Search

Biomass gasification technology has gained significant attention as a potential solution for circular economies by converting organic waste into valuable energy and products (Waste-to-Power-to-X). This paper comprehensively evaluates biomass gasification technology from a techno-economic-policy perspective, providing valuable insights for circular economies. It examines technical aspects such as processes, feedstocks, and syngas production, assessing advancements that would improve efficiency and environmental performance by addressing key challenges like tar removal and gas cleaning. Economic feasibility is analysed through a techno-economic assessment, considering capital costs, operational expenses, revenue streams, and potential markets. Real-world examples and case studies offer insights into economic viability of these processes. The paper emphasizes the significance of supportive policy frameworks, discussing stimulus measures like feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms to promote biomass gasification adoption. By combining technological, economic, and policy perspectives, this paper provides a holistic reality check of biomass gasification technology, identifying opportunities, challenges, and pathways for leveraging as a sustainable and economically viable solution for waste management and energy production. The findings and insights presented in this paper can assist policymakers, investors, and stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding the implementation of biomass gasification projects in the future. [Display omitted] • These findings serve as valuable insights for exploring the market potential. • Waste materials are transformed into valuable resources. • Effectively managing by-products is crucial in unlocking their economic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of Malaysia's gig sector has been driven by the flexibility of gig work, digitalization, and the rise in unemployment. However, the lack of social protection and insurance has underscored the importance of understanding gig workers' financial resilience. This study examined the current state of Malaysian gig workers' financial resilience and identified its components. Analyzing responses from 452 gig workers to a structured survey conducted between June and November 2022 revealed that Malaysian gig workers exhibited low financial resilience when facing adverse shocks. This paper identified financial literacy, income level, and age as significant determinants of financial resilience. These findings underscored the necessity of financial literacy programs, income support initiatives, age-specific support programs, and regulatory framework enhancements to mitigate income volatility and assist gig workers in navigating financial and economic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, as cities shift towards becoming cultural and creative cities, the role of creative hubs as catalyst of economic development has garnered attention. The paper aims to examine and reconceptualise creative hubs based on a Malaysian perspective. Findings from a questionnaire survey conducted for this study highlighted that creative hubs tend to attract the youth, and can be a viable employment opportunity for them. Physical hubs are preferred over virtual spaces, and the location aspect is deemed still important for creative hubs. As way forward, more government support, better stakeholder coordination and capacity-building are required. The findings will have implications on urban and cultural/creative policies as well as trigger the need for a clearer conceptualisation of creative hubs in theory, policy and practice. • The paper aims to examine and reconceptualise the meaning of creative hubs from a Malaysian perspective. • A standard questionnaire survey was conducted to examine five (5) creative hubs in Penang Island, Malaysia. • The key highlights are as follows: # Creative hubs tend to attract the youth, and can be a viable employment opportunity for them. # Physical hubs are still preferred over virtual spaces albeit advancement in ICT. # Hub location is deemed still important debunking the 'demise of location' notion. • More government support, better stakeholder coordination and capacity-building are required to develop and sustain Malaysian creative hubs. • The study findings implicate a range of policies such as urban policy, creative/cultural policy, human resource policy and such. • The study will contribute towards reconceptualising the creative hub notion for the Malaysian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has issued a series of biodiesel-related policies to alleviate energy shortage anxiety and reduce carbon emissions. However, no other provinces or cities in China widely utilize biodiesel except Shanghai. This article firstly conducted a comprehensive estimation of the potential botanical biodiesel capacity in China. Then, we examined why biodiesel advancement in China was stagnated by comparing biodiesel-related policies in pioneer countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. We found the highest mix ratio will be ∼13 % if all potential botanical oils are added to petrochemical diesel and an addition of 3 % blending ratio can be achieved if waste cooking oils are effectively utilized. We concluded that despite the encouragement from policies, insufficient materials and lack of downstream consumptions may be the major reasons for the sluggish development of biodiesel in China. If microalgae biodiesel production technology is overcome in the future, China can compulsorily mix biodiesel on a large scale. This paper provided a comprehensive review of biodiesel-related policies in Malaysia, Indonesia and China, and figured out the key problems that hinder the promotion of biodiesel, helping to understand the dilemma and drive the potential development of biodiesel in China. • Potential