bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular Strategies Enabled by the Internet of Things—A Framework and Analysis of Current Practice
Authors: Ingemarsdotter Emilia , Jamsin Ella , Kortuem Gerd , Balkenende Ruud
Published: October 2019

This paper focuses on how the Internet of Things (IoT) could contribute to the transition to a circular economy (CE), through supporting circular business model and design strategies. While literature has highlighted the opportunities for IoT to support circular strategies in business, little has been published about actual implementations in practice. The aim of this study was therefore to understand how companies to date have implemented IoT for circular strategies, and how these implementations compare to the range of opportunities described in literature. To that end, a two-step approach was followed. Firstly, building on academic literature, a framework was developed which categorizes different IoT-enabled circular strategies. The framework recognizes tracking, monitoring, control, optimization, and design evolution as IoT capabilities. Efficiency in use, increased utilization, and product lifetime extension are distinguished as circular in-use strategies, while reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling are distinguished as circular looping strategies. The framework complements previously published work, as it adds additional detail to the categorization, and allows for easy mapping of diverse cases. Secondly, 40 cases from practice were analyzed and mapped to the framework. This way, practice-based insights were derived about the current distribution of IoT-enabled circular strategies implemented in practice. The results show that current implementation of IoT-enabled circular strategies mainly supports two strategies in the use phase: efficiency in use and product lifetime extension. Only a small number of the reviewed cases display IoT-enabled looping (reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling). Similarly, few cases describe ‘design evolution’ for CE, i.e., the feedback of data from products in use to support circular design. Based on these results, this study identifies the need for future research to further investigate why IoT-enabled looping strategies and design evolution for circular strategies have not been implemented to scale.
Family Entrepreneurship and Personal Career Preferences as the Factors of Differences in the Development of Entrepreneurial Potential of Students
Authors: Mitrovic Veljkovic Slavica , Maric Mia , Subotic Mladen , Dudic Branislav , Greguš Michal
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in family entrepreneurship background and personal attitudes of students regarding their future career preferences and its effects on the development of specific dimensions of entrepreneurship potential of a student population. The sample consisted of a student population from Serbia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina as EU candidate countries and Belgium as an EU member country. A sample of 1008 university students from these three countries participated in this research. Instruments used in this research were the Questionnaire of Entrepreneurial Traits (QET) and the Scale of Entrepreneurial Potential (SEP). Canonical discriminant analysis confirmed significant differences in scores on both QET and SEP scales of entrepreneurial potential between students that have family entrepreneurship background and those who do not. Differences were also shown among students who strive for self-employment, and consider establishing their own business, and students who would like to find employment in the state or private sector. Young people whose family members are engaged in entrepreneurship are influenced by their parents who started companies, parents’ personal characteristics, and parent’s model of behavior, which significantly shapes the behavior and characteristics of these young people, compared to those young people whose parents do not start companies. Young people who prefer to build a career within their own enterprise have basic characteristics that predispose them for engagement in entrepreneurship within their own company, whereby this provides them with the only way they can achieve the full capacity of their individual potential. Both these groups display a more developed initiative, independence in decision making, they are more open minded and prone to take on risks, have more developed organizational skills, and more positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship. Results of this study can help identify and foster factors that significantly develop specific characteristics of entrepreneurship potential of student populations, such as family entrepreneurship background and career preferences.
Identifying Key Knowledge Gaps to Better Protect Biodiversity and Simultaneously Secure Livelihoods in a Priority Conservation Area
Authors: Frank Anke S. K. , Schäffler Livia
Published: October 2019

Global agreements like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Achi Biodiversity Targets (ABTs) aim to secure human well-being and to protect biodiversity, but little progress has been made in reaching these aims. The key role of biodiversity in securing human well-being is rarely considered a priority – instead short-term economic profits benefiting a few are prioritized. Particularly where local livelihoods rely on resources of protected areas for immediate survival, top-down enforced biodiversity conservation often increases social inequality, hunger and poverty and thus regularly fails. Identifying key knowledge gaps helps to adjust political priority setting and investment strategies to assess conservation threats and improve natural resource management. Since acting usually occurs at a local or regional scale, we focused on a priority conservation area in one of the world’s poorest countries — the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. We aimed to identify key knowledge gaps in this area which need to be filled to better protect biodiversity and simultaneously ensure well-being of the local poor. We consulted 51 predominantly Malagasy experts using questionnaires. These questionnaires listed 71 knowledge gaps we collated from the literature which the experts were asked to rank by importance. Experts were encouraged to list additional knowledge gaps. Averaging the scores of all experts, we identified the top 10 knowledge gaps. Two political knowledge gaps addressing the need to determine strategies which improve law enforcement and reduce corruption ranked highest, followed by an ecological one concerning appropriate restoration and a socio–economic one regarding economic benefits locals gain from biodiversity. The general knowledge gap perceived as most important addressed strategies for long-term funding. Only one additional knowledge gap was identified: the impact of climate change-driven human migration from southwestern to central western Madagascar on socio–economic problems and its impacts on natural resources We linked the identified top 10 knowledge gaps as well as the additional knowledge gap suggested by experts to the SDGs, ABTs and 2 °C target of the Paris Climate Agreement, and discussed why these gaps were considered a priority. This research highlights important ecological, socio–economic and political research priorities and provides guidelines for policy makers and funding organizations.
Effect of Income Inequality on Health in Quebec: New Insights from Panel Data
Authors: Bocoum Ibrahima , Tohon Aurelas B. , Rukundo Roger , Macombe Catherine , Revéret Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2019

