bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Концепція поняття “державна допомога”
Authors: ЛІЛЛЕМЯЕ ОЛЕНА
Published: March 2019

У сучасній науці господарського права нерідко можна натрапити на різні та зовсім протилежні твердження науковців стосовно квінтесенції державної допомоги суб’єктам господарювання та її співвідношення з державною підтримкою. Законодавче визначення державної допомоги не повною мірою розкриває сутність державної допомоги, яка закладена багаторічною європейською судовою практикою. Водночас легальне визначення поняття “державна допомога суб’єктам господарювання” не сприйняло усталеного підходу до розуміння його основних змістовних компонентів, напрацьованого й у межах науки господарського права. Зокрема, зазначене виявляється у положенні, що свідчить про некоректне розмежування понять державної допомоги та державної підтримки суб’єктів господарювання. Метою статті є аналіз сутності поняття державної допомоги, її законодавчого визначення, упорядкування, сформованих європейською судовою практикою, визначальних компонентів державної допомоги та підготовка на цій основі пропозицій до чинного законодавства. У статті наголошується на відмінних рисах, яким має відповідати державна до Союзу, а також прецедентних судових справ з метою виявлення кваліфікуючих елементів державної допомоги. За результатами дослідження виявлено, що державний захід підтримки може розглядатись як державна допомога суб’єктам господарювання у разі, якщо відповідатиме таким ознакам: 1) факт передачі ресурсів держави; 2) набуття суб’єктом господарювання економічної переваги; 3) селективність характеру заходу щодо конкретних суб’єктів господарювання; 4) спричинення спотворення конкуренції та найголовніше – вплив на торгівлю (ст. 107 (1) Договору про функціонування ЄС). Зазначено, що практично всі вказані компоненти враховано у законодавчо визначеному понятті “державна допомога суб’єктам господарювання” окрім впливу на торгівлю. Справедливо зауважується, що українська система права сфери державної допомоги розглядає державну допомогу як будь-яку підтримку, що спотворює або загрожує спотворенням внутрішньої економічної конкуренції усередині країни і яка водночас може і не впливати на міжнародну торгівлю, що фактично спричинило розширення визначення державної допомоги. У зв’язку з цим запропоновано уточнити визначення поняття “державна допомога суб’єктам господарювання”, наведене у Законі України “Про державну допомогу суб’єктам господарювання”, виклавши його у новій редакції з обов’язковим додаванням компоненту впливу на міжнародну торгівлю.
Господарсько-правове забезпечення аутсорсингу
Authors: ОЛЮХА ВІТАЛІЙ
Published: March 2019

Сучасним засобом організації структурної моделі підприємства є аутсорсинг. Проте позитивно впливати на показники економічної діяльності суб’єкта господарювання він може лише за умови належної підготовки бізнес-проекту щодо нього, зокрема й такої важливої складової, як господарсько-правове забезпечення запровадження аутсорсингу. На законодавчому рівні регулювання аутсорсингу практично відсутнє. Звідси – необхідність окреслення доцільних інструментів правового регулювання аутсорсингових відносин на мікроекономічному рівні. Метою статті є визначення та сутнісна характеристика найбільш доцільних правових засобів у механізмі господарсько-правового регулювання аутсорсингових відносин вітчизняних корпорацій. Встановлено, що аутсорсинг поділяється на договірний та інституційно-договірний. Наведено аргументи на користь господарсько-правової природи договору аутсорсингу та заперечено наявність у ньому елементів цивільних або трудових договорів. Запропоновано авторське бачення його змісту. Також розглянуто й інші господарсько-правові засоби, що забезпечують оптимізаційний вплив аутсорсингу: господарсько-управлінські акти індивідуальної дії, локальні акти, інституційні засоби у формі корпоратизації. Визначені органи в акціонерному товаристві та товаристві з обмеженою відповідальністю, які мають право приймати рішення щодо запровадження аутсорсингу, та окреслено їх компетенцію у цьому питанні. Можливим інституційним варіантом створення підприємствааутсорсера є виокремлення певного структурного підрозділу та передання йому за розподільним балансом частини майна, прав та обов’язків корпорації. Автор доходить висновку, що в процесі запровадження аутсорсингу підприємство-замовник та новоутворені підприємства-аутсорсери можуть об’єднатись в асоціацію або утворити холдингову групу. У решті видів об’єднань правовий зв’язок між його членами не відповідає суті аутсорсингових зв’язків, а тому автором заперечено можливість використання таких конструкцій в аутсорсингових відносинах. Локальні акти можуть встановлювати регулювання відносин зі збереження комерційної таємниці, безпечного виконання робіт, пропускного режиму, організації взаємодії між персоналом замовника та аутсорсера. Хоча вони й допоміжні, але є важливими господарсько-правовими засобами для належного запровадження аутсорсингу.
Зумовленість правової природи медіації буттєвим устроєм людського світу
Authors: ГАВРИЛЮК РУСЛАНА
Published: March 2019