biodiesel capacities were estimated among various provinces in China. • The highest biodiesel mix ratio will be ∼13 % if adding all potential botanical oils. • The southern China is more likely to prioritize blending biodiesel than the north. • Biodiesel-related policies in Malaysia, Indonesia and China were fully reviewed. • Inadequate materials and lacking downstream consumption hindered biodiesel growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Safety Leadership influences both safety motivation and safety motivation. • Safety knowledge and motivation mediates safety leadership and safety behavior. • Effective safety leadership in hospitals indirectly leads to better safety behavior. • Safety leadership consist of caring, controlling, and coaching dimensions. • Self-efficacy theory sheds light on safety leadership and safety behavior. Introduction: This paper investigates the relationships among safety leadership, safety motivation, safety knowledge, and safety behavior in the setting of a tertiary hospital in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Method: Underpinned by the self-efficacy theory, we argue that high-quality safety leadership enhances nurses' safety knowledge and motivation and subsequently, improves their safety behavior (safety compliance and safety participation). A total of 332 questionnaire responses were gathered and analyzed using SmartPLS Version 3.2.9, revealing the direct effect of safety leadership on both safety knowledge and safety motivation. Results: Safety knowledge and safety motivation were found to directly and significantly predict nurses' safety behavior. Notably, safety knowledge and safety motivation were established as important mediators in the relationship between safety leadership and nurses' safety compliance and participation. Practical Applications: The findings of this study offer key guidance for safety researchers and hospital practitioners in identifying mechanisms to enhance safety behavior among nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the nature and drivers of Vietnam's paradoxical performance in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) – consistently high student achievement despite being the poorest of all participating countries and a centralized education system. We first document 'Vietnam advantage' in a wide-range of supply and demand-related indicators such as school participation rate, educational inequality, inputs and expenditure in cross-country regression models. We then estimate an augmented educational production function to show that these supply and demand-side advantages don't explain away Vietnam's positive deviance in PISA when compared to other participating developing and developed countries. We then conduct student-level analysis to examine Vietnam's performance in PISA 2012 in a regional context, vis-à-vis three high-spending but low-performing ASEAN member countries (Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand) and two high performing Asian countries (South Korea and Singapore). Pooled regression estimates show that, holding differences in various indices of socioeconomic background, the gap in average student test scores between Vietnam and South Korea in Reading and Science becomes statistically insignificant. Moreover, once school-specific differences are also accounted for, Vietnamese students do just as well as Singaporean across all subjects – equalizing for existing socioeconomic differences between countries would give Vietnam an even better advantage in PISA. A similar gain in PISA scores is absent in the case of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The paper concludes by offering a cultural explanation for the significant variation in educational performance among high-spending East Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper suggests a systematic way of developing and evaluating the telemedicine implementation framework using the SWOT-MCDM approach. • Proactive and reactive strategies had a substantial effect on telemedicine technology implementation within the healthcare industry. • This paper proves that as the application of telemedicine technology in the healthcare industry expands, it requires further empirical research to produce more extensive insights. • Future research on telemedicine technology implementation in the healthcare industry will have a significant impact, particularly on sustainable mHealth development. Despite the increase in the utilization of telemedicine worldwide, especially during the pandemic, its implementation in Malaysia's healthcare industry remains scarce. Hence, this study aims to understand the current state of telemedicine utilization by identifying the constraints and establishing the optimum telemedicine implementation strategy. The study proposes an integrated methodology based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, analytical hierarchy process entropy (AHPE), and fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to the ideal solution (FTOPSIS). The SWOT analysis is performed for the situational assessment of telemedicine technology in Malaysia. Each element of SWOT was assessed using AHPE to establish priorities, followed by the FTOPSIS approach to provide strategies for its successful adoption. The findings show that continuous government support and encouragement for market acquisition, cost-cutting, profit-maximizing, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based adoption to establish a strong telemedicine network is the most important strategy for telemedicine technology implementation. While using a structured method to improve service quality, the implementation of a knowledge-sharing management program for telemedicine technology is ranked as the least preferred telemedicine technology implementation strategy. The study suggests a systematic way of developing and evaluating