bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERCEIVING OWN AND OTHERS BEHAVIOUR: AN EXPLORATION IN SOCIAL PERCEPTION
Authors: Sinha Ran Bijay Narain , Hassan Arif
Published: March 2019

The paper reports the findings of a study conducted to find differences in self-perception with perception of others in order to identify a culturally sensitive method to explore social reality. The instruments measured how respondents rate themselves or others on several negative and positive descriptions of thoughts and behaviours. A sample of 100 respondents from diverse background in India rated predominantly positive and negative description of beliefs, values and preferences twice -- first for the people residing around them and then for themselves. They also rated themselves on a scale of social desirability. The findings confirmed that they attributed negative cognitions (beliefs, values and preferences) to the others more than themselves but attributed predominantly positive beliefs, values and preferences to themselves. The social desirability orientation was significantly related to respondents’ self but not to others’ perception. The findings thus suggested the use of informants rather than respondents in social research especially on sensitive issues such as ethical and moral behaviour.Keywords: Social Research; Social Desirability Effect; Response Bias; Informants Method.
Temperature-Programmed Reduction of Copper-Manganese Catalysts Derived from Biomass Activated Carbon
Authors: Anuar Arfaezah , Yakub Ibrahim , Mohamed Sutan Norsuzailina , Hipolito Cirilo Nolasco , Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the potential of bimetal impregnated catalysts supported on activated carbon derived from biomass for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) with ammonia (NH3). The bimetal catalysts, Copper-Manganese (Cu-Mn) was deposited onto palm kernel shell (PKS) and coconut shell (CS) via impregnation method and calcined at 250 °C. Hydrogen Temperature-programmed reduction analysis (H2-TPR) using 5% Hydrogen gas (H2) in Argon (Ar) have been carried out to study the effect of different variables such as metal impregnation and support properties on the reduced states of the catalysts. Besides, FTIR, TGA and XRD were also used to characterize the catalysts. It was observed that impregnation of bimetals enhanced the catalyst characteristics where include important results from FTIR, TGA, XRD and H2-TPR. Based on the results presented in H2-TPR analysis, it was observed that the reduction peak of bimetal catalysts deposited on palm kernel shell activated carbon shifted to high temperature, about 597 °C. This demonstrates the intensity of the precursor interaction exists and a higher dispersion of bimetals on the surface of the support. In addition, the higher dispersion of bimetals was shown in XRD analysis. Hence, palm kernel shell-derived catalysts could be new and promising catalysts in SCR system.
Optimization of PID Tuning Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Faris Ku Yusoff Tengku Ahmad , Atan Mohd Farid , Abdul Rahman Nazeri , Salleh Shanti Faridah , Wahab Noraziah Abdul
Published: March 2019

Controller tuning is one of the important aspect in industry. With a good tuning method, it can ensure the quality of the process and product produce. Apart from that, it can protect the environment and help the company to reduce the cost. Genetic algorithm is one of the tuning method that increase usage and awareness in industry. Thus, the objective of this research is to compare the performance of the conventional tuning method with the performance of tuning method by using genetic algorithm can be seen. Optimization was done on stripping section of distillation column by using genetic algorithm with population size of 20, 40, 60 and 80 and comparing the result with previous optimization using Ziegler-Nichols method. The result obtain showed large improvement in the process response especially on rise time from 1.33 s to 1.31s and settling time from 4.56 to 4.46. Finally, population size of 40 deliver the fastest rise time and settling time.
CFD Modelling of Pump as Turbine with Various Number of Blade for Microhydro System
Authors: Ismail Mohd Azlan Ismail , Othman Al Khalid , Zen Hushairi , Misran Mohd Suffian
Published: March 2019

Pump as Turbine is an electromechanically component that is largely used in microhydro system. The main advantages of pump as turbine compared to commercially available turbines are lower cost, easier to maintain and readily available. These key features make them appealing to conditions in many developing countries. However, pump as turbine has poor hydraulic performance and low efficiency thus modifications were applied to improve the performance. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of impeller blade number to the pump as turbine performance. The investigation was carried out by using commercial Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) software, ANSYS CFX. A centrifugal pump with a specific speed of 70 with an impeller diameter of 214.0 mm was used to generate the CAD model. The original number of the blade was at 6 and varied to 5, 7 and 8 while other geometric dimensions were kept unchanged. The simulation results reveal that the highest efficiency was attained at 7 blade number with the efficiency recorded at 76.24%. The corresponding pressure was at 20.83 meters. It was found that with increase of blade number, the efficiency and corresponding pressure of the pump as turbine also increases. However, the additional blade number reduce the cross-area flow path, consequently increase the blockage effect thus decrease the net power generated by the rotating impeller.
Effects of Biodiesel Saturation Degrees on NOx Emission and FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Fareez Edzuan , Madzrol Nadzirah , Patrick Sandin Rolf Willa
Published: March 2019

