Socio-economic and travel characteristics of transit users at Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) stations

The level of motorization has been increasing at an alarming rate in Malaysia over the years. Increase in population, economic growth, affordability to purchase vehicles, low fuel price and attractive vehicles financing system are some factors causing growth in motorization. As a result, Klang Valley and its conurbation are overwhelmed by traffic congestion due to the people’s tendency to travel by their cars. It is vital to identify the factors influencing transit users to choose the LRT services as their mode of transport to provide a productive solution for these serious issues. Some of the factors are related to socioeconomic and travel characteristics. The objective of this study is to identify the factors affecting the selection of LRT services as the transportation mode for travel activities in terms of demographic and travel pattern of the transit users. A survey was conducted in 3 stations in Kelana Jaya line and three stations in Ampang Line. Questionnaires were distributed to passengers accessing or departing from the selected TOD stations. The questionnaire survey covers areas such as the location of origin and destination, type of activities at original location and destination, and mode of transport used to reach the TOD stations. From this study, the travel distance, important type of activities at original and destination point, and major mode of transport to access or depart from TOD stations were identified. The findings were compared to the literature, and the output was presented in appropriate digital mapping images. Recommendations were made to realize the acceptable travel distance and mode of transport choice, as well as the primary land use activities for the improvement of TOD stations in Kuala Lumpur

Dimensions of Masjid architecture: perspectives and writings in theory and design

The book is a culmination of writings from selected practitioners and academics initiated from the elective course of AAR 4033 Masjid Architecture for the Bachelor of Architecture programme in the International Islamic University Malaysia in 2008. The book covers both the theory and design of Masjid Architecture providing perspectives in discussive writings of concepts and approach; evaluation of designs through spatial, tectonic, details and environment; experimentation with construction; and reflective inference to the Quran and Sunnah on the purpose of its establishment. Selected authors are experts in the industry and the academia. The book intend to bridge the gap between theory and design of Masjid least discuss and bring another dimension in reliving the spirit manifested in the establishment of masjid appropriate for the House of Allah

Community empowerment for malaria control and prevention in Kampung Tong Nibong, Sarawak: an intervention study

Introduction Tong Nibong is a Bidayuh village located at Sarawak Kalimantan border. Since the year 2004 to 2009, a total of 537 cases of malaria were recorded in Serian District of which 14 cases were reported from Kampung Tong Nibong. Community empowerment programme for malaria infection prevention showed tremendous improvement in implementation. This intervention study aims to gauge the effectiveness of community empowerment approach in malaria elimination programme in Kampung Tong Nibong Serian. Methods An intervention study was conducted with pre and post data collection. Data was collected using validated questionnaire by face to face interview. Universal sampling method was used to select respondents from head of household and post data was collected after intervention activities were carried out within a year of study period. Results The study showed significant difference on level of knowledge of respondents on vector of malaria between pre and post data with a P < 0.05. There was significant difference between pre and post data on practices on control and prevention of malaria with a P < 0.05. The same goes to level of positive attitude of respondents towards malaria control. Conclusions In conclusion, the study can be considered successful because there is significant difference in knowledge, attitude and practice among the respondents between pre and post data. This indicates that community empowerment (voluntary participation) measures can be implemented in high risk or endemic areas where malaria is a persistent problem to the community and health institutions faces many limiting factors

Anaesthesiology & Critical Care Postgraduate Training in Malaysia : training curriculum

This document is the National Postgraduate Medical Curriculum (NPMC) for Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, and is part of the NPMC Project which is intended to cover the development of curricula for all clinical medical specialists in Malaysia. It is to ensure that the training is consistent and competency based, and meets the standards required by the respective national bodies and the National Specialist Register (NSR)

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Analysis on pedestrian infrastructure design at rail transit stations along Kelana Jaya line

Public transport is one of the components that help in reducing the traffic congestion and traffic accidents by providing mobility as well as accessibility to people. As there are increasing in the numbers of transit users, there are also increasing regarding demand for a better walking environment either from the station or to the station. In providing a better walking environment to the users, the pedestrian infrastructure should be continuously be monitored and improved to meet the user's demand. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the existing pedestrian infrastructure provided at each selected station and the issues that lead to the low usage of the infrastructure

