bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Embryogenic Callus Induction Protocol Through Cell Suspension Culture For High Frequency Plant Regeneration Of Maspine Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.)
Authors: Bukhori M.F. Mohamad , Khalid Norzulaani , Ven Ch'ng Lou
Published: March 2019

To explore the potential for embryogenic callus induction protocol through cell suspension culture forhigh frequency plant regeneration of Maspine pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), eight different culturemedia formulation were evaluated for their effects on the induction of somatic embryos from suckerexplants. Explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with various media concentration(NAA, Dicamba and BAP, Picloram, Kinetin and NAA, 2,4-D, TDZ, and TDZ and BAP).Embryogenic callus induction percentage, color and texture of the callus were assessed after fivemonths of culture. The optimum medium for the proliferation of in vitro shoots from sucker explantswas MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BAP. Meanwhile, the optimum medium for the inductionof fastest and high percentage of embryogenic callus growth from in vitro leaf-based was MS mediumsupplemented with Picloram. Results of mean comparison showed that 3 mg/L Picloram were moreeffective on explants than 10 mg/L. Results of the double staining method proved that somaticembryogenesis occurred in MS supplemented with 3 mg/L Picloram. Under microscopic observations,the globular-stage of the embryos were revealed in callus cells which is relatively suitable forsuspension cells inoculums, indicating that the tested PGR were significantly effective for somaticembryogenesis formation in this species. Most embryogenic callus from sucker explants wasyellowish-mucilaginous-wet-friable. The developed protocol potentially leads to the production ofembryogenic callus from sucker explants and plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis.
Preliminary Gene Characterization of α-Amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UMAS 1002
Authors: Mat Hussin Muhammad Suhaib , Hussain Mohd Hasnain , Sallehin Awang Husaini Awang Ahmad , Bujang Koplo , Awg Adeni Dayang Salwani , Salleh Mohd Azib
Published: March 2019

Characterization of α-amylase gene sequence produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UMAS 1002, acellulolytic and amylolytic bacilli isolated from sago pith waste is described here. The amyE gene encoding theα-amylase was isolated by polymerase chain reaction. The 1,980 bp of amyE gene corresponding to 660 aminoacids showed 99% homology to the α-amylase sequence from Bacillus subtilis X-23 (GenBank: BAA31528).The α-amylase sequence of B. amyloliquefaciens UMAS 1002 (GenBank: KC800929) differs from that of B.subtilis X-23 by 5 amino acids. In silico analysis of α-amylase from B. amyloliquefaciens UMAS 1002 showedsimilar characteristics compared to α-amylase from B. subtilis X-23.
Combining Essential Oils of Piper betle and Myristica fragrans for Enhanced Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Sim Siong Fong , Mohd Sinang Fazia , Kertini Diana , Collick Felecia , Dankan Mellisa Edwand , Luncha Vanessa Renting Nixion , Abdul Majid Noor Syazana
Published: March 2019

This paper reports the chemical compositions and antimicrobial activity of essential oils extracted fromMyristica fragrans and Piper betle in individual and combined fractions. Enhanced antimicrobial activity isanticipated when the volatile oils are combined as compounds present in different extracts could complementeach other resulting in synergistic effect offering a broader spectrum of microbial resistance. The GC-MSanalysis indicates that chemical compositions of M. fragrans and P. betle vary with M. fragrans containingmore early-eluting compounds. The combined extract is characterised by compounds present in both extracts,some appear to co-elute in the mixture. The antimicrobial activity of the single and combined extracts againstStaphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus were evaluated. P. betle demonstrates strongerantimicrobial activity than M. fragrans; the combined extract exhibit improved performance especially on A.flavus.
DIVERSITY AND SIMILARITY AMONG CYANOBACTERIA ASSEMBLAGES FROM SELECTED AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS IN SARAWAK USING β –INDICES
Authors: Nasarudin Harith Mohd , Hassan Ruhana
Published: March 2019

A study was carried out to evaluate the diversity and similarity of cyanobacterial populations in selected Sarawak aquatic ecosystem using β-indices. Eight stations including aquaculture ponds, cage cultures, waterfall and artificial lake located in Serian, Bau and Batang Ai areas were selected. A total of 43 species belonging to 30 genera of cyanobacteria were recorded. The most distributed pattern among all sampling stations belongs to the genera Chroococcus, Lyngbya, Nostoc and Oscillatoria. The highest β diversity values were found among non-contiguous stations. Besides, no identical or totally different cyanobacteria diversity values were obtained among those non-contiguous stations. The highest β diversity value (0.84) was found among stations with contrasting environmental characteristics. The wide range of β-diversity and similarity suggested that different locations and types of aquatic ecosystems may have variations in physico-chemical properties of the water and eventually lead to the different composition of cyanobacteria.
HOT PHENOL EXTRACTION OF TOTAL RNA FROM Thermoascus aurantiacus AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ITS THERMOSTABLE XYLANASE GENE
Authors: Huap Ang Chung , Awang Husaini Awang Ahmad Sallehin , Roslan Hairul Azman
Published: March 2019

