Search

Although accounting is perceived as a numerical discipline, previous research has produced useful insights suggesting that non-proficiency in English language affects accounting education among some Asian students. However, there is a gap in the literature in terms of understanding how exactly accounting lecturers encounter this problem in the classroom. Without a narration of the experiences of accounting lecturers, who are the frontliners in the accounting education process, understanding the issues involved and policy responses would be limited. The present study responds to this challenge by conducting interviews with lecturers who have many years' experience in teaching accounting among Asian students in Malaysian Universities. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis which uncovered three themes and how they affect accounting education. First, these students have limited vocabulary and find it difficult to understand explanations of basic accounting concepts. Second, lack of confidence arises from limited vocabulary and limits students' productive interactions with their teachers - active learning is thus severely hampered. Third, students shy away from theoretical aspects of accounting and only memorize formulas and steps which they regurgitate during examinations. Implications of these findings and policy recommendations are discussed at the end of the paper.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the mediating effect of employee engagement (EE) on the relationship between employee relation practice and employee performance in Malaysian private universities (MPUs). Design/methodology/approach: This paper used a survey research design, and the study unit of the analysis consists of the academic staff of MPU. A sample of 314 teaching staff was used out of the target population (10,473) of the research, while simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used in order to determine the research sample. Data for the research were collected from the target participants via questionnaires, and partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to evaluate the research hypotheses. Findings: The outcome of the research revealed that employee relation practice (ERP) has a substantial effect on employee performance (EP), and EE partially mediates the relationship between ERP and EP. Practical implications: The outcome of this study has urged the universities' management to focus on building effective and sustainable ERP that will ensure academic engagement that can result to sound academic performance and university growth. Originality/value: This research has contributed significantly to the body of knowledge by operationalizing EP, ERP and EE literature. In extension, this research contributes to develop the literature of leaders, acknowledging the ERP as an important tool for leadership growth.

The manner in which language is utilized in reporting Islam is disheartening. This is because sensationalized language, especially in the news media, could reinforce negative stereotypes. As such, those who rely on the media to understand Islam are likely to develop negative preconceptions about the religion. This study aims to investigate how the non-western online newspapers use language in news coverage of Islam. Content analysis was used to collect and analyze the data. Using purposive sampling, "Punch and Vanguard" were selected from Nigeria while "The Star and New Straits Times" were selected from Malaysia. A total of 599 Islam-related news articles were collected from the selected newspapers using internet-based search from November 2015 until September 2016. The findings showed that almost half of the overall Islam-related articles conveyed negative tone toward Islam while very few conveyed positive tone. This shows that the language used in news coverage of Islam is inappropriate and sensational. Hence, there is a need to enhance the reporters' knowledge and writing skills through inter-media exchange program, exposure to different religious, social and cultural lives, workshops, seminars, conferences, as well as sensitivity training and retraining on reporting religions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of succession planning practice (SPP) on employee engagement (EE) and employee performance (EP) in Malaysian private universities (MPU). Design/methodology/approach: This paper used a survey research design, and the study unit of the analysis consists of the academic staff of MPU. In the selection of the sample from the focused respondents (10,473) of the study, a stratified and simple random sampling method was used, and the study sample consists of 314 MPU academic staff. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the focused respondents while partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the study hypotheses. Findings: The findings revealed that SPP has a significant effect on EP, and the relationship between SPP and EP is partially mediated by EE. Practical implications: Sound succession systems for achieving academic staff performance should be put in place by the university management. Furthermore, the outcome of this research urges the policymaker to come up with a sound policy that can allow internal talents of the university to hold key leadership positions of any nature when the need arises before considering external talents, with that the talents will be satisfied and put decisive effort to achieve a positive result. Originality/value: This paper has made a significant contribution to the knowledge and operationalization of the EE, EP and SPP literature. The research also assists the university management to mobilize qualified and talented staff for an unexpected and sudden resignation of staff which saves the university the cost of hiring and development, and at the same time, it encourages internal hiring.

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of talent management (TM) practices on employee performance (EP) among academic staff of Malaysian private universities (MPU) through employee engagement (EE). Design/methodology/approach: This paper used both descriptive and quantitative approaches, while the research unit of analysis consists of MPU academic staff. A simple random and stratified sampling approach was utilized in this study while, the research sample consists of 314 MPU academic staff. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the target population, while partial least squares--structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the study hypotheses through a bootstrapping approach. Findings: This paper results demonstrated that TM practices (succession planning practice, promotion practice and performance appraisal practice) have a significant effect on EP, while EE mediates the relationship between TM practices and EP in MPU. Practical implications: This paper encourages university management to adopt and invest in TM practices for effective EE to achieve and sustain EP. Originality/value: This paper has made a significant contribution to knowledge and to the operationalization of EE, EP and TM practices literature, which could help to develop theory, model, practice and research in areas of work performance.

