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Fulltext Safe havens and rough waters: networks, place, and the navigation of risk among injection drug-using Malaysian fishermen

West BS, Choo M, El-Bassel N, Gilbert L, Wu E, Kamarulzaman A

Int J Drug Policy, 2014 May;25(3):575-82.
PMID: 24332971 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2013.11.007

BACKGROUND: HIV prevalence among Malaysian fishermen is ten times that of the general population. Fishing boats are a key place where drug use occurs, but we know little about how these environments shape HIV risk behaviour. Utilizing Rhodes' 'risk environment' framework, we assessed drug use contexts and how characteristics of place associated with fishing and fishermen's social networks served as key axes along which drug use and HIV risk behaviour occurred.
METHODS: Data were collected during 2009-2011 in Kuantan, a fishing port on the eastern coast of Malaysia, and include 28 in-depth interviews and 398 surveys collected using RDS. Logistic regression was used to determine the effect of occupational, network and risk environment characteristics on unsafe injection behaviour and access to clean needles/syringes; qualitative data were coded and analyzed thematically.
RESULTS: Drug injecting was common and occurred on boats, often with other crewmembers. Captains and crewmembers were aware of drug use. Unsafe injection practices were significantly associated with having a larger proportion of drug injectors in network (OR=3.510, 95% CI=1.053-11.700) and having a captain provide drugs for work (OR=2.777, 95% CI=1.018-7.576). Size of fishermen network (OR=0.987, 95% CI=0.977-0.996), crewmembers' knowledge of drug use (OR=7.234, 95% CI=1.430-36.604), and having a captain provide drugs for work (OR=0.134, 95% CI=0.025-0.720) predicted access to clean needles/syringes. Qualitative analyses revealed that occupational culture and social relationships on boats drove drug use and HIV risk.
CONCLUSIONS: While marginalized in broader society, the acceptance of drug use within the fishing community created occupational networks of risk. Fishing boats were spaces of both risk and safety; where drug users participated in the formal economy, but also where HIV risk behaviour occurred. Understanding the interplay between social networks and place is essential for developing HIV prevention and harm reduction policies appropriate for the unique needs of this fishing population.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Fulltext Assessing the status of wild felids in a highly-disturbed commercial forest reserve in Borneo and the implications for camera trap survey design

Wearn OR, Rowcliffe JM, Carbone C, Bernard H, Ewers RM

PLoS One, 2013;8(11):e77598.
PMID: 24223717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077598

The proliferation of camera-trapping studies has led to a spate of extensions in the known distributions of many wild cat species, not least in Borneo. However, we still do not have a clear picture of the spatial patterns of felid abundance in Southeast Asia, particularly with respect to the large areas of highly-disturbed habitat. An important obstacle to increasing the usefulness of camera trap data is the widespread practice of setting cameras at non-random locations. Non-random deployment interacts with non-random space-use by animals, causing biases in our inferences about relative abundance from detection frequencies alone. This may be a particular problem if surveys do not adequately sample the full range of habitat features present in a study region. Using camera-trapping records and incidental sightings from the Kalabakan Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, we aimed to assess the relative abundance of felid species in highly-disturbed forest, as well as investigate felid space-use and the potential for biases resulting from non-random sampling. Although the area has been intensively logged over three decades, it was found to still retain the full complement of Bornean felids, including the bay cat Pardofelis badia, a poorly known Bornean endemic. Camera-trapping using strictly random locations detected four of the five Bornean felid species and revealed inter- and intra-specific differences in space-use. We compare our results with an extensive dataset of >1,200 felid records from previous camera-trapping studies and show that the relative abundance of the bay cat, in particular, may have previously been underestimated due to the use of non-random survey locations. Further surveys for this species using random locations will be crucial in determining its conservation status. We advocate the more wide-spread use of random survey locations in future camera-trapping surveys in order to increase the robustness and generality of inferences that can be made.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Fulltext What's in a Surname? Physique, Aptitude, and Sports Type Comparisons between Tailors and Smiths

Voracek M, Rieder S, Stieger S, Swami V

PLoS One, 2015;10(7):e0131795.
PMID: 26161803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131795