Запровадження в Україні з 2017 р. медіації як обов’язкової процедури під час вирішення цілого ряду типів суспільних конфліктів відбулося під фактичним впливом прогресивного досвіду медіаційних практик у країнах ЄС, США та Канади. Однак правова система України, як і правова ментальність українців, кардинально відрізняються від цих феноменів у зазначених вище країнах. Звідси механічне перенесення в Україну їх досвіду медіації неможливе. Необхідне його глибоке теоретичне осмислення, передусім всебічне вивчення правової природи медіації, без чого неможливе вироблення раціональної правової політики медіації в Україні. Загальну проблематику цієї статті становить пошук детермінант правової природи медіації у буттєвому устрої людського світу. У такій постановці ця проблема в цілому та окремі її аспекти спеціально не досліджувались. Метою статті є дослідження безпосередньої спричиненості правової природи медіації буттєвим устроєм людського світу. Конкретними завданнями статті є опозиційності, аналіз асиметричності людського світу, визначення їх впливу на суспільну природу медіації. Методологічною основою статті є антропосоціокультурний підхід, передусім його світоглядна складова: практична філософія та матеріальна феноменологія. Обґрунтовано, що під поняттям буттєвого устрою людського світу антропосоціокультурна пізнавальна традиція розуміє його фактичну даність, сконструйовану мотиваціями і цінностями життєвих світів індивідів. Доведено, що ця даність охоплює все те, що не стосується виокремлених суб’єктів соціальної взаємодії і відзначається інтерсуб’єктивним характером, детермінує соціальний світ. Найадекватніше вона проявляється у людських правах, які разом із принципами, правилами та законами соціального співбуття індивідів є конституентами буттєвого устрою людського світу. Доведено, що основоположним принципом буттєвого устрою людського світу є його тотальна фактична суперечливість. Вона виявляється у формі бінарних опозицій, симетрій та асиметрій, їх природа різна. Показано, що ця суперечливість дана передусім у фундаментальних суперечливостях людських статусів, людських потреб, функціональних соціальних ролей індивідів тощо. Ці суперечливості за їх природою є базовими конструктивними властивостями людського світу. Водночас вони є основоположним способом співбуття індивідів між собою, тобто є їх правом. Саме тому тотальна фактична суперечливість буттєвого устрою людського світу є другою онтологічно укоріненою причиною
Kim Saryang’s Ten Thousand Li of a Dull-Witted Horse- Remembering the Anti-Colonial Struggle
Authors: Tikhonov Vladimir
Published: March 2019

Kim Saryang (real name: Kim Sich’ang, 1914–1950) was among the Korean authors of the 1930s and 1940s who wrote frequently on the issues related to the Korean ethnonational identity, both in Korean and in Japanese. In May 1945, when dispatched on a lecture tour to the Japanese army units stationed in North China, he used this opportunity to escape and join the Chinese Communist Eighth Route Army guerrillas in the Taihang Mountains. His China diary, Ten Thousand Li of a Dull-Witted Horse (Nomamalli, serialized in Seoul-based journal Minsŏng in 1946–47 and published in book form in Pyongyang in 1947), was written in his new status as a North Korean writer; the book is the main object of analysis in this article. The diary was an attempt to systemize the memories of the joint Sino-Korean anti-Japanese struggle, with the continuous process of building new, Socialist subjectivities in Communist-controlled parts of China and Korea. The article deals with the ways in which the new, postcolonial and Socialist Korean identity-in-making are both reflected in Kim’s rendering of his battlefield observations and remembrances and further given form through the act of writing on the armed anti-Japanese resistance—in broad meaning, the foundational background of what further was to become North Korean history. At the same time, the article emphasises the role Socialist international ideology played in the articulation of Kim’s narrative.
The Sino-DPRK Split and Origins of US-DPRK Bilateralism
Authors: Kim Eungseon
Published: March 2019

North Korea has identified its official foreign policy as being focused on ‘self-reliance’ since the mid-1906s. Kim Il Sung (Kim Il-sŏng) had been long preoccupied with external interference in internal affairs, so the escalation of the Sino-Soviet schism created an environment in which to eliminate foreign influence in domestic politics and strengthen his control. North Korea did not only try to balance between the two giant socialist countries, but also expand its diplomatic sphere outside the communist bloc such as with Third World and European countries. In addition, it pursued direct contact with the US to achieve its longstanding goals, the removal of US troops stationed in the South and the replacement of the 1953 armistice with a permanent peace treaty. Since then demands for bilateral talks have become the most distinctive feature of North Korea’s foreign policy. With the advent of détente in the early 1970s, discontent with their Chinese comrades also led Kim to seek US-DPRK talks. Despite a mutual hostility generated during the era of the Cultural Revolution, Kim Il Sung’s first response to China’s rapprochement with the US was not negative, anticipating the potential for Chinese assistance in accomplishing North Korean diplomatic objectives in its relations with the US. At odds with Kim’s expectation, however, Chinese behavior did not meet North Korea’s demands. China, as well as the US, preferred the status quo to a rapid change in the region, even though they fully supported the beginnings of inter-Korean dialogue that culminated in the conclusion of the Joint Communiqué. Also, Kim Il Sung felt that, in the UN, China was more interested in seeking compromise with the US than asserting North Korea’s requests. Kim Il Sung’s dissatisfaction with China’s halfhearted stance during the détente strengthened his mistrust that Beijing did not consider North Korea’s national interests. As a result, North Korea deliberately excluded China in its offer of negotiations to the US such as the Tripartite Talks between the US and two Koreas, insisting on bilateral meetings with the US.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN: BEYOND USABILITY AND AESTHETIC STUDIES FOR PRAYER CHAIR
Authors: Musdi Shanat
Published: March 2019