Infection with the low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 virus has been reported worldwide and poses a health risk to poultry as well as to global health due to its ability to re-assort with other avian influenza viruses. Besides, the silent spread of the H9N2 infection causes significant economic damage to the poultry industry. Recently, Malaysia reported major outbreaks of LPAI H9N2 in commercial layer chicken flocks. Genome sequence analysis indicated that the predominant LPAI H9N2 viruses are of the Y280/BJ94-like lineages. However, the pathogenicity of the virus has not been evaluated. This study determines the pathogenicity of LPAI H9N2 strain UPM994/2018, previously isolated from commercial layer chickens, in one-week-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Clinical signs such as ruffled feathers, mild tracheal rales, facial edema, sero-nasal discharge, and diarrhea were observed from days 6 to 10 post-inoculation (PI). However, no mortality was recorded. Based on a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, the viruses can be detected in the lungs, trachea, and kidneys of the inoculated chickens on the second day, increased until day 10, then declined at day 16 PI. However, swab samples collected from the oropharyngeal and cloacal regions remain positive from day 2 to day 14 PI, with the highest viral load detected at day 10 PI. In conclusion, although the virus is an LPAI, it is pathogenic in SPF chickens, causing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal-associated illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enactment, monitoring, and enforcement of rules play a crucial role in determining the success of self-organisation in common properties within high-rise housing developments. However, maladaptation to these rules can arise from diverse factors such as the parcel holders' backgrounds, history, norms, and culture, leading to disrepair or the emergence of urban slums. This study examines two key issues: the influence of rules on the self-organisation of common properties, particularly in high-rise apartments, and the occurrence of maladaptation due to the forced relocation of urban squatters to new environments. Employing a mixed-method approach involving a questionnaire survey, interviews, and field observations, the findings underscore the significant impact of rules on self-organisation in high-rise housing. Furthermore, the forced relocation of urban squatters to unfamiliar environments comes at a heavy cost. The paper advocates heightened attention to soft human infrastructure, placemaking, and the introduction of commoning as a social practice to enhance adaptation to new living environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the important and dynamic factors influencing paddy productivity are rising level of environmental threats and proliferations of harmful biotic factors in paddy fields. These are mainly associated with climate change and thus demand innovative management practices to mitigate. There are limited studies that examined the variations of environmental, biotic, technology use and management practices in relation to socio-economics of paddy farmers, especially in different MADA paddy regions in Malaysia. Thus, current study assesses the effect of socio-demographic, management practices (planting schedule, fertilizer application, seed rate), biotic constraints (weeds, insect pests, diseases) and environmental factors (flood, drought, wind) on paddy productivity. The study relied on 2020 NKEA and Crop Cutting Survey (CCS) data from MADA. Analysis involved both descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The result of the mean and maximum loss from each constraints indicates that animal: resulted to a average loss of 0.4% (Region 1), maximum loss of 10% (Regions 2 and 4), snails: average loss was 2.5% (Region 1) and maximum loss of 10% (Region 2) insects: the average loss was 8.5% (Region 2), while, the maximum loss was 50% (Region 2). Also, on disease, the highest average loss was 2.7% in Region 4, while the maximum loss of 50% was recorded in Region 3. For wind paddy, the average loss was 3.5% (Region 4), the maximum of 30% loss was incurred in Region 2. Weed attack resulted to a mean loss of 3.2% and maximum loss of 15% both in Region 3. Based on flood event, the mean loss was 0.2% (Region 3), the maximum loss was 15% (in Region 4). Concerning drought, the highest average loss of 0.1% and maximum loss of 10% were recorded in Region 4. The factors affecting productivity at MADA includes, land area, primary occupation of farmers, gender, educational status, management compliances, and diseases. In conclusions, efforts to minimise these constraints are critical in improving productivity and to limit food insecurity especially as climate change poses more environmental threats and disease proliferations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides from 80 samples of Malaysia's building materials sourced from either manufacturers or local suppliers were studied using high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The radiological hazards associated with building materials under study were evaluated by calculating radium equivalent activity (Raeq). The calculated values of Raeq range from 29.7 ± 0.9 to 564.8 ± 13.6 Bq kg−1 with an overall average value of 198.1 ± 98.5 Bq kg−1. The calculated activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40 K were further subjected to RESRAD-BUILD computer code with a view to determine long-term indoor external and internal doses received by a dweller from zero to 70 years. A significant variation in the indoor doses from zero to 30 years was observed while a relatively constant behaviour was observed from 30 to 70 years. The assessment of the indoor doses also showed that the indoor doses from walls are significantly high compared with indoor doses from the room floor. The calculated Raeq and long-term projection of indoor doses received by the dweller was below the recommended maximum values of 370 Bq kg−1 and 1000 µSv y−1, respectively. Therefore, the potential radiological hazards associated with building materials under study are negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A continuous adsorption analysis was performed in a fixed-bed column to model the removal of sodium ions in seawater solution using the synthesized zeolite A (Na12Si12Al12O48(NaNO3)10(H2O) that was produced from Malaysian's kaolin. The effect of flow rate, influence concentration of sodium ions from seawater solution and zeolite bed height was investigated at a pH range of 6–8. The adsorption isotherm study by using the breakthrough curve analysis was used to model the removal process based on different flow rates, sodium ion concentration and bed height. Next, the kinetic model was used to illustrate the kinetic of particles' movement at different controlled