Total RNA was successfully isolated using hot phenol extraction method. Three bands representing the 18S, 5.8S and 28S rRNA was observed. No heavy smearing was observed in the RNA band patterns, indicating low levels of polysaccharide contamination, when subjected to 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Genomic DNA was eliminated using DNase I digestion and lithium chloride (LiCl) precipitation. Two-steps reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using M-MuLV Reverse Transcriptase and sequence specific primers for xylanase gene, XynA(F) and XynA(R), successfully generated the target amplicon of 500 base pairs (bp). Sequence analysis of the PCR product indicated as partial sequence of Thermoascus aurantiacus xylanase gene (XynA) deposited in the NCBI GenBank with accession number: AF127529.1 and AJ132635.1. Hot phenol extraction is useful for extracting large quantities of total RNA sufficient for complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis in shorter period of time.
ASSEMBLAGES OF FROGS SPECIES AT BALAMBANGAN ISLAND, SABAH, MALAYSIA
Authors: Zainudin Ramlah
Published: March 2019

Borneo is well known as a hotspot for biodiversity, yet species assemblages at smaller islands in the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, are not well documented. The survey of frogs in Balambangan Island, which is situated at the west coast of Sabah, was the first attempt to look at the occurrence of frogs at smaller islands in the state. Sampling of frogs was conducted at the coastal areas of Kampung Selamat and limestone forest for four nights sampling period. Visual encounter survey and transect line were used to sample the frogs which were captured by hand. A total of seven species of 32 individuals were captured. This was only about 8% of the total species that occurs on the mainland Sabah. The island was dominated by the ranids (65%), rhacophoridae (22%) and microhylids (13%). Bufonids and megophryids were absent. The Mangrove frog, Fejervarya cancrivora (9 individuals) and the Lesser swamp frog, Limnonectes paramacrodon (8 individuals) were dominant on this island. No new species and endemism were noted on this island. The results from this preliminary study did not support the initial belief that the island contains high levels of endemism. On the contrary, the results appear to imply recent isolation from the Sabah mainland. Thus, a more detailed study including genetic diversity should be conducted to cover more areas on the main island and other smaller islands surrounding the Borneo Island and to obtain overall picture of biogeography of the frog species.
An Ecological Study of Free-living Marine Nematodes in Teluk Awar, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Chen Cheng-Ann , Mohd Long Shabdin , Rosli Norliana Mold
Published: March 2019

The community structure of marine nematode assemblages in the southern-west of Borneo was investigated with special focus on the horizontal distribution from high tide to subtidal area. A transect study had been conducted in Teluk Awar. Nine stations were chosen from the Mean High Water Neap to Mean Low Water Neap level. The physico-chemical characteristic of water and sediments were determined both ex situ. One-way ANOVA showed that the environmental variables among stations were significantly different (except chlorophyll a and total organic matter). Multi-dimensional scaling demonstrated three distinct patterns among the stations while dendrogram showed high dissimilarity percentage in the species distribution among stations. In conclusion, the results showed that environmental variables such as clay, total organic matter and temperature were affecting the nematode distribution pattern in Teluk Awar.
The Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Oocysts in Birds in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: H. Bamaiyi Pwaveno , Umoh Jarlath U. , Abdu Paul A. , Lawal Idris A. Lawal
Published: March 2019

A study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in birds in Zaria, Nigeria. A total of 890 faecal samples comprising 132, 305 and 453 from wild, local and exotic birds respectively from different parts of Zaria were examined using the formol-ether concentration technique with safranin–methylene blue stain and auramine phenol stain using light microscopy and fluorescent microscopy respectively. The total prevalence rate was 7.4%. However, Samaru had the highest prevalence rate of 20.6% and Tudun Wada the lowest rate of 2.8%. The difference in the prevalence rates between the different localities of Zaria was found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). Among the different birds sampled, local birds had the highest prevalence rate of 9.5% followed by exotic birds 6.6% and the wild ones with 5.3%. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In Tudun Wada, where the different sexes were noted, there was no significant statistical difference (P>0.05) in the prevalence rate between male and female birds and none between the different species of wild birds sampled (P>0.05). This study confirms the presence of avian Cryptosporidium in Zaria, Nigeria and indicates that whereas location may influence infection, breed, sex and species of birds may not be significant factors in the epidemiology of the infection.
Assessment of the Water Quality of the Western Boundary of Kuching Wetland National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Soo Chen-Lin , Ling Teck-Yee , Lee Nyanti
Published: March 2019