telemedicine technology implementation strategies for further improving Malaysian healthcare patient experiences and policy endeavours. This study proposed alternative strategies to expand telemedicine technology implementation. It is hoped that this study could further enhance knowledge and serve as a guide for stakeholders in the healthcare industry to understand their business environment better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its onset in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has globally disrupted school operations, leading to a shift to some form of homeschooling arrangements. After two years, in March 2022, the government of Malaysia officially reopened all schools, ending its homeschooling program. In this paper, we exploit a purposefully designed, nationwide, cross-sectional survey of government-owned primary and secondary schools in Malaysia to document student learning experiences during the early months of the home-to-school transition. Our empirical analysis and choice of indicators is guided by a conceptual framework that distinguishes between two competing hypotheses related to school reopening experiences: resumption vs transitional disruption. We find that 59 % of secondary and 72 % of primary level students report that they are happy to be back in school. School reopening also coincides with a significant reduction in educational-related worries (e.g., concerns over dropout, learning loss, and loss of interest in study) and indices of negative emotions (i.e., feelings of being tense, depressed, and restless), particularly among secondary school students. More importantly, those satisfied upon return to school report a statistically significant reduction in worries related to learning loss. These correlations support the resumption hypothesis. Yet our data highlights an important puzzle: Even after school reopening, one-third of students report that they do not learn more, at least one-fifth report a struggle to catch up on studies, and up to 40 % are concerned about learning loss. The majority of learners additionally report not receiving more support from teachers and parents. Recipients of public aid as well as private (i.e., parental) support report being happy about school reopening and are less likely to report "not learning more." We conclude by discussing these somewhat paradoxical findings and the need for remedial measures beyond financial support for struggling learners to minimize post school reopening, transitional disruptions. • We develop a conceptual framework for the home-to-school transition, differentiating between resumption and disruption hypotheses. • Data from Malaysia's "Trust Schools Programme" is collected to analyze student experiences during the initial transition months. • Student responses show support for the resumption hypothesis, with reduced education-related worries and negative emotions upon school reopening. • Students satisfied with home schooling (PdPR) also reported positive experiences with school reopening, including less absenteeism, more study time, and increased happiness. • Significant disruptions were also reported, such as limited learning progress, struggles to catch up, learning loss concerns, and lack of support from teachers and parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive review of 48 studies on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of biogas production from 2006 to 2018 (13 years). The scope of the study, type of feedstock and impact categories used in the reviewed studies were discussed. Although various studies have been carried out to assess the efficiency and potential of wastes for biogas production, however, little attention has been paid particularly in the developing countries to conduct comprehensive analysis related to the environmental performance of biogas generation based on the LCA methodology. In Malaysia, the utilization of palm oil mill effluent (POME) as the source of energy has recently been expanded due to its abundant production at the palm oil mills. Therefore, this paper also highlights and discusses the feasibility of LCA approach on biogas production from POME as well as the opportunities and challenges from the Malaysian perspective. Highlights • Utilization of biogas production from organic waste to provide a clean energy. • Environmental performance of biogas as a renewable energy using an LCA methodology. • The trends of LCA approach in biogas production was reviewed worldwide. • The opportunities of biogas production from POME in Malaysian was discussed. • The feasibility of LCA approach on biogas production in Malaysian was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose This paper reviews the past and future trends of climate change in Malaysia, the major contributors of greenhouse gases and the impacts of climate change to Malaysia. It also reviews the mitigation and adaptations undertaken, and future strategies to manage the impacts of regional climate change. Methodology The review encompasses historical climate data comprising mean daily temperature, precipitation, mean sea level and occurrences of extreme weather events. Future climate projections have also been reviewed in addition to scholarly papers and news articles related to impacts, contributors, mitigation and adaptations in relation to climate change. Findings The review shows that annual mean temperature, occurrences of extreme weather events and mean sea level are rising while rainfall shows variability. Future projections point to continuous rise of temperature and mean sea level till the end of the 21st century, highly variable rainfall and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Climate change impacts particularly on agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, water resources, coastal and marine resources, public health and energy. The energy and waste management sectors are the major contributors to climate change. Mitigation of and adaptations to climate change in Malaysia revolve around policy setting, enactment of laws, formulation and implementation of plans and programmes, as well as global and regional collaborations, particularly for energy, water resources, agriculture and biodiversity. There are apparent shortcomings in continuous improvement and monitoring of the programmes as well as enforcement of the relevant laws. Originality/value This paper presents a comprehensive review of the major themes of climate change in Malaysia and recommends pertinent ways forward to fill the gaps of mitigation and adaptations already implemented. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Surface temperatures, sea level and extreme weather events in Malaysia show increasing trends. • More emphasis has been placed on mitigation of climate change than adaptations. • Adaptation strategies which bridge the current gaps of adaptation are crucial. • The review calls for continual improvement of mitigation and adaptation programmes. • Stricter enforcement of laws and penalty is crucial for successful mitigation and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper analyses the barriers to the adoption of the triple-bottom line of sustainability of the construction sector within the developing country of Malaysia. Barriers pertaining to sustainable construction (SC) were identified through a thorough review of the literature on the process of SC, which were then contextually customized via a pilot study and presented in the form of a hypothesized model. Primary data was collected via administration of questionnaire surveys to 122 construction stakeholders in Malaysia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to statistically validate the final model of the barriers to SC. This paper fills the gap in the knowledge by focusing on the quantified contribution of the most significant barriers to the adoption of SC principles throughout the process of SC in the context of Malaysia. Findings of this paper uncover the most significant factors constraining the SC in Malaysia related to government, cost, knowledge and information, workforce, and client and market. The findings revealed that clear and effective legislative process is crucial for the enforcement of the integration of SC materials and practices as well as economics incentives which will ultimately lead to effective implementation of SC initiatives; hence, sustainable economic growth and efficient resource (energy, water and material) utilization. It is hoped that the findings provide guidelines for the government authorities so that they invest their efforts and allocate resources in more efficient way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to developing level-I probabilistic safety assessment in Puspati TRIGA Reactor (RTP), collecting and analyzing data is the cornerstone of the probabilistic safety assessment processes. This paper provides on how data quantification is made available for both initial initiating events frequency and components reliability. Taking into consideration on the availability of data, it was decided that generic data to be used in combination with plant-specific data. Methods for estimating the parameters used in quantifying is also presented in this paper. This includes, data treatment by applying Bayesian updates in forming a better refine posterior data. It was found out that, result with the presence of plant-specific data history tends to have high value, loss of offsite power (LOOP) with 1.27E-03. Meanwhile, for other IEs that used generic data, shown lower result with maximum value of 2.68E-06 (loss of flow accident at secondary pump: LOSC-P). As for components data, basic event, No signal from fission chamber 1 (fail to function) is the highest value with 4.07E-01, followed with Manual valve SV1A fail to close (2.75E-01). This publication is perhaps one of the first publically available document providing information on generic and plant specific data for initiating event and components reliability parameters that were used in a Level-1 PSA study for a nuclear research reactor. In addition, this information can be used by PSA technical staff in how to analyze and treat initial incident event data, including, type and what data need to be collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia’s 11 th Five Year Plan (2016-2020) emphasises the need for strengthening of disaster risk management strategies. This is in accordance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), which calls for substantial global reductions in the occurrence of disasters by 2030. Flooding in Malaysia normally occurs after heavy rains, especially during the monsoon seasons. The resulting floods are increasing in severity because of climate change, to the point where serious flooding is occurring almost every year. The effects of flooding are extensive and widespread all over the country, with consequential loss of life and property. The infrastructure of the Malaysian university sector is not immune from these effects. Recovery to an operational state may be highly problematic, especially if research and teaching infrastructure is damaged. The recovery process may be complex and would be aided by the implementation of strategies leading to improved resilience to flooding, as both processes require co-ordination among many stakeholders. At present, there is an almost total lack of information on flooding recovery strategies improvement in the context of the Malaysian university sector, and this is a matter of some concern. This paper describes potential improvements to apply to Malaysian universities’ current measures for handling the aftermath of flooding. The objective of the paper is to review relevant literatures related to flooding recovery planning in Malaysian universities. The main methodologies used in