Combined heredity of surnames and physique, coupled with past marriage patterns and trade-specific physical aptitude and selection factors, may have led to differential assortment of bodily characteristics among present-day men with specific trade-reflecting surnames (Tailor vs. Smith). Two studies reported here were partially consistent with this genetic-social hypothesis, first proposed by Bäumler (1980). Study 1 (N = 224) indicated significantly higher self-rated physical aptitude for prototypically strength-related activities (professions, sports, hobbies) in a random sample of Smiths. The counterpart effect (higher aptitude for dexterity-related activities among Tailors) was directionally correct, but not significant, and Tailor-Smith differences in basic physique variables were nil. Study 2 examined two large total-population-of-interest datasets (Austria/Germany combined, and UK: N = 7001 and 20,532) of men's national high-score lists for track-and-field events requiring different physiques. In both datasets, proportions of Smiths significantly increased from light-stature over medium-stature to heavy-stature sports categories. The predicted counterpart effect (decreasing prevalences of Tailors along these categories) was not supported. Related prior findings, the viability of possible alternative interpretations of the evidence (differential positive selection for trades and occupations, differential endogamy and assortative mating patterns, implicit egotism effects), and directions for further inquiry are discussed in conclusion.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection/methods; Data Collection/statistics & numerical data
The pill in figures and facts

Von Keep PA

Adv Fertil Control, 1967;2:1-5.
PMID: 12275322
Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection*
Prevalence rates and risk factors for hepatitis C among drug users not in treatment in Malaysia

Vicknasingam B, Narayanan S, Navaratnam V

Drug Alcohol Rev, 2009 Jul;28(4):447-54.
PMID: 19594801 DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2009.00087.x

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among heroin dependants in treatment was estimated at 89.9%; however, virtually no information exists on the prevalence or risk behaviour among the larger population of drug users not in treatment. This study assessed the prevalence of HCV and associated risk factors among this group with a view to designing more effective intervention programs.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Implementation of an event reporting system in a transfusion medicine unit: a local experience

Usin MF, Ramesh P, Lopez CG

Malays J Pathol, 2004 Jun;26(1):43-8.
PMID: 16190106

Event reporting can provide data to study the failure points of an organization's work process. As part of the ongoing efforts to improve transfusion safety, a Medical Event Reporting System Transfusion Medicine, (MERS - TM) as designed by Kaplan et al was implemented in the Transfusion Medicine Unit of the University Malaya Medical Centre to provide a standardized means of organized data collection and analysis of transfusion errors, adverse events and near misses. An event reporting form was designed to detect, identify, classify and study the frequency and pattern of events occurring in the unit. Events detected were classified according to Eihdhoven Classification model (ECM) adopted for MERS - TM. Since our system reported all events, we called it Event Reporting System - Transfusion Medicine (ERS-TM). Data was collected and analyzed from the reporting forms for a period of five months from January 15th to June 15th 2002. The initial half of the period was a process of evaluation during which 118 events were reported, coded, analyzed and corrective measures adopted to prevent the recurrence of the same event. The latter half saw the reporting of 122 events following the adoption of corrective measures. There was a reduction in the occurrence of some events and an increase in others, which were mainly beyond the organization's control. A longer period of evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying contributory causes that can be useful to develop plans for corrective and preventive action and thereby reduce the rate of recurrence of errors through proper training and adoption of just culture.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Summary of regional response to the fourth inquiry

United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP. Population and Social Affairs Division

Asian Pac Popul Programme News, 1979;8(3):8-12.
PMID: 12278305
Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection*
The influence of infant and child mortality on fertility in selected countries of the Asian and Pacific region

United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP. Population Division. Fertility and Family Planning Section

Popul Res Leads, 1985.
PMID: 12314064
Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection*
The use of contraception in the Asian and Pacific region

United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP. Population Division. Fertility and Family Planning Section

