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In the Malaysian construction industry, the Bumiputera contractors held special benefits, among others, a special policy on the allocation for participation in public projects. However, failure amongst Bumiputera contractors in delivering the project according to specifications has become an issue for the Government and there is a need to address the issue. There are various ways to improve the contractor's performance, among other initiatives are training and development and thus it is essential to look into these aspects to find a solution to the problem in the construction industry. The scope of this paper is limited to Bumiputera contractors attending training programs by PKK. Questionnaire surveys were distributed to a sample of 350 Bumiputera contractors physically and online. 269 questionnaires were received, covering five different regions in Malaysia. This paper analyses four (4) major aspects which are significant in addressing the impact and importance of training towards contractors' development and organizational performance concerning the industry requirement. Subsequently, a list of elements related to each aspect is ranked according to importance based on the survey which is important to be included in designing the training and development modules for contractors. All the findings lead to the establishment of a preliminary framework of training and development. Among the major recommendations is toconduct a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to find the best direction for content and structure in the Bumiputera contractors' training and development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the literature on rent-seeking behaviors in property development, and discusses three major areas: (1) definition and concept of rent-seeking; (2) factors for the rent-seeking behavior appeared; and (3) the impact of rent-seeking behaviors, particularly on property development. In general, there is no exact word that can define what rent-seeking is. It is found that from the reviewed studies that a few researches have adopted search tasks to predict rentseeking behavior effects in the economy and the respective economic performance. Based on the findings of the review, rent-seeking behavior increases social cost and this might lead to problems such as corruption. This paper paves the way for future studies in examining rent-seeking behaviors in the Malaysian property development, especially for targeted actions to be taken to alleviate upward pressure on home prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In line with the development of Industry 4.0 which takes place in almost every country in world. Malaysia also not left behind in adapting this transformation which initially has been outlined in Industry 4.0 Blueprint in the year of 2018. Then continued to that, Construction 4.0 eventually introduces in 2021 where it become as strategic plan for construction industry to gear up for 4th Industrial Revolution. As a part of construction professional in construction industry, Quantity Surveyors (QS) also being affected with this transformation and changes is needed in their roles and practices. The focus of this paper is to identify the emerging technologies in Construction 4.0 which have been currently adapted in Quantity Surveying practices. The data were collected using quantitative method via questionnaires survey among Quantity Surveyors in Malaysia. Based on the data obtained, emerging technologies in Construction 4.0 have been divided into 3 technology cluster. Ideally, Cluster 1 (Simulation and Modelling) and Cluster 2 (Digitalization and Virtualization) are slowly being adapted in Quantity Surveying practices meanwhile Cluster 3 (Smart Factory) are less being demanded and adapted in QS profession. Due to that, the result proven that Quantity Surveyors are currently taking their steps and grows towards adapting Industry 4.0 waves in their profession. This research is significant in providing an insight for other professionals in construction industry towards managing transformation of Construction 4.0 as well as Industry 4.0 in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development in Malaysia has created numerous complications towards to the environment issue such as Urban Heat Island (UHI) and reduction of green space because of construction industry which is perceived as the major factor of harmful effects to the environment. One of the method to solve these problems is by applying green roof system on the buildings. This paper aims to identify the barriers of the implementation of green roof systems in Malaysia. Eighty-seven respondents who are builders and developers were chosen to deliver questionnaires. From the study is found that the slow green roof implementation rate is resulted from the nine factors, namely shortage of in-house expertise, shortage of guidelines, shortage of government incentives, complicated to install, expensive material supply, past failure, complicated to maintain, fear of unidentified hazard and vulnerable to fire. This paper concludes by suggesting further research to investigate effective strategies which will be used to mitigate and eliminate such existing barriers to enhance the protection of environment in the research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Load-bearing masonry (LBM) technology has been identified as an alternative method that can potentially encourage the sustainability of the housing industry. The adoption of LBM technology is believed to bring beneficial effects to the housing industry as well as company productivity. The factors related to the adoption LBM technology was revealed to strongly influence the implementation of this system in the housing industry. The aim of this study is to determine the factors influencing the adoption of LBM technology among the developer firms in Malaysia as well as the factors