Displaying publications 181 - 200 of 534 in total

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  1. Life cycle inventory of institutional medium-scaled co-composting of food waste and yard waste in tropical country
    Chee Guan Ng, Sumiani Yusoff
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:517-527.
    The main objective of the present study was to provide a comprehensive LCI of medium scale composting of food waste
    and yard waste at institutional level, based on substance flow analysis (SFA). A secondary objective was to present the
    composition and assess the quality of the final compost product from composting of typical Asian organic waste (food
    waste and yard waste). The experiments were designed to represent a batch situation in an institutional medium size
    composting scenario with input material of food waste mixed with grass clippings and dried leaves. Two composting
    runs were carried out with the intention to showcase the heterogeneity of organic waste and study the effect of windrow
    size on the performance of the process. The input and output material were sampled and characterized in order to
    quantify the substance balance of the process. SFA was performed by means of the mass balance model STAN 2.5 to
    compute unknown parameters (gaseous emissions). SFAs have been performed for C, N, K, P, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb. The
    composting windrows were fed with 212.4 and 393 kg, respectively. VS content reduction is greater in composting pile
    with larger size (Run 2). The loss of C during composting was recorded in the range of 0.146-0.166 kg/kg ww. The C
    losses via leachate were insignificant (0.02% of the total input C). The total N loss during the process was 0.005-0.012
    kg/kg ww. The leachate generation was measured as 0.012-0.013 kg/kg ww. The flows of selected heavy metals were
    assessed. Heavy metals were of minor significance due to low concentrations in the inputs (food waste and yard waste).
    Heavy metals were found to be released to the atmosphere. However, majority of heavy metals remain in the finished
    compost. The C/N reduction during the process was in the range of 10-23%. In general, the compost composition was
    considered to be within the ranges previously reported in literature and thus ready for application in gardening. The LCI
    presented in the present study can be used as a starting point for making environmental assessments of medium-scale
    co-composting of food waste and yard waste in tropical environment. No major environmental problems were identified
    from the process, except for the emissions of GHGs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  2. Effects of season on the yield and quality of extracts from Gracilaria changii (Gracilariaceae, Rhodophyta)
    Sasidharan S, Darah I, Jain K
    Sains Malaysiana, 2009;38.
    The effect of season on yield and quality of organic solvent extracts from Gracilaria changii was determined. The sustainability of the bioactive compound of G. changii from Malaysia was investigated by using the TLC and FTIR standards methods. Studies was carried out to examine the sustainability of the bioactive compound in the various extract obtained from G. changii collected from Pantai Morib, Beach Selangor Malaysia on bimonthly for a period of one year in 2003. This study revealed that the bioactive compounds was present all over the year but with different quantities. In general the variation in yield or quantities of bioactive compound was related to environment. G. changii can be considered a candidate for drug development since it retained the number of bioactive compound.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  3. Fulltext Kenaf fibre and its bio-based composites: a conspectus
    Adole, Adole Michael, Jamaludin Mohamad Yatim, Suhaimi Abubakar Ramli, Athirah Othman, Norazura Azzmi Mizal
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(1):297-329.
    MyJurnal
    (Kenaf fibre is a good reinforcement in fibre polymer composites due to its high strength
    and elastic modulus, high stiffness, low density, low cost and eco-efficient, less health
    hazards, renewability, good mechanical and thermal properties, and biodegradability. It is
    traditionally used for rope, twine, fish net and sacking materials. Recently, it was observed
    that kenaf fibre had huge potentials to replacing synthetic fibre in composites due to the
    rising environmental and ecological issues, thus this awareness has motivated efforts for
    the advancement of new innovative bio-based composites incorporating kenaf fibre for
    various end-use structural applications. This paper presents an overview of the development
    made so far in the area of kenaf fibre and its composites in terms of chemical and microstructural
    properties, mechanical properties, dimensional stability, thermal stability, product
    development and application. Some fundamental issues and suggestions for further research
    in this area are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  4. Physicochemical parameters of Bakun reservoir in Belaga, Sarawak, Malaysia, 13 months after reaching full supply level
    Ling Ty, Lee Nyanti, Theresa Muan, Jongkar Grinang, Siong-fong Sim, Aazani Mujahid
    Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:157-166.
