bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUSTAINABALITY OF HANDICRAFT PRODUCTION: A STUDY OF SMALL-SCALE HANDICRAFT PRODUCERS IN RURAL SABAH
Authors: Fabeil Noor Fzlinda
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the emergent issues arising from a preliminary fieldwork (local desk research and key informant interviews) on the nature of handicraft production in rural Sabah. It is surprisingly that despite the government supports and initiatives under its handicraft development program that clearly wishes to encourage full-time workshop-based production, vast majority (93 percent) of handicraft producers in Kota Belud, Sabah still produce their handicrafts from home, in fact, half proportion of these home-based producers are part-timers. This finding has provided some valuable insight to question “why home-based production is so favoured among handicraft producers in rural Sabah”. Several issues related to producers’ decisions to go (or not) workshop-based production is argued in this paper: (1) “do workshop-based producers always high-performers and home-based producers always low-performers?” (2) perceived advantages or disadvantages of producing handicraft in a workshop or from home, (3) how are relationships with trader/retailers formed. In addition, based on the key informant interviews, several main challenges likely to inhibit producers’ decision to produce their handicraft in a formal commercialised manner, i.e. full-time workshop-based are also discussed: (1) difficulties in access to technical and financial resources (2) lack of motivations to move to higher level of commercialisation, and (3) the absence of young successor to sustain the craft production. This paper hoped to offer valuable insight for future research, specifically on factors for commercialisation process and performance among handicraft producers in rural Sabah, in spite of their “advantaged” or “disadvantaged” production status. In addition, this paper provides insight to government and policymakers about the current nature of handicraft production in Sabah, in which home-based and less formally managed production, in spite of their ‘disadvantaged’ status, might as well generate higher revenues to handicraft producers. Furthermore, it is expected that this paper will help to improve the guiding principles in reducing poverty in those remote areas in Sabah as well as to sustain Malaysian culture for future generation.
PREDICTING FINANCIAL WELL-BEING USING DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE: A STUDY PROPOSED ON STUDENTS OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN SABAH, MALAYSIA
Authors: Lajuni Nelson , Bujang Imbarine , Karia Abdul Aziz
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to make a specific contribution to the issue of financial well-being among students of public universities in Sabah. The discussion on this paper aims to debate the importance of the policymakers to continue to learn, change and adapt to challenges within the internal and external spectrums of the environment to respond to the expectations of different stakeholders. Therefore this paper tends to seek evaluating the relationship between demographic profile and financial well-being to scrutinize on whether public universities students are prepared and equipped with financial knowledge. First, the literature on financial well-being is reviewed with a view to the identification of useful models and concepts. The paucity of reference to financial well-being in that literature is noted especially here in Malaysia. The discussion will look into issues faces financial well-being among public universities students in Sabah. Finally, nonlinear autoregressive with external (NARX) network is proposed and recommended to be used to examine on how the demographic profile affects financial knowledge and financial well-being. We have developed a conceptual framework for demographic profile, and shown its relationship on financial knowledge and eventually to financial well-being. A key finding of our study is that demographic profile is a multi-faceted construct. The demographic profile measurements permit sharing with policymakers what researchers have learned about successful of financial knowledge that eventually translated into financial well-being. It presents an ideal approach whereby policymakers are confronted with the latest research findings concerning the determinants of financial well-being, how they can applied, how the policymakers can attempt to increase its chances of improving the financial education in Malaysia. In return, it will permit researchers to study “cases” over time and to gain greater depth of knowledge concerning not just the presence of demographic profile success-related characteristics, but also an understanding of how policymakers move the public universities students toward financial knowledge and eventually to financial well-being by adjusting their levels of readiness.
ADVERGAME: POTENTIAL AND PROSPECTS FOR ADVERTISING STRATEGY
Authors: Abdul Adis Azaze-Azizi , Jun Kim Hyung
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to discuss the concept of advergames and its benefits from the marketing perspectives and also the future potential of advergames. It suggests that marketing communication by using games, as a medium will result into more effective marketing communication strategy to the brand developer. The concepts of advergames and its types were both discussed. Then, the advantages and disadvantages of using advergames were also explained and how advergames differs compared to other media. Finally, the potential and prospects of advergames that would give opportunities to marketing practitioner completes the discussion of this paper.
THE CASE STUDY OF SYARIKAT PERMAS SDN BHD
Authors: Sidin Julian Paul , Zaigham Maryum
Published: December 2022

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SUSTAINABILITY OF SEAWEED FARMING IN SOUTH SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Authors: Datu Eranza Datu Razali , M. Alin James , Bahron Arsiah
Published: December 2022

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FPGA BASED INDIVIDUAL COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE LABORATORY EXERCISES
Authors: Ahmad Othman
Published: December 2022

