bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PADRÕES GEOMORFOLÓGICOS NA REGIÃO ESTUARINA DO RIO ASSU, NE – BRASIL
Authors: Barbosa Maria Emanuella Firmino , Bezerra Francisco Hilário Rego , Boski Tomasz , Lima Filho Francisco Pinheiro , Valdevino Diego da Silva
Published: July 2018

A corrente pesquisa trata da caracterização geomorfológica da região da desembocadura do rio Assu, localizado no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, região nordeste do Brasil. Confeccionou-se e analisou-se cartas hipsométrica, de declividade, rugosidade através do relevo sombreado, perfis topográficos e modelos em 3D, onde a interseção dessas informações auxiliou na produção da carta geomorfológica. Utilizou-se vetorização das cartas topográficas de Macau e Porto do Mangue, na escala de 1:50.000 e intervalos altimétrico de 20 m, com recurso o software de SIG Spring 5.2. Os resultados alcançados através da análise da carta geomorfológica mostram que existem no 1º Táxon três classes morfoestruturais, correspondentes: i) sedimentos quaternários, ii) a cobertura sedimentar de plataforma (composta pelos sedimentos da Formação Barreiras e Pós-Barreiras) e iii) as Formações Mesozoicas da Bacia Potiguar. O 2º Táxon é formado pelas duas classes morfoesculturais, que são i) planície costeira e ii) plataformas (ou tabuleiros) costeiros. O 3º e 4º Táxons representam os padrões e aos tipos erosivos e agradacionais da forma de relevo. Respectivamente podem observa-se quatro formas de denudação na área de estudo. O 5º Táxon corresponde as formas de vertente. Na área de estudo podemos distinguir dois padrões, o primeiro corresponde formas planas e retilíneas, encontradas do rio principal, com presença de extensas planícies. O segundo padrão é relativos a padrões côncavos e retilíneos, sendo encontrados nos rios secundários da bacia, principalmente entre 1º e 2º ordem. No 6º Táxon foram identificadas falésias ativas e inativas, voçorocas e cone de dejeção. Desse modo mostramos as funcionalidades dos mapas derivados do Modelo Numérico do Terreno. Esse documento se constitui assim em um instrumento base para outras analises e diagnósticos com o objetivo de compreender a dinâmica da paisagem de forma integrada.
DINÂMICA VEGETAL E EVOLUÇÃO DA PAISAGEM NO CONTATO ENTRE CAMPINARANA E CAMPINA SOBRE ESPODOSSOLOS - BACIA DO RIO DEMINI-AM (BRASIL)
Authors: Guimarães Felipe Silva , Bueno Guilherme Taitson , Mendes Débora de Sena Oliveira , Do Nascimento Nádia Regina , Diniz Alisson Duarte , De Souza Jorge Batista
Published: July 2018

As campinas e campinaranas são ecossistemas amazônicos de grande importância, sobretudo, na Bacia do Rio Negro, As campinaranas são fitofisionomias florestais onde predominam plantas de metabolismo C3. Já as campinas são fitofisionomias abertas caracterizadas pela abundância de plantas C4. Estes ecossistemas estão frequentemente associados aos Espodossolos, que possuem horizonte espódico pela migração do humos proveniente dos horizontes superficiais e posterior acúmulo em alguma região do perfil. Estudos têm mostrado que a dinâmica de retração e expansão entre campinas e campinaranas está relacionada a processos pedogenéticos e morfogenéticos. Os objetivos deste trabalho são verificar se na área de estudo tem ocorrido a expansão ou a contração das campinas sobre as campinaranas e propor um modelo para explicar esta dinâmica. Foi traçado um transecto da borda do baixo platô em direção a seu centro de modo a contemplar as principais fitofisionomias presentes na região. Ao longo deste transecto foram abertas trincheiras para descrição pedológica e coleta de amostras para realização de análises físico-químicas e de razão isotópica do carbono. Esta última foi procedida em amostras dos horizontes A e Bh. As interpretações feitas com base na literatura disponível sobre a evolução da paisagem da região, nos resultados das análises físicas e de razão isotópica do carbono sugerem que as campinaranas, que estão associadas aos Espodossolos, têm expandido em função da retração das campinas que se encontram sobre Gleissolos ou Organossolos. O processo motriz desta dinâmica está relacionado à incisão dos cursos d’água nos platôs culminando na drenagem e exaustão da fração argila destes últimos.
EVOLUÇÃO DA REDE DE DRENAGEM E EVIDÊNCIAS DE ANTIGAS CONEXÕES ENTRE AS BACIAS DOS RIOS GRANDE E SÃO FRANCISCO NO SUDESTE BRASILEIRO
Authors: Rezende Éric Andrade , Salgado André Augusto Rodrigues , Castro Paulo de Tarso Amorim
Published: July 2018

