Selim Khan | University of Calgary (original) (raw)

Papers by Selim Khan

Austin Journal of Medical Oncology

Application of Deep Learning LSTM and ARIMA Models in Time Series Forecasting: A Methods Case Stu... more Application of Deep Learning LSTM and ARIMA Models in Time Series Forecasting: A Methods Case Study analyzing Canadian and Swedish Indoor Air Pollution Data

Austin journal of medical oncology, Dec 28, 2022

Frontiers in Public Health, 2022

Radon is a potent indoor air pollutant, especially in radon prone areas and in countries with lon... more Radon is a potent indoor air pollutant, especially in radon prone areas and in countries with long winters. As the second top lung carcinogen, radon is disproportionately a ecting certain population subgroups. While many provinces have taken sporadic actions, the equity issue has remained unaddressed across all policy measures. Attempts to enforce radon guidelines and enact building regulations without considering residents' views have proved ine ective. Research linking residents' radon risk perception and worldviews regarding radon control policy is lacking in Canada. We applied mixed (quantitative and qualitative) methods in a pro-equity social justice lens to examine the variations in residents' risk perception, access to risk communication messages, and worldviews about risk management across the sociodemographic strata. Triangulation of the quantitative and qualitative findings strengthened the evidence base to identify challenges and potential solutions in addressing the health risk through upstream policy actions. Enacting radon control policy requires actions from all levels of governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure equal opportunities for all residents to take the preventive and adaptive measures. Small sample size limited the scope of findings for generalization. Future studies can examine the di erential impacts of radon health risk as are determined by various sociodemographic variables in a representative national cohort.

Kathmandu University medical journal (KUMJ)

Patients of breast diseases of female are very common cases attending surgical out patient depart... more Patients of breast diseases of female are very common cases attending surgical out patient department for treatment at NGMC, Banke, Nepal. To find out the magnitude of the breast diseases, its frequency distribution in different age group among the patients attending surgical OPD for surgical consultation. This is a prospective study conducted at NGMC, Nepalgunj, Nepal. Patients attending surgical OPD for one or another breast problem were included. They were assessed clinically and their diagnosis was confirmed by cytological (FNAC) or histopathological (biopsy) examination. Then they were subjected to appropriate treatment. It must be mentioned at the outset that no clinical mammography could be done in the case of this study as these facilities are not available at NGMC. 264 cases of breast disease were diagnosed. This includes 232 female and 32 male patients. The ratio between benign and malignant lesions was 13.6:1. The benign breast diseases (BBD) were the commonest lesions of...

Frontiers in Public Health

Current Advances in Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Vol. 5

Nature -Scientific Reports , 2021

Radioactive radon gas inhalation is a major cause of lung cancer worldwide and is a consequence o... more Radioactive radon gas inhalation is a major cause of lung cancer worldwide and is a consequence of the built environment. The average radon level of properties built in a given period (their 'innate radon risk') varies over time and by region, although the underlying reasons for these differences are unclear. To investigate this, we analyzed long term radon tests and buildings from 25,489 Canadian to 38,596 Swedish residential properties constructed after 1945. While Canadian and Swedish properties built from 1970 to 1980s are comparable (96-103 Bq/m 3), innate radon risks subsequently diverge, rising in Canada and falling in Sweden such that Canadian houses built in the 2010-2020s have 467% greater radon (131 Bq/m 3) versus Swedish equivalents (28 Bq/m 3). These trends are consistent across distinct building types, and regional subdivisions. The introduction of energy efficiency measures (such as heat recovery ventilation) within each nation's build codes are independent of radon fluctuations over time. Deep learning-based models forecast that (without intervention) the average Canadian residential radon level will increase to 176 Bq/m 3 by 2050. Provisions in the 2010 Canada Build Code have not significantly reduced innate radon risks, highlighting the urgency of novel code interventions to achieve systemic radon reduction and cancer prevention in Canada.

Cancer Control, 2021

Background Radon is a predominant indoor air pollutant and second leading cause of lung cancer in... more Background Radon is a predominant indoor air pollutant and second leading cause of lung cancer in radon-prone areas. Despite the gravity of the health risk, residents in Canada have inadequate perception and taken minimal protective actions. Better perception of a risk motivates people to take preventive measures. Scholarship about radon health risk perception is lacking in Canada. We applied a mixed methods population health approach to explore the determinants shaping perception and actions of a resident population in Canada. Methods We conducted mixed surveys (n = 557) and qualitative bilingual interviews (n = 35) with both homeowners and tenants of Ottawa–Gatineau areas. The study explored residents' risk perception and adaptations factors. Descriptive, correlational and regression analyses described and established associations between quantitative variables. Thematic, inductive analyses identified themes in the qualitative data. A mixed methods analysis triangulated both r...

