bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Mortality in an Australian Tertiary Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Tauro Joseph Kiran , Walker Karen , Halliday Robert , Jatana Vishal , Trivedi Amit
Published: January 2018

Aim: The aim of the study was to estimate mortality rate and trend in the neonate admitted to a surgical neonatal intensive care unit.Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort analysis of all neonatal (from birth toResults: There were a total of 8994 admissions with 425 deaths during the study period, of whom 328 infants met inclusion criteria. In this group 18.9% (n=62) were admitted for a surgical condition, 35.4% (n=116) for cardiac disease and 45.7% (n=150) for other reasons. The median birth weight was 2715g (IQR 1890g-3220g) and the median gestational age was 37 weeks (IQR 33-39 weeks). The inter-quartile range for length of stay was between 2 to 20 days. The overall mortality rate was 3.6% over 16 years. There was a decline in mortality rate from 5.9% in 2000 to 3.5% in 2015 (p=0.06). Female infants accounted for 41% of the deaths. On multivariate analysis only very low birth weight was an independent predictor of mortality for surgical and cardiac deaths compared to deaths by other cause.Conclusions: There has been an overall decline in mortality in the surgical neonatal population from 2000 to 2015.
Ileocolic Atresia due to Internal Herniation through the Falciform Ligament Defect
Authors: Rawat Jiledar , Singh Sudhir , Singh Gurmeet
Published: January 2018

Ileocolic atresia is the rarest form of all gastrointestinal atresia. Most accepted theory for Ileocolic atresia is a sequel of in-utero vascular insult. The incidence of internal hernia through a defect in the falciform ligament is extremely rare. In this case, a 2-day-old newborn baby presented with intestinal obstruction. On exploratory laparotomy ileocolic atresia was found along with the atretic terminal ileum and cecum, ascending colon and part of right transverse colon seen herniating through the defect in falciform ligament. To best of our knowledge and literature search this is the first case of Ileocolic atresia caused by intrauterine internal herniation of ileocolic segment through the falciform ligament defect.
Midline Spinal Hamartoma
Authors: Singh Aditya Pratap , Gupta Arun Kumar , Ansari Maryem , Barolia Dinesh Kumar , Mathur Vinay
Published: January 2018

Please see Fulltext
Massive Congenital Vascular Tumor of Lower Limb: Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Sarin Yogesh Kumar , Kumar Parveen
Published: January 2018

We report a neonate with congenital Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma of left thigh and diagnostic dilemmas encountered in the management. The lesion was dealt with en-bloc resection in early infancy which was proven curative. Currently patient is doing well on follow-up.
A Precise Guidance for Fair Local Communities' Development Investments Allocation, Case Study: Damietta Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim Asmaa Abdel Aty
Published: January 2018

Integrated statistical-theoretical based approaches in decision support promise to support effective investment decision making. From this view, this paper proposes an innovative methodology to digitally indicate the true developmental level of villages (the smallest Egyptian local units), which would accordingly provide a precise guidance for fair investments' allocation according to their needs' priorities. This would be achieved through testing 158 variables; taking Farscour district in Damietta Governorate in Egypt as a case study. Accordingly, this paper comes out with a statistical methodology that enables decision makers' map out the most deteriorated local communities and to set up investment priorities.Keywords: Socio-cultural Aspects; Urbanization; Local Communities' Needs; Development Challenges; Investment PrioritieseISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Alteration Processes and Deterioration Phenomena of Faience Tiles in the Complex of King Djoser at Saqqara, Egypt
Authors: S. Madkour Fatma , Khallaf Mohamed K.
Published: January 2018

The Complex of King Djoser (2667-2648 BC) at Saqqara was the earliest stone building of its size in the world. Some of the walls of the substructure of the Step Pyramid and the so-called "Southern Tomb" were covered with panels of blue-green faience tiles. The present work aims to study causes of decay the faience tiles which coated Southern Tomb of Step Pyramid. Investigations and analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray florescence (XRF) and polarizing microscopy were used. Results show that body of faience tiles contains high ratio of silicon oxide SiO2 and low amounts of alkaline oxides (Na2O, MgO), copper was used to obtain the blue colour in an oxidizing atmosphere and fixing mortar of faience tiles consists mainly of calcite, quartz, gypsum, in addition to halite. High content of moisture and crystallization of salts mainly halite salt were the main factors of faience tiles degradation.Keywords: Alteration processes; Faience tiles; Step Pyramid; Mortars.eISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Attitude towards Learning Chemistry among Secondary School Students in Malaysia
Authors: Wan Yunus Farhana , Mat Ali Zainun
Published: January 2018