parameters using Thomas, Adams–Bohart, and Yoon–Nelson. From the breakthrough curve analysis, the breakthrough capacity, qB (mg/g) result for flow rate (15.4, 10.64, and 7.7 mg/g) show decreases with increases in flow rate (5, 8, and 11 mL/min), respectively. The breakthrough capacity, qB (mg/g) for sodium ion concentration (15.4, 7.7, and 4.55 mg/g) decrease with decreases of sodium ion concentration (280, 140, and 70 mg/L) respectively. The breakthrough capacity, qB (mg/g) for bed height, increased (15.4, 18.67, and 36.4 mg/g) with increases in bed height (1, 1.5, and 2 cm), respectively. From the kinetic column result, the Adam Bohart model shows a better result compared to the Thomas model and Yoon and Nelson model based on the value of correlation coefficient (R2). The value of the correlation coefficient, R2 of Adam Bohart model, gives a higher value range of R2 (0.86–0.95) for flow rate, R2 (0.82–0.93) for bed height, and R2 (0.90–0.95) for ion concentration compared to the Thomas model with R2 range value 0.84–0.94 for flow rate, R2 (0.72–0.89) for bed height and R2 (0.78–0.88) for ion concentration and Yoon and Nelson model, R2 (0.84–0.94) for flow rate, R2 (0.69–0.89) for bed height and R2 (0.78–0.87) for ion concentration. The conducted analysis has shown that the column adsorption model of sodium ion adsorption by Zeolite-A was able to be expressed in Adam Bohart Model at the different flow rate, bed height and initial sodium ion concentration. The experimental results and model analysis showed that the synthesized zeolite A column can be used in desalination processes to extract sodium ions from seawater solution. The important purpose of eliminating the sodium ion in seawater is for drinking purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health policy is a set of comprehensive principles and legislations that guide how healthcare should be effectively delivered in the community. Medical schools should prepare students to undertake managerial responsibilities by incorporating health policy into the curriculum to deal with the intricacies of healthcare systems and their clinical roles in their future professional careers. Objective: To examine medical students' perception at a Public University in Malaysia regarding teaching health policy and their participation in health policy roles. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study using universal sampling was carried out among the medical students using a paper-based questionnaire to collect the data. Results: Most respondents opined their willingness to learn health policy (80.9%) and that teaching health policy (83.6%) should be compulsory for medical students. The respondents thought health policy should be introduced earlier in Year 1 or 2. The student scores on their knowledge regarding health policy and year of study were significantly associated with their involvement in the health policy roles in both the simple and multiple logistic regression. Both statistical tests reported higher participation in health policy roles with the higher year of study, though only Year 4 and 5 were significant in the simple logistic regression and only Year 5 in the multiple logistic regression compared to Year 1. On the other hand, age and type of admission show significant results only in the simple logistic regression, while the race was only significant at the multivariate level. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that most respondents showed their willingness to learn health policy, participate in the health policy programs, and recommend that health policy be considered an essential topic in the medical curriculum, which should be taught right from the first year of medical school. We recommend encouraging students' participation in health policy activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worldwide, microbes are becoming more challenging by acquiring virulent skills to adapt and develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is a concern as AMR increases morbidity, mortality, and costs. Consequently, physicians need to be trained on appropriate antimicrobial prescribing, starting as medical students. Objective: To evaluate medical students' confidence in antimicrobial prescribing and AMR. Methods: Cross-sectional study assessing medical students' knowledge, perception, and confidence in prescribing antimicrobials and AMR in a Malaysian University. A universal sampling method was used. Results: Most responding students believed that educational input regarding overall prescribing was sufficient. Regarding the principle of appropriate and accurate prescriptions, female medical students had less knowledge (odds ratio (OR) = 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25–0.99; p = 0.050). Year-IV and Year-V medical students had more excellent knowledge than Year-III students regarding confidence in potential antibiotic prescribing once qualified. Year-V students also showed an appreciably higher confidence in the broad principles of prescribing, including antibiotics for infectious diseases, compared to those in other years. Conclusion: Overall, medical students gain more knowledge and confidence regarding the potential prescribing of antimicrobials as their academic careers progress. This is important given concerns with the current excessive use of antimicrobials in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astroviruses have been associated with enteric and extra-intestinal disorders in many animal species, including chickens. Here, we describe the detection and characterisation of chicken astrovirus (CAstV) in broilers and its seroprevalence in broiler breeder flocks. Based on PCR protocol, viral confirmation was carried out on clinical tissue samples from broiler chickens suffering from uneven growth and poor performance. The tissues were molecularly detected for CAstV with differential diagnostic testing against the Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, avian nephritis virus, avian rotavirus, fowl adenovirus and avian reovirus. Polymerase gene-based phylogenetic analyses of the twenty samples detected positive for CAstV indicate they belong to Group I and are related to strains from the US, UK, India and Poland. From these 20 samples, CastV could be isolated from 3 samples upon inoculation in 5-day-old specific-pathogenfree (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs (ECE); virus-infected embryos showed dwarfing, haemorrhages, oedema and gelatinous lesions at harvest. The enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results revealed a high prevalence of antibodies against CAstV amongst the broiler breeder flocks tested. It is the first study that describes the detection and prevalence of CAstV in broiler chickens and broiler breeder flocks in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of public-private partnership (PPP) strategies in the delivery of