Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 238 in total

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  1. Fulltext Group discussions on how to implement a participatory process in climate adaptation planning: a case study in Malaysia
    Palermo V, Hernandez Y
    Ecol Econ, 2020 Nov;177:106791.
    PMID: 33144752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106791
    The frequency and intensity of extreme climate events are increasing all around the world, due to climate change. Climate adaptation strategies are therefore needed, since mitigation strategies alone are not sufficient to avoid serious impacts of climate change. However, adaptation to climate change is not straightforward, as it is highly influenced by diverse and conflicting interests as well as epistemological (or scientific) uncertainties. Therefore, a minimum requirement for its success is the active participation of stakeholders and citizens in the adaptation policy cycle. This paper presents a case study on a participatory process involving civil servants from different municipalities in Malaysia, in Southeast Asia, with a view to considering the optimal level of engagement that is required for climate adaptation planning. The exercise consisted of a Focus Group session, where participants were asked to discuss the level of stakeholder and citizen participation that should be adopted within the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy initiative. Contrary to authors' expectations, the participants tended to suggest medium to high levels of participation in the planning process. During the dialogues, a walking activity through the city, aimed at identifying hotspots of climate risks and defined as "safety walks", was one of the ideas proposed as a high-potential participatory method, spreading in the adaptation framework. Safety walks could complement climate modelling and enhance the robustness of climate risk assessments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  2. Fulltext Yen Loan to KLIA project: socio economic impact on the Sepang and Bandar Enstek area
    Asmadi Hassan
    International Journal of East Asian Studies, 2016;5(1):1-13.
    MyJurnal
    In 1994, the Government of Malaysia received 61.518 million yen to commence Kuala Lumpur
    International Airport (KLIA) project. The airport is located in the district of Sepang, Selangor, which
    was originally oil palm plantations and small villages. The construction project completed and began in
    used in the 1998. This paper is to evaluate the impact of Japan's ODA for Malaysia, particularly yen
    loan to socioeconomic. In term of socioeconomic impact, many new cities were established such as
    Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Bandar Baru Nilai, Banting, Bandar Enstek and Cyber Jaya. Similarly, new
    housing, schools, shopping malls and other facilities such as the Sepang International Circuit and
    Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) were built. New roads connecting to the airport also completed
    the development of these places. In terms of employment, previously many who depended on agriculture,
    now turned to business, hospitality, services, transportation and others. In fact the huge investment
    significantly affected the surrounding population, particularly the creation of modern towns, businesses
    and educational centers which gave rise to various types of employment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  3. Nest site selection for five common birds and their coexistence in an urban habitat
    Han Y, Bai J, Zhang Z, Wu T, Chen P, Sun G, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2019 Nov 10;690:748-759.
    PMID: 31302540 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.508
    Many species of birds gradually adapt to urbanization and colonize cities successfully. However, their nest site selection and competitive relationship in an urban community remain little known. Understanding the impact of urbanization on birds and the competitive relationship has important implications for the conservation and management of wildlife in urban ecosystems. Here, we undertook a systematic study to quantify nests in all species of birds in an urbanizing area of Nanchang, China. A total of 363 nests were detected in surveys including 340 nests of 16 bird species and 23 unidentified species nests. We mainly analyzed 5 dominant breeding birds with a sample size of >10 during the two breeding seasons (From April to July in 2016 and 2017), which included the light-vented bulbul, Chinese blackbird, scaly-breasted munia, spotted dove and grey-capped greenfinch. Most birds (93.66%) nested in the tree of artificial green belts, which seems to be the best breeding habitat for urban birds. Our results suggested that birds' breeding success relies on the trade-off between the benefit and the expense of specific stresses from habitats. The nest site selection of birds is also affected by the life habit of urban predators. Furthermore, competition among species can influence their distributions and utilization of environmental resources when birds nest in cities. We confirmed that the niche differentiation of five bird species in an urban environment makes them coexist successfully by utilizing various resources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  4. Fulltext Urban tinkering
    Elmqvist T, Siri J, Andersson E, Anderson P, Bai X, Das PK, et al.