We investigated the relationship between income inequality and all-cause mortality in 87 regional county municipalities (RCMs) of Quebec (Canada) while accounting for time lags and effects of other socioeconomic variables. We presumed to be true that income inequality entails stress and depression. Thus, these phenomena were tested as mediating factors. The data used consist of eight (8) area-based chronological variables: mortality rate, Gini index, disposable income, criminality rate, number of physicians, density of population, and the proportion of people reporting feeling stressed or depressed. The association between income inequality and mortality was analyzed using the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach with local fixed effects to control unobservable characteristics. Our results show that higher income inequality led to a significant increase of mortality rate with a time lag of 5 years when socioeconomic characteristics were held constant. As expected, households’ disposable income and mortality rate were negatively associated. Moreover, mortality rate was positively associated with population density and negatively associated with the number of physicians. Finally, only depression showed the potential to act as a mediating factor. Based on our findings, we suggest that, over time, income inequality, by amplifying depression phenomena, increases the mortality rate in Quebec’s RCMs.
Development of a Data-Driven Predictive Model of Clothing Thermal Insulation Estimation by Using Advanced Computational Approaches
Authors: Lee Kyungsoo , Choi Haneul , Choi Joon-Ho , Kim Taeyeon
Published: October 2019

Clothing condition was selected as a key human-subject-relevant parameter which is dynamically changed depending on the user’s preferences and also on climate conditions. While the environmental components are relatively easier to measure using sensor devices, clothing value (clo) is almost impossible to visually estimate because it varies across building occupants even though they share constant thermal conditions in the same room. Therefore, in this study we developed a data-driven model to estimate the clothing insulation value as a function of skin and clothing surface temperatures. We adopted a series of environmental chamber tests with 20 participants. A portion of the collected data was used as a training dataset to establish a data-driven model based on the use of advanced computational algorithms. To consider a practical application, in this study we minimized the number of sensing points for data collection while adopting a wearable device for the user’s convenience. The study results revealed that the developed predictive model generated an accuracy of 88.04%, and the accuracy became higher in the prediction of a high clo value than in that of a low value. In addition, the accuracy was affected by the user’s body mass index. Therefore, this research confirms that it is possible to develop a data-driven predictive model of a user’s clo value based on the use of his/her physiological and ambient environmental information, and an additional study with a larger dataset via using chamber experiments with additional test participants is required for better performance in terms of prediction accuracy.
A Symmetry-Breaking Node Equivalence for Pruning the Search Space in Backtracking Algorithms
Authors: Čibej Uroš , Fürst Luka , Mihelič Jurij
Published: October 2019

We introduce a new equivalence on graphs, defined by its symmetry-breaking capability. We first present a framework for various backtracking search algorithms, in which the equivalence is used to prune the search tree. Subsequently, we define the equivalence and an optimization problem with the goal of finding an equivalence partition with the highest pruning potential. We also position the optimization problem into the computational-complexity hierarchy. In particular, we show that the verifier lies between P and NP -complete problems. Striving for a practical usability of the approach, we devise a heuristic method for general graphs and optimal algorithms for trees and cycles.
A General Principle of Isomorphism: Determining Inverses
Authors: Kulabukhov Vladimir S.
Published: October 2019

The problem of determining inverses for maps in commutative diagrams arising in various problems of a new paradigm in algebraic system theory based on a single principle—the general principle of isomorphism is considered. Based on the previously formulated and proven theorem of realization, the rules for determining the inverses for typical cases of specifying commutative diagrams are derived. Simple examples of calculating the matrix maps inverses, which illustrate both the derived rules and the principle of relativity in algebra based on the theorem of realization, are given. The examples also illustrate the emergence of new properties (emergence) in maps in commutative diagrams modeling (realizing) the corresponding systems.
Mapping Dynamics of Bacterial Communities in a Full-Scale Drinking Water Distribution System Using Flow Cytometry
Authors: Schleich Caroline , Chan Sandy , Pullerits Kristjan , Besmer Michael D. , Paul Catherine J. , Rådström Peter , Keucken Alexander
Published: October 2019