public works projects has grown in popularity as an alternative delivery model, although its implementation has met with inconsistent success. Numerous studies have linked the effectiveness of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to the unique characteristics of various administrative environments. This comparative research used a case study technique to analyze the similarities and contrasts between the essential elements that determine the success of public-private partnership (PPP) housing projects in Malaysia and Nigeria. However, whereas 'equitable risk allocation', 'stable political system', and 'reputable developer' are the most key success variables in Nigeria, 'action against errant developer', 'consistent monitoring, and homebuyer demands' are still the most crucial success aspects in Malaysia, according to the research. The results contribute to a better understanding of the environmental factors that affect the relative relevance of CSFs in public-private partnerships in underdeveloped countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The link between fiscal decentralisation and state-level economic growth has often been overlooked, particularly in Malaysia, with its highly centralised federal fiscal system. Thus, using data from all 13 Malaysian states from 2006 to 2018, this study evaluated the degree of fiscal decentralisation and examined its effects on state economic growth. This study employed a new proxy for fiscal decentralisation (FD), a composite variable FD comprising two components: fiscal autonomy (FA) and fiscal importance (FI). The model was examined using the fixed effects technique with robust standard error panel analysis. The empirical results demonstrated that FI and FD were significant and positively impacted economic growth across states. The results also showed the significant and negative impact of budget balances resulting from persistent fiscal deficits on state economic growth, signalling states' heavy reliance on intergovernmental grants and borrowings (soft budget constraints). Thus, fiscal decentralisation has enabled the state governments to alleviate the soft budget constraint problem and reduce the negative impact of deficits on local economic growth. Overall, the results supported prior findings that fiscal decentralisation had a significant positive effect on state economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of organizational culture (OC) on employee engagement (EE) and employee performance (EP) among academic staff of Malaysian Private Universities (MPU). However, studies of such have been given less attention within the context of MPU. Therefore, this paper highlights the issue through a systematic review of previous literature on the subject matter. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents while Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the study hypotheses. The results revealed that OC has a significant effect on EP while EE partially mediates the relationship between OC and EP. This study encourages university management to initiate sound OC and at the same time invest on OC in order to actualize EE and achieve a sustainable EP. This research has made a significant contribution to the operationalization of OC, EE, and EP literature which help to develop model, theory, research and practice in the fields of job performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of thin-section petrography, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (FESEM–EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-analysis, and laser Raman spectral analysis methods can be combined to characterize iron-ores and distinguish clay minerals in alluvial soils. The integrated methodology developed for this work provides the basis for a generic mineral characterization toolkit. Five main alluvial soil types have been defined in the upper layer of the lower Kelantan Basin, Malaysia: sand with low clay content, clay sand, sandy clay, mottled clay, and mud-sand. The soils contain significant concentrations of iron oxy-hydroxide, kaolinite, chlorite, and subordinate illite. FTIR spectroscopy showed that goethite in these soils is typical characterized by the presence of the band between 521 and 373 cm−1. Goethite and hematite show ranges of 851–612 cm−1 and 612–392 cm−1, respectively, and goethite twin bands between 3560 and 3738 cm−1. In other samples, the FTIR spectroscopy indicates strong goethite bending vibrations between 3567–3725 cm−1 and 612–832 cm−1, while hematite bands are between 392 and 532 cm−1. Bulk powder XRD analyses indicate goethite is the main iron-bearing mineral, while XRD clay mineral analyses show the presence of chlorite with minor concentrations of illite. Thermal analyses showed the endothermic dehydroxylation peak of goethite occurs between 486 and 502 °C in most of the samples. The difference in the dehydroxylation endothermic peak of goethite can be attributed to the nature of nanocrystalline pedogenic goethite. The presence of exothermic peaks in some samples is ascribed to the goethite-hematite transformation phase. The main iron-bearing mineral phases identified using the Raman laser spectra method are hematite coatings on quartz. In the Si–Onb, Si–Ob–Si, and cations stretching region, Raman bands are observed between ~ 800 and 1150 cm−1, 800 and 600 cm−1, and < 600 cm−1, a frequency which is usually known in the Raman shift for di-octahedral Kaolinite (Al4[Si4O10] (OH)8). Previous studies have been based on assumptions regarding drainage basin mineral composition in the absence of data. This work shows that the sources of transition metals contamination in groundwater can be from local, shallow sources and that collection of data for aquifer media mineral composition is essential for the understanding of the source and fate of soluble metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smallholders inclusive economic growth policies directly promote several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially in tackling extreme hunger, poverty, environmental degradation and gender inequality. Recent argument establishes that the socio-economic impact of oil palm on smallholders are inconsistent and varies across locations. In view of this, our study analyses the socio-economics status of oil palm smallholders and the variations in the extent of SDGs achievement in Sabah and Johor. The study retrieved primary data on relevant socio-economics conditions of oil-palm smallholders from both states using well-structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data involves descriptive techniques such as mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages. While t-test and correlation analysis were used to determine the differences across states and gender in the achievement of SDGs. Findings indicate that smallholders have attained considerable number of SDGs in both Sabah and Johor. Although