    Sustain Sci, 2018;13(6):1549-1564.
    PMID: 30546487 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-018-0611-0
    Cities are currently experiencing serious, multifaceted impacts from global environmental change, especially climate change, and the degree to which they will need to cope with and adapt to such challenges will continue to increase. A complex systems approach inspired by evolutionary theory can inform strategies for policies and interventions to deal with growing urban vulnerabilities. Such an approach would guide the design of new (and redesign of existing) urban structures, while promoting innovative integration of grey, green and blue infrastructure in service of environmental and health objectives. Moreover, it would contribute to more flexible, effective policies for urban management and the use of urban space. Four decades ago, in a seminal paper in Science, the French evolutionary biologist and philosopher Francois Jacob noted that evolution differs significantly in its characteristic modes of action from processes that are designed and engineered de novo (Jacob in Science 196(4295):1161-1166, 1977). He labeled the evolutionary process "tinkering", recognizing its foundation in the modification and molding of existing traits and forms, with occasional dramatic shifts in function in the context of changing conditions. This contrasts greatly with conventional engineering and design approaches that apply tailor-made materials and tools to achieve well-defined functions that are specified a priori. We here propose that urban tinkering is the application of evolutionary thinking to urban design, engineering, ecological restoration, management and governance. We define urban tinkering as:A mode of operation, encompassing policy, planning and management processes, that seeks to transform the use of existing and design of new urban systems in ways that diversify their functions, anticipate new uses and enhance adaptability, to better meet the social, economic and ecological needs of cities under conditions of deep uncertainty about the future.This approach has the potential to substantially complement and augment conventional urban development, replacing predictability, linearity and monofunctional design with anticipation of uncertainty and non-linearity and design for multiple, potentially shifting functions. Urban tinkering can function by promoting a diversity of small-scale urban experiments that, in aggregate, lead to large-scale often playful innovative solutions to the problems of sustainable development. Moreover, the tinkering approach is naturally suited to exploring multi-functional uses and approaches (e.g., bricolage) for new and existing urban structures and policies through collaborative engagement and analysis. It is thus well worth exploring as a means of delivering co-benefits for environment and human health and wellbeing. Indeed, urban tinkering has close ties to systems approaches, which often are recognized as critical to sustainable development. We believe this concept can help forge much-closer, much-needed ties among engineers, architects, evolutionary ecologists, health specialists, and numerous other urban stakeholders in developing innovative, widely beneficial solutions for society and contribute to successful implementation of SDG11 and the New Urban Agenda.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  5. Urban aquaponics farming and cities- a systematic literature review
    Wirza R, Nazir S
    Rev Environ Health, 2021 Mar 26;36(1):47-61.
    PMID: 32887208 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0064
    An aquaponic system is considered to be a sustainable food production solution that follows circular economy principles and the biomimetic natural system to reduce input and waste. It is the combination of two mainly productive systems, a recirculating aquaculture system consists of fish and crustaceans farmed in a tank and hydroponic cultivation consists of vegetable cultured in medium other than soil. Both these systems are well-known around the globe by their performance of production, quality, and verified food safety. An aquaponic system is an industrious mechanism which incorporates impeccably with sustainable growth of intensive agriculture. The existing literature regarding the aquaponic production covers different species of vegetables and fish, a variety of layouts of system, and climate conditions. However, there is a lack of knowledge that can systematically present the existing state-of-the-artwork in a systematic manner. So to overcome this limitation, the proposed research presents a systematic literature review in the field of urban aquaponics. This systematic literature review will help practitioners to take help from the existing literature and propose new solutions based on the available evidence in urban aquaponics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  6. Fulltext Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus: a menace to the end game of polio eradication
    Ming LC, Hussain Z, Yeoh SF, Koh D, Lee KS
    Global Health, 2020 07 16;16(1):63.