User-usability effect and aesthetic recognizes to fortify value in product creation in assisting the product to be more valuable. The contribution of usability and aesthetic factors enable to increase the potency of the product to be utilized for the target market segment of individual preferences. This paper focuses on the design aspect concerning the aesthetic-usability effect. An appropriate technique of designing the product, which compromises by many types of users in retaining the functionality, size, proportion, space for approach, reach manipulation, is discussed. Performing a prayer using a chair is a critical necessity for those who are no longer able to stand for a longer period of time. Little attention is given to these issues is the main caused of neglected targets for their comfort in the practices of prayed. The researchers agreed that the pleasant appearance of the products able to contribute to positive aesthetic-usability feeling and serve affordance quality with end-users, comparable to less aesthetic outlooks.
THE EFFECTS OF WEATHER ON CRIME RATES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: March 2019

This study estimates the effects of temperature and rainfall on the prevalence of criminal activity in Malaysia. The analysis is based on annual data for the period 1973-2009, on temperature, rainfall and crime rates – total crime, violent and property crime. By using the generalized one-step error-correction model, we examine the short-run and long-run dynamics between crime rates with varying temperatures and rainfall in Malaysia. Our results suggest that there is long-run relationship between total crime and property crimes with weather in Malaysia. The long-run coefficients indicate a positive impact of temperature (hot weather) on criminal activity. Our results imply that the law enforcement would have a better understanding of how the weather affects crime and a chance for the authorities to better prepare their departments during weather conditions that influence certain criminal activities.Keywords: Crime; Temperature; Rainfall; Generalized error-correction model; Malaysia.
IMPACT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, IMPORTS AND TARIFF DEREGULATION ON EXPORTS AMONG PIONEERING ASEAN MEMBERS: PANEL DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Asirvatham James , Rasiah Rajah , Thangiah Govindamal , Naghav Navaz
Published: March 2019

Following the successful development of the first-tier Newly Industrialized economies of South Korea and Taiwan, governments have gradually moved from import-substitution policies to export-led or export-led import substitution policies. The Association of Southeast Asian nations are no exception as the rapid pace of trade liberalization has been referred to as the prime driver of economic growth in these countries. While the industrial policies of these countries may not be as effective as those of the first-tier NIEs, the pioneering ASEAN members of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have enjoyed rapid growth and structural change since the 1970s. Indeed, Singapore’s per capita income has remained higher than that of South Korea and Taiwan. Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand became middle income countries by the turn of the millennium. Hence, using panel data over the period 1970-2015 this paper seeks to analyze the influence of foreign direct investment, imports and tariff deregulation on export growth among the five pioneering ASEAN members. The results show that open trade policies in general and increases in FDI, imports and tariff deregulations has helped the ASEAN-5 stimulate exports. Keywords: Exports; Foreign direct investment; Imports; Tariffs; ASEAN.
INVESTIGATING POST-WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL) EFFECTS ON MOTIVATION FOR LEARNING: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Authors: Ibrahim Hazril Izwar , Jaaffar Amar Hisham
Published: March 2019

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is regarded as an important medium to assist development of student’s relevant technical and non-technical competencies, knowledge and psychological attributes that can enhance their employability and learning outcomes. This study examines the relationship between the outcomes of WIL programs such as thinking and communication skills, self-efficacy and motivation for learning of 383 undergraduate in business degree from four Malaysian public universities who have participated on various WIL programs. Results show that student’s motivation for learning is affected by student’s thinking skills and mediated by student’s self-efficacy. Interestingly, student’s communication skills only influenced motivation for learning through the self-efficacy. The findings provide a valuables insight into the limited research pertaining to the sequel of the outcomes of WIL programs such as student’s competencies, psychological attributes and specific learning outcomes. Keywords: Work-Integrated Learning; Motivation for Learning; Self-Efficacy; Thinking Skills; Communication Skills.
LINKAGES AND LEAKAGES OF HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Yen Siew-Hwa , Ong Wooi -Leng
Published: March 2019

This study examines the direct and indirect linkages and leakages of private and public higher education in Malaysia using input-output analysis. This study found that real estate, printing, wholesale and retail business as well as utilities are the sectors most closely inter-connected with higher education. The results of forward and backward linkages also show weak inter-industry links of the higher education sector with the rest of the economy. The public higher education use a larger amount of imported inputs compared to private higher education implicating a higher leakage from public higher education sector. Higher education in Malaysia can therefore said to take on a social role rather than an economic one. The structural change of education sector indicates an increase in the contribution of primary inputs and a dramatic decline in the consumption of intermediate inputs in education sector over time. Keywords: Input-Output Analysis; Linkages; Leakages; Higher Education.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, FINANCIAL CRISIS AND PERFORMANCE OF ISLAMIC BANKS: DOES SHARIAH GOVERNANCE MATTER?
Authors: Nawaz Tasawar
Published: March 2019

