents from the road user’s perspective via a questionnaire. Before distribution, the questionnaire underwent a pilot study to ensure its validity and reliability. Four hypotheses were developed with the following independent variables: human factors, vehicle factors, environment factors and road condition factors. Results show that the majority of the road users (33.3%) travelled 1 to 3 times per week and 23.1% of them were involved in accidents while travelling on this road. The validity test via the structural model shows that the most significant factors affecting the relationships to the accidents are the road factors (t = 6.166, p = 0.000), the vehicle factors (t = 4.3399, p = 0.000) and the human factors (t = 2.893, p = 0.005). Thus, the factors are significant to the causes of accidents on this road. Countermeasures that emphasise these factors are very important to be considered by authorities to reduce accidents on this road

Statistical Analysis of Accident Patterns and The Causes at A State Road in Perlis

Data from the World Health Organization have stated that each year, approximately 1.3 million road users are at high risk of a road traffic accident. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the accident patterns and causes at a state road of Kangar to Alor Setar. The methods used to evaluate the accident patterns are the chi-squared test (CST) and level of service (LOS) survey. The Pearson CST shows that the significant factors for accidents are the age of the drivers, in which people below 30 years old are likely to be involved in accidents ( = 0.037), and type of vehicles used, in which motorcycles are more prone to be involved in accidents ( = 0.000). However, gender shows an equal risk for accident involvement ( = 0.911). The LOS E is observed on evenings of Monday and Friday, indicating the unstable flows of traffic during those periods. Partial least squares structural equation modelling is used to evaluate the causes of accidents from the road user’s perspective via a questionnaire. Before distribution, the questionnaire underwent a pilot study to ensure its validity and reliability. Four hypotheses were developed with the following independent variables: human factors, vehicle factors, environment factors and road condition factors. Results show that the majority of the road users (33.3%) travelled 1 to 3 times per week and 23.1% of them were involved in accidents while travelling on this road. The validity test via the structural model shows that the most significant factors affecting the relationships to the accidents are the road factors (t = 6.166, p = 0.000), the vehicle factors (t = 4.3399, p = 0.000) and the human factors (t = 2.893, p = 0.005). Thus, the factors are significant to the causes of accidents on this road. Countermeasures that emphasise these factors are very important to be considered by authorities to reduce accidents on this road

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis

This article aims at highlighting the importance of suspecting thyrotoxicosis in cases of recurrent periodic flaccid paralysis; especially in Asian men to facilitate early diagnosis of the former condition. A case report of a 28 year old male patient with recurrent periodic flaccid paralysis has been presented. Hypokalemia secondary to thyrotoxicosis was diagnosed as the cause of the paralysis. The patient was given oral potassium intervention over 24 hours. The patient showed complete recovery after the medical intervention and was discharged after 24 hours with no residual paralysis. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a complication of thyrotoxicosis, more common amongst males in Asia. It presents as acute flaccid paralysis in a case of hyperthyroidism with associated hypokalemia. The features of thyrotoxicosis may be subtle or absent. Thus, in cases of recurrent or acute flaccid muscle paralysis, it is important to consider thyrotoxicosis as one of the possible causes, and take measures accordingly