The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic characteristics of biodiesel produced from vegetable oils with different saturation degree was investigated in this study. Unsaturation degree, usually determined by the Iodine Value (IV) indicates the sum of double bonds, triple bonds and/or rings. In this work, biodiesels were produced by canola oil, palm oil and coconut oil that have saturation degree of 7.0 wt%. 45.6 wt% and 81.5 wt%, respectively. Biodiesel blends of B10, B15 and B20 were tested in a direct injection diesel engine and the NOx emissions were measured with a flue gas analyser. The NOx emission was increased in all biodiesel cases, where the NOx emission seems to be proportional with the biodiesel unsaturation degree. The FTIR spectroscopy of each biodiesel was analysed with FTIR spectrometer. Each biodiesel produced different FTIR spectroscopy characteristics and the double bond of C=O was the most abundant in highly unsaturated canola oil methyl ester which suggested that FTIR spectroscopy can be suitable to analyse biodiesel characteristics.
Fixed-bed Column Study for Adsorption of Cadmium on Oil Palm
Authors: Ping Ling Chai , Tan Ivy Ai Wei , Lik Pueh Lim Leonard
Published: March 2019

The spread of heavy metal pollution in the environment can lead to the contamination of crops and water for consumption. An approach to control the spread of groundwater pollution is by using a permeable reactive barrier with granular activated carbon. In this study, the adsorption of Cd(II) ions was conducted in a continuous flow fixed-bed column by using oil palm shell-derived activated carbon. The activated carbon column performance was evaluated by manipulating the activated carbon bed height, cadmium solution flow rate and influent concentration. The increase in bed height increased the amount of adsorbent used, thus increasing the total removal of Cd(II) and prolonged the lifespan of the activated carbon column. However, the increase in flow rate and influent concentration resulted in the shortened lifespan of the column. The column system with a bed height of 5.5 cm, flow rate of 2.0 mL/min and 200 mg/L influent concentration showed the best Cd(II) uptake performance in this study. The column performance were best fitted to the Thomas model and Yoon-Nelson model for the longest bed depth of 5.5 cm, all flow rates studied and highest influent concentration of 200 mg/L, with correlation coefficient greater than 0.95.
Template Recycling and Reuse in MCM-41 Synthesis: Statistical Study
Authors: Lai Jia Yen , Ngu Lock Hei , Twaiq Farouq
Published: March 2019

The recycle and reuse of template in MCM-41 synthesis were analysed using 23 full factorial design in order to study the effect of the template extraction parameters on the mass of MCM-41 powder produced. Four consecutive MCM-41 synthesis cycles utilizing the recycled template were studied with three factors that are ethanol fraction (A), amount of ion exchange agent (B) and the type of ion exchange agent (C). The significant effects contributed by the factors A, B and C and their interactions were identified through the half-normal probability plot and normal probability plot of the residuals. F-test and t-test were carried out to test the contribution of regression coefficients for synthesis cycles of MCM-41 synthesis models. AB interaction showed that larger mass of MCM-41 powder was obtained at high ethanol volume fraction and high quantity of ion exchange agent when either type of ion exchange agent was used.
A Review on Application of Heterogeneous Catalyst in the Production of Biodiesel from Vegetable Oils
Authors: Yusuff A.S. , Adeniyi O.D. , Olutoye M.A. , Akpan U.G.
Published: March 2019

Biodiesel has been considered as one of the interesting alternative and environmentally benign fuels. The development of environmental friendly heterogeneous catalyst for the esterification/transesterification process seems to be promising route and the reason why it is more preferred to conventional homogeneous and enzymatic catalyzed reactions is discussed. However, investigation on heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production is extensively carried out based on previous research studies. In order to reduce cost of biodiesel production, evaluation and characterization of heterogeneous catalytic materials before and after its preparation provide facts on the process that have significant impact on the desired activity and selectivity properties. This review study provides a comprehensive overview of common process techniques usually employ in producing biodiesel. Different materials that serve as sources of heterogeneous catalysts to transesterify oils or fats for production of biodiesel with emphasis on selection criteria of solid catalytic materials are also highlighted. The potential heterogeneous catalyst that could be derived from anthill, various methods of preparing solid catalysts, as well as reusability and leaching analysis are discussed in details
Physico-Mechanical, Morphological Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Palm Kernel Shell/Coconut Kernel Shell Elastomeric Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Lai Josephine Chang Hui , Yusof Nor Liyana
Published: March 2019

In this study, the physico-mechanical and morphological properties of polyvinyl alcohol/palm kernel shell/coconut kernel shell elastomeric polymer nanocomposites (PVA/PKS/CKS EPNCs) were investigated. PVA/PKS/CKS EPNCs were prepared via solution casting method and the properties of the elastomeric polymer nanocomposites were characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing and moisture absorption test. Test results showed that increasing the PVA content increased the mechanical properties of elastomeric polymer nanocomposites as well as provided better surface morphology. However, beyond certain percentage of PVA content, the moisture absorption increased too. Therefore, 55wt% of PVA/PKS/CKS EPNCs was chosen as the best elastomeric polymer nanocomposites as it had the best overall properties from the aspect of physico-mechanical, morphological and moisture absorption.
Character of Apai Saloi in Iban Folktales
Authors: Wan Busrah Syaryfah Fazidawaty , Abdul Rahman Khairul Aidin Azlin , Durin Anna
Published: March 2019

