bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian machine learning for financial modeling
Authors:   , Nirwan Rajbir Singh
Published: November 2021

Machine Learning (ML) is so pervasive in our todays life that we don't even realise that, more often than expected, we are using systems based on it. It is also evolving faster than ever before. When deploying ML systems that make decisions on their own, we need to think about their ignorance of our uncertain world. The uncertainty might arise due to scarcity of the data, the bias of the data or even a mismatch between the real world and the ML-model. Given all these uncertainties, we need to think about how to build systems that are not totally ignorant thereof. Bayesian ML can to some extent deal with these problems. The specification of the model using probabilities provides a convenient way to quantify uncertainties, which can then be included in the decision making process. In this thesis, we introduce the Bayesian ansatz to modeling and apply Bayesian ML models in finance and economics. Especially, we will dig deeper into Gaussian processes (GP) and Gaussian process latent variable model (GPLVM). Applied to the returns of several assets, GPLVM provides the covariance structure and also a latent space embedding thereof. Several financial applications can be build upon the output of the GPLVM. To demonstrate this, we build an automated asset allocation system, a predictor for missing asset prices and identify other structure in financial data. It turns out that the GPLVM exhibits a rotational symmetry in the latent space, which makes it harder to fit. Our second publication reports, how to deal with that symmetry. We propose another parameterization of the model using Householder transformations, by which the symmetry is broken. Bayesian models are changed by reparameterization, if the prior is not changed accordingly. We provide the correct prior distribution of the new parameters, such that the model, i.e. the data density, is not changed under the reparameterization. After applying the reparametrization on Bayesian PCA, we show that the symmetry of nonlinear models can also be broken in the same way. In our last project, we propose a new method for matching quantile observations, which uses order statistics. The use of order statistics as the likelihood, instead of a Gaussian likelihood, has several advantages. We compare these two models and highlight their advantages and disadvantages. To demonstrate our method, we fit quantiled salary data of several European countries. Given several candidate models for the fit, our method also provides a metric to choose the best option. We hope that this thesis illustrates some benefits of Bayesian modeling (especially Gaussian processes) in finance and economics and its usage when uncertainties are to be quantified.
Use of Canopeo for Estimating Green Coverage of Bermudagrass during Postdormancy Regrowth
Authors: Chhetri Manoj , Fontanier Charles
Published: November 2021

Objective methods of estimating green coverage using digital image analysis have been used increasingly by turfgrass scientists. The objective of our research was to evaluate the effectiveness of Canopeo, a relatively new smartphone application, for estimating green coverage of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) emerging from winter dormancy, with or without colorants. A field study was conducted on a research ‘U3’ bermudagrass fairway in Stillwater, OK, during Spring 2019 and 2020. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three colorant treatments: Endurant Fairway (FW), Endurant Perennial Ryegrass (PR), and an untreated control. Green coverage of the turfgrass canopy was determined weekly from mid-March to early May using a digital camera and ImageJ software, and a smartphone and the Canopeo application. Green coverage estimates from Canopeo correlated strongly (r = 0.91) with those from ImageJ when no colorants were applied. Correlation between Canopeo and ImageJ was diminished under plots treated with colorants. Canopeo is an effective tool for estimating green coverage of living turfgrasses, but additional calibration may be required for acceptable performance when evaluating greenness of colorant-treated turfgrasses.
Cost optimization of two-stage helical gearboxes with second stage double gear-sets
Authors: Anh Le Hoang , Linh Nguyen Hong , Quang Nguyen Huu , Lam Pham Duc , Tuan Nguyen Anh , Tuan Nguyen Khac , Nga Nguyen Thi Thanh , Pi Vu Ngoc
Published: November 2021

In practice, the cost of a gearbox plays a very important role in the trade. Therefore, reducing the cost of gearboxes is an important task not only when manufacturing the gearboxes but also when designing them. In order to reduce the cost of a gearbox, there are many solutions in which determining the optimal partial gear ratios of a gearbox is an effective measure. This is because it not only the size, the mass but also the cost of a gearbox depends greatly on the partial gear ratios. This work presents a method for calculating the cost function of two-stage helical gearboxes with second-stage double gear-sets based on the mass of the components that construct the gearbox. The cost objective function is minimized to achieve the optimal transmission ratios. Furthermore, screening experiments are carried out with nine important input parameters that have significant effects on the optimum transmission ratio of the second stage. These parameters are the total gearbox ratio, the coefficient of wheel face width of the first stage, coefficient of wheel face width of the second stage, the allowable contact stress of the first stage, the allowable contact stress of the second stage, the output torque, the cost of gearbox housing, the cost of gears, and the shaft cost. The experimental results of were analysed by using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method with the help of Minitab 19 software. The results demonstrate that the effective weight of the input parameters and their interactions on the output response was investigated. Also, a regression model for computing the optimal transmission ratio of the second stage was proposed. This brings significance not only in the design process but also in manufacturing since the gearbox cost can decrease
Impacts of COVID-19 on Global Healthcare Management and Research
Authors: Autore Stephanie , De Santanu
Published: November 2021