Johor was higher in terms of production, income, education, the gender inclusiveness was better in Sabah by having 29% female smallholders compared to 10% in Johor. Their average income was above national and international poverty line. Over 90% of smallholders attained at least primary education. Conclusively the smallholders have substantially achieved SDG1 (No poverty); SDG 2 (Zero hunger); SDG 4 (Quality education); SDG 12 (Responsible production and consumption); SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth); SDG 13 (climate action). While suggestions are enumerated on the approach to further support the SDGs through education on sustainable approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research indicates that university and college students, especially international students, are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems than other populations during the (COVID 1-9) pandemic. This study examines the relationship between four independent variables (loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression) with the mental health of international students enrolled at Universiti Utara Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was conducted involving 326 international students from the university and the data was analyzed using the SPSS version 24 for its involving descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-test. The result reveals that there is a significant relationship between loneliness, stress, and depression with mental health with the exception of anxiety. Finally, the implication, limitation, recommendation, and conclusion were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research study was carried out to evaluate trace metals (Pb, Cd, Se, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, As, Ni, Cr, and Ag) concentrations in groundwater of Lorong Serai 4, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. Additionally, the research study focused on determining non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks, sources of the contaminants, and effective remediation methods. The results show that the concentration levels of Pb, Cd, Se, Al, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Ag are lower than their corresponding permissible limits, while Fe, Mn, and As concentrations exceed their acceptable limit. The hazard index of the groundwater in the area exceeded the acceptable limit, showing the rate of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects associated with the water. The findings also indicate that the lifetime cancer risk is high compared to the maximum limits of lifetime cancer risk from the drinking water (10–6 to 10–4). The groundwater geochemical data of the area are used in establishing the source of Fe, Mn, and As metal ions. Evaluation of Fe2+/Fe3+ and S2−/SO42− redox couples and thermodynamic modelling indicates that the groundwater of the area is in redox disequilibrium. The groundwater samples contain aqueous iron sulphate, which is supersaturated, ferrous carbonate and aluminium sulphate that are saturated. The main state of redox disequilibrium is governed by mineral precipitation and dissolution. Aqueous arsenic and manganese are possibly derived from the dissolution of pyrite (arsenopyrite) and amorphous oxide-hydroxides, respectively. The high concentration of iron in the shallow groundwater in the area is primarily the result of silicate rock weathering of ferroan igneous and metamorphic minerals with a minor contribution from the oxidation of iron sulphides. Magnetite coated with graphene oxide (Fe3O4-GO) nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized and characterized, and the adsorption preliminary experiments were carried out; and the Fe3O4-GO NPs show enhanced removal (Fe > As > Mn) capacity over graphene oxide (GO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 52 samples of ceramic materials were studied for 226Ra, 222Rn, 232Th and 40K natural radionuclides using high-purity germanium detector and relevant radiological hazards parameters were also appraised. Furthermore, the long-term variations of the total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) and effects of wall thickness on TEDE were established and analyzed using RESRAD-BUILD computer code. The observed percentage variations of TEDE are 2% and 8% for 226Ra and 232Th, respectively, while no variation observed for external dose due to 40K. The estimated indoor doses from the studied ceramic materials are all below the recommended maximum limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides from common building materials used by Malaysian people for construction purposes were studied using High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The measured activity concentrations of the aforementioned radionuclides range from 10 ± 1 Bq kg−1 (limestone) to 155 ± 61 Bq kg−1 (feldspar), 12 ± 3 Bq kg−1 (limestone) to 274 ± 8 Bq kg−1 (kaolin) and 62 ± 19 Bq kg−1 (limestone) to 1114 ± 20 Bq kg−1 (pottery stone) for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The measured activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides reported herein were found to be in accordance with other previous studies. In general, the activity concentration of the natural radionuclides revealed that all the determined values were below the recommended limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South-South cooperation is an approach to international economic and political relations among developing countries to enhance development prospects; it has been increasing in significance. Such a strategy was adopted bilaterally at the outset between Malaysia and Sudan but eventually evolved to include a broader network of Asian and African Countries. This paper is focused on Malaysia-Sudan relations as a case study. It adopts a qualitative approach comprising reliance on primary and secondary sources of data to study the relations of exchange between the two countries. Findings lend support to claims of potential rewards in South-South Cooperation. Through it Sudan managed to exploit its idle oil reserves and achieve high rates of economic growth. Similarly, Malaysia achieved very good results in areas of trade and investment and managed to open up business opportunities in other African countries. Sudan was also able to build productive cooperation with a number of Asian countries. All countries involved benefited from the cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the lampenflora that inhabit limestone caves, microalgae play an important role in cave ecosystems but are understudied in tropical ecoregions. In the present study, the dominant eukaryotic and prokaryotic microalgae identified in lampenflora samples collected from Gua Tempurung, a cave in Malaysia, and growth stage-related microalgal attributes were determined. Stichococcus bacillaris, Synechococcus sp., and Trentepohlia