Kuching Wetland National Park (KWNP) is one of the RAMSAR wetlands in Malaysia, a wetland of international importance. Understanding the water quality of the riverine system that drains the KWNP is crucial for sustainable management of the wetland. Hence, the water quality of Sibu Laut River, which forms the western boundary of the park, is described in this study. Three samplings were carried out during low tide along the western boundary of the wetland. Sub-surface and near-bottom water samples at six selected sampling sites were taken and analysed for physico-chemical parameters. The variations between sub-surface and near-bottom water column of those parameters were detectable and due mainly to the influence of tidal currents. A peak of sub-surface organic phosphorus was observed at station 2 next to the village of Sibu Laut whereas elevated near-bottom organic phosphorus was observed at station 4 near to the shrimp farm. Organic phosphorus represents a significant fraction of the total phosphorus, comprising from 59.76% to 83.64% and 62.50% to 78.67% for sub-surface and near-bottom water, respectively. In contrast, inorganic phosphorus was extremely low at most of the stations. There is a significant correlation between organic phosphorus and chlorophyll a, which indicates association of organic phosphorus and phytoplankton in the study area. The present study showed that Sibu Laut River had minimal pollution impact to the wetland, except the elevated sub-surface organic phosphorus near the Sibu Laut Village and elevated near-bottom organic phosphorus near the shrimp farm. Continuous monitoring program is important for early detection of future threats to the water quality of Sibu Laut River.
Morphological Evaluation of West African Okra, Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevels (Malvaceae) Fruits
Authors: Ogwu Matthew Chidozie , Osuwaru Moses Edwin , Noredia Iroh Rosemary
Published: March 2019

West African Okra (WAO) Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevels is common in traditional agricultural systems, where it is cultivated for its leaves, fruits, seeds, floral parts and stems. This study aims to conduct morphological evaluation of WAO fruits in order to investigate their diversity and contribute to conservation strategies. Using random stratified sampling method, WAO fruits were collected in Abudu, Ogan, Ologbo, Agenebode communities in Edo State and Koko, Agbor and Umunede communities in Delta State. Results showed that the highest mean and standard error values of pod length (cm) (10.98 ± 0.21) was recorded from Ogan and the least (7.46 ± 0.39) was obtained from Umunede. Highest mean and standard error of pod width (cm) were obtained from Ologbo (9.81 ± 0.59) while the least value was recorded from Agenebode (8.29 ± 0.43). WAO fruits collected from Ogan had the highest mean value for pod size index (10.35 ± 0.21) while the least value was recorded from Agenebode (8.10 ± 0.17). Results for number of ridges on WAO fruits suggest highest and least mean values were recorded from Ogan and Agenebode communities (8.90 ± 0.41 and 6.80 ± 0.20), respectively. The nature of fruit tip of WAO fruits collected from Abudu, Agbor, Agenebode, Ogan and Ologbo were 100% acute, Koko and Umunede are 80% acute and 20% obtuse. The fruit base of Okra from Abudu and Ogan is 100% flat. Agbor and Ologbo had 90% flat fruit base and 10% protruding fruit base. The nature of fruit base of both Agenebode and Umunede is 60% flat and 40% protruding, while that of Koko is 70% flat and 30% protruding. These results suggest morphological variations in WAO within the study area. The variation in traits may be a pointer to the differences in the genetic make-up of the accessions considered.
Screening of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) Productions by Endophytic Fusarium oxysporum Isolated from Phyllanthus niruri
Authors: Junaidi Abdul Raffi , Bolhassan Mohamad Hasnul
Published: March 2019

Ten newly isolated endophytic fungi from Phyllathus niruri Linn. were identified as Fusarium oxysporum. These isolates were screened out for their productivity of indole acetic acid (IAA) by the salkowski's method. Out of these isolates, two isolates showed high amount of indole acetic acid production, which were FO9 and FO10 with concentration of 23.52 μg/ml and 5.95 μg/ml, respectively.
Review on the Synthesis of Pyrazine and Its Derivatives
Authors: ONG KOK TONG , LIU ZHI-QIANG , TAY MENG GUAN
Published: March 2019

Pyrazine is a kind of natural product which can be found in plants, animals, insects, marine organisms andmicroorganisms. The main function of pyrazine in living organisms is used as flavor of the raw foods. Pyrazine and its derivatives were also produced in industries mainly for fragrance, flavor and pharmaceutical applications. This review describes the historical development of pyrazine including the discovery and synthesis, to the recent synthetic approach of pyrazinium. In general, six synthetic approaches namely condensation reaction, ring closure, metal catalysis, green reaction, Maillard reaction and acid catalyst on N-substitution have been reviewed in this paper. The first five approaches are mainly aimed for the substitution at 2, 3, 5 and 6 positions in pyrazine ring, whereas the last approach is specifically for 1 and 4 positions in pyrazine. Keywords: Diazine, pyrazine, and Maillard reaction
Studies on Schismatoglottideae (Araceae) of Borneo LXIII: Three New Species for the Schismatoglottis Patentinervia Clade
Authors: BOYCE PETER C.
Published: March 2019

Three new species of the Schismatoglottis Patentinervia Clade are described and illustrated from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and included in an updated identification key to the described species in clade. Two of the novelties are from Serian Division, SW Sarawak: Schismatoglottis pichinensis P.C. Boyce sp. nov., restricted to forested limestone at low altitudes, and S. puncakborneensis P.C. Boyce sp. nov., occurring in moist upper hill forest on Paleogene sandstones. The third, S. gephyra P.C. Boyce sp. nov., is a lowland species from NE Borneo on Oligocene sedimentaries. Recognition of these three species takes the Patentinervia Clade to nine described species, of which seven have only been formally recognized since 2000.Keywords: Borneo, Sarawak, aroids, taxonomy
Factors Associated with Food Hygiene Practices Among Street Food Vendors in Padawan, Sarawak
Authors: Jores Drend , Arif Mohamad Taha , Rahman Md Mizanur
Published: March 2019