O presente trabalho investigou a evolução da rede de drenagem na alta/média bacia do Rio Grande, com foco em evidências de antigas conexões entre esta bacia e a bacia do Rio São Francisco no sudeste brasileiro. Foi executada a análise conjunta de registros sedimentares, anomalias de drenagem, eixos de soerguimento e dados termocronológicos disponíveis. Feições como um baixo divisor anômalo, um cotovelo de drenagem, uma garganta e um antigo eixo de soerguimento evidenciam que o alto curso do Rio Grande, hoje pertencente à bacia hidrográfica do Rio Paraná, encontrava-se previamente direcionado para norte, rumo ao Cráton do São Francisco. O divisor ancestral entre as duas bacias hidrográficas coincidia com o eixo soerguido de direção geral NNW-SSE ao longo das intrusões alcalinas Neocretáceas que bordejam a nordeste a Unidade geotectônica Bacia do Paraná. O rompimento do divisor ancestral e a consequente captura fluvial provavelmente ocorreram após um soerguimento generalizado no Mioceno Médio, que causou a superimposição da drenagem a partir de uma paleosuperfície mais regular e a abertura de depressões. O baixo divisor anômalo na região de Pimenta-MG corresponde a um expressivo registro morfológico do paleovale que conectava as duas bacias atualmente separadas. Taxas médias de incisão de longo-termo foram estimadas em cerca de 10 m/Ma, com base no posicionamento das formações Marília e Itaqueri adjacentes ao médio vale do Rio Grande.
MORFOGÊNESE NO QUADRILÁTERO FERRÍFERO/MG NO QUATERNÁRIO SUPERIOR: PROCESSOS FLUVIAIS E CONDICIONANTES PALEOAMBIENTAIS NA BACIA DO RIO DAS VELHAS
Authors: Barros Luiz Fernando de Paula , Magalhães Junior Antônio Pereira
Published: July 2018

Visando aprofundar a compreensão da geomorfologia regional, diversos levantamentos de níveis e sucessões deposicionais fluviais foram empreendidos no Quadrilátero Ferrífero nas últimas décadas. Entretanto, faltam estudos mais regionalizados, que analisem mais de um vale fluvial. A partir de novos dados e da releitura em campo da literatura sobre o tema na área de estudo, este trabalho discute o quadro de níveis e sucessões deposicionais fluviais da bacia do alto Rio das Velhas, que compreende a drenagem da área core do Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Os resultados revelam um relevo dinâmico, sensível às forças tectônicas e variações climáticas do Quaternário Superior. Os níveis deposicionais fluviais foram datados entre 84-1 Ka por Luminescência Opticamente Estimulada (LOE), permitindo a releitura de dados anteriores e a correlação de depósitos em fases de evolução do sistema fluvial do alto Rio das Velhas. Esses níveis são, em sua maioria, dos tipos escalonado e pareado e, portanto, configuram-se como importantes marcadores dos ritmos da tectônica quaternária na região. Destaca-se o encaixamento de alguns cursos d’água ainda no Holoceno Superior. As datações permitem a associação de diferentes níveis fluviais com oscilações climáticas, que deixaram como registros couraças ferruginosas desenvolvidas sob um clima mais seco/frio que o atual, bem como o embutimento de planícies de inundação em níveis mais antigos, desenvolvidos durante o último máximo glacial.
SUPERFÍCIES DE CIMEIRA DO PLANALTO DAS ARAUCARIAS – SUL DO BRASIL
Authors: Biffi Vitor Hugo Rosa , Paisani Julio Cesar
Published: July 2018

No Sul do Brasil foram reconhecidas superfícies de cimeira que balizaram estudos de evolução do relevo na porção oriental dessa região, sobre terrenos cristalinos/cristalofilianos e borda da Bacia do Paraná. No que se refere a esta última, uma unidade geomórfica dominante no sul do Brasil, o Planalto das Araucárias, ainda carece de individualização e caracterização de superfícies de cimeira em mesoescala, tão pouco da compreensão do papel da litoestrutura no estabelecimento dessas possíveis superfícies dessa categoria. Diante disso, o presente artigo traz resultados da caracterização das superfícies de cimeira do Planalto das Araucárias. A identificação e caracterização das superfícies de cimeira do Planalto das Araucárias foram realizadas a partir de levantamento e elaboração de produtos cartográficos, que consistiu em quatro etapas: 1) elaboração de modelos digitais de terreno (Índice de Rugosidade do Terreno- IRT, relevo sombreado e hipsométrico) e perfis topográficos; 2) cotejamento desses primeiros com mapas geológicos e geomorfológicos; 3) interpretação e análise dos diferentes produtos gerados; e 4) aferição dos resultados com observações em campo. O produto gerado com o IRT, em conjunto com a imagem sombreada, permitiu distinguir três superfícies de cimeira no Planalto das Araucárias, aqui referidas como superfícies de Vacaria, Palmas/Caçador e Superfície de Pinhão/Guarapuava, entre 760 a +1300 m de altitude, as quais se encontram na borda leste desse planalto. O Índice de Rugosidade do Terreno revelou que tais superfícies apresentam aspecto plano, embora dissecada, e com quatro a treze níveis altimétricos internos (embutidos). A espacialização das superfícies, a extração de perfis topográficos e o respectivo cotejamento com mapas geológicos e geomorfológicos permitiram avaliar o controle litoestrutural e a ocorrência de níveis geomórficos individualizados previamente na literatura. Verificou-se que as superfícies transpõem limites laterais dos derrames básicos, intermediários e ácidos, embora predominem sobre estes últimos. Isso leva a pensar que as superfícies de cimeira estão longe de serem consideradas como superfícies controladas apenas pela litologia, como aventada na literatura de forma generalizada para todo o território nacional. Igualmente, limites laterais das superfícies e níveis altimétricos internos das superfícies coincidem, em partes, com falhas/fraturas, apontando para controle neotectônico. A cobertura superficial caracterizada em trabalhos da literatura, aqui revisados, apontam para ação de etchplanação na evolução das superfícies de cimeira, sobretudo entre o Plioceno a Pleistoceno Médio, com remoção de coberturas preexistentes diante de variações climáticas no Quaternário Tardio.
ANÁLISE E MAPEAMENTO GEOMORFOLÓGICO DA ÁREA DE INFLUÊNCIA DA PLANÍCIE COSTEIRA DE PELOTAS (RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL)
Authors: Silva Anderson Rodrigo Estevam da , Rehbein Moisés Ortemar
Published: July 2018