    Determining the water quality of Bakun Reservoir 13 months after it operates at full supply level is crucial for better understanding of changes in the physicochemical parameters, which may enable the prediction of its effects on the survival of aquatic life in the reservoir. This study determined 13 physicochemical parameters at six stations within the reservoir at fixed depths. The results showed that the minimum 5 mg/L of dissolved oxygen (DO) required for sensitive aquatic organisms was recorded at 6 m depth. However, DO was not detectable at depths exceeding 7 m. The water was acidic at depths of more than 10 m. Turbidity and total suspended solids increased corresponding with depth. Inorganic nitrogen were predominantly in the form of ammonia-nitrogen, creating an unhealthy environment for aquatic life. Concentration of Chl-a was significantly higher at the subsurface water than 30 m depth in four out of six stations. The present study shows changes in water quality as compared to the pre-impounded period and 15 months after the filling phase, in particular, stratification of dissolved oxygen, thermocline conditions and alkalinity. The changes varied according to the distance from the dam and may have been influenced by existing land developments within the area such as the construction of the Murum Hydroelectric Dam, oil palm plantations and timber concessionares. Though the water quality might have deteriorated, further study is needed to determine if this condition will prolong.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  5. The evaluation of spatial variation of water quality in Sungai Setiu Basin, Terengganu
    Izyan Munirah M. Zaideen, Suhaimi Suratman, Norhayati Mohd Tahir
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1513-1520.
    This study investigates the spatial variation of water quality parameters in Sungai Setiu Basin at ten different locations from March 2010 to February 2011. The water quality was assessed using the Water Quality Index by Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE-WQI) and classified according to the Malaysia Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS). Six water quality parameters embedded in the DOE-WQI were dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (AN) and total suspended solid (TSS). In addition, this study also examined the changes in water quality over the past 10 years by comparing the present water quality to the previous works. The overall mean WQI value obtained was 84.0 which indicate that the Sungai Setiu basin is in clean condition and all measured water quality parameters gave value within the permissible limits of the INWQS classification except for pH which fall in Class III. It can be concluded that water quality in Sungai Setiu does not varies greatly over a decade. Hence continuous monitoring is needed to improve the water quality and minimize water pollution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  6. Decision analysis of slope ecological restoration based on AHP
    Jianguang Bai, Jianjun Wang, Yule Zhang, Xiaodong Ji, Nan Wen
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:2075-2081.
    The serious deterioration of the ecological environment comes from a large number of geological disasters. These disasters were caused by a number of engineering activities. Ecological restoration is an important measure to reduce geological disasters and protect the ecological environment. On the basis of the introduction of cast-in-situ grids technology, external-soil spray seeding technology and vegetation bag technology, according to the ecological restoration experiment of the road slope attach to the Three Gorges Pumped-Storage Power Station in Hohhot, decision analysis of slope ecological restoration is done with AHP. It is shown that in arid and semi-arid area, selection of slope ecological restoration scheme mainly needs considering the ecological effect and stability. The major factor of ecological effects is survival rate of vegetation. The major factor of stability is the stability in a whole. Cast-in-situ grids technology will be the first choice for ecological restoration of road slope in arid and semi-arid area. This study provides reference for decision of the slope ecological restoration in arid and semi-arid region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  7. Fulltext Ambient factors influencing Photovoltaic module temperature in Klang valley
    Hedzlin Zainuddin, Maisarah Ismail, Nurul Hidayah Bostamam, Muhamad Mukhzani Muhamad Hanifah, Mohamad Fariz Mohamad Taib, Mohamad Zhafran Hussin
    Science Letter, 2016;10(2):23-25.
    MyJurnal
    The study is conducted to evaluate the significance of solar irradiance, ambient temperature and relative humidity as predictors and to quantify the relative contribution of these ambient parameters as predictors for photovoltaic module temperature model. The module temperature model was developed from experimental data of mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline PV modules retrofitted on metal roof in Klang Valley. The model was developed and analyzed using Multiple Linear Regressions (MLR) and Principle Component Analysis (PCA) Techniques. Solar irradiance, ambient temperature and relative humidity have been proven to be the significant predictors for module temperature. For poly-crystalline PV module, the relative contribution of solar irradiance, ambient temperature and relative humidity are 64.28 %, 17.45 % and 12.64 % respectively. For mono-crystalline PV module, the relative contribution of solar irradiance, ambient temperature and relative humidity are 66.12 %, 17.46 % and 12.48 % respectively. Thus, there is no significant difference in terms of relative contribution of these ambient parameters towards photovoltaic module temperature between poly-crystalline and mono-crystalline PV module technologies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  8. Fulltext The Molecular Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Alzheimer's Disease
    Liew AKY, Teo CH, Soga T
    Mol Neurobiol, 2022 Dec;59(12):7095-7118.
