The Key Determinant Factors for Social Sustainability in Traditional Settlement

Successful traditional settlements refer to a settlement environment that spontaneously built by residents who consider their existing site integrates with excellent social sustainability indicators. This study aims to determine the critical factors of physical character for social sustainability of a traditional settlement with the objective to identify the types of physical characteristics deemed as significant in daily social interaction among the locals. To achieve this, a quantitative method was employed using questionnaire survey distributed to 400 residents in two historic settlements, namely Kampung Pulau Duyong and Kampung Losong located at Kuala Terengganu. Both sites are selected due to good conservation practices observed concerning the physical landscape. The results generated from the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed eleven factors (11) related to social sustainability. Such factors then categorised into six latent factors, which are the preservation of local identity, safety, provision of infrastructure, natural qualities, accessibility, and availability of public spaces. The findings recall the relationship between physical aspects and social sustainability as a step towards improvement in historic site preservation efforts.Keywords: social sustainability; traditional settlement; factor analysis; Kuala TerengganueISSN: 2398-4287 © 2019. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v4i12.194

Implications of patch size and landscape matrix towards native-forest bird species in fragmented forests

Forest fragmentation has been one of the major issues in urban landscape due to anthropogenic activities. It produces remnants of forest patches, which were originally large and continuous forest. Forest fragmentation will adversely impact on forest fauna diversity. However, the impacts are dependent on the type and characteristic of the forest remnants itself. This study therefore investigated species composition of birds within fragmented forest in the state of Selangor. Six remnants of forest reserves located in the midst of urban landscape that vary in size and landscape matrix were chosen. Methods used were mist-netting and direct observation. A total of 83 species of birds have been recorded in all sites. Native-forest species are species that depends solely on forest for their livelihood. Larger percentage of native-forest species were found in the larger forest compared to smaller forest suggesting that smaller forest are more vulnerable towards invasion of non-forest species. This however is highly supported by the landscape matrix that surrounds the forest. In conclusion, landscape matrix other than forest size were found to be the major factor that influenced the capacity of the forest to maintain more native-forest species. However,further studies need to be carried out at a larger experimental scale to test this theory

Using circuit theory, connectivity analysis and least-cost path to model the potential ecological corridors of Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) at Chini-Bera Forest Complex in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

In Peninsular Malaysia, the Master Plan of Ecological Linkages has proposed ecological corridors at Chini-Bera forests complex to connect the forest patches. However, the proposed corridors have been determined arbitrarily without evaluating the reliability of the landscape structure which may cause liability in conservation effort. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the potential ecological corridors by considering the reliability of landscape structure in Chini-Bera forests complex using Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) as a focal species. The tapir was chosen because it is one of the target large mammals in the master plan. In this study, three landscape structures, i.e., patch size, patch distance and landscape resistance were used as parameters in modelling the potential ecological corridors for tapirs. In the modelling, circuit theory, connectivity analysis and least-cost path were integrated using the geographic information systems and remote sensing platforms. The model has identified a total of 35 potential ecological corridors for tapir of which over 50% connect the large core areas while the other 25% connect the small core areas. Meanwhile, four corridors can be considered as priority corridor as their effective resistance below 1000 which indicate easy movement and high connectivity. The findings showed the importance to consider the reliability of the patch size, patch distance dan landscape resistance in determining the potential ecological corridors of wildlife to avoid liability in conservation effort. In addition, the integrated modelling approach contributes to a more concrete assessment of ecological corridors for effective wildlife conservation planning

Integrating GIS and expert judgment in a multi-criteria analysis to map and develop a habitat suitability index: a case study of large mammals on the Malayan Peninsula

Many habitat patches in tropical landscapes have become less suitable for wildlife due to an increase in anthropogenic disturbances. An index of habitat suitability based on the ecological factors that collectively determine the suitability of an organism's habitat is important for conservation planning. However, a widely accepted and comprehensive multi-criteria habitat suitability index for umbrella species is still lacking, particularly in areas where information related to the biology and ecology of the species of interest is not available. Therefore we develop preliminary habitat maps and measure the degree of habitat suitability for large mammals, focusing on four umbrella species in the State of Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia: Panthera tigris jacksoni (Malayan tiger), Tapirus indicus (Malayan tapir), Helarctos malayanus malayanus (Malayan sun bear), and Rusa unicolor cambojensis (sambar deer). The former two are endangered and the latter two are vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. The suitability of habitat patches for each species was measured across the entire study area as well as in nine wildlife protected areas by integrating GIS data and expert opinion. Expert opinions were used as the source of information regarding the stresses faced by the species because there was insufficient information available from ground surveys. We developed an index and maps of habitat suitability for each species, which were then integrated to represent a combined index (ranging from 0 to 27) and spatially explicit maps of the area's habitat suitability for large mammals. The average large mammal habitat suitability index value of the State of Selangor (9) indicates that many habitat patches have become unsuitable for such species. Of the nine wildlife protected areas, Fraser's Hill (22), Sungai Dusun (22), and Bukit Kutu (21) are very suitable; Klang Gate (20) and Templers Park (17) are suitable; and the remaining four are unsuitable for large mammals. We assume that this preliminary habitat suitability index and mapping are useful for conservation planning of wildlife habitats at both landscape and regional scales, as well as providing an initial foundation for revision by future research with significant new information

Habitat quality assessment in the Royal Belum rainforest, Malaysia using spatial analysis

