bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unseen Laws- A Quantitative Approach to Developments in North Korea’s Legal System
Authors: Weiser Martin
Published: March 2019

The position of law in North Korean politics and society has been a long concern of scholars as well as politicians and activists. Some argue it would be more important to understand the extra-legal rules that run North Korea like the Ten Principles on the leadership cult as they supersede any formal laws or the constitution.1 But the actual legal developments in North Korea, which eventually also mediate those leading principles and might even limit their reach, has so far been insufficiently explored. It is easy to point to North Korean secrecy as a main reason for this lacuna. But the numerous available materials and references on North Korean legislation available today have, however, not been fully explored yet, which has severely impeded progress in the field. Even publications officially released by North Korea to foreigners offer surprisingly detailed information on legal changes and the evolution of the law-making institutions. This larger picture of legal developments already draws a more detailed picture of the institutional developments in North Korean law and the broad policy fields that had been regulated from early on in contrast to the often-assumed absence of legislation in important fields like copyright, civil law or investment. It also shows that different to a monolithic system, various law-making institutions exist and fulfil discernably different legal responsibilities. Next to this limitation in content, scholars in the field currently also have not used all approaches legal developments in the North Korea could be analysed and interpreted with. Going beyond the reading of legal texts or speculating about known titles of still unavailable legislation, quantitative approaches can be applied ranging from the simple counting of laws to more sophisticated analysis of legislative numbering often provided with legislation. Understanding the various institutions as flexible in their roles and hence adoptable to shifts in leadership and policy agendas can also provide a more realistic picture of legal practices in North Korea.
SHANGHAI JAZZ MUSIC FROM 1930 TO 1949
Authors: Andrew Toe Yuan Loong
Published: March 2019

Jazz music emerged in Shanghai, China between the late 1920s and early 1930s. This paper documented and analysed Shanghai jazz music that was recorded from 1930 to 1949. Shanghai jazz music recorded and performed within this period was selected through stratified random sampling technique. All samples were analysed in terms of melody, harmony, rhythm and form. The results showed that Western diatonic scale was apparent in the melodies, instead of the usual Chinese pentatonic scale; primary chords were prevalent with minimal use of secondary chords in the harmony; the “oom-pah” rhythm in duple meter was most widely utilized; and the musical form has evolved from the earlier through-composed song form to the later “AABA” form. In conclusion, this research characterised Shanghai jazz music that were recorded between 1930 to 1949. It served to elevate the identity of this music and to prompt further research into Shanghai jazz music spanning from 1950s until present time.
THE IMPACT OF RELATIONAL VALUE TOWARDS CUSTOMER BRAND RELATIONSHIP STICKINESS IN THE CONTEXT OF MALAYSIAN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICE
Authors: Hashi Sharizal , Yasin Norjaya Mohammed
Published: March 2019

This study attempts to investigate the effects of customer value specifically the relational value towards customer brand relationship stickiness in Malaysian public higher education service. Investigating relational value is crucial because it has transpired as one of the basic operant resources of customer value in the service co-creation and contributed in the success of customer brand relationship. Using proportionate stratified random sampling, questionnaires were distributed to 701 postgraduate students studying in the Business and Social Science fields in the Malaysian public universities. The reliability of all the constructs tested produced satisfactory coefficients. Multiple regression and Partial Least Square (PLS) bootstrapping procedures were conducted. The findings support the Social Exchange Theory and previous body of research that indicate positive and significant relationships between customer value such as utility value, hedonic value and relational value including customer brand relationship stickiness pertinent to brand relationship quality and brand resonance. In addition, customer relationship stickiness with the service brand is largely dependent on the motivation of exchanging relational values compared to other customer value dimensions such as utility value and hedonic value. This indicates that relational values such as trust, bonding, empathy and mutual dependence are the key elements in the branding process of the service organisation. For this reason, the success of a service can only be achieved through a strong relationship between customers and the brand of the service. Therefore, this paper offers evidence of the association concerning relationship perspective in the social exchange theory. The contribution of this study is an effort to expand customer brand relationship knowledge particularly in the service domain. Keywords: Customer Brand Relationship; Customer Value; Brand Relationship Quality; Brand Resonance; Social Exchange Theory; Malaysian Public Higher Education.
FACTORS INFLUENCING CROSS-SCREEN ENGAGEMENT IN YOUNG CHINESE USERS
Authors: Khan Shahid Kalim , Li Guoxin , Raza Ali , Ahmed Jaleel , Khan Imran , Ali Naqash
Published: March 2019