Apai Saloi is a comic hero in Iban folktales. Back in the old days, Apai Saloi folktales are often told to youngsters by an elderly caretaker at night. This kind of folktales contains lots of moral value in it. Based on the preliminary study done, Apai Saloi is famous with his foolish and stupid deeds. The objective of this paper is to investigate on the character of Apai Saloi in selected documented Iban folktales because the looks and characteristics of Apai Saloi was remained unknown. This paper explains in detail the analysis of Apai Saloi in 15 stories to measure what is major characteristic of Apai Saloi by using conceptual method in determining the highest ranking of Apai Saloi characteristic in the selected documented stories. Finding shows that Apai Saloi character is proven to have a significant characteristic that was able to pull the interest of the targeted members of the readers. The study will provide new possibilities to be further developed to form a character design of Apai Saloi to present Iban culture to a greater audience and most importantly to promote local culture as well as to educate people from in and out of Sarawak about the importance of preserving local content.
HOTEL ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES WITHIN INSTITUTIONAL THEORY FRAMEWORK
Authors: Joseph Corina , Nichol Esmie Obrin , Binti Abdullah Valerie Chan Sue Lin , Jussem Patricia Melvin
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this paper is to explain factors influencing the environment sustainability practice (ESP) in a Sarawak based hotel using the isomorphism tenet. An explanatory case study was applied. A semistructured interview with the hotel personnel was conducted and the hotel website was analysed. The coercive isomorphism arises from the invitation by the National Resource Environmental Board (NREB) to participate in the Sarawak Chief Minister Award and compliance with the ASEAN Tourism Standard, an indication of legitimacy, to be socially acceptable. In terms of the mimetic isomorphism, Hotel A imitated the best practices of its peers in the same organizational field. Finally, normative isomorphism evidence was proven by professional networking via attendance in the environmental award presentation. The content analysis reveals that there is a low disclosure of sustainability information on the hotel’s website. This research contributes to the CSR literature in the hotel industry particularly in an emerging economy in terms of promoting the particpation in the Environmental Award competition and disclosure on the website. Keywords: Sustainability, environment, hotel, websites, isomorphism
THE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF THE INDIGENOUS MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN LABUAN DURING THE BRITISH ADMINISTRATION, 1946-1963
Authors: Anak Robin Juwita Kumala , Puyok Arnold
Published: March 2019

The theme of the political participation of the indigenous Muslim community in Labuan is important to fill the gap in Labuan’s political history. The main questions which the study aimed to answer were: what political roles did the indigenous Muslim community play during the British colonial period from 1946-1963 in Labuan? What were the factors contributing to their political involvement and what were the reactions of the British? The study’s three main objectives were: to describe the political participation of the indigenous Muslim community in Labuan from the period of 1946-1963, to analyse their roles in the British colonial administration, and to examine the British policy towards the involvement of the Muslim leaders in the political process. The study was mainly carried out through qualitative approach, involving archival research and in-depth interviews. Internal and external criticism methods were also applied in assessing, interpreting and analysing the primary, secondary and oral sources. All the key themes were presented in descriptive and chronological manner. The political participation of the indigenous Muslim community in Labuan can be divided into two phases: the first phase from 1946-1960 and the second phase, from 1961-1963. During the first phase, their political participation was essentially driven by their desires to safeguard their religious rights (Islam), ethnic identity and their collective ethnic interests. Throughout the second phase, the indigenous Muslim leaders were motivated by the Muslim community’s political rights and Labuan’s independence under the Malaysia proposal. The British attitudes towards the increased political awareness among the indigenous Muslim community leaders were generally accommodative. The indigenous Muslim community leaders were given opportunities to take part in the political activities. However, the political participation of the indigenous Muslim community was rather limited as Muslim leaders were incapacitated from playing greater political roles in the British colonial administration.Keywords: political participation, indigenous Muslim community, Labuan, British, Malaysia.
DO MINIMUM WAGES REDUCE EMPLOYMENT? A CASE STUDY OF SARAWAK’S SERVICE SECTOR
Authors: Abdullah Abdul Jabbar , Eden Dzulzalani , Kiong Wong Swee , Awang Hamdan Dayang Asmah bt , William Nagun Jeffry Douglas
Published: March 2019

This paper examines the impact of minimum wages using a survey data of services sector in Sarawak. Dependent t-test and regression analysis were conducted to determine the impact of minimum wages on employment. Although minimum wages increased salary, but the impact on employment is very small. Most of the findings do not support minimum wages reduce employment, in contrast with competitive labour market prediction.
PENGLIBATAN KOMUNITI DALAM MELESTARIKAN SUNGAI MELALUI PROGRAM PENAMBAHBAIKAN STOCK UDANG GALAH: KAJIAN KES DI SUNGAI PETAGAS, SABAH
Authors: Choo Marthelreda , Lunkapis Gaim , Anton Ann
Published: March 2019