Current Overview on Disease and Health Research Vol. 1

Frontiers in Public Health, 2022

These are data from 48 selected peer-reviewed articles and 13 other grey literature regarding eff... more These are data from 48 selected peer-reviewed articles and 13 other grey literature regarding effectiveness of radon mitigation systems installed in residential or model houses. Some of the documents described also the factors that need to be considered in installing the mitigation systems. The screened and critically appraised data were synthesized data using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis) 2009 checklist. We assessed quality by using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for the experimental and Hamilton tool for the non-experimental and uncontrolled studies. We included 61 pieces of literature for the final review. 13 were various types of documents, and 48 were peer-reviewed articles. Among the latter, seventeen were experimental studies, three reviews, 22 quantitative, one case-control study, four case studies, one qualitative research. Among the experimental studies, fifteen were of high quality and two of moderate quality. Among 22 non-experim...

Recruitment ad. (PDF 104 kb)

Acknowledgements Background: Radon is a high impact environmental pollutant and is the second lea... more Acknowledgements Background: Radon is a high impact environmental pollutant and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. Building design, extended winter, and geographical location expose residents of Ottawa-Gatineau (the national capital region in Canada) to an increased risk. It is surprising that residents have an inadequate awareness of the risk despite its gravity and have taken minimum preventive actions. This study explores perceptions of radon health risk and examines the factors that enable and hinder the adoption of preventive measures among Ottawa-Gatineau residents. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 residents from varying educational levels and occupational backgrounds to inquire about their knowledge and perception of radon, and to explore their views of enablers and obstacles to taking action to reduce radon risks. Thematic, inductive data analysis was undertaken. Results: The results indicate that: 1) Residents obtained information ...

SagePub, Oct 10, 2021

Background: Radon is a predominant indoor air pollutant and second leading cause of lung cancer i... more Background: Radon is a predominant indoor air pollutant and second leading cause of lung cancer in radon-prone areas.
Despite the gravity of the health risk, residents in Canada have inadequate perception and taken minimal protective actions.
Better perception of a risk motivates people to take preventive measures. Scholarship about radon health risk perception is
lacking in Canada. We applied a mixed methods population health approach to explore the determinants shaping perception and
actions of a resident population in Canada.
Methods: We conducted mixed surveys (n = 557) and qualitative bilingual interviews (n = 35) with both homeowners and
tenants of Ottawa–Gatineau areas. The study explored residents’ risk perception and adaptations factors. Descriptive,
correlational and regression analyses described and established associations between quantitative variables. Thematic, inductive
analyses identified themes in the qualitative data. A mixed methods analysis triangulated both results to draw a holistic
perception of the health risk.
Results: Residents’ quantitative perceptions of radon health risk, smoking at home, synergistic risk perception, social influence
and care for family were associated significantly with their intention to test for radon levels in their home, actual testing and
mitigation. These results were explained further with the qualitative findings. Residents who had dual cognitive and emotional
awareness of the risk were motivated enough to take preventive actions. Caring for family, knowing others who contracted lung
cancer and financial capability were enablers, whereas lack of awareness and homeownership, cost of mitigation and stigma
were obstacles to preventive actions. We also explored the dual subjective and objective aspects of risk perception that are
influenced by micro- and macro-level determinants.
Conclusions: Inducing protective action to reduce risk requires comprehensive population-level interventions considering
dual perceptions of the risk that can modify the risk determinants. Future research can explore the dual aspects of risk
perception and unequal distribution of the risk factors.

Background: Radon is a high impact environmental pollutant and is the second leading cause of lun... more Background: Radon is a high impact environmental pollutant and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. Despite the gravity of the health risk, residents have inadequate awareness and have taken minimum preventive actions. The success of any population-level health awareness program is contingent on the views and actions of key decision makers at the household level. People's perceptions of the risk should inform health communication messaging that aims to motivate them to take preventive measures. The objective of this study was to measure the quantifiable associations and predictions between perceptions of radon health risk and their preventive actions; to explore and examines the social determinants that enable and hinder the adoption of preventive measures. Additionally, the best effective radon control systems for both the new and existing houses and relevant policy implications have been examined. Methods: A mixed methods study consisting of surveys (n=557) and qualitative interviews (n=35) was conducted with both homeowners and tenants of Ottawa-Gatineau areas. Descriptive, correlation and regression analyses addressed the quantitative research questions. Thematic, inductive analysis identified themes in the qualitative data. A mixed methods analysis triangulate both results. A registered systematic review of radon interventions around the world was conducted and radon policy analysis was done by applying interdisciplinary frameworks. Results: Residents’ perceptions of radon health risk, smoking at home, social influence, and care for family significantly correlated with their intention to test for radon; the same variables predicted their protection behaviours. Residents obtained information on radon from the media, individual search, workplace and social networks. Residents who had dual - cognitive and emotional awareness of the risk, were motivated enough to take action. Having an understanding of the risk, caring for family, knowing others who contracted lung cancer and being financially capable were enablers for action. Obstacles included lack of awareness, cost of mitigation, lack of home ownership and potential stigma in selling the house. Residents attributed primary responsibility to public agencies for disseminating information and suggested incentivizing and mandating actions to promote preventive measures. Indoor radon is best controlled by installing an active SSDS with additional measures to seal any entry points in the foundation. The policy analysis generated a list of recommendations that can be implemented through multisectoral systems level actions to address the social determinants of risk distribution. Conclusions: Residents do not get the crucial information on radon health risk and report barriers in testing and engaging in protective action. Risk perceptions are subjective and influenced by micro and macro level factors. Inducing protective action to reduce risk requires comprehensive interventions taking into account dual perceptions of the threat. Future research can explore the dual aspects of risk perception and examine the contents of the risk communication message. Policy should address the shared responsibility of both governments and residents in tackling the issue with reasonable incentives and mandatory regulations.