The shaping of children’s emotion through literature reading materials

Emotion needs to exist in every human’s life because without emotion someone’s life tends to be empty and boring. The feelings of happy or sad, cheerful or miserable, hate or love, bravery or cowardice and others that exist in humans’ life will influence the action and perception of daily activities. This means that human life is somehow is affected by the molding of emotion. There are so many ways to implement emotion on someone’s life. In this matter, the differences between the process of molding the emotions of children and adults exist. Children, who spend most of their time at school, will be exposed to a variety of reading materials. The reading materials need to be studied closely to determine the influence of the reading materials on the molding of children’s emotion. Therefore, this paper will discuss the findings of the molding process on childrens’ emotions through the use of literature. This study uses students ranging in age from 7 to12 years old as samples. Thirty students from three primary schools from every zone in Malaysia were chosen for the study. In this matter, the subjects were chosen randomly and were then interviewed. An observation method was used to obtain data in order to fulfill the objectives of the study. Each child’s story was analyzed by using the psycholistic approach. The language aspect (from the books that the subjects read) that influenced the molding process of the childrens’ emotion was taken into consideration throughout the study

Summary on the Effect of Density, Diversity and Pedestrian Infrastructure on the Use of Rail-based Urban Public Transport

The high increase in travel demand, particularly in the urban areas requires continuous provision of new road and related infrastructure. However, provision of new road infrastructure is not always feasible due to constraints on the availability of limited resources and adverse negative impacts on the environment. Thus, public transit is one of the viable solutions that can be considered in addressing the increase in travel demand especially in urban areas. However, the patronage on public transit is not encouraging in major car-oriented cities in Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur. The rise in the private vehicle ownership, disaggregated spread of major land use activities, low public transit network coverage and limited public transit services are some of the main reasons for this trend. The aim of this paper is to synthesise and critically evaluate the effects of land use Density, Diversity and pedestrian infrastructure Design (3Ds) on railbased urban public transport ridership from literature review. This paper analyses the existing literature on Transit-Oriented Design (TOD), its elements and characteristics as well as its successful application in few selected countries to ascertain the extent of land use characteristics effects on the use of rail-based public transit. This paper also draws attention to opportunities for further studies and its benefit for future selection of transit station

Modeling the land use and pedestrian environment for the rail-based transit-oriented development towards realizing NKRA initiatives for an improved urban public transportation system

The main focus of this research is to evaluate the effects of land use density, land use diversity, pedestrian infrastructures on rail-based transit ridership. From the previous literature, it is well known that these three main components would have adverse effects on transit ridership – the higher the land use density, diversity, and good pedestrian infrastructures, the higher the increase in transit ridership. Some of the main findings from the analysis on the effects of 3Ds (density, diversity, design) on passenger ridership show a mixed result. Generally, the findings concur with previous literature in which the transit stations having high land use density and diversity were patronizing high passenger ridership and similarly lower passenger rideship at transit stations with low land use density and diversity. Nevertheless, it was also found out that some other transit stations along the selected LRT line having high land use density and diversity were found to be patronizing low passenger ridership. Similarly, some other transit stations having low land use density and diversity were found to be patronizing high passenger ridership. The likely reasons for high land use density and diversity but low passenger ridership are inappropriate location of transit stations, and absence of feeder bus services from the neighboring residential areas to the transit station. On the other hand, the likely reasons for low land use density and diversity but high passenger ridership are presence of park and ride facilities at the transit station and regular provision of feeder bus services. The correlation analysis that was applied to all the selected variables shows some of the variables were highly correlated but some other variables were weakly correlated. The variables such as the “existence of interchange to other modes of transport”, “interchange to ERL”, “bicycle rack availability”, “residential, and open spaces” are correlated with average daily ridership for Kelana Jaya line LRT stations. The variables such as “interchange to other modes of transport”, “connecting station”, “residential and institutional” land use are correlated with average daily ridership for Ampang line LRT stations. The variables such as “interchange to other modes of public transport”, “interchange to ERL”, “residential and commercial” land use were correlated with average daily ridership for both lines (Kelana Jaya and Ampang) when combined; The key findings from linear regression model show “interchange to other modes of public transport”, “interchange to ERL” and “commercial development surrounding rail stations” can able to increase rail transit ridership. The findings from this study are expected to contribute towards realizing the public policies in improving the use of public transport in major cities in Malaysia. The alignment of future transit line especially the transit station should be planned and located at places where the surrounding development is at least medium land use density and diversity. Additionally, the provision of well-connected pedestrian infrastructures connecting the transit station to the surrounding land use also increases rail transit ridership. To complement the increase in the use of public transit, other main station infrastructure such as park and ride facilities, feeder bus services must also be considered when planning transit stations