Este artigo teve como objetivo elaborar e analisar o mapa geomorfológico da área de influência da Planície Costeira de Pelotas, devido à escassez de informações mais detalhadas da Geografia Física do município. Para tanto, obteve-se amparo em orientações metodológicas de Ab’Sáber (1969), União Geográfica Internacional (UGI) (DEMEK et al., 1972), Ross (1992) e Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) (2009). O mapeamento adotou a escala 1:125.000 e possibilitou a identificação de fatos geomorfológicos ordenados, quanto à escala de análise, em quatro níveis hierárquicos: 1º) morfoestrutura da Bacia de Pelotas; 2º) morfoescultura da Planície Costeira; 3º) padrões morfológicos de pontal, planícies, dunas, lombadas e terraços; 4º) unidades morfocronogenéticas de pontal, planície lacustre, planície paludial, planície alúvio-lacustre, planície alúvio-lagunar do São Gonçalo, planície alúvio-lagunar e planície alúvio-coluvionar (~ 5 ka); terraço lagunar e terraço alúvio-lagunar (~ 120 ka); duna costeira, lombada costeira, terraço lagunar e terraço alúvio-coluvionar (~ 325 ka). Sobre as morfodinâmicas verificou-se: oscilações periódicas do lençol freático em superfície; redução da infiltração da água no solo e intensificação do escoamento superficial; suscetibilidade à erosão laminar em solo exposto; alterações de hidrodinâmicas fluvial, lagunar e paludial. De modo principal, os resultados apresentados fornecem auxílio enquanto instrumento à gestão e ao planejamento ambiental, por meio da delimitação de compartimentos do relevo que sinalizam restrições à substituição de coberturas por usos da terra.
GEOMORFOLOGIA E ARQUITETURA DEPOSICIONAL INTERNA DA BARREIRA COSTEIRA HOLOCÊNICA DA MASSAMBABA, LITORAL DO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: Silva Figueiredo Mariana , Baptista da Rocha Thais , Fernandez Guilherme Borges
Published: July 2018

Barreiras arenosas costeiras são feições de aspecto alongado e estreito, compostas por areias ou outros sedimentos desprendidos que sofrem diretamente a ação de ondas, correntes, marés e ventos. Apesar da variedade de definições, a classificação como barreiras transgressivas, regressivas ou agradacionais é bastante usual e considera características morfológicas bem como arquitetura sedimentar interna. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo identificar as características geomorfológicas e a arquitetura deposicional interna da barreira costeira holocênica da Massambaba, litoral do estado do Rio de Janeiro, com o intuito de verificar possíveis nuances ao longo dos seus aproximadamente 50 km de extensão e classificar sua tipologia. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, as representações geomorfológicas (bidimensionais e tridimensionais) evidenciaram características da barreira costeira holocênica, permitindo a identificação de diferentes processos atuando sobre a barreira que foram responsáveis pela formação de terraço lagunar, dunas frontais, cortes eólicos e leques de transposição. Em relação a arquitetura deposicional interna os resultados corroboram com a geomorfologia já que foram identificadas radarfácies referentes ao registro de processos eólicos, marinhos e lagunares que se distribuíram de forma heterogênea. Considerando as feições eólicas e o registros de radarfácies eólicas sobre radarfácies praiais, ambos amplamente encontrados ao longo da barreira, sugere-se que a barreira holocênica esteja mais próxima da classificação de barreira agradacional/estacionária.
REGIONALIZAÇÃO DE VARIÁVEIS GEOMORFOMÉTRICAS PARA O MAPEAMENTO DOS DOMÍNIOS MORFOESTRUTURAIS DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO ITAJAÍ-AÇU (SC)
Authors: Gerente Jéssica , Valeriano Márcio de Morisson , Moreira Eder Paulo
Published: July 2018

