bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Trichoderma sp. on Anthracnose Disease of Stored Chilli
Authors: Yan Zee Kar , Tu Anh Vu Thanh
Published: March 2019

Chilli is commonly used as spice in Malaysian culinary, principal ingredients in paste (sambal) and as the raw material in sauce industry. Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum capsici is one of the major causes of economic loss to chilli production especially in Asia. Even a small lesion on chilli might affect the quality, thus the market value of the chilli. Disease symptoms caused by C. capsici include brown, circular and sunken lesion with concentric rings of black acervuli. Chemicals have been used to treat the chilli but they might cause environmental pollution, affect human health and lead to pathogen resistance to the chemicals. Therefore, an alternative method to chemical control is required. In this study, C. capsici was isolated from a naturally infected chilli fruit (Capsicum frutescens), and a species of Trichoderma was isolated from the rhizosphere of grasses. Pure cultures of both fungi were established then used in antagonism studies in in vitro and in vivo. Dual culture of pathogens and Trichoderma sp. indicated that Trichoderma sp. competed with C. capsici for space and nutrients, caused the loss of turgidity of the fungal hyphae, and reduced the fungal growth by producing volatile metabolites. Trichoderma sp. decreased disease severity on chilli artificially inoculated fruits up to 64% when Trichoderma mycelial plug was used and 55% when culture filtrate was applied. Field trials are recommended to examine the antagonism of Trichoderma sp. in real production conditions.

Keywords: Anthracnose, biological control, Colletotrichum capsici, Trichoderma sp.
The Geology of Upper Baleh River, Kapit, Sarawak
Authors: Muol Edward , Noweg Gabriel Tonga
Published: March 2019

Geological mapping of the proposed Baleh National Park, Sarawak was conducted during the Heart of Borneo Expedition in Mid November 2015 with Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. A geological map of the study area is compiled together with maps of the previous studies. The proposed Baleh National Park is made up of plateau and mountain chains. The topography of the study area is closely related to the geology. The plateau is underlain by the volcanic rocks which consists predominantly of tuff and dacitic rocks with scattered agglomerate, while the mountain chains are the ridges which striking east-west direction are underlain by slate interbedded with siltstone, sandstone and mud clast conglomerate of the Layar Member. The Layar Member of the Belaga Formation is suit of deep ocean marine deposits during the Late Cretaceous [100.5–66 million years ago (ma)]. The plateau of the Bukit Tiban was formed as a result of the volcanic eruption during the Late Miocene (11.6–5.3 ma). Several interesting geoheritage sites were observed in the study area.

Keywords: Bukit Tiban, columnar joints, dacite, geoheritage, Layar Member
The Oils from Stems, Leaves and Roots of Elephantopus scaber Linn.
Authors: Zailani Mohd Alhafiizh , Badruddin Ahmad Fasihuddin
Published: March 2019

The oil from stems, leaves and roots of Elephantopus scaber Linn. were extracted by solvent macerationtechnique. The percentage yield oil from stems, leaves and roots are 0.001%, 0.003% and 0.04%, respectively.The stem oil gives major constituents of pentacosane (12.3%), lupenyl acetate (11.7%) and fern-7-en-3β-ol(11.0%), while the leaf oil contains isooctyl phthalate (19.2%), hexadecanoic acid (15.0%) and α-linolenic acid(5.0%) as the major components. The major constituents identified in the root oil are hemellitol (11.6%), octylphthalate (6.0%), 1-nonadecanol (5.6%) and 1-octadecanol (5.5%). There were only three compounds detectedand identified in all three parts of the plant, namely decanedioic acid, bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ester, dotriacontane andpentacosane. The oils were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer and the compounds wereidentified by comparison with the mass spectral fragmentation pattern database.
A Preliminary Survey of Gastrointestinal Helminths of Murids (Rodentia: Muridae) at Five Selected Localities in Western Sarawak
Authors: Hamdan Nur Elfieyra Syazana , Wan Ismail Wan Nurainie , Abdullah M.T.
Published: March 2019

Field survey of gastrointestinal helminths on rodents from family Muridae were conducted at five localities inWestern Sarawak from June 2013 until April 2014. A total of 31 host individuals comprising six species ofmurids were examined for gastrointestinal helminths using opportunistic necropsy. The hosts examined wereLeopoldamys sabanus, Maxomys rajah, M. surifer, M. whiteheadi, Niviventer cremoriventer and Sundamysmuelleri. Of these host species, 186 individuals consisting of two taxonomic groups of helminths wererecovered, namely Nematoda and Cestoda. This study contributes to the growing literature on the infestation ofendoparasites in rodents especially in Sarawak.
Population Genetics of Tor douronensis in Sarawak – A Revisit
Authors: Md Azhar Muhammad Amirul Arib , Hassan Ruhana
Published: March 2019