Popul Res Leads, 1985;?(21):1-31.
PMID: 12340713

PIP:
This paper presents data on contraceptive prevalence from 26 national sample surveys conducted in the Asian and Pacific region during the 1966-84 period. The basic data presented are: contraceptive prevalence rates, cross-classified by age where possible; the percentage of couples using each contraceptive method, also cross-classified by age where possible. To facilitate comparison between countries and across time, the data are presented in a standardized form, both numerically and graphically. Contraceptive prevalence rates range from 1-85% (the highest and lowest ever reported). In the Asian and Pacific region as a whole, the prevalence rate was around 40%, which was about the same level as in the Latin American region. In Africa the prevalence rate was around 12%, and in developed countries around 70%. In the late 1960s, prevalence rates in the Asian and Pacific region were less than 20%. By the early 1980s, contraception had spread throughout all parts of society so that the rates in many countries were over 50%, and in some over 60%. Most of the countries with high prevalence rates were in East and Southeast Asia, and most of those with low prevalence in South Asia. Displayed graphically with the age of wife (from 15-49 years) on the x axis, contraceptive prevalence rates appear as an inverted U, low at both ends of the age range and high in the middle. Curves skewed to the left generally have stronger effects on fertility than those skewed to the right. This is due to the fact that most births occur among younger couples and contraception used by younger couples prevents more births than contraception used by older couples. The curves of countries relying primarily on sterilization are generally skewed to the right. The data show a wide variation in the mix of contraceptives used in each country. The use of various contraceptives by age is similar throughout the region. Young couples generally use oral contraceptives (OCs), those in the middle of the reproductive ages the IUD, and those near the end of the childbearing ages sterilization. Rhythm and withdrawal methods appear to be preferred both by couples in the youngest and oldest age groups. Contraceptive needs change as couples progress through the life cycle. Consequently, family planning programs must work to provide a broad mix of contraceptives. The tables show that Thailand and the Republic of Korea, 2 countries which are thought to have excellent family planning programs, have provided well-balanced mixes of contraceptives. Other countries in the region have depended on only 1 or 2 methods.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection*
Comparative Study on Migration, Urbanization and Development in the ESCAP Region (RAS/P13/79). Rev. version

United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP

Popul Res Leads, 1982 Jan.
PMID: 12313285
Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection*
Strategies targeted at motivating unrelated living kidney donation

Tumin M, Noh A, Chong CS, Mohd Satar N, Lim SK, Abdullah N, et al.

Ann. Transplant., 2013;18:314-9.
PMID: 23792535 DOI: 10.12659/AOT.883957

This paper aimed to assess the willingness of Malaysians with post-secondary education to be living kidney donors.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Fulltext PeskAAS: A near-real-time, open-source monitoring and analytics system for small-scale fisheries

Tilley A, Dos Reis Lopes J, Wilkinson SP

PLoS One, 2020;15(11):e0234760.
PMID: 33186386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234760

Small-scale fisheries are responsible for landing half of the world's fish catch, yet there are very sparse data on these fishing activities and associated fisheries production in time and space. Fisheries-dependent data underpin scientific guidance of management and conservation of fisheries systems, but it is inherently difficult to generate robust and comprehensive data for small-scale fisheries, particularly given their dispersed and diverse nature. In tackling this challenge, we use open source software components including the Shiny R package to build PeskAAS; an adaptable and scalable digital application that enables the collation, classification, analysis and visualisation of small-scale fisheries catch and effort data. We piloted and refined this system in Timor-Leste; a small island developing nation. The features that make PeskAAS fit for purpose are that it is: (i) fully open-source and free to use (ii) component-based, flexible and able to integrate vessel tracking data with catch records; (iii) able to perform spatial and temporal filtering of fishing productivity by fishing method and habitat; (iv) integrated with species-specific length-weight parameters from FishBase; (v) controlled through a click-button dashboard, that was co-designed with fisheries scientists and government managers, that enables easy to read data summaries and interpretation of context-specific fisheries data. With limited training and code adaptation, the PeskAAS workflow has been used as a framework on which to build and adapt systematic, standardised data collection for small-scale fisheries in other contexts. Automated analytics of these data can provide fishers, managers and researchers with insights into a fisher's experience of fishing efforts, fisheries status, catch rates, economic efficiency and geographic preferences and limits that can potentially guide management and livelihood investments.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Quantification of atovaquone from amorphous solid dispersion formulation using HPLC: An in vitro and ex vivo investigation

Teoh XY, Goh CF, Aminu N, Chan SY

J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2021 Jan 05;192:113631.
PMID: 33011581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113631

Atovaquone (ATQ) is a poorly soluble drug. Therefore, formulating ATQ into its supersaturated state through solid dispersion for bioavailability enhancement can be of great value. However, due to fast crystallising properties of ATQ, the quantification of ATQ in a supersaturated solid dispersion system can be complicated. Therefore, in pursuit of accurate quantification of such sample, a simple HPLC analytical method utilising a C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm ID, 5 μm) for the quantitation of ATQ has been developed and validated. Atovaquone elution using the proposed method demonstrated a retention time around 7.6 min with good linearity (R2 > 0.999). The system suitability is also detailed with the tailing factor at 1.365 ± 0.002. The addition of solubilising agent as sample treatment step aided in ensuring the accurate quantitation of the fast crystallising ATQ. The developed HPLC quantitation method has been successfully employed in the analysis of ATQ from solid dispersion samples in in vitro dissolution as well as ex vivo permeation studies for formulation development.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Fulltext Hysterectomies in Malaysia: why are we left behind?