Kertas kerja ini meneliti tentang penglibatan komuniti dalam melestarikan sungai melalui Program Penambahbaikan Stok Udang Galah di Sungai Petagas. Masyarakat merupakan salah satu komponen penting dalam mencapai pembangunan lestari bersama dengan kerajaan dan badan bukan kerajaan berkongsi tanggungjawab, merancang, mengurus, melaksanakan dan memantau alam sekitar. Penglibatan komuniti merupakan elemen yang penting dalam menjayakan program yang dilaksanakan oleh Institusi Penyelidikan Marin Borneo, Universiti Malaysia Sabah untuk bertujuan memulihara sungai tersebut. Kaedah kuantitatif menggunakan soal selidik dilaksanakan dengan memilih penduduk yang tinggal berdekatan dengan sungai di mana projek dijalankan. Berdasarkan penemuan kajian, penglibatan komuniti setempat dalam Program Penambahbaikan Stok Udang Galah dapat mengurangkan pencemaran di kawasan tersebut. Dengan ini, program yang dilaksanakan berupaya melestarikan sungai dan secara tidak langsung dapat membekalkan air bersih kepada komuniti.
A 3-Stage Treatment System For Domestic Wastewater: Part II. Performance Evaluation
Authors: Y.W. Oon , P.L. Law , S.N. Ting , F.E. Tang
Published: March 2019

A 3-stage micro-scale wastewater treatment system that consisted of 1) a spiral-framed human hair-based filter, 2) a plastic medium mixed flow biotower, and 3) a free surface water wetland system filled with Pistia Stratiotes (water lettuce) operating in series was recently developed and performance tests were conducted.  Performance tests were carried out to determine the efficiencies of the system for removal of physically emulsified and free oils, organic matters such as biochemical oxygen demand, ammoniacal-nitrogen, suspended solids,and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium from semi-synthetic wastewaters.  From this study, it was found that the human hair-based filter could retain approximately 73.5% of physically emulsified oils, while the mixed flow biotower was capable of reducing approximately 35.0% biochemical oxygen demand, 57.4% ammoniacal-nitrogen, 51.8% nitrogen, 13.4% phosphorus, 21.8% potassium, and 21.9% reduction in turbidity.  The Pistia Stratiotes-based free surface water wetland was found to remove approximately 24.1% biochemical oxygen demand, 30.6% ammoniacal-nitrogen, 38.0% nitrogen, 41.5% phosphorus, 46.7% potassium and 31.7% reduction in turbidity.  When the mixed flow biotower and  free surface water wetland system were to operate in series, the combined removal efficiencies were approximately 59.2% for biochemical oxygen demand, 87.9% for ammoniacal-nitrogen, 90.6% for nitrogen, 54.9% for phosphorus, 68.5% for potassium, and 59.0% reduction in turbidity. Experimental data also showed that daily uptake rates (mg/kg-day) of organics and nutrients by per kilogram of Pistia Stratiotes were approximately 1,731 mg for biochemical oxygen demand, 1,015 mg for ammoniacal-nitrogen, 1,206 mg for nitrogen, 1,468 mg for phosphorus, and 5,431 mg for potassium.
The Performance of Coconut Shell-based Activated Carbon (CSAC) in Treating Drinking Water
Authors: Chali W. , Yakub I.
Published: March 2019

The demand and market growth of activated carbon (AC) in drinking water treatment have been increasing over the recent years. This is because of the better properties and relatively lower cost of AC compared to inorganic adsorbents like ceramics. However, there have been limited studies on the effects of AC preparation including type of cleansing agent on the adsorption of metal and the turbidity of treated tap water. Therefore, this research investigated the effect of types of cleansing agent and sorbent dosage on turbidity reduction and metal removal in drinking water treatment. The analysis showed that 200 g dosage of AC that has been cleansed with FeCl3 has the turbidity and metal removal improved the most. For aesthetic value of drinking water though, filtration by using AC cleansed with KOH gave better taste and increasing the sorbent dosage up to 300 g increased this performance.
Operational Parameters Assessment of a Biomass-To-Fuel Gas Converter
Authors: Chong K.H. , Rigit A.R.H. , Baini R. , Saleh S.F. , Awangku Yussuf A. A. R.
Published: March 2019

This study presents the assessment on the existing mini-sized biomass-to-fuel gas (B2F) converter. Operational parameters, such as composition of after filtered residual liquid (AFRL), composition of raw combustible fuel gases produced using wood chips and coal as feedstock, and nearby incremental levels of carbon monoxide and suspended particulate during operation, are determined. Analysis results of the raw (unburnt) combustible fuel gases from low grade Balingian-Mukah coal and wood chips found that there were approximately 23-29% gasoline constituents; 15-30% diesel constituents; 1-16% CO2; 10-13% O2, CO, SO, NO and H2O; 46-71% combustible gases. It was observed that the phenol contained in the AFRL recorded approximately 5,310 mg/L. Moreover, by-products, such as 1.5% tars and 13% AFRL, were produced. The result shows that a B2F converter is suitable to harvest the combustible gases that can be used as fuel for internal combustion engines. However, the amount of organics indicated that the AFRL should not be discharged directly into watercourses without pre-treatment.
Study on Generation and Composition of Solid Waste Produced in UNIMAS Cafeterias
Authors: M.Zarak Syed AlMunir , J. H. Adam
Published: March 2019