This paper empirically examines the impact of intellectual capital (IC) and Shariah governance on economic performance of 47 Islamic banks (IBs) operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region in pre- and post-financial crisis period. The analysis suggests that higher IC efficiency helps IBs to improve their odds of survival at all times i.e. before- and after-crisis. Further, higher IC efficiency helps IBs to maintain their profitability i.e. ROA and market valuation i.e. Tobin’s Q at all times. Arguably, knowledge-resources i.e. IC is the main line of defence for IBs against negative shocks. Lastly, the study reveals that Shariah governance alone may fall short in explaining the growth trends in Islamic finance industry. Keywords: Intellectual Capital; Shariah Governance; Financial Crisis; Islamic Worldview; Economic Performance.
DETERMINANTS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP SUCCESS
Authors: Rahatullah Muhammad Khan , Raeside Robert
Published: March 2019

The business development literature illustrates the importance of relationships on achievingtargets and ensuring the sustainability of enterprises. In this paper the sphere of franchisingwhich is essentially an entrepreneurial business is used to link measures of business relationshipsin the domains of trust, credibility, commitment, integrity, confidence and trust to the successof the business. It is found that irrespective of size and age of the franchise and business sectorof operation that these relationships are important determinants of success. Although they donot act directly to enhance the prospect of success it is via their interactions that success arises.Keywords: Entrepreneurial Business; Business-to-Business Relationships; Franchising; Trustand Commitment.
Environmental Technology: Potential of Merging Road Pavement with Stormwater Detention
Authors: Yau Seng Mah Darrien , Josep Putuhena Frederik , Rosli Nor Azalina
Published: March 2019

This study stresses on the concept of multi-functional urban land use incorporating permeable pavement integrated with underground storage. Permeable pavement that is available in the market consists of pavers and a thick layer of course aggregates that store water. Contrary to the mentioned pavement, this study tries to replace the underlying storage with blocks of concrete detention cells. Stormwater permeates through the openings of pavers and flows into the detention storage underneath. Investigation of such application is carried out using the SWMM software. Performance of a single hollow cube pavement block (0.25m x 0.25m x 0.25m) is demonstrated here. The block is virtually subjected to the worst scenarios of extreme rainfalls over a non-stop time span of three hours. Modelling outputs point to encouraging benefits of the anticipated size and storage volume are capable of capturing stormwater up to at least one hour. Thus, the system is suggested to be effective in limiting stormwater, and subsequently, promoting road structure as multi-purpose infrastructure.
Study On Electrostatic Extrusion Method For Synthesizing Calcium Alginate Encapsulated Iron Oxide
Authors: Low Ken Giap , Lim Soh Fong
Published: March 2019

Electrostatic extrusion method is used to produce polymer beads by dripping polymer mixtures into hardening solution using syringing system with electrostatic charges. Through this method, iron oxide particles can be encapsulated into calcium alginate polymer beads. The changes in characteristics of the produced bead can be observed through changing the physical parameter values of applied voltage, height of electrodes, flow rate, and needle sizes of the system. From experimental study using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) modeling, the diameter of produced beads significantly decreases when applied voltage increases and needle size decreases. The optimum parameters from RSM is determined as 4kV applied voltage, 2cm of electrodes height and 0.4mm of needle diameter while flow rate does not contribute significant effect on the system. Furthermore, instrumental and analytical studies are carried out to characterize the produced bead based on the bead sizes, sphericity, surface area and surface morphology. Other than that, a mathematical model is developed from basic equations related to the system on production of calcium alginate encapsulated iron oxide. The model is then improvised and validated via experiment and it shows good agreement with the experiment result where error of the models is 0.4% for bead diameter and 2.5% for bead sphericity.
Thermal Characterization of Pozzolanic Activity of Hydrated Cement System Modified by Silica Based Industrial Waste
Authors: Ahmat Asim Faatima Zahra , Mohamed Sutan Norsuzailina
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the potential of using silica based industrial waste specifically waste calcined clay (WCC) from ceramic industry as partial cement replacement. Pozzolanic activity characterization was done by using thermal and mechanical characterization techniques namely Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Compressive Strength Test (CS), respectively. Finely grounded waste vase of varying particles sizes range from less than 75m, 75m and 150m were used as 10%, 20%, and 30% cement replacements with 0.45 water to cement ratio (w/c). First, progression of CS from day 1 to 28 of WCC modified mortar and unmodified cement mortar (UCM) was monitored as an indirect indication of pozzolanic activity. It was found that 75WCC10% performed higher 28 day compressive strength compared to unmodified cement mortar (UCM). To further confirm the result, TGA characterization of Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) and Calcium Hydroxide (CH) as pozzolanic activity indicator was done on WCC modified cement pastes in comparison to unmodified cement paste (UCP). TGA analysis has shown the pozzolanic activity indicated by the decrease of CH and the increase of C-S-H in WCC modified cement paste. Based on this study, WCC possesses pozzolanic characteristic which is the main criteria to be qualified as an effective material as partial cement replacement.
Application of GIS and Remote Sensing Technique to Change Detection in Land Use/Land Cover Mapping of Igbokoda, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adewumi James R. , Akomolafe James K. , Ajibade Fidelis O. , Fabeku Blessing B.
Published: March 2019