    PMID: 36083518 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03016-w
    Environmental enrichment (EE) is an environmental paradigm encompassing sensory, cognitive, and physical stimulation at a heightened level. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of EE in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. EE improves cognitive function as well as ameliorates depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, making it a potentially effective neuroprotective strategy against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we summarize the current evidence for EE as a neuroprotective strategy as well as the potential molecular pathways that can explain the effects of EE from a biochemical perspective using animal models. The effectiveness of EE in enhancing brain activity against neurodegeneration is explored with a view to differences present in early and late life EE exposure, with its potential application in human being discussed. We discuss EE as one of the non pharmacological approaches in preventing or delaying the onset of AD for future research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  9. Assessing the economic value of urban green spaces in Kuala Lumpur
    A Samad NS, Abdul-Rahim AS, Mohd Yusof MJ, Tanaka K
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Apr;27(10):10367-10390.
    PMID: 31939016 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07593-7
    This study assessed the economic value of public urban green spaces (UGSs) in Kuala Lumpur (KL) city by using the hedonic price method (HPM). It involves 1269 house units from eight sub-districts in KL city. Based on the hedonic price method, this study formulates a global and local model. The global model and local model are analyzed using ordinary least square (OLS) regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR). By using the hedonic price method, the house price serves as a proxy for public urban green spaces' economic value. The house price is regressed against the set of three variables which are structural characteristics, neighborhood attributes, and environmental attributes. Measurements of interest in this study are environmental characteristics, including distance to public UGSs and size of public UGSs. The results of the OLS regression illustrated that Taman Rimba Kiara and Taman Tasik Titiwangsa provide the maximum economic value. On average, reducing the distance of the house location to Taman Rimba Kiara by 10 m increased the house price by RM1700. Similarly, increasing the size of the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa by 1000 m2 increases the house price by RM60,000. The advantage of the GWR result is the economic value of public UGSs which can be analyzed by the specific location according to sub-district. From this study, the GWR result exposed that the economic values of Taman Rimba Bukit Kiara and Taman Tasik Titiwangsa were not significant in each of the sub-district within KL city. Taman Rimba Bukit Kiara was negatively significant at all sub-districts except Setapak and certain house locations located at the sub-district of KL. In contrast, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa was positively significant at all sub-districts except certain house locations at the sub-districts of Batu, KL, Setapak, and KL city center. In conclusion, results show that the house price is influenced by the environmental attribute. However, even though both of these public UGSs generate the highest economic value based on distance and size, its significant values with an expected sign are only obtained based on the specific house location as verified by the local model. In terms of model comparison, the local model was better compared with the global model.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  10. Assessment of spatial and temporal ecological environment quality under land use change of urban agglomeration in the North Slope of Tianshan, China
    Airiken M, Zhang F, Chan NW, Kung HT
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2022 Feb;29(8):12282-12299.
    PMID: 34564811 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16579-3
    In the current context of rapid development and urbanization, land use and land cover (LULC) types have undergone unprecedented changes, globally and nationally, leading to significant effects on the surrounding ecological environment quality (EEQ). The urban agglomeration in North Slope of Tianshan (UANST) is in the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt of China. This area has experienced rapid development and urbanization with equally rapid LULC changes which affect the EEQ. Hence, this study quantified and assessed the spatial-temporal changes of LULC on the UANST from 2001 to 2018 based on remote sensing analysis. Combining five remote sensing ecological factors (WET, NDVI, IBI, TVDI, LST) that met the pressure-state-response(PSR) framework, the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of EEQ were evaluated by synthesizing a new Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), with the interaction between land use change and EEQ subsequently analyzed. The results showed that LULC change dominated EEQ change on the UANST: (1) From 2001 to 2018, the temporal and spatial pattern of the landscape on the UANST has undergone tremendous changes. The main types of LULC in the UANST are Barren land and Grassland. (2) During the study period, RSEI values in the study area were all lower than 0.5 and were at the [good] levels, reaching 0.31, 0.213, 0.362, and 0346, respectively. In terms of time and space, the overall EEQ on the UANST experienced three stages of decline-rise-decrease. (3) The estimated changes in RSEI were highly related to the changes of LULC. During the period 2001 to 2018, the RSEI value of cropland showed a trend of gradual increase. However, the rest of the LULC type's RSEI values behave differently at different times. As the UANST is the core area of Xinjiang's urbanization and economic development, understanding and balancing the relationship between LULC and EEQ in the context of urbanization is of practical application in the planning and realization of sustainable ecological, environmental, urban, and social development in the UANST.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment; Environmental Monitoring*
  11. Impact of technological innovation and renewable energy on ecological footprint in G20 countries: The moderating role of institutional quality
    Raza A, Habib Y, Hashmi SH
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Sep;30(42):95376-95393.