Computer Architecture is the study of digital computers towards designing, building and operating digital computers. Digital computers are vital for the modern living because they are essential in providing the intelligences in devices such as self-driving cars and smartphones. Computer Architecture is a core subject for the Electronic (Computer) Engineering course at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah that is compliant to the requirement of the Washington Accord as accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council of the Board of Engineers of Malaysia (EAC). An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) based Computer Architecture Laboratory had been developed to support the curriculum of this course. FPGA allows a sustainable implementation of laboratory exercises without resorting to poisonous fabrication of microelectronic devices and installation of integrated circuits. An FPGA is just a configurable and therefore reusable digital design component. Two established organisations promoting computer engineering curriculum, ACM and IEEE, encourages the use of FPGA in digital design in their latest recommendation and together with the EAC, emphasises the grasp of the fundamentals for each student. The laboratory exercises are individual exercises where each student is given a unique assignment. A laboratory manual is provided as a guide and project specification for each student but overall the concept of the laboratory exercise is a student-centred one. Each student is allowed to pace their effort to achieve the sessions of the laboratory exercises starting from session one to session ten. A quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of these laboratory sessions is carried out based on the numbers of students completing the laboratory sessions. These sessions start from an 1:FPGA tutorial to implementations of features of a microprocessor of 2:Immediate Load, 3:Immediate Load to Multiple Registers, 4:Addition, 5:Operation Code, 6:Program Memory, 7:Jump, 8:Conditional Jump, 9:Register to Register and 10:Input-Output. The results of three batches of students show that within the time limits of a one credit hour course, students had managed to complete some aspects of the implementation of a simple microprocessor.
WASTE AUDIT IN UMT CAMPUS : GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF WASTE IN CAFETERIA AND FOOD KIOSK
Authors: Jaafar Izan , Ibrahim Tengku Azmina , Mat Ila Noor Hayati , Mohd Zaki Nor Syuhada
Published: December 2022

Waste Management problem became the most challenging issues with the increasing of global population. Universities as higher educational institution should create knowledge, take a lead on environmental protection and sustainability practices for promoting public awareness on adapting the concept of sustainability for a better quality of living as well as integrate sustainability in their educational and research programs. In the aspect of solid waste management, solid waste audit need to be conducted for the determination of the total amount of waste generation, the current practise of waste management and waste characterization hence specific improvement can be identified and implemented. Cafeterias have been known to generate multiple waste such as biodegradable waste, recyclable waste and non-recyclable waste. Therefore this study was conducted to determine the generation, characterization and current management practices of waste produced within cafeterias and food kioks currently operating within Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The study involves distribution of questionnaires to 370 respondents, representative numbers based on UMT population of UMT that has reached 10900 and characterization of solid waste produced by the respected cafeterias and food kiosks for the duration of two weeks. The results found that the total generation of solid waste was 1753kg with average 125kg generation per day. Waste classification were 59% (food waste), 21 % (papers), 13% (plastics), 4 % (tin/aluminium), 1.3% (polystyrene), 1.2%Â  (Glass) and 0.02% (Others). Estimation of the average waste generation was determined through weighted process using scale machine. The weighted waste were segregated according to their type and categories. The survey conducted found that majority of respondent have knowledge about solid waste management (>80%) but still lack of awareness towards solid waste management in cafeteria and food kiosk whether simply by recycling and separating. The survey also suggests that UMT community to bring their own containers for take away and to participate more in solid waste awareness programme. The high proportion of organic waste more than 60% exceeding the typical 40% national generation indicated a strong urge to place organic waste compost bin in cafeteria so that the highly generated organic waste can be utilized and converted into compost whilst reduce waste disposal cost.Â
THE EFFECTS OF BARTER TRADE SUSPENSION IN SABAH
Authors: Aralas Sarma Binti , Bin Abu Bakar Mohd Alliff Anwar , Kim Lian Jennifer Chan
Published: December 2022

The recent suspension of barter trade in Sabah, Malaysia, has caused losses in business revenues amounting to millions of ringgit and the loss of employment of hundreds of workers in the industry. We conducted a survey to quantify the impact of the barter trade suspension in major barter trade locations which included Tawau, Sandakan, and Lahad Datu, major cities in Sabah that are considered the hubs of barter trading in the state. Our survey findings show that the losses of direct income to traders due to the suspension range between RM1,680,000 - RM3,750,000 for eight traders in the survey sample conducted in May 2016. Other effects include the laying-off of barter-trade workers, and unemployment of employers, losses in the benefit of import-export activities through anticipated rising prices, losses in the diversity of consumption of imported products, and displacement of workers through relocation to other industry sectors or geographical regions to pursue new employment opportunities.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVLOPMENT PROGRAMS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE NATION AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kato Akiko
Published: December 2022