    PMID: 32677974 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00594-z
    The World Health Organisation Western Pacific Region countries were declared free of polio in 2000 until a polio outbreak involving 305 cases occurred in Indonesia in 2006. It was not until 2014 that the World Health Organisation South East Asia region was officially declared polio-free again. However, in February 2019, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative announced a new circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreak in the Papua province of Indonesia. To make matter worse, the outbreak responses were tardy and led to transmission among migrating communities to other cities. The pressing regional issues of polio outbreak caused by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus and use of oral polio vaccine have not been well presented. Our letter highlighted the suboptimal outbreak responses as well as the necessity of cross-border vaccination to curb continued poliovirus transmission.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  7. Fulltext Revitalizing operational reliability of the electrical energy system in Libya: Feasibility analysis of solar generation in local communities
    Almaktar M, Elbreki AM, Shaaban M
    J Clean Prod, 2021 Jan 10;279:123647.
    PMID: 32834572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123647
    The political upheaval and the civil war in Libya had a painful toll on the operational reliability of the electric energy supply system. With frequent power cuts and crumbling infrastructure, mainly due to the damage inflicted upon several power plants and grid assets as well as the lack of maintenance, many Libyans are left without electricity for several hours a day. As the country has a staggeringly immense potential of solar energy, it is inevitable to exploit such potential, to avert system-wide blackouts. This paper investigates the use of small-scale PV systems in local communities as non-wires alternative (NWA), offering excess energy exchange within local/neighboring microgrids (MGs) for reliable electric power supply. Different combinations of PV/storage/diesel distributed generations (DGs), with grid-interface options, were applied on a case study of a typical dwelling in the Eastern Libyan city of Benghazi. Technical and financial feasibility assessments were carried out to contrast between various supply combinations. Sensitivity analysis of the PV-grid system was also conducted using Net Present Value (NPV) and the payback time indicators to determine the impacts of Feed-in Tariff (FiT) rates, financial incentives, electricity tariff, and inflation rate on the economic viability of the PV grid system. Results show that the PV-grid system has a promising potential under reasonable set of varying system parameters. On top of its social and environmental-friendly advantages, the PV-battery system is found to be more economical when adopted as a standalone NWA solution as compared to the diesel generator option, even at the lowest diesel price. The PV-grid system does not only provide a short-term remedy to the rolling blackouts in Libya but also enhances system operational reliability by providing a NWA to rundown or shattered grid infrastructure, thus bolstering energy provision in residential neighborhoods.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  8. Evaluation of air quality in Sunway City, Selangor, Malaysia from a mobile monitoring campaign using air pollution micro-sensors
    Lee CC, Tran MV, Choo CW, Tan CP, Chiew YS
    Environ Pollut, 2020 Oct;265(Pt A):115058.
    PMID: 32806396 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115058
    Due to the increase of the human population and the rapid industrial growth in the past few decades, air quality monitoring is essential to assess the pollutant levels of an area. However, monitoring air quality in a high-density area like Sunway City, Selangor, Malaysia is challenging due to the limitation of the local monitoring network. To establish a comprehensive data for air pollution in Sunway City, a mobile monitoring campaign was employed around the city area with a duration of approximately 6 months, from September 2018 to March 2019. Measurements of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were performed by using mobile air pollution sensors facilitated with a GPS device. In order to acquire a more in-depth understanding on traffic-related air pollution, the measurement period was divided into two different time blocks, which were morning hours (8 a.m.-12 p.m.) and afternoon hours (3 p.m.-7 p.m.). The data set was analysed by splitting Sunway City into different zones and routes to differentiate the conditions of each region. Meteorological variables such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were studied in line with the pollutant concentrations. The air quality in Sunway City was then compared with various air quality standards such as Malaysian Air Quality Standards and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines to understand the risk of exposure to air pollution by the residence in Sunway City.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  9. Sources and trends of oxidized and reduced nitrogen wet deposition in a typical medium-sized city of eastern China during 2010-2016
    Cui J, Cui J, Peng Y, Yao D, Chan A, Chen Z, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2020 Jun 27;744:140558.