O mapeamento do relevo pode ser útil para diversas aplicações tais como zoneamentos territoriais e ecológico-econômicos, mapeamentos de risco a desastres naturais, estudos geológicos, biológicos e outros. Realizado na década de 1970, o primeiro mapeamento geomorfológico sistemático nacional é o RADAMBRASIL, cuja metodologia se baseia na interpretação visual do relevo sombreado obtido por RADAR. No contexto tecnológico atual, dispomos de modelos digitais de elevação (MDE) e de seus derivados em cobertura global para a caracterização do relevo, mas ainda pouco explorados para revisão e aprimoramento dos mapeamentos consolidados.O presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar uma metodologia de classificação de padrões do relevo da bacia do rio Itajaí-Açu (SC) por meio da análise regional de dados geomorfométricos. A escala de análise deste trabalho é compatível com o primeiro táxon do mapeamento geomorfológico do RADAMBRASIL, aqui usado como referência para avaliação dos resultados. A partir de observações sobre o MDE e o mapeamento de referência, foram experimentadas diferentes variáveis geomorfométricas e técnicas de processamento para a classificação de cada padrão de relevo observado. No caso das planícies, a altura foi a variável de melhor desempenho na delimitação direta pela aplicação de um limiar máximo, embora outras variáveis (amplitude, curvatura e declividade) também apresentassem padrões singulares para esta classe de terreno. Para o mapeamento das classes de terrenos cristalinos e terrenos sedimentares fanerozóicos, segmentos gerados por meio da declividade e da dissecação vertical foram classificados por meio de agrupamento baseado na análise das modas de intervalos de declividade.Os padrões classificados refletiram a disposição geral de classes presentes no mapeamento RADAMBRASIL com correspondência em relação às classes mapeadas superior a 80%. A utilização de descritores geomorfométricos derivados de MDE para a delimitação dos compartimentos morfoestruturais da bacia do rio Itajaí-Açu foi considerada uma abordagem interessante pela flexibilidade quanto à caracterização de diferentes aspectos do relevo e assim adaptável a diferentes condições de terreno e escalas de mapeamento. Longe de constituir uma metodologia invariável, a abordagem geomorfométrica requer a experimentação de amplo conjunto de critérios e procedimentos para a definição dos métodos mais adequados às características da área de interesse.
Acceptance of Cervical Cancer Screening and its Correlates Among Women of a Peri-Urban High-Density Residential Area in Ndola, Zambia
Authors: Kabalika, MBChB Chiluba , Mulenga, MPH David , Mazaba, MSc Mazyanga Lucy , Siziya, PhD Seter
Published: July 2018

Background: Zambia has one of the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in the world. Cervical cancer screening leads to reduction in the incidence of invasive disease. The objectives of the study were to determine the level of acceptance of cervical cancer screening and its correlates among women of a peri-urban high-density residential area in Ndola, Zambia.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted. With a population size of 12,000 women in reproductive age and using an expected frequency of 50 + 5% and at 95% confidence interval, the required sample size was 372. A stratified sampling method was used to select participants. Independent factors that were associated with the outcome were established using multi-variate logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals are reported.

Results: In total, 355 out of 372 questionnaires were administered, achieving a response rate of 95.4%. Out of 355 participants, 9 (2.5%) had ever been screened for cervical cancer. In bivariate analyses, factors associated with screened were knowledge of body part affected, screening as a prevention tool, whether cervical cancer was curable in its early stages or not, awareness of cervical cancer screening, knowledge on frequency of screening and cervical cancer screening causing harm. However, in multivariate analysis, participants who knew that cervical cancer screening prevented cervical cancer were 3.58 (95% CI [1.49, 8.64]) times more likely to have been screened than those who did not have the knowledge. Participants who knew that cervical cancer is curable were 2.76 (95% CI [1.92, 8.31]) times more likely to have been screened than those who did not have the knowledge.Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The uptake of screening was low. Interventions should be designed to increase uptake of screening for cervical cancer by considering factors that have been identified in the current study that are independently associated with cervical cancer screening among this population.

 Key words : Knowledge • Cervical Cancer • Pap Smear • Screening • Zambia

 

Copyright © 2018 Kabalika et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A Global View on the Environmental Consequences of Antarctic Tourism
Authors: Karimini Shahab , Sh. Ahmad Sabarinah , Hashim Rugayah , Ismail Zulhabri
Published: July 2018

Antarctica tourism evidently harms its ecosystem in direct and indirect ways. Ecosystems are dynamic and complex systems, which simultaneously depend on various humanity and natural factors. The nature of tourist activities continuously changes, which needs improved policies and protection standards. If the varied tourism activities and the diverse consequent impacts are not adequately addressed, they may not be thoroughly considered by international treaties. This can pose unacceptable environmental risks supposedly legally safeguarded by these treaties. Hence, this study studied Antarctic tourism impacts in five major groups from a global view. The results are useful for future legislations and implementations.
Cooperative/Collaborative Learning in an Interior Architectural Program
Authors: Ruengtam Porntip
Published: July 2018

This research presented a model of cooperative/collaborative learning technique which leads to learning efficiency of students continued from a previous research (Porntip, 2012).  Objectives were to study and find out patterns of study groups of a classroom case study that would have effects on the student efficiency. Formulating the model and data analysis, the researcher used Structural Equation Modeling for explaining the effects on the efficiency of a group of students. A theoretical subject case study of the Interior Architecture Program in the Faculty of Architecture, Mahasarakham University was used in this research.
An Exploration of Safety from Crime
Authors: Md Sakip Siti Rasidah , Johari Noraini , Mohd Salleh Mohd Najib
Published: July 2018