this study include a literature review and interviews with stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present day, the environmental issues and the insufficiency of energy supply are of major concerns around the world. In view of this, numerous utilities have interchanged their production sources and path ways to green and renewable energy. The hydropower (HP) is the world's largest and the most efficient sustainable way to produce electricity or power. Nowadays, HP is employed for converting 90% of the energy of moving water into electricity/power. This can be comparable to the fossil fuels (FFs) based power plants, which are maximum only 60% efficient. The high expenditure and adverse environmental concerns that associated with the use of large HP plants have helped to focus the attention on small or Pico-scale HP plants, which reduce these affects considerably. Pico hydropower (PHP) offers an efficient, reliable and cost effective of alternative power sources. In addition, the demand for PHP in the market shows that PHP is the best and low-priced choice for rural or remote area electrification in developing nations. Nevertheless, the PHP technology is still considered as a brand-new in Malaysia. In this paper, the basic theories or concept of PHP were described for better understanding and recognition on this type of electricity or power production system. Furthermore, present status and projected future of PHP in Malaysia, inclusive of current installed capacity and potential of PHP energy resources are discussed. Besides that, the paper presents the barriers that hinder the proliferation of PHP in the Malaysia, the great challenges and outlooks for future developments of the PHP in Malaysia. By and large, the objective is to provide essential strategic implications for Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has examined the factors of fishing grounds footprint in Malaysia during 1961–2018, which has been used as the indicator of environmental degradation. The main contribution of this paper is that we have considered the role of aggregated and disaggregated fisheries production on pollution in the fishing industry. Another contribution of this study is that the environmental impact of activities of licensed fishermen has been examined. The results suggest that the total fisheries production and its components- capture fisheries production and aquaculture production generate an increase in fishing grounds footprint in Malaysia. The results suggest that an increase in total licensed fishermen facilitate an increase in fishing grounds footprint. There is mixed evidence on the impact of local fishermen on fishing footprint. The results indicate that an increase in foreign fishermen facilitate an increase in fishing grounds footprint. The results suggest mixed evidence for Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. • The factors of fishing grounds footprint are examined. • Aggregated and disaggregated fisheries production generate an increase in pollution. • Total licensed fishermen and foreign fishermen generate an increase in pollution. • There is a mixed evidence on the impact of local fishermen on pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sunbelt countries can develop reliable solar-dominant grids in the absence of wind. • Policymakers should be highly sceptical of low solar technical potential estimates. • Zero energy emissions Malaysia requires about 0.7 TW solar, 2 TWh pumped hydro. • Sarawak-Peninsular Malaysia interconnection reduces storage needs, but not costs. • Inclusion of about 0.4% hydrogen or synthetic methane reduces storage needs and cost. Three-quarters of the global population lives in the sunbelt region (±35o latitude) with excellent access to solar resources. Wind resources at the equator are very limited, while supply chain and permitting delays are slowing wind deployment at a global scale. This paper investigates the potential for solar photovoltaic-dominant 100% renewable grids to be developed in sunbelt countries through a case study of Malaysia. It was expected that the technical potential for solar photovoltaics and off-river pumped hydro would be far in excess of what is required to decarbonise Malaysia's electricity grids. A Geographic Information System analysis determined that Malaysia has the potential to deploy approximately 8.5 Terawatts of terrestrial photovoltaics and 25 Terawatts of marine floating solar on calm oceans. There are roughly 450 Terawatt-hours of energy storage available in the form of off-river (closed-loop) pumped hydro energy storage. A least-cost, 16-year hourly energy balance model was used to determine that an affluent, fully electrified, highly interconnected Malaysia could greatly reduce emissions through the deployment of 660 Gigawatts of photovoltaics and 2200 Gigawatt-hours of pumped hydro, supported by small amounts of hydrogen-based gas peaking. All-in costs for such a fully decarbonised energy system were modelled to be in the range of 95–103 USD per Megawatt-hour. A Sarawak-Peninsular Malaysia interconnected grid could produce a similar electricity cost to two separate grids while reducing the long-term energy storage needs by approximately 33%. Inclusion of about 3 Terawatt-hours (0.1% of average annual generation at 20 Megawatt-hours/capita/year demand) of hydrogen, synthetic methane, or legacy fossil fuels could further reduce long-term energy storage needs by about 30% by helping to ride through occasional prolonged cloudy periods. Policymakers in sunbelt countries should be highly sceptical of technical potential estimates that suggest limited area for solar photovoltaics. Sunbelt countries can comfortably proceed with the development of cheap, reliable solar-dominant grids primarily supported by pumped hydro energy storage and inter-regional transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has spurred the