In this current era, the world is facing environmental challenges where the future communities are losing interest in science subjects such as chemistry. There are many factors that contributed to students’ success. One of the factors is the students’ attitude in learning. The result of this study revealed that a majority of the students has a positive attitude towards learning chemistry when they conduct chemistry experiments in the laboratory. Students also show positive attitude towards teachers’ teaching style. Result also revealed that most students have a negative attitude towards chemistry because they lack interest in the subject and the syllabus itself.Keywords: Attitude, chemistry, future communities, environmental challengeseISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Awareness and Knowledge of Hazardous and Toxic Building Materials in Adaptation Projects
Authors: Isnin Zarina , Sh. Ahmad Sabarinah , Yahya Zaharah
Published: January 2018

Building adaptation projects may involve hazardous and toxic substances hidden in the building materials. These substances pose dangers to health and safety, disturbing the environment and affecting the projects’ turnover. Literature reviews on building adaptation and building materials information management found that vital information are seldom available. This study determines the awareness and knowledge of stakeholders in Malaysian building adaptation projects on the required building materials information. Analysis of interviews with 16 experienced stakeholders revealed the lack of awareness and information on existing building materials that may contain hazardous and toxic substances. Thus, building material information is critically required for future sustainability.Keywords: Awareness and knowledge on building material; Building adaptation; Building material information; Hazardous and toxic building materialeISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Cultural and Climatic Analysis: The basis of formulating compatible living environments in Oman
Authors: Abdul Majid Noor Hanita , Shuichi Hokoi , Takagi Nozomi
Published: January 2018

Vernacular architecture has been accepted as a product that has its roots both in culture and climate. This paper examines the architectural elements of Omani houses to outline the responses towards culture and climate by analysis of house samples and survey responses. The survey gathered data on the attitude and behavior of the inhabitants along with evidence of set point temperature, operating hours and thermal sensation. The results of the analysis on design parameters of vernacular and contemporary houses, and the current behavior and attitude of occupants, suggested the basis of formulating compatible living environments in Oman.Keywords: vernacular architecture; contemporary houses; socio-culture; climateeISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Humanizing Architecture in a Materialistic World Using Symbols and Morals
Authors: El Husseiny Aly Mohamed , El Husseiny Ahmed Aly
Published: January 2018

Architectural schools of design overwhelmingly adapt to cultural backgrounds of societies they target. This paper distinguishes between ideologies that generated Western, contemporary architecture, and on the other hand, the values of traditional Arab communities. The paper aims at parrying architectural plastic formations that are irrelevant to the local Arab discourse. The paper rediscovers a value oriented architecture that is capable of moving spiritual feelings towards the built environment, even if its formalistic and visual attractiveness is controversial. The paper demonstrates examples of what can be called “sincere” architecture rather than stunning and sight-startling products that apparently or superficially hold value.Keywords: Human architecture; spiritual architecture; symbolism; social building; experiencing architectureeISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Influence of Peer Review on College ESL Writers
Authors: Tahir Irda Haryani
Published: January 2018

Both students and teachers are environmentally challenged. Teachers are not well-heeled to do everything including giving feedback to students. Writing is a challenging area in teaching ESL. It was said that giving written feedback to students’ writing is the most time consuming and challenging job (Ferris, 2007). This paper reports on a study designed to investigate and identify the benefits and the challenges of peer review, to investigate the influence of content and form based feedback to students writing. Teachers should be more aware of the right techniques to use in a writing class to produce all-rounder future communities.Keywords: Environmentally challenged, future communities, influence, peer evaluation.eISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Learning Outside Classrooms on Campus Ground: A case study in Malaysia
Authors: Ibrahim Norhati , Fadzil Nur Hafisah , Saruwono Masran
Published: January 2018