This paper will give an overview of the human resourceã€€development programs taking place at the Nationalã€€Institute of Technology, Fukushima College (henceforth NCT-FC). Explanation will be given on how these programs correspond to the rising human resource issues which are common all over Japan. Focus will be on matters dealing with local community revitalization and globalization, and on matters which are specific to local communities in Fukushima:ã€€such as the decommissioning of the nuclear power plant, the implementation Â of Â renewable energy, Â and environmental rehabilitation. Â Finally, we will look at how NCT-FC develops its human resource programs to meet the general needs of Japanese communities as well as the specific needs of the local communities. Â The topic of human resources is an emergent issue especially when it pertains to the sustainable development of small local Japanese communities. Tertiary education will play an important role in the revitalize of these communities.
EFFECTS OF COVER CROPPPING ON NITROGEN DIOXIDE, CARBON DIOXIDE AND METHANE FLUXES AND SOIL ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN CORN-SOYBEAN ROTATION SYSTEM
Authors: A. Martin, Jr Artemio
Published: December 2022

The effect of cover crops (ryegrass, hairy vetch, and oilseed radish) in terms of microbial biomass carbon (MBC), C and N mineralization, and enzymatic activities in a corn-wheat-soybean cropping systems under a Mollisol was evaluated. The distributions of total organic C (TOC), total Kjeldahl N (TKN), microbial biomass C (MBC), readily mineralizable C and N, and five enzyme activities (Î²-glucosidase, Î²-glucosaminidase, acid phosphatase, arylamidase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis) involved in the cycling of C, N, P and S were studied in three soil depths (0-5. 5-10, 10-20 cm) while soil surface fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) were estimated. Ryegrass showed higher activity in acid phosphatase, Î²-glucosidase and Î²-glucosaminidase. Ryegrass and hairy vetch significantly increased organic C and N, and MBC. Level of mineralized C and N were the same in ryegrass and hairy vetch. There was no clear variation in CO2, N2O and CH4 fluxes from the cover crop treatments. N2O fluxes increased with an increase in soil moisture. The negative CH4 fluxes manifest the soil as CH4 sink. No significant differences among cover crop treatments in terms of CO2-C, N2O-N and CH4-C emissions, a reflection that their emissions are highly variable. Empirical data on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes are important in management systems to evaluate mitigation strategies, while microbial biomass and enzyme activities can be used as sensitive indicators of ecological stability.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND AGRONOMIC RESPONSES OF UPLAND RICE (Oryza sativa L.) VARIETIES GROWN ORGANICALLY UNDER JASAAN SOIL SERIES
Authors: B. Gayloa Eutropio , M. Elmundo Elizar , J. Torayno2 Emelita , D. Taylaran Renante
Published: December 2022

Upland rice is mostly grown in extremely diverse marginal upland ecosystems with highly degraded, infertile and acidic soils. The responses of selected upland rice varieties (Dinorado, Speaker, Ma. Gakit, and Cabuyok) to vermicast, Bio-N, and its combination were evaluated under Jasaan soil series in Claveria, Misamis Oriental from September 2013 to January 2014. The study was laid out following a 3 x 4 factorial in split-plot design with three replications. The Bio-N, vermicast and its combination served as the main plot while the upland rice varieties as the subplot. No synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides were used. Served application of vermicast, Bio-N and its combination did not influence the relative chlorophyll content of the leaves and dry matter accumulation of upland rice varieties before heading. It also did not influence the number of spikelets per panicle, weight per panicle, 1000 seeds weight and grain yield of the selected upland rice varieties. However, the significant effect of vermicast and Bio-N applied in combination revealed only at approximately three weeks after heading. Among the upland rice varieties, the grain yield of Speaker variety tended to be higher compared with other varieties. Results suggest that the farmer could either use vermicast, Bio-N, or in combination depending on the availability of the materials, and opt to use Speaker upland rice variety for its yield advantage.
THE IMPACT OF OIL AND LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG) PRICES ON ECONOMIC SECTORS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Bt Mohd Saudi Nur Surayya , Hock Tsen Wong
Published: December 2022