The safety and quality of street foods are still questionable. Street food vendors are often poorly educated and untrained in food safety with lack of food safety knowledge and poor hygiene practice. This study aims to identify the factors associated with hygienic practice of food safety among the streets food vendors in Padawan district, Sarawak. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Padawan, Sarawak. Data was collected by face to face interview using a validated structured questionnaire. The practice of food safety was observed using a structured observation checklist. Data entry and analysis was done by SPSS version 22.0. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. A total of 117 street food vendors were interviewed. The mean (SD) age was 41.0 (11.8) years. Three-fifths (62.9%) of the respondents had secondary level of education and higher. The mean (SD) duration of vending was 7.2 (6.7) years. Only 35.9% of the street food vendors received at least one training on food safety. Bivariate analysis revealed that religion, knowledge and attitude appeared to be statistically significant predictors of food safety and hygiene practice. However, multinomial regression analysis revealed that only religion appeared to be important predictor of food safety and hygiene practice (AOR = 14.730, 95% CI: 1.267, 171.228). Although this study failed to establish a statistical significant association between knowledge and attitude with the hygiene practice due to inadequate sample size, some relationship does seem to exist, suggesting that food safety knowledge is vital for all street food vendors to have the necessary skills to enable them to handle food hygienically and ensure food sold is safe for consumption.

Keywords: Food safety, food vendors, hygiene practices, Malaysia, Sarawak
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORPORATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIAN LARGE COMPANIES
Authors: Ambad Sylvia Nabila Azwa , Abdul Wahab Kalsom
Published: March 2019

The present study is focused on the effects of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) on performance of large sized firms in Malaysia. These companies are currently facing more challenging environments compared to past, as their survival rates are declining and suffering from low level of profitability. The paper uses survey method and secondary sources by collecting data from 130 companies listed in the main market of Bursa Malaysia. In order to analyze the survey data, the study uses Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach to Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). This study has concluded that the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is positively related to firm’s profitability but has no relationship with firm’s growth whereas corporate venturing (CV) is positively related to firm’s growth but has no relationship with firm’s profitability. The environmental dynamism moderates these relationships. The paper has significant implications for the top management decision making on the importance of CE on firm growth and profitability. Besides, in developing countries like Malaysia, most of the researches on entrepreneurship are based on small firms or individual entrepreneurships. Thus, it is timely to conduct research on CE among the large sized firms to further expand the literature.Keywords: Corporate Entrepreneurship; Corporate Venturing; Entrepreneurial Orientation; FirmPerformance; Large Firm;Partial Least Squares (PLS).
THE IMPACT OF RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYEE RETENTION AND LABOR RELATIONS TO EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE ON BATIK INDUSTRY IN SOLO CITY, INDONESIA
Authors: Sutanto Eddy Madiono , Kurniawan Milly
Published: March 2019

The good recruitment program can provide a positive influence to increasing employee commitment, productivity and the quality of work including performance. The relationship of employee retention on performance is exceedingly complex. There is evidence that performance can decrease if the employee retention is bad and there is a possibility of stagnation if employee turnover is too dejected. Besides recruitment and employee retention, the labor relations can also affect the employee performance, where the problems usually arise from the difference of work, age and demographics. Research will be conducted to examine, whether there is a significant impact on recruitment, employee retention, and labor relations to employee performance on batik industry in Solo. The results of this analysis indicate that the recruitment, retention, and labor relations found a significant effect on employee performance. On the other hand, the recruitment and employee retention found a significant effect on employee performance. As well as recruitment and employee retention, labor relations found significant effects to the employee re-tention. The results also found the recruiting and employee retention have a significant impact on employee performance through the labor relations. As well as the recruitment significantly influence on labor relations through the employee retention.Keywords: Recruitment; Employee Retention; Labor Relations; Employee Performance.
LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES AND INCOME GENERATING OPPORTUNITIES: A CASE STUDY ON RURAL POOR HOUSEHOLDS IN KEDAH, MALAYSIA
Authors: Hassan Kalthum , Yusof Rohana , Abdullah Norehan
Published: March 2019