Microbial monitoring of drinking water is required to guarantee high quality water and to mitigate health hazards. Flow cytometry (FCM) is a fast and robust method that determines bacterial concentrations in liquids. In this study, FCM was applied to monitor the dynamics of the bacterial communities over one year in a full-scale drinking water distribution system (DWDS), following implementation of ultrafiltration (UF) combined with coagulation at the drinking water treatment plant (DWTP). Correlations between the environmental conditions in the DWDS and microbial regrowth were observed, including increases in total cell counts with increasing retention time (correlation coefficient R = 0.89) and increasing water temperature (up to 5.24-fold increase in cell counts during summer). Temporal and spatial biofilm dynamics affecting the water within the DWDS were also observed, such as changes in the percentage of high nucleic acid bacteria with increasing retention time (correlation coefficient R = −0.79). FCM baselines were defined for specific areas in the DWDS to support future management strategies in this DWDS, including a gradual reduction of chloramine.
Diseño de un curso virtual bajo la plataforma MOODLE. Una visión del autismo desde la Promoción de la Salud
Authors: García Alena , Guzmán Belkys
Published: October 2019

El presente artículo describe el diseño de un prototipo partiendo del modelo de desarrollo instruccional propuesto por Müller y Szczu-reck (1989). Se centra en la necesidad de incorporar un tema novedoso en la formación del futuro docente de Educación Especial de la UPEL - IPC. Es un proyecto factible apoyado en una investigación documental. Se asumió el modelo de Dorrego y García (1993) para la producción de medios instruccionales. El objetivo general es: Promover un espacio virtual de aprendizaje para dar a conocer el autismo como parte de la condición del ser humano y su abordaje desde la promoción de la salud. Los objetivos específicos son: a) Ana-lizar el desarrollo humano y los procesos que intervienen en su evolución, b) Conocer la discapacidad como parte de las alteraciones del desarrollo humano y c) Estudiar el autismo como parte de un espectro y su abordaje interdisciplinario desde la promoción de la salud. Como conclusión se obtiene que el au-tismo es un tema que puede ser dado a cono-cer a través de cursos on – line a mayor can-tidad de personas, en un formato mucho más flexible e innovador.
Uso didáctico de las Tecnologías de Aprendizaje y Conocimiento (TAC), por parte de los docentes en educación básica secundaria y media
Authors: Hernández Diego
Published: October 2019

Esta investigación tuvo como propósito des-cribir el uso didáctico de las Tac por parte de los docentes. Se hizo una investigación descriptiva, con diseño de campo transeccional contemporáneo univariable, y el abordaje fue cosmológico, exógeno y étic. La población estuvo conformada por 203 docentes y la muestra por 135 docentes de educación básica secundaria y media de las instituciones educativas públicas de Chiquinquirá, Boyacá, Colombia. Para la recolección de datos se diseñó una escala de uso didáctico de las Tac. El instrumento fue sometido a validez por expertos y validez estructural con índices entre 0,70 y 0,94. La confiabilidad se calculó con la fórmula Alfa de Cronbach, y se obtuvieron índices entre 0,85 y 0,95. Para el análisis de resultados se utilizaron porcentajes, mínimo, máximo y mediana. Se encontró que los docentes de básica secundaria y media de las instituciones educativas públicas del municipio de Chiquinquirá, tienen un bajo nivel de uso del tac en la planeación de los contenidos de las clases, igualmente sucede con la facili-tación en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje. Se pudo establecer que los docentes con excelente uso didáctico del tac en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje son los docentes de tecnología e informática y de idioma extran-jero inglés.
Plasmodial enzymes in metabolic pathways as therapeutic targets and contemporary strategies to discover new antimalarial drugs: a review
Authors: Salim Nurhainis Ogu , Md Yusuf Noor Azian , Ahmad Fuad Fazia Adyani
Published: October 2019

Malaria continues to pose imminent threat to the world population, as the mortality rate associated with this disease remains high. Current treatment relies on antimalarial drugs such as Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) are still effective throughout the world except in some places, where ACT-resistance has been reported, thus necessitating novel approaches to develop new anti-malarial therapy. In the light of emerging translational research, several plasmodial targets, mostly proteins or enzymes located in the parasite’s unique organelles, have been extensively explored as potential candidates for the development of novel antimalarial drugs. By targeting the metabolic pathways in mitochondrion, apicoplast or cytoplasm of Plasmodium, the possibility to discover new drugs is tremendous, as they have potentials as antimalarial therapeutic targets. This literature review summarizes pertinent information on plasmodial targets, especially enzymes involved in specific metabolic pathways, and the strategies used to discover new antimalarial drugs.
Estadística alimenticia como estrategia política del buen vivir
Authors: Palacios Palacios Edgar Eduardo , Palacios Castro Carlos Renato
Published: October 2019