    PMID: 32711301 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140558
    Fluxes and composition dynamics of atmospheric nitrogen deposition play key roles in better balancing economic development and ecological environment. However, there are some knowledge gaps and difficulties in urban ecosystems, especially for small and medium-sized cities. In this study, both flux and composition (ratio of NH4+-N to NO3--N, RN) of wet-deposited dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN, sum of NO3--N and NH4+-N) were estimated and sources were identified at a long-term urban observation station in Tongling, a typical medium-sized city in eastern China during 2010-2016, respectively. Results showed that wet-deposited DIN fluxes were 33.20 and 28.15 kgN ha-1 yr-1 in Tongling city during 2010-2011 and 2015-2016, respectively. Compared to these two periods, both DIN and NO3--N fluxes decreased by 15.2% and 31.8% for a series of NOx abatement measures applied effectively, respectively. At the same time, the NH4+-N flux remained stable and ranged from 19.53 to 20.62 kgN ha-1 yr-1, and the RN increased from 1.7 to 2.2. Seasonally, winds from the southwest and west-southwest with higher frequencies and speeds in spring and summer brought more NH4+-N and DIN wet deposition from an ammonia plant, which could threaten the safety of regional hydrosphere ecosystems. On the whole, the wet-deposited NH4+-N was threatening regional ecosystems of both the hydrosphere and forest. The wet-deposited DIN including NH4+-N in Tongling city stemmed mainly from a combined source of coal combustion and dust from Cu extraction and smelting, ammonia production, and roads. Therefore, production lines should be updated for Cu extraction and smelting industries, thermal power generations and the ammonia plant, old vehicles should be eliminated, and the use of new energy vehicles should be promoted for regional sustainable development and human health in the medium-sized city.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  10. Environmental heat-related health symptoms among community in a tropical city
    Aghamohammadi N, Fong CS, Idrus MHM, Ramakreshnan L, Sulaiman NM
    Sci Total Environ, 2021 Aug 15;782:146611.
    PMID: 33838362 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146611
    Due to the changing climate, more frequent and prolonged heatwaves are expected to have a catastrophic consequence on urban human settlement. In tropical cities such as Kuala Lumpur (KL), the quality of the urban environment is made worse by urban heat island (UHI) phenomena due to poor urban planning practices. The prolonged exposure to urban heat is hypothesized to influence human health and well-being, especially in tropical urban areas with high population density. Therefore, a study was conducted to understand the association of urban heat stress with physical, psychosomatic and psychological (PPP) health symptoms within a tropical urban setting. Continuous urban microclimate monitoring is conducted using an automated weather station to define the level of heat stress in the study area expressed as Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET). A cross-sectional approach is used to identify heat-related health symptoms experienced by the urban population. Through exploratory factor analysis, a total of 38 PPP health symptoms are reduced into 8 heat-related health clusters which are sensory organ pain, heat-related illnesses, cardiopulmonary, pain, fatigue, anxiety, somatization, and depression-related symptoms. Heat stress was found to significantly affect psychosomatic pain (p = 0.016) as well as psychological anxiety (p = 0.022) and somatization (p = 0.041) related symptoms. Other health clusters were not significantly associated with heat stress. More studies are needed to unravel the influence of confounding factors and the long-term impact of urban heat on the health and well-being of the urban population in a tropical city.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  11. Fulltext A two-year assessment of particulate air pollution and sources in Kuwait
    Alahmad B, Al-Hemoud A, Kang CM, Almarri F, Kommula V, Wolfson JM, et al.
    Environ Pollut, 2021 Aug 01;282:117016.
    PMID: 33848912 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117016
    BACKGROUND: Kuwait and the Gulf region have a desert, hyper-arid and hot climate that makes outdoor air sampling challenging. The region is also affected by intense dust storms. Monitoring challenges from the harsh climate have limited data needed to inform appropriate regulatory actions to address air pollution in the region.