UNIMAS's cafeterias generate solid waste everyday and there are 11 cafeterias operating in UNIMAS. The study involved two main cafeterias which are located at Bunga Raya and Alamanda colleges. The objective of the study was to determine the waste generation and composition of solid waste generated by the cafeterias. The study was done by collecting data from both cafeterias on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The collected waste were weight, mixed, quartered and the composition of the samples were then determined. The amount of waste generated daily in Bunga Raya cafeteria was more compared to that generated in Alamanda cafeteria. Food scraps were the highest component in the solid waste for both cafeterias, followed by plastics, papers, and non-ferrous metal. The energy that can be generated from waste from the whole cafeterias in UNIMAS was estimated at 95, 444.33 kJ/kg/day. According to the study, the solid waste management can be more efficient by minimizing the food preparation by the cafeteria operators. Besides that, the study can create awareness among students regarding the potential energy that can be harvested from the solid waste.
Geotechnical Properties of Fly Ash and its Application on Soft Soil Stabilization
Authors: Anak Geliga Emilliani , Awg Ismail Dygku Salma
Published: March 2019

Soil stabilization has become the major issue in construction engineering and the researches regarding the effectiveness of using industrial wastes as a stabilizer are rapidly increasing. This paper briefly describes the suitability of the local fly ash to be used in the local construction industry in a way to minimize the amount of waste to be disposed to the environment causing environmental pollution. Several civil engineering laboratory tests are conducted to study the geotechnical properties of fly ash and strength gain when mixed with local clay sample. A different proportion of fly ash and soil sample cured for 7 days results in a strength gain. A better understanding of the properties of fly ash is gained from the study and the tests indicates an improved strength and better properties of soft soil sample when stabilized.
The Forecasting Residual Life of Corroding Pipeline based on Semi-Probabilistic Method
Authors: N.M. Noor , N. Yahaya , N.A.N Ozman , S.R. Othman
Published: March 2019

In general, the prediction of pipeline residual life can effectively assist pipeline operators to evaluate future safe operating strategies including re-inspection and appropriate maintenance schedule. As a result it can minimize the possibility of pipeline failures until it reaches its designed lifetime. A semi-probabilistic methodology for predicting the remaining strength of submarine pipelines subjected to internal corrosion based on Recommended Practice RP-F101 by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) is described in this paper. It is used to estimate the maximum allowable operating pressure of the corroding pipelines based on series of pigging data, which represents corrosion pit location and dimension. The introduction of partial safety factors in the DNV code to minimise the effect of uncertainties due to the defect sizing has improved the reliability of pipeline assessment methodology. Nevertheless, the code is still regarded as a fully deterministic approach due to its incapability of predicting the remaining life of corroded pipeline. Thus, we have added prediction capabilities to the capacity equation by introducing a standard deviation model of future defect depth. By doing so, the variation of safety factors of the capacity equation can be fully manipulated in which prediction of future pipeline residual life becomes feasible. The paper demonstrates calculation and prediction of pipeline residual life subjects to internal corrosion. The results shows the standard deviation of corrosion parameter affected the value of partial safety factor as corrosion progressing, hence amplify the conservatism of time to failure.
Effect of PFA on Strength and Water Absorption of Mortar
Authors: G.S. Gingos , N. Mohamed Sutan
Published: March 2019

Partial replacement of cement by mineral admixtures or pozzolans can possibly improve the durability of mortar which directly related to its water absorption. Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA) is one of the pozzolans that is locally available. Laboratory studies have been conducted on mortar mixes of 0.3w/c, 0.4w/c and 0.5w/c ratios with 10%, 20% and 30% PFA replacements. Mortar cubes were tested to determine their water absorption rates and compressive strengths as they mature. Amount of PFA replacements in the mortar has significant effects on the strength development and water absorption rate of the mortar. Results shows that 20% PFA mortars of 0.5w/c ratio is the best mix to reduced rate of water absorption and achieved higher compressive strength.
Basic and Grade Stress for Some Timber in Sarawak
Authors: Ismaili Gaddafi , Abu Bakar Badorul Hisham , Abdul Rahim Khairul Khuzaimah
Published: March 2019

Strength properties’ tests are conducted in the small clear sample. This paper aim to acquire the basic and grade stresses of some fast growing species thus identifies its strength group. Thus, the information of wood properties from different species and condition are acquired from strength property's test. The required information namely, bending parallel to the grain, compression stress parallel to grain, shear parallel to grain and modulus of elasticity. The condition of the trees which is referred to green and air-dry condition. Three different species which are referred to exotic species of Acacia mangium and indigenous species of Aras. The results from the study indicated that, Acacia mangium classified under the strength group SG5, whilst Aras was classified under the strength group SG7. The timber is of medium density Light Hardwood ranging from 0.37-0.52g/cm3 air-dry condition.
Willingness to Communicate in English among ESL Undergraduates in
Authors: KHO-YAR Ai Siok , RAFIK-GALEA Shameem , Hwee KHO Elise Ai
Published: March 2019

Students’ unwillingness in communicating (WTC) English has many factors especially insecond language acquisition. This study investigates the willingness to communicate(WTC) in English among ESL undergraduates in Malaysia. A hypothesised model that integratesWTC in English, motivation, self-efficacy, mindset, and performance was tested usingstructural equation modelling (SEM). The results show that the personality of learnersare directly affecting motivation and WTC in English. Further, the results also demonstratethat both motivation and academic achievement influences WTC in English indirectlythrough self-efficacy. The final model correlates well with the data, thereby indicating thepotential of academic achievement can contribute to ESL communication.