Scientific Reports, 2021

Radioactive radon gas inhalation is a major cause of lung cancer worldwide and is a consequence o... more Radioactive radon gas inhalation is a major cause of lung cancer worldwide and is a consequence of the built environment. The average radon level of properties built in a given period (their ‘innate radon risk’) varies over time and by region, although the underlying reasons for these differences are unclear. To investigate this, we analyzed long term radon tests and buildings from 25,489 Canadian to 38,596 Swedish residential properties constructed after 1945. While Canadian and Swedish properties built from 1970 to 1980s are comparable (96–103 Bq/m3), innate radon risks subsequently diverge, rising in Canada and falling in Sweden such that Canadian houses built in the 2010–2020s have 467% greater radon (131 Bq/m3) versus Swedish equivalents (28 Bq/m3). These trends are consistent across distinct building types, and regional subdivisions. The introduction of energy efficiency measures (such as heat recovery ventilation) within each nation’s build codes are independent of radon fluc...

Palgrave Communications, 2020

Academic writing capabilities are a cornerstone of success in doctoral programs, yet prove to be ... more Academic writing capabilities are a cornerstone of success in doctoral programs, yet prove to be a point of anxiety and apprehension for many students. Providing support for academic writing within interdisciplinary programs poses special considerations, as students in these programs are called upon to transcend single disciplinary perspectives to address a central area of research, and to integrate multiple different disciplinary perspectives that may be conflicting or overlapping. When treated as a social practice, writing can serve as a common interest that draws doctoral students to convene and develop in their learning. This article describes the development of a student writing group in an interdisciplinary doctoral program, considering how the characteristics and activities of the group create an environment that enables and encourages enhanced interdisciplinary learning. The article argues that, when delivered successfully, student writing groups have the potential to streng...

Austin Journal of Medical Oncology

Austin journal of medical oncology, Dec 28, 2022

Frontiers in Public Health, 2022

Kathmandu University medical journal (KUMJ)

Frontiers in Public Health

Current Advances in Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Vol. 5

Nature -Scientific Reports , 2021

Cancer Control, 2021

Current Overview on Disease and Health Research Vol. 1

Frontiers in Public Health, 2022

Recruitment ad. (PDF 104 kb)

SagePub, Oct 10, 2021

Scientific Reports, 2021

Radioactive radon gas inhalation is a major cause of lung cancer worldwide and is a consequence o... more Radioactive radon gas inhalation is a major cause of lung cancer worldwide and is a consequence of the built environment. The average radon level of properties built in a given period (their ‘innate radon risk’) varies over time and by region, although the underlying reasons for these differences are unclear. To investigate this, we analyzed long term radon tests and buildings from 25,489 Canadian to 38,596 Swedish residential properties constructed after 1945. While Canadian and Swedish properties built from 1970 to 1980s are comparable (96–103 Bq/m3), innate radon risks subsequently diverge, rising in Canada and falling in Sweden such that Canadian houses built in the 2010–2020s have 467% greater radon (131 Bq/m3) versus Swedish equivalents (28 Bq/m3). These trends are consistent across distinct building types, and regional subdivisions. The introduction of energy efficiency measures (such as heat recovery ventilation) within each nation’s build codes are independent of radon fluc...