The feeling of safety from criminal threats has become a critical aspect on the quality of human life. One of the indicators in identifying fear of crime is the feeling of safety (POS) level.  The objective of this study is to compare the POS in individual gated residential (IGR) and individual non-gated residential (INGR) areas.  This study found that POS is higher in gated residential areas (M=0.90, SD=0.32) compared to IGR areas (M=0.57, SD=0.23).  The results show that the rates of income, victimization, fields of employment and periods of residing in the residential areas were significant to the POS.
Methadone Maintenance Therapy: Malaysian public awareness
Authors: Che Lamin Roz Azinur , Othman Nursyuhadah , Othman Mohd Izani
Published: July 2018

Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) was first introduced in 2005 by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia as a therapy to enhance drug addicts' quality of life. This study is to access the public awareness and behavior towards MMT program whereby a self administered questionnaire was distributed to the respondents in a public hospital. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16. The finding shows that only 23.9% of respondents are aware of this program and majority of the respondents suggested continuous improvement on MMT program. In conclusion, the low awareness level of MMT program amongst public in Malaysia is might be due to limited campaigns and information.
Malay Traditional Treatment (MTT) and General Health Quality (GHQ) Among Lower Back Pain (LBP) Patients in Malaysia
Authors: Othman Che Noriah , Farooqui Maryam , Che Lamin Roz Azinur
Published: July 2018

Malay Traditional Therapy (MTT) claimed to reduce pain, improve the physical power and overall quality of life. Objective: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of MTT and its potential role in improving the general health quality (GHQ) of LBP patients usisng Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Self Leg Raised (SLR) . Methodology: Self administered questionnaire, patients' record files, VAS and SLR score sheets were used as study tools. Result: patients showed improvement in VAS and SLR scores thus the quality of life. Conclusion: MTT provided is benefited by LBP patients and complement to patients' general health quality.
A Measurement of Sense of Community
Authors: Md Sakip Siti Rasidah , Johari Noraini , Abdullah Aldrin , Mohd Salleh Mohd Najib
Published: July 2018

Sense of community (SOC) is one of the components or domains of community relationship in residential areas. The strength of community relationship believed to eliminate criminal activities at residential area. Hence, in the identification of SOC, it is crucial for the measurement dimension to ensure that the specified items are reliable to measure the dimension. The result shows all items of SOC achieved factor loadings of 0.62 to 0.94. The research discovered that the longer a respondent resides in a residential area, the higher the community ties they nurtured. However, this study found that age and gender do not influence community relationship.
Acceptance of BR1M: Is it a sincere act or political motive?
Authors: Kamaruddin Rohana , Othman Akmal Aini , Denan Zarina
Published: July 2018

This study is to examine the socio-economic background and consumption pattern of rural and urban recipients of 1Malaysia Peoples' Aid (BRIM) and behavioural response towards acceptances and perception towards government sincere act and political motives. A survey was conducted in Klang Valley and Kedah, where 250 respondents were interviewed via structured questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Finding revealed that the main consumption of both rural and urban was necessity goods and indicated a positive significant relationship between acceptances and government sincere act, and otherwise for political motives. The study concludes that people accept BRIM as a sincere government act rather than a political agenda.
Nurturing Common Acceptable Food through Acculturation
Authors: Ishak Noriza , Mohd. Zahari Mohd Salehuddin , Ahmad Roslina , Ibrahim Shahariah
Published: July 2018

This paper reveals the impact of acculturation through education, social interaction and media on the nurturing of foodways among three Malaysian ethnic groups. It assists one to understand other ethnic food traditions, be accustomed to different ingredients and recipes, and get to know other's preferred eating and serving practices. Acculturation catalyzes the use of a wide variety of food in the community and introduces new eating and cooking practices. The practices of other ethnic food help create a strong confidence in the formation of a common acceptable food.
Post-2004 Tsunami: Preparedness of Malaysian coastal communities
Authors: Zahari Rustam Khairi , Raja Ariffin Raja Noriza , Asmawi Zainora , Ibrahim Aisyah Nadhrah
Published: July 2018

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 26th December 2004 unleashed catastrophe in many nations including coastal communities located along the west-coast of Malaysian Peninsular.  The goal of this study is to explore the impact of the tsunami to the preparedness of the affected coastal communities.   Data was collected through questionnaire, interviews, documents analysis and field observations.  It was found that the 2004 tsunami disaster has left a significant mark on Malaysia's and the world's disaster management landscape but the tragedy has also heightened disaster awareness and steps must be taken to ensure vulnerable communities are well-equipped to face any eventualities.
Sensory in Psychology Branding
Authors: Jamaluddin Mohd Raziff , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Zulkifly Muhammad Izzat
Published: July 2018

