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- 2019
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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- Abdullah Abkar, Mahdi Mohammed, et al.
(author)
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Enhancing construction site performance through technology and management practices as material waste mitigation in the Malaysian construction industry
- 2024
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In: Heliyon. - : Elsevier. - 2405-8440. ; 10:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The construction industry, increasingly prioritizing sustainability, necessitates an exploration of technology and management's role in mitigating material waste at construction sites. This study examines the impact of 3R, IBS, BIM, and MMA in enhancing Construction Site Performance (CSP) in the Malaysian construction sector. Seven hypotheses were formulated to assess the relationship between technology adoption, material management practices, and the moderating influence of Material Management Adoption (MMA) on CSP. Data were collected through an online survey from 295 valid responses in the Malaysian construction sector, focusing on professionals involved in solid waste management. Utilizing Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), the findings highlight the importance of technological integration, efficient material management, and competitive strategies in effective material waste mitigation. Furthermore, the qualitative aspect of the study, conducted among 6 solid waste organizations in Malaysia, enriches the findings by providing nuanced insights into local practices and challenges. Emphasizing the importance of contextual insights, the study addresses professionals involved in solid waste management within the Malaysian construction industry. The geographical specificity adds depth to the analysis, offering a comprehensive understanding of regional dynamics. Despite acknowledging limitations in technology and material usage, the study offers recommendations for refining waste mitigation and improving construction site performance. This research model offers actionable insights for construction site stakeholders, emphasizing the criticality of waste mitigation and CSP. The results, both quantitative and qualitative, underscore the potential of these practices within the Malaysian construction industry to foster innovation and drive positive change.
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- Akhtar, Abid Mohammed, et al.
(author)
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Ramadan fasting : Recommendations for patients with cardiovascular disease
- 2022
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In: Heart. - : BMJ. - 1355-6037 .- 1468-201X. ; 108:4, s. 258-265
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ramadan fasting is observed by most of the 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. It lasts for 1 month per the lunar calendar year and is the abstention from any food and drink from dawn to sunset. While recommendations on 'safe' fasting exist for patients with some chronic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, guidance for patients with cardiovascular disease is lacking. We reviewed the literature to help healthcare professionals educate, discuss and manage patients with cardiovascular conditions, who are considering fasting. Studies on the safety of Ramadan fasting in patients with cardiac disease are sparse, observational, of small sample size and have short follow-up. Using expert consensus and a recognised framework, we risk stratified patients into 'low or moderate risk', for example, stable angina or non-severe heart failure; 'high risk', for example, poorly controlled arrhythmias or recent myocardial infarction; and 'very high risk', for example, advanced heart failure. The 'low-moderate risk' group may fast, provided their medications and clinical conditions allow. The 'high' or 'very high risk' groups should not fast and may consider safe alternatives such as non-consecutive fasts or fasting shorter days, for example, during winter. All patients who are fasting should be educated before Ramadan on their risk and management (including the risk of dehydration, fluid overload and terminating the fast if they become unwell) and reviewed after Ramadan to reassess their risk status and condition. Further studies to clarify the benefits and risks of fasting on the cardiovascular system in patients with different cardiovascular conditions should help refine these recommendations.
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- Yunus, Agha Waqar, et al.
(author)
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Farmer's knowledge and suggested approaches for controlling aflatoxin contamination of raw milk in Pakistan
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Microbiology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-302X. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Monitoring of aflatoxin levels in milk is often complicated in developing countries due to the dominance of informal markets channeling milk in raw form. Farmer's awareness and voluntary participation in aflatoxin mitigation can be critical in such scenarios. Therefore, the present study was conducted to understand the perceptions of dairy farmers about aflatoxins and link it with aflatoxin mitigation programs on milk in Pakistan. Information was collected from 450 peri-urban dairy farmers in seven cities using questionnaires. Majority (77.9%) of the farmers were aware of the negative impact of moldy feed on animal health. However, only 40.6% of the farmers were aware of the transferability of the toxins from moldy feed to milk. The farmers had almost no awareness of aflatoxins as 95% never heard of the term. After receiving an onsite briefing on effects of the toxin on animal and human health, and its transferability to milk, 98.3% farmers showed willingness to buy aflatoxin-safe feedstuffs, while 88.5% showed willingness to control aflatoxin in milk. Around half of the farmers considered aflatoxin control programs as affordable. On average, farmers agreed to pay 10.1% higher price for aflatoxin certified oilseed cakes. Availability of feedstuffs certified of low aflatoxin content was suggested by 22% of the participants as the critical step in reducing aflatoxins in milk. Other important suggestions included; subsidy on quality feeds (18%), raising awareness (18%), and legislation and monitoring (16%). The present results suggest that the current practice of milk monitoring in the country can yield desirable results only if it is coupled with feed certification programs ensuing availability of aflatoxin-safe feeds. Further, awareness can positively impact participation of producers in aflatoxin control programs. In this regard, awareness about effects of aflatoxins on animal health was found to be a more powerful trigger of voluntary control compared with the awareness of the toxin's transferability to milk.