that are highly related to perceived ease of use and relative advantage. A random sampling technique was applied and a questionnaire-based field survey was carried out to obtain the data from the respondents. All the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings of this paper have revealed that perceived ease of use and relative advantage are related to the adoption of LBM technology. The findings also indicated the validity of Technology Acceptance Model TAM (perceived ease of use) and Innovation Diffusion Theory IDT (relative advantage) as the determinant factors in the adoption of LBM technology. Finally, some recommendations for future research are suggested in the final section of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to identify and determine the factors affecting the quality management of construction projects by using Industrialised Building System (IBS) and analyze the factors using Relative Importance Index (RII) method. In Malaysia, the used of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) in the construction industry has been rise as it gives many benefits to the project. However, without a decent quality management of the IBS product, it might give a bad perspective from the customers who are the contractors or consultants. From the previous literatures, hundred and nine (109) factors affecting the quality management of construction project that using Industrialised Building System (IBS) were identified and. In this study, the method used for data collection is by distribution of questionnaire. Most significance factors affecting the quality in construction were identified which is proper production equipment and technology with highest value of RII = 0.684. This study has important contribution to help project players of construction industry to ensure and maintain the good quality in construction while using Industrialised Building System (IBS) in future construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building Information Modeling is an innovative technology coupled with process and human interactions. BIM has been used by the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in developed and developing countries including Malaysia. The reason for having BIM in practice triggered by the Director of Public Works Department (PWD) in 2009; who urged construction companies to adopt ICT to enhance productivity and efficiency. This paper aims to explore the BIM implementation in Malaysian Construction Industry. A literature review was carried out to explore on existing BIM implementation that includes definitions, BIM applications, BIM benefits and BIM future challenges. The data collected from various sources such as books, journal articles, conference papers and material available on the Internet, which related to BIM. The review highlights on several BIM benefits regarding financial, better information, communication and coordination, respond to complexity, improved visual, improved sustainability, improved safety and also create service's or business's opportunities. Nevertheless, implementing BIM is not without challenges although it gains attention from many countries. Some issues regarding culture, technology, process and policy for the construction stakeholders, organizations and policymaker have been raised to take up the challenges for effective BIM implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global implementation of BIM in the construction field is increasing worldwide. Due to the advantages offered by BIM, its implementation is considered important in the construction projects. Nevertheless, the Construction Industry Transformation Plan has reported that the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Malaysia is still low and it is estimated at only 10 percent adoption amongst construction stake players. The barriers influencing the occurrence of low adoption BIM in Malaysia have been studied by some researchers. However, these researchers did not investigate the root causes which might lead to the recurring of the barriers to BIM adoption. Root causes that immediately occurrence of barriers, also known as precipitants or trigger causes. This conceptual paper developed the causal loop diagram (CLD) which presents the relationship between the perceived variables using system dynamic modelling approach. The findings revealed a novelty validated diagrams that design the holistic dynamic relationship on the root causes occurrence of low BIM adoption. Nonetheless, the diagram subject to more empirical testing for its practicability and further refinement upon more results expected to emerge as the research progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Good management of the building will be able to influence the quality of the buildings that remain long, safe and beautiful without any damage and problems. This research paper aims to explore the issue of maintenance and management that appear in managing the commercial building in Malaysian construction and property industry. The data in this research has been gathered through the reviewing process of secondary data such as journals, proceeding, thesis etc. in the area that related to maintenance and management issue in commercial building. As highlighted by previous study, building a good management can ensure that the facilities available in the building are well and meet the standard. Thus, exposure to the problems and needs in the management of the building would be able to improve the quality of building management systems to be more effective and fulfil the client needs and features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precast technology is not a new technology been implemented in construction industries in Malaysia since it has been introduced as early as 1960's. Current practice in Malaysia, design of precast reinforced concrete building was made in accordance to British Standard code of practice for structural use of concrete