Cross-screen engagement has evolved as an important consumer phenomenon and its rapidly increasing in terms of frequency and opportunities it offers. This phenomenon is also coined as ‘multi-screening' which is defined as the simultaneous or sequential use of more than one screen to perform related or unrelated tasks. Multi-screening has a wide range of implications and it opens doors for various research opportunities. However, there is a lack of research in this context and our understanding of user’s adoption of multi-screening is not advocate since past research has focused on adoption behavior in a single device context. The young generation of China is tech savvy and they are the most frequent user of technological devices and gadgets in the world, therefore they are also considered trendsetters for other markets. This study is devoted to exploring multi-screening adoption in young Chinese. Survey method has been chosen for collecting primary data and a sample size of 262 was utilized for the analysis which employed PLS-SEM technique through SmartPLS 3.0. The findings revealed that autonomy, outcome expectancy and selfefficacy are successful predictors of multi-screening behavior whereas, self-image could not exhibit significant impact on the multi-screening phenomenon. Research implications are provided in the end. Keywords: Autonomy; Chinese Young Consumers; Consumer Behaviour; Cross-Screen Engagement; MultiScreening; Technology Adoption
Overview on the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Extraction Processes
Authors: Mohamad Said Khairul Anwar , Mohamed Amin Mohamed Afizal
Published: March 2019

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is an optimization tool that can identify interrelationship between variables as being adopted by experiment/ research studies in food and herbal plants extraction niche area. This review discusses the optimization approach through utilization of research surface methodology either using central composite design or Box-Behnken method specifically in extraction processes. The use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the degree of accuracy held by the derived model is based on several responses. RSM helps to determine the best experimental design in order to identify the relationship between variables. This paper also discusses on the utilization of RSM to derive a model equation that later can be applied for response prediction and the determination of optimal conditions.
Micro-Hydro/Solar Hybrid System Framework for Off-Grid Application
Authors: Bohari Nuramalina , Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Azlan , Anyi Martin , Dharmiza Awang Salleh Dayang Nur Salmi
Published: March 2019

This paper introduces the conceptual system design of micro-hydro/solar hybrid system for Kampung Semulong Ulu, Sri Aman, Sarawak. Currently, Kampung Semulong Ulu is powered by solar and diesel-generator energy systems. The existing solar system generates less than 160 W for each door of the longhouse. With the completion of micro-hydro system along with the existing solar panel in the village, the community is hoping to get the proper and continuous power generation. Community in Kampung Semulong Ulu is facing difficulties since solar is only available for a limited period and yield electricity within a limited range of load. On the other hand, the running cost of diesel-generator is very expensive and unaffordable. However, even with the existence of power generated by micro-hydro system, better utilization of the energy produced is still of vital importance due to the fact that the amount of energy generated is limited. Therefore, the conceptual system design of the hydro-solar system integration is presented. The proposed system is to ensure that the energy produced will be well-distributed and at the same time, both systems must be utilized sufficiently to ensure their sustainability. In overall, this paper presents the micro-hydro/solar hybrid system framework for off-grid application toward the community in Kampung Semulong Ulu.
Rainwater Harvesting System in a Congested Residential Estate
Authors: Tang Evon E.W. , Y.S. Mah Darrien
Published: March 2019

Occurrences of flash floods in urban areas have increased significantly and become an issue of concern to the public. However, physical development continues unabated due to urbanisation and high demands for residential houses. Towards this end, a Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) approach such as rainwater harvesting system is proposed for residential development to mitigate flash floods without discouraging economic development of a city. Conventional rainwater tank is not suitable anymore as most of the residential housing developments are providing smaller land space. Thus, a design to cater for limited empty spaces is emerging. This has been the intension of this paper to introduce a wall-mount rainwater harvesting system in congested residential estates. In this research, super slim rainwater tank and air conditioner-sized tank have been designed to fit into a standard housing compound. The rainwater tanks act as a tool to store certain amount of stormwater runoff from roof area before it is discharged into drainage system. It is found that the peak runoff discharge is reduced from 0.003100 m3/s to 0.002703 m3/s and 0.002152 m3/s for the two types of aforementioned tanks. Reductions of 13% and 31% on peak runoff discharge are registered respectively by testing different configuration of water tanks. Due to the reduction of peak runoff discharge, the stormwater runoff could be controlled and subsequently mitigate the occurrence of flash flood. Sustainability could be achieved by managing stormwater runoff in an effective way with the aids of rainwater harvesting system.
An Investigation of Stickiness Force of Palm Oil Fruit for Food Processing
Authors: Saree Sherena , Salleh Shanti Faridah , Ismail Mohd Azlan
Published: March 2019