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- Abkar, Mahdi Mohammed Abdullah, et al.
(author)
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An empirical investigation of automation technology as material waste mitigation measure at Johor construction sites
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Built Environment. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2297-3362. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Automation technology in the construction industry is the use of advanced tools, devices, and processes that reduce manual labor and enhance efficiency in various construction activities. Automation technology can minimize waste, optimize resource utilization, and reduce the environmental impact of construction processes. This study aims to examine the relationship between automation technology adoptions (ATAs) utilizing reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R), building information modeling (BIM), industrialized building systems (IBSs), green building index (GBI), and Internet of Things (IoT) practices toward construction site performance (CSP) to measure their influences on material waste mitigation measures at Johor construction sites. To achieve these goals, five hypotheses were developed to explore the association between ATA and CSP. Data were gathered utilizing an online survey. The participants were contractors and expert practitioners in the Johor construction industry, including architects, project managers, and academicians/researchers. A total of 257 valid responses were used to investigate the assumptions. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) procedure was used. The findings revealed that ATA utilizing 3R, BIM, IBS, GBI, and IoT as material mitigation measures positively enhances CSP.
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- Abkar, Mahdi Mohammed Abdullah, et al.
(author)
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The adoption of automation technology for the mitigation of material waste on construction sites in the Malaysian construction industry
- 2024
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In: International Journal of Construction Management. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1562-3599.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The construction business has always been at the forefront of technological advancements, and this trend has only accelerated in recent years as one of the important contexts among the other numerous new technologies. The current study aims to examine the relationship between Automation Technology Adoptions (ATA) and Construction Site Performance (CSP) and their influence on material waste mitigation measures in Johor construction sites. Data was gathered utilizing an online survey method, with the participants from the Johor construction industries representing contractors and experts. A total of 257 responses were valid to investigate the assumptions of the validations, and ‘Partial Lease Square - Structural Equation Modeling’ (PLS-SEM) procedure has been used. The adopted model may be used to help construction site managers and workers understand the importance of the ATA, CSP, and their utilization as material waste management approaches. The obtained results emphasize the relevance of automation technology adoption for mitigating construction material waste in construction sites with such a clear significance and clarity under the use of automation in construction sites. These findings will assist construction professionals to manage their materials on the job site and complete their projects.
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- Bisaccia, Giandomenico, et al.
(author)
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Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction : What Do We Know?
- 2021
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In: Journal of cardiovascular development and disease. - : MDPI AG. - 2308-3425. ; 8:11, s. 1-15
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or long COVID syndrome, is emerging as a major health issue in patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms commonly experienced by patients include fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, dyspnea, reduced exercise tolerance, and "brain fog". Additionally, symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and syncope suggest the involvement of the autonomic nervous system. Signs of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction appear to be common in PASC and are similar to those observed in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and inappropriate sinus tachycardia. In this review, we report on the epidemiology of PASC, discuss current evidence and possible mechanisms underpinning the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, and suggest nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions to treat and relieve symptoms of PASC-associated dysautonomia.
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- Galusko, Victor, et al.
(author)
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Mitral regurgitation management : a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations
- 2022
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In: European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2058-1742 .- 2058-5225. ; 8:5, s. 481-495
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Multiple guidelines exist for the diagnosis and management of mitral regurgitation (MR), the second most common valvular heart disease in high-income countries, with recommendations that do not always match. We systematically reviewed guidelines on diagnosis and management of MR, highlighting similarities and differences to guide clinical decision-making. We searched national and international guidelines in MEDLINE and EMBASE (1 June 2010 to 1 September 2021), the Guidelines International Network, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Library for Health Guidelines Finder, Canadian Medical Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Infobase, and websites of relevant organizations. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts and identified articles of interest. Guidelines that were rigorously developed (as assessed with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument) were retained for analysis. Five guidelines were retained. There was consensus on a multidisciplinary approach from the heart team and for the definition and grading of severe primary MR. There was general agreement on the thresholds for intervention in symptomatic and asymptomatic primary MR; however, discrepancies were present. There was agreement on optimization of medical therapy in severe secondary MR and intervention in patients symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy, but no consensus on the choice of intervention (surgical repair/replacement vs. transcatheter approach). Cut-offs for high-risk intervention in MR, risk stratification of progressive MR, and guidance on mixed valvular disease were sparse.
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