Tor douronensis, known locally as Semah, is one of the valuable resources of Sarawak due to its high nutritional value and demand as game fish. Several molecular studies related to T. douronensis have been carried out and deposited in GenBank including the data collected from Ba Kelalan, Layar and Limbang. Although there are other studies on Tor spp., the data was not available in GenBank, thus there are not included in the analysis. One fieldtrip to Bakun Dam was carried out on June 2014 with initial aim to assess overall fish diversity. During this sampling, 11 individuals of T. douronensis were caught, which later subjected to molecular work to investigate the genetic structure and evolutionary relationship among four of T. douronensis in Sarawak using partial Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) mtDNA gene. A fragment of 465 bp of CO1 gene of T. douronensis was successfully amplified. Based on the phylogenetic trees generated, three clade could be observed namely Central, Southern, and Northern populations; 1st clade (haplogroup I) from Bakun, 2nd clade (haplogroup II) from Layar and 3rd clade (haplogroup III) from Ba Kelalan and Ulu Limbang. Overall, there were 13 haplotypes and none was shared among populations, suggesting low level of inter-population gene flow has been observed. The small number of migrants per generation (Nm<1.0) among the population indicated that the small populations were isolated possibly due to large geographical areas. All population had undergone expansion with a large negative value and significant test of Fu’ Fs in Bakun population suggested recent expansion. In addition, result also suggested that all populations did not deviate from evolutionary neutrality.
Application of PCR-Based DNA Fingerprinting Techniques for the Genetic Differentiation of Vibrio cholerae Non-01/Non-0139 Isolates from Kuching, Sarawak
Authors: Vincent Mickey , Lai Lee San , Ng Lee Tze Ng , Apun Kasing
Published: March 2019

Fifty-four Vibrio cholerae non-01/non-0139 isolates were evaluated for their genetic diversity via randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR), enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR) and BOX-PCR assays. Based on the various PCR fingerprints, the V. cholerae isolates were successfully differentiated into 39 types by RAPD-PCR, 43 types by ERIC-PCR, and 38 types by the BOX PCR, with the overall average polymorphic distances observed to be at 0.593, 0.527 and 0.504, respectively. The Simpson’s index of diversity of the isolates based on the fingerprinting analyses indicated that these DNA fingerprinting methods have high discriminatory power 0.986 (RAPD-PCR), 0.992 (ERIC-PCR) and 0.983 (BOX-PCR), and could be used independently or as supplements to other methods for the epidemiological investigation of the V. cholerae from water and seafood sources. The dendrograms constructed also showed that the V. cholerae isolates were clustered into several main clusters and sub-clusters, suggesting that different strains were circulating in the water environment and in the seafood sources. We conclude that molecular genotyping of V. cholerae isolates from surface water and seafood samples in Kuching, Sarawak (Malaysia) enabled high level observation of clonal diversity within V. cholerae isolates, and is directly applicable for the molecular epidemiological studies of the V. cholerae isolates.
Toxicity Testing of Three Commonly Used Herbicides on Soil- Dwelling Ant (Family: Formicidae - Odontomachus simillimus)
Authors: Zanuri Siti Hanisah , Khalik Mohd Zacaery
Published: March 2019

Toxicity evaluation of three commonly used herbicides by public consumer in Kuching district, namely:glyphosate-isopropylamine, triclopyr butotyl and clethodim were conducted against soil-dwelling ants,Odontomachus simillimus. Different concentrations (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 and 65%) of selected herbicides withfive replicates for each concentration with addition of one negative control were tested in this study. The antswere treated with 1 μL of herbicides at the thorax and the observations of mortality were recorded within 24hours. By using probit analysis, LD50 and LD90 values of three selected herbicides were obtained: glyphosateisopropylamine1.76% and 1.83%, triclopyr butotyl 1.56% and 1.88%, and clethodim 0.47% and 0.94%,respectively. Triclopyr butotyl was found as the most toxic herbicide followed by clethodim and glyphosateisopropylaminebased on the study conducted.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver/Titanium dioxide Core-Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Chin Suk Fun , Pang Suh Cem , Idely Dom Freda Emmanuel
Published: March 2019

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with mean diameter of 150 nm were synthesized by using an aqueous-basedreduction method. Ascorbic acid and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used as a reducing agent and as acatalyst, respectively. These AgNPs were subsequently coated with a layer of TiO2 to form Ag/TiO2 core-shellnanoparticles by using a sol-gel method. The particle sizes and morphology of Ag/TiO2 core-shellnanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transition electronmicroscopy (TEM). The photocatalytic activity of the Ag/TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles were evaluated basedon the degradation of methylene blue (MB) as the model reaction. The TiO2 coating has resulted in theenhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag nanoparticles as compared to bare Ag nanoparticles.
PHYLOGENY OF Holothuria leucospilota (ECHINODERMATA: HOLOTHUROIDEA) AS INFERRED FROM CYTOCHROME C OXIDASE I mtDNA GENE SEQUENCES
Authors: Idris Mohd Yaman , Ahmad Hajar Fauzan , Hashim Ridzwan , Usup Gires , Rehan Aisyah Mohamed , Kamarudin Kamarul Rahim
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to generate the genetic profile of Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (Brandt 1835) from Intan Besar Island, Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia and then to determine the phylogenetic relationship between H. leucospilota and other members of genus Holothuria available in the GenBank using partial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene. In this study, tree topologies of neighbour joining, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood show that H. leucospilota has its own monophyletic clade clearly distinct from the other species and it is genetically closer to Holothuria (Acanthotrapeza) coluber Semper 1868.
Molecular Phylogeny of Sarawak Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) inferred by the D-loop region and 16S rRNA gene.
Authors: Yahya Nurhartini kamalia , Hassan Ruhana , Sallehin Awang Husaini Awang Ahmad
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to sequence the D-loop region and 16S rRNA gene of Chelonia mydas in order to determine the relationships between 15 individuals of green sea turtles nesting in two separate islands of Sarawak, namely the Satang Besar Island and the Talang-Talang Island. A total of 15 D-loop region sequences of 360 bp and nine 16S rRNA gene sequences of 550 bp were obtained in this study. Results based on these two genes showed that there are some genetic variations between samples collected from both islands. Pairwise distance analysis revealed between zero to 6% genetic divergence using information on D-loop region and zero to 1.8% genetic divergence using 16S rRNA gene between individuals. The phylogenetic trees constructed using D-loop information revealed the presence of two clades in which clade A comprises of mixtures of individuals from both islands whereas clade B only showed individuals from Talang-Talang Island. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene data set, only one clade was observed. More samples is needed in the future to clarify whether natal homing, chance-encounter or social facilitation hypothesis is more suited to Sarawak green turtle rookeries.
Effect of Media and Temperature on Growth and Preliminary Detection of Ligninolytic and Cellulolysic Activity of Trametes spp.
Authors: Ali Afni , Muid Sepiah
Published: March 2019