    OBJECTIVES: To compare gravimetric measurements with existing networks that rely on beta-attenuation measurements in a desert climate; determine the annual levels of PM2.5 and PM10 over a two-year period in Kuwait; assess compliance with air quality standards; and identify and quantify PM2.5 sources.

    METHODS: We custom-designed particle samplers that can withstand large quantities of dust without their inlet becoming overloaded. The samplers were placed in two populated residential locations, one in Kuwait City and another near industrial and petrochemical facilities in Ali Sabah Al-Salem (ASAS) to collect PM2.5 and PM10 samples for mass and elemental analysis. We used positive matrix factorization to identify PM2.5 sources and apportion their contributions.

    RESULTS: We collected 2339 samples during the period October 2017 through October 2019. The beta-attenuation method in measuring PM2.5 consistently exceeded gravimetric measurements, especially during dust events. The annual levels for PM2.5 in Kuwait City and ASAS were 41.6 ± 29.0 and 47.5 ± 27.6 μg/m3, respectively. Annual PM2.5 levels in Kuwait were nearly four times higher than the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Regional pollution was a major contributor to PM2.5 levels in both locations accounting for 44% in Kuwait City and 46% in ASAS. Dust storms and re-suspended road dust were the second and third largest contributors to PM2.5, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: The premise that frequent and extreme dust storms make air quality regulation futile is dubious. In this comprehensive particulate pollution analysis, we show that the sizeable regional anthropogenic particulate sources warrant national and regional mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with air quality standards.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  12. Fulltext Accelerometer-measured physical activity and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) measurements: a cross-sectional study on Malaysian adults
    Lee, Yi Yi, Narimah Samat, Wan Manan Wan Muda
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(3):397-408.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Physical activity has been shown to be beneficial for the prevention of
    obesity and non-communicable diseases. Our contemporary way of life that is technology
    dependent has significantly reduced physical activity. This study aimed to determine
    accelerometer-measured physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA))
    among adults in high and low walkability neighbourhoods in Penang and Kota Bharu,
    Malaysia.

    Methods: Participants (n=490) were sampled using multistage sampling method
    from neighbourhoods with varied levels of walkability using Geographical Information
    System (GIS). Physical activity was measured objectively using Actigraph GT3X+
    accelerometers, worn by the participants on their waists for a period of 5 to 7 days.

    Results:
    The participants had a mean of 13.5 min/day of MVPA. Total MVPA was significantly
    higher among participants in high walkability neighbourhoods (19.7 min/day vs. 9.1 min/
    day). Results from t-test showed that the time spent on MVPA per day was significantly
    lower among participants residing in low walkability neighbourhoods. The final model
    of the MIXED model statistical tests showed that total MVPA was significantly associated
    with BMI, but not with WC measurements, after adjusting for covariates.

    Conclusion: Most
    of the participants had very low MVPA and did not achieve the current physical activity
    recommendations, implying that Malaysian adults residing in these two cities were not
    physically active to achieve health benefits. Results are suggestive of the importance of the
    walkability concept in neighbourhoods in encouraging physical activity and healthy body
    weight among Malaysians.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  13. Fulltext Seasonal abundance of Aedes albopictus in selected urban and suburban areas in Penang, Malaysia
    Rozilawati H, Zairi J, Adanan CR
    Trop Biomed, 2007 Jun;24(1):83-94.
    PMID: 17568381 MyJurnal
    Ovitrap surveillance was conducted in a selected urban area and suburban area, ie. Taman Permai Indah(TPI) and Kampung Pasir Gebu (KPG) in Penang for 14 months. It was found that Aedes albopictus was the most abundant Aedes species in both study areas, even though a small percentage of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus were found to breed simultaneously in the same ovitrap. This study indicated that the main dengue vector was Ae. albopictus. A strong correlation was found between rainfall and egg population in both of the study sites (r = 0.982 and r = 0.918).
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  14. Dengue, an emerging arboviral infection in Assam, northeast India
    Dev V, Mahanta N, Baruah BK
    Trop Biomed, 2015 Dec 01;32(4):796-799.