This paper aims at establishing changes in land use and land cover in Igbokoda municipality using Geographic Information System and remote sensing techniques. Three satellite images for three different epochs 1986, 1999 and 2013 were used to produce a land use/land cover map classification for Igbokoda. In determining the extent of land use/land cover changes in the township from 1986 through 1999 to 2013, Landsat images of the town were downloaded from the United State Geological Survey online archive. The images were analyzed using change detection technique (NDVI differencing) along with SRTM 90m DEM of the study area to generate the extent of the changes that have occurred. Ground trotting was carried out to ascertain the accuracy of data and the major changes in the land use/land cover. Results show that vegetation has decreased from 75.04% in 1986 to 46.81% in 2013 which was due to increase in population and rapid urbanization. In 1996 the Built-up area covers 19.6321 km2 of the study area but has increased rapidly to 39.1505 km2 in the year 1999 with an average annual increment of 2.025Km2/year. By the year 2013, the built-up area has increased to 64.1520Km2. Also in the same vein, the bare surface area which was 13.28029km2 in 1986 was increased to 39.6053 and 50.240Km2 in 1999 and 2013 respectively. On the contrary, the vegetated area of Igbokoda reduced from 196.3046Km2 in 1999 to 122.4680Km2 in 2013. This study has demonstrated that remotely sensed data and GIS based approach is timely and cost effective than the conventional method of analysis, classification of land use pattern effective for planning and management. It further shows that If the rapid change in land use is not properly manage, the situation poses a serious threat to Igbokoda town by increasing surface runoff and susceptibility to flooding.
Poisson and Negative Binomial Regression Models Application to Model the Factors of Car Ownership in Akure, South West, Nigeria
Authors: Oyedepo Joseph O. , Etu Japheth E.
Published: March 2019

Increase in number of cars without commensurate increase in the number of transport facilities and infrastructures has led to diverse traffic problems in many Nigerian cities like Akure. Factors which contribute to increase in the numbers of cars owned in Akure metropolis were investigated in this study. The study area was divided into three density zones namely High, Medium and Low while, data was collected using well-structured household questionnaire survey distributed amongst residents; with the survey yielding a return of 1002 questionnaire out of the 1181 distributed. Results from field findings gave the average number of cars owned per household in the study area as 0.62. Results of the Poisson Regression Model show that a change in the number of employed household members will decrease the number of cars owned in the study area by 9% while, a unit increase in the number of driver’s license holders in the household, academic qualification and average monthly income of the household will increase the number of cars owned by 60%, 26% and 30% respectively. The negative binomial model indicates that a change in the number of employed household members will decrease the number of cars owned by 10% whereas a change in the number of driver’s license holders in the household and monthly income will lead to an increase in the number of cars owned by 101% and 24% respectively. The test of model effects affirm that all the predictor variables are statistically significant indicating a good fit for the model predicted. Out of the two models, Poisson regression model is found to be a superior model due to a higher log likelihood ratio Chi Square and improved statistically significant variables. The findings in this research will assist government agencies to plan future transportation infrastructure development.
Physical Properties of Agbabu and Yegbata Bitumen in Nigeria
Authors: Ogiriki Shadrach Olise , Adepoju Jennifer Oyindamola , Yusuff Adeyinka Sikiru , Anochie Victor
Published: March 2019

This experimental work evaluates the physical properties of Abagbu and Yegbata bitumen from Nigeria with comparison with that of Canada being the world largest producer of crude oil from bitumen. This study employed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods in conducting laboratory experiments in order to determine the viscosity, specific gravity, API gravity, pour point and flash point. A Gas Chromatograph (GC) was used to determine the hydrocarbon content of the bitumen samples. Test results show that the bitumen samples have specific gravity of 1.01 with a 0.9962 OAPI for Yegbata, while the Agbabu bitumen sample had 8.599 specific gravity and 10.54 OAPI. Kinematic viscosity ranges of 1.0×102 – 3.3×104 and 1.6×103 – 5.6×104, flash point of 288oC and 282oC and pour point of 44oC and 47oC. The gas chromatography analysis showed that the samples contained 46.35% and 7.59% saturates, 21.63% and 64.39% aromatics and 32.03% and 28.01% resins for Agbabu and Yegbata respectively. In comparison with Athabasca bitumen, the results were similar. The assessment and comparison of these properties with the properties of bitumen from Athabasca in Canada reveals that any surface or subsurface crude bitumen gotten from Agbabu and Yegbata in Ondo State, Nigeria can be exploited using similar technologies, if not the same as the technologies being used in Athabasca, Canada
Development of Flood Prone Area Map for Igbokoda Township using Geospatial Technique
Authors: Adewumia James R. , Akomolafe James K. , Ajibade Fidelis O.
Published: March 2019

