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Fulltext Tourism crises and island destinations: Experiences in Penang, Malaysia

Ghaderi Z, Mat Som AP, Henderson JC

Tour Manag Perspect, 2012 04 26;2:79-84.
PMID: 32289006 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmp.2012.03.006

Crisis management and tourism is attracting increasing attention as an industry practice and subject of academic enquiry, not least in South East Asia which has been affected by a number of severe crises in recent years. However, organisations are not always well prepared and response strategies can be deficient. The paper discusses issues of tourism crisis management with specific reference to the popular Malaysian destination of Penang. Findings are based on qualitative research consisting of semi-structured interviews with industry leaders from assorted sectors. Tourism in Penang emerges as vulnerable to regional and global events which act as a trigger for tourism crises, demanding a response in which various strategies are employed. The destination is also seen to recover fairly quickly from experiences of crises, but a well designed and formulated tourism crisis management plan under the stewardship of the public sector is necessary to mitigate further damage in the future.
Beyond surface: Unveiling ecological and economic ramifications of microplastic pollution in the oceans

Kurniawan TA, Mohyuddin A, Othman MHD, Goh HH, Zhang D, Anouzla A, et al.

Water Environ Res, 2024 Jul;96(7):e11070.
PMID: 39005104 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11070

Every year, the global production of plastic waste reaches a staggering 400 million metric tons (Mt), precipitating adverse consequences for the environment, food safety, and biodiversity as it degrades into microplastics (MPs). The multifaceted nature of MP pollution, coupled with its intricate physiological impacts, underscores the pressing need for comprehensive policies and legislative frameworks. Such measures, alongside advancements in technology, hold promise in averting ecological catastrophe in the oceans. Mandated legislation represents a pivotal step towards restoring oceanic health and securing the well-being of the planet. This work offers an overview of the policy hurdles, legislative initiatives, and prospective strategies for addressing global pollution due to MP. Additionally, this work explores innovative approaches that yield fresh insights into combating plastic pollution across various sectors. Emphasizing the importance of a global plastics treaty, the article underscores its potential to galvanize collaborative efforts in mitigating MP pollution's deleterious effects on marine ecosystems. Successful implementation of such a treaty could revolutionize the plastics economy, steering it towards a circular, less polluting model operating within planetary boundaries. Failure to act decisively risks exacerbating the scourge of MP pollution and its attendant repercussions on both humanity and the environment. Central to this endeavor are the formulation, content, and execution of the treaty itself, which demand careful consideration. While recognizing that a global plastics treaty is not a panacea, it serves as a mechanism for enhancing plastics governance and elevating global ambitions towards achieving zero plastic pollution by 2040. Adopting a life cycle approach to plastic management allows for a nuanced understanding of possible trade-offs between environmental impact and economic growth, guiding the selection of optimal solutions with socio-economic implications in mind. By embracing a comprehensive strategy that integrates legislative measures and technological innovations, we can substantially reduce the influx of marine plastic litter at its sources, safeguarding the oceans for future generations.
Association between adherence to 24-h movement guidelines and sociodemographic factors among Malaysian preschoolers: Findings from SEANUTS II Malaysia

Joan C, Koh D, Wong JE, Khouw I, Poh BK, SEANUTS II Malaysia Study Group

Am J Hum Biol, 2024 Mar 28.
PMID: 38548924 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24076