    PMID: 33557473
    Dengue is emerging as major public health concern in northeast India and spreading with increased morbidity. Most cases were recorded in Guwahati metropolitan city of the state of Assam during post-monsoon months (September- December). These comprised all age groups of both sexes with significantly higher incidence of cases in adult males aged 26- 60 years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  15. Fulltext A New Pedestrian Crossing Level of Service (PCLOS) Method for Promoting Safe Pedestrian Crossing in Urban Areas
    Ahmed T, Moeinaddini M, Almoshaogeh M, Jamal A, Nawaz I, Alharbi F
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 08 20;18(16).
    PMID: 34444563 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168813
    Crosswalks are critical locations in the urban transport network that need to be designed carefully as pedestrians are directly exposed to vehicular traffic. Although various methods are available to evaluate the level of service (LOS) at pedestrian crossings, pedestrian crossing facilities are frequently ignored in assessing crosswalk conditions. This study attempts to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating crosswalks based on several essential indicators adopted from different guidelines. A new pedestrian crossing level of service (PCLOS) method is introduced in this research, with an aimto promote safe and sustainable operations at such locations. The new PCLOS employs an analytical point system to compare existing street crossing conditions to the guidelines' standards, taking into account the scores and coefficients of the indicators. The quantitative scores and coefficients of indicators are assigned based on field observations and respondent opinions. The method was tested to evaluate four pedestrian crosswalks in the city of Putrajaya, Malaysia. A total of 17 indicators were selected for the study after a comprehensive literature review. Survey results show that the provision of a zebra crossing was the most critical indicator at the pedestrian crossings, while drainage near crosswalks was regarded as the least important. Four indicators had a coefficient value above 4, indicating that these are very critical pedestrian crossing facilities and significantly impact the calculation of LOS for pedestrian crossings. Four crosswalks were evaluated using the proposed method in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The crosswalk at the Ministry of Domestic Trade Putrajaya got the "PCLOS A". In contrast, the midblock crossing in front of the Putrajaya Corporation was graded "PCLOS C". While the remaining two crosswalks were graded as "PCLOS B" crosswalks. Based on the assigned PCLOS grade, the proposed method could also assist in identifying current design and operation issues in existing pedestrian crossings and providing sound policy recommendations for improvements to ensure pedestrian safety.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  16. Fulltext Global warming: can we do something?
    Ghazally Ismail
    ASM Science Journal, 2011;5(1):73-74.
    MyJurnal
    Human activity has ‘very likely’ been the primary cause of global warming since the start of the Industrial Revolution (18th–19th century). As a new player in industrial transformation, Malaysia can choose to ignore the warnings of global warming. blame. This may not augur well. Release of greenhouse gases have been categorically linked to climate change and global warming. In her march towards industrialization, Malaysia too has contributed to the release of greenhouse gases. Apart from those arising from natural sources, the industrial sector in Malaysia also releases other types of gases such as the fluorocarbons. This is evident from the worsening air quality in some of our cities. (Copied from article).
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  17. Fulltext Some remarks on diurnal radon concentration at various locations in Peninsular Malaysia
    Ahmad Saat, Zaini Hamzah, Zaharidah Abu Bakar, Zuraidah A. Munir, Siti Mariam Sumari, Misbah Hassan
    Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2010;2010(1):49-57.