The objectives of this paper are to uncover the livelihood strategies of the poor households in managing their incomes to sustain the household members’ welfare and whether the strategies can be translated as opportunities for poverty alleviation. Adopting qualitative data collection method, an in-depth interview method is used to retrieve information on the expenditure pattern of the households and the underlying reasons for doing so. Five households with various demographic backgrounds are chosen from Mukim Laka Temin, Kubang Pasu District. This study discovers the expenditure of each poor household is managed by a woman and each household has its own unique livelihood strategies which are based on the type of jobs of the household members and the households’ spending arrangements. All households prioritize their expenditure, food as the main priority, followed utility bills, transportation, education and others. Most households constantly receive financial supports from various sources such as government agencies and individuals in terms of zakat and donation. The study suggests the livelihoods strategies adopted by the households can be translated into opportunities for the poor households to improve their socio-economic status if the members receive proper provision of trainings and capitals.Keywords: Household Expenditure; Livelihood Strategies; Poor Households.
THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENTIATED RESERVE REQUIREMENT RATIO POLICY ON THE EARTHQUAKESTRICKEN AREA IN CHINA
Authors: Xiaohui Guo , Masron Tajul Ariffin
Published: March 2019

In June, 2008, the People’s Bank of China (PBC) decided to implement Differentiated ReserveRequirement Ratio (DRRR) policy in the earthquake-stricken counties in Sichuan province in orderto help the reconstruction of these areas which suffered the big earthquake. The purpose of thisstudy is to examine the role of this DRRR policy on the disaster area. This paper compares theeffects of DRRR policy on the earthquake-stricken counties with that of the normal ReserveRequirement Ratio (RRR) on the other counties using panel data analysis during 2008-2011. Theresults confirm that this preferential DRRR policy can really quicken the recovery process in theearthquake-stricken counties. This DRRR policy reflects that the PBC starts to use differentiatedmonetary policy to guide credit funds flow to the area which government policy focus on. Monetarypolicy begins to play a role in adjusting and optimizing economic structure. Due to large regionaldisparity, the PBC can consider expand the application of this DRRR policy to more less developedregions to make a more coordinated regional economic development in China.Keywords: Differentiated Reserve Requirement Ratio; Earthquake-stricken Counties; Panel DataAnalysis.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FACILITY LOCATION DECISIONS, SERVICE LEVEL AND DISTRIBUTION COSTS: A PROPOSED MODEL FOR INDONESIAN LPG SUPPLY CHAIN
Authors: Masudin Ilyas
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes models of Indonesian multi-echelon LPG distribution system by opening new facilities (new echelon) taking into account the current facilities and investigates the implications of the proposed models to distribution components such as transportation, inventory and shortage decisions. The objectives are to determine the optimum location and allocation of LPG facilities and investigate the relation between distribution costs such as transportation, inventory cost and location decisions in Indonesian multi-echelon LPG supply chain. Capacitated fixed-charged facility location-allocation problem is used to determine the optimal solution of the proposed model. The output of the optimal solutions reported that the costs associated to the proposed distribution are lower than the associated costs in the existing distribution system. It is noted that there is US$ 106.57 million saving per year of total cost by applying the proposed distribution system. In the sensitivity analysis, it is indicated that the trade-offs between facility locations and distribution costs are exist. Results report that as the number of facility increases, total transportation and inventory cost also increase.Keywords: Facility Location; Allocation; Inventory; Transportation.
DETERMINANTS OF BANKS’ BOTTOM LINE: EVIDENCE FROM BENCHMARKING MALAYSIAN AND HONG KONG BANK
Authors: Tinggi Michael , Jakpar Shaharudin , Ling Ling
Published: March 2019

The aftermath of 1997/1998 Asian-financial meltdown, witnessed a significant restructuring of banking sector, resulting in fewer but bigger conglomeration of banks in Malaysia. Banks are now challenged to raise profit to another level in order to be more resilient against any future financial onslaught. The need to learn from some of the world best banks should be explored. This empirical study therefore attempts to benchmark the determinants of banks’ bottom line in Malaysia vis-à-vis attributes affecting viability of the same industry in Hong Kong. The domain of the study involves gauging the impact of firm’s size, capital structure, liquidity, managerial efficiency, loans’ size on bottom line enjoyed by banking sector in Malaysia and Hong Kong. The panel data are extracted from the 11 major banks, operating from each country in Malaysia and Hong Kong for period 2002 to 2011. The fixed effect panel found that, bank size, capital structure and loans to customers have strong impact on bank bottom line in Malaysia. In contrast, managerial efficiency improves profit margin in Hong Kong banking sector.Keywords: Banking Sector; Benchmarking; Bottom Line Determinants.
HR PROFESSIONALS’ EFFECTIVENESS AND COMPETENCIES: A PERCEPTUAL STUDY IN THE BANKING SECTOR OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Ahmad Aqeel , Kausar Abdul Rashid , M. Azhar Sarwar
Published: March 2019

