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Fulltext Transport, Mobility and the Wellbeing of Older Adults: An Exploration of Private Chauffeuring and Companionship Services in Malaysia

Abdul Latiff AR, Mohd S

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 Feb 03;20(3).
PMID: 36768086 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032720

As physical abilities and health decline with age, older adults tend to lose their driving abilities, which affects their mobility. As mobility is important to older adults' wellbeing, there is a need to explore alternative modes of transportation to increase their ability to actively participate in society. Hence, this paper aims to understand the characteristics of private chauffeuring and companionship services for older adults, and to assess their possible effects on older adults' wellbeing. We gathered the views of transport operators, government agencies, and city councils that offer private chauffeuring and companionship services for older adults. We frame the model of private chauffeuring and companionship services as alternative mobility for older adults and outline a conceptual framework for its possible effects on their wellbeing. The underlying mobility characteristics were availability, accessibility, safety, and affordability-all of which influence wellbeing. The study found that the private chauffeuring and companionship model for older adults includes an additional model of government-to-consumer services in addition to the existing peer-to-peer and business-to-consumer services. While the services are available, the services provided are not standardized, with different operators offering different services and prices, and limiting certain geographical areas. Transport operators perceived that the services they offer promote older adults' physical and mental health, improve their social participation in the community, and empower them in making their travel decisions. The findings of the paper provide insights for policy makers for future planning of alternative transportation for older adults to enhance their mobility.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Effect of asymmetrical street aspect ratios on microclimates in hot, humid regions

Qaid A, Ossen DR

Int J Biometeorol, 2015 Jun;59(6):657-77.
PMID: 25108376 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-014-0878-5

Asymmetrical street aspect ratios, i.e. different height-to-width (H1/W-H2/W) ratios, have not received much attention in the study of urban climates. Putrajaya Boulevard (northeast to southwest orientation) in Malaysia was selected to study the influence of six asymmetrical aspect ratio scenarios on the street microclimate using the Envi-met three-dimensional microclimate model (V3.1 Beta). Putrajaya Boulevard suffers from high surface and air temperature during the day due to the orientation, the low aspect ratio and the wide sky view factor. These issues are a common dilemma in many boulevards. Further, low and high symmetrical streets are incompatible with tropical regions as they offer conflicting properties during the day and at night. These scenarios are examined, therefore, to find asymmetrical streets which are able to reduce the impact of the day microclimate on boulevards, and as an alternative strategy fulfilling tropical day and night climatic conditions. Asymmetrical streets are better than low symmetrical streets in enhancing wind flow and blocking solar radiation, when tall buildings confront winds direction or solar altitudes. Therefore, mitigating heat islands or improving microclimates in asymmetrical streets based on tall buildings position which captures wind or caste shades. In northeast to southwest direction, aspect ratios of 0.8-2 reduce the morning microclimate and night heat islands yet the negative effects during the day are greater than the positive effects in the night. An aspect ratio of 2-0.8 reduces the temperature of surfaces by 10 to 14 °C and the air by 4.7 °C, recommended for enhancing boulevard microclimates and mitigating tropical heat islands.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Factors influencing childhood immunization defaulters in Sabah, Malaysia

Shamsul Azhar, S., Rohaizat, H., Azimatun Noor, A., Rozita, H., Nazarudin, S., Nirmal, K.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2012;11(1):17-22.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of defaulters of immunization, and their associated risk factors among children age 12 to 24 months. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all government's maternal child health clinics in District of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Data was collected using a standardised questionnaire from July to November 2006. Results: The prevalence rate for defaulting immunization was 16.8% from the 315 respondents. Bivariable analysis showed various significant factors associated with defaulters such as mother’s employment status, family mobility, transportation and cost. Nonetheless, multivariable analysis showed only mother’s age, mother employment status and family size were the significant predictors for defaulting immunization. Immunization that had the highest rate of defaulters was DPT–OPV booster dose (56.6%), followed by MMR immunization (43.4 %) and
DPT-Hib/OPV and Hep B third dose (37.7%).Conclusion: Employed mothers with bigger family size should be more closely monitored and advised to reduce the chance of defaulting on the immunization. Health promotion activities also should focus to these groups of mothers.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
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: Transportation
Fulltext Production of spray-dried Sarawak pineapple (Ananas comosus) powder from enzyme liquefied puree

Pui, L. P., Ng. J. M. L., Wong, C. W.