in buildings and structures, where it has no specific provision on seismic design. Ranau earthquake with 5.9 Scale Richter which happened in June 2015 had caused major tremors and severe damages towards reinforced concrete buildings which have been designed with current code of practice. In this paper, a two story precast school building which has been designed as moment resistance frame using the current code of practice was selected as the prototype building. The selected prototype building has been modeled and analyzed by using Ruaumoko 2D and Dynaplot program to obtain maximum lateral displacement and to assess the structural deformation of the precast building at peak ground acceleration for selected past earthquake history. The results exhibited that the maximum displacement recorded at 125.40 mm when subjected to El-Centro East-West Earthquake. The precast building also will experience severe damage at beam-column joint that will lead to the collapse of building at PGA of 0.348g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this paper is to identify a key dimension of knowledge transfer component to improve construction organization performance. It investigates the effectiveness of present knowledge transfer practices currently adopted by the Malaysian construction organizations and examines the relationship between knowledge transfer factors and organizational factors. A survey among 151 respondents including a different contractor registration grade was employed for the study. The survey shows that a seven-teen (17) factors known as creating shared awareness for information sharing, communication, personal skills,individual attitude,training, organizational culture, information technology,motivation, monitoring and supervision, service quality,information accessibility, information supply, socialization process,knowledge tools, coaching and monitoring, staff briefing and information sharing were identify as a key dimension for knowledge transfer success. This finding suggest that through improvement of each factor, the recognition of the whole strategic knowledge transfer process can be increase thus helping to strengthen the Malaysian construction organization for competitive advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges currently faced by the Malaysian construction industry could be attributed to the industry being multifaceted in nature and comprised of firms forming 'temporary organizations' whereby failure in aligning objectives within the team may cause friction, and further creating challenges to project implementation. In response to these challenges, CIDB has identified and recommended partnering as a method to overcome the current problems within the industry. It is crucial that the policies in place should facilitate the practitioners so that the full potential of partnering to overcome the many problems in the Malaysian construction industry can be fully utilized. This paper describes the findings of an exploratory qualitative research to identify if the current policies in place are serving as an enabler for effective partnering or a deterrent to the adoption of partnering by the practitioners in the Malaysian construction industry. It is determined that apart from issues identified from literature review, other factors such as political and legal system influence towards partnering should be considered in formulating effective policies for partnering in the Malaysian construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Malaysia, the construction industry faced a wide range of challenges, one of which is the public accident and injury at the construction sites. Construction is well known as a labor-intensive industry, thus the need to provide awareness to construction workers regarding public accidents should be the main consideration during the project implementation. On the other hand, the unsafe acts of construction workers are also considered major contributors to public accidents and injuries at construction sites. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the factors that are related to the construction workers which contribute to public accidents in the Malaysian Construction Industry. The researcher has devised two (2) objectives to accomplish the study's purpose; (1) to explore public accident cases in the construction industry, and (2) to identify the factors related to construction workers that contribute to public accidents in the Malaysian construction industry. A snowballing technique was applied through the reference list and the findings reveal thirty-one (31) factors that are related to the construction workers which lead to public accidents and injury in the Malaysian Construction Industry. It is hoped that this study will raise awareness and assist construction workers in comprehending factors that emerge in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green building concept is already well established internationally after introduced in 1960s and has gradually spread throughout the world and emphasized more on to energy conserving for office building in 1970s. In Malaysia, the green building concept has been accepted after announcement of 9th Malaysian Plan (2006-2010) in 2006 with focusing more on Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE). Furthermore, Malaysia has launched its own Green building Index (GBI) in year 2009. However this GBI is concentrated only on the measurement of green building but not for other aspects of green building such as indoor environmental quality, sustainable site planning and management, and so on. Moreover, the development of green building concept has occurred with limited understanding and guidance, and some cases have added a cost to the development. Therefore, this paper aims to identify factor influencing green building practice in Malaysia as well as to evaluate the behaviour amongst construction industry practitioner towards green building practice. The