This paper reports an assessment on a physical informal learning environment at a public university in Malaysia. The physical aspects investigated were the space conditions and utilisation that support informal learning activities undertaken by students outside their formal lecture hours. The research was conducted to understand how existing university facilities accommodate informal learning, through the use of observational and field inventory survey techniques. The study shows that an existing traditional university setting could accommodate a range of informal learning activities, for a limited percentage of the university population. The setting for learning could be better improved through the creation of more varied space conditions for varying learning activities and engagement intensity. It also asserts that quality learning environment should go beyond fulfilling functional needs and cater for the learner’s emotional need for inspiration and sense of identity.Keywords: Learning; Informal setting; Higher educationeISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Re-appraising Regulatory Framework of Planning and Land Law System towards Sustainable Development in Malaysia
Authors: Marzukhi Marlyana Azyyati , Omar Dasimah , Hoon Leh Oliver Ling Hoon Leh
Published: January 2018

This paper is produced from an initial background of a research and based on the outlined objectives: I) to assess the principles of planning law and land law systems in Malaysia as an instrument for sustainable development. II) to identify the shortcomings in the use of present legislative framework and approaches between Town and Country Planning Act 1976 and National Land Code 1965. The paper is purely based on literature review and the current understanding of the regulatory framework with further identification on key problems and conflicts that involved between both laws.Keywords: Planning law; Land law; Sustainable; DevelopmenteISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Redefining Static and Dynamic Spaces Genius integration in Historic Cairo
Authors: El Husseiny Aly Mohamed , El Husseiny Ahmed Aly
Published: January 2018

Streets of Historic Cairo are the main essence to constitute a significant community that is reputable by intimacy and provides a pleasure to walk in urban spaces. The monumental town which remained consistent hundreds of years is now seriously threatened by its rapid socio-cultural change. The degree of enclosure, thickness of walls, wideness of openings in the space boundaries, and the nature of activities are all factors to assure either the static or dynamic state of an urban space. An observation study aims to discover how genius is integration of variations of static and dynamic spaces suits behavioral needs.Keywords: Open space; urban space; static and dynamic spaces; Historic Cairo.eISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
The Relationship of CPTED and Fear of Crime in Gated and Non-Gated Residential
Authors: Md Sakip Siti Rasidah , Johari Noraini , Mohd Salleh Mohd Najib
Published: January 2018

The built environment especially in terms of the residential design is believed to be one of the factors influencing crime and the level of fear of crime (FOC). People’s perception of FOC varies considerably depending on their attitude and practices towards environmental conditions. CPTED is one of the most effective mechanisms to reduce FOC. Therefore, this paper investigates the relationship between practices and attitudes of CPTED and FOC in gated and non-gated residential areas. This study found that CPTED perception has a positive relationship with FOC (r=0.36, p<0.01) while CPTED practices has a negative relationship with FOC (r=-0.40, p<0.01).Keywords: Crime; CPTED; fear of crime; built environmenteISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Women and Crime in Central Business District Area
Authors: Sham Rohana , Omar Norhayati , Amat Dia Widyawati
Published: January 2018

Crime in the central business district has gain momentum over several years. With the increasing of a non index crime in Malaysia, it has also indirectly increase the chances of becoming a crime victim among women. Thus, this study intended to examine the exact crime incident area in the city centre that will affect the working women who depend on stage bus to commute. Result shows that most crime occur while walking and waiting at the bus stop. A high level of unsafe were spotted, when they rated a higher dissatisfaction against attributes like comfortable, security and information of the bus.Keywords: Woman travellers; Crime area ;Central Business District; Level of safety ,eISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Adolescent and Smoking-seeking Behaviour
Authors: Che Lamin Roz Azinur , Othman Nursyuhadah , Ab Rahim Nurhidayah
Published: January 2018

Age at start smoking was a determinant factor of smoking-seeking behaviour in adulthood. This study investigated the association of smoking at adolescence age with Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) level and their nicotine-seeking behaviour in one of the campuses in Malaysia. Results showed that there was no correlation between age at start smoking and FTND level. Boredom, depression and anxiety lead them to smoke. Smoking rate and nicotine exposure duration could be the factors of a low level of FTND. Busy in daily life makes the respondent disregard about smoking.
Analysis of Malaysian Regional Quality-of-Life and its Policy Implications
Authors: Abdul Mohit Mohammad
Published: January 2018