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) prices fluctuation to economy sectors in Malaysia. We investigates four economics sectors in Malaysia namely industry, manufacturing, agriculture and services sector. Annual time series data were collected from 1985 to 2015.Econometrics methods like unit root, co-integration, VECM and causality test were tested to identify a long run relationship and causality from energy prices to economic sector. Data for economic sectors and energy prices were extracted from World Bank and Energy Information Administration (EIA).The empirical results found that all series are associated and move together in a long run but there is no short-run dynamics exist. Pairwise Granger causality test suggested that oil and LNG prices affect industrial and manufacturing sectors in Malaysia.
LINKING STOCK PRICES AND MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ng Yong Chew , Kogid Mori , Mulok Dullah
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the relationship between stock prices and selected macroeconomic variables from January 1980 to May 2017 using monthly data comprising 449 observations. The study employs several econometric tests such as unit root test for stationarity test, cointegration test and Granger causality test to determine the long- and short-run relationships between stock prices and macroeconomic variables. The result of the Johansen cointegration test shows that all the macroeconomic variables are cointegrated with stock prices in the long-run. Moreover, the Granger causality tests show that only exchange and inflation rates significantly Granger cause stock prices in the short-run. However, the money supply and interest rate had no causal relationship with stock prices.
’A--VENUE’: ONLINE VENUE RESERVATION SYSTEM FOR RECOGNIZED STUDENTORGANIZATIONS OF ADAMSON UNIVERSITY
Authors: A. Banogon Reuben John , Battad Ronalyn T. , Guevarra Nikka Alyssa B. , Lapeña Rankin C. , Alejandro Leonard L.
Published: December 2022

Adamson University has a diverse community where students are engaged in different activities in line with their academic field and extra--curricular activities. There are three types of student organizations in the university;; academic, socio--civic and religious. These organizations are collectively known as Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), administered by the Office for Student Affairs (OSA). This office oversees all organized events together with Physical Facilities and General Services Office (PFGSO) for the venue reservation and approval. The aforementioned offices are currently using the traditional pen and paper method for event processing. The main goal of this research is to develop an Online Venue Reservation System that can be used to manage and process event data and help reduce problems encountered, such as data redundancy, data loss, and excessive paper use. The study used qualitative research wherein qualified respondents from OSA, PFGSO, and RSO’s were chosen using purposive sampling. This developed web application allows different users to request, monitor, and approve or disapprove a venue reservation request as well as generate reports when necessary. The website was evaluated using ISO 25010 Software Quality Model by the target respondents. The survey showed that the developed system was assessed as “Good” in terms of functionality suitability, performance efficiency, compatibility, usability, reliability, security, maintainability and portability. In terms of compatibility, the website was rated “Fair”. Furthermore, the respondents also evaluated the website as “Highly Feasible” in terms of technical, operational, economic and environmental considerations.
BIOSORPTION OF LEAD (II) AND CADMIUM (II) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USINGRAW AND PRETREATED ASPERGILLUS NIGER.
Authors: Albesa II Joycyl P. , S. Alfaras Alexander Allen , De Rosas Aira May G. , Sta. Catalina Shaira B. , Joseph G. Angeles Engr. Patlawrenze
Published: December 2022

Heavy metals present in wastewater are found to be detrimental not only to the environment but also to the health of human beings. The biosorption of lead (II) and cadmium (II) from aqueous solution by raw and NaOH--pretreated fungal biomass of Aspergillus niger was investigated. Parameters affecting biosorption such as pH, agitation rate, and metal ions were examined. It was found that the initial pH of the solution strongly affected the degree of biosorption. Metal solutions with pH of 5 and 4 yield the highest percentage biosorption of Aspergillus niger for mono--metal solutions and bi--metal solutions, respectively. The agitation rate of 400 rpm and 150 rpm yield the highest percentage removal on single metal ions and combined metal ions, respectively. Moreover, the lead and cadmium adsorption by pretreated Aspergillus niger was higher than that of raw Aspergillus niger in all cases. The kinetics of heavy metal biosorption matched second order reaction model. The biosorption isotherms indicated that the biosorption of Cd (II) and Pb (II) can be fitted with the Langmuir equation indicating that the biosorption mechanism of Cd (II) and Pb (II) by Aspergillus niger was chemisorption.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS OF CELINA HOMES IV SUBDIVISION BARANGAY BURGOSRODRIGUEZ, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES: A COMMUNITY- -CENTERED EVALUATION
Authors: Corona Shiela May , Cruz Angela Kate , Debalocos Hennessy Jane , Burigsay Joever John , Pascua Ethelbert Justine , Siao Renzo Miguel , Sison Einstine Albert , Tabangay Marc Joseph , Mendoza Rose Marie
Published: December 2022