Dura and tenera varieties of palm fruit are very popular in production of palm oil and palm kernel, respectively; it becomes imperative to investigate the stickiness forces of the fruit as that may affect the design of machines to handle the processing fruits and also for major agricultural crops. Thus, this study investigates stickiness behavior for the two varieties of palm fruit. An investigation was carried to study the stickiness forces in palm oil fruit for food industry. The sensitive parameters that was considered in this study are dimension of the fruit, work of adhesion, surface free energy, dynamic angle of repose, coefficient of static friction and surface tension. All listed parameters have been individually considered as the sources of stickiness force in the palm oil machinery processes. A mathematical approach takes into account all relevant parameters to predict the adhesive forces value. The mechanical and physical interactions, that would affect the formation and magnitudes of stickiness force in the palm fruit also considered. The finding from this study shows the maximum amount of adhesive forces between the fruit bunches and also between fruit and the contact surface area of the palm oil fruit industry. Apart from that, this study quantified the minimum amount of force needed to detach the fruit bunches and from body of the machine. It is believed that the outcome from this study will provide fundamental understanding on the stickiness forces of the palm fruit that may influence the cleaning and threshing performance to palm oil industries and may benefit researchers, operation engineers and project managers in food industry.
Textural Characteristics of ZnCl2-Treated Mesoporous Materials from Local Waste Products
Authors: Ahmad Zaini Muhammad Abbas
Published: March 2019

This study was aimed at characterizing the textural properties of promising mesoporous materials derived from selected local solid wastes, namely sludge of palm oil mill effluent and waste carbon powder. Zinc chloride was used in converting the precursors into mesoporous material. The textural characteristics were determined by means of surface area analyzer. Results show that the treated materials are highly mesoporous with average pore width of 7.2 and 5.1 nm for sludge and waste carbon powder, respectively. The pore volume of the derived mesoporous materials is comparable to that of the widely used mesoporous adsorbent (commercial activated carbon).
Theoretical and Experimental Behaviour of Single Slope Solar Still Heat Transfer
Authors: Kiam Beng Yeo , Cheah Meng Ong , Kim Seock-Sam
Published: March 2019

This paper is aimed to investigate the heat transfer behaviours of a single slope solar still under the tropical climate at Kota Kinabalu city, Malaysia. Both theoretical and experimental approaches has been performed and discussed. The theoretical heat transfer principal behaviour of the single slope solar still is successfully modelled based on the heat exchange processes of three major components of the solar still (glass cover, seawater and basin) and its surroundings. The theoretical model developed has shown to predict closely the experimental trend of the heat transfer processes of the solar still system. Outdoor experiment is also carried out under the Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, climate that showed a maximum output of 1.4 litres per day of clean distilled water and has achieved a high and consistent system temperature of 80.0°C. In comparison with the theoretical and the experimental results, the theoretical model is found to closely predict the solar still behaviours at the early hours in the morning where the solar irradiance is intense and consistent.
Evaluation of Flooding in Sg Gita Catchment, Kuching
Authors: Mah D.Y.S. , Hii C.P. , Ong C.Y. , Pui Y.
Published: March 2019

This paper outlines a methodology of flow routing with inclusion of downstream river water level applied to a Sg Gita urbanized catchment beside Sg Sarawak in Kuching city, Sarawak, Malaysia. Evaluations are done by demonstrating the modelling of flooding scenarios using InfoWorks River Simulation (RS) that stresses on different aspects specific to Sg Gita’s conditions, namely (1) impacts of high and low river water levels, (2) solely urban flooding and (3) the combination of the two. The outcomes indicate that the dynamics of downstream river water level influences the performance of the urban drainage that flowed into the river. Backwater is overriding the flows of urban drains. Therefore, the mentioned methodology is found superior than conventional methodology with only flow routing to represent the flow mechanism of urban catchment bounded by a downstream river.
Characterisation of Artocarpus Heterophyllus Fibre Reinforced Composite
Authors: Nicholas Kuan Hoo Tien
Published: March 2019

Natural fibre reinforced polymer composite (NFRPC) has successfully replaced other synthetic fibre for applications in automobile, sport equipment, furniture, electrical appliances, etc. Artocarpus heterophyllus or jackfruit are mass produced in most South East Asia, but most of the parts other than the fruit would go to waste. In this study, Artocarpus heterophyllus fibre reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) composite was fabricated and tested for its mechanical properties, such as tensile and hardness properties. Artocarpus heterophyllus fibres were made into sheets using traditional paper making process, before being laminated with HDPE films using hot press method. Different volume fraction of fibre laminates were produced: 10%, 13%, 17% and 21%. The study shows that composite with 10%, 13% and 17% fibre volume fraction exhibits better tensile strength and hardness value than neat HDPE, while composites with 13%, 17% and 21% fibre volume fraction exhibit higher tensile modulus than neat HDPE. The optimum fibre content for the Artocarpus heterophyllus composite is 17%.
Communication Versus Geography: The Case Study of Sarawak Homestay Operator Association
Authors: Shaik Hussain Shaik Azahar , Syamsul Bahri Farid Ismeth Amir
Published: March 2019