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected most nations at all levels of functioning, individual to governmental. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the effects the virus has had on one of the most important socioeconomic global sectors, healthcare. This literature review explores key, recent research and management strategies that have been undertaken in healthcare systems around the world in order to make meaningful attempts at identifying the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, and combating the spread of this deadly virus. Healthcare facilities have implemented a variety of changes, all geared towards reducing non-emergency patient visits and preventing transmission of the infection; this includes shifting appointments to online modality via telecommunication use, altering remedial options and procedures, and developing more effective personal protective equipment (PPE). Efforts have also been made to define appropriate treatment methods as well as a potential cure for COVID-19; many vaccines and antiviral drugs have been designed or are continuing to undergo clinical testing, and symptom management approaches are being employed along with careful evaluation or recommendation of already available medications to counter the disease. Our comprehensive analysis provides insights into prominent consequences as well as implications of COVID-19 in contemporary global healthcare research and management, and would help this crucial sector be better prepared for pandemics in the future.
Pull environment of migration in the EU countries: Migration vector from Ukraine
Authors: Mulska Olha , Levytska Olha , Zaychenko Volodymyr , Vasyltsiv Taras , Ilyash Olha
Published: November 2021

The growing Ukrainian migration towards EU countries determines the need for evaluation of pull factors shaping their environment to regulate these processes better. The study aims to assess the EU’s pull environment attracting migrants, and evaluate the elasticity of Ukrainian total and labor migration to the change of social and economic factors in EU countries. The data are collected for the period from 2005 to 2018. The method involves weighting the indicators and sub-indices with the following calculating partial and integral indices of the pull environment of migration for selected EU countries (the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Spain) and the EU-28. During 2005–2018, the integral level of pull environment of migration in the EU-28 was above average, whereas the most attractive countries for external migrants were Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Italy. In terms of the intensity of total migration from Ukraine in 2018, Poland (236.06 departures per 1,000 Ukrainians), Hungary (73.6), Germany (12.6), and Italy (7.3) are among the main destinations. While the intensity of Ukrainian migration is high, its growth rate depends on the time lag (different elasticities in the medium and long run). The integral analysis of the pull environment has a practical value allowing to conduct migration intensity and elasticity evaluation, as well as the cross-country pull-factor analysis (pull strength) for substantiating the improvement of regulatory and methodological provisions of migration policies for both Ukraine and the hosting EU states.
AcknowledgmentThe study has been conducted within the framework of applied research “Mechanisms of the proactive policy for reducing social vulnerability of the population (based on the Carpathian region of Ukraine)” (M. Dolishniy Institute of Regional Research of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Reg. No. 0121U112014, 2021–2023).
State of reconstruction of Ukrainian multifunctional stadiums after EURO-2012
Authors: Chub Oleksandr , Kreizer Iryna
Published: November 2021

Today, Ukraine, like the whole world, is going through difficult times, the state of the economy is affected by such problems as war, pandemics. However, even greater losses are caused by often ill-considered actions, there is no strategy for the development and planning of construction and reconstruction of existing multifunctional stadiums at both the regional and national levels. The article reviews the condition of several existing multifunctional stadiums inherited from Soviet times. The fate of these stadiums is different and similar at the same time. After holding the EURO-2012 football championship, years have passed and the authors of the article are interested in the question: has anything changed for the better in the field of design and reconstruction of multifunctional stadiums. The article considers both the newly made project according to modern requirements (“CSC ZSU” stadium in Kyiv), reconstructed for EURO-2012 (“Metallist” Stadium in Kharkiv), and the stadium that needs urgent action to implement the reconstruction project (“Metallurg” Stadium in Kryvyi Rih). An analysis of the results of the competition STEEL FREEDOM is also given as an example of a modern approach to the design of new modern stadiums.
COVID-19 PANDEMİSİNİN NADİR HASTALIĞI OLAN BİREYLER ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİ
Authors: PAK GÜRE Merve Deniz
Published: November 2021