Keywords: Willingness to communicate; low proficiency; second language acquisition;speaking
Generation-Y Employees and Their Perceptions of Work-Life Balance
Authors: Mos Bahrain , Bandar Nur Fatihah abdullah , Sabil Surena , Halim Farida Abdul , Muda Agatha Lamentan , Hamidi Hana , Abg Ibrahim Dyg Kartini , Meor Osman Wan Sofiah
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study is to identify the perceptions of Generation Y employees regarding work-life balance practices. As increasing numbers of Generation Y enter the workforce, questions regarding how they perceive work, family and self-related issues, challenges and coping strategies in balancing personal and professional commitments became issues of interests for employers. This study uses interviews to collect data from six informants in Generation Y and the data were analyzed through content analysis. The results indicate that Generation Y employees do indeed have issues and challenges with balancing work and family. However, unlike the older generation of employees, Generation Y employees perceive managing work-life balance only through segmentation or separation strategies. This particular finding indicates that if organizations want to attract and retain these employees they should adapt a strategy specifically designed to target this employee group.

 Keywords: Gen Y; work-life balance; issues and challenges; coping strategies; segmentation
Complementary Therapy as an Approach in Managing Occupational Stress
Authors: Nor Hashim Nur Aishah , Michael Mulok Florianna Lendai , Sumilan Helmi
Published: March 2019

Occupational stress is caused by various reasons, such as, workload and long working hours. This leads to occurrence of trend in using wellness activities to treat physical and psychological illness that is known as complementary therapy, which is Yoga, Aromatherapy, Qi gong, and Islamic Medical Practices (Ruqyah). Therefore, this research offered a perspective on the use of complementary therapies as a tool in improving and maintaining mental health condition of employees located in Penang, Malaysia. Qualitative method was used where 5 complementary therapy practitioners were interviewed to identify the perceptions towards the use of complementary therapy and to identify the type of therapy that can be practiced to reduce stress, as well as, discuss the benefits of complementary therapies. It was found that complementary therapy is very beneficial as it acts as a holistic treatment, natural way of healing and more empowering, as it helps to improve employee’s mental, emotional and physical health.Keywords: occupational stress; complementary therapy; mental health; holistic; conventional
System Support in Counselling among Muslim Convert Clients in Malaysia
Authors: Jayos Samsiah , Abd Ghani Faizah , Mohd Tahir Lokman , Azmi Jasmi Kamarul , Abdullah Bandar Nur Fatihah
Published: March 2019

This study aims to identify the use of external support systems by counsellors located at the Council within the Islamic Religious Department in Malaysia. Data for this research was collected using a case study. The case study included an interview of five (5) registered counsellors in Islamic Organization in Malaysia. This study was based on a qualitative approach and data were analyzed using N’Vivo 7.0. The data were developed into appropriate themes and sub-themes. The study revealed that the external support system (community support, peer counsellor, Islamic law and Islamic organization) should be applied to Muslim counsellors and Muslim converts. This research could be used as a guide for a counsellor to be more robust in providing guidance and counselling services to specific clients, such as, new Muslim converts.Keywords: system support; convert clients
The Dynamics of Training Outcomes in a Training Experience
Authors: Siaw Fung Chong , Songan Peter
Published: March 2019

It is rather common to find researchers and practitioners in training and development evaluating training effectiveness based on Kirkpatrick’s criteria of training reactions, learning, behavior change, and overall results. In recent years, in-depth review of Kirkpatrick’s criteria for training evaluation by theorists and researchers resulted in renewed interest in possible underlying dimensions and more operationalized measures of these factors. In this study, a hypothesized model is proposed to explain the effects of training reactions on learning outcomes and training transfer. Path analysis is carried out on data collected from 118 participants of a training course on operational housekeeping to examine the validity of the proposed model. Training reactions is considered in terms of affective reactions and utility reactions, and learning is considered in terms of declarative learning and application-based learning. Moderate effects between affective reactions, declarative learning, and training transfer are observed; while the links between affective reactions and utility reactions, and between declarative learning and application-based learning appeared to be more significant.Keywords: training evaluation; training reactions; learning outcomes; training transfer; training effectiveness
The Influence of Adult Attachment on Relationship Quality among Multi-Ethnic Group of Parents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Children
Authors: Yahya Fatahyah , Abu Bakar Rizal , Mat Yusoff Nur Fatihah
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to explore the influence of adult attachment on relationship quality among parents having children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A correlational research design was used to achieve the research objectives. Sixty eight parents of children with ADHD participated in this study. Two measures were used in this study: the Experience in Close Relationship (ECR) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). The findings indicated that when the anxiety attachment level of the participants was high, the marital satisfaction was low.The findings of this study can make a contribution to those focusing on conflict resolution and marital quality with a deeper understanding on the interpersonal problems in the relationship from attachment theory perspectives. It is suggested that a longitudinal research be conducted in the future with both groups of clinical and community in order to explore how attachment variables can predict relationship adjustment and child adjustment overtime.Keywords: adult attachment; marital quality; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
The Relationship Between Employee Satisfaction and Loyalty: A Cross-Sectional Study in Oil and Natural Gas Industry
Authors: Talwar Uthyasuriyan A. , B Oon Y , Ahmad Rusli
Published: March 2019