Homestay is being developed throughout the decades making it as one of the best tourism product in Malaysia. The increasing number of homestay in Sarawak each year is challenging the communication among each other administratively.  Communication among all the homestay is vital in order for the information could be reached in a timely manner. Without a proper communication media used to communicate, a lot of important information could be missed out causing some of the homestays to be left out. This research is conducted to study the communication used among the homestay operators using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Interviews are conducted with the representatives of Sarawak Homestay Operator Association (SHOA) and questionnaires are distributed to the homestay operators in gathering the information. Locations could not be changed as locations are the unique selling point of a homestay and recommendations can be addressed to have mobile communication towers within the vicinity of the homestays to improve the signals. It is revealed that communication issues could be resolved if operators are actively involved as there are a variety of apps available in the market for these operators to choose from.
Seni Persembahan Dikir Al-Burdah oleh Pertubuhan An-Nur, Kampung Melango Baru, Saratok, Sarawak
Authors: Ismail Noryamisma , Abdul Rani Mohd. Zariat , Husin Fazilah , Haji Mohd Kiram Norazlina
Published: March 2019

Kajian ini bertitik tolak daripada pengamatan terhadap korpus ilmiah yang cenderung mengaitkan Dikir Al-Burdah di Sarawak dengan Islam. Dalam konteks perkaitan ini, kajian ini turut mendapati bahawa kegiatan Dikir Al-Burdah yang dijalankan di Kampung Melango Baru, Daerah Saratok, Sarawak sehingga kini dan sepanjang yang diketahui, masih belum lagi diteliti serta dicatatkan secara ilmiah. Dengan latar belakang ini, kajian ini diusahakan bagi merealisasikan tiga objektif. Pertama, mencatatkan perkembangan semasa dalam kegiatan Dikir Al-Burdah di Kampung Melango Baru, Daerah Saratok, Sarawak. Kedua, menganalisis tema dalam lirik lagu Dikir Al-Burdah. Ketiga, merumuskan soal kesejajaran antara Dikir Al-Burdah di Sarawak dengan Islam. Kajian ini mengguna pakai pendekatan kualitatif secara khusus iaitu kaedah wawancara dan kaedah analisis isi kandungan. Pengamatan mendapati bahawa kegiatan Dikir Al-Burdah di Kampung Melango Baru, Daerah Saratok, Sarawak yang pada masa kini giat dijalankan oleh Pertubuhan An-Nur. Analisis mendapati bahawa lirik lagu Dikir Al-Burdah yang dikaji menggarap tema kewajiban solat dan tema taubat. Kedua-dua tema ini didapati seiring dengan ajaran Islam sebagaimana yang terkandung dalam Al-Quran dan Al-Hadis. Dengan dapatan-dapatan ini, kajian ini merumuskan bahawa seni persembahan Dikir Al-Burdah di Sarawak yang dikaji menyerlahkan ciri-ciri keislaman.

 

This study is based on observations of the scientific corpus which tends to link Dikir Al-Burdah in Sarawak with Islam. In this context, this study found that Dikir Al-Burdah's activities carried out at Kampung Melango Baru, Saratok District, Sarawak until now have not yet been recorded and scientifically studied. With this information, three objectives was constructed. Firstly, record the current developments in Dikir Al-Burdah's activities in Kampung Melango Baru, Saratok District, Sarawak. Secondly, analyze the theme in the lyrics of Dikir Al-Burdah. Third, summarizes the relevance of Dikir Al-Burdah in Sarawak with Islam. This study employs a qualitative approach specifically, namely interview methods and content analysis methods. Observation found that the activities of Dikir Al-Burdah in Kampung Melango Baru, Saratok District, Sarawak are currently underway by the An-Nur Organization. The analysis found that the lyric of the Dikir Al-Burdah song studied the theme of prayer obligations and taubat theme. Both themes are found in line with the teachings of Islam as contained in the Quran and Al-Hadith. With these findings, the study concludes that the performing arts of Dikir Al-Burdah in Sarawak examined the characteristics of Islam.
Rural Women Entrepreneurs Enrolment into Sustainable Supply Chain Networks: From Actor Network Theory Perspective
Authors: Shitu Sidikat , Mohd Nor Rohaya
Published: March 2019

Rural women entrepreneurs in the West African sub-region are focal actors at the bottom of many commodity supply chains. The positions that they occupy in supply chain are susceptible to many forms of sustainability challenges that can obstruct and discourage them from efficiently participating in global supply chains. Despite the critical role of rural women entrepreneurs in the West African subregion has been acknowledged by many, yet the majority of them have not been participated in responsible and sustainable supply chains. In view of these issues, multi-stakeholders are required to collaborate and intervene by developing processes of enrolling rural women entrepreneurs into sustainable supply chain networks. This study presents a case study related to an exploration of the enrolment process utilizing the four moments of translation of the Actor Network Theory (ANT) in the context of the shea butter industry with a cross-border supply chain network. The research found that the enrolment process is shaped by the collaborative relationships within the external context which comprises of several influential stakeholders. Sustainability standards are found to have great potential to serve as an obligatory passage point to transmit sustainability principles to the women within and outside the traditional supply chain networks.
Initial Surface Absorption of Pozzolan and Polymer Modified Mortar
Authors: Si Kiong Lau , Mohamed Sutan Norsuzailina
Published: March 2019