Royal Belum rainforest contains various flora and fauna species, however, the assessment of habitat quality is still lacking. This study aims to develop the habitat quality zone in the Royal Belum rainforest. The downloaded Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS CI satellite images in the year 2020 from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) were processed using supervised classification and exported into vector data in ArcGis 10.8. Land use, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), buffer, and land structure were then analyzed. The result shows that the highest percentage and density of the land use of the Royal Belum rainforest is vegetation. Buffer zone analysis identifies the risky area for habitat in the range of 1km and 5km from the built-up area. The area within the buffer ring should be protected from building and construction to ensure habitat quality in that area can be maintained. This study will give a better understanding of land use and vegetation index assessment for future planning in the Royal Belum rainforest. Therefore, habitat quality assessment is an important tool that can help to identify areas of high-quality habitat that are crucial for the survival and reproduction of target species and to prioritize these areas for conservation and management

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Marine Fisheries Act 2020 of Bangladesh : A Missed Opportunity for Sustainability and Collaborative Governance

This article critically examines the Marine Fisheries Act 2020 of Bangladesh. The Act replaced the Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 with a view to upgrading the regulation of fisheries resources in Bangladesh's marine waters. However, a substantial portion of the Act replicates the 1983 Ordinance. Critically, the Act does not incorporate the internationally recognised principles and measures of fisheries management, despite Bangladesh's international obligations. Moreover, the new law is silent about capacity development of relevant government agencies and community engagement. Overall, it was a missed opportunity for Bangladesh to include sustainability and collaborative governance principles in its marine fisheries sector. </p

Analisis terhadap pembangunan landskap hutan rekreasi di Selangor,Malaysia

Pembangunan landskap hutan-hutan rekreasi di Malaysia dilaksana dan diurus oleh pihak Jabatan Perhutanan. Namun, perkembangan pesat yang dialami oleh kawasan tersebut menyebabkan pengurusan hutan rekreasi berkenaan diserahkan kepada pihak lain seperti lembaga pelancongan negeri dan pihak berkuasa tempatan. Senario ini telah menyebabkan pembangunan landskap hutan rekreasi menerima impak yang besar ekoran pembangunan kawasan lebih menekankan kepada kaedah untuk memperoleh sumber pendapatan untuk mengurus dan juga keuntungan. Hal ini menggugat kelestarian kawasan berkenaan. Keadaan ini timbul disebabkan oleh dua isu utama,iaitu isu pembangunan dan isu pengurusan. Kedua-dua isu tersebut telah menyebabkan beberapa kawasan hutan rekreasi mengalami kegagalan kerana kekurangan pengunjung dan tidak mendapat sokongan masyarakat setempat. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk menganalisis perlaksanaan pembangunan tiga tapak landskap hutan rekreasi di Selangor sebagai kes. Dua kaedah kajian digunakan, iaitu temu bual dan pemerhatian di lapangan. Temu bual dilakukan bagi mendapatkan maklumat sahih lagi terperinci mengenai strategi pembangunan landskap kawasan kajian. Manakala pemerhatian lapangan dilakukan untuk mendapatkan data mengenai penampilan fizikal kawasan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa aspek perancangan, pembangunan, perlaksanaan dan pengurusan landskap kawasan kajian perlu diperbaiki untuk mencapai tahap kelestarian yang lebih baik. Ini penting untuk memastikan matlamat asal penubuhan hutan rekreasi sebagai kawasan pemeliharaan dan pemuliharan hutan serta untuk kesejahteraan hidup manusia dapat dicapai. Oleh itu pihak-pihak berkaitan perlu berusaha untuk memastikan hutan rekreasi yang ada dibangunkan dengan lebih sistematik dan diurus dengan sempurna untuk generasi masa kini dan yang akan datang

Developing Urban Green Space Classification System Using Multi-Criteria: The Case of Kuala Lumpur City, Malaysia

In many countries urban green spaces are stated in a set of different administrative regulatory framework. However, their definition and characteristics are inconsistent and developing a systematic classification has been recognized to avoid the inconsistency. Several efforts have been made but the approach mainly based on a few criteria and classified manually according to the types that stated in the regulatory framework. Therefore, this study developed a classification system based on multi-criteria that represents the structure and function of urban green spaces using Kuala Lumpur City, Malaysia as a model. The useful of the systematic classification for urban green spaces planning and management was interpreted through landscape pattern analysis. In this study, land use map of Kuala Lumpur City was used as a based. Through field observation, information from Kuala Lumpur City Hall and satellite image interpretation, seven criteria were identified to develop the classification system. Landscape pattern was based on landscape metrics analyzed using FRAGSTAT 3.3. The analysis defined five categories of urban green spaces: conservation green space, greenway, community green space, residential green space and amenity green space. Landscape pattern analysis has allowed to interpret what category needs attention to improve their quality and quantity as well as to protect them from any land use development. It can be assumed that the multi-criteria approach can be considered as a first step to introduce a more systematic way to categorize urban green spaces and addressing the inconsistency issue which is important for the city to develop sustainably

Ecosystem-based fisheries management and the precautionary approach in the Indian Ocean regional fisheries management organisations

The Indian Ocean hosts a wide range of living resources including fish stocks. Marine resources contribute significantly to economies and livelihoods, and seafood is a major source of protein in Indian Ocean nations. Fisheries resources in the Indian Ocean have started showing symptoms of depletion. Several regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) have been established for sustainable management of the fisheries resources in the Indian Ocean region. These RFMOs were created at different times with various particular mandates, and in some cases prior to the emergence of contemporary scientific concepts and legal approaches to marine environmental governance. In this article, eight such RFMOs are studied to determine the implementation of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) and the precautionary approach (PA), which are now widely accepted norms of fisheries management and international law. This article argues that there is a mismatch between the legal and governance frameworks, and the fisheries science and management.</p