The disaster preparedness and awareness of the community of Celina Homes IV Subdivision in Barangay Burgos Rodriguez, Rizal was assessed and evaluated. A descriptive cross--sectional research was employed to assess the disaster preparedness among the one hundred eighty--three (183) residents of Celina Homes IV Subdivision, Barangay Burgos, Rodriguez, Rizal. The findings showed that the level of disaster preparedness of the Celina Homes IV Subdivision community in terms of preparations for incoming disasters, knowledge on disaster prone areas, availability of disaster equipment and supplies, safety measures in the community, and seminars and information campaign on disaster preparedness is high, and that the level of disaster awareness of the community of Celina Homes IV Subdivision on different natural disaster like earthquakes, flashfloods/floods and landslides is also high. However, the results revealed that the community lack exposure to seminars and information campaigns that will help enhance and update their readiness to disasters. Results further reveal that the residents need a disaster readiness campaign that is highly recommended to all ages. In line with these findings, a disaster preparedness infographic was crafted to enhance the disaster preparedness and awareness of the community.
EFFECTS OF SODIUM BENTONITE ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF RECYCLED PLASTICCOMPOSITES AS POTENTIAL GEOMEMBRANE
Authors: Alonzo Dahl Kristine Kim , Salino Dianne Salino , Villaroza Runette , Trinidad Roy , Saiyari Donamel
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the utilization of post--consumer waste plastic sachets as potential geomembrane in landfills. This study promotes recycling of plastic wastes in Adamson University premises and supports the government advocacy in Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. To confirm the plastic compositions, the plastic waste sachets were subjected to Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis. FTIR result shows that plastics were made of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyester (PET). Subsequently, sodium bentonite (SB) was added to shredded waste plastics at varying percentages of 0, 5, 10 and 15 percent by weight. Then, it was subjected to melt intercalation and compression molding process to produce recycled plastic composites (RPC). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to determine the melt--intercalation and compression molding temperatures. Consequently, RPC was subjected to different physico--mechanical tests such as density, water absorption, flexural, tensile, izod impact and abrasion tests. Maximum water absorption capacity and tensile strength were observed in RPC with 15% SB. The highest density and flexural strength were observed in RPC with 10% SB content. Moreover, RPC with 5% SB exhibited the highest impact strength and abrasive resistance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) divulged the poor interfacial adhesion between the polymer blends and unequal dispersion of SB with recycled plastics. Overall, the surface response optimization corroborates that the ultimate percentage of SB was achieved at 10.4% content which has a great potential as geomembrane.
NITRATE REDUCTION USING SYNTHESIZED G--NZVI AND G--NZVI--CU PREPAREDFROM OPTIMIZED EXTRACTED POLYPHENOLS FROM SUGANDA LEAVES
Authors: C. Aguilar Vanessa Denise , R. Fundano Jerome D. , Legaspi Jeswino C. , Mojica Darwin C. , Tullao Janselle Q. , A. Zafra Alister Mae , C. Roque Engr. Erison
Published: December 2022

Polyphenols present in Suganda (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng) extract can reduce the cationic iron to zero valent iron while simultaneously forming nanoparticles. The study involved the phenolic extraction at different solvent concentrations and temperatures. The synthesized Green--Nanoscale Zero Valent Iron (G--nZVI) and Green--Nanoscale Zero Valent Iron -- Copper Bimetal (G--nZVI--Cu) were used to reduce nitrate in water. Scanning Electron Microscopy -- Energy Dispersive X--ray (SEM--EDX) and X--ray Diffraction (XRD) are used to characterize the particles. It was found out that at 35°C and 90% ethanol, the highest phenolic content was obtained. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results showed that the effect of temperature and solvent concentration is significant on the phenolic extraction with a probability value of < 0.0001. The SEM analysis showed that the particles have sizes ranging from 100-- 150 nm. The EDX analysis showed higher amounts of oxygen ranging from 50--60%, iron having 40--50% weight and copper with nearly 4--5% weight. The green synthesized particles are amorphous in structure, with no clear peak at 2θ = 45°. The synthesized particles were successfully used to reduce nitrate in water. Analysis showed that significant amount of nitrate was reduced after 60 minutes, having a removal efficiency of 84.36% and 85.81% for G--nZVI and G--nZVI--Cu, respectively. It was found out that ammonium and nitrogen gas were the main products of the reaction. The results show that G--nZVI and G--nZVI--Cu can be used for the remediation of nitrate in water due to its high removal efficiency.
STUDENTS’ AT--RISK BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY CULTURE IN BASIC CHEMISTRYLABORATORY
Authors: Mendoza Rose Marie O. , Palacio Divina F. , Calara Elizabeth B.
Published: December 2022

An academic laboratory such as the General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory were given less priority as to safety due to the perception that the quantity of materials would not give a significant hazardous impact to students or the environment. This study evaluated the at--risk behaviors of the Basic Chemistry students as well as the present Safety Culture in the laboratory. A total of 918 Basic Chemistry students officially enrolled during the A.Y. 2016--2017 in the host institution participated the study. New findings in the at--risk behaviors were recorded such as the use of gadgets and tablets not associated with the lab activity, half--glove use, ¾ sleeved-- and unbuttoned laboratory gowns, limited working area, messy and unorganized working area, going out of the laboratory in their lab gowns and gloves on top of not properly and untied hair for girls and dangling bangs for boys, incomplete safety gears, horse-- playing and unfamiliarity to experimental procedures. The laboratory safety has been found to be better among first year students than that of the second--year students. It was also found that majority of the students are not aware of the different nature of chemicals being handled in the laboratory. Significant relationship was found between the at--risk behavior of the students and their laboratory safety culture, indicating that students who are in the high--risk level exhibits lower laboratory culture. Integration of safety orientation into the laboratory curriculum was found to be an attractive solution to the existing laboratory issues observed.
UTILIZATION OF BAMBOO FIBER AND COCONUT COIR IN THE PRODUCTION OF CEMENT--BONDED BOARD
Authors: Andales Clariza Mae E. , Animas Lorrence M. , Dalit Ma. Jhocel D. , Noriega Charles William P. , Famadico Jerome Jordan F.
Published: December 2022