findings of this research were based on the questionnaires mailed and e-mailed to 75 construction industry companies; Property development company, Contractor company, Architect firm and Property management company within Klang Valley area. The findings have identified independent/government rating system as the main factor influencing construction industry player to undertaking green building practice. The results also revealed that the level of behavior amongst the construction players towards sustainable green building concept is moderate, and property development companies contributed to the highest mean score (mean = 5.06). These results show the willingness of the respondents to participate and committed with the green building development. This will allow recommendations to help ensure more sustainable green building development in Malaysia in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge Management (KM) can be used as a structured and usefull approach by construction companies to facilitate construction players to improve performance as well as to face the challenges as its uses in other commercial sectors. However, in Malaysia limited research has been undertaken in order to explain the process of implemeting KM in constrution environment, especially in conservation contractor companies. This study has been done in order to determine the understanding level of constrution workers in conservation contractor companies towards the concept and application of KM. It is crucial to find out the understanding level of construction workers since they will role as the key players which significantly affect the KM implementation performance. The survey method has been applied in order to collect the related data, where the questionnaire form has been used as a research instrument. In overall, this study found there is a good level of understanding towards the concept and application of KM among the employees who are serving in conservation contractor companies. The level of understanding is high especially on the basic concepts of KM. However, the level of understanding tends to go down to the medium level when it is related to the KM process or application. A moderate level of understanding also occurs, when it deals with needs of construction industry to implement KM. These findings may provide a new action plan for KM implementation team in introducing KM approach in their respective organizations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is defined as existing from the earliest concept to demolition and it involves creating and using an intelligent 3D model to inform and communicate project decisions. This research aims to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of BIM implementation in Malaysian construction industry. A literature review was done to explore previous BIM studies on definitions and history of BIM, construction issues, application of BIM in construction projects as well as benefits of BIM. A series of interviews with multidisciplinary Malaysian construction experts will be conducted purposely for data collection process guided by the research design and methodology approach of this study. The analysis of qualitative data from the process will be combined with criteria identified in the literature review in order to identify the CSFs. Finally, the CSFs of BIM implementation will be validated by further Malaysian industrialists during a workshop. The validated CSFs can be used as a term of reference for both Malaysian practitioners and academics towards measuring BIM effectiveness level in their organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry is considered as a high risk industry. Despite various efforts taken by construction practitioners to prevent accidents, they still occur regularly. Driven by rapid technological development, many research had been conducted to study the application of advanced technologies in enhancing the safety and health management (SHM) in the construction industry. However, research on this aspect is still insufficient in Sarawak, Malaysia. Therefore, the present research aims to study the application of technology in enhancing SHM in the construction industry in Sarawak. The objectives of the research are (i) to prioritize the benefits of implementing effective SHM in the construction industry from the contractors' perspectives and (ii) to prioritize the technologies that can be used to enhance the SHM from the contractors' perspectives. Quantitative research method had been adopted for the present research. Questionnaires were distributed to 255 G7 contractors in Sarawak. In total, 87 valid questionnaires were received and analysed using SPSS Descriptive Statistics and RII method. The results showed that the top 3 benefits of implementing SHM are lower accident rates, reduced accident cost, and safer working conditions. As for the technologies that can be adopted to enhance SHM, the top 3 are camera network system, mobile devices onsite, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is anticipated that this research would help to increase the safety awareness in the construction industry in Sarawak and promote the use of different technologies to enhance SHM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the momentum on the growth of national building industry shows the increasing of the demand in refurbishment works becomes a trend spreading over the Malaysia. However, the potential of these activities normally related with the complexity in technical aspect compared to new build schemes. It will be reflecting on the unsatisfactory project performance. A competent manager is required to have the appropriate attributes, skills and knowledge in able to perform all the duties associated with managing the refurbishment building projects. Therefore, this paper is to identify the most appropriate attributes, skills and knowledge that required for managers to indicate the relationship