Amaç: COVID-19’un hem sağlık hem de sosyal hizmet sunum sistemleri üzerinde olumsuz etkileri bulunmaktadır. Pandemi sürecinde toplumun bazı kesimleri dezavantajlı olma konumunun daha da derinleştiği bir noktaya taşınmıştır. Bu gruplardan biri de nadir hastalığı bulunan kişileri kapsamaktadır. Nadir hastalığı bulunan Avrupa'da 30 milyon, dünya genelinde ise 300 milyon kişi, pandemi sırasında en savunmasız nüfus grupları arasında yer almıştır. Çünkü genellikle kronik, karmaşık, dejeneratif ve ciddi şekilde yeti yitimlerine ve engelliliğe sebep olan nadir hastalıklar, özel bakım ihtiyaçları yaratmaktadır. Bu çalışma, nadir hastalığı bulunan kişilerin COVID-19'dan nasıl etkilendiğini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Yöntem: Scopus, Web of Science, Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations, ProQuest ve Google Scholar veri tabanları ‘nadir hastalıklar ve COVID-19’, ‘nadir hastalıklar ve koronavirüs’ ve ‘COVID-19'un nadir hastalıklar üzerindeki etkisi’ anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak Türkçe ve İngilizce olarak taranmıştır. Tarama sonucunda 40 çalışmaya ulaşılmış ve araştırma kapsamına alma kriterlerine uygun 18 makale belirlenmiştir. Bulgular: Çalışmanın bulguları, nadir hastalığı olan hastaların sağlık sistemlerine erişim, günlük yaşam dinamiklerinin değişmesi ve bütünsel bakım hizmetlerine erişim ve psikososyal yönden sorunlar yaşadıklarını göstermektedir. Sağlık hizmetlerine erişim açısından teşhis, tedavi ve rehabilitasyon hizmetlerinin kısıtlanması gibi ciddi sorunlar belirtilmektedir. Günlük yaşam dinamiklerinin değişimi ve bütüncül bakıma erişim açısından, bakım hizmetlerinin aksaması, bakım verme sorumluluğunu aile üyelerinin üstlenmesi ve bu süreçte ailelerin ekonomik olarak zorlanması bulunmaktadır. Psikososyal güçlükler arasında ise anksiyete, korku ve depresyon düzeylerinde artış ile ruh sağlığı hizmetlerine erişimde kısıtlılıkların yaşanması bulunmaktadır. Sonuç: Nadir hastalığı olan bireylerin biyo-psiko-sosyal ve ekonomik yönlerden yaşadığı zorlukların ortadan kaldırılmasında hizmet sunum sistemlerinin geliştirilmesi önerilmektedir.
GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY APPROACHES IN URBAN MORPHOLOGY FOR RESILIENT URBAN GOVERNANCE
Authors: Mohd Noor Noorzailawati , Mohd Nor Marina , Abdullah Alias , Zahari Rustam Khairi
Published: November 2021

This study analysed the potential of applications of geospatial technology in urban planning research in urban morphology. Urban morphology is the study of the form of human settlements and the process of their formation and transformation. It is an approach in designing urban form that considers both physical and spatial components of the urban structure. This study was conducted in Georgetown, Penang with the main purpose to identify the evolution of urban morphology and the land use expansion using remote sensing images and Geographical Information System (GIS) technique. Four series of temporal satellite SPOT 5 J from 2004, 2007, 2009, and 2014 were used to detect an expansion of land use development using change detection technique. Three types of land use were identified, namely built-up area, unbuilt-up area, and water bodies with a good accuracy of above 85%. The result showed that the built-up area significantly increased due to the rapid development in urban area. Finally, the result provided an understanding and strengthened the relationship between urban planning and geospatial applications in creating sustainable and resilient city and future urban governance.
RESIDENTIAL SATISFACTION - CONCEPT, THEORIES AND EMPIRICAL STUDIES
Authors: Mohit Mohammad Abdul , Al-Khanbashi Raja Adel Mahfoud Mubarak
Published: November 2021

Residential satisfaction, defined as the feeling of contentment when one has or achieves what one needs or desires in a house, is an important indicator and planners, architects, developers and policy makers use it in a number of ways. There are three theories â€“ housing needs theory, housing deficit theory and psychological construct theory, and most empirical studies have used these theories or a combination of these theories in their research design. A number of variables representing housing and neighbourhood characteristics, individualsâ€˜ socio-demographic attributes as well as their perceptions of housing and neighbourhood conditions have been analysed in most empirical studies what stand to indicate that further studies are required until a general theory of residential satisfaction/ dissatisfaction emerges. Also, a host of variables belonging to housing and its environment including the sociodemographic attributes of residents exert significant influences on the level of residential satisfaction/dissatisfaction which is however, culture and value specific indicating that further studies on residential satisfaction/dissatisfaction can be undertaken on case specific context to gude public policies on housing.
EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF ROAD GEOMETRICAL DESIGN TOWARDS SPOT SPEED DISTRIBUTION ON ARTERIAL ROAD
Authors: Mohd Maksid Noor Hafiza , Kadar Hamsa Abdul Azeez
Published: November 2021