With the rapid growth of information communication technology, tangible benefit is considered to be the critical element in communicating brand and building long lasting relationship. This paper attempts to establish the connection between sensory attributes of human to cognitive and affective elements that consequently lead to the brand loyalty. The data is collected by using self-reported questionnaire to the respondents who had stayed in the selected Five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur. It is concluded that human senses were significant and positively influence the decision to stay loyal with the Five-star hotel brand.
Stress Coping Level among Health Science Students in a Malaysian University
Authors: Othman Che Noriah , Farooqui Maryam , Yusoff Muhammad Saiful Bahri , Adawiyah Rabiatul
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Stress among students is a major concern in tertiary education. This study determined the predominance source of stress among health sciences students in Malaysia. Methodology: Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) represents 40 events possible sources of stress. was distributed to 248 health science students. Result and discussion: The MSSQ showed satisfactory level of psychometric property in the health science students. The main source of stress was the academic related stressor Conclusion: Academic requirement is the major stressor for the students. This finding is consistent with the literature and appropriate measures should be sought to prevent its unwanted consequences.
Health Issues and Green Space as Reinforcement for a Healthy Lifestyle in Malaysia
Authors: Mansor Mazlina , Harun Nor Zalina
Published: July 2018

A rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is predominantly due to unhealthy urban lifestyle such as work stress, being sedentary and unhealthy eating habits. This paper identifies health issues in Malaysia, and it reviews preventive measures to make people aware of the importance of healthy living. The paper contends that green space is beneficial, which encourage people to make good choices about their health. It reviews researches that show that green space supports greater outdoor activities and influence healthy behaviors of city residents. Thus, green space is a significant health promotion agenda that improves the urban quality of life.
User Perception of Public Transport in Kota Kinabalu
Authors: Mohd Noor Harifah , Nasrudin Na'asah
Published: July 2018

This paper identifies components of satisfaction of public bus service in Kota Kinabalu City, Malaysia.  Factor analysis is used to analyse a total of 24 parameters satisfactions of public buses. This study succeeded in developing three dimensions of public bus service attributes a satisfaction namely comfort, accessibility and safety and found that there is a slight difference in satisfaction between the minibus and bus transit, but users agreed that overcrowded and felt unsafe during the night were among the most significant attributes that affect their satisfaction. Transportation authorities can use these findings as a guide to enhance the quality of life of public transport users in the future.
The Development of Driver's Evaluation in Malaysia: A concept paper
Authors: Masuri Mohamad Ghazali , Dahlan Akehsan , Danis Ajau , Md Isa Khairil Anuar
Published: July 2018

Road traffic accident (RTA) frequently involves multi-level society and this has become a demanding community issue where more serious participation is needed to improve driver's attitude in the future. RTA has a significant impact on quality of life and financial burden to the government and Malaysian society. Currently, there is limited local evidence supporting the elements of driver's attitudes. This concept paper will discuss a potential method to be used in developing valid and sensitive driver's evaluation. This evaluation may help the government of Malaysia to produce better road users in the future.
Text Mining Mental Health Reports for Issues Impacting Today’s College Students: Qualitative Study
Authors: Payton Fay Cobb , Yarger Lynette Kvasny , Pinter Anthony Thomas
Published: July 2018

Background

A growing number of college students are experiencing personal circumstances or encountering situations that feel overwhelming and negatively affect their academic studies and other aspects of life on campus. To meet this growing demand for counseling services, US colleges and universities are offering a growing variety of mental health services that provide support and services to students in distress.

Objective

In this study, we explore mental health issues impacting college students using a corpus of news articles, foundation reports, and media stories. Mental health concerns within this population have been on the rise. Uncovering the most salient themes articulated in current news and literature reports can better enable higher education institutions to provide health services to its students.

Methods

We used SAS Text Miner to analyze 165 references that were published from 2010 to 2015 and focused on mental health among college students. Key clusters were identified to reveal the themes that were most significant to the topic.

Results

The final cluster analysis yielded six themes in students’ mental health experiences in higher education (ie, age, race, crime, student services, aftermath, victim). Two themes, increasing demand for student services provided by campus counseling centers (113/165, 68.5%) and the increased mental health risks faced by racial and ethnic minorities (30/165, 18.2%), dominated the discourse.

Conclusions

Higher education institutions are actively engaged in extending mental health services and offering targeted outreach to students of color. Cluster analysis identified that institutions are devoting more and innovative resources in response to the growing number students who experience mental health concerns. However, there is a need to focus on proactive approaches to mitigate the causes of mental health and the aftermath of a negative experience, particularly violence and sexual assault. Such strategies can potentially influence how students navigate their health information seeking and how information and communication technologies, including mobile apps, can partially address the needs of college students.
Smartphone and Internet Access and Utilization by People With Schizophrenia in South Australia: Quantitative Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wong Kwok Tung Gordon , Liu Dennis , Balzan Ryan , King Daniel , Galletly Cherrie
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Web-based information and interventions for mental illness are increasingly being provided. There is an expectation that citizens have access to the internet and are competent in using technology. People with schizophrenia are often excluded from social engagement, have cognitive impairment, and have very limited income, all of which may reduce their use of technology.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate technology access, use of digital technology, and confidence in using technology among people with schizophrenia living in the community.