El artículo de revisión permite generar un análisis sobre la estadística alimenticia como estrategia política del buen vivir, el uso correcto de la estadística con fines políticos, siendo indispensable manejarla para la generación de decisiones en pro de promover acciones favorables para el beneficio común, los datos estadísticos cuando proceden de investigaciones rigurosas desde el punto de vista científico, pueden orientar eficientemente el diseño de políticas públicas, en cambio sí no cuentan con un adecuado nivel científico, sirven para manipular la realidad social. La estadistica desde una concepción politica – cientifica juega un papel fundamental en el establecimiento de estrategias para la consolidación de una sociedad basada en articular acciones posibilitadores del buen vivir, ser humano – naturaleza pueden convivir en armonía desde una perspectiva complementaria, para lo cual se requiere contar con datos estadisticos favorables para la generación de politicas públicas concomitantes con erradicar el hambre y la pobreza.
SURVIVING TRADITIONAL VILLAGE HERITAGE IN RAPID URBANIZATION: THE CASE OF KAJANG TOWN
Authors: Zainudin Hafez , Yapp Aloysius
Published: October 2019

The Greater Kuala Lumpur development initiative by the Malaysian government which began in 2010 has brought tremendous economic benefits and opportunities for the people of Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding towns. However, this ambitious project has also altered the physical landscape of traditional villages in the neighboring areas as well as the lifestyle of people affected. Kajang town is one of the smaller towns located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur city affected by the development. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the surviving and remaining cultural heritage among traditional village communities in Kajang and to identify the promising cultural heritage that can be preserved digitally. The study was focused on traditional cultural ceremonies that are still being practiced by communities in villages located along Jalan Cheras, which were directly affected by the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) MRT project which is apart of the Greater Kuala Lumpur development. This project has impacted the lifestyle and activities of the villagers and there are risks of cultural heritage loss among these communities. The qualitative research method was employed through discussions and interviews with the local community, village elders, local museum curator and through visits and observation of the remaining villages. The result suggests that some of the loss of natural heritage such as orchards and rivers have led to the loss of cultural heritage of villagers in ceremonial activities. However, there are also opportunities towards the preservation of the cultural heritage of Kajang villages through new media identified through this study, considering the positive support from youths towards cultural activities. The result acquired from this study will be used to further develop research work on digitization of tangible cultural heritage of this unique town.
LEVEL TWO STUDENTS' AGREEMENT ON THE USE OF DIGITAL STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES FOR HISTORY SUBJECTS
Authors: Abdullah Noor Fatasya Idla , Mohamad Yatim Maizatul Hayati
Published: October 2019

Storytelling is an alembicated and unique human experience in the emotional aspect of conveying or narrating message. The usage of media in the educational process can elevate the level of concentration and understanding thus creates dissimilitude during the teaching and learning process. This study is based on the problem of low usage of digital storytelling as a teaching aid in History subjects compared to other teaching and learning materials. As such, this study aims to develop digital storytelling (course software) as a teaching aid for History subjects. The digital storytelling course software originates from the ADDIE Model used as an intervention material to study digital storytelling techniques on student’s level of attentiveness and comprehension based on long and short term memory. The design model involves five phases of development that include phases of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation based on digital storytelling elements. Samples for a pilot study are based on a simple random sampling of 30 Form 2 students who taking history courses in a suburb of North Kinta District, Perak. The selection of easy random samples is based on student achievement and performance involving treatment group 1 as well as treatment group 2. This study uses a concentric design that combines quantitative and qualitative data. The instruments used were questionnaires and written test sets before and after the digital storytelling intervention. Meanwhile, the survey method will be used to gather information by holding structured interview sessions. This study uses four variables namely motivation, interface design, helping to learn history and feasibility. The findings of the pilot study for motivation variables, interface design, and feasibility are at a low level but variables for aspects help to study history beyond good reliability. In nutshells, there is a positive impact between student’s levels of agreement towards the development of digital storytelling techniques in history course software.
STUDENTS’ PROBLEMS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE AMONG MDAB STUDENTS AT UITM MALACCA
Authors: Mohd Nor Khalijah , Mohd Razali Masliza , Talib Nashrah , Ahmad Nurbarirah , Sakarji Siti Rosnita , Wan Mohamed Saferdin Wan Aisyah Amni , Mohd Nor Aishah
Published: October 2019