The Malaysian Quality of life Index (MQLI) has improved by 7.0 points during 1990-2000 and further to another 11.9 points from 2000 to 2010. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the improvement in the QOL has not been uniform across the states in the country. Therefore, a study need arises to investigate the regional variations in the QOL in the country so that future policies may be directed towards removing the disparity in socioeconomic development of the country. Objective measurements of social, economic, physical and environmental data at the regional level have been analyzed to investigate regional variations in QOL.
Assessment of Roof Top BIPV Application of Sample Houses in Shah Alam
Authors: Othman Ahmad Ridzwan , Rushdi Ahmad Tirmizi
Published: January 2018

BIPV is an application where solar Photovoltaic modules are integrated into the building structures to produce electrical energy. It is silent, clean in operation, highly reliable and low maintenance. The purpose of the research is to assess BIPV application on the roof top of houses in Shah Alam area. Few samples were selected and important parameters were measured, and analysed to determine which roof form, orientations and PV types that influence the power generations. The average daily power generations range from 11.18kWh/kWp to 29.18kWh/kWp depending on the number of modules, PV type, roof inclination and location.
Coastal Reclamation Impacts to the Quality of Life: Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Authors: Mohd Nadzir Nadzhirah , Ibrahim Mansor , Mansor Mazlina
Published: January 2018

The impacts of coastal reclamation to the coastal community have usually been overlooked. This paper presents the impacts of coastal reclamation to the quality of life of Tanjung Tokong’s community. The questionnaire survey data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), and the interview was content analyzed. The results show only three variable, influenced quality of life the most. Flash flood and traffic congestion negatively correlated with quality of life while health positively correlated with quality of life. It recommended that the coastal reclamation process should consider any temporary and permanent negative impact to the community.
Green Operation Barriers of Malaysia Green Operators
Authors: Yusof Zeenat Begam , Jamaludin Mariam
Published: January 2018

Recently there has been a tremendous effort in greening the tourism industry due to its negative environmental impacts. The efforts of greening the green lodging industry in Malaysia is growing slowly due to the several barriers. The objective of this study is to determine the barriers that slowing the green hotels and resorts operation in Malaysia. This study employed qualitative method using interview technique. Five case studies were chosen and the environmental managers are interviewed. The findings identified 12 barriers. The barriers are categorized under significant, less significant and non-significant barriers that affecting lodging green operation in Peninsular Malaysia.
IBS: An economic perspective on mechanisation and automation
Authors: Kamaruddin Siti Syariazulfa , Mohammad Mohammad Fadhil , Mahbub Rohana
Published: January 2018

Incorporating mechanisation and automation in the construction process is necessary to reduce production time and costs, improve working conditions, avoiding dangerous works, allow work to be performed where people cannot do, and eventually will increase performance, and product quality. This paper discusses a preliminary study on enhancing the quality of life by adopting Industrialised Building System (IBS) focusing on the economic perspective on the use of mechanisation and automation. The sustainability principles in the IBS have always maintained the harmony between environment and construction, improve human self-respect and encourage economic development to strive for a better quality of life.
Identification of Landmarks in the Historic District of Banda Hilir, Melaka, Malaysia
Authors: Hussain Khairul Amin Mirsa , Ujang Norsidah
Published: January 2018

Landmark is one of the key elements that shape the image and identity of historic cities. It is evident that new and unfit developments have diluted the dominance of landmarks in Banda Hilir, Melaka. This paper examines visitors’ identification of landmarks in the historic district of the city and its influence on their imageability. The study adopted mental mapping technique to gather images regarded as landmarks and its corresponding characteristics. Results from the study indicate that visitors identified both buildings and open spaces as landmarks. Size, façade, colour and scale of buildings and structures influence their identifications. This study denotes the importance of landmarks in preserving the image and identity of Banda Hilir as a world heritage site, despite the addition of new structures.
Level of Services (LOS) for Public Bus and Passenger’s Aspiration in Kerian District, Malaysia
Authors: Bachok Syahriah , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Ponrahono Zakiah
Published: January 2018