development of innovative products, significantly impacting industries reliant on technology-oriented machinery and equipment, notably the construction sector. In response, the Ministry of Works, through CIDB Malaysia, has implemented the Construction Strategy Plan 4.0 (2021 – –2025), grounded in 4IR principles, to facilitate the construction industry's gradual adaptation to technological advancements. Despite its introduction in 2016 to enhance project delivery efficiency and effectiveness, the extent of adoption of advanced 4IR-related technologies and the industry players' awareness of the importance of the Construction 4.0 strategic plan remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this paper examines the awareness and adoption level of CR 4.0 technologies in the Malaysian construction industry through a structured questionnaire survey with all G1-G7 contractors that registered with CIDB Malaysia. Based on 912 valid questionnaire responses received from these contractor grades, it has been identified that the awareness and adoption of most of the contractors in Malaysia on construction 4.0 technologies are predominantly at a semi-automation level. Most of the contractors in Malaysia especially lower grade contractors (

This study aims to investigate long-run relationship between economic growth and disaggregated energy consumption in Malaysia. Toda-Yamamoto (T-Y), the modified Granger causality test, along with annual disaggregated energy and real GDP growth data from 1971 to 2014 was used in the investigation process. This paper presents several outcomes; firstly, this paper argues that the Malaysian economy is energy dependent and sensitive to energy supply shocks. Secondly, the usage of energy inputs in Malaysian economy is found to be consumed inefficiently meaning that usage of higher energy resources does not contribute the economic growth significantly, rather causes environmental pollution badly. Thirdly, the finding indicates that economic growth and environmental pollution through spreading carbon emissions are responsive to each other. In this circumstance, the Malaysian economy has to find a way to consume the energy inputs efficiently so that economic growth is improved, while negative externality in the environment is reduced. Therefore, the study presents significant policy implications in order to improve the energy efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)/Electric vehicles (EVs) have recently been re-established in the transportation sector worldwide. These are enhancements over their ancestors in terms of both performance and electric driving range. Although the uptake of PHEV/EVs has been noteworthy in a short time frame amongst most governmental strategies, however, adoption is still a challenge. To date, public attitudes towards PHEV/EVs have been considered under very diverse conceptual frameworks. This paper reviews a growing body of peer- reviewed literatures assessing the factors affecting PHEV/EVs adoption. Malaysia is a major energy consuming country and, given the rapid growth in its economy, the energy consumption level is expected to continue growth. Hence, it is imperative that steps are taken to reduce harmful carbon emissions. Consequently, attempts are being initiated to popularise the use of PHEV/EVs as the main mode of transportation. However, it is important to take the three main features of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model, namely the attitude towards the PHEV/EVs' adoption, Subjective Norm (SN), and Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC) into account. The consumers' concerns regarding the harmful effect of carbon emissions should be addressed. In this paper, the significance of encouraging the adoption of PHEVs/EVs is explained and some guidelines that might be followed in the upcoming researchers are mentioned. Furthermore, the implications for the design of effective measures to change the frail social and personal norms to choose PHEVs/EVs are also discussed. The collective outcome of 'hyperbolic discounting' has a direct effect between the consumers' environmental concern-based intention and the actual adoption of PHEVs/EVs. Hence, this paper is aimed to conceptualise a framework created by amending the environmental concerns towards PHEVs/EVs. This will allow more academic consideration, and it may direct future researchers towards the empirical findings on environmental concerns and hyperbolic discounting through the proposed conceptual framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of providing property tax assessment incentives within the green building sector has been empirically documented to encourage the growth of green buildings. However, no definite and uniform basis has been adopted in the development of these incentive models. Additionally, these incentives require local authorities to bear the implementation costs. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to develop property tax assessment incentive models through the evaluation of their effects on the tax revenue of local authorities and the amount of tax imposed on properties for the taxpayers. There are two incentive models developed in this paper, namely the property tax assessment exemption model and the reduction model. Cost-Benefits analysis between the amount of tax assessment increment and the annual energy savings conveyed by the green envelope components were conducted to determine the appropriate percentage of reduction. Through the exemption model, local authorities do not experience any increment on their existing tax revenue, and taxpayers do not have an increased amount of tax imposed on their properties. However, through the reduction model, local authorities do experience a tax increment of $4 to $9 on their existing tax revenue. As for the taxpayers, annual energy savings conveyed by the green envelope components compensate