Application of geographical information system-based analytical hierarchy process as a tool for dengue risk assessment
Journal Title: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease - Year 2016, Vol 6, Issue 12
Abstract
Objective: To highlight the use of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in geographical information system that incorporates environmental indices to generate dengue risk zonation area. Methods: The medical database considered for the study was referenced to the environmental data layers. Factors related to the risk of dengue fever (DF) were selected throughout previous research and were arranged in a hierarchical structure. The relative weights of factors were calculated, which were within acceptable range with the consistency ratio being less than 0.1. The outcomes from AHP based DF risk zonation area produced useful information on different levels of risks. Results: As a result, factor weights used in AHP were evaluated and found to be acceptable as the consistency ratio of 0.05, which was < 0.1. The most influential factors were found to be housing types, population density, land-use and elevation. Findings from this study provided valuable insights that could potentially enhance public health initiatives. The geographical information system and spatial analytical method could be applied to augment surveillance strategies of DF and other communicable diseases in an effort to promote actions of prevention and control. The disease surveillance data obtained could be integrated with environmental database in a synergistic way, which will in turn provide additional input towards the development of epidemic forecasting models. Conclusions: This attempt, if successful, will have significant implications that could strengthen public health interventions and offers priorities in designing the most optimum and sustainable control program to combat dengue in Malaysia.
Diversity of the SCCmec types among Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates from intensive care unit patients
Objective: To determine different types of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) in Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) clinical isolates from intensive care unit patients, Tehran, Iran. Methods: A tota...
Uterine artery resistance index in first trimester and maternal neonatal outcome
Objective: To study the uterine blood flow in early pregnancy, which might provide information about maternal neonatal outcome. Methods: Pilot study was undertaken by measuring uterine artery resistance index (UARI) at (...
Immunostimulant activity of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir: a useful plant for infectious tropical diseases
Objective: To confirm the ethnomedicinal claim of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir as immune enhancer. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extract of fruits and leaves of the plant were evaluated for immunostimulant activity on albi...
Adulticidal activity of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. against Culex quinquefasciatus (Say)
Objective: To determine the adulticidal efficacy of different solvent leaf and seed extracts of Pithecellobium dulce (P. dulce) against Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus). Methods: Sucrose-fed and blood starve...
Bio-efficacy of crude leaf extracts of Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. against some agriculturally important insect pests
Objective: To investigate the antifeedant and larvicidal activities of Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. (Euphorbiaceae) (A. fruticosa) leaf extracts. Methods: Efficacy of various organic solvent extracts of dichloromethane, ac...