This study involves the investigation of water absoption of mortar modified with combinations of polymer and pozzolan by using initial surface water absorption test (ISAT). Since surface of mortar or concrete serves as medium that will be most easily penetrated by moisture that can cause corrosion of reinforcement bars that leads to durability problem, it is imperative to make it durable.Polymer additive and pozzolanic cement replacement used in this study was Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and Fly Ash (FA) respectively. Mixes were prepared with two water to cement ratios (w/c) of 0.3 and 0.4 with different combinations of 5%, 7% & 10% SBR additive and 10%, 20% and 30% FA cement replacement. Results showed that modified mortar with combination of higher percentages of polymer additive and lower percentages of pozzolonic cement replacement have the lowest initial surface absorption rate compare to unmodified mortar. It can be concluded based on this study that high percentage of polymer addition and low percentage of pozzolanic cement replacement in mortar can enhance its resistance to water absorption.
An Investigation of Sibu Express Boat Passenger Terminal Transportation risks
Authors: J. S. S. Lau , R. A. B. Chan
Published: March 2019

River transportation is essential in Sarawak as the roads are found difficult to be constructed due to difficult terrains, high construction cost for bridges and long construction period. Due to inaccessibility via road, river transportation is the only mean of transportation to rural area and the demand is increasing. On the other hand, the demands are also directly proportional to the occurrence of hazards or risks. Risk identification is a key step in risk management. This paper uses Sibu Express Boat Terminal as a background study and 5 points Likert score is used to rate likelihood and consequences for 36 risk factors. Risk ranking, Spearman rank correlation and sensitivity analysis were then applied for statistical data analyses. From the study, financial related risks ranked the highest and the policy and political risks ranked the lowest. Besides, the Spearman rank correlation method shows there is a relationship between likelihood and risk level. Likewise, there is a relationship between consequences and risk level as well. Results suggested that further research is required by increasing numbers of risk factors, risk groups as well as respondents.
A Study on Potential of Rainwater Harvesting System in SJK Chung Hua No. 2, Kuching
Authors: Law Brenda K.E. , A. Bustami Rosmina
Published: March 2019

This study focuses on rainwater harvesting system in a school area in Kuching, Sarawak. Over the years of development processes, there exists quite a number of environmental issues in Malaysia and this is getting serious day by day. Flooding, greenhouse effect, pollution, and global warming are some of the factors that are happening brought about by the rapid development in Malaysia and the whole world today. Presently, the water supply systems have improved but the demand is increasing due to the population growth, and development. To pursue the need for a more sustainable development, rainwater harvesting has been recognized as one of the innovative solutions. This method can be used as an alternative water supply in the future and can reduce the utility bills for water supply among the consumers and potential to be implemented in Malaysia since it has high rainfall intensity. Besides, usage of the collected water volume from rainwater harvesting was direct and without any treatment. The process will include observation of the study area, rainfall data, and collections of data to determine the storage capacity required. From this study, rainwater can fully replace the treated water and the cost of the system is RM 16,699.60. The payback period of the system is 7.12 years with minimum maintenance fees.
Student Pavilion UNIMAS for Platinum Green Building Index
Authors: Baharun A. , Ibrahim S.H. , Affandi R. , Goh P.G.
Published: March 2019

Green Building Index is a rating tool to evaluate a building on its sustainability. Student Pavilion in UNIMAS is a green building to cater with the GBI rating. In this study, it looks into the current facility that the building has according to six(6) criteria: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, sustainable site planning and management, material and resources, water efficiency, and innovation. Each criterion is evaluated accordingly to its tasks. The building of Student Pavilion has an Overall Thermal Transfer Value of 34.08 which is less than 50 as required by GBI rating guidelines. The facility is greatly relying on natural day light, when the illuminance in the room is less than 300 lux, artificial light is switched on, to fill the insufficient illuminance. There is electrical sub-metering for each tenant to monitor and diagnose the usage of electric. Solar panel at Student Pavilion can annually provide 5537.4 kWhr/year but it is insufficient to support the total electric usage of the building. Besides that, the thermal comfort of Student Pavilion is within the range of thermal comfort except for the food court area as the building is designed and built to allow for maximum wind flow and air exchange so that it would not rely on air-conditioning system. The building materials and transportation to the site is also considered in GBI. Furthermore, the water demand and rainwater harvesting at Student Pavilion is determined and it was found that the current supply of rainwater harvesting is not enough to cater with the demand of the occupants, hence larger volume of rainwater harvesting storage should be provided. The current green facility of Student Pavilionshould be improved in order to achieve Platinum in GBI.
Modified Cement System: Durability and Aesthetics
Authors: J. S. Z. Mohamed , S.N. Mohamed
Published: March 2019