The global drop in oil and natural gas industry have had a significant impact on the Malaysian market and have potentially redirected Malaysia under a negative global spotlight. The layoff rate in oil and natural gas organizations have risen dramatically, this situation may affect the satisfaction level among employees and their loyalty in the respective oil and natural gas industry. The present study is aimed to determine the relationship between employee satisfaction and employee loyalty in Oil and Natural Gas Industry. Using simple random sampling technique 100 employees working in Oil and Natural Gas Industry were selected as respondents. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Results obtained showed that there is positive correlation between different components of employee satisfaction and employee loyalty. A notable variable that emerged in the analysis was compensation and benefits, while career development was least important that predisposed loyalty. Keywords: Employee satisfaction; employee loyalty; career development; compensation and benefits; job security COGNITIVE
HYBRID MOBILITY PREDICTION OF 802.11 INFRASTRUCTURE NODES BY LOCATION TRACKING AND DATA MINING
Authors: Issac Biju , Ab Hamid Khairuddin , Tan C.E.
Published: March 2019

In an IEEE 802.11 Infrastructure network, as the mobile node is moving from one access point to another, the resource allocation and smooth hand off may be a problem. If some reliable prediction is done on mobile node’s next move, then resources can be allocated optimally as the mobile node moves around. This would increase the performance throughput of wireless network. We plan to investigate on a hybrid mobility prediction scheme that uses location tracking and data mining to predict the future path of the mobile node. We also propose a secure version of the same scheme. Through simulation and analysis, we present the prediction accuracy of our proposal.
Improved Feature Selection Based on Mutual Information for Regression Tasks
Authors: Sulaiman Muhammad A. , Labadin Jane
Published: March 2019

Mutual Information (MI) is an information theory concept often used in the recent time as a criterion for feature selection methods. This is due to its ability to capture both linear and non-linear dependency relationships between two variables. In theory, mutual information is formulated based on probability density functions (pdfs) or entropies of the two variables. In most machine learning applications, mutual information estimation is formulated for classification problems (that is data with labeled output). This study investigates the use of mutual information estimation as a feature selection criterion for regression tasks and introduces enhancement in selecting optimal feature subset based on previous works. Specifically, while focusing on regression tasks, it builds on the previous work in which a scientifically sound stopping criteria for feature selection greedy algorithms was proposed. Four real-world regression datasets were used in this study, three of the datasets are public obtained from UCI machine learning repository and the remaining one is a private well log dataset. Two Machine learning models namely multiple regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) were used to test the performance of IFSMIR. The results obtained has proved the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Predictive Framework for Electricity Consumption
Authors: Ozoh Patrick , Abd-Rahman Shapiee , Labadin Jane
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the performance of regression model, Kalman filter adaptation algorithm and artificial neural network to assess their qualities for predictions. It develops predictive algorithms based on price, temperature and humidity as multiple variables affecting time-varying aspect of electricity consumption. In order to meet energy demand through the use of electricity as an energy source for daily activities in buildings such as air conditioning, lighting, computers and cooking stoves., adequate allocation of energy resources and planning should be done, including predicting for electricity consumption. The process involves collecting data from the power grid of Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology building, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. The forecasting techniques were tested on the data collected, and the dataset consists of electricity consumption readings, with electricity price, humidity and temperature included in the forecasting model. The performances of regression model, artificial neural network and Kalman algorithm were tested using statistical evaluation parameters, root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE); while the parameter, standard deviation, was used to check the validity of models. This study identified Kalman algorithm as the most effective method of predicting consumption data compared to regression model, and artificial neural network.
BI-MODAL PALM PRINT AND KNUCKLE PRINT RECOGNITION SYSTEM
Authors: Goh Michael K.O. , Tee Connie , Teoh Andrew B.J.
Published: March 2019