between the influences on the refurbishment projects performance. This finding is indicate the importance of development the personal attributes, skills, and knowledge of managers and adds as benefit of raising the profile and image of managers in refurbishment building industry through a dissemination of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cengal wood samples which are obtained from Tenaga National Berhad (TNB), is a raw material for heavy construction industry. The compression test is carried out by using an Instron Machine Series-IX at different temperatures for the purpose of determining and understanding the mechanical properties of Cengal wood under fiber saturated point and as dried samples. Analysis is made from the results in the form of Young's modulus, E plotted against the temperature. From the test, the Cengal wood does not show a glass transition or softening when dried up to 140 °C because there is no significant decrease in the value of E during heating. For fiber saturated point, the glass transition temperature occurs at 40 °C when the E value is about 190 MPa while the second rapid drop occurs at 60 °C (155 MPa), which is due to the softening temperature of lignin. After the softening point, the wood becomes too soft and undergoes the process of decomposition due to small value of E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All industries are shifting towards new revolution due to the faster technological advancement including construction industry itself. Manufacturing and banking are some of the industries that ahead in term of the new revolution which known as Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Whereas construction players still hesitant in moving towards this direction. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to identify the level of adoption of 4IR technologies in construction industry and to identify the perceived performance impact by using quantitative methods. A total of 50 questionnaires were distributed; however, only 76% (38) respondents answered the question completely. Collected data were analyzed using score factor and weighting factor. Based on the findings, the awareness level towards 4IR in construction industry is in the moderate state. In addition, Internet of Things (IoT) is the highly used technology in the construction industry. Besides, most of the construction organizations need to address the 4IR impact towards perceived technology, materials and tools; processes and operations; strategies and business models; people, organizations and cultures; rules and policies; and public procurement. 4IR adoption mainly hampered by system shortages, financial problems, limited demand for innovation among SME players, lack of trust in foreign partners and limited ability to adapt foreign software. In short, the process of transforming the construction industry into digitalization and digitization might be hindered by lot of problems, but the long-term benefits gained throughout the application should not be forgotten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A questionnaire is a vital research instrument consisting of a series of questions for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Most psychological research required an instrument that shall be valid and reliable to investigate that particular study's intended variables. Eventually, such an instrument that fits the study is very rare. So, a need was felt to develop a suitable and reliable tool for the same purpose. To develop an instrument for measuring variables, i.e., Integrated Management System and Innovation Performance, and to test its reliability and validity. A draft of the 59-item scale was developed, which comprises 14 items in the demographics section and 45 measurement items. The tool's content validity was established by accepting items that range in between 75% to 90% of the validity index for each item. To test the instrument's reliability, a pilot study was conducted where the instrument is applied to 30 respondents representing 30 different organisations involved in building construction. The instrument passes the content validity with an index of.78 while it has no significant face validity issues. Statistical analyses showed excellent internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha which all variables are above 0.8. The instrument has acceptable properties (i.e., valid and reliable) and is suitable for measuring the intended variables, i.e., IMS and IP. It is recommended to be further tested for construct validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the new globalisation world, organisation took the virtual teams approach as initiative to become more dynamic and innovative to sustain in the new business transformation era. Communicate across time, boundaries and culture become a common practices into new concept of virtual team landscape. Despite an increase implementation virtual approach in organizations, there is little research has been done in discovering virtual-leader capabilities in managing construction industry. In spite, this research to investigate e-leader competency in managing project operational associated to communication process in managing Industrialised Building System (IBS) project. The data were obtained in this research from literature review and followed by semi-structured face to face interviews with 5 experienced stakeholders from IBS contractors in Malaysia. The result from this study showed e-leader face a unique challenges compare to the conventional teams especially on building trust, communication, diversity and distance. E-leader have to set a clear direction and strategies in developing a good management performance and team development process by create a team orientation which included motivation, building positive effect and shaping perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is embracing the rise of use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a