Search

Purpose: Academic scholars have tested students’ entrepreneurial intention (SEI) through the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Still, the link between entrepreneurial intention and career is missing in previous studies. An extensive literature review developed the rationale that existing theories in the entrepreneurial discipline have limitations in linking entrepreneurial intention with career. This research is conducted to develop a comprehensive model for the relationship between entrepreneurial university support, student entrepreneurial intention, behavior and career. Stimulus-Organism-Behavior-Consequence (SOBC) paradigm from organizational behavior research is borrowed to entrepreneurship literature. Design/methodology/approach: The cross-sectional data was collected from Pakistani university students enrolled in business incubators. A sample of 100 responses was tested with a partial least square–structural equation modelling approach. Findings: The study established that by the underpinning of SOBC, entrepreneurial university support influences students’ entrepreneurial intention. It is also found that the students’ entrepreneurial intention strongly influences their entrepreneurial behavior, leading them to entrepreneurship careers. Research limitations/implications: The policies influencing students’ entrepreneurial intention and behavior can be developed using the SOBC paradigm. Higher education institutions can improve students’ entrepreneurial intentions and behavior to lead them to entrepreneurship careers. Originality/value: This research introduced the SOBC paradigm in entrepreneurial intention and behavior literature. SOBC underpinning explored a new dimension of entrepreneurial intention and behavior literature.

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), defined as the residual biomass after mushroom cultivation, has been known to cause serious pollution, especially river pollution, as it is produced in large quantities and has been disposed of without consideration of the environment. Thus, there is growing interest in converting this biomass waste into Bio-Coke as an alternative solid fuel to be used in a boiler to generate steam for mushroom substrate pasteurization. This study analyzes the physical characteristics of Bio-Coke conversion from SMS in Malaysia, and it was found to have better physical characteristics than other types of conventional biomass fuel. The results indicate that Bio-Coke from SMS at a formation temperature of 170 °C had an apparent density of 1.397 g/cm3and a combustion period of 1890 s. Its maximum compressive strength at room temperature (25 °C) and 700 °C was 105.2 and 5.302 MPa, respectively, which is ideal for a biomass solid fuel. Its high apparent density and mechanical strength provide evidence that SMS Bio-Coke is structurally robust and can remain intact when compressed at high pressure and burned at high temperature in a boiler. Thus, the use of SMS Bio-Coke presents itself as a potential strategy for biomass waste management in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia.

Background: Ticagrelor is an oral antiplatelet drug that can reversibly bind to the platelet P2Y12 receptor. Ticagrelor is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4 and produces a rapid blood concentration-dependent platelet inhibitory effect. Unlike other P2Y12 receptor antagonists, many clinical features of ticagrelor are not related to P2Y12 receptor antagonism. Purpose: This review aims to gather existing literature on the clinical effects of ticagrelor after inhibiting adenosine uptake. Methodology: The current study reviewed literature related to the effects of ticagrelor on adenosine metabolism. The review also examined the drug's biological effects and clinical characteristics to see how it could be used in a clinical setting. Results: Many studies have shown that ticagrelor can inhibit equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). This inhibition leads to intracellular adenosine uptake, increased adenosine half-life and plasma concentration levels and an enhanced adenosine-mediated biological effect. Conclusions: Based on the studies reviewed, it was found that ticagrelor essentially inhibits adenosine absorption of adenosine into cells through ENT1, which increases the concentration in the blood and subsequently increases the protection of the heart muscle by adenosine. It also prevents platelet aggregation, and extends the biological effects of coronary arteries. Moreover, it leads to a lower mortality rate in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

AbstractThe biological conversion of biomass into methane during anaerobic digestion has been studied by many researchers in recent years. In this study, optimization of methane composition during chemical oxygen demand removal was observed in a multi-stage Anaerobic Bioreactor. Synthetic glucose was used as a feed substrate, and the reactor was operated at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1–4 d. Complementary experimental and theoretical test procedures were evaluated for methane optimization. The theoretical methane was recorded as 50.13, 50.02, 50.16, and 50.22% for an HRT of 4, 3, 2, and 1 d, respectively. However, the quantity of methane determined experimentally was significantly lower than the theoretical predictions; this was likely due to the microorganism activity in the reactor that may have interfered with the efficiency of the biogas generation. Experimental data showed a decrease in the methane composition (35.4, 21.2, 19.8, and 18.4% for HRT of 4, 3, 2, and 1 d, respectively) in the reactor system. Thus, the theoretical formula and experimental data together provide an alternative method for the evaluation of bioenergy potential in anaerobic digestion.

The biological conversion of biomass into methane during anaerobic digestion has been studied by many researchers in recent years. In this study, optimization of methane composition during chemical oxygen demand removal was observed in a multi-stage Anaerobic Bioreactor. Synthetic glucose was used as a feed substrate, and the reactor was operated at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1–4 d. Complementary experimental and theoretical test procedures were evaluated for methane optimization. The theoretical methane was recorded as 50.13, 50.02, 50.16, and 50.22% for an HRT of 4, 3, 2, and 1 d, respectively. However, the quantity of methane determined experimentally was significantly lower than the theoretical predictions; this was likely due to the microorganism activity in the reactor that may have interfered with the efficiency of the biogas generation. Experimental data showed a decrease in the methane composition (35.4, 21.2, 19.8, and 18.4% for HRT of 4, 3, 2, and 1 d, respectively) in the reactor system. Thus, the theoretical formula and experimental data together provide an alternative method for the evaluation of bioenergy potential in anaerobic digestion.