Effects of media and temperatures on growths of Trametes cervina (Schwein.) Bres., T. ljubarski Pilat, T. orientalis (Yasuda) Imazeki and T. velutina (Pers.) G. Cunn were studied. There was significant different of effect of media on growth of all the Trametes isolates. All of the four Trametes isolates were able to grow on Malt Extract Agar (MEA), Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Yeast Malt Agar (YMA) and Corn Meal Agar (CMA), however, no growth of T. cervina was seen on Czapek Dox Agar (CDA). Colony growth rates varied depending on the media and isolate of the fungi. T. orientalis showed the fastest growth while T. cervina showed the slowest growth on all the tested media. Although, T. ljubarski, T. orientalis and T. velutina can grow on CDA, the formation of mycelia was sparsely. There were significant differences of effect of temperature on growth of the Trametes isolates. T. orientalis and T. velutina, both, can grow at temperature up to 40oC, T. ljubarski can growth at temperature up to 35oC while T. cervina at temperature up to 30oC only. The optimum growth temperature for, both, T. orientalis and T. velutina was at 30oC, while for isolate T. ljubarski at 35oC and T. cervina at 25oC. All of the four Trametes isolates showed excellent cellulosic activity, indicated by the formation of clearing zone in the test media. The diameters of the degraded area formed by all of the Trametes isolates were more than 8 cm. T. orientalis and T. ljubarski degraded lignin better than T. cervina or T. velutina
Changing Nature of Health Crisis from Infectious Diseases and Responses Over Three Decades in Malaysia
Authors: Arif Mohamad Taha
Published: March 2019

The author relates his 35 years experiences serving the public health sector in various capacities at district, state and country levels in Malaysia. He described several important outbreaks encountered such as malaria, dengue, cholera, enterovirus encephalitis, Nipah virus encephalitis, avian influenza, SARS and leptospirosis. He discussed the determinants of infectious diseases outbreak such as the pathogenicity of the organism, the environmental factors, human and animal factors. The impact of these outbreaks affected the economy, psychosocial, political and international relations. The responses to these outbreaks had improved along with the development of new technologies in diagnosis, surveillance, information technology and human resource development. The author also identified the importance of networking, appropriate risk and crisis communication and the management of the after effect of the outbreak. Apart from outbreak preparedness plan, research remains an important tool in discovering new diseases and appropriate ways of responding to the crisis.
A New Record From East Malaysia: Sphaerolaimus macrocirculus (Nematoda)
Authors: Rosli Norliana Mohd , Mohd Long Shabdin , Cheng Cheng-Ann
Published: March 2019

A new record of Sphaerolaimus macrocirculus (Filipjev 1918) in East Malaysian coastal water was described. The species was isolated from the muddy area of Muara Tebas, Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 47 species of Sphaerolaimus have been reported worldwide. Samples of Sphaerolaimus macrocirculus were previously recorded in the sublittoral mud area of temperate country. S. macrocirculus possesses a stout body (1.1 – 1.6 mm; De Man ratios: a (body length/body width) = 16.8 – 27.5; b (body length/oesophagus length) = 2.3 – 4.3; c (body length/tail length) = 5.6 – 8.6). The circular amphid is very clear and situated at the base of the cephalic capsule. In male, the amphid ranged from 11.3 – 14.3 μm in diameter (mean = 12.7 ± 1.3) and 0.4 c.d. (corresponding diameter). In female, the amphid ranged from 7.2 – 9.4 μm in diameter (mean 7.8 ± 0.9) and 0.2 c.d. The species is characterised by the presence of eight groups of subcephalic setae at the head region and three longer terminal setae.
Razor Clams (Class Bivalvia) of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia: Morphology, Genetic Diversity and Heavy Metal Concentration
Authors: Hassan Ruhana , Kanakaraju Devagi
Published: March 2019