Public transportation facilitates the mobility of activities and goods from all sustainable development key dimensions. Over the past decades, more trips of public transportation move people towards a more sustainable future, by reducing congestion on the roads and increasing the efficiency of the road system. The research aims at analysing the passenger’s aspiration and perspective of sustainable public transport measure and evaluating Malaysian rural bus services, using the case study of Kerian District in the state of Perak. On-board intercept passenger survey and adoption of Geographical Information System (GIS) / Global Positioning System (GPS) were used to collect the primary data. The research suggested that whilst the services levels are less than those aspired by the passengers, there are many improvement areas to be prioritised in the near future.
Motivation of Visiting Bako National Park
Authors: Kamri Thalany , Radam Alias
Published: January 2018

This study was to analyse the visitors’ motives of visiting Bako National Park. A total of 564 visitors were interviewed. Varimax rotation method in factor analysis was employed to gain information from visitors on their behaviour reflecting their motives for ecotourism activities in the national park. The results showed that visitors visit a national park for four factors: challenge excursion, social trip, nature tour and getaway outing. This result may help the management authority to reposition national park attributes without neglecting the objectives of the national park existence.
Sustainability Factors and Performance
Authors: Amiril Assa , Nawawi Abdul Hadi , Takim Roshana , Ab. Latif Siti Nur Farhana
Published: January 2018

A Transportation infrastructure projects often involve the considerable land use and huge resource that can cause serious impacts to the environment and social dislocation. Hence, implementation of sustainable factors is essential. This paper attempts (1) to review infrastructure project sustainability factor and performance, and (2) to propose a framework of relationship between the sustainability factors and performance for railway projects in Malaysia. The results from the literature show that sustainability factors and performance can be categorized under environment, economic, social, engineering/resource utilization and project management.
The Philosophy of Urban Reload
Authors: Elshater Abeer
Published: January 2018

This manuscript introduces a new philosophy, Urban Reloading, as a compatibility effect in the great cities. The goal is to unload the metropolitan cities from carrying extra dense inhabitants and structure. It aims, firstly, to list the percentage of high structural loads, the conflict vector with surrounding conditions, and the negative influence. Secondly, it describes the injunction in making decisions related to the residents that move in and resettle outside the additional onus cities. Thirdly, it studies the new design that appropriates the city's reloaded areas and how to resettle these residents, taking into account the city formation experience with significant financial returns.
The Significance of Staff Assistance in Accessibility of Public Buildings
Authors: Abdul Kadir Syazwani , Jamaludin Mariam
Published: January 2018

This study intends to discuss the issue of public attitude towards PWD and the significance of staff assistance in public buildings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with visually-impaired person, hearing-impaired person, wheelchair user and crutches user to find out their concerns on the accessibility of public buildings they assessed prior to the interview session. Findings show that other than the physical facilities, another important aspect of accessibility in a public building is staff assistance or hospitality towards visitors with disability. Public buildings should be able to cater the needs of all visitors, through physical and hospitality aspects of the building.
Toward Sustainable Construction: Use of recycled aggregate in concrete in Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Sallehan , Hoe Kwan Wai , Ramli Mahyuddin
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews several key issues related to the use of natural aggregate (NA) for concrete production, in view of the high demand for materials to meet the rapid construction development in Malaysia. The current paper aims to discuss the potential of recycling waste concrete to generate recycled aggregates (RA) that may be used as alternative aggregate sources in the production of concrete. Moreover, several major challenges to the use of RA for concrete production are also highlighted. This paper also provides an action plan to encourage the construction industry’s wide usage of RA to achieve sustainable construction.
Combining Continuous Smartphone Native Sensors Data Capture and Unsupervised Data Mining Techniques for Behavioral Changes Detection: A Case Series of the Evidence-Based Behavior (eB2) Study (Preprint)
Authors: Berrouiguet Sofian , Ramírez David , Barrigón María Luisa , Moreno-Muñoz Pablo , Carmona Camacho Rodrigo , Baca-García Enrique , Artés-Rodríguez Antonio
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The emergence of smartphones, wearable sensor technologies, and smart homes allows the nonintrusive collection of activity data. Thus, health-related events, such as activities of daily living (ADLs; eg, mobility patterns, feeding, sleeping, ...) can be captured without patients’ active participation. We designed a system to detect changes in the mobility patterns based on the smartphone’s native sensors and advanced machine learning and signal processing techniques.