Concrete deterioration is one of the most concern matters in construction world. The concrete deterioration such as efflorescence should not be ignored. The efflorescence is a deposit salts, usually white, formed on a surface of concrete. The efflorescence is not a major problem that leads to structural defects but it can build unattractiveness to the structure such as brick wall and concrete mortar. The way to prevent the efflorescence occurrence is by studying the results of testing such as absorption and efflorescence itself to reduce the efflorescence. The non-modified cement system can reduce the efflorescence but cannot avoid it because of the reaction of cement hydration itself. This study is to prove that by using a modified cement system such as Pulverized Fly Ash (PFA) and Polymers (water based latex grade 29Y46), the efflorescence of the mortar can be prevented. The results from this study proved the modified mortar which is a sample with PFA and Polymers has higher strength, durability, and less efflorescence compared with the non-modified cement system.
Determination of Level of Service (LOS) on Different Roads in Kuching Area (A Case study)
Authors: K.C. Chen , S.T. Larry
Published: March 2019

The concept of Level of Service (LOS) is originated from the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). LOS is a qualitative assessment of the operational performance of a roadway facility based on quantitative performance measures. Many transportation infrastructure funding decisions are based on LOS analysis, and LOS designations are intended to represent user-perceived quality of service. This study has been carried out to determine the LOS on different roads. The profile of study area is in Kuching, Sarawak where five roads with different characteristics and posted speed of urban multilane with 80km/hr and 70km/hr, suburban two-lane two-way with 90 km/hr and 80km/hr had been selected for the studies. Substantial numbers of inputs are required for the LOS analysis and determination based on HCM procedures. These inputs are: a long list of traffic volume collected in different peak hours; traffic composition such as proportion of heavy vehicles in traffic; geometric characteristics such as number of lanes, lane width, shoulder width, and approach grades. Results of the study showed that LOS in the urban multilane is still in satisfactory range with LOS ranging from C to D except for most of the traffic congestion cases in urban multilane at the traffic light junctions and roundabouts. However, LOS in the suburban two-lane two-way is only satisfying in the range of LOS E; hence multilane should be introduced in such cases. Recommendations such as to provide various or multitude modes of transportation needs should be introduced in urban area. Furthermore, a suitable and efficient hierarchy in road system should be provided in suburban areas before turning into urban areas.
Peat Stabilization with Carbide Lime
Authors: J.M. Said , S.N.L. Taib
Published: March 2019

Peat is in the category of problematic soil because it has low shear strength and high compressibility, which are not suitable for construction. Peat lands can be found in various parts of the world; therefore, it is essential to fmd an alternative to improve the strength since nowadays lands are very expensive and very limited. This paper presents a research on peat stabilization with objectives that are to improve the soil to be more stable and to have higher strength and to find a cheap alternative material that can be used as a stabilizing agent. In this research, an admixture, which is carbide lime, a by-product of acetylene is used to stabilize the peat soil. Laboratory tests on physical properties and shear strength are done. The research is done on peat soil that is collected from Matang area in Kuching, Sarawak. Investigation on the effects of various percentages of carbide lime added to the soil at different curing time on the soil strength is performed. The changes in strength gained are also compared with the natural soil sample. The unconfined compressive strength test results are analyzed and show that, with the increase of percentages of carbide lime added and the increase of curing time, the strength of the peat soil sample is increased.
Adequacy of Quality Provisions in Standard Forms of Local and International Construction Contracts
Authors: Q.W. Kwang , S. N Ting
Published: March 2019

Standard forms of contracts have been in use in the Malaysian construction industry as a means to expedite contractual and legal duties for the clients who wish to avoid expensive and complex legal endeavors to arrive at an agreement with their contractors. Various forms have been drafted by various professional bodies and organizations, both locally and internationally, to meet the demands of the local construction market for standard forms. Quality provisions are among the topics/issues covered in the standard forms. However, evidently, it is noted that the quality and its standards in the Malaysian construction industry has consistently remained as the root for many construction disputes. Whether or not standard forms of construction contracts have sufficiently cater for quality, remains a question. If the "one-size fits all" postulate does not hold especially when it comes to ensuring quality on site, the question of validity and effectiveness of standard forms becomes a pertinent one. This paper presents a study of various quality related clauses in local and international standard forms and comparisons were made among the chosen forms. Experts opinion within this field are sought as well in order to improve the robustness of this study. This paper also investigates the adequacy of the provision of these forms and suggests suitable changes to the current standard forms, where necessary, within the study.
Effect of seawater on the properties of Epoxy Modified Concrete
Authors: Jupiter Timmy , Hj Rashidi Azida , Ismail Idawati
Published: March 2019