Razor Clam (Bivalvia) could be easily identified as having two long, narrow shell valves connected by hinges, two siphons and one strong foot. It plays important role in ecological services besides providing food and extra income for the coastal communities. As filter feeder, razor clam is a good indicator for heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments. In Selangor, razor clam is locally known as ‘siput buluh’, yet, there is no proper scientific documentation on this species. This short study was carried out to assess the morphology of razor clams in Selangor for species identification and to sequence the Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene for determination of its genetic diversity. Heavy sea traffics occurred in the sea near to the mudflat where razor clams were abundantly found has raised question whether razor clams were safe to be consumed. Therefore, this study is also designed to determine the level of selected heavy metals concentration in different body parts of razor clams. Based on selected morphometric and meristic data, razor clams of Kuala Selangor obtained during this study were Solen sarawakensis although many individuals displayed darker outer shell colouration and slightly thicker, longer and heavier shells. Based on analyses of putative COI gene sequences of approximately 677bp, there was a strong genetic divergence (11.7%) between S. sarawakensis inhabiting Kuala Selangor and Kuching Bay, Sarawak suggesting that although both razor clams were very similar morphologically, they could actually be two different species. Tissues of razor clams sampled from mudflat area in Kuala Selangor showed high concentration of Fe (146.50 mg/kg) and Mn (94.00 mg/kg). Other heavy metal elements namely Cr (42.50 mg/kg) and Cd (33.00 mg/kg) were also recorded during this study, occurring mainly in the shells. Traces of Hg were also detected, and its concentration did not differ much among the different parts analyzed.
Status and Geographical Distribution of Indigenous and Quarantine Fruit Fly Species (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Sarawak
Authors: Fu Felicia Kueh Tai , Gumbek Megir , Hanapi Sulaiman
Published: March 2019

The provision of reliable pest records, one of which is fruit fly record, is one of the vital components under the International Plant Protection Convention. A fifteen-month survey to detect fruit flies using male pheromone lure trapping method was carried out from April 2010 to July 2011. The standard Steiner traps and three types of lures (ME-lure, CUE-lure and Trimed-lure) were used. The traps were placed at every five kilometre interval along the east-west trunk road of Sarawak. The geographical distribution of the fruit fly species was established through Global Positioning System mapping. Twenty species of Dacinae fruit flies which includes nine unknown Bactrocera species were detected along the east-west trunk road of Sarawak. The main species of fruit fly caught in the ME-lure trap were Bactrocera papayae, B. carambolae and B. umbrosa, whereas B. cucurbitae, B. papayae, B. caudata, B. tau, B. apicalis, B. nigrotibialis and B. albistrigata were caught in the CUE-lure trap. The quarantine species, which is species of potential economically importance in Sarawak, B. correcta, B. dorsalis, B. occipitalis and B. zonata were absent in both ME-lure and CUE-lure traps. The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) was not detected in the Trimed-lure trap. Out of the twelve identified species, eleven of them were detected along the main road of Sarawak. Bactrocera papayae and B. caudata were abundant, whereas the other species were more prevalent at some locations.
Distributions of Dissolved Manganese in the Surface Waters of the Tropical North-Eastern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Idrus Farah Akmal
Published: March 2019

The tropical North-Eastern Atlantic (TNEA) Ocean region receives high atmospheric input every year, mostly from the Saharan dust and soil. This atmospheric dust and its deposition in the surface ocean are considered to be an important supply of nutrients and trace metal (e.g. dissolved manganese (DMn)) to the euphotic zone of the open ocean regions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the input of DMn from atmospheric sources and from nearby islands into the TNEA Ocean. A set of surface samples were collected from the Tropical NE Atlantic Ocean, and were analysed for DMn by using the flow injection analyser with chemiluminescence (FIA-CL). Results suggest the land-sources of DMn near to the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands and the African Continent contributed the major inputs of DMn, where high DMn concentrations were determined, with the highest is 3.87±0.05 nM. The lateral advective flux of DMn was higher (47 μmol/m2/d) than the atmospheric flux of DMn (0.17 μmol/m2/d), thus making the shelf and sediment as the most prominent sources of DMn in the seawater close to the islands. From this atmospheric flux of DMn, it was then possible to estimate the DMn enrichment at further offshore dust event regions of 0.73 nM/yr and consistent with the DMn background concentrations. This support the low residence time calculated in dust event regions of around 1 year. In conclusion, the shelf and sediment are the most prominent DMn sources in the seawater close to the islands and mainland, while in further offshore, the atmospheric inputs are dominant.
Physicochemical Parameters of Surface Seawater in Malaysia Exclusive Economic Zones Off the Coast of Sarawak
Authors: Idrus Farah Akmal , Chong Melissa Dennis , Abd Rahim Nur Syazwani , Mohd Basri Masania , Musel Jamil
Published: March 2019

Physicochemical characteristics of seawater play crucial role for productive marine ecosystem and fisheries activities. The limited information of Sarawak surface seawaters provide objective to determine the physicochemical characteristics in Malaysia Exclusive Economic Zone off the Coast of Sarawak. A total of 38 samples were collected using Van Dorn Waals Sampler and the physicochemical characteristics were measured using physicochemical parameter probes. Ranges for dissolved oxygen (DO) was 3.73-6.83 mg/l, temperature was 27.03-30.13ºC, pH was 7.63-7.82, salinity was 33.77-36.77 ppt, turbidity was 0.01-1.01 NTU, chlorophylla concentration was 0.01-4.52 mg/l, nitrate was 0.01–0.08 mg/l, nitrite was 0.001–0.012 mg/l and phosphate was 0.01–5.95 mg/l. There was positive correlation between chlorophyll-a and nutrients that indicated the biological uptake by biota (e.g. phytoplankton). In conclusion, the present study shows that the Malaysia Exclusive Economic Zone off the Coast of Sarawak had minimal pollution based on Malaysia Marine Water Quality Criteria. An update for physicochemical characteristics of surface seawaters in the coverage areas is required as future work.
Checklist of Molluscs (Gastropoda and Bivalvia) of Malaysia Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Sarawak Waters
Authors: PONNUSAMI JAYASRI , AZIZ FAZIMAH
Published: March 2019