Drivers travel at speeds they judge to be comfortably achievable in relation to the prevailing conditions and road geometrical design. The relationship between road geometrical design and speed of vehicles traveling in is very prominent. Speeds vary according to the perception of constraint imparted to the drivers by the road geometrical design. In a broader sense, these two factors are often interrelated with speed limits and road safety. The purpose of this study is to investigate how road geometrical design could influence the speed of vehicles on arterial road. Two roads with different geometric design were compared: arterial road with straight stretch and arterial road with curved stretch. The study was carried out by analyzing the speed characteristics between these two road stretches and it was discovered that vehicles traveling on straight road stretch tend to travel at higher speed than curved road stretch. The difference in the mean speed of the straight road and the curved road was tested for statistical significance by using t-test. The results show that there exists difference in the mean speed of the vehicles traveling at straight and curved road stretches. It was also found that the existing speed limit of the selected road stretches is lower than the 85th percentile speed. The 85th percentile speed is a commonly used measure to decide speed limit on a road. The vehicles were traveling at higher speed along straight stretch of road than curved road stretch. Few recommendations on strengthening the enforcement and improving speed reduction measures are drawn to discourage drivers driving at high speed to make roads free from accidents.
SUSTAINABLE GOVERNANCE IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL ASPECT IN MANAGING COASTAL AREAS: MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Asmawi M. Zainora , Mahamod Lukman Hakim , Mohamed Mohd Zin , Paiman Tuminah
Published: November 2021

Managing natural resources sustainably is essential in this contemporary era of land use planning system. This includes managing and planning the invaluable of coastal areas. In this regards, coastal management programmes have been regarded as a key approach in delivering the coastal strategies and objectives towards achieving a sustainable coastal development worldwide. This is supported by the good governance to ensure that the implementation of coastal development is successful. As such, this paper suggests that the aspect of good governance as one essential element of coastal management that can and should make a substantial contribution to planning and managing coastal land uses in Malaysia. It has many positive implications to the environmental, social and economic sectors. The experience of Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) in managing the coastal areas via the implementation of good governance indicates the requirement of good governance in ensuring a successful coastal management. In addition, financial element has become a significant attribute in implementing coastal management initiatives. This study offers input in planning literatures by addressing the integration of coastal management, good local governance, land use planning and financial elements which are very relevant with todayâ€˜s current global changes on environment as a whole.
LIVEABILITY PLANNING FOR CITIES: WITHIN THE ISLAMIC FRAMEWORK OF MAQASID AL-SHARIAH
Authors: Md Dali Norimah , Abdullah Alias , Ahmad Sarkawi Azila
Published: November 2021

Liveability Planning is a new dimension of town planning practice. Town planning in Malaysia has been very physical and policy-biased. The soul component of liveability, quality of life and sustainability has been lacking. That is why environmental problems have now become the order of the day making urban living unhappy. Indeed liveability, quality of life and sustainability is one continuous process; a continuum. Conventional liveable indicators seem to concentrate more on economic and social wellbeing and lack religious elements. This gap is thought to be the missing link disabling human beings to live in harmony with nature. This research engages in the combined methodology which involves Focus Group Discussions, Interviews and Perception surveys in the formulation of the liveable city planning methodology based on Maqasid Al-Shari'ah (objectives of the Islamic Laws). Liveability planning practice that incorporate Maqasid into the conventional liveability indicators will render cities more liveable in the future.
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND TRADE DISPUTES: IMPLICATIONS ON SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC MANUFACTURING IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Hui Nee Au Yong , Kock Lim Tan
Published: November 2021

Malaysia has realised the importance of renewable energy (RE) in the energy mix and continuously reviewing its energy policy to ensure sustainable energy supply. The use of RE is among the options although the RE capacity is still underutilized. Malaysia achieves 5.5% share of RE in the energy mix by 2015, and the RE sector is expected to double by 2020 with strong growth in the solar photovoltaic (PV), biomass and biogas markets. Beyond 2020, it is predicted that solar energy will surpass all other forms of RE for Malaysia and other countries, and the solar power will be the long term source of energy supply. After an investigation on the RE policy, the domestic solar PV manufacturing scenario is elaborated in this paper. This includes the solar PV manufacturing, issues and trade disputes, and the way forward. Among the key findings from this paper include: the foreign direct investment (FDI) related to RE sector especially from the US and lately China, have increased rapidly, and more â€˜green' jobs in the solar PV manufacturing and installation sectors have been created. With the existence of trade disputes between the United States and the European Union with China, Malaysia has the potential to reap benefits with the inflow of direct investments from China. Nevertheless, the future incidence of RE trade disputes is still uncertain.
THE TOURIST BEHAVIOUR IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Asbollah Asra Zaliza , Hassan Norhaslina , Muhammad Yusoff Safiah @ Yusmah , Idris Hanizah
Published: November 2021