This study examines the human resource (HR) Professionals’ Effectiveness through the lensof HR Professionals’ Competencies and HR Professionals’ Willingness. The Human ResourceCompetency Study model is used in this research, which is modified to include ‘Willingness’as an important competency. Impact of HR Professionals’ Social (HRSC), HR Professionals’Technical Competencies (HRTC) and HR Professionals’ Willingness (HRPW) on HRProfessionals’ Effectiveness is measured. The study is undertaken using data drawn from theline managers of the largest bank among the privatized banks of Pakistan. It is hypothesizedthat all HR Professionals’ Competencies are equally and strongly related to HR Professionals’Effectiveness which is theoretically associated with organizational performance. The analysisreveals that the HR Professionals’ Competencies have a significant high correlation with HRProfessionals’ Effectiveness. However, this relationship is stronger for HRSC than HRTC orHRPW and within the sub constructs ‘Credible Activist’ has the stronger relationship contraryto our expectations. It is also concluded that the HR professionals’ of the bank are lackingthe competencies and hence have a negative impact on their effectiveness in the bankingsector of Pakistan. Keeping in mind the relationship between HR Professionals’ Effectivenessand organizational performance, the need to enhance HR Professionals’ Competencies ishighlighted.Keywords: HR Professionals’ Competencies; HR Professionals’ Effectiveness; Willingness;Bank.
HOUSEHOLD BARGAINING, FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING AND RISK TOLERANCE
Authors: Abdullah Yusof Selamah
Published: March 2019

This study examines the financial investment decision-making and risk behaviors ofMalaysian men and women. It uses data obtained from a survey of employed Malaysians totest two opposing models of household decision making, the income pooling hypothesis andthe bargaining model. Ordinal probit regressions are estimated to determine if earning shareaffects decisions on financial investments, and to identify factors that affect risk tolerance ofmen and women. The results indicate that although both men and women practice autonomyin decisions related to financial investments, women have lower risk tolerance than men.The results on decision making are consistent with the bargaining model as reflected in theimportance of relative earning share in financial decision making.Keywords: Malaysia; Income Pooling Hypothesis; Bargaining Model; Financial Decision-Making; Risk Tolerance; Household.
African Folklore: A Catalyst in Contemporary African Fictions
Authors: Usman Joshua , Crous Marius
Published: March 2019

African folklore which are said to be active traditions have had immense influence on the growth and development of African literature. This claim is aptly demonstrated in the works of successful early African writers as in the case of Amos Tutuola and Daniel O. Fagunwa of Nigeria, Violet Dube in Zulu, S.E.K. Mghayi in Xhosa and a host of them. These literary artists draw their inspiration from the oral tradition by translating their structures and images to literary mode. It is on this platform that the article seeks to examine this claim in the light of the state of African literature today. This paper adopts Cyprian Ekwensi’s African Night’s Entertainment as a case study to demonstrate how present African writers build on that trend to success. Ekwensi is considered one of the pioneers of African literature and writing fiction in English in West Africa. Ekwensi’s works observed oral conventions in terms of themes, style and other motifs; but literary in its form. The book adopts tales from African cultural background. This article establishes that contemporary African writers owe much to African oral tradition in their various domains of literary inspirations.
GENDER AND PERFORMANCE IN ARABIC LANGUAGE LEARNING IN LAGOS
Authors: MOGAJI Tijani Akinola
Published: March 2019

This study focused on gender analysis of performance and enrolment for Arabic Language in a selected Arabic school in Lagos State. The study adopted the survey method for choosing the admitted students during the three years between 2014 and 2016. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select Daaru Da’wah wal Irshaad as a case study. The results revealed that the male Arabic students performed significantly better than the female students. Secondly, it indicated that the enrolment of males is far higher than that of females. The study concludes on the need to encourage the womenfolk to cultivate Arabic learning and sensitize them on the wealth of opportunity accruable from learning the language. Keywords: Arabic language, gender, enrolment, performance, Arabic schools
A Review on the Self-Cleansing Design Criteria for Sewer System
Authors: Bong Charles H.J.
Published: March 2019

Sediment deposits in sewer system had been known to have adverse effects on the hydraulic performance of the system and also on the environment. Thus, the need for sewer system to carry sediment has been recognized for many years and self-cleansing criteria have been proposed in the literature for design purposes. Conventionally, a minimum critical velocity or critical shear stress was specified and although this approach had been successful in many cases; it was appreciated that a minimum critical velocity or critical shear stress which is unrelated to the characteristics and concentration of the sediment or the hydraulic behavior of the sewer could not properly represent the ability of the sewer flows to transport sediments. A more viable approach for self-cleansing design is to incorporate some aspect of the sediment and sewer characteristics into the design criteria; hence, various self-cleansing design criteria for sewer have been proposed in the literature. This paper presents a review on the various self-cleansing design criteria for sewer and proposed some further studies that could be conducted to improve the existing self-cleansing design criteria.
Society Awareness and Acceptance on the Concepts of Water Sensitive Urban Drainage Design (WSUD) in Sarawak
Authors: Den Sheryl , Selaman Onni S. , Y. S. Mah Darrien
Published: March 2019

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is a green approach to land development. Since introduced, the approach had been in practice in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, but not in favor yet in Sarawak. This study aims to identify Sarawak’s society awareness and acceptance on the WSUD approach. Surveys are being distributed to respondents with engineering and non-engineering background. Scenarios involving five WSUD approaches, namely: (i) Swale Underground Drain; (ii) Rainwater Underground Storage; (iii) Dry Detention Pond; (iv) Porous Pavement; and (v) Infiltration Trench, are being presented to the respondents. At the initial stage of the survey, only 29% of respondents with Civil Engineering background and 20% of respondent without Civil Engineering background recognize the concept but after being exposed to some WSUD approaches throughout the survey 99% of both respondents with and without Civil Engineering background agrees that the approach is beneficial and should be encouraged in Sarawak.
Effect of Curing and Mixing Methods on the Compressive Strength of Mortar Containing Oil
Authors: Almabrok M H. , McLaughlan R G. , Vessalas K.
Published: March 2019