Most of the molluscs studies in Malaysia have focused only on their diversity and the knowledge on their relationship with the water depth are lacking. The hypothesis tested in this research was water depth influence the density of marine gastropods and bivalves of Malaysia Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Sarawak waters. The aim of the study was to determine the gastropod and bivalve species in Malaysia EEZ of Sarawak waters and the relationship of the species density with water depth. The sampling was conducted from 15th August 2015 until 9th October 2015. The gastropods and bivalves were collected from 32 stations of various depths using the Smith-McIntyre grab. The depth of the stations was from 20 m to 200 m. A total of 95 taxa (61 Gastropoda and 34 Bivalvia) were found in this study. The dominant molluscs species of Sarawak waters in Malaysia EEZ were Limopsis sp., Turitella cingulifera, Pitar citrinus, and Cavolinia globulosa. Species density was about 10 ind./m2 to 610 ind./m2 and the total density was between 250 ind./m2 (Station 22) and 1,940 ind./m2 (Station 2). The total density of gastropods and bivalves showed weak correlation and negative relationship with the depth of water. The findings of this study will aid future studies in Malaysia EEZ. 

Keywords: Bivalves, gastropods, Malaysia EEZ, Sarawak waters
Nutrient Level of a Young Tropical Hydroelectric Dam Reservoir in Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Ling Teck Yee , Gerunsin Norliza , Soo Chen Lin , Lee Nyanti , Sim Siong Fong , Grinang Jongkar
Published: March 2019

Monitoring the nutrient level of a reservoir is crucial as excess nutrients can lead to hypoxia and fish kills in the reservoir. Hence, this study was carried out to examine the nutrient level of the Bakun reservoir, which is a newly built hydroelectric reservoir in Sarawak, Malaysia. Water samples were taken at five stations in the reservoir at three different depths (surface layer, 10 m, and 20 m) in November 2013. The present study demonstrated that Bakun reservoir contained low nitrite-nitrogen (≈ 0.005 mg/L) and nitrate-nitrogen (≈ 0.005 mg/L) concentrations but high five-day biochemical oxygen demand (≈ 4.73 mg/L) and organic Kjeldahl nitrogen (≈ 0.16 mg/L) concentrations indicating that organic pollution occurred in the reservoir. On the other hand, a mean total phosphorus concentration of 98.3 μg/L in the Bakun reservoir complied with the 200 μg/L standard value of Class II according to National Water Quality Standards in Malaysia. The nutrient level in the Bakun reservoir differed according to sampling stations and depths. Samplings stations located at Murum River downstream of the Murum dam construction site showed peak value of turbidity (182 FNU) and organic Kjeldahl nitrogen (0.45 mg/L) particularly at deeper water column. Batang Balui and Linau River were observed with higher five-day biochemical oxygen demand (> 6 mg/L) compared to other stations. Station near to the Bakun hydroelectric dam contained relatively high nitrite-nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations but low nitrate-nitrogen and organic Kjeldahl nitrogen concentrations. Anthropogenic activities such as floating house and Murum dam construction have influenced the nutrients level in the reservoir.

Keywords : Bakun hydroelectric reservoir, dam construction, nitrogen, phosphorus, turbidity
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE PROFITABILITY IN THE KOREAN CREDIT CARD BUSINESS?
Authors: Seo Ji-Yong
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the hypothetically influential factors in the profitability of Korean credit card firms based on the findings of previous studies. By using recent Korean credit card business data, the study determines whether internal and external factors affect profitability in the operating activities of credit card firms. The main findings are as follows. First, Korean credit card firms are mainly affected by the portion of the interest margin contribution from the perspective of business diversification. Second, the level of risk management in Korean credit card firms plays a critical role in enhancing their profitability. Third, large asset investment is not helpful in increasing the profitability of Korean credit card firms.Keywords: Hypothetically Influential Factors; Interest Margin Contribution; Level of Risk Management; Large Asset Investment.
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES FOR MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING VIA PERSONAL NETWORKS: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY FROM COLOMBIA
Authors: Franco William , Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra
Published: March 2019