In ensuring the tourism destinations are successful and sustained, good quality environments are needed. Furthermore, without an attractive environment, there would be no tourism activities. Nevertheless, people generate and encompass many different types and patterns of changes in the environment and in turn, the environment can facilitate and even reduce stress to people. In this context, it is necessary to understand the perspective of tourists and knowing what they look for in a particular destination to obtain a better understanding of spatial tourism behaviour and areas of sustainable tourist destinations. The primary focus of this paper is to understand the perceptions, expectations, experiences and motivations that tourists have when they choose to visit specific tourist destinations. Based on the literature, identifying and examining the elements of tourist attractions, tourist preferences, the values which characterize the tourism demand and their relationship to the environment would highlight challenges as well as implications for tourism development especially in Malaysia.
LOCAL LEADERSHIP MODEL TOWARDS A RESILIENT CITY IN SEMARANG MUNICIPALITY
Authors: Budiati Lilin
Published: November 2021

This study assessed local leadership necessary for developing city resilience in the phase of more escalating, complicated and critical disaster phenomenon. The study departed from an assumption of the need for an effective and creative model of local leadership in order to transform risks into resilience, so that the city possesses a local capacity to develop Semarang as the resilient city. Leadership competency can be taught and trained by a leadership education and training under the Center for Education and Training of the Provincial Government of Central Java. Learning premise and practice of the leadership education and training in this study was formulated as follows: (1) Why was the leadership of Semarang Mayor unable to improve effectiveness of state internal bureaucracy towards city resilience?; (2) How was the model of local leadership necessary todevelop Semarang city resilience?; and (3) What learning model of leadership education and training was effective to educate and to train the effective and creative bureaucratic leaders? Using a case study based qualitative approach, this study resulted in as the followings: (1) the mayoral leadership concerning hazard and city resilience issues was proven effective, but was unable to improve the effectiveness of the state internal bureaucracy due to structural conflict; (2) local leadership model related to disaster and city resilience issues that can be applied to Semarang Municipality is a congruent model with public-private partnership approach; and (3) the effective learning model that can be applied to the leadership education and training is a constructivist learning model with an intuitive approach.
HUMAN INTERACTION IN URBAN SPACES: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS IN URBAN PARK, SHAH ALAM CITY, SELANGOR
Authors: Ibrahim Filzani Illia , Omar Dasimah , Nik Mohamad Nik Hanita
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to provide valuable insight of the various dimensions of human needsâ€™ towards open spaces. This study employed a mixed method research design involving both quantitative and qualitative methods that were utilised to identify and evaluate the human-human interaction and human-nature interaction in the area of study. Primary data was gathered by using questionnaire survey that was administered to 861 respondents who were visitors to public parks. The finding of this study is intended to show the main domains that reflect human needsâ€™ toward open spaces together with perceived benefits to the open space users.
Incorporating Sustainable Development Objectives into Development Plans
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Faris , Ariffin Ishak
Published: November 2021

Efforts aimed atdelivering sustainable development and promoting nature conservation in the planning and decision-making system in Malaysia has begun since the late 1970s. The growing importance of the preservation and protection of the environment against degradation have been highlighted in the Five year Plans since 1980s. Over the same period, a series of strategies for sustainability, entitled Conservation Strategies, was also being prepared in Malaysia, culminating in a National Conservation Strategy (NCS) in 1993. These strategies for sustainability were aimed at providing the framework for sustainable development. The general consensus is that prevention is better than remedial action. Potential impacts must be addressed at the planning stage before development decisions are made.Impact assessment is seen as a tool for preventive action in the quest for sustainable development. Although environment impacts assessment (EIA) was made mandatory for a lisst of prescribed activities since 1987, environmental degradation continued . This paper gives brief introduction to strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and tries to demonstrate how SEA can bridge the gaps and counteracts the limimtations of EIA and more effectively integrate the sustainable development objectives into the development plan system.
Towards a Sustainable Built Environment : Environmentally Concious Planning, Design and Construction
Authors: Mahyuddin Norhayati
Published: November 2021

Cities, urban areas and other built-up areas must possess a good healthy living environment which contributes to the general well-being of the regional and global environment. This can be achieved if buildings and other man-made objects are planned and designed in an environmentally appropriate fashion to promote sustainability. This paper is directed towards the ultimate outcome of providing a better built-environment. It reviews how we can enhance environmentally-concious planning, design and construction in the built environment involving all building professionals.
IMPLEMENTING LANGKAWI GEOPARK THROUGH LAND USE PLANNING
Authors: Zainol Noor Yazan , Yacob Ibrahim , Muhammad Mahani , Abd Manap Hapiz , Mohd Said Ikhwan
Published: November 2021

Development Plans under the Malaysian Town and Country Planning Act 1976 serve as the principal planning instruments in guiding and regulating protection, conservation, use and development of land towards quality living environment. They also act as guides to investment and use of resources and provide frameworks for short and long term investments by public and private agencies, and for the co-ordination of their decisions. Planning and development control at the lowest level then regulates development so that it complies with land use plans. Through land use planning, sustainable development, protection and conservation of natural and cultural heritage resources can be regulated. For Langkawi Geopark, tourism is the most important sector in its economic development. To further enhance and capitalise from this sector, eco-tourism with iconic geo-bio-cultural sites can be promoted through implementing the Geopark concept. This article describes how the geopark concept in Langkawi is implemented through land use planning.
POTENTIAL BIOSITES OF SIGNIFICANT IMPORTANCE IN LANGKAWI GEOPARK: TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATE FAUNA
Authors: A. Norhayati , K.O Chan , B. Daicus , L.L Grismer , A. Mohd Izzudin
Published: November 2021