BACKGROUND: Adhering to 24-h movement guidelines (24-hMG) have health benefits for young children; yet research on Malaysian preschoolers' movement behaviors is limited. This study investigates the association between adherence to 24-hMG and sociodemographic factors of Malaysian preschoolers.
METHODS: Data from 939 preschoolers aged 3-6 years (mean age = 4.83 ± 0.04 years, 53.7% boys) from the Second South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS II) Malaysia study was analyzed. Socio-demography, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep were parent-reported via questionnaire. Associations between adherence of 24-hMG and sociodemographic factors were analyzed using complex samples logistic regression.
RESULTS: Only 12.1% of preschoolers adhered to the overall 24-hMG, and 67.1%, 54.7%, and 42.7% of preschoolers adhered to physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior guidelines, respectively; while 6.8% did not meet any guidelines. Compared to 3-4-year olds, preschoolers aged 5-6 years had higher odds of adhering to physical activity guidelines, sedentary behavior guidelines, and overall 24-hMG, but lower odds of adhering to sleep guidelines. Chinese and Indian preschoolers were more likely to adhere to sedentary behavior guidelines than Malay preschoolers; however, Chinese preschoolers had lower odds of adhering to physical activity guidelines. Paternal tertiary education was associated with a higher likelihood of adherence to sleep guidelines.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that adherence to 24-hMG among Malaysian preschoolers is associated with age, ethnicity, and paternal education level. This underscores the importance of targeted interventions and health awareness program to promote healthy movement behaviors, particularly among children under 5, ethnic minorities, and educationally disadvantaged families.
Fulltext Emergency medicine as a specialty in Asia

Pek JH, Lim SH, Ho HF, Ramakrishnan TV, Jamaluddin SF, Mesa-Gaerlan FJC, et al.

Acute medicine & surgery, 2016 04;3(2):65-73.
PMID: 29123755 DOI: 10.1002/ams2.154

Aim: We aim to examine the similarities and differences in areas of EM development, workload, workforce, and capabilities and support in the Asia region. Emerging challenges faced by our EM community are also discussed.
Methods: The National Societies for Emergency Medicine of Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey participated in the joint Japanese Association of Acute Medicine (JAAM) and Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) Special Symposium held in October 2013 at Tokyo, Japan. The findings are reviewed in this paper.
Results: Emergency medicine (EM) has over the years evolved into a distinct and recognized medical discipline requiring a unique set of cognitive, administrative and technical skills for managing all types of patients with acute illness or injury. EM has contributed to healthcare by providing effective, safe, efficient and cost-effective patient care. Integrated systems have developed to allow continuity of emergency care from the community into emergency departments. Structured training curriculum for undergraduates, and specialty training programs for postgraduates are in place to equip trainees with the knowledge and skills required for the unique practice of EM.
Conclusion: The practice of EM still varies among the Asian countries. However, as a region, we strive to continue in our efforts to develop the specialty and improve the delivery of EM.
Fulltext Efficacy and safety of rVIII-SingleChain: results of a phase 1/3 multicenter clinical trial in severe hemophilia A

Mahlangu J, Kuliczkowski K, Karim FA, Stasyshyn O, Kosinova MV, Lepatan LM, et al.

Blood, 2016 Aug 04;128(5):630-7.
PMID: 27330001 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-01-687434

Recombinant VIII (rVIII)-SingleChain is a novel B-domain-truncated recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII), comprised of covalently bonded factor VIII (FVIII) heavy and light chains. It was designed to have a higher binding affinity for von Willebrand factor (VWF). This phase 1/3 study investigated the efficacy and safety of rVIII-SingleChain in the treatment of bleeding episodes, routine prophylaxis, and surgical prophylaxis. Participants were ≥12 years of age, with severe hemophilia A (endogenous FVIII <1%). The participants were allocated by the investigator to receive rVIII-SingleChain in either an on-demand or prophylaxis regimen. Of the 175 patients meeting study eligibility criteria, 173 were treated with rVIII-SingleChain, prophylactically (N = 146) or on-demand (N = 27). The total cumulative exposure was 14 306 exposure days (EDs), with 120 participants reaching ≥50 EDs and 52 participants having ≥100 EDs. Hemostatic efficacy was rated by the investigator as excellent or good in 93.8% of the 835 bleeds treated and assessed. Across all prophylaxis regimens, the median annualized spontaneous bleeding rate was 0.00 (Q1, Q3: 0.0, 2.4) and the median overall annualized bleeding rate (ABR) was 1.14 (Q1, Q3: 0.0, 4.2). Surgical hemostasis was rated as excellent/good in 100% of major surgeries by the investigator. No participant developed FVIII inhibitors. In conclusion, rVIII-SingleChain is a novel rFVIII molecule showing excellent hemostatic efficacy in surgery and in the control of bleeding events, low ABR in patients on prophylaxis, and a favorable safety profile in this large clinical study. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01486927.