Each year, the amount of agricultural wastes is growing faster than the rate of urbanization in the country. People from different parts of the country and the world are mostly unaware on how to utilize these wastes and recycle them into useful and sustainable materials. One of the approaches in reusing these agricultural wastes is to utilize them as a substitute for wood in the fabrication of panel products. Cement-- bonded boards, for instance, is one of those restoration inventions of the 20th century which can be an alternative to timber products in constructing internal and external walls, partitions, ceilings, roof sheathing, to name a few. This research aimed to contribute to these small but growing empirical literatures and studies on particleboard technology by to utilizing agricultural wastes such as bamboo and coconut coir fibers in the production of cement--bonded particleboards. Using an experimental research design, the researchers produced three experimental samples with three different fiber -- cement ratios. These samples underwent several tests that determined their physical and mechanical properties. Based on the results, it was found out that the sample boards with 3.2% fiber obtained the highest strength of 5.31 MPa, which was higher than the standard strength for particle boards. It also passed the nail head pull through test and obtained an optimum result of 223.88 kg. Furthermore, it also exhibited 1.03% thickness swelling and 8.58% water absorption which was way better compared to commercially available particle boards.
THE SUSTAINABILITY OF BUMIPUTERA-OWNED SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES FACING COVID-19: DEAD OR ALIVE!
Authors: Lasuin Charlie Albert , Omar Azizah
Published: December 2022

The emerging of the deadly mysterious disease stirs peacefulness and creates the domino effect around the nations. Known as Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, this infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus that hazardous to human respiratory system, sending the borderless possibility of death wreath warrant to them. COVID-19 is not only placing health systems under unprecedented pressure in saving human life, the pandemic also caused local and international economics as well as their businesses suffered to their last breaths. The impacts of COVID-19 are unbearable as businesses seize their operation temporarily or completely dissolve, causing people to lost their job without steady income. In addition, the developments of physical effects of infection and the mental trauma creating stress, fear, confusion, lonely and anger among people because of self-isolation or social lockdown in their own homeland. Indeed, the disease also squeezed small and medium enterprises (SMEs) around the world, particularly in Malaysia into a dramatic consequence of losing their business sustainability and capability of competing in the red ocean market. Bumiputera-owned SMEs for instance, facing difficulties in maintaining their business livelihood during the pandemic lockdown and movement control order (MCO). This paper accentuates the sustainability and survival acts among Bumiputera-owned SMEs in Malaysia in facing COVID-19 as recommendation to elevate their economic life. Moreover, COVID-19 should serve as a wake-up call for everyone in heightening multilateral collaboration across communal conversion of shared dilemmas without looking the pandemic as rigorously belongs to the public health domain.
THE REPERCUSSIONS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION OF OLDER PEOPLE: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Foo Chung Chang , Tan Sharon @ Rebecca , Binti Singau Jennyca , Pazim Khairul Hanim , Mansur Kasim
Published: December 2022

In 2002, the World Health Organisation (WHO) designed a framework for active ageing society which was implemented by most of the countries in the world to date. Furthermore, several studies have explained that the labour force participation of older people is one of the key factors in promoting the concept of active ageing (Punyakaew et al., 2019; Halaweh et al., 2018). Due to an unexpected disastrous COVID-19 pandemic emerged, there is a need to revisit the possible effects of this pandemic on the labour force participation of the older population. As of 25 November 2020, WHO reported that there are more than 59 million infected people and 1,397,139 deaths in 216 countries worldwide and the numbers are still rising at a rapid rate. Older people were identified as one of the most vulnerable groups to COVID-19 virus. It is expected that the current situation is less favourable to older people in Malaysia not only to their participation in the labour market, but in many aspects as well. This paper aims to provide a narrative literature review in an effort to understand how COVID-19 pandemic might have changed the decision of older people in participating in the labour force in Malaysia.
PERFORMANCE AND PROPERTIES OF ECO-FRIENDLY CEMENT BRICKS ADDED WITH POLYESTER FABRIC WASTES
Authors: Lanante Francis Denrick , E. Tambis Christian Lloyd , C. Bacunawa Geselle, , T. Mendoza Marianne Agnes , Espinazo Jeruel A. , Suliva Loudie B.
Published: December 2022