fundamental shift in the construction industry. In Malaysia, AI is introduced to increase the quality of project delivery. It is believed that AI could help to enhance the project quality within the project duration, cost and design by emerging the latest technology in the construction industry. Regardless of the positive values and advantages arise from the use of AI; the Malaysia construction industry noted the low implementation of AI in local construction industry. This research highlights the importance of AI implementation in our construction industry. The objective of this research is to study the level of AI implementation in the construction industry in Malaysia. The questionnaire type survey was conducted and distributed to respondents among the contractors and consultants; whom are the leading construction industry players in Malaysia. The data collected was presented using graph method. The final results showed the AI implementation in Malaysia construction industry and the number of construction personnel that had experience in handling AI-based software and application in this industry is still low. In conclusion, this research has proposed several approaches and methods that can be taken up by government, construction industry agencies and players on how to increase the level of AI implementation on construction industry in Malaysia. Thus, the outcome of this research will contribute to Malaysia construction industry environment and opening up ways for the era of harnessing AI-based technology construction industry to the fullest potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction sector is one of the highest risk industries contributing to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In general construction activities involve the composition of various construction trades, such as painting, plastering, concreting, paving and bricklaying. Different construction trades workers are exposed to risk factors depending their job and task. There are risk factors associated with the construction trade workers activities such as concrete work, brickwork, piling work excavation works and etc. Thus, the aim of this research is to document the critical activities that affect the musculoskeletal disorders amongst Malaysian construction trade workers, in particular to the bricklayers. The objective of this research is to identify the critical activities that affect to the musculoskeletal disorder among the bricklayers. The data for this research was collected via observation to the construction workers for the specific trades which are bricklayers in Perak. Finding of this research is by identifying the critical activities involved that affect the musculoskeletal disorder suffering among bricklayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the challenge of local infrastructure provision has attracted much debate amongst different nations including Malaysia, on how to achieve an effective and efficient infrastructural management. This approach therefore, has intensified the efforts of local authorities in incorporating private developers in their developmental agenda in attaining a sustainable infrastructural development in local areas. Basically, the knowledge of the need for adequate provision of local infrastructure is well understood by both local and private authorities. Likewise, the divergent opinions on the usage of private delivery services. Notwithstanding the common perception, significant loopholes have been identified on the most appropriate and ideal approach and practices to adopt in enhancing local infrastructure development. The study therefore examined the role of private developers in local infrastructure provision and procedure adopted by both local authorities and the privates sector in local infrastructure development. Data was obtained using the questionnaire through purposive sampling, administered to 22 local authorities and 16 developers which was descriptively analysed. Emanating from the study findings, the most frequently approved practices by local authorities are joint venture and complete public delivery systems. Likewise, negotiation was identified as a vital tool for stimulating the acquisition of local infrastructure provision. It was also discovered the one of the greatest challenge in promoting private sector involvement in local infrastructure development is due to unregulated-procedure. The study therefore recommends, there is need for local authorities to adopt a collective and integrated approach, nevertheless, cognisance and priority should be given to developing a well-structured and systematic process of local infrastructure provision and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has assessed the implementation level of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the construction industry of Malaysia. It also investigated several computer software packages facilitating BIM and challenges affecting its implementation. Data collection for this study was carried out using questionnaire survey among the construction practitioners. 95 completed forms of questionnaire received against 150 distributed questionnaire sets from consultant, contractor and client organizations were analyzed statistically. Analysis findings indicated that the level of implementation of BIM in the construction industry of Malaysia is very low. Average index method employed to assess the effectiveness of various software packages of BIM highlighted that Bentley construction, AutoCAD and ArchiCAD are three most popular and effective software packages. Major challenges to BIM implementation are it requires enhanced collaboration, add work to a designer, interoperability and needs enhanced collaboration. For improving the level of implementing BIM in Malaysian industry, it is recommended that a flexible training program of BIM for all practitioners must be created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]