Aluminum alloys 7075 (Al 7075) are widely used for various industrial components in which machining operations are often conducted during their manufacturing process. However, the machining operations could introduce defects on the machined surfaces of the components which will be carried over and may lead to either issues in the subsequent fabrication process or failure during the products' service life. This study investigates the machined surface's defects of Al 7075 underwent drilling operations using imaging and topographical techniques which include optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and 3D surface profiler. Surface roughness was analysed with respect to the surface defects to investigate the correlation between the roughness parameters and topographical features of the machined surfaces. The defects found on the machined surfaces of Al 7075 are microcrack, adhesion, feed mark and burr. Surface roughness was found to be highly influenced by topographical features particularly feed mark. Thus, in addition to measuring the roughness, inspection through imaging and 3D topographic techniques is important for analyzing the surface characteristic in order to determine the defects, hence deducing the detailed surface features and deformation caused by the drilling operations.

Vegetation has been proven for establishing and implementing resistive measures against erosion and failure of slopes, river banks, removal of air pollution and reduced storm water runoff. Installation of cover crop involved soil element usage as growth medium which create several interaction between both strands. This study was carried out to investigate the soil strength performance by using Guinea grass at different construction period up to three months. Grass was planted in a 300 mm x 300 mm x 700 mm test plot with a suitable soil medium. Direct shear tests were conducted for each plot to determine the soil shear strength according to different construction period. Some basic geotechnical testing also were carried out. The results showed there is an increment in shear strength for soil sample over the time at various depths. During period of 1st, 2nd and 3rd month, the average shear stress of 100 mm depth was 50.56 kPa, 63.96 kPa, and 96.59 kPa respectively. Meanwhile, for 200 mm depth the result was 40.843 kPa, 53.91 kPa and 62.93 kPa respectively. Lastly, on 300 mm depth, shear stress was 37.21 kPa, 51.09 kPa, and 59.27 kPa respectively. Based on the result, the higher shear strength was obtained at different construction period and at varying depths. From the observation, roots mass increased for different construction period. In terms of tensile strength, the diameter of the root affects the rate of resistance against the tensile forces. This indicated that the roots structure growth affects the soil shear strength.

There is a rising demand for energy crops and animal manures in biogas production.This research focused at anaerobic co-digestion of oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF) and cattle manure (CM) for biogas production.OPMF is considered as lignocellulosic biomass and acting as the main substrate of the digestion.CM contains high nutrient which could lead to higher biogas production.A batch scale experiment was carried out in mesophilic condition at 37°C.Main parameters involved are pH, soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) and volume biogas production.The obtained pH values of the samples are between 6.5 and 7.5.This anaerobic co-digestion gave 76% of COD removal on day 30.The observed volume of biogas that produced was between 90 to 130mL.The system was run for two different hydraulic retention time (HRT).The HRTs are 15 and 30 days.Co-digestion of two different organic matters gave good biogas production in comparison to normal single digestion.

This conceptual paper addresses on the issue regarding the element of subjectivity in shaping employees’ perception of fairness in the performance appraisal. An attempt is made to understand the concept of subjectivity whereby every human judgment is subjective no matter how objective a situation can be in reality. Moreover, it is intended to trace what is the relationship between subjectivity and fairness. In an organization, fair performance appraisal is essential to ensure that no victim will be harmed or purposely being harmed. Generally, subjectivity tends to be a major unfair element causing the unfairness in the performance appraisal.

Introduction:There is scarcity of big data on Heart Failure (HF) in the Asean region in the current era of guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT). Malaysia Heart Failure (MYHF) Registry was set up in 2019 to advance fundamental understanding of the burden, morbidity and mortality among Malaysian patients with HFObjective:This analysis is to determine baseline characteristics, diagnostic work up and treatment pattern of patients admitted with the diagnosis of HF to address the unmet and growing clinical needs of HF patients in Malaysia.Methods:The first ever National HF Registry is planned as a prospective, observational study of HF patients (NYHA II-IV) across 18 tertiary care centers in Malaysia over a period of 3 years starting in 2019. This Registry recruited all patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of HF by the attending physician with a minimum hospital stay of 24 hours for stabilisation prior to discharge. Primary endpoint is all cause mortality and hospital readmission for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) at one year. This paper summarizes baseline and clinical characteristics of patients along with treatment pattern and outcomes of index hospitalization.Results:We evaluated 2673 patients with mean age of 60 years (SD 13.8). De novo HF constituted one third of hospitalizations. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 36.4% (SD 15.3) stratified into 65% of HFrEF (LVEF ≤ 40%), 21% of HFpEF (LVEF ≥ 50%); and 11% of HFmrEF (LVEF 41-49%). Prior to index HF hospitalization, proportion of patients on BB, ACEi, ARBs, ARNI, MRA and ivabradine were 57%, 32%, 8%, 6%, 24% & 6% respectively changing to 79%, 36%, 8%, 15%, 43% & 12% at discharge of the patient. Mean length of hospital stay was 7.3 days (SD 8.9). In-hospital mortality was 3% attributed largely to cardiac causes (68%).Conclusions:The registry identifies at-risk patient populations with HF and highlights lesser prevalence of HFpEF compared to other HF registries. The analysis shows increased usage of GDMT post HF hospitalization event remarkably for BB, MRA, ivabradine and ARNI indicating hospitalization as a key opportunity to initiate GDMT in HF patients.