Although multi-level marketing (MLM) and direct sales companies have risen controversies and ethical concerns in recent years, MLM has rapidly expanded to developing and emerging markets in the last decades. Companies like Yanbal, Amway and Oriflame, are some of the multinationals that have internationalized in the Latin America and the Caribbean. Through a grounded theory approach, and using Colombia as a sample of a Latin American country, the internationalization of these companies was analyzed. A vast amount of the data collection for this study was gathered through an ethnographic immersion, and through participant observation, the activities and recruiting practices of these firms was analyzed to determine if they provided international income opportunities in the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) markets. The ethnographic research found that several multi-level and direct sales companies provide international income opportunities, but do not contribute to the increase of formal jobs creation. The results of this study contribute to the existing literature on multi-level marketing and direct retailing firms and the study provides insights about the internationalization of the MLM companies operating in countries with a predominant population at the BOP through personal networks.Keywords: Internationalization; Multi-level Marketing; Direct Sales; BOP; Latin America; Business Networks.“This business opportunity is for those who want to succeed as independent entrepreneurs and not worry wondering if you are going to be employed or not in the future. Not having to wonder what are you going to do to survive another month because your salary is not enough” (Amway Host, 2014).
RELATIVE PRICE EFFECTS OF MONETARY POLICY SHOCK IN MALAYSIA: A SVAR STUDY
Authors: Zaidi Mohd. Azlan Shah , Abdul Karim Zulkefly , Azman-Saini W.N.W.
Published: March 2019

Studies on Malaysia monetary policy mostly examine the effect of monetary policy change on output and inflation in aggregate terms. While sectoral output effects of monetary policy have also been investigated, there is however a lack in the study on the effect of policy change on disaggregated inflation. This paper attempts to examine the later issue by employing structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model. By estimating the model separately for each sub-group of Malaysian consumer price index, we find that a modest monetary policy shock results in varying degree of responses in disaggregated inflation. In other words, some sub-group inflation react instantly while others respond sluggishly to a monetary policy shock. In contrast to aggregate inflation response, there is also evidence of price puzzle. The results give some insight to monetary authority on how to control inflation in aggregate as well as in disaggregate terms and in turn manage the cost of living issues in Malaysia.
IMPLEMENTATION OF A QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN RURAL ACCOMMODATIONS: PERCEIVED BENEFITS
Authors: García José Álvarez , Del Río Rama María de la Cruz , Simonetti Biagio
Published: March 2019

The aim of the research is to analyze the impact of the perceived benefits of implementation and subsequent certification of a Quality Management System on the implementation level of the critical quality factors and results obtained. The empirical study was conducted in 100 of the 227 rural accommodations certified in Spain. The methodology consists of a descriptive analysis of the benefits perceived by the establishments and conducting a factor analysis, in order to determine the structure of the benefits and lastly, the hypotheses are contrasted and verified using a cluster analysis. The results obtained show that the benefits in this sector are grouped into two clusters; internal and external benefits, and it has been confirmed that the higher the benefit levels arising from the implementation and certification, the higher the implementation levels of the critical factors and results obtained.Keywords: Quality Management; Q for Tourist Quality; Benefits; Critical Factors; Results; Tourist Accommodation.
STEP UP THE HEAT: A REGRESSION DISCONTINUITY ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF HOME HEATING SUBSIDY ON ENERGY EXPENDITURE
Authors: Soon Jan-Jan
Published: March 2019

Using a recent housing survey micro level dataset, this paper estimates the causal effects of receiving a home heating subsidy on different types of energy expenditure. Applying a regression discontinuity design quasi-experimental framework, identification for the causal treatment effect of energy subsidy is achieved by exploiting exogenous variations generated from the subsidy eligibility rule. Results are obtained from three model estimations: first-stage, reduced-form, and second stage estimations. The main finding from each of these estimations are: (i) energy subsidy eligibility increases the probability of receiving the subsidy, (ii) subsidy eligibility decreases energy expenditure, and (iii) subsidy receipt decreases energy expenditure. For an eligible household, its probability of receiving the subsidy increases between 2 to 8 percentage points at the threshold. Just by virtue of being eligible, such households see an approximate 8% to 25% decrease in their total energy expenditure at the threshold. Households that receive energy subsidies decrease their total energy expenditure by about half to three-quarters at the threshold.Keywords: Energy Subsidy; HEAP; Energy Expenditure; Home Space Heating; Regression Discontinuity.
THE EFFECT OF SUPPLY CHAIN LINKAGE ON MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES’ PERFORMANCE
Authors: Ya’kob Siti Aisyah , Wan Jusoh Wan Jamaliah
Published: March 2019

The practice of linking the enterprises with their channel members through supply chain activities is meant to achieve better performance and to create a win-win situation for both sides. A study on supply chain linkages is necessary in order to observe the effect of the linkages on firms’ performance. Therefore, this study is conducted to examine the factors of supply chain linkages that affect the business performance among micro and small enterprises. Three factors were proposed, which are information sharing, development programme and outsourcing. A total of 214 sets of questionnaires was completed by owners and firm’s personnel from 13 industrial sectors. The findings from this study revealed that information sharing and development programme have a significant and positive relationship with firms’ performance. Even though outsourcing shows a positive relationship with firms’ performance, but the relationship was not statistically significant. The results provide a better understanding of information sharing, development programme and outsourcing from micro and small enterprise perspective in Sarawak.Keywords: Supply Chain; Information Sharing; Development Programme; Outsourcing; Performance; Micro and Small Enterprise.
WILLINGNESS TO PAY IN KUBAH NATIONAL PARK AND MATANG WILDLIFE CENTRE: A CONTINGENT VALUATION METHOD
Authors: Abu Bakar Nor Afiza , Radam Alias , Samdin Zaiton , Yacob Mohd Rusli
Published: March 2019