Rapid urbanization has greatly increased the volume of runoff generated in many developed areas and subsequently resulting in flooding. This study evaluated the flood prone area of Igbokoda town in Ondo State and developed a flood risk map to facilitate proper planning and future flood mitigation. Scientific technique of GIS was used to identify flood risk areas within the study area. The Landsat 5 (TM), Landsat 7 (ETM+) and Landsat 8 (LC) images for 1986, 1999 and 2013 coupled with STRM 90 m DEM data of the area were used to identify three categorized risk zones. A total of 339 basins were delineated and stream network on the landscape of this area were carved. Hydrological and vegetation cover analyses were conducted using the satellite imageries obtained from United States Geological Surveys Archive online over the study area for three different epochs 1986, 1999 and 2013. There was a sharp decrease in area of vegetation cover from 1986 (19,630 ha) to 1999 (16,527.36 ha) and in 2013 (12,246.80 ha). The hydrological analysis results revealed that a major part of the residential area within the largest basin delineated was associated with low elevation and high slope angle. The combined stream network and slope of the area were used in developing flood risk zones. Three zones were specified: high, medium, and low flood risk zones. The total area covered by the high risk zone was 28.5615 km2 while the area of the medium and small risk zones were 15.94759 km2 and 31.3619 km2 respectively. It is recommended that an increased awareness on flood risk zone should be created among the populace of Igbokoda to guide them in further development.
Modelling Approaches for Minimally Gauged Sg Similajau, Bintulu
Authors: Yau Seng Mah Darrien , Poon Hii Ching , Kho Addy
Published: March 2019

Minimally gauged river basins are common in Sarawak. Many river basins are lacking in hydrological monitoring mechanism mostly due to the vast land mass and complex river network, hence causing isolation of certain locations. This paper is describing the approaches to model Sg Similajau of Bintulu, Sarawak with little information to support sound analysis. A river model is developed to reconstruct missing flows of the river. In order to have reliable results, a short-term monitoring program is strongly suggested to collect data pertaining to river processes in the field. Pre-processing processes are demonstrated to obtain inflow data for upstream boundaries, tide/King Tide data for downstream boundary and a weir at Samalaju Water Intake for middle boundary. Particularly the weir, its presence convinces the verification of the river model. Post-processing on the impacts of the weir in flow patterns, in this case the water head produced by the weir and with such a head to flush out saltwater brought about by tides are demonstrated as ideal tool to test the model.
FACTORS INFLUENCING E-COMMERCE ADOPTION AMONG MALAY WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN KUCHING SARAWAK
Authors: Hussin Haniffah Haziqah , Jemari Mohd Azizee , Kasuma Jati , Yacob Yusman , Panie Ratnawate
Published: March 2019

Nowadays, women entrepreneurs have become part of the important factor in the world of entrepreneurship in terms of economic development contributions and social inclusion. Moreover, the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster innovation, experimentation, and adaptation in the business environment is crucial for countries undergoing radical transformation. 140 respondents were involved in this survey which was conducted for two weeks and the data from the questionnaires were analysed and computed by using mean score, regression and correlation. This paper aims to investigate the factors that affect the adoption of E-Commerce by Malay women entrepreneurs in Kuching Sarawak. Variables are categorized based on different E-Commerce adoption context which include technological factors, organizational factors and environmental factors with additional of benefits and barriers of E-Commerce adoption are expected to affect the adoption of ECommerce. Quantitative approach was used for this study. The findings indicate that perceived relative advantage was the most influencing factor in the adoption of E-Commerce among Malay women entrepreneurs in Kuching Sarawak. Furthermore, the finding from this study complements several prior studies. Only perceived relative advantage, cost and competitive pressure has the ability in predicting the level of E-Commerce adoption. This study also highlights that perceived benefit from adopting ECommerce by Malay women entrepreneurs to be imminent as it provides access to new markets. This study also shows that Malay women entrepreneurs in Kuching Sarawak have yet to utilize E-Commerce technologies despite having acknowledged perceiving the benefits that can be obtained by adopting ECommerce
THEN AND NOW: CHANGES IN SOCIAL ORGANISATION AND LIVELIHOOD OF THE BERAWAN COMMUNITY SINCE THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA
Authors: Burkhardt Jey Lingam , Burkhardt Jürgen Martin
Published: March 2019

The Berawan are a small Orang Ulu people group to which four longhouse communities belong: Long Jegan and Long Teru on the Tinjar River, and Long Terawan and Batu Belah on the Tutoh River. The Tutoh and the Tinjar are tributaries of the Baram river. This paper presents a socio-economic sketch of the Berawan in the early 1960s and contrasts it with the early 21st century situation. A picture is drawn of the social organisation and livelihood of the Berawan community. The following trends are discernible: Longhouse living has become more comfortable but at the same time more cash dependent. The education level of the Berawan has risen significantly while their opportunities to engage in traditional livelihood activities such as rice planting, hunting and fishing are reduced nowadays due to the conversion of vast tracts of lands into palm oil plantations and the silting of the rivers. This has increasingly led the younger generation to migrate out of the village. On the other hand, contrary to popular belief that the tourism industry has a primarily adverse influence on ethnic minority culture, we found that the economic value that tourism offers can promote local culture in encouraging people to remain on their ancestral land.
MEDICINAL PLANTS USAGE OF JAGOI BIDAYUH COMMUNITY, BAU DISTRICT, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA
Authors: Baling Julan , Noweg Gabriel T. , Sayok Alexander K. , Wadell Ik , Ripen Jovita E.
Published: March 2019