With brick a common construction material, there is a shortage of sources for making bricks. Fabric wastes can serve as replacement for a portion of brick aggregates both for practicality and sustainability. This is especially since the fashion industry has been known to contribute to negative environmental impacts. This paper describes the materials and methods as well as properties of eco-friendly cement bricks added with polyester fabric wastes. The eco-friendly bricks were compared to traditional cement bricks in terms of physical and mechanical properties. Traditional bricks were prepared at a ratio of 1:5 of cement to sand while eco-friendly bricks were prepared at a ratio of 1:5:1 of cement to sand to fabric wastes. All the methods used in this study were based on the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM, 2006). Statistical analysis using t-test revealed that both bricks were comparable in terms of physical properties of mass (kg) (t=1.780, p=0.086), bulk density (kg/m3 ) (t=1.780, p=0.086), and water absorption percentage (%) (t=–0.336, p=0.740) as well as mechanical properties of maximum load (kN) (t=1.000, p=0.326) and compressive strength (Mpa) (t=1.000, p=0.326) with results having no significant differences in their means. In terms of cost, eco-friendly bricks are cheaper by Php 3.00 than traditional bricks. Eco-friendly cement bricks added with polyester fabric wastes can therefore serve as viable alternative for traditional bricks. Additional testing such as in situ testing can be conducted to determine practical applications of the eco-friendly bricks added with fabric wastes in non-load bearing walls for instance.
THE ACCEPTANCE OF GOOGLE MEET PLATFORM: AN ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION
Authors: Radzi Noor Farazilla , Ismail Md Fauzi , Ya'akob Hashamuddin
Published: December 2022

The spread of COVID-19 has changed the way education was conducted.  Online learning is widely used to overcome the spread of the virus and adapt with the new norms.   Video conferencing through Google Meet platform is one of the ways to conduct online learning.  Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine factors influencing the acceptance of Google Meet platform for learning sessions.  Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as a theoretical model for this study since it is widely used in the study of technology acceptance.   The data was collected using questionnaires that had been distributed to students who were involved in a teaching and learning session for December 2020 at Kolej Komuniti Bagan Datuk.  The finding of this study stated that there is positive medium correlation between these independent variables (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) and the acceptance of Google Meet platform.  This means, when students perceive Google Meet is useful and easy to use, they will accept it.  This study helps instructors to recognize the effectiveness of the Google Meet platform used in delivering their classes.
Marketing Strategy and Sales Performance of Talipapa Vendors in Kingking, Pantukan, Comval Province
Authors: Madinga Richard C , Dejan Jaide A , Caballero John Ralph I , Guevarra Dennis A
Published: December 2022

Marketing strategy is commonly known as 4ps which consist of Product, Price, Place and Promotion as an effective tool or strategy for increasing the sales Performance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of marketing strategy and sales performance of Talipapa Vendors in kingking, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province; and how marketing strategy significantly influenced sales performance. This is a quantitative non-experimental research design. The respondents of the study were the workers of the stores in Talipapa. The instrument used in this study was an adopted-modified questionnaire consisted of two parts with questions based on the indicators of the study. Results showed that the level of marketing strategy of Talipapa Vendors is much observed. On the other hand, the level of sales performance of Talipapa is very satisfactory. Moreover it was also revealed that marketing strategy significantly influenced the sales performance in talipapa. Place was the domain of Marketing Strategy significantly influence Sales Performance. Based on the findings of the present study the researchers yielded the following recommendation for the betterment of the store, they have to use more social media, innovate more products and offer price discounts and free samples. For the future researchers they may use the same study since there are still other factors which have not yet been found in the study that can significantly influence sales performance.
EMPOWERING WOMEN AS LEADERS AMONG RELOCATED INFORMAL SETTLERS
Authors: Mantuhac Pamela B.
Published: December 2022

This paper explores the degree of empowerment among women volunteers in the Hope Day Care Center (HDCC) in the informal relocation site in Southville 8, Cabuyao, Laguna by determining the role of HDCC in promoting women empowerment; identifying women empowerment measured in the Familial, Socio-cultural, Psychological and Political dimensions; and, describing how HDCC teachers become empowered women leaders in the community. The study used the mixed method employing quantitative-qualitative approach. A survey was conducted to determine the impact of the program on the respondents. The findings revealed that HDCC plays a vital role in promoting women empowerment. It provides opportunities for simple women to become more confident among themselves and become trusted community leaders through trainings, on-going formation programs and experiences while teaching. Based on the four dimensions, the results showed that in terms of the familial dimension, women volunteers have become a source of pride among the family members and are treated with more respect and equal dignity. In the socio-cultural dimension, the women feel the value of empowerment and the need to share it because of its positive impact on them and the community. In the psychological dimension women shared their dreams for a better future and acknowledge the values of unity, cooperation, role modelling and wholehearted service as the key to achieve this. In the political dimension, the volunteers believed that they possess the necessary skills to become good leaders. Women volunteers are empowered through the HDCC program. Despite attaining lesser than the required college education, they have been empowered to teach basic education, are more self-confident, have a voice in decision making and are independent-minded.
COVID-19 AND THE SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT ON SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN SABAH
Authors: Cheong Jia Qi , Pazim Khairul Hanim , Lim Fui Yee Beatrice , Chun Lee Noor Faziedah , Mansur Kasim
Published: December 2022