This study examined students’ problems in learning English as a second language in higher learning institutions. This paper reports on the results of an interview of 30 randomly selected MDAB students of Diploma in Office Management and Technology at UiTM Melaka. The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that contribute to the decreasing of students’ achievement in the English language. The discussion revealed the different reasons that students face in speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. In learning a second language, it is of utmost importance that learners receive maximum support in terms of a supportive and conducive learning environment as well as an adequate and meaningful language experience. This research hopes to enlighten students in learning the English language so that they may strive to improve their English skills, thus making language teaching and learning more effective and meaningful for both lecturers and students.
STRATEGIES OF TRANSLATING QUR’ANIC CULTURAL TERMS
Authors: Ayyad Ghada Rajeh , Tengku Mahadi Tengku Sepora
Published: October 2019

The translation of cultural terms is considered one of the most difficult challenges a translator may face. This is due to the fact that such terms have specific meanings in the source language and culture which do not exists in others. In fact, translating cultural terms become more complicated when dealing with religious texts due to the sensitivity of these texts. One of the most challenging texts for translators is the Noble Qur’an. The translator of Qur’anic cultural terms is required to be very accurate as the mistranslation of such terms may lead to a complete distortion of the meaning. To help in producing equivalent translation for cultural terms, two translation strategies were suggested by Venuti in 1995. These strategies are domestication and foreignization. The present study investigates the use of both strategies by the translators of the Noble Qur’an in translating cultural terms. Also, it tries to find out which strategy can be applied to achieve equivalence in translation.
PERCEPTION OF TEENAGERS TO THE USE OF SARCASTIC LANGUAGE
Authors: Nasrudin Ezzah ‘Afifah
Published: October 2019

Sarcastic is considered a new world in parallel with natural change (Frank Burton, 2009). The sarcastic style was regarded as a sharp satire language so as to anger somebody (Toplak & Camp, 2011). However, this sarcastic language can be understood differently depending on the culture itself (Grice, 1975). Hence, the objective of this study is to identify perceptions, and the use of language sarcasm through dialogs adapted by Bowes & Katz (2011). This study has been using quantitative approaches. A research instrument, a questionnaire developed by Joel Mounts (2012) was applied in this study. In this study, respondents are 50 students comprising final year students in the Management Diploma in Private Higher Education Institutions. The results of the data analysis found that sarcastic language is not necessarily being delivered in aggressive form but also subtly. However, the use of sarcasm language can be effecting the negative emotions among teenagers.
SEARCHING FOR DIVINITY AND HUMANITY CONCEPTS IN NOVEL ‘DAN MALAM APABILA IA BERLALU’
Authors: Sujud Arba’ie , Hussin Morni , Abdul Rahman Nadiatul Shakinah
Published: October 2019

Each literary work produced contains the message and thoughts of the author that the audience should consider and ponder especially the literary work produced by the National Laureate. National Laureate made a huge contribution to the production of their literary works. This is because the work of the National Artist has high values, beautiful and unique languages and is difficult to interpret because of the use of language that challenges the human mind. Each literary work produced is based on experience and this can bring the audience closer to the author. The experience is treated as poured into his literary work which contains certain messages to convey to the audience. The literary work of the National Laureate, especially Islamic literary works, highlights the Islamic values that contained in literary work. The concept of divinity and humanity are presented in the literary work aims to spread the message and encourage the audience to think and reflect and to rethink human relationships with God (divinity) and human relationships with each other (humanity) as important guidelines in understanding true life. Therefore, this study will examine the concept of divinity and humanity by using Abdullah Hussin novel Dan Malam Apabila Ia Berlalu as research data. This studies. a uses the library method and data analysis. The findings of the study found that the concepts of divinity and humanity are the heart institution as a missionary center, the mosque institution as a missionary center, human rights equality, social justice, brotherhood in Islam, problem-solving as well as ethics and decency in Islam. Therefore, through this study, we can raise awareness and improve our relationship with God and our fellow man.
THE USE OF VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES AMONG ESL UNDERGRADUATES
Authors: Baharudin Siti Nursakina
Published: October 2019

Students need to take control of their learning process by knowing when, where and how to use appropriate learning strategies for effective learning to take place. One of the language learning strategies learners need to take into consideration is vocabulary learning strategy (VLS) as vocabulary is one of the crucial elements that learners need to master in language learning. Vocabulary learning strategies if used effectively will help learners to master a wide range of vocabulary. This study aims to identify the types of VLS which are frequently used among ESL undergraduates according to learners’ gender. Forty ESL undergraduates from various disciplines at a local university were involved in this study and data were collected to achieve the main objective of the study. The survey design was employed, and data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive analysis to measure the frequency and percentage to identify the most frequent use of VLS and whether it differs from the undergraduates’ gender. The findings of this study found that male undergraduates used VLS more than female undergraduates and memory and social strategy were the most frequently used by female undergraduates while male undergraduates used more of cognitive and metacognitive strategy. Therefore, the findings of the study are indeed beneficial for learners to know which VLS suits them and how they can acquire a vast amount of vocabulary during their second language learning process by applying those vocabulary strategies.
DISABLED MALAYSIANS AND THEIR POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS: A PRELIMINARY SURVEY
Authors: Abdul Nasir Muhamad Nadhir , Erman Efendi Alfa Nur Aini
Published: October 2019