OBJECTIVE

The principal objective of this work is to assess the feasibility of detecting mobility pattern changes in a sample of outpatients with depression using the smartphone’s sensors. The proposed method processed the data acquired by the smartphone using an unsupervised detection technique.

METHODS

In this study, 38 outpatients from the Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz Psychiatry Department (Madrid, Spain) participated. The Evidence-Based Behavior (eB2) app was downloaded by patients on the day of recruitment and configured with the assistance of a physician. The app captured the following data: inertial sensors, physical activity, phone calls and message logs, app usage, nearby Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, and location. We applied a change-point detection technique to location data on a sample of 9 outpatients recruited between April 6, 2017 and December 14, 2017. The change-point detection was based only on location information, but the eB2 platform allowed for an easy integration of additional data. The app remained running in the background on patients’ smartphone during the study participation.

RESULTS

The principal outcome measure was the identification of mobility pattern changes based on an unsupervised detection technique applied to the smartphone’s native sensors data. Here, results from 5 patients’ records are presented as a case series. The eB2 system detected specific mobility pattern changes according to the patients’ activity, which may be used as indicators of behavioral and clinical state changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed technique could automatically detect changes in the mobility patterns of outpatients who took part in this study. Assuming these mobility pattern changes correlated with behavioral changes, we have developed a technique that may identify possible relapses or clinical changes. Nevertheless, it is important to point out that the detected changes are not always related to relapses and that some clinical changes cannot be detected by the proposed method.
Evaluating Hospital Websites in Kuwait to Improve Consumer Engagement and Access to Health Information: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study (Preprint)
Authors: Alhuwail Dari , AlMeraj Zainab , Boujarwah Fatima
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Current advances in information and communication technology have made accessing and obtaining health-related information easier than ever before. Today, many hospital websites use a patient-centric approach to promote engagement and encourage learning for better health-related decision making. However, little is known about the current state of hospital websites in the State of Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to thoroughly evaluate hospital websites in Kuwait and offer recommendations to improve consumer engagement and access to health information.

METHODS

This study employs a cross-sectional analytical approach to evalu- ate hospital websites in Kuwait in 2017. The websites of hospitals that provide in-patient services were identified through a structured search. Only active websites that were available in either English or Arabic were considered. The evaluation of the websites involved a combination of automated and expert- based evaluation methods and was performed across four dimensions: Accessibility, usability, presence, and content.

RESULTS

Nine hospitals met the inclusion criteria. Most of the websites fell short in all four dimensions. None of the websites passed the accessibility guidelines. The usability of websites varied between hospitals. Overall, the majority of hospitals in Kuwait have rudimentary online presences and their websites require careful reassessment with respect to design, content, and user experience. The websites focus primarily on promoting services provided by the hospital rather than engaging and communicating with patients or providing evidence-based information

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare organization and website developers should follow best-practices to improve their websites taking into consideration the quality, readability, objectivity, coverage and currency of the information as well as the design of their websites. Hospitals should leverage social media to gain outreach and better engagement with consumers. The websites should be offered in additional languages commonly spoken by people living in Kuwait. Efforts should be made to ensure that health information on hospital websites are evidence-based and checked by healthcare professionals.
A Self-Directed Mobile Intervention (WaznApp) to Promote Weight Control Among Employees at a Lebanese University: Protocol for a Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Bardus Marco , Hamadeh Ghassan , Hayek Bouchra , Al Kherfan Rawan
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity have become major health problems globally with more than 1.9 billion overweight adults. In Lebanon, the prevalence of obesity and overweight is 65.4% combined. Risk factors of obesity and overweight are preventable and can be addressed by modifications in the environment and in an individual’s lifestyle. Mobile technologies are increasingly used in behavioral, self-directed weight management interventions, providing users with additional opportunities to attain weight control (weight loss, weight gain prevention, etc). Mobile apps may allow for the delivery of Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs), which provide support through skill building, emotional support, and instrumental support, following the participants’ progress. A few commercially available apps offer JITAI features, but no studies have tested their efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to examine the feasibility of a self-directed weight loss intervention, targeting employees of an academic institution, using a virtual coaching app with JITAI features (Lark) and a self-help calorie-counting app (MyFitnessPal). The secondary objective is to estimate the effects of the intervention on main study outcomes.