    PMID: 37544946 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29011-9
    The connection between ecological footprint and economic complexity has significant implications for environmental sustainability regarding the policy. Additionally, institutional quality is crucial in ensuring environmental sustainability and moderating the link between economic complexity and ecological footprint. The task of achieving sustainable environmental development and preventing further degradation of the environment poses a formidable challenge to policymakers. This study delves into the significance of technology innovation and renewable energy in creating a more sustainable environment. Recognizing the need for a more critical review, this research establishes the dynamic linkage between ecological footprint, renewable energy consumption, and technological innovation, especially in conjunction with a moderating component, particularly institutional quality, in G20 countries from 1990 to 2021. We employ advanced panel approaches to address panel data analysis concerns, such as cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, unit root, cointegration test and CS-ARDL. The long-term estimator indicates that renewable energy and technological innovation negatively but significantly impact the ecological footprint. Whilst economic growth, FDI, and urbanization have shown a positive and significant impact on ecological footprint; institutional quality negatively moderates the relationship between ecological footprint, renewable energy, and technological innovation in the G20 countries. Further evidence from the Dumitrescu-Hurlin Granger causality test shows that efforts to expand access to renewable energy, technological advancements, and economic growth will significantly affect environmental impacts. Based on our results, it is imperative to introduce more favorable legislation and encourage technological advancements in the field of renewable energy if we want to achieve our sustainable development objectives.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  12. Production of chemicals and utilities in-house improves the environmental sustainability of phytoplankton-based biorefinery
    Kiehbadroudinezhad M, Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha H, Karimi K, Madadi M, Chisti Y, Peng W, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2023 Nov 15;899:165751.
    PMID: 37499830 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165751
    Life cycle assessment was used to evaluate the environmental impacts of phytoplanktonic biofuels as possible sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Three scenarios were examined for converting planktonic biomass into higher-value commodities and energy streams using the alga Scenedesmus sp. and the cyanobacterium Arthrospira sp. as the species of interest. The first scenario (Sc-1) involved the production of biodiesel and glycerol from the planktonic biomass. In the second scenario (Sc-2), biodiesel and glycerol were generated from the planktonic biomass, and biogas was produced from the residual biomass. The process also involved using a catalyst derived from snail shells for biodiesel production. The third scenario (Sc-3) was similar to Sc-2 but converted CO2 from the biogas upgrading to methanol, which was then used in synthesizing biodiesel. The results indicated that Sc-2 and Sc-3 had a reduced potential (up to 60 % less) for damaging human health compared to Sc-1. Sc-2 and Sc-3 had up to 61 % less environmental impact than Sc-1. Sc-2 and Sc-3 reduced the total cumulative exergy demand by up to 44 % compared to Sc-1. In conclusion, producing chemicals and utilities within the biorefinery could significantly improve environmental sustainability, reduce waste, and diversify revenue streams.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  13. Technology transfer for green investments: exploring how technology transfer through foreign direct investments can contribute to sustainable practices and reduced environmental impact in OIC economies
    Song M, Anees A, Rahman SU, Ali MSE
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Feb;31(6):8812-8827.