This paper proposed an innovative contact-less palm print and knuckle print recognition system. Palm print is referred to as line textures, which contains principal lines, wrinkles and ridges on the inner surface of the palm. On the other hand, knuckle print is denoted as the flexion lines on the inner skin of the knuckles of the fingers. These line patterns are unique and stable, and they offer abundance of useful information for personal recognition. We present a novel palm print and knuckle print tracking approach to automatically detect and capture these features from low resolution video stream. No constraint is imposed and the subject can place his/her hand naturally on top of the input sensor without touching any device. The palm print and knuckle print features are extracted using our proposed Wavelet Gabor Competitive Code and Ridget Transform methods. Several decision-level fusion rules are used to consolidate the scores output by the palm print and knuckle print experts. The fusion of these features yields promising result of EER=1.25% for verification rate.
Design Metrics and the Adaptation of Web-Page Content Chunks for PDAs
Authors: Scott S.D. , Koh Y.H.
Published: March 2019

The majority of web-pages are unsuitable for viewing on PDAs, WAP phones and similar devices without first being adapted. However, little empirical work has been done on what actually constitutes a good PDA or WAP web-page. This paper ranks a number of PDA web-pages from different categories empirically and correlates the result against the design metrics present. The findings are then compared against a similar set of experiments for PC web-pages. The results of this comparison suggest that, as well as omitting, summarizing and converting individual multimedia objects in the web-page to a less resource intensive form, the design metrics need to be changed during adaptation to enhance the presentation of web-content on non-PC devices. The paper concludes by investigating the effect of applying some suitable changes to the design metrics on web=page content chunks, which form the basic units in automatic content adaptation systems.
CONTENT-BASED SPATIAL QUERY RETRIEVAL
Authors: Lau B.T. , Wang Y.C.
Published: March 2019

Information acquisition with the availability of modern information technology has become easier. We rely on various information systems in our daily lives. Geographical information system and spatial query retrieval become more and more important in vehicle navigation, robot automation, and satellite signal processing. Spatial query is made easy with the handheld technology like PDA and sketching device. However powerful query methodology needs powerful retrieval techniques to produce the desired output. Content based spatial query retrieval is one of the best resorts for spatial query retrieval. Structural spatial query retrieval is in content based retrieval family that is also an active research area in spatial databases. Structural spatial query retrieval assesses similarity by its structural arrangement, known as configuration similarity. This research developed an enhanced structural spatial query retrieval model for spatial databases.
Trust and Other Factors that Drive Students’ Self-Disclosure on Social Networking Sites (SNSs)
Authors: FERN LIM SOK , AHMAD ISHAK SITI ZANARIAH
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study is to examine the factors that drive students’ self-disclosure on Social Networking Sites (SNSs). A total of 215 undergraduates from two public universities in East Malaysia were recruited as respondents. This study adapts self-disclosure model by Elmi, A.Iahad and Ahmed (2012), where the model proposed trust as one of the factors that complementing other existing factors in online self-disclosure. This study proved that privacy concerns (r = -.212, p < .01), perceived trust (r = .22, p < .01), perceived ease of use (r = .213, p < .01), and perceived enjoyment (r = .28, p < .01) are significantly related to students’ online self-disclosure on SNSs. In addition, as trust plays a vital role in moderating the users’ online self-disclosure behavior, this study formulated students’ trusts on SNSs based on three dimensions which are individual, institutional and online trust. Findings of study suggested that there is a significant difference between online trust based on male and female respondents.Keywords: Formulation of trust, online self-disclosure, privacy concern, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, perceived trust
Kemahiran Dan Teknologi Dalam Menghasilkan Sumber Manusia Yang Mampu Meningkatkan Mutu Kerja Dan Produktiviti(Skills and Technology in Producing Capable and Productive Work Force)
Authors: BINTI AHMAD AKMAL NOR WAJIHAH
Published: March 2019

Teknologi merupakan sebuah alat yang mempengaruhi kehidupan pada masa kini terutamanya di dalam sektor pekerjaan. Penggunaan teknologi dalam pekerjaan dapat membantu dalam meningkatkan prestasi pekerja. Keberkesanannya dapat diukur berdasarkan peningkatan produktiviti dan penerimaan dalam menggunakan sistem ini untuk membantu meningkatkan penghasilan produk kerja yang bermutu. Ia juga banyak membantu dalam komunikasi, meningkatkan integrasi pekerja, meningkatkan produktiviti dan penyampaian maklumat.Kata kunci: Integriti, prestasi, produktiviti, teknologi, tenaga kerja
Mentransformasikan Hubungan Industri Di Malaysia: Keberkesanan Pengurusan Keselamatan Dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan(Transformation of Industrial Relations in Malaysia: The effectiveness on Management of Occupational Safety and Health)
Authors: SADON NUR FARHANNA
Published: March 2019

Keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan bertujuan untuk melindungi keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerja. Keselamatan di tempat kerja merupakan satu aspek penting di dalam sesebuah organisasi syarikat. Keselamatan di tempat kerja penting dalam menjamin kesejahteraan pekerja. Kerajaan Malaysia telah mengambil langkah-langkah yang perlu dengan memperkenalkan Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan 1994 pada 25 Februari 1994. Tanggungjawab dalam penguatkuasaan Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan ini telah diberikan kepada Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (JKKP) yang berada di bawah Kementerian Sumber Manusia.Kata kunci: Bahaya, keselamatan, kesihatan, majikan, sumber manusia