Langkawi Geopark was bestowed the status of a global geopark by the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) and endorsed by the UNESCO as the 52nd member of the GGN in 2007, making it the first in Malaysia and South East Asia to be given the status. The status is due to its many unique and significant geological, biological, and cultural features in Langkawi. There are four types of geoheritage conservation mechanism in Langkawi Geopark, namely geosites, geological monuments, landscapes of scenic beauty and Geoforest Parks. These proposed geoheritage conservation mechanisms are being implemented at various stages from planning to establishment and monitoring. So far, 97 geosites have been identified in Langkawi Geopark, but there has not been any biosite identified, even though Langkawi Geopark is known for the high biodiversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and rare. This article highlights nine potential biosites for biological conservation in Langkawi Geopark. These biosites are identified based on the presence of rare and endemic species and/or based on type locality, which is the original location where the species was found and described. The nine biosites are Gunung Raya, Wat Wanaram, Lubuk Semilang, Telaga Tujuh, Pulau Singa Besar, Sungai Kilim/Kisap, Sg. Temurun, Gua Kelawar, and Teluk Datai. Each biosite is accompanied by description of the area, species, threats, conservation values, and potential for development and conservation measures. Although only nine biosites are identified so far, this number is bound to increase in future when more sites for the biologically important flora, invertebrate fauna and marine flora and fauna groups are included.
PLANNING FOR HERITAGE TOURISM: THE CASE OF LANGKAWI GEOPARK
Authors: Puay Liu Ong , Abd Halim Sharina
Published: November 2021

The principal building blocks underlying Langkawiâ€™s status as a tourist destination and a geopark are its nature and culture. Both these resources provide the platform for Langkawi to grow as a tourist destination since 1980s and receiving the geopark status by GGN and UNESCO in 2007. This paper discusses that while tourism is a commercial enterprise, it has an important role in ensuring Langkawiâ€™s natural environment is well-protected, and local communitiesâ€™ cultural traditions safeguarded. Central to this need for protection is â€˜heritageâ€™ - the basic ingredient in sustaining Langkawi as a premier tourism destination. This necessitates the need to view tourism and heritage management as interdependent, as both rely on the same â€˜heritage resourcesâ€™. Planning can act as the bridge to connect tourism, whose products are identified for their extrinsic values as tourist attractions, and heritage in which assets are identified for their intrinsic values to a community, state, country and the world.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF FIQH AL-JINAYAT (ISLAMIC CRIMINAL LAW) IN THE PLANNING OF A SAFE CITY
Authors: Ahmad Sarkawi Azila , Ibrahim Ahmad Basri , Abdullah Alias
Published: November 2021

The planning towards a safe city is a must, as it is to fulfill the rights of people that we planned for. In Islam, it is a requirement through the realization of maqasid al-shari 'ah (objectives of Islamic law) that five elements i.e. religion, life, intellect, lineage and property must be preserved or protected in any planning practices. Thus, it is the intention of the paper to present the idea of Islamic criminal law (jiqh al-jinayat) so that it can fonvard the planning of a safe city. For that matter, the six crimes under hudud natnely sariqah (theft), zina (illegal sexual intercourse), qadhf (false accusation), shurb (intoxication), riddah (apostasy) and hirabah (anned robbery) are discussed at length. The paper also discusses the crimes under qisas (retaliation) and ta 'zir (discretionary punishment). The discussion lays down the principles of Islamic criminal law and sheds light on how Islam deals with criminal happenings in society. It is found that Islam imposes severe punishment on crimes committed. These punishtnents were carried out in view of the public as a lesson to other community members. The approach is more to educate the public, to instill awareness and a sense of responsibility and care, rather than to punish them. This spiritual dimension in the planning of a safe city is very important in addition to the provision of the physical elements of safety.
URBAN CRIME AND SAFE NEIGHBOURHOODS : COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Talha Khairiah
Published: November 2021