    PMID: 38180671 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31553-x
    Estimating the asymmetrical influence of foreign direct investment is the primary goal of the current study. In addition, further controlled variables affect environmental degradation in OIC nations. Due to this, current research employs the asymmetric (NPARDL) approach and the data period from 1980 to 2021 to estimate about viability of the EKC (environmental Kuznets curve) theory. The study utilized greenhouse gas (GHG) including emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and ecological footprint as substantial parameters of environmental quality. A nonlinear link between foreign direct investments, trade openness, economic growth, urbanization, energy consumption, and environmental pollution with CO2, N2O, CH4, and ecological footprint in the OIC nations is confirmed by the study's outcomes, which however reveals inconsistent results. Furthermore, the results also show that wrong conclusions might result from disregarding intrinsic nonlinearities. The study's conclusions provide the most important recommendations for decision-makers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment; Environmental Pollution
  14. Moderating effect of governance on healthcare and environmental emissions
    Subramaniam Y, Loganathan N, Subramaniam T
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Feb;351:119646.
    PMID: 38042078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119646
    Governance has become indispensable within the healthcare sector, but previous studies have not explored the potential environmental benefits linked to healthcare governance. Thus, this study focuses on the role of governance in moderating healthcare and environmental emissions in 159 low, lower-middle, upper-middle and high-income countries. To do so, cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) techniques were applied using panel data from 1999 to 2021, followed by the computation of threshold and marginal effect of governance on healthcare and environmental emissions nexus. Findings revealed that, with the exception of high-income countries in the short run, governance has an insignificant impact on healthcare and emissions nexus in low-, lower-middle and upper-middle-income countries. Surprisingly, the findings imply that, in the long run, countries with greater levels of governance are likely to have lesser environmental impacts related to healthcare. There was also evidence indicating that low, lower-middle, upper-middle and high-income countries must reach a certain level of governance before realising the benefits of healthcare. Therefore, to achieve lower environmental impacts from healthcare, countries must promote effective governance policies that can incentivise and enforce sustainable practices and technologies in the healthcare sector.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  15. Fulltext Potential Health Impacts of Bauxite Mining in Kuantan
    Abdullah NH, Mohamed N, Sulaiman LH, Zakaria TA, Rahim DA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 May;23(3):1-8.
    PMID: 27418864
    Bauxite mining is not known to most Malaysian except recently due to environmental pollution issues in Kuantan, Pahang. Potential impacts are expected to go beyond physical environment and physical illness if the situation is not controlled. Loss of economic potentials, and the presence of unpleasant red dust causing mental distress, anger and community outrage. More studies are needed to associate it with chronic physical illness. While evidences are vital for action, merely waiting for a disease to occur is a sign of failure in prevention. All responsible agencies should focus on a wider aspect of health determinants rather than merely on the occurrence of diseases to act and the need to emphasize on sustainable mining to ensure health of people is not compromised.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment; Environmental Pollution
  16. Analyzing the nexus between environmental sustainability and clean energy for the USA
    Dogan E, Mohammed KS, Khan Z, Binsaeed RH
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(19):27789-27803.
    PMID: 38517628 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32765-5
    Environmental sustainability is a key target to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, achieving these targets needs tools to pave the way for achieving SDGs and COP28 targets. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study is to examine the significance of clean energy, research and development spending, technological innovation, income, and human capital in achieving environmental sustainability in the USA from 1990 to 2022. The study employed time series econometric methods to estimate the empirical results. The study confirmed the long-run cointegrating relationship among CO2 emissions, human capital, income, R&D, technological innovation, and clean energy. The results are statistically significant in the short run except for R&D expenditures. In the long run, the study found that income and human capital contribute to further aggravating the environment via increasing CO2 emissions. However, R&D expenditures, technological innovation, and clean energy help to promote environmental sustainability by limiting carbon emissions. The study recommends investment in technological innovation, clean energy, and increasing R&D expenditures to achieve environmental sustainability in the USA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment
  17. The cultural, family and community factors for resilience in southeast asian indigenous communities: A systematic review
    Chua RY, Kadirvelu A, Yasin S, Choudhry FR, Park MS
    J Community Psychol, 2019 09;47(7):1750-1771.