National Park is an important component in the protected area system, and plays a key role in the tourism industry, precisely through ecotourism. Since its inception, the national park concept has been defined in different ways, but it is often connected with the idea of conservation and preservation of the nature and its ecosystems. Having the challenges in the determination of the value (price) of the non-market goods and services, non-market valuation techniques such as Contingent Valuation Method and Choice Experiment have been developed to cater the issues in valuing environmental goods. This study seeks to study on the association of ecotourism as a segment of tourism in Malaysia. However, the scope of this study is limited to the valuation of ecotourism of NPs in Malaysia, particularly in Kubah National Park, Sarawak. Data were obtained using questionnaires from face-to face interviews. A sample of 618 respondents, comprising of visitors and non-visitors (Kuching residents) were involved in the study.Keywords: Willingness to Pay; Kubah National Park; Ecotourism; Contingent Valuation Method; Entrance Fees.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FRAMEWORK FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF TYPES OF B2B EC STRATEGIES
Authors: Choe Jong-Min
Published: March 2019

Many prior studies have only investigated one or two kinds of business to business (B2B) electronic commerce (EC), and did not develop or suggest a framework for the classification of forms of B2B EC. This study focused on B2B EC with suppliers. Based on the degrees of information sharing between buyers and sellers as well as the levels of suppliers' power, we suggested a framework that is useful for classifying types of B2B EC strategies. According to this framework, four kinds of B2B EC strategies were proposed: electronic marketplace, electronic procurement, electronic partnerships and electronic distribution. With a cluster analysis, we empirically confirmed these four kinds of B2B EC strategies, and demonstrated the usefulness of a framework for the classification of types of B2B EC. The framework constructed in this study can be utilized in various ways. Specifically, when a firm wants to introduce B2B EC with suppliers, this framework can help a firm to decide and select an appropriate kind of B2B EC. This framework can also be applied to evaluate whether the proper form of B2B EC has been adopted or not.Keywords: Electronic Commerce; Information Sharing; Suppliers’ Power; Resource-Based View;Transaction Cost Theory.
FINANCIAL RISK EXPOSURES OF THE AIRLINES INDUSTRY: EVIDENCE FROM CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND CHINA AIRLINES
Authors: Yashodha Yasmin , Abdul Hamid Baharom , Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: March 2019

This study explores the long run and dynamic relationships between the stock price of Cathay Pacific Airways and China Airlines against key determinants of financial risks exposure confronting the airline industry, which include interest-rate, exchange rate and fuel price risk exposures for the period of January 1996 to December 2011. The (Johansen & Juselius, 1990) cointegration technique was employed to detect any long time trending relationship followed Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) and Vector Auto-Regression (VAR). The generalised forecast error variance decomposition and the generalised impulse response function were employed to comprehend the effects of theses financial risk exposures. Our empirical results suggest that exchange rate movements have a substantial impact, compared to the fuel price and interest rate exposures against the stock price of the analysed airline. Our findings play a pertinent role in the determination of the respective airlines foreign vulnerability and financial policies which would be helpful for industry players and policy makers from a financial stability perspective.Keywords: Airline; Stock Price; VECM; VAR; IRF.
LAND COMPENSATION GAP FOR THE RESETTLEMENT OF THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNTIES IN BAKUN HYDROELECTRIC DAM
Authors: Lee Wen-Chiat , Viswanathan K. Kuperan , Ali Jamal
Published: March 2019

Land compensation arising from relocation is a contested issue due to a lack of agreement on the levels of compensation by settlers. The effects of use values and non-use values on land compensation gap in Bakun Hydroelectric Dam in Sarawak, Malaysia are examined in this study. Multinomial Logit econometric estimators are used to examine the land compensation gap experienced by 379 settlers resettled as a result of the development project. The relationship between use values and non-use values in determining the land compensation gap is presented in the study. The gap is important in determining the satisfaction of settlers with regard to relocation. The findings can be used for better formulation of compensation policies in the case of large development projects.Keywords: Land Compensation Gap; Resettlement; Bakun Hydroelectric Dam; Use and Non-Use Values.
THE MODERATING IMPACTS OF AGE AND LOCUS OF CONTROL ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT BREACH-OUTCOMES RELATIONSHIPS: A VIETNAM-JAPAN COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Phuong Tran-Huy
Published: March 2019

The current study examines the moderating impacts of age and locus of control on the relationships between psychological contract breach and in-role job performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and intention to quit. Data were collected from both Vietnam and Japan to enable a comparative study. Vietnamese data were collected from MBA students while Japanese data were collected from employees at several small and medium sized companies. The final data sets consist of 364 observations for Vietnamese sample and 342 observations for Japanese sample. The results confirm the role of psychological contract breach as a predictor of workplace outcomes for both data sets. Age did not moderate the relationship between breach and intention to quit for Japanese data. For Vietnamese data, age moderated the relationship in that young employees are more likely to quit when experience psychological contract breach but such pattern decreases with age. Moreover, locus of control (LOC) moderated the relationship between breach and all three outcome variables in the predicted direction. The results suggest that Vietnamese company need to have policies to retain young employees who have 2-5 years of experience and pay more attention on employees’ personality at various stages of employment.Keywords: Psychological Contract Breach; Moderating Impact; Locus of Control; ComparativeStudy; Workplace Outcomes; Vietnam; Japan.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS IN FAMILY CONTROLLED FIRMS: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA
Authors: Chu Ei-Yet , Lai Tian-So , Song Saw-Imm
Published: March 2019