METHODS

Face-to-face structured interviews with 50 people with schizophrenia (aged 18-65 years) living in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia, were conducted using an instrument designed to assess technology access and utilization.

RESULTS

Most participants (42/50, 84%) owned a mobile phone, but only 58% (29/50) owned a smartphone. Two-thirds of participants (33/50, 66%) had access to the internet at home, using a smartphone or computer. Moreover, 40% (20/50) of participants used the internet at least daily, but 30% (15/50) of participants had never accessed the internet from any device. Approximately half of the participants (24/50, 48%) had never used Facebook. Participants rarely used community facilities (eg, libraries and cafes) to access the internet. There were no significant differences (P values ranged from .14 to .70) between younger participants (aged 18-34 years) and older participants (aged 35-64 years) in internet or smartphone access or confidence in using technology.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the sample size of this study is small, it shows limited technology access, use of digital technology, and confidence in using technology among the participants. This could be a barrier to the online delivery of information and interventions for people with schizophrenia. To better understand the impacts of such technological disadvantage and potential disparities in access and use of online resources, prospective studies should recruit a larger sample size and include control subjects matched for socioeconomic disadvantage.
Healthcare ex Machina: Are conversational agents ready for prime time? (Preprint)
Authors: Bibault Jean-Emmanuel , Nectoux Pierre , Chaix Benjamin , Brouard Benoît
Published: July 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

Conversational agents are computer software capable of having a natural conversation. They are increasingly used in healthcare, but research in this field is very scarce. . If chatbots are to be safely used by a large number of patients, they must be evaluated like a medical device, or even a drug.
Considering the Impact of Social Media on Contemporary Improvement of Australian Aboriginal Health: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Walker Troy , Palermo Claire , Klassen Karen
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Social media may have a significant role in influencing the present and future health implications among Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, yet there has been no review of the role of social media in improving health.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the extent of health initiatives using social media that aimed to improve the health of Australian Aboriginal communities.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted by systematically searching databases CINAHL Plus; PubMed; Scopus; Web of Science, and Ovid MEDLINE in June 2017 using the terms and their synonyms “Aboriginal” and “Social media.” In addition, reference lists of included studies and the Indigenous HealthInfonet gray literature were searched. Key information about the social media intervention and its impacts on health were extracted and data synthesized using narrative summaries.

RESULTS

Five papers met inclusion criteria. All included studies were published in the past 5 years and involved urban, rural, and remote Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 12-60 years. No studies reported objective impacts on health. Three papers found that social media provided greater space for sharing health messages in a 2-way exchange. The negative portrayal of Aboriginal people and negative health impacts of social media were described in 2 papers.

CONCLUSIONS

Social media may be a useful strategy to provide health messages and sharing of content among Aboriginal people, but objective impacts on health remain unknown. More research is necessary on social media as a way to connect, communicate, and improve Aboriginal health with particular emphasis on community control, self-empowerment, and decolonization.
The Current State of Mobile Phone Apps for Monitoring Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, and Atrial Fibrillation: Narrative Review (Preprint)
Authors: Li Ka Hou Christien , White Francesca Anne , Tipoe Timothy , Liu Tong , Wong Martin CS , Jesuthasan Aaron , Baranchuk Adrian , Tse Gary , Yan Bryan P
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Mobile phone apps capable of monitoring arrhythmias and heart rate (HR) are increasingly used for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of HR and rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AF). These apps involve either the use of (1) photoplethysmographic recording or (2) a handheld external electrocardiographic recording device attached to the mobile phone or wristband.

OBJECTIVE

This review seeks to explore the current state of mobile phone apps in cardiac rhythmology while highlighting shortcomings for further research.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review of the use of mobile phone devices by searching PubMed and EMBASE from their inception to October 2018. Potentially relevant papers were then compared against a checklist for relevance and reviewed independently for inclusion, with focus on 4 allocated topics of (1) mobile phone monitoring, (2) AF, (3) HR, and (4) HR variability (HRV).

RESULTS

The findings of this narrative review suggest that there is a role for mobile phone apps in the diagnosis, monitoring, and screening for arrhythmias and HR. Photoplethysmography and handheld electrocardiograph recorders are the 2 main techniques adopted in monitoring HR, HRV, and AF.

CONCLUSIONS

A number of studies have demonstrated high accuracy of a number of different mobile devices for the detection of AF. However, further studies are warranted to validate their use for large scale AF screening.
Social Media Surveillance Improves Outbreak Projection via Transmission Models (Preprint)
Authors: Safarishahrbijari Anahita , Osgood Nathaniel D
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

While dynamic models are increasingly used by decision makers as a source of insight to guide interventions to control communicable disease outbreaks, such models have long suffered from a risk of rapid obsolescence due to a failure to keep updated with emerging epidemiological evidence. The application of statistical filtering algorithms to high-velocity data streams has recently demonstrated effectiveness in allowing such models to be automatically regrounded by each new incoming observation. The attractiveness of such techniques has been enhanced by the emergence of a new generation of geospatially specific, high-velocity data sources, including daily counts of relevant searches and social media posts. The information available in such electronic data sources complements that of traditional epidemiological data sources.