    MyJurnal
    A study was carried out to determine short term diurnal radon concentration at five locations in Malaysia. Two locations (KG & AP) are former tin mining areas that has been converted to housing area and training centre respectively, one a relatively new city (SA), that was formerly a rubber and oil palm plantation area, one older cities (KB) and one housing complex by the sea (LP). The study was carried out in 2005, 2006 and 2007 using a diffused-junction photodiode sensor continuous radon monitor. The monitor is recognized by the USEPA. In each location, measurements were carried out on at least ten sites. Former tin mining areas of KG and AP shows up to seven times higher indoor average than the average in the other three locations. However the indoor average in all locations is still below the action level of 4 pCiL-1. For outdoor, the former tin mining areas average concentration was higher than the global average of 0.4 pCiL-1. For the twenty four hours temporal variation the trend indicated that former tin mining areas concentration are always higher, and at time up to six fold higher. The hourly variation of all locations follows an identical trend of high concentration during early to late morning and drop in the afternoon till evening. The outdoor twenty four hour temporal average of former tin mining areas is consistently higher than the outdoor global average of 0.4 pCiL-1. The strong correlation between indoor and outdoor concentration at AP, indicates that indoor radon might originates from outdoor environment. The study was also extended to estimate the effective dose (mSvyr-1) of Rn-222 to the public.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  18. Fulltext Preliminary investigation on electrochemical parameters of lake waters in and around miri city, Malaysia
    M. V. Prasanna, R. Nagarajan, A. Elayaraja, S. Chidambaram
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2014;22(1):329-335.
    MyJurnal
    Surface water samples were collected from 16 Lakes in and around Miri City to assess the electrochemical parameters includes pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solid (TDS), redox potential (Eh), resistivity and salinity. Sampling locations for monitoring were selected in the vicinity of major roads, industries, settlements and agricultural region. Interpretation of data shows that the surface water in the central region of the study area is polluted by various anthropogenic activities, while in the southern part is within the limits of guideline values. This kind of investigation is essential in the study area to save the resources for future perspective. Further detailed studies are also needed to get a clear picture of the surface water quality in Miri city and for future sustainable management of this resource.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  19. Fulltext Urban coral reefs: Degradation and resilience of hard coral assemblages in coastal cities of East and Southeast Asia
    Heery EC, Hoeksema BW, Browne NK, Reimer JD, Ang PO, Huang D, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Oct;135:654-681.
    PMID: 30301085 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.041
    Given predicted increases in urbanization in tropical and subtropical regions, understanding the processes shaping urban coral reefs may be essential for anticipating future conservation challenges. We used a case study approach to identify unifying patterns of urban coral reefs and clarify the effects of urbanization on hard coral assemblages. Data were compiled from 11 cities throughout East and Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Naha (Okinawa). Our review highlights several key characteristics of urban coral reefs, including "reef compression" (a decline in bathymetric range with increasing turbidity and decreasing water clarity over time and relative to shore), dominance by domed coral growth forms and low reef complexity, variable city-specific inshore-offshore gradients, early declines in coral cover with recent fluctuating periods of acute impacts and rapid recovery, and colonization of urban infrastructure by hard corals. We present hypotheses for urban reef community dynamics and discuss potential of ecological engineering for corals in urban areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
  20. Fulltext The financial status and factors affecting personal well-‐being among urban poor in Kuala Lumpur
    Moga Dass T, Sabri MF
    Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2017;2(1):21-39.
    MyJurnal
    The main purpose of this study is to understand the financial status of urban poor community in Kuala Lumpur and factors affecting their personal well-being. The sampling size of this research is 1,064 respondents chosen by using systematic sampling method. The data was obtained by using selfadministered questionnaires and the data being analysed by descriptive analysis meanwhile and multi regression analysis. The results shows that the urban poor community in Kuala Lumpur are having a moderate level of financial literacy possess a less effective financial behaviour, experiencing a high financial strain and adapting a moderate level of personal well-being. Besides that, the results also indicates that the financial literacy has no influence on personal well-being of the urban poor community, meanwhile financial behaviour has a positive influence and financial strain has a negative influence on the personal well-being of the urban poor community. The findings of the study suggest the government and non-government organisation such as Economic Planning Unit ((EPU), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH or DBKL), Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM), Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (CCDM or AKPK), Federation of Consumer Association (FOMCA) to make an inclusive effort and approach to improve the personal well-being of the urban poor. By understanding more about the financial status of the urban poor community, it is hoped to help them to become financial prudence and in the long-run could lead them into a good decision making while facing conflicts in financial issues and maintain a good quality of life. It is important to ensure the urban poor consumers have better financial management skills which lead them to make the right decision in order to enhance their personal well-being.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cities
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