This paper discusses findings on political consciousness among disabled Malaysians before the Malaysian 14th General Election. We disseminate an online questionnaire through social media platforms. 98 respondents participated in the survey. The respondents consist of 60 males (61.2%) and 38 females (38.8%). A number of Malay respondents score the highest with 78 respondents (79.6%), following by Chinese with 11 respondents (11.2%), Indian with 7 respondents (7.1%) and Kadazan-Dusun with 2 respondents (2%). Our respondents comprise of individuals from each of the impairment group recognized by the Malaysian government. 11 respondents (11.2%) report that they are not registered as a voter, 2 respondents (2%) report in the application process and 1 respondent (1%) reports being not eligible to register. We find that factors exhibit by individual candidates, such as their personality and contribution are the top voting orientation as well as the manifesto. Besides that, our respondents utilize social media and news as their information outlets in following local politics. Though our respondents show political consciousness in terms of voter registration and voting in the election, we find many of our respondents do not know that each political coalition includes issues on disabled persons in their manifesto. Our respondents are also not confident of each political coalition’s ability to keep their promises related to disabled persons’ issues in their manifesto. 72 respondents (73.5%) agree and strongly agree that a disabled person runs as a candidate. Finally, 88 respondents (89.8%) agree and strongly agree that disabled persons’ issues must be included as part of political manifesto. We conclude this paper by discussing further research and capacity building programs to increase the political participation of disabled persons in Malaysia.
FACTORS INFLUENCING WILLINGNESS TO CONTRIBUTE FOR WAQF EDUCATION
Authors: Abd Aziz Nurul Aien , Noh Mohd Khairul Ariff
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, education has become more complex than before. The need for knowledge, understanding, and passion among societies had caused an increase in education demand. To prepare a better and higher-level quality of education, the Ministry of Higher Education had played vital roles to enhance their services and efficiency levels. Nevertheless, the trend of budget allocation for operating expenditure in education sectors had shown a decline for the past three years, starting from the year 2016 until 2018 (Ministry of Higher Education, 2018). Since the budget allocation was cut off, public universities in Malaysia were encouraged to seek their own funds. One of the alternatives implemented by public universities was fund seeking through waqf collection. Through waqf, it assists public universities to support their needs especially for financial sustainability in the future. Respondents totaling 398 people comprising of various societies in Ipoh, Perak participated in this survey. A simple random sampling technique was employed to measure the social culture, understanding, awareness level, religiosity, marketing methods and willingness to contribute to Waqf education. Pearson correlation was used to measure the relationship between the variables. The results indicated insignificant relationships between awareness and willingness to contribute to waqf education. Furthermore, the findings also explained that the social culture, understanding, religiosity, and marketing methods are the significant determinants in influencing the willingness to contribute to Waqf education. The findings from this study could benefit the Ministry of Higher Education itself, relevant government agencies and policymakers to promote Waqf as an alternative to generating income for education sectors in Malaysia.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP OF MOSQUE INSTITUTION: THE MEDIUM OF HUMAN CAPITAL ENHANCEMENT
Authors: Fadzil Mohd Ikhmal , Lee Mohd Ainuddin Iskandar , Khamis Kamarul Azman
Published: October 2019

Social entrepreneurship combines the spirit of a social mission with business images such as discipline, innovation, and determination. In addition, social entrepreneurship employs an entrepreneurial approach to unraveling social issues and tackles them in a way that brings a positive impact to both parties. The area of entrepreneurship is also a way of worship and it is able to attract more members of society to the mosque. Mosque institutions can be further reinforced by creating entrepreneurial activities to generate positive economy as well as assisting the institution of mosques in implementing effective programs for the mosques through funds from social entrepreneurial activities. This conceptual writing finds that there are some problems that exist in mosque institutions. Among the major issues outlined in the strategic plan of the Penang Islamic Affairs Department is the inefficient institutional management of the mosque which illustrates the lack of Islamic management and the problem of attracting target members of society to the mosques. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of mosque institution management in Seberang Perai Utara by using effective social entrepreneurship platform to address the negative perceptions of the mosque management and to determine the best social entrepreneurship programs for mosque institutions in increasing the number of members of society to the mosque institutions. This study will use a qualitative method to obtain and analyze data in order to prove the objectives of this study. Social entrepreneurship is capable of raising positive images not only to the administration of the mosque but also to the administration of Islamic affairs in the state of Penang. This comprehensive study to identify the best mosque management role and best social entrepreneurship program can be used by mosque institutions to increase income as well as enhance human capital reach through overall mosque administration.
FAMILY'S SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCE ON THE DROPOUT OF INDIAN STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY IN THE DISTRICT OF KUALA MUDA KEDAH
Authors: Subra TH. , Abdullah Mohamad Ainuddin Iskandar Lee , Devi Kala
Published: October 2019