This paper reports on the medicinal plants used by the communities near Mount Jagoi in Bau District as part of the multidisciplinary studies in 2012. A total of 58 species of medicinal plants belonging to 38 families were identified and documented. Of these, close to 60% of these plants are found wild in the fallows and nearby Mount Jagoi forest while the rest are planted at the backyard and/or gardens close to their village. Most of the cultivated medicinal plants were also used as food or often used in their preparation to enhance their flavor. Herbs form the majority (27.6%) followed by shrubs (24.1% ) and trees (19.0%). Most of the plants are for treating stomach-related ailments followed by fever-related illnesses as well as treatment of hypertension and cuts/wounds. The main parts of the plants used were foliage or twigs followed by fruits and roots. Decoction was the main method of preparation and administration of the medicinal plants followed respectively by ingestion while pound and rub. The preparation of decoction depends on the types of plant parts used, they can be either fresh or further treatment necessary such as drying to the parts concerned before boiling in water or a mixture with other liquids such as vegetable oil. The mixture after boiling is the decoction, which be used as a drink or used in bathing. The latter use is usually for easing oneself during fever and treatment of the whole body such as to remove bad body odor as well as skin diseases that affect the whole body. It is noteworthy to mention that the study missed six species of medicinal plants from four families that are commonly used for food in the area which could be that the informants were not aware of the medicinal benefits. Should a future survey is being done in a community, it is recommended that the informants be also questioned their knowledge on those obvious plants so that they too can be included.
METROSEXUAL IDENTITY: PERCEPTION OF MALAYSIAN MALE CONSUMERS TOWARDS COSMETIC AND SKINCARE PRODUCT
Authors: Lau Wee Ming , De Run Ernest Cyril , Jee Teck Weng
Published: March 2019

The main purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of cosmetics and skin care products in Malaysian metrosexual men. The scope of this study is limited to Malaysian males aged between 20 – 50 years old. A total of 105 respondents were interviewed and only 100 complete interviews was used. The results show that majority of respondents believed that cosmetics are for ladies while skin care products are associated with protection. Respondents also stated that men who use cosmetics and skin care products in daily life are normal. This study suggests that the relationship between consumer trends and social acceptance demonstrates the influence of new consumer culture. Moreover, the new consumer culture brings the opportunity to the cosmetics industry which has been saturated by female consumers.
ADULT DAY CARE PROVISION IN KUCHING, SARAWAK: POSITIVE AGING OR SOCIAL ISOLATION?
Authors: Kaur Parveen , Seh Jin Au Yong , Chi Lim Wei , Zoferi Nurul ‘Ain Natasya Binti , Jawaid Arif
Published: March 2019

Ageing is a barrier for old people to fully engage in social activities. The population of senior citizens is growing at a fast pace globally. Therefore, certain organizations have been making effort to ensure that they stay happily and contribute to society, thus reducing social problems. One of the services organized is adult day care services. Due to the modern medical technology and professional health care system, the longevity of a person has advanced. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of adult day care services in this modern era. The samples of this research were eight senior citizens and ten care workers. This research was carried out in five branches of Kenneth Care home which are located in Kuching, Sarawak. This study used qualitative method to get more information and detail answers from the respondents. Indepth interview using questionnaires and systematic observation were utilised in this research. Findings of this study show that the use of adult day care in Kuching is not attractive and conducive to the respondents. Moreover, the majority of the respondents showed great concerns about the provision of services. This study would benefit the care-workers, the senior citizens, and their stakeholders. Subsequently, it will help to improve the provision provided.
The Influence of Finely Ground Mineral Admixture (FGMA) on Efflorescence
Authors: Ming Wei Ong , Mohamed Sutan Norsuzailina
Published: March 2019

Efflorescence phenomenon on concrete is not new and found in the form of white deposits on surfaces of concrete. Incorporation of Finely Ground Mineral Admixture (FGMA) in concrete to prevent occurrence of efflorescence is based on reduction of portlandite, densified microstructure and thus enhanced watertightness. The magnitude of efflorescence in term of percentage of calcium carbonate formation of FGMA modified mortar were evaluated at water-cement ratio of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 with 10%, 20%, and 30% of cement replacement by weight. The samples were tested with chemical analysis at 7, 14, 21, 28, 60 and 90 days. The FGMA additions into mortar were comparing with ordinary mortar to evaluate enhanced performance of FGMA modified mortar toward efflorescence. The results of this experiment showed that addition of FGMA into mortar caused less formation of calcium carbonate as partial replacement of cement with certain w/c ratio and percentage of cement replacement.
Removal of Atrazine from Water Using Oil Palm Shell Based Adsorbents: Equilibrium and Kinetic Study
Authors: Moh H. T. , Tan Ivy A. W. , Lim Leonard L. P.
Published: March 2019