Palgrave Communications, 2020

First Annual Conference of Healthy Cities Research Initiatives , 2022

21stcentury’senergy-efficient building architecture has captured and contained soil gas radon. On... more 21stcentury’senergy-efficient building architecture has captured and contained soil gas radon. Once inhaled, this potent indoor air pollutant can potentially mutate lung cell DNA and cause cancer. Radon accumulation inside a building (their ‘innate radon risk’) varies over time and by region, although the underlying reasons for these differences are uncertain. To study these, we analyzed long-term radon test results and building metrics from 25,489 Canadian and compared them to 38,596 Swedish residential properties constructed after 1945. While Canadian and Swedish properties built from 1970 to 1980s are comparable (96–103 Bq/m3 ), innate radon risks subsequently diverge, rising in Canada and falling in Sweden such that Canadian houses built in the 2010–2020s have 467% greater radon (131 Bq/m3 ) versus Swedish equivalents (28 Bq/m3 ). These trends are consistent across distinct building types, and regional subdivisions. The introduction of energy efficiency measures (such as heat recovery ventilation) within each nation’s build codes is independent of radon fluctuations over time. Deep machine learning models forecast that (without intervention) the average Canadian residential radon level will increase to 176 Bq/m3 by 2050. Provisions in the 2010 Canada Build Code have not significantly reduced innate radon risks, highlighting the urgency of novel code interventions to achieve systemic radon reduction and cancer prevention in Canada.

RAPID (Radon & Alpha Particle Induced Disease) Prevention Workshop, University of Calgary, 2019

Background: Radon is a high impact environmental pollutant and the second leading cause of lung c... more Background: Radon is a high impact environmental pollutant and the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. Despite the gravity of the risk, residents have taken minimum preventive actions. The success of any population-level health awareness program is contingent on the views and actions of key decision makers. People's perceptions of the risk should inform health communication messaging that intends to motivate them for actions. Scholarship about radon health risk perception is lacking in Canada.
Objective: This study explores Ottawa-Gatineau residents’ perceptions of radon health risk and examines the factors that enable and hinder the adoption of preventive measures.
Methods: A mixed methods study conducted complex surveys (n=557) and qualitative interviews (n=35) with both homeowners and tenants of Ottawa-Gatineau areas. The study explored residents' risk perception and adaptations factors. Descriptive, correlation and regression analyses addressed the quantitative research questions. Thematic, inductive analysis identified themes in the qualitative data. A mixed methods analysis triangulate both results.
Results: Residents’ perceptions of radon health risk, smoking at home, social influence, and care for family significantly correlated with their intention to test for radon; the same variables predicted their protection behaviours. Residents obtained information on radon from the media, individual search, workplace and social networks. Residents who had dual - cognitive and emotional awareness of the risk, were motivated enough to take action. Having an understanding of the risk, caring for family, knowing others who contracted lung cancer and being financially capable were enablers for action. Obstacles included lack of awareness, cost of mitigation, lack of home ownership and potential stigma in selling the house. Primary responsibility goes to public agencies for disseminating information; incentives and mandating actions can promote preventive measures.
Conclusions: Residents do not get the crucial information on radon health risk and report barriers in testing and engaging in protective action. Risk perceptions are subjective and influenced by micro and macro level factors. Inducing protective action to reduce risk requires interventions that take into account dual perceptions of the threat. Future research can explore the dual aspects of risk perception and examine the contents of the risk communication message.

Poster at CARST Conference , 2019

Background Radon is a high impact environmental pollutant and is the second leading cause of lung... more Background
Radon is a high impact environmental pollutant and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. Building design, extended winter, and geographical location expose residents of Ottawa-Gatineau (the national capital region in Canada) to an increased risk. It is surprising that residents have an inadequate awareness of the risk - despite its gravity - and have taken minimum preventive actions. This study explores perceptions of radon health risk and examines the factors that enable and hinder the adoption of preventive measures among Ottawa-Gatineau residents.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 residents with varying educational and income levels to inquire about their knowledge and perception of radon, and to explore their views of enablers and obstacles to taking action to reduce radon risks. Thematic, inductive data analysis was undertaken.
Results
The results indicate that: 1) Residents obtained information on radon from various sources that include the media, their education or occupation, their social network, and home renovation events. Limited references were made to the National Radon Program responsible for testing for radon and informing residents. 2) Awareness of radon risk varied, and the knowledge retained by some residents is insufficient to adequately protect their health. 3) Enablers for taking protective action included: having an understanding of the risk along with health consciousness; caring for family and children; knowing others who had contracted lung cancer and having financial resources. Obstacles consisted of: lack of awareness; cost; lack of home ownership; and potential difficulty in selling the house. 4) Residents attributed primary responsibility to public agencies for disseminating information, and incentivizing or mandating action through more stringent regulation.
Conclusion
Risk perceptions are subjective, and are influenced by micro and macro level factors. Inducing protective action to reduce risk requires comprehensive interventions taking into account dual perceptions of the threat. Future research can explore the dual aspects of risk perception and examine the contents of the risk communication message. Policy should address the shared responsibility of both governments and residents in tackling the issue.
Keywords
Radon; Risk perception; Testing; Mitigation; Enabler; Barrier; Health Communication, Policy.

University of Ottawa Theses, 2019