Oil contaminated fine aggregate is a major environmental concern and can arise as a by product of industrial activities (e.g. oil well drilling and land contamination). Cement–based stabilisation/solidification of oil contaminated materials is an emerging technology however there are some issues that have not been fully addressed. This paper reports the results of a study conducted to investigate the effect of different curing and mixing methods on cement solidification and its consequent effect on the compressive strength of the resultant cementitious product. This work has been done to address leaching concerns during the curing period. The normal curing method for samples to be tested for compressive strength is lime saturated water. However, this method invalidates any subsequent leaching tests. Accordingly, bag curing (BC) and lime saturated water curing (LSW) have been applied using mortar mixed with mineral oil up to 10% by sand mass under water wet (WW) or oil wet (OW) mixing methods. The results indicate that development in 28 day compressive strength can be achieved without applying water by external means if the moisture movement from the mortar samples is prohibited, irrespective of the mixing methods used.
Chloride Resistance of Blended Ash Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Mohd Ariffin Mohd Azreen , Hussin Mohd Warid
Published: March 2019

Chloride attack on concrete is a mechanism of deterioration which causes corrosion of steel reinforcement. Geopolymer, an alternative aluminosilicate binder material, has attracted attention for its structural and durability performance as well as for environmental benefits in reducing the CO2 emissions associated with concrete production. However, the understanding of its behaviour in the chloride resistance of geopolymer concrete especially from mixtures of pulverized fuel ash (PFA) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is scarce. In this study, geopolymer concrete using blended ashes from agro-industrial waste were tested for chloride content using ASTM 1543-10a (Standard Test Method for Determining the Penetration of Chloride Ion into Concrete). The geopolymer concrete samples were prepared using a mix of the PFA and POFA as the main binder components at the range of alkaline/binder ratio of 0.4 together mixed with coarse and fine aggregates. The ambient temperature (26-30°C) of curing regimes was used. The specimens were cast in 100mm3 molds. After achieving the targeted compressive strength (25-30 MPa), the specimens were immersed for 18 months to 2.5% solution of sodium chloride (NaCl). The normal OPC concrete with similar compressive strength were also prepared for direct comparison. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Thermogravimetry analyser (TGA-DTG) and Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy images with energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX) were performed to analyze the microstructural characterisation of the materials. In particular, geopolymer concrete had shown a better resistance to chloride penetration as compared to OPC concrete
Effect of Glycidyl Methacrylate on Water Absorption Properties of Sago Hampas Biocomposite
Authors: Jamaludin M. S. , Zulkharnain A. , Khan A. A. , Wagiman N.
Published: March 2019

This study examines the water absorption of sago hampas biocomposite utilizing glycidyl methacrylate as its matrix. Composites were fabricated with 25, 30, 40 wt% sago hampas content and another sample of pure sago hampas using hydraulics hot press machine. The water absorption properties of composites with different sago hampas composition were investigated according to Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials of ASTM D570. Water absorption of pure sago hampas composite have the highest average water absorption percentage with 59.1 wt% as compared to the lowest average water absorption percentage recorded for 30 wt% sago hampas content biocomposite with 16.8%. However sago hampas loading was increased resulting in the increased in average water absorption on biocomposite for 40 wt% sago hampas content which is 33.1%.
STRENGTH AND DURABILITY EFFECT ON STABILIZED SUBGRADE SOIL
Authors: Razali Noraida , M. Sa’don Norazzlina , Abdul Karim Abdul Razak
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the development of strength and durability effect of stabilized soil. The clayey soil collected from Kota Samarahan, Sarawak was admixed with cement, fly ash and rubberchip as an additive for stabilization purposes. The optimum mixture determined was then used as a recommendation for the design guidelines of sub-grade based on JKR Standard Specification for Road Works. The stabilized clay specimens were prepared with 5% cement and various fly ash and rubber chips contents, of 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively. The specimens were then cured for 7 and 28 days before subjected to Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. As observed, the stabilization improved the strength and stiffness of the soil properties significantly. However, the addition of 15% rubberchip shows a reduction in strength for both 7 and 28 days curing period. From the study, the optimum mixture, which fulfilled the JKR Standard Specification was the mixture of 5% cement and 15% fly ash. However, the mixture of 5% cement and 10% rubberchip is also recommended to be used as an alternative to stabilize the subgrade for low volume road.
UTILIZING SITE CHARACTERISTICS IN NEURAL NETWORK MODELLING OF PERCENTAGE COST-TIME OVERRUN OF BUILDING PROJECTS
Authors: Ujene A. O. , Umoh A. A.
Published: March 2019