Epoxy is the most common type of polymer used by civil engineers to produce Polymer Cement Concrete (PCC). In this study, the effect of seawater on epoxy modified mortar in the Malaysian seawater is investigated using PCC mixes with Epoxy is used as the cement replacement. Fifteen 100x100x100 mm standard cubes were casted from five different mixes. The samples range from 5% to 50% epoxy replacement to cement content by weight ratio. Samples were placed in sea water and tap water for 100 days and monitored for short-term durability aspects such as physical changes in weight, appearances and absorption percentages. Compressive strength for 7, 14, 28 and 100 days were also taken. Results were compared with control samples having 0% epoxy. Results show that the strength of samples depends on the amount of epoxy used. The absorption test results can be an initial indicator to the durability properties of concrete material. It was also found that PCC with 20% epoxy can effectively reduce overall deterioration of concrete especially those exposed to sea water.
Peat Stabilization using Gypsum and Fly Ash
Authors: P.K. Kolay , M.P. Pui
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the stabilization of local peat soil from Matang, Sarawak, using gypsum and fly ash. Peat soil has been identified as one of the major groups of soils found in Malaysia, which has high compressibility and low shear strength. Presence of soft or peaty soil is a major problem encountered by civil engineers in Sarawak. Different percentages of gypsum (i.e., 2, 4, 6 and 8%) and fly ash (i.e., 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) were added into peat soil at optimum moisture content and it’s maximum dry density determined by standard Proctor test. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test were conducted to determine the strength gain after 7, 14 and 28 days of curing periods. Physical properties of the peat soil have also been studied for identification and classification purposes. The unconfined compressive strength test results show that the peat soil gained strength due to the addition of different percentages of admixtures such as gypsum and fly ash and the strength also increases with the increase of curing periods.
The 2S2P1D: An Excellent Linear Viscoelastic Model
Authors: Yusoff Md. , Monieur D. N. I. , G. D. Airey
Published: March 2019

An experimental campaign has been carried out on five different unaged and five aged penetration grade bitumens to determine the properties of the 2S2P1D (combinations of two springs, two parabolic elements and one dashpot) model. The dynamic oscillatory test was conducted in order to obtain the rheological data using the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Earlier, the samples were aged following the Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTOFT) test procedure. It was found that the 2S2P1D model which consists of seven parameters simulates in an excellent way the linear viscoelastic properties of aged and unaged penetration grade bitumens over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies. The goodness of fit statistical analysis showed that the model had a good correlation and comparable to the measured dynamic data.
Study the Structural Behaviour of Ferrocement Beam
Authors: J.H.L Bong , E. Ahmed
Published: March 2019

The need of the construction industry to look for a reliable and cheaper strengthening component for reinforced concrete structure has led to the usage of ferrocement which proves to be a promising solution. This paper describes the structural short-term behavior of a beam strengthened with ferrocement laminate and identifies its advantages. Beam which is strengthened with ferrocement laminate is compared to a control beam for analysis of the advantages of using ferrocement. From the experiment carried out, beam strengthened with ferrocement proves to have a higher cracking load, ultimate load as well as having a lower deflection in comparison to a normal beam.
Impacts of Barrage Flushing and Flooding-in Operations on Saline Intrusion Upstream
Authors: I.N. Law , Y.W. Oon , P.L. Law , F.W.L. Kho
Published: March 2019

This research looks into the effects of barrage flushing and flooding-in operations on upstream salinity versus discharge over time. Water samples for salinity levels were collected over a period of 33 hours from two locations upstream of Sarawak Barrage, i.e., at 1.5 km and 6 km. During flooding-in operation, salinity levels increased by approximately 13.8 ppt at 1.5 km upstream, and by 0.2 ppt at 6 km upstream after 3 hours into the operation. At 6 km upstream, negligibly low saline levels ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 ppt were detected, regardless of sea tide levels and flow rates through barrage gates. Rate of saline water propagation towards upstream was estimated to be approximately 5 km/hour during flooding-in operation. During flushing operation, it was noticed that waters flowed smoothly from upstream through the barrage gates to downstream without generating noticeable turbulences, whereby salinity levels at 1.5 km upstream dropped from approximately 11.7 to 4.7 ppt over a period of 3 hours. After 3 hours of gates closure, it was observed that salinity levels upstream of the barrage dropped by approximately 1.4 ppt at Pending (1.5 km upstream), and by 0.5 ppt at Satok (6 km upstream). From this study, it was also found that the differences in the rates of increase and decrease in salinity levels at a particular point upstream of the barrage over a period of 3 hours during flooding-in and flushing operations were negligibly small (<1 ppt).
Reducing Waste Disposal from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Campus By 2-Bins Recycling System
Authors: Tiew Kian-ghee , Watanabe Kohei , Ahmad Basri NoorEzlin , Md. Zain Shahrom , Basri Hassan
Published: March 2019

This is a study on the 2- bins recycling system at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) year 2010 to reduce waste disposal at landfills. Fifty sets of 2-bins recycling system were allocated in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The number of recyclable items found in the recycling and mixed waste bins served as dependent measurements. Results indicated that the recycling containers successfully recovered recyclable items by 49.5%, but still a high proportion of recyclable items thrown into the mixed waste container which is 50.5% which indicates wrong bins usage. Awareness programs are required to increase rate of participation among students.
Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) Analysis for Bakun Dam Area
Authors: S.S. Yiau , Putuhena F.J.
Published: March 2019