International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(4):1631-1636.
MyJurnal

Spray drying is used widely for converting liquid food products into powder form as the dried powder is known to have a longer shelf life at ambient temperature, convenience to use and low transportation expenditure. In this study, the Sarawak pineapple puree was spray-dried and the characterization of the resulting powder was performed. The process of enzyme liquefaction was optimized with Pectinex® Ultra SP-L and Celluclast® 1.5 L (single and combined treatment) at different concentrations (0–2.5 %) and incubation time (0-2.5 hours). The combined treatment with both enzymes (1.5% v/w Pectinex® Ultra SP-L + 0.5% v/w Celluclast® 1.5 L, 1.5 hour) was found to be the best parameter, which produced purees with the lowest viscosity of 67.98 ± 4.27 cp. Optimization of spray drying process was carried out using different inlet temperatures (150-180°C) and maltodextrin concentrations (15-30 % w/w). Results indicated that the spraydried powder produced at 160°C with 15% w/w of maltodextrin has the highest yield (31.63 %). The spray-dried powder was further characterized for the moisture content (6.00 ± 0.63%), water activity (0.36 ± 0.01 Aw), hygroscopicity (17.35 ± 0.64%), bulk density (0.46 ± 0.04 g/ cm3 ) and solubility (87.33 ± 2.08 seconds). The fruit powder of this study can be incorporated into different fruit added –value products, such as fruit juice, yogurt, jelly and other beverages.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Fulltext International patients with congenital heart disease: what brings them to India?

Maheshwari S, Animasahun BA, Njokanma OF

Indian Heart J, 2012 Jan-Feb;64(1):50-3.
PMID: 22572426 DOI: 10.1016/S0019-4832(12)60011-X

Factors that have led to the increasing popularity of medical travel include the high cost of healthcare, long wait times for certain procedures, the ease and affordability of international travel, and improvements in both technology and standards of care in many countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation/economics
Fulltext Numerical study of tides in the Malacca Strait with a 3-D model

Haditiar Y, Putri MR, Ismail N, Muchlisin ZA, Ikhwan M, Rizal S

Heliyon, 2020 Sep;6(9):e04828.
PMID: 32939416 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04828

Malacca Strait (MS) has an important role and potential for many countries. It is a major transportation route for oil and commodities across continents. In addition, various activities such as shipping, fishing, aquaculture, oil drilling, and energy are also carried out in MS. Tides strongly affect the MS environment so that it becomes a major parameter in MS management. This paper is the first study, which presents MS tidal hydrodynamics based on a baroclinic and nonhydrostatic approach. Tidal hydrodynamics in MS and the surrounding waters were assessed using tidal forces, temperature, salinity, and density. This study analyzes the amplitude, phase, current ellipses, and semi-major axis of the tides. These variables are obtained from the simulation results of the three-dimensional numerical models of M2 tides and combined tides (M2, S2, N2, K1, and O1) with nonhydrostatic models. Then the results obtained are verified by observation data. Amplitude and phase of the tidal wave in MS originate from two directions, namely the northern part of MS (Andaman Sea) and the South China Sea (SCS). Tides from the north of MS propagate into the MS, while tides from the SCS travel to Singapore Waters (SW) and the south of MS. This causes a complex residual flow in SW and shoaling in the middle of MS. Shoaling in the middle of MS is characterized by a large amplitude and semi-major, as in B. Siapiapi. The results of this analysis show that tidal waves are dominated by semidiurnal types rather than diurnal types. The M2 current ellipse has dominantly anticlockwise rotation along the west of the MS, while along the east of MS, it has generally a clockwise rotation.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Feasibility study on small cars as an alternative to conventional fleets due to low occupancy: case study in Indonesia

Setiyo M, Widodo EM, Rosyidi MI, Waluyo B, Pambuko ZB, Tamaldin N

Heliyon, 2020 Jan;6(1):e03318.
PMID: 32051877 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03318