METHODS

This study is a single-center, parallel, randomized controlled trial with 2 study arms (intervention and control). Participants will be randomly allocated in equal proportions to the intervention (Lark) and control groups (MyFitnessPal). To be eligible for this study, participants must be employed full- or part-time at the university or its medical center, able to read English, have a smartphone, and be interested in controlling their weight. Recruitment strategies entail email invitations, printed posters, and social media postings. We will assess quantitative rates of recruitment, adherence, and retention, self-reported app quality using the user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale. We will also assess changes in weight-related outcomes (absolute weight and waist circumference), behavioral outcomes (physical activity and diet), and cognitive factors (motivation to participate in the trial and to manage weight).

RESULTS

WaznApp was funded in June 2017, and recruitment started in March 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide information as to whether the selected mobile apps offer a feasible solution for promoting weight management in an academic workplace. The results will inform a larger trial whose results might be replicated in similar workplaces in Lebanon and the Middle East and North Africa region, and will be used as a benchmark for further investigations in other settings and similar target groups.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03321331; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03321331 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ys9NOLo5)

REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER

RR1-10.2196/9793
Australia's National Classification System for Publications, Films and Computer Games: Its Operation and Potential Susceptibility to Political Influence in Classification Decisions
Authors: Dunstan Michael Ramaraj
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this article is to examine Australia's regulatory system for the classification of publications, films and computer games, the National Classification System (‘NCS’), and to question whether its classification decision process is susceptible to political influence. Formed in 1995 as a cooperative scheme between the Commonwealth, States and Territories, the NCS was created to overcome problems associated with former classification schemes that operated on a non-national basis in each Australian jurisdiction. It is argued that, although the current system is superior to the ones of the past, it still allows, or at least perceivably allows, political influence in censorship decision-making, as was historically the case. This is because documents used by the Classification Board and Classification Review Board (‘the Boards’) to make classification decisions are ambiguous and often inconsistent, and, even with redrafting, would remain so without the benefit of judicial precedent. The ambiguity created by the classification documents legitimates the possible exercise of political influence through a variety of means.
Public Trusts, Public Fiduciaries
Authors: Finn Paul
Published: January 2018

In 1995 I wrote a short piece entitled ‘The Forgotten “Trust”: The People and the State’. Its premise was the simple proposition that the most fundamental of fiduciary relationships in our society is that which exists between the State (and its officers and agencies) and the community (the people). I do not intend here to revisit the justifications for that proposition. My primary concern when I wrote was with two quite different legal manifestations of that proposition. The first was its use in informing and justifying the imposition of legally enforceable standards of conduct on public officers and agencies. The second was how trust and fiduciary ideas have been, and could be, invoked to circumscribe and channel the exercise of public power for the benefit or protection of the public or a section of it. It is the second – and much more problematic – of these that I wish to revisit in this article. I do so not simply to satisfy Leslie Zines that I have reconsidered a ‘heresy’ into which he believed I was misguidedly lured.
Factual Causation
Authors: Stapleton Jane
Published: January 2018

The doctrinal parameters of the tort of negligence are remarkably open-textured which is why it has typically been in negligence cases that foundational formulations of factual causation have been made. This area of law has recently undergone an extensive restatement by the American Law Institute (‘ALI’) and been the subject of legislative attention in all Australian states. In the light of these developments this essay sketches some essential issues relevant to factual causation which apply not only to the tort of negligence but throughout the law.
ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF FLAVONOIDS FROM PROPOLIS PRODUCED BY TRIGONA ON ATPASE ACTIVITY OF STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS
Authors: Erlianda Dian , Rizal Mochamad Fahlevi , Budiardjo Sarworini B.
Published: January 2018