In a globally competitive world where nations look to greater economic investments for prosperity, the level and perceptions of safety within a place affects the level of investments. A community is '"an interacting population of various kinds of individuals in a common location" or "a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society" Community as a concept can be interpreted as a sense of belonging, a way of life, and diversity with a common purpose. The degree of neighbourhood safety (real or perceived) is a major determinant of how people live.In a 2004 survey results of community perception on the six top issues of Malaysia then, 42% of those surveyed perceived that crime and public safety was the main issue of concern. This was followed by social and moral problems (12 percent and 9 percent respectively).According to the United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems, Malaysia ranks 50 out of 60 countries in terms of total crime per capita. Tackling issues of safety is not just about crime and security. Efforts must be made to generate sustainable neighbourhoods and the communities within them. Creating safe, clean environments, providing quality education for children, maintaining inter-generational ties, the reciprocal exchange of information and services among families, and the shared willingness to intervene on behalf of local safety, all produce a social good that yields positive benefit to all residents - especially children and women. Inevitably this means we have to come to terms with constructive opportunities for conflict resolution in the production of social goods through community participation. It is only by engaging the community in the social affairs of their neighbourhood and eventually the city that problems of safety can be tackled. The paper also looks at the UN's Safe Cities Programme.Â
AUSTRALIA PLANNING REPORT CARD - TELLING IT LIKE IT IS!
Authors: De Chasterl Liz
Published: November 2021

Are we doing what is needed in the critical areas for creating effective, functional and sustainable cities, towns, neighbourhoods and regions? Every year Australian planning professionals are asked by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) for their expert opinions on how we are perfonning in key areas critical to the health and wellbeing of our cities. The first poll was conducted in 2006. The results, released on World Town Planning Day, 8 November, attracted considerable media, political and community interest. In 2007 over 740 planners responded to the survey 'telling it like it is' and more respondents are expected in 2008. This mticle provides an overview of the Planning Report Card and more detailed information can be found at the PIA web site at http://www.planning.org.au/index.php?option=com content&task=view&id=54 7&1temid=485.
ANALYSIS OF COMMUTE CHARATERISTICS AND RESIDENTIAL LOCATION CHOICE OF IIUM GOMBAK CAMPUS EMPLOYEES OF MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohit Mohammad Abdul , Mustafa Mootaz Munjid
Published: November 2021

Higher learning institutions, particularly uni versities, are important nodes which can help in decentralizing the monocentric stigma of urban areas by encouraging employment and housing growth in metropolitan areas. The case study Gombak Campus of international Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), located 15 kilometres to the north-west of Kuala Lumpur City, is currently an employment node in the Klang Valley region. Being a node of employment, it is expected to generate residential development in the vicinity of its location by supporting the determining two fac tors of residential location - commuting cost and rent. Although there are certain truths that rent and commute cost are important determinants in households' residential location, other factors also influence residential location decision making. This paper, therefore, attempts to identify an array of factors and the extent to which these factors influence commute and residential attributes of the employees of IIUM Gombak Campus. Findings of this study reveal that there is a significant relationship between commute behaviour and residential characteristics and a number of other factors nonnally overlooked by the mainstream residential location choice models.
The Socio-Technical Factors in the Use of GIS at the Planning Departments of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall
Authors: Mohd Hussain Mohd Ramzi , Johar Foziah
Published: November 2021

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Community Health Programs Delivered Through Information and Communications Technology in High-Income Countries: Scoping Review
Authors: Beks Hannah , King Olivia , Clapham Renee , Alston Laura , Glenister Kristen , McKinstry Carol , Quilliam Claire , Wellwood Ian , Williams Catherine , Wong Shee Anna
Published: November 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has required widespread and rapid adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) platforms by health professionals. Transitioning health programs from face-to-face to remote delivery using ICT platforms has introduced new challenges.

Objective

The objective of this review is to scope for ICT-delivered health programs implemented within the community health setting in high-income countries and rapidly disseminate findings to health professionals.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute’s scoping review methodology guided the review of the literature.

Results

The search retrieved 7110 unique citations. Each title and abstract was screened by at least two reviewers, resulting in 399 citations for full-text review. Of these 399 citations, 72 (18%) were included. An additional 27 citations were identified through reviewing the reference lists of the included studies, resulting in 99 citations. Citations examined 83 ICT-delivered programs from 19 high-income countries. Variations in program design, ICT platforms, research design, and outcomes were evident.

Conclusions

Included programs and research were heterogeneous, addressing prevalent chronic diseases. Evidence was retrieved for the effectiveness of nurse and allied health ICT-delivered programs. Findings indicated that outcomes for participants receiving ICT-delivered programs, when compared with participants receiving in-person programs, were either equivalent or better. Gaps included a paucity of co-designed programs, qualitative research around group programs, programs for patients and carers, and evaluation of cost-effectiveness. During COVID-19 and beyond, health professionals in the community health setting are encouraged to build on existing knowledge and address evidence gaps by developing and evaluating innovative ICT-delivered programs in collaboration with consumers and carers.
Implementing the Routine Use of Electronic Mental Health Screening for Youth in Primary Care: Systematic Review
Authors: Martel Rhiannon , Shepherd Matthew , Goodyear-Smith Felicity
Published: November 2021

Background

Adolescents often present at primary care clinics with nonspecific physical symptoms when, in fact, they have at least 1 mental health or risk behavior (psychosocial) issue with which they would like help but do not disclose to their care provider. Despite global recommendations, over 50% of youths are not screened for mental health and risk behavior issues in primary care.