This study evaluated the site characteristics influencing the time and cost delivery of building projects, determined the range of percentage cost and time overrun and developed a neural network model for predicting the percentage cost and time overrun using the site characteristics of building projects. The study evaluated twelve site characteristics and two performance indicators obtained from records of construction costs, contract documents, and valuation reports of 126 purposively sampled building projects spread across several cities in Nigeria. Analyses were with descriptive and artificial neural network. It was concluded that with fairly favourable site characteristics, cost overrun range reached 77.95% with a mean variation of 44.36%, while time overrun range reached 51.23% with a mean variation of 26.77%. It was found that the accuracy performance levels of 91.93% and 91.43% for the cost and time overrun predictions respectively were very high for the optimum models. Building projects have eight significant site characteristics which can be used to reliably predict the percentage overrun, among which the ground water level, level of available infrastructure and labour proximity around the site are the most important predictors of cost and time overrun. The study recommended that project owners, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders should always use the eight identified site characteristics in predicting percentage cost and time overrun, with more priority on the first three characteristics. The study also recommended the neural network prediction approach due to its prediction accuracy.
EFFECT OF BASE ISOLATOR ON THE STRUCTURAL RESPONSE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE MULTISTORIED BUILDING UNDER SEISMIC LOADS
Authors: Tafheem Z. , Arafat T. A. , Chowdhury A. , Iqbal A.
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the effect of base isolator on the structural responses of multistoried reinforced concrete building under time history earthquake loading. In the present study, six-storied reinforced concrete buildings with both conventional and isolated bases have been modeled. Conventional building has been modeled with fixed support whereas base-isolated building has been modeled incorporating rubber bearing near the base of all columns. Modal analysis has been performed to get an idea of possible mode shapes of the building. After that time history analysis has been performed in order to investigate the effect of seismic loading on the building structure with respect to time. The structural responses of time history analysis such as time period of different modes, storey displacements, storey acceleration, and base shear have been obtained from both conventional and base-isolated buildings. Finally, a comparative study of structural responses has been carried out between those two structures. It has been found that fundamental time period of base-isolated building is increased by 28% compared to conventional building. Moreover, base shear value of the base-isolated structure is reduced by 69% and top storey acceleration is decreased by 75% compared to conventional building. This study reveals that isolation system reduces seismic responses significantly.
REGIONAL RAINFALL FREQUENCY ANALYSIS FOR SAMARAHAN RIVER BASIN
Authors: Abang Uthman Dayang Nazihah , Selaman Onni Suhaiza
Published: March 2019

In planning to mitigate flood, it is essential for engineers to determine the magnitude and frequency of rainfall. The rainfall frequency and magnitude can be determined by rainfall frequency analysis. This study analyzes the regional rainfall frequency of the Samarahan River basin. There are 12 rainfall stations over the 508km2 of basin area, of which 11 are included in this study. The rainfall frequency analyses of each individual station in Samarahan River basin are conducted using Gumbel distribution and Weibull plotting position formulas. The curves that are close to each other are grouped into the same region. Other factors such as topography, station elevation, type of rainfall distribution and isohyet are also considered in determining the region. Subsequently, a regional rainfall frequency map of Samarahan River basin is established. The findings show that Samarahan River basin can be divided into three homogenous regions. In comparison to previous research, there are changes in grouping the rainfall stations selected into regions. These changes may be due to different years of data used and number of rainfall stations selected since the data is limited. Dissimilar outcomes may also be caused by other factors such as nature change over time. This research updates the rainfall analysis of the Samarahan River basin using more adequate data compared to previous research.
Characteristics of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete With Recycled Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Rahim Mustaqqim Abdul , Pohan Omi Yanti , Ab Manaf Mohd Badrul  Hisyam , Ahmad Ahmad Nur Aizat , Shahidan Shahiron , Md. Ghazaly Zuhayr , Bawadi Nor Faizah , Anudai@Anuar Shamilah , Hassan Zulkarnain , Ismail Zul-Atfi , Hong Teoh Jun
Published: March 2019

Steel is one of the fibers used in fiber reinforced concrete technology. Steel fibers in concrete help to improve flexural  strength and  crack  resistance. Today,  there  are  critical  shortages of  natural  resources. In  this  research,  waste concrete is being used to produce recycled aggregate. The Recycled Coarse Aggregate (RCA) is partially replaced with the natural coarse aggregate (NCA) in concrete to analyze the mechanical properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). Several tests were conducted, such as compression and flexural tests. Five batches (A, B, C, D and E) of concrete cube and prism samples with different proportions of RCA (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% & 100%) and 1.5% volume fraction of steel fiber were tested, together with one control sample which used 100% NCA and 0% volume fraction of steel fiber. As a result, the control sample achieved 27.32 MPa in compression strength and 0.90 MPa for flexural strength while batch A managed to achieve 48.60 MPa and 1.10  MPa respectively. The cube and prism samples of all batches (A, B, C, D, E) showed decreasing compressive and flexural strength with increasing proportion of RCA in the concrete. Four samples fully achieved more than 20 MPa of compression strength and optimum flexural strength.