Objective: Caries are a major problem related to oral health among children. As it is an infectious disease, bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, play an important role in caries. Flavonoids have been known to have antibacterial effects, and ethanol, even at very low concentrations, reportedly has antibacterial effects and is widely used as a basic ingredient in drugs.Aim: This study aims to analyze the antibacterial effects of different concentrations of propolis flavonoids and ethanol against S. mutans ATPase activity.Methods: S. mutans cells were exposed to 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.1%, 0.075%, and 0.05% propolis flavonoids and then incubated in an anaerobic atmosphere for 48 h. The ATPase activity in these cells was then tested using a colorimetric assay.Results: No significant difference was found in the average ATPase activity of S. mutans after treatment with various concentrations of propolis flavonoids and ethanol.Conclusions: Thus, 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.1%, 0.075%, and 0.05% propolis flavonoids and 10% ethanol had similar effects against S. mutans ATPase activity. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of flavonoids from Trigona spp. propolis.
EFFECT OF 2% CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE ON THE DEGRADATION OF RESINCOMPOSITE–DENTIN BOND STRENGTH WHEN USING SELF-ETCH ADHESIVE SYSTEMS
Authors: Puspitasari Dewi , Herda Ellyza , Soufyan Andi
Published: January 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on the degradation of composite resin–dentin bond strength when using self-etch adhesive systems.Methods: CHX (2%) was applied before application of two-step self-etch (TSC) and one-step self-etch (OSC) adhesive. Resin composite was applied incrementally. Specimens from the degradation treatment group were immersed in 10% NaOCl for 1 h. Shear bond strength was tested with a universal testing machine and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s T3 post-hoc test. The composite resin–dentin bonds were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).Results: In the treatment group without 10% NaOCl, shear bond strength values were higher in the 2% CHX-treated group (TSC 11.67±1.76 MPa and OSC 10.19±1.44 MPa) than in the untreated group (TSC 10.93±1.31MPa and OSC 9.97±1.41 MPa), although this difference was not statistically significant. In samples exposed to10% NaOCl, shear bond strength values were higher in the 2% CHX-treated group (TSC 11.14±1.22 MPa and OSC 9.95±1.21 MPa) than in the untreated group (TSC 10.08±0.45 MPa and OSC 8.62±0.85 MPa), although this difference was not statistically significant. The SEM of samples from the 2% CHX-treated group showed less degradation than samples from the untreated group did.Conclusion: Application of 2% CHX may decrease the degradation of the resin composite-dentin bond.
COMPARISON OF THE POTENCY OF SEVERAL FLUORIDE-BASED VARNISHES AS AN ANTICARIOGENIC ON CALCIUM, PHOSPHATE, AND FLUORIDE ION LEVELS
Authors: Soekanto Sri Angky , Rosithahakiki Namira , Suniarti Dewi Fatma , Sahlan Mohamad
Published: January 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this present study was to analyze several fluoride-based varnishes: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF), nanosilver fluoride (NSF), and propolis fluoride (PPF). Fluoride-based varnish is proven to act as antibacterial and remineralization agents that arrested caries progression with minimal side effects. SDF, the golden standard for this study, was compared to NSF and PPF, which were made in our own laboratory, to evaluate their ability to release calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions and act as anticariogenic agents.Methods: Human dentin discs were prepared and divided into control groups and treatment groups with SDF (38%), NSF (3.16%, 3.66%, and 4.16%), and PPF (3%, 6%, and 10%). The dentin discs were demineralized using a demineralization solution (pH 4.4) for 96 h. Each dentin disc in the treatment group received a topical application of various fluoride-based varnishes and then was subjected to pH-cycling for 8 days. The quantity of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions on the dentin discs surface was compared after being detected using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.Results: The result revealed that the calcium ion levels in groups NSF and PPF increased significantly compared to SDF. The levels of phosphate ions and fluoride ions in groups NSF and PPF increased significantly compared to SDF.Conclusion: The study concluded that, in contrast to SDF, the prepared NSF and PPF fluoride-based varnishes were shown to release calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions in this study. Hence, NSF and PPF fluoride-based varnishes are promising as anticariogenic agents.