The problem of dropping out of Indian students should be addressed especially with regard to low-income households (B40). There are many factors driving the dropout of Indian students in schools. The purpose of this study is to examine the socioeconomic factors of the family and the parents' commitment to Indian student dropout. Among its objectives are to identify the socioeconomic influence of the family and the parents' commitment to the dropout of Indian students; learn about the implications of Indian student dropout rates and identify steps to curb Indian student dropout problems. This study was conducted in selected areas in Kuala Muda District of Kedah State, Malaysia involving high school dropout Indian students. This research is qualitative and cannot be extended to other states as researchers use interviewing observation and documentation research. The respondents to this study were 5 dropout students, mostly from B40 families. The findings of this study found that low socioeconomic influence of parents and lack of parental commitment to children's education caused students to drop out of school. The implications of dropping Indian students are also discussed and some suggestions have been made to reduce dropout rates among Indian students.
REGULATORY MONITORING AND REGULATEE’S FIRM PERFORMANCE: AUDIT THEMATIC FINDING ON WATER OPERATOR PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIAN WATER SERVICES INDUSTRY
Authors: Zakaria Ir. Muhamad Sobri , Hassan Haslina , Hanafiah Mohd Hizam
Published: October 2019

This study provides a report of the audit thematic findings on the regulatory role of regulates firm performance. Based on the literature, audit activities are part of a monitoring mechanism that can improve firm performance in a situation where a controlling power such as holding shares and executive power does exist. However, in the context of the regulator and regulate relationship in the Malaysian water services industry, the regulator has the authority to control and monitor the regulator's firm performance. The regulator has monitoring power stipulated by law, the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655). In this scenario, the regulator does not hold any share in the regulator's firm, neither holds executive power such as sitting as a board of directors. Method: Conducting a longitudinal thematic audit on water services providers (Regulatee /Auditee) and continuous monitoring activities. Sixteen studies with five themes on thirteen water operators in Malaysia have been conducted to confirm the finding. The audit execution holds by the Water Industry Audit Division (Auditor), a regulatory representative. Result: Consistent with the prior study and in line with the objective of the regulatory establishment in ensuring the sustainability of the water services industry, the report found several improvements in regulator's firm performance that further improves national water services efficiency. Conclusion: This study extends the current dimension of a common auditor’s role in regulatory audit activities as a monitoring mechanism that elaborates regulatory effectiveness towards the regulator's firm performance.
EVALUATION OF THE STATE OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Nikolyuk O. , Livinsky A.
Published: October 2019

The article analyzes the state of development of agrarian production in Ukraine. It is determined that the most difficult issues are the questions of adaptation of the domestic agricultural sector of the economy to the conditions and requirements of the European Union. The indexes, which characterize the development of the research potential of the industrial infrastructure of agrarian production, are analyzed. It is defined that in Ukraine the tendencies towards increasing the level of social and economic development of agrarian production continue to grow. However, they are growing not fast enough. They are also uneven in the type and component aspect. Such situation requires the implementation of a levelling regulatory effect.
PROBLEMS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF INTERNATIONAL BANKING CREDIT LINES
Authors: Uvarova Viktoriia
Published: October 2019

The article deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of such type of lending as an international credit line. The rules for granting a credit line are indicated. The history of cooperation of the country with various international lending institutions is considered. The paper also presents the mechanism for the flow of money to the budget of the country outside.
HIP JOINT AND HIP ENDOPROSTHESIS BIOMECHANICS
Authors: Gryka Jakub
Published: October 2019

This article contains a description of the basic issues related to anatomy, loading of hip joint and its endoprosthesis research methods. The methods of testing and simulating hip joint loads, factors that influence the selection of parameters during the design of prostheses, typical solutions to engineering problems related to this topic are presented. The article concludes with short summary of the finite element method for the design of hip replacements.
BIOMECHANICS OF THE HUMAN HAND
Authors: Jaworski Łukasz , Karpiński Robert
Published: October 2019