Probable Maximum Precipitation is defined as the greatest depth of precipitation which is possible for a given time and duration over a given size storm area under known meteorological conditions. This concept has been used as design criterion of major flood control measures such as spillways of large dams worldwide. It is essential for the generation of Probable Maximum Flood. This paper represents the results of PMP analysis for Bakun Dam Area which has a catchment area of 14,750 km2. Three sets of results were produced, i.e. by statistical method (with frequency factors from World Meteorological Organization manual and National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia in Technical Research Publication No. 1 (TRP 1)) for duration of 1 hour, 8 hours, 24 hours and daily and by experimental method for production of daily PMP. The results were compared with each other and the one made by Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation on Bakun Dam construction. The set of PMP values results from substitution of Km developed by NAHRIM was concluded to be the most reliable results as daily PMP (276mm) was consistent with the one (280mm) produced by SESCO. However, 6 days PMP value (950mm) done by SESCO was recommended as the Bakun Dam Area cover huge catchment area which higher duration of PMP value should be applied .
Measuring Reliability of Metacognitive Strategies in Reading Comprehension Questionnaire: A Pilot Study on First Year Engineering Students in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Channa Mansoor , Shukri Nordin Zaimuariffudin
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to investigate the reliability (psychometric properties) of the metacognitive strategies questionnaire piloted on Pakistani engineering students of QUEST, Nawabshah. The questionnaire had four parts including demographic, reading comprehension, metacognition, and scaffolding having 53 questions that were tested on 37 first year engineering students. The Cronbach’s Alpha reliability was measured through SPSS 17. The results showed that the Cronbach’s Alpha reliability concerning reading comprehension ranged from .826-.842, metacognitive strategies ranged from.830-.839, and the reliability of scaffolding ranged from .829-.837. Therefore, the results from the pilot study showed that the questionnaire needed to be used without any modification in the actual study.Keywords: metacognition; cognition; thought processes; meta-comprehension
Technological Change as a Mediator of Employee Competency Profiling in Selected Industries in Kuching, Sarawak: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Basmawi Nadri Aetis Heromi , Usop Hasbee
Published: March 2019

This study aims to investigate competency profiling and determine if technological change act as a mediator in the relationship between the identified factors and employee competency in selected industries in Kuching, Sarawak. It is also to develop the best fit model based on the variables selected. The four identified variables are teamwork, organizational culture, change management, and technological change. The sample of this study were 302 respondents selected through a simple random sampling. The findings showed that there is a positive effect between teamwork, organizational culture, change management, and technological change as mediator towards employee competency. This study provides positive implications, such as, improving competency process in organizational setting, improving policy and related action plan regarding human resource practices on competency.Keywords: competency profiling; teamwork; organizationa culture; change management; technological change; mediator; structural equation modelling
Perceived Work Environment and the Occurrence of Accidents: A Study Based on Kuching Area of Sarawak
Authors: Lau Li Sa , Y. Talwar P. , Zaidi Adruce Shahren Ahmad , Oon Yin Bee
Published: March 2019

Perceived work environment could be described as the opinions and attitudes of workers towards their work condition. Elements of perceived work environment such as physical environment, supportive work environment, and perceived work tasks may possibly be important factors that influence the occurrence of accidents. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived work environment and the occurrence of accidents within an electronic manufacturing industry in Kuching, Sarawak. A cross-sectional survey utilizing a bilingual self-report questionnaire was conducted to garner data from 50 workers. Independent t-test and Pearson moment correlation were used to assess data. The results indicated that the occurrence of accidents was not affected by age group. Although physical environment and perceived work tasks did not demonstrate significant relationships with the occurrence of accidents, supportive work environment exhibited a significant inverse relationship, thereby indicating that accidents could be lowered in the presence of higher supportive work environment. Thus, support and help from co-workers are essential determinants of safety at the workplace.
A Study on Stress Level and Coping Strategies among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Y. Ganesan , P. Talwar , Fauzan Norsiah , Y.B. Oon
Published: March 2019

Feelings of stress are a part of university students’ life.  Stress is simply the body's response to changes that create taxing demands. There is a difference between eustress, which is a term for positive stress, and distress, which refers to negative stress. Coping mechanism plays a significant part to overcome or reduce the stress experienced by individuals. People use different types of coping strategies to overcome their stress. The purpose of the study was to study the relationship between stress and coping strategies among university students. Eighty- six university students participated in the study. A quantitative study utilizing a cross sectional non-probability sampling research design was used to gather data. The data was collected using a questionnaire with the addition of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Adolescent Coping Scale (ACS) were administered. The result of this study indicated that majority of the university students have moderate level of stress. There was a significant inverse relationship between stress level and coping strategies among undergraduates. In conclusion, some levels of stress can be good, as the right kind of stress encourages them towards change and growth. However, when students are unable to cope with stress, they can become a burden. It is recommended that students should be encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities such as sports to reduce stress.

 Keywords: Stress; coping strategies; university students