Teoh TGK

Med J Malaysia, 1999 Mar;54(1):151-2.
PMID: 10972021
Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Fulltext Perceptions and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among Malay women in Kelantan, Malaysia: a qualitative approach

Tengku AT, Wan AM, Zaharah S, Rohana AJ, Nik Normanieza NM

Malays J Nutr, 2012 Apr;18(1):15-25.
PMID: 23717858 MyJurnal

Despite evidence from various studies on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) being best for infants, many women do not or are unable to practise EBF. This study aimed to examine perceptions on EBF and its influencing factors among a sample of Malay women in rural and urban areas in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection/methods
Southeast Asian perspectives on nutrition needs for the new millennium

Tee ES

Biomed Environ Sci, 2001 Jun;14(1-2):75-81.
PMID: 11594483

Over the last three decades, there has been significant changes in the lifestyles of commmunities, including food habits, and food purchasing and consumption patterns in the Southeast Asian region. As a result, there is a definite change in the food and nutrition issues in the region. Nutritional deficiencies in many of these countries are slowly being decreased in magnitude. On the other hand, the significant proportions of the population are now faced with the other facet of the malnutrition problem, namely diet-related chronic diseases. However, because of the different stages of socio-economic development, the extent of each of these extremes of the malnutrition problems varies considerably between the different countries in Southeast Asia. Nutrition needs in the new millennium would necessarily differ somewhat among these countries while at the same time, there would be a considerable amount of similarities. This presentation highlights several macro issues that countries in the region may focus on in the near future. Various intervention programmes have been undertaken by authorities to tackle the co-existence of twin faces of malnutrition in many developing countries. It would be desirable to have a blue print of such programmes and activities in the National Plans of Action for Nutrition (NPANs) . The NPAN should be more than a framework or a descriptive document. It should be a tool for action, an operational plan that sets out priorities; identifies projects and activities, with details of implementation such as what, how and when; designates responsibilities and accountability for the activities; identifies resource requirements and their source; and sets out the plan for monitoring and evaluation. One of the main obstacles in the formulation and effective implementation of intervention programmes in developing countries is the lack of comprehensive data on the extent of the problems in many cases and the causes of such problems specificy to the communities concerned. It is thus imperative to identify appropriate research priorities and conduct relevant studies. It is also important to have basic baseline data collected at regular intervals such as nutritional status of communities and dietary intake. To conduct all these activities, it is vital to ensure adequate funding, preferably through establishing a dedicated fund for research. There should be closer collaboration between countries in the region in all nutrition activities to enable sharing of resources, experiences and learn from the mistakes of others. One existing mechanism is through the ASEAN structure. The other existing mechanisms are through WHO and FAO. One other mechanism is through the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Southeast Asian Branch. Closely related to this need for networking is the need for continuing harmonization of approaches to nutrition activities in the region. Current efforts in harmonisation include RDA, nutritional status assessment methodologies and dietary guidelines. Other areas of harmonisation in the near future include nutrition labelling and claims.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Interaction modeling and classification scheme for augmenting the response accuracy of human-robot interaction systems

Tao H, Rahman MA, Jing W, Li Y, Li J, Al-Saffar A, et al.

Work, 2021;68(3):903-912.
PMID: 33720867 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203424

BACKGROUND: Human-robot interaction (HRI) is becoming a current research field for providing granular real-time applications and services through physical observation. Robotic systems are designed to handle the roles of humans and assist them through intrinsic sensing and commutative interactions. These systems handle inputs from multiple sources, process them, and deliver reliable responses to the users without delay. Input analysis and processing is the prime concern for the robotic systems to understand and resolve the queries of the users.
OBJECTIVES: In this manuscript, the Interaction Modeling and Classification Scheme (IMCS) is introduced to improve the accuracy of HRI. This scheme consists of two phases, namely error classification and input mapping. In the error classification process, the input is analyzed for its events and conditional discrepancies to assign appropriate responses in the input mapping phase. The joint process is aided by a linear learning model to analyze the different conditions in the event and input detection.
RESULTS: The performance of the proposed scheme shows that it is capable of improving the interaction accuracy by reducing the ratio of errors and interaction response by leveraging the information extraction from the discrete and successive human inputs.
CONCLUSION: The fetched data are analyzed by classifying the errors at the initial stage to achieve reliable responses.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Fulltext An evaluation on pharmacokinetics parameters of phenytoin in adult epileptic patients: a single centre study from Malaysia