Consumer interest in privately managed urban transport services in Indonesia are showing a declining trend. On the other hand, the presence of Transportation on Demand (ToD) based on Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted the majority of conventional fleet customers which contribute to the declining trend of occupancy. Therefore, this study aims to present a feasibility study of a small car RE60 Three Passenger and One Driver (3P+1D) four-wheeler as an alternative to replace conventional fleets. The Break-Even Point (BEP), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period (PP) are analyzed based on vehicle operating data. The analysis shows that there is an additional monthly income flow of IDR 1,533,122 and IDR 2,536,946 from RE60 operations compared to the high and low consumption of fuel from existing fleets, respectively. In conclusion, it is feasible to invest in small car RE60 as a replacement for the existing fleets since the fundamental indicators (BEP, NPV, IRR, and PP) showed positive results before the specified instalment period. Sensitivity analysis also shows good results, NPV shows positive results (>0) although the input conditions are made pessimistic to -30% from NPV base case. The BEP of RE60 will cut distance travelled at 190,670 km and 115,225 km, respectively. NPV of IDR 33,088,000 and IDR 80,841,000 will be obtained at the 60th month after the operation and IRR also enabled good scores, at 2.24% and 4.17%.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Fulltext Metagenomic sequencing of prokaryotic microbiota from tropical surface seawater

Chan XY, Arumugam R, Choo SW, Yin WF, Chan KG

Genome Announc, 2013;1(4).
PMID: 23950114 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00540-13

Tropical seawater harbors a rich diversity of microorganisms as a result of its nutrient-rich environment, constant supply of sufficient sunlight, and warm climate. In this report, we present the complexity of the microbial diversity of the surface seawater of the Georgetown coast as determined using next-generation sequencing technology.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation Facilities
Fulltext Associations between biopsychosocial factors and transportation patterns of older adults residing in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Mohd Rosnu NS, Ishak WS, Abd Rahman MH, Shahar S, Musselwhite C, Mat Ludin AF, et al.

Front Public Health, 2023;11:1153822.
PMID: 37275505 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1153822

INTRODUCTION: Aging is associated with physiological changes in multiple systems in the body and may impact the transportation choices of older adults. In this study, we examine the associations between biopsychosocial factors and the transportation choices of Malaysian older adults.
METHODS: One hundred and nineteen (119) older adults, aged 60 and above, living in Klang Valley, Malaysia were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Participants were interviewed face-to-face to obtain sociodemographic data, health status (whether there were and, if yes, the number of comorbidities), outdoor mobility and transportation patterns, Instrumental Activity Daily Living (IADL) status and cognitive function. Participants' physical performance (dominant handgrip strength, 10-m walk, and timed up and go tests), hearing threshold (pure tone audiometry), and vision function (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity) were measured. Transportation patterns of older adults were categorized into three groups, that is, flexible (using public transport and/or private vehicles), using only private vehicles and restricted (relying on others or walking).
RESULTS: Further information is needed to enable such older adults as older women, those with comorbidities and poorer functional status to access transportation, especially to meet their health care needs.
DISCUSSION: The majority (51%) of participants were in the 'using only private vehicles' group, followed by the 'flexibles' (25%) and the 'restricted' (24%). Factors significantly associated with the restricted transportation group were: (a) being female (AdjOR 15.39, 95% CI 0.86-23.39, p

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Fulltext Implementation of a psychomotor vigilance test to investigate the effects of driving fatigue on oil and gas truck drivers' performance

Al-Mekhlafi AA, Isha ASN, Al-Quraishi MS, Kanwal N

Front Public Health, 2023;11:1160317.
PMID: 37869200 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1160317

INTRODUCTION: Driving fatigue has been shown to increase the risk of accidents and potentially fatal crashes. Fatigue is a serious risk that some drivers do not take seriously. Previous studies investigated the effects of driving fatigue in the Malaysian oil and gas transportation industry by employing survey questionnaires. However, they did not explain the behavior of fatigue. Besides, these results required validation by a more reliable method that can describe how fatigue occurs.
METHODS: Thus, in this study, we used the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-192) and a short survey to address driving fatigue behavior and identify the influences of driving fatigue on driving performance in real life (on the road) with actual oil and gas tanker drivers. The total participants in the experimental study were 58 drivers.
RESULTS: For the analysis, a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Z value and Spearman's rho were used to measure the significant difference between the pre and post-tests of PVT and the correlation between the fatigue variables and driving performance.
DISCUSSION: During the experiment's first and second days, this study's results indicated that driving fatigue gradually escalated. Likewise, there was a negative correlation based on the test of the relationship between the PVT data and the driving performance survey data. Additionally, the drivers suffer from accumulative fatigue, which requires more effort from the transportation company management to promote the drivers awareness of fatigue consequences.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Reprint of: Cling film plastic wrap: An innovation for dead body packaging, preservation and transportation by first responders as a replacement for cadaver body bag in large scale disasters