aurea were selected and cultured in Bold's Basal Medium (S. bacillaris and T. aurea) or BG-11 medium (Synechococcus sp.) under laboratory conditions. The highest specific growth rate (0.72 ± 0.21 day−1) and dry weight (0.11 ± 0.04 mg L−1) were recorded in S. bacillaris in the early stationary phase. Trentepohlia aurea and Synechococcus sp. had the highest ash-free dry weight and total ash percentage (11.18 ± 4.64 mg L−1 and 8.55% ± 6.73%, respectively) in the early stationary phase. Stichococcus bacillaris had the highest moisture content (84.26% ± 0.64%) in the exponential phase. Chlorophylls a and b were highest in the early stationary phase in T. aurea (0.706 ± 0.40 mg L−1 and 1.094 ± 0.589 mg L−1, respectively). Carotenoid levels were highest in Synechococcus sp. in the early stationary stage (0.07 ± 0.02 mg L−1). Lipids were the major biochemical compound identified at the highest levels in Synechococcus sp. (67.87% ± 7.75%) in the early stationary phase, followed by protein recorded at the highest levels in T. aurea (57.99% ± 4.99%) in the early stationary phase. Carbohydrates were the compound identified least often with the highest recorded levels found in T. aurea (9.94% ± 0.49%) in the late stationary phase. Biomass, pigments, and biochemical accumulation varied at different growth stages in the studied microalgae, and this variation was species-specific. The present study provides a benchmark for the growth phases of aerophytic cave microalgae, which will be useful for determining their optimum harvest time and obtaining biochemical compounds of interest. • Microalgae play important roles in cave ecosystems as nitrogen fixers, colonizers, deterioration agents, and/or prey for micro grazers. • The growth of such microalgal species is regarded as an effective tool in relation to circular economies and the production of useable biomass for various biochemical purposes • Biomass, pigments, and biochemical accumulation varied at different growth stages in the studied microalgae, and this variation was species-specific. • The present study provides a benchmark for the growth phases of the studied aerophytic cave microalgae, for determining their optimum harvest time and obtaining biochemical compounds of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the occupational hazards among the abattoir workers associated with noncompliance to the meat processing and waste disposal laws in Terengganu State, Malaysia. Occupational hazards are the major source of morbidity and mortality among the animal workers due to exposure to many hazardous situations in their daily practices. Occupational infections mostly contracted by abattoir workers could be caused by iatrogenic or transmissible agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites and the toxins produced by these organisms. Materials and methods: The methodology was based on a cross-sectional survey using cluster sampling technique in the four districts of Terengganu State, Malaysia. One hundred and twenty-one abattoir workers from five abattoirs were assessed using a validated structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. Results: The mean and standard deviation of occupational hazards scores of the workers were 2.32 (2.721). Physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial, musculoskeletal, and ergonomics hazards were the major findings of this study. However, the highest prevalence of occupational hazards identified among the workers was injury by sharp equipment such as a knife (20.0%), noise exposure (17.0%), and due to offensive odor within the abattoir premises (12.0%). Conclusion: The major occupational hazards encountered by the workers in the study area were physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial, musculoskeletal, and ergonomics hazards. To ensure proper control of occupational health hazards among the abattoir workers, standard design and good environmental hygiene must be taken into consideration all the time. Exposure control plan, which includes risk identification, risk characterization, assessment of workers at risk, risk control, workers’ education/training, and implementation of safe work procedures, should be implemented by the government and all the existing laws governing the abattoir operation in the country should be enforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Foodborne diseases are common in the developing countries due to the predominant poor food handling and sanitation practices, particularly as a result of inadequate food safety laws, weak regulatory structures, and inadequate funding as well as a lack of appropriate education for food-handlers. The most frequently involved foods in disease outbreaks are of animal origin. However, in spite of the adequate legislation and laws governing the abattoir operation in Malaysia, compliance with food safety requirements during meat processing and waste disposal is inadequate. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice toward compliance with abattoir laws among the workers in Terengganu, Malaysia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using simple random sampling technique in the six districts of Terengganu: two districts were used for the pilot study and the remaining four were used for the main study. One hundred sixty-five abattoir workers from the selected districts were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results: The mean and standard deviation of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of the workers were 6.02 and 1.954, 45.16 and 4.496, and 18.03 and 3.186, respectively. The majority of the workers (38.8%) had a low level of knowledge and 91.7% had a positive attitude, while 77.7% had a good practice of compliance. Sex had a significant association with the level of knowledge (P,0.001) and practice (P=0.044) among the workers. The females had a higher level of knowledge than the males, while the males had a better practice of compliance than females. Similarly, knowledge also had a significant (P=0.009) association with the level of practice toward compliance with abattoir laws among the workers. Conclusion: The abattoir workers had a positive attitude and good practice, but a low level of knowledge toward compliance with the abattoir laws. Therefore, public awareness, workshops, and seminars relevant to the abattoir operations should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of the drug promotional literature (DPL) based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, focusing on whether DPL is educative or misleading for young medical students and graduates. It shows that none of the DPL collected from different public and private hospital of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia has fulfilled the WHO criteria, as well as contain false claims. It recommends drug regulatory agencies to work proactively to ensure drug compliance of drug companies.