The hypothesis of financial constraints suggests that firms will be denied profitable investment dueto inaccessible to external capital markets as debt and equity financing are no longer perfectsubstitutions after firms utilize internal capital. In view of reduced investments during globalfinancial crisis in 2008-2009, the study investigates 157 firms, whether they face the issues offinancial constraints in Malaysia. In general, non-family firms rely heavily on the external debtmarket while family controlled firms utilizing internal cash and reducing their dependence on debtmarket for their investments, confirming financial constraints in family firms. However, thepresence of CEO duality does not exaggerate the problem of financial constraints, but rather leadsfamily firms to become stagnant in their investments. Independent directors appear to beineffective in governing family firms in issuing finances for investment. Apparently, their presencein family firms reduces firms’ investment opportunities either through internal cash and externaldebt financing, which could reduce shareholders’ value in the long-term.Keywords: Investments; Financial Constraints; Corporate Governance; Duality; IndependentDirector; Family Controlled firms.
THE IMPACT OF BACKGROUND MUSIC ON THE DURATION OF CONSUMER STAY AT STORES: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Soh Keng-Lin , Jayaraman K. , Choo Li-Peng , Kiumarsi Shayan
Published: March 2019

Consumers spend more time shopping and expect value-added options like backgroundmelodious songs, ample car parking, good ambience, prayer halls and rest rooms. The mainconcern is whether these facilities prolong consumers stay in the store and increase businesssales. This research article is about the relationship between the background music tempo andthe duration of consumers’ stay in the stores. Data from 177 respondents were received andanalyzed. The results show that the tempo of music is significantly affecting the emotionalstate of the consumers; fast tempo music increasing the pleasure and arousal levels. Slowtempo music has consumers stay longer in restaurants and supermarkets. However, the tempoof music does not play a significant role in manipulating the duration consumers spend in abook store and apparel shop.Keywords: Background Music; Arousal; Consumer Behavior; Shopping Experience; Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) Model.
THE INTERNATIONALISATION OF EMERGING MARKET HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDERS: EXPLORING TRANSNATIONAL PROVISION
Authors: Russell Eliza
Published: March 2019

The delivery of transnational higher education by emerging market providers is a relatively newphenomenon. While much has been written about mainly British, U.S. and Australian providersdelivering higher education programs offshore, this paper explores the transnational deliveryof education by two universities from emerging markets: Mexico's Sistema Tecnológico deMonterrey (Tec de Monterrey) and Malaysia's Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.By developing a comprehensive listing of the universities' transnational engagement andmotivations, and comparing them to traditional and contemporary firm internationalisationtheories, the paper is able to highlight some of the key similarities and differences between thetheory and practise in the context of emerging market transnational education providers. Thepaper finds that, despite the unique character of the sector, the patterns of internationalisationof Sistema Tecnológico de Monterrey and Limkokwing University of Creative Technologyare similar to those of firms in other industries. Furthermore, recent theories explaining theinternationalisation of developing country multinationals help to understand the speed atwhich both universities have internationalised and some of the business and non-businessadvantages gained from delivering programs abroad.Keywords: Transnational Education; Internationalisation, Emerging Markets,Internationalisation Theories, Higher Education, Mexico, Malaysia.
Analisis Maksim Perbualan Grice Dalam Soal Jawab TV3
Authors: Zahid Indirawati
Published: March 2019

Maksim Perbualan (MP) diusulkan oleh Grice (1975) dalam usaha mengurangkan salah faham dalam komunikasi. MP mempunyai empat maksim, iaitu kualiti, kuantiti, hubungan dan cara. Diyakini sekiranya kesemua pemeran mematuhi MP, komunikasi akan berlangsung dengan lancar. Walau bagaimanapun, realitinya, tidak kesemua MP akan dipatuhi. Analisis telah dilakukan pada struktur isi rancangan Soal Jawab TV3 dengan mengaplikasikan MP dan membincangkan faktor kepatuhan dan ketidakpatuhan MP. Antara metod yang diaplikasikan adalah muat turun, transkripsi dan analisis teks. Pemeran komunikasi dalam rancangan ini melibatkan dua orang moderator (M) dan dua orang pemerhati ekonomi (PE). Dapatan analisis memperlihatkan keempat-empat MP dipatuhi oleh M manakala PE tidak patuh pada MP kuantiti dan cara. Kepatuhan MP oleh M dipengaruhi antaranya oleh prosedur penerbitan, kemahiran berbahasa dan pengalaman kerja. Kepatuhan MP oleh PE bertitik tolak daripada sifat rancangan yang yang mempunyai rujukan, iaitu maksim kualiti; manakala maksim hubungan ditandai dengan penggunaan kosa kata seperti inflasi, GST dan BRIM, iaitu tema ekonomi. Ketidakpatuhan MP oleh PE ialah pelanggaran maksim kuantiti dan cara yang bertujuan pemahaman audiens. Walaupun ketidakpatuhan berlaku, kelancaran komunikasi tidak terjejas. Dapatan ini sekali gus menolak pendapat Finch (2000).