Tan, Kenny, Luen, Leong Wei, Ong, Yi Ping, Khai, H’ng Kee, Tan, Li May, Siti Nur Fatihah Abd Rahman, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 2020;18(1):77-83.
MyJurnal

Phenytoin follows Michaelis-Menten, a non-linear pharmacokinetics that occurs when drug molecules saturates the enzymes ability to metabolise the drug. When this occurs, steady state phenytoin serum concentration increases in a disproportionate manner after a dosage increase. General population data are usually used for the phenytoin dose calculation. However, many studies show that population pharmacokinetic parameters of phenytoin have high variations. Thus, use of specific local pharmacokinetic parameters for each population group in estimating individualised phenytoin dose can reduce phenytoin toxicity cases. This prospective, observational study was conducted to estimate a local Vmax and Km of phenytoin for adult epileptic patients in neurological ward and clinic at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. All therapeutic drug monitoring of oral capsule phenytoin were studied in a three-month data collection period. Out of the 17 subjects in our study, there are 13 male subjects (76.47%) and 4 female subjects (23.53%). A total 11 Malay subjects (64.71%), 4 Chinese subjects (23.53%) and 2 Indian subjects (11.76%) were included. Median Vmax and Km were found to be 8.25 mg/kg/day and 3.80 mg/l. Male subjects have a higher Vmax (8.30 mg/kg/day) but a lower Km (3.3 mg/l). Chinese population has the highest Vmax (8.80 mg/kg/day). For Km, Indian population is the highest, with a value of 5.5 mg/l. From our study, gender does not correlate with Vmax and Km of phenytoin (p-value > 0.05). Ethnicity was also found to have no association with Vmax and Km (p-value > 0.05). Local Vmax (8.25 mg/kg/day) is higher and Km (3.8 mg/l) is lower when compared with standard Vmax (7 mg/kg/day) and Km (4 mg/l) obtained from Caucasian population.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Diabetes mellitus abolishes ethnic differences in cardiovascular risk factors: lessons from a multi-ethnic population

Tan CE, Emmanuel SC, Tan BY, Tai ES, Chew SK

Atherosclerosis, 2001 Mar;155(1):179-86.
PMID: 11223440 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(00)00534-7

AIMS: To compare cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic subjects of different ethnic groups, and between new and known diabetic subjects, in the Singapore National Health Survey '92.

METHODS: Disproportionate stratified sampling followed by systematic sampling were used in 3568 (total) respondents of whom 2743 were non-diabetics, 179 newly diagnosed diabetics and 150 known diabetics. Amongst the diabetics, there were 185 Chinese, 66 Malays and 78 Asian Indians. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) was based on the 2 h glucose alone, after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, glucose, insulin and anthropometric indices were obtained from all subjects.

RESULTS: Subjects with diabetes (new and known) exhibited significantly higher triglyceride (TG), lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein (LDL)/apolipoprotein B (apo B) ratio (LDL size) compared with normoglycaemic subjects. They were more obese (generalised and central) and had higher systolic and diastolic BP. There was no difference in lipid risk factors between the two groups with diabetes although those with new diabetes were more obese whilst those with known diabetes had higher fasting glucose. Amongst subjects with diabetes, there were no significant differences between ethnic groups in TG, HDL-C, LDL/apo B ratio, or waist to hip ratio (WHR). Female Malays with diabetes had higher total cholesterol and were more obese whilst male Asian Indians with diabetes had higher fasting insulin.

CONCLUSION: Asian Indians had lower HDL-C and LDL/apo B ratio than Chinese or Malays amongst normoglycaemic subjects. However, these differences between ethnic groups were not seen in subjects with DM.

Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection
Age at menarche in Peninsular Malaysia: time trends, ethnic differentials, and association with ages at marriage and at first birth

Tan Boon Ann, Othman R, Butz WP, Davanzo J

Malays J Reprod Health, 1983 Dec;1(2):91-108.
PMID: 12313339
Matched MeSH terms: Data Collection*

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