OBJECTIVE

This paper seeks to evaluate the degree to which the predictive accuracy of pandemic projection models regrounded via machine learning in daily clinical data can be enhanced by extending such methods leverage daily search counts.

METHODS

We combined a previously published influenza A (H1N1) pandemic projection model with the sequential Monte Carlo technique of particle filtering so as to reground the model on a daily basis using confirmed incident case counts and search volumes. The effectiveness of particle filtering was evaluated using a norm discrepancy metric via predictive- and dataset specific- cross-validation.

RESULTS

Results suggested that despite the data quality limitations of high-velocity search volume data, the predictive accuracy of dynamic models can be strongly elevated by inclusion of such data in filtering methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive accuracy of dynamic models can be notably enhanced by tapping a readily accessible, publically available high-velocity data source. This work highlights a low-cost, low-burden avenue for strengthening model-based outbreak intervention response planning using low-cost public electronic datasets.
A Mobile Patient-Reported Outcome Measure App With Talking Touchscreen: Usability Assessment (Preprint)
Authors: Welbie Marlies , Wittink Harriet , Westerman Marjan J , Topper Ilse , Snoei Josca , Devillé Walter L J M
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

In the past years, a mobile health (mHealth) app called the Dutch Talking Touch Screen Questionnaire (DTTSQ) was developed in The Netherlands. The aim of development was to enable Dutch physical therapy patients to autonomously complete a health-related questionnaire regardless of their level of literacy and digital skills.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability (defined as the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction) of the prototype of the DTTSQ for Dutch physical therapy patients with diverse levels of experience in using mobile technology.

METHODS

The qualitative Three-Step Test-Interview method, including both think-aloud and retrospective probing techniques, was used to gain insight into the usability of the DTTSQ. A total of 24 physical therapy patients were included. The interview data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach aimed at analyzing the accuracy and completeness with which participants completed the questionnaire (effectiveness), the time it took the participants to complete the questionnaire (efficiency), and the extent to which the participants were satisfied with the ease of use of the questionnaire (satisfaction). The problems encountered by the participants in this study were given a severity rating that was used to provide a rough estimate of the need for additional usability efforts.

RESULTS

All participants within this study were very satisfied with the ease of use of the DTTSQ. Overall, 9 participants stated that the usability of the app exceeded their expectations. The group of 4 average-/high-experienced participants encountered only 1 problem in total, whereas the 11 little-experienced participants encountered an average of 2 problems per person and the 9 inexperienced participants an average of 3 problems per person. A total of 13 different kind of problems were found during this study. Of these problems, 4 need to be addressed before the DTTSQ will be released because they have the potential to negatively influence future usage of the tool. The other 9 problems were less likely to influence future usage of the tool substantially.

CONCLUSIONS

The usability of the DTTSQ needs to be improved before it can be released. No problems were found with satisfaction or efficiency during the usability test. The effectiveness needs to be improved by (1) making it easier to navigate through screens without the possibility of accidentally skipping one, (2) enabling the possibility to insert an answer by tapping on the text underneath a photograph instead of just touching the photograph itself, and (3) making it easier to correct wrong answers. This study shows the importance of including less skilled participants in a usability study when striving for inclusive design and the importance of measuring not just satisfaction but also efficiency and effectiveness during such studies.
Enhanced Patient Activation in Cancer Care Transitions: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Tailored Electronic Health Intervention for Men With Prostate Cancer (Preprint)
Authors: Ekstedt Mirjam , Schildmeijer Kristina , Wennerberg Camilla , Nilsson Lina , Wannheden Carolina , Hellström Amanda
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer has increased in incidence worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer death in 24 countries. The most common treatment is radical prostatectomy. However, surgery is associated with postoperative complications such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, causing decreased quality of life. If survivors are encouraged to be more active in self-care management, the symptom burden may decrease and quality of life may improve. An electronic health (eHealth) intervention based on motivational behavioral theory has been developed for this purpose.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of standard care in combination with a tailored eHealth and mobile health self-management support system, electronic Patient Activation in Treatment at Home (ePATH), with standard care of adverse effects of prostate cancer treatment (urinary incontinence and sexual functioning) in men undergoing radical prostatectomy. The secondary aim was to test the effect on patient activaftion, motivation, overall well-being, and health literacy over time in and between groups.

METHODS

A pragmatic multicenter, block-randomized controlled trial with 2 study arms, standard care (control) and eHealth-assisted standard care (intervention), for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. For 80% power, a sample of 242 men will need to be recruited.

RESULTS

Recruitment started in January 2018 and is expected to be completed by August 2019. Data collection will be completed in August 2020. The first cross-sectional results from this trial are anticipated to be published in January 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

With the increasing number of prostate cancer survivors, attention should be paid to rehabilitation, psychosocial care, and support for endurance of self-care to reduce suffering from adverse treatment effects, poor quality of life, and depression because of postoperative complications. This project may increase knowledge of how patients can be supported to feel involved in their care and returning to as normal a life as possible. The anticipated effects of ePATH could improve health outcomes for individuals and facilitate follow-up for health care professionals.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number: 18055968; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18055968 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18055968).

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/11625