The paper provides basic information on human hand's anatomical structure with the location of joints and consequent types of achievable movements. The biomechanics of the human hand is described using two different kinematic models of the hand. The differences between the models are described. The Schlesinger's classification of movements of the human hand is introduced
TILT-BASED PREDICTIVE TEXT INPUT CONCEPT FOR MOBILE DEVICES
Authors: Badurowicz Marcin , Skulimowski Stanisław , Prończuk-Omiotek Anna
Published: October 2019

In the paper authors are introducing the concept of usage of physical orientation of a mobile device, calculated using built-in environmental sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer for detection of tilting gesture. This gesture is used as an acceptance factor for the two next probable word solutions suggested to the user during text input. By performing the device tilt, the first or second word is being automatically put into the desired text field and new prediction is performed. The text predictions are calculated and stored directly on the device to maintain privacy protection. The founding concept of the software is being presented, as well as initial considerations and further plans. This solution is recommended especially to smartphone manufacturers like Microsoft, Samsung and Apple to deploy in their latest models.
THE PRODUCT DESIGN PROCESS USING STYLISTIC SURFACES
Authors: Gita Arkadiusz , Kłonica Mariusz
Published: October 2019

The increasing consumer requirements for the way what everyday use products look like, forces manufacturers to put more emphasis on product design. Constructors, apart from the functional aspects of the parts created, are forced to pay attention to the aesthetic aspects. Software for designing A-class surfaces is very helpful in this case. Extensive quality analysis modules facilitate the work and allow getting models with specific visual features. The authors present a design process of the product using stylistic surfaces based on the front panel of the moped casing. In addition, methods of analysis of the design surface and product technology are presented.
Influence of Online Media towards Passenger Car Purchasing in Tamilnadu [Impact and Problems Faced in using New Media]
Authors:   Placement Officer and Head, Department of MCA, K.S.Rangasamy College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), Venkateswaran Dr.T.S. , Sudhahar Dr.J.Clement ,   Professor in Marketing and Research Head, Department of Management Studies, Karunya Deemed University, Rajkumar Mr.S. ,   Pursuing, PhD, Management, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore
Published: October 2019

In India, from the starting era of car purchasing is a hard matter in which the customer planning to buy a car has to go for detailed study how to, where to, when to and what to do before a car. It is full of personal survey of purchasing a car. A customer has to ask number of persons and their feedback to buy a car. The options are too less to decide. The customer visits numerous showrooms, take a look over car, the agent tries to influence the car he is selling. The rate of the car is also varies agent to agent. The customer felt very hard to decide which car to buy. Now online platform is a part of life from advertising, shopping with mails and information. These days users in the online have gone beyond their expectations. Social media is one of the speediest growing web applications in the twenty first century. A social network sites is a place where a user can create a profile and to build a personal network that connects him or her to other users. This study proposes how the Internet, new methods of digital advertising and social media supports the car marketing. Today the advertising has taken a new form in Internet era. The study proposes the new way of change in marketing of automakers. Also it reveals the user problems in using New Media of conserving passenger car purchasing decision.
Spatial Assessment of Rurban Slums: a New Perspective of Urban Villages
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, India,, Kolhe* Prof Neha Pranav , Dhote Dr Krishna Kumar ,   Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, India,
Published: October 2019

Urbanisation and proliferation of slums are major challenges for a sustainable large scale development. The rurban slums are created when the settlement of urban village becomes a part of cities during the process of expansions. These rurban slums differ from rest of the slums unlike other slums which are formed by encroaching public and private land, often on untenable land thathas incompatible land use. Rurban slums on the contrary are self - contained rural settlement that becomes a part of larger urban agglomeration. This paper is an attempt to understand the peculiearnature of rurban slums and their characteristics which can be utilized for future development.
Problems Faced By Financial Institutions While Sanctioning Agriculture Credit to the Farmers in Taminadu
Authors:   Ph.d Full time scholar, Department of Banking Management, Alagappa University,Karaikudi., Soundarya Mrs.M. , Jayabal Dr.G. ,   Professor & Head, Department of Banking Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi.
Published: October 2019

Bank plays a major role in providing agriculture credit. Finance in agriculture is as important as other inputs being used in agricultural production. The prosperity of the country depends up on the agriculture sector. Bankers play a major role in providing agricultural credit to the farmers. Lack of finance is one of the fundamental problems in agricultural productivity and income of rural farmers. Therefore, banks provide agriculture credit to the farmers. Even though bank provides agriculture credit, the bankers faced many problems. This paper mainly focuses on problems faced by bankers while providing agriculture credit. A Multi stage sampling method was used to select the banks. The five districts were taken for sample in Tamil Nadu because those five districts were provide highest number of agriculture credit. The sample bank branches has taken 230. The result of the study showed that, Identification of real cultivator, fixing prudential norms, Identification of real cultivator, increasing demand for agriculture credit the above are the main problems faced by bankers while providing agriculture credit