Background: Internationally, there is a remarkable achievement in the areas of drug discovery, drug design, and clinical trials. New and efficient drug formulation techniques are widely available which have led to success in treatment of several diseases. Despite these achievements, large number of patients continue to experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and majority of them are yet to be on record. Objectives: The purpose of this survey is to compare knowledge, attitude, and practice with respect to ADRs and pharmacovigilance (PV) between medical students of Malaysia and Nigeria and to determine if there is a relationship between their knowledge and practice. Method: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey involving year IV and year V medical students of the Department of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin and Bayero University Kano was carried out. The questionnaire which comprised 25 questions on knowledge, attitude, and practice was adopted, modified, validated, and administered to them. The response was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The response rate from each country was 74%. There was a statistically significant difference in mean knowledge and practice score on ADRs and PV between medical students of Malaysia and Nigeria, both at P?0.000. No significance difference in attitude was observed at P=0.389. Also, a statistically significant relationship was recorded between their knowledge and practice (r=0.229, P=0.001), although the relationship was weak. Conclusion: Nigerian medical students have better knowledge and practice than those of Malaysia, although they need improvement. Imparting knowledge of ADRs and PV among medical students will upgrade their practice and enhance health care delivery services in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, compact urban development and smart cities are recognised as most sustainable urban form in an effort to protect natural environment. Therefore, evaluation of existing compactness and sustainability of an area is an essential task before the real development takes place. In the literature, it is possible to see some studies on city’s compactness assessment and most of them have considered only a few aspects of compact development analysis. This paper aims to analyse urban sustainability of Kajang city (Malaysia) through a comprehensive city compactness assessment using geographical information system and radar remote sensing technology. To measure building density, a RADAR image of the study area was used to extract built-up areas with the aid of pixel-based and object-based classification schemes. Mixed land use development, urban density and intensity were the main indicators of the analysis. Finally, multicriteria decision-making and Bayes theorems were applied for overall compactness assessment. Building density analysis was validated using standard confusion matrix, which showed more than 90% accuracy. Similarly, the root-mean squared error showed 0.35 for object-based classification. The results classified the zones of the Kajang city in the range of least to most compact zones with the compactness value of 0.00273–0.0146, respectively. The results obtained in this study can help local government to improve the compactness of least compact zones to make Kajang city more sustainable. Furthermore, the results revealed that efficient public transportation and proper community facilities are the key factors to achieve sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Didactic lecture is the oldest and most commonly used method of teaching. In addition, it is considered one of the most efficient ways to disseminate theories, ideas, and facts. Many critics feel that lectures are an obsolete method to use when students need to perform hands-on activities, which is an everyday need in the study of medicine. This study evaluates students' perceptions regarding lecture quality in a new medical school. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted of the medical students of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin. The study population was 468 preclinical medical students from years 1 and 2 of academic year 2012-2013. Data were collected using a validated instrument. There were six different sections of questions using a 5-point Likert scale. The data were then compiled and analyzed, using SPSS version 20. Results: The response rate was 73%. Among 341 respondents, 30% were male and 70% were female. Eighty-five percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that the lectures had met the criteria with regard to organization of lecture materials. Similarly, 97% of students agree or strongly agree that lecturers maintained adequate voices and gestures. Conclusion: Medical students are quite satisfied with the lecture classes and the lectures. However, further research is required to identify student-centered teaching and learning methods to promote active learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development and heritage conservation have become guiding principles for our modern industrial society. In order to achieve a sustainable management of heritage building conservation in Malaysia, it is vital that maintenance takes a leading role in conserving the heritage values of the buildings. However, there has been no published work on assessment of the relative importance of each best practice criteria for sustainable maintenance management of heritage buildings in Malaysia. Thus, this paper is aimed at identifying and ranking the criteria that support sustainable best practice. Data collected through questionnaire which covered a selected sample of experts in the field of heritage building conservation. Data were analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII), Kendall's concordance test, and Pearson's Chi-Square test. The results show that maintenance staff training and expertise was the most important criterion considered crucial by the respondents in supporting sustainable best practice. The paper is a pioneering attempt at establishing the criteria that support sustainable best practice in the maintenance management of heritage buildings in developing countries like Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the levels of green computing knowledge between students and lecturers, and between ICT and non-ICT respondents in a public university in Malaysia. Two types of green computing knowledge were assessed, perceived knowledge