Objective

This review aimed to examine the implementation, acceptability, feasibility, benefits, and barriers of e-screening tools for mental health and risk behaviors among youth in primary care settings.

Methods

Electronic databases—MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews—were searched for studies on the routine screening of youth in primary care settings. Screening tools needed to be electronic and screen for at least 1 mental health or risk behavior issue. A total of 11 studies that were reported in 12 articles, of which all were from high-income countries, were reviewed.

Results

e-Screening was largely proven to be feasible and acceptable to youth and their primary care providers. Preconsultation e-screening facilitated discussions about sensitive issues and increased disclosure by youth. However, barriers such as the lack of time, training, and discomfort in raising sensitive issues with youth continued to be reported.

Conclusions

To implement e-screening, clinicians need to change their behaviors, and e-screening processes must become normalized into their workflows. Co-designing and tailoring screening implementation frameworks to meet the needs of specific contexts may be required to ensure that clinicians overcome initial resistances and perceived barriers and adopt the required processes in their work.
COVID-19 Vaccine Perceptions, Intentions, and Uptake Among Young Adults in the United States: Prospective College-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Gurley Stephen , Bennett Brady , Sullivan Patrick Sean , Kiley Maryellen , Linde Jamie , Szczerbacki David , Guest Jodie
Published: November 2021

Background

Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among US young adults, particularly those that belong to racial and ethnic minorities, remains low compared to their older peers. Understanding vaccine perceptions and their influence on vaccination uptake among this population remains crucial to achieving population herd immunity.

Objective

We sought to study perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines as well as intended and actual vaccine uptake among one population of college students, faculty, and staff.

Methods

As part of a larger study aimed at investigating the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission, serology, and perception on a college campus, participants were asked about their views on the COVID-19 vaccine in February 2021. Vaccination status was assessed by self-report in April 2021. Logistic regression was used to calculate prevalence ratios with marginal standardization.

Results

We found that non-White participants were 25% less likely to report COVID-19 vaccination compared to White participants. Among those who were unvaccinated, Black and other non-White participants were significantly more likely to indicate they were unwilling to receive a COVID-19 vaccine compared to White participants. The most common reason for unwillingness to receive the vaccine was belief that the vaccine approval process was rushed.

Conclusions

There are racial differences in perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine among young adults, and these differences might differentially impact vaccine uptake among young racial and ethnic minorities. Efforts to increase vaccine uptake among college populations might require campaigns specifically tailored to these minority groups.
The blood film’s song: A poetic tribute (Preprint)
Authors: Sehgal Tushar , Sharma Prashant
Published: November 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

We pay a prosopopoeic tribute to the time honoured, demanding, rewarding and sadly, declining skill of microscopic evaluation of a peripheral blood film.
Korean Medicine Patient Registry of Postoperative Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders (KPOP-MD): A study protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Ko Youme , Kim Namkwen , Lee Jung-Han , Lee Eun-Jung , Sul Jae-Uk , Chung Won seok , Park Ji Hun , Lee Jihye , Ryu Myungseok , Han Seong-Nim , Kim Eui young , Song Yun-kyung
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The frequency of patients undergoing musculoskeletal surgery has been increasing with the increase in average life expectancy of the population. An aging population with sustained musculoskeletal pain and disability is the main complaint of Korean medical institutions. Recently, Korean medicine clinicians have addressed the collection and analysis of the medical utilization pattern of patients with musculoskeletal discomfort after surgery, to identify the current demographics of patients and to provide empirical evidence for Korean medicine postoperative rehabilitation strategies as well as political decisions on the healthcare coverage of Korean medicine.

OBJECTIVE

Overall, the aims of Korean Medicine Patient Registry of Postoperative Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders (KPOP-MD) are to (1) explore the general characteristics of postoperative patients with musculoskeletal discomfort and (2) evaluate the overall improvement after performing various Korean medicine treatment regimens for musculoskeletal disorders, based on a process involving the collection of nationwide registry outcomes.

METHODS

KPOP-MD will collaborate with 17 traditional Korean medical institutions and register postoperative patients with musculoskeletal discomfort. A total of 150 patients who meet the eligibility criteria will be registered in the study. After registration, we will collect personal health information from each patient, such as general socio-demographics, surgical site discomfort, anthropometrics, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at each assessment. The primary endpoint will be a change in the numeric rating scale for pain at the surgical location. The additional evaluation variables will be a change in the site-specific patient-reported questionnaires, recovery status questionnaires, other discomfort assessments, and cost data.

RESULTS

not applicable

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first prospective, multicenter, patient-based registry of postoperative patients with musculoskeletal disorders in various traditional Korean medical institutions. The results of this registry will provide valuable information on the current status of postoperative patients who receive Korean medicine treatments and evidence for reasonable decision-making in the Korean medicine healthcare system in the future.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03842098.