Khoo LS, Lai PS, Saidin MH, Noor Z, Mahmood MS

Forensic Sci Int, 2018 Jul;288:242-255.
PMID: 29783180 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.017

Cadaver body bags are the conventional method to contain a human body or human remains, which includes the use for storage and transportation of the deceased at any crime scene or disaster scene. During disasters, most often than not, the first responders including the police will be equipped with cadaver body bags to do scene processing of human remains and collection of personal belongings at the disaster site. However, in an unanticipated large scale disasters involving hundreds and thousands of fatalities, cadaver body bags supplies may be scarce. The authors have therefore innovated the cling film plastic wrap as an alternative for the cadaver body bag used at the disaster site. The plastic wrap was tested on six different experimental subjects, i.e. both adult and child mannequins; body parts of the mannequin figure (arm and hand); a human adult subject and an unknown dead body. The strengths of the cling film plastic wrap are discussed in comparison with the cadaver body bag in the aspects of costing, weight, duration of the wrap, water and body fluid resistant properties, visibility and other advantages. An average savings of more than 5000% are noted for both adult body wrap and child body wrap compared to the cadaver body wrap. This simply means that the authors can either wrap 25 adult dead bodies or 80 children dead bodies with the cost of 1 cadaver body bag. The cling film plastic wrap has proven to have significant innovation impact for dead body management particularly by the first responders in large scale disasters. With proper handling of dead bodies, first responders can manage the dead with dignity and respect in an overwhelmed situation to facilitate the humanitarian victim identification process later.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Fulltext Effects of Stocking and Transport Conditions on Physicochemical Properties of Meat and Acute-Phase Proteins in Cattle

Abubakar AA, Zulkifli I, Goh YM, Kaka U, Sabow AB, Imlan JC, et al.

Foods, 2021 Jan 26;10(2).
PMID: 33530479 DOI: 10.3390/foods10020252

This study's objective was to evaluate the effects of distance and stocking density on physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of meat and acute-phase proteins in Brahman crossbred cattle transported by road under hot and humid tropical conditions. Sixty Brahman crossbred heifers were subjected to road transport from a cattle feedlot farm located in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, to a commercial ruminant abattoir in Shah Alam, Selangor. Animals were assigned to long and short distances and high, medium, and low stocking densities. The results revealed that the intensity of response significantly increased in meat samples from animals subjected to long-distance transportation and higher stocking density. Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and serum amyloid-A values increased considerably and were different from the baseline values recorded at preload. In conclusion, the current results revealed that the color, pH, shear force values, water holding capacity (WHC), glycogen level, and malondilaldehyde assay (MDA) concentrations in meat and acute-phase proteins (APP) were affected by both distances and stocking densities, as evidenced by the significant changes recorded from the parameters above.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Family planning availability and contraceptive practice

Rodríguez G

Fam Plann Perspect, 1979 Jan-Feb;11(1):51-70.
PMID: 421882

Analysis of World Fertility Survey data from five countries--Colombia, Costa Rica, Korea, Malaysia and Nepal--shows that the availability of contraceptive services and supplies is a major determinant of use. In Nepal, where few women know where to obtain supplies, only two percent are contracepting. In Costa Rica, where almost all married women know an outlet nearby, 53 percent use effective methods.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Application of theory-based evaluation for the critical analysis of national biofuel policy: A case study in Malaysia

Abdul-Manan AF, Baharuddin A, Chang LW

Eval Program Plann, 2015 Oct;52:39-49.
PMID: 25898073 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.03.007

Theory-based evaluation (TBE) is an effectiveness assessment technique that critically analyses the theory underlying an intervention. Whilst its use has been widely reported in the area of social programmes, it is less applied in the field of energy and climate change policy evaluations. This paper reports a recent study that has evaluated the effectiveness of the national biofuel policy (NBP) for the transport sector in Malaysia by adapting a TBE approach. Three evaluation criteria were derived from the official goals of the NBP, those are (i) improve sustainability and environmental friendliness, (ii) reduce fossil fuel dependency, and (iii) enhance stakeholders' welfare. The policy theory underlying the NBP has been reconstructed through critical examination of the policy and regulatory documents followed by a rigorous appraisal of the causal link within the policy theory through the application of scientific knowledge. This study has identified several weaknesses in the policy framework that may engender the policy to be ineffective. Experiences with the use of a TBE approach for policy evaluations are also shared in this report.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation/methods; Transportation/standards*
The use of warning lights and siren by the ambulance crew in the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre

Ismail AK, Mohd Salleh NI, Hamdan NA, Mohd Jawi MI, Abdul Razak SN, Md Jamal S, et al.