Adsorption using granular activated carbon (GAC) in a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) has been proven in inhibiting the further spread of contaminant plumes in groundwater. GAC synthesized from oil palm shell was chosen for groundwater remediation in this study due to the low operation cost using the adsorption process. In this study, GAC synthesized from oil palm shells were used as adsorbent to adsorb atrazine from water. This study involved a series of batch experiment to determine the adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of adsorbent. The batch experiment was conducted by shaking conical flasks containing 0.6 g GAC in 300 mL solution with initial atrazine concentrations of 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/L at 180 rpm at 30 ± 2 °C. The GAC showed more than 95 % of atrazine removal in all the batch experiments. The adsorption kinetic study showed that the adsorption of atrazine is of physisorption as the experimental data is fitted better to the pseudo-first-order model than the pseudo- second-ordermodel.Intheadsorptionisothermstudy,theadsorptionofatrazineontoGACwasbetterdescribedbytheFreundlich model which indicated multilayer adsorption on the heterogeneous surface of the adsorbent. The atrazine adsorption capacity of the GAC was 15.132 mg/g, which was higher than that using the activated carbon synthesized from waste charcoal (13.947 mg/g). ThisstudyshowsthatthereisapotentialforGACtobeusedforremediatinggroundwatercontaminatedbypesticides.
Removal of Atrazine from Aqueous Solutions Using HNO3 Treated Oil Palm Shell-Based Adsorbent
Authors: Tan I.A.W. , Lim L.L.P. , Lim K.T.
Published: March 2019

Activated carbon is a prominent material for adsorption of atrazine, however its usage is restricted due to the high cost. Thus, alternative adsorbent derived from agricultural waste has been investigated. This study focused on the feasibility of developing low-cost adsorbent from oil palm shell for removal of atrazine from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was derived from oil palm shell using HNO3 treatment. The derived adsorbent was characterized for the surface morphology and surface chemistry using SEM and FTIR, respectively. Adsorption equilibrium experiments were carried out in batch mode to investigate the effects of adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, contact time and solution pH on the adsorption uptake of atrazine on the adsorbent. The Freundlich isotherm model showed a better correlation compared to Langmuir isotherm model to fit the equilibrium data, giving the adsorption capacity of 0.046 mg/g(l/mg)1/n at 30 oC. Atrazine solutions with pH 2 showed the highest adsorption uptake of 17.68%. The highest percentage removal was found to be 6.06% with adsorbent dosage of 2 g/200 ml. The adsorption process was found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model more than the pseudo-first-order kinetic model as the correlation coefficients, R2 for the pseudo-second-order kinetic model were relatively higher for all atrazine concentrations, ranging from 0.878-0.999. The adsorbent derived was proven to be feasible in removing atrazine from aqueous solutions.
A Study on the Relationship between Climate Change and Peak Discharge in Sarawak River Basin
Authors: Chiew S.Y. , Selaman O.S. , Afshar N.R.
Published: March 2019

These Earth's climate is getting warmer, and the signs are everywhere. Abnormal river discharge is one of the impacts that can be found in local scale. This endangering condition leads to the necessary attention on river basin in Sarawak, Malaysia and hence gives birth to this study. The objective of this study is to examine the existence of climate change on Sungai Sarawak River Basin through a hydrologic analysis of river discharge of three water level stations: Station Rayu, Station Git and Station Buan Bidi. The methods applied are mass-curve coupled with Gumbel’s graphical statistical method and annual hydrograph. Mass curve plotted shows the deviation of cumulative peak discharge from its original trend with Stations Rayu, Git and Buan Bidi started straying since years 1998, 2001 and 2004 respectively. After breakpoint, Gumbel’s graphical statistical method for chance percent evaluation clearly implies the chance percent for all (exception for Station Buan Bidi) discharges has decreased throughout the years. Whereas Gumbel’s graphical statistical method for return period evaluation suggested an extension of return period after the transition year (exception for Station Rayu). Two graphical methods pointed to the same direction – rate of decline shifting is greater for high flow as compared to low flow. Broadly speaking, precipitation has not much effect on the discharge variation according to annual hydrographs plotted. However, an obvious decrease in monthly average discharge throughout 18 years was found after change at Station Rayu. This support the climate change fact of “dry getting drier”. Water shrinkage in Sarawak River Basin is expected to be experienced frequently in the future.
Effect of Mercerization and Acetylation on Properties of Coconut Fiber and its Influence on Modified Bitumen
Authors: Tan Ivy A. W. , WU W. H. , Chan Ron A. , L. P. Lim Leonard
Published: March 2019

Coconut fiber, one of many types of natural fibers, is an agricultural waste which is left unutilized after the coconut fruits and juice are extracted. In this research, the effect of the different chemical treatments on the morphological, chemical and physical properties of coconut fiber and its influence on the properties of the modified bitumen were studied. The mercerization effectively altered the surface morphology and reduced the diameter of the coconut fiber. The waxy layer present on the surface of the coconut fiber was significantly reduced after mercerization. Acetylation reported minor reduction on the waxy layer and did not cause any significant changes on the diameter of the coconut fiber. The chemical characterization reported that the hemicelluloses were present only on the surface of the natural coconut fiber whereas the peak of Fourier Transform Infrared spectra associated with the presence of waxes was observed for natural and chemically treated coconut fibers. The bitumen modified with chemically treated coconut fibers exhibited lower penetration values and higher softening point. From the analyses of penetration value, softening point and penetration index, the bitumen modified with 10% NaOH and 50% CH3COOH treated coconut fibers resulted in enhanced properties for paving binders to be used in warmer region.