The movement control order (MCO) and restrictions in economic activities issued in response to the COVID-19 outbreak has caused significant disruptions in employment. The impact of the pandemic has been greater for self-employed persons than for employed workers, as self-employed persons usually experience substantial obstacles in keeping their businesses alive. Studies on self-employment are thus very important for the nation since they are related to attempts to lessen the detrimental impact of covid-19 on self-employment. Entrepreneurs have overcome numerous challenges within the self–employment. This article investigates the Covid-19 impact on self-employment and small business income and sales. The paper also identify the salient beliefs that policymakers could target to reduce the problem faced by self-employed and small businesses. An online survey was conducted to see on how the self-employed are faring in the crisis covering their work patterns, earnings, concerns and expectations for the future. 185 respondents were collected. This paper suggest that policymakers can start thinking about self-employment policies for a post-COVID-19 economy now, because there is a need for more targeted measures to help disadvantaged self-employed persons stay in business.
DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL FOR LOCAL FARM-BASED PRODUCE: A STUDY ON SMALL FARMERS DURING PANDEMIC CRISIS
Authors: Fabeil Noor Fzlinda , Langgat Juliana , Pazim Khairul Hanim , Mahmud Roslinah
Published: December 2022

It has been contended in many studies that small enterprises are more sensitive to crisis. Small enterprises tend to progress relatively slower than larger enterprises during a crisis, and in fact may fail to sustain the business within three years after a crisis strike. The pandemic crisis in Malaysia has disrupted several important sectors especially agricultural due to the disruption of transportation and retails services. Small farmers experience dumping of farm produces due to the restricted delivery channels and loss of regular market. Small farmers are believed to demonstrate a viable strategy for the sustainability of their businesses during a crisis, through the use of an alternative distribution approach to deliver their perishable goods to consumers. Through structured interviews with two small farmers in Ranau, Sabah, this paper presents their perspectives on the alternative distribution strategy they had undertaken during a crisis. The results of the study provide insights into how the hub distribution approach might assist small farmers in managing the impact of the crisis on their business and can therefore be used as an effective distribution approach in the future.
THE ROLE OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS TOWARDS EMPLOYEE RESILIENCE: THE CASE OF PRIVATE EDUCATORS IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
Authors: Anak Stephen Steward Giman , Wider Walton , Thomas Helmina
Published: December 2022

Employees' capacity to deal with unfavourable circumstances, such as job intensification, organisational change, and work stress, will be enhanced if they have resilience. Despite an increase in study interest in the topic of employee resilience, little is known about how essential social support at work, such as supportive leadership and co-worker support, impacts workers' capacity to survive in difficult circumstances. Therefore, this paper aims to understand the role of support systems in enhancing educators’ resilience in private sectors. It focuses on the types of support systems that the educators received that make them stay working in private college. The study was conducted among educators in three different private colleges in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. In – depth interview was used to collect the data for this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that educators stay in an organization even though faced many challenges due to the following factors: supportive leader, co-worker support and family members encouragement. The findings of this study can be applied into organization retention practices, especially during this pandemic.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFECTIVENESS: MODERATED BY STRUCTURE
Authors: Tan En Hwa , Chua Geok Ling
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between absorptive capacity and organizational effectiveness that moderated by structure. The variables included in this study are absorptive capacity exploitation as independent variable, organizational effectiveness as dependent variable and structure as moderator. The discussion of this study concluded that absorptive showed significant relationship with organizational effectiveness. The relationship between structure and organizational effectiveness showed significant relationship. Meanwhile, the discussion of this study are close related with the previous studies which showed significant relationship in between structure as moderating effect and absorptive capacity towards organizational effectiveness. In conclusion, it can determine absorptive capacity brings impact towards organizational effectiveness and it can be enhance the effect through structure as moderator.
Where Are We Now in Our Sustainability Journey?
Authors: Peterson Mark
Published: December 2022

Despite notable gains in the movement to bring sustainability into the mainstream of marketing and business, much more needs to be done. This essay explains why sustainability is not mainstream, yet, and what it would take to move sustainability to the mainstream. Importantly, each sector of society (business, government, NGOs and education) need to be smarter about how each contributes to developing a sustainable society. Sustainable marketing scholars can play an important role in moving sustainability to the mainstream now and in the future.