Eur J Emerg Med, 2012 Dec;19(6):408-9.
PMID: 22343753 DOI: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e328351e62e
Matched MeSH terms: Noise, Transportation*; Transportation of Patients*
Tapered US carbon emissions during good times: what's old, what's new?

Eng YK, Wong CY

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Nov;24(32):25047-25060.
PMID: 28920161 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0144-6

In light of a slow buildup in CO2 emissions since the recovery, this paper revisits the relationship between CO2 emissions and the US economy using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model, in which the determinants are identified through an expanded real business cycle model. We find convincing evidence that CO2 emissions decline more rapidly during recessions than increase during expansions over the long run. Of all determinants considered, long-run asymmetry is fostered once vehicle miles traveled is controlled. This calls for a greater attention to public transportation development and vehicle miles traveled tax for slowing down stock buildup of CO2 emissions during good times.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation/economics; Transportation/legislation & jurisprudence
Towards sets of hazardous waste indicators. Essential tools for modern industrial management

Peterson PJ, Granados A

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2002;9(3):204-14.
PMID: 12094535

Decision-makers require useful tools, such as indicators, to help them make environmentally sound decisions leading to effective management of hazardous wastes. Four hazardous waste indicators are being tested for such a purpose by several countries within the Sustainable Development Indicator Programme of the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development. However, these indicators only address the 'down-stream' end-of-pipe industrial situation. More creative thinking is clearly needed to develop a wider range of indicators that not only reflects all aspects of industrial production that generates hazardous waste but considers socio-economic implications of the waste as well. Sets of useful and innovative indicators are proposed that could be applied to the emerging paradigm shift away from conventional end-of-pipe management actions and towards preventive strategies that are being increasingly adopted by industry often in association with local and national governments. A methodological and conceptual framework for the development of a core-set of hazardous waste indicators has been developed. Some of the indicator sets outlined quantify preventive waste management strategies (including indicators for cleaner production, hazardous waste reduction/minimization and life cycle analysis), whilst other sets address proactive strategies (including changes in production and consumption patterns, eco-efficiency, eco-intensity and resource productivity). Indicators for quantifying transport of hazardous wastes are also described. It was concluded that a number of the indicators proposed could now be usefully implemented as management tools using existing industrial and economic data. As cleaner production technologies and waste minimization approaches are more widely deployed, and industry integrates environmental concerns at all levels of decision-making, it is expected that the necessary data for construction of the remaining indicators will soon become available.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
A comprehensive bibliometrics of 'walkability' research landscape: visualization of the scientific progress and future prospects

Ramakreshnan L, Aghamohammadi N, Fong CS, Sulaiman NM

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Jan;28(2):1357-1369.
PMID: 33094458 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11305-x

This study quantitatively investigated the scientific progress of walkability research landscape and its future prospects using bibliometric indicators to highlight the research hotspots. The results accentuated multifaceted nature of walkability research landscape with a strong association towards public health disciplines. Keyword co-occurrence analysis emphasized that majority of the walkability studies centred on the interactions between walking and other three main factors such as built environment attributes, transportation and obesity. Based on the identified research hotspots, a brief state-of-the-art review of walkability studies was presented. Future prospects based on the unexplored research gaps within the hotspots were also discussed. High correlation (r = 0.99, p

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation
Are Malaysian airline passengers willing to pay to offset carbon emissions?

Shaari NF, Abdul-Rahim AS, Afandi SHM

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Jul;27(19):24242-24252.
PMID: 32306253 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08662-y

Recently, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions become the hottest issue in the transportation sector. The air transport sector contributes approximately 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft is one of the issues taken seriously by the transportation sector. However, air transportation has implemented several ways to reduce carbon emissions, and one of them is by launching a carbon offset program. This study estimates the willingness among Malaysian airline passengers to pay for a carbon offset program to have a better environmental performance. Using a double-bounded dichotomous choice of contingent valuation method (CVM) estimates how much air passengers would be willing to pay to offset carbon emissions generated by their travel. The results obtained from this study suggest that the additional fee for airline tickets will be RM86.00 can be charged to have a better environmental performance.

Matched MeSH terms: Transportation

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