    PMID: 31374592 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22224
    Although faced with historical and ongoing hardships, many indigenous communities in Southeast Asia have managed to survive and thrive. The identification of factors that assist these communities in coping with the challenges experienced would help enhance their overall psychological well-being and resilience. The current review outlines types of protective factors for the indigenous communities in Southeast Asia focusing on the cultural, family and community elements linked to their psychological well-being. Four themes of protective factors were identified strong connection to the land and the environment, embracing cultural norms and traditions, passing down and keeping indigenous knowledge across generations, and emphasis on community and social cohesion. Findings suggest that the value of interconnectedness serves as an overarching theme that forms the worldview of the indigenous communities in Southeast Asia. Interconnectedness was important to the indigenous peoples as they considered themselves to be extensions of their family, community, ancestors, future descendants, the land and to all living things and creations that reside on their lands. Future intervention attempts to promote resilience among these communities should take these factors into account, and pay closer attention to community-level factors that seem to have a profound impact on the indigenous construction of resilience.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment; Social Environment*
  18. Fulltext Age-Friendly Environments in ASEAN Plus Three: Case Studies from Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand
    Tiraphat S, Buntup D, Munisamy M, Nguyen TH, Yuasa M, Nyein Aung M, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 06 23;17(12).
    PMID: 32586034 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124523
    Promoting age-friendly environment is one of the appropriate approaches to support quality of life toward ageing populations. However, the information regarding age-friendly environments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus Three countries is still limited. This study aimed to survey the perceived age-friendly environments among ASEAN Plus Three older populations. This study employed cross-sectional quantitative research using multistage cluster sampling to select a sample of older adults in the capital cities of Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. The final sample was composed of 2171 older adults aged 55 years and over, including 140 Japanese, 510 Thai, 537 Malaysian, 487 Myanmarese, and 497 Vietnamese older adults. Data collection was conducted using a quantitative questionnaire with 20 items of perceived age-friendly environments with the rating scale based on the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. The score from the 20 items were analyzed and examined high-risk groups of "bad perception level" age-friendly environments using ordinal logistic regression. The research indicated the five highest inadequacies of age-friendly environments including: (1) participating in an emergency-response training session or drill which addressed the needs of older residents; (2) enrolling in any form of education or training, either formal or non-formal in any subject; (3) having opportunities for paid employment; (4) involvement in decision making about important political, economic and social issues in the community; and (5) having personal care or assistance needs met in the older adult's home setting by government/private care services. Information regarding the inadequacy of age-friendliness by region was evidenced to guide policy makers in providing the right interventions towards older adults' needs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment*; Social Environment
  19. Fulltext Gene-environment Interaction: The Causes of High Obesity Incidence
    Ellulu MS, Jalambo MO
    Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ), 2018 2 16;15(57):91-93.
    PMID: 29446373
    Urbanization has provided experimental settings for testing the interactive relationship between genetic background and changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns. The concept of gene-environment interaction was described by epidemic of obesity along with urbanization. Genome-wide association has identified several genes such as melanocortin-4 receptor that associates with environmental influences of obesity. Gene environment (GxE) interaction refers to modification by an environmental factor of the effect of a genetic variant on a phenotypic trait. GxE interactions can serve to modulate the adverse effects of a risk allele, or can exacerbate the genotype-phenotype relationship and increase risk.
    Matched MeSH terms: Environment; Gene-Environment Interaction*
  20. Associations between parents' perception of neighbourhood environments and safety with physical activity of primary school children in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
    Tung SE, Ng XH, Chin YS, Mohd Taib MN
    Child Care Health Dev, 2016 Jul;42(4):478-85.
    PMID: 27272607 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12355
    BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate parental perception of neighbourhood environments and safety in association with children's physical activity among primary school children in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A total of 250 children (9-12 years of age) and their parents participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and Neighbourhood Environmental Walkability Scale as well as questions on constrained behaviours (avoidance and defensive behaviours) were used to assess the children's physical activity and parental perception of neighbourhood environment and safety, respectively.

    RESULTS: More than one-third (36.0%) of the children were physically inactive compared with only a small percentage (4.8%) who were physically active, with boys achieving higher physical activity levels than girls (t = 2.564, P = 0.011). For the environmental scale, parents' perception of land-use mix (access) (r = 0.173, P = 0.006), traffic hazards (r = -0.152, P = 0.016) and defensive behaviour (r = -0.024, P = 0.143) correlated significantly with children's physical activity. In multiple linear regression analysis, child's gender (β = -0.226; P = 0.003), parent's education (β = 0.140; P = 0.001), household income (β = 0.151; P = 0.024), land-use mix (access) (β = 0.134; P = 0.011) and defensive behaviour (β = -0.017; P = 0.038) were significantly associated with physical activity in children (R = 0.349, F = 6.760; P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Environment Design/statistics & numerical data*; Social Environment*
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