and objective knowledge. Perceived knowledge was assessed through respondents' self-rating of how much they knew about green computing on eight Likert items, and objective knowledge through seventeen True-False items. The sample consisted of 240 respondents, comprising 180 students and 60 lecturers, drawn using a purposive, random sampling. Data were collected using a self-developed green computing questionnaire, which was administered by hand and via e-mail. Descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results show that almost half of the sample reported having completely no knowledge of green computing (49.5%), while 14.6% reported having a low level of knowledge. Those reporting having high (2.6%) and quite high (9.7%) levels were few in number. Results of the t-tests point to a no-significance difference between students and lecturers, but a statistically significant difference between ICT and non-ICT respondents. The findings suggest the importance of conscious training in energy-efficient computing to raise students' and lecturers' levels of knowledge in this very important area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal for Traffic & Transport Engineering is the property of Scientific Research Journals Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study investigated socio-demographic factors and product attributes affecting purchase decision of special rice by Malaysian consumer. The primary data were analyzed by using binary logit model. Demographic factors and consumer preference for special rice (with reference to basmati rice) attributes were identified to affect purchasing behavior for special rice. Size of household, marital status, number of children, household income and gender of consumers are the main socio-demographic factors that significantly influence households' choices of special rice for home consumption in the Klang Valley area. The findings also suggest that product attributes such as flavor and aroma, availability, brand name and quality also influence the frequent purchasing of Basmati rice among the Malaysian consumers. However price and easy preparation are not significant in influencing the frequent purchasing of Basmati rice since most consumers are aware that special rice such as Basmati is expensive and all rice has to be prepared in a usual way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the announcement effect of both dividend and corporate earnings on stock prices to examine evidence of semi-strong form efficiency in Malaysian Stock Exchange. A sample of 120 companies listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia that announced the final dividends in their fourth financial quarter was selected covering a time period from January 1, 2006 to November 30, 2006. The study results support the information content of dividend theory that increasing dividend announcements, on an average, earn positive abnormal return, while decreasing dividend announcements are associated with negative abnormal return. Based on the market reaction to both dividend and earnings announcements, this study concludes that both dividends and earnings play a significant role as signaling effects of the future prospects of the firm, with the dividends effect proving to be significantly stronger than the earnings effect. The results provide some evidence of semi-strong form efficiency in the Malaysian stock market, where stock prices adjust in an efficient manner to dividend and earnings announcements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major route for Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection is through the ingestion of foods contaminated with oocyst from cat faeces. The microscopic detection of T. gondii oocysts in cat faeces is challenging, which contributes to the failure of detecting or differentiating it from other related coccidian parasites. This study aims to detect T. gondii oocysts in cat faeces using two multicopy-target PCR assays and to evaluate their genetic diversity. Cat faecal (200) samples were collected from pet cats (PCs; 100) and free-roaming cats (FRCs; 100) within Klang Valley, Malaysia, and screened for coccidian oocysts by microscopy using Sheather's sucrose floatation. PCR assays were performed on each faecal sample, targeting a B1 gene and a repetitive element (REP) gene to confirm T. gondii oocysts. Additionally, the PCR amplicons from the REP gene were sequenced to further confirm T. gondii-positive samples for phylogenetic analysis. Microscopy detected 7/200 (3.5%) T. gondii-like oocysts, while both the B1 gene and the REP gene detected 17/200 (8.5%) samples positive for T. gondii. All samples that were microscopically positive for T. gondii-like oocysts were also shown to be positive by both B1 and REP genes. The BLAST results sequenced for 16/200 (8.0%) PCR-positive T. gondii samples revealed homology and genetic heterogeneity with T. gondii strains in the GenBank, except for only one positive sample that did not show a result. There was almost perfect agreement (k = 0.145) between the two PCR assays targeting the B1 gene and the REP gene. This is the first report on microscopic, molecular detection and genetic diversity of T. gondii from cat faecal samples in Malaysia. In addition, the sensitivities of either the B1 gene or REP gene multicopy-target PCR assays are suitable for the accurate detection of T. gondii from cat faeces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The national government policies and Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA) have to put more effort to improve the quality of life for Orang Asli communities. Over the years, under the government-sanctioned relocation programme, many Orang Asli groups were moved to a more developed and urban area. They were given proper facility, healthcare service to ensure the improvement of overall well-being. While undernutrition among the Orang Asli remains a major health issue, evidence has shown that overweight and obesity in this population are increasing. This observation might be attributed to an urbanised lifestyle that often leads to unhealthy dietary patterns, leading to an increased prevalence of obesity, chronic diseases, food insecurity and unhealthy diet intake. The nutritional transition should be capture for a better understanding of Orang Asli nutritional status. This review assessed the nutritional status and its related key factors among Orang Asli population in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]