the amount of their tax increment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on 6 months of ethnographic, multi-sited research in Malaysia, and investigates the relatively recent phenomenon of edible birds’ nest farming in urban areas (‘swiftlet farming’). Swiftlet farms are typically converted shophouses or other buildings which have been modified for the purpose of harvesting the nests of the Edible-nest Swiftlet ( Aerodramus fuciphagus ). I use the controversy over urban swiftlet farming in the Malaysian city of George Town, Penang, to examine discourses used by key stakeholders to shape debates over the place of non-human animals in cities. By considering everyday experiences of urban swiftlet farming, I explore how this burgeoning industry is perceived amongst residents, and how it is deemed to be (in)appropriate within the political, economic and cultural landscape of George Town. Yet, I also consider how farmers have sought to contest these discourses on ideological and normative grounds. In so doing, I place the cultural animal geographies literature in conversation with emergent literature on landscape and urban political ecology. Such a framing allows for a critical evaluation of the controversies surrounding this case, and their implications for human-animal cohabitation in cities. The paper reflects on the implications of this case for how we regulate human-animal relations and live in contemporary cities, and the crucial role of animals in altering urban form, aesthetics and everyday life, particularly in non-Western contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper employs a partial equilibrium model to investigate the economic and environmental impact of commercial bioethanol production from biomass on the Malaysian agricultural markets. The results show that the palm oil mills can produce bioethanol commercially as the mills utilize the waste biomass created onsite and thus avoid the feedstock and hauling costs. Furthermore, by consuming biomass that recycles carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a large bioethanol industry would help Malaysia reduce its GHG emissions and meet its GHG commitments in the Paris Agreement. With a potential to lead to greater forestation as landowners clear rainforests to enlarge oil palm plantations, such an industry could also be expected to expand the agricultural industry, reduce the agricultural prices, and raise agricultural employment. • Producing bioethanol from waste biomass is economically viable in Malaysia. • Gasoline-bioethanol blends can significantly reduce Malaysia's greenhouse gas emissions. • A commercial bioethanol industry would expand the agricultural sector and hasten deforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed target-oriented performance assessment of a 232.5 kWp grid-connected solar PV (GCPV) system installed on a commercial building in Malaysia. Technical and meteorological data for 2019, in 5-min intervals, was retrieved from the solar data logger. The GCPV system generated about 301.5 MWh of energy in 2019, almost achieving the stated target of 305.0 MWh. While most months in 2019 successfully achieved the set monthly target, some did not due to low solar irradiance. The Performance Ratio (PR), Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF), system efficiency, and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) were found to be 85.4%, 14.85%, 9.15%, and 0.396 MYR/kWh, respectively. The PR of the present GCPV system was higher than other GCPV systems surveyed. Approximately 177 metric tons of CO 2 emissions were saved during the year after installing the GCPV system. In addition, performance models, based on the key factors of solar irradiation and PV module temperature that affect the yield and power output of the GCPV system, were developed and tested statistically. The findings of this study should be of use to solar energy customers and stakeholders. [Display omitted] • A target-oriented performance analysis of grid-connected solar PV (GCPV) system is assessed. • Actual yield of GCPV system achieved about 90% of the set target yield. • The annual PR, CUF, and system efficiency was 85.4%, 14.85%, and 9.15%, respectively. • The payback period and LCOE was ∼8 years and 0.396 MYR/kWh, respectively. • About 177 metric tons of CO 2 was reduced due to GCPV system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Construction industry in Malaysia have been bedevilled by myriads of risk issues. • This manuscript contributes might serve as bench mark towards construction risk management area. • Data was analyzed by using PLS-SEM software. SEM provides complete information regarding the extent to which a model is supported by data. Introduction: The construction industry in Malaysia has been bedevilled by myriads of risk issues that have hampered its smooth operations in recent times. This paper is an empirical assessment that aims to examine the effect of coercive pressure on the relationship between organizational structure and construction risk management among construction industry in Malaysia. Method: Based on the proposed model, a quantitative method was employed to obtain data from G7 construction industry operating within the peninsular Malaysia. Out of the 180 copies of questionnaire, 165 copies were properly filled, returned, and used for the analysis. PLS-SEM was used to analyze the obtained data. Results: The findings of the study affirmed that specialization, centralization, and management of risk by the construction industry had positive correlation. Conclusions : As anticipated, coercive pressure had positive moderating correlation with both formalization and the management of risk by the construction industry. Similarly, it was also found that in the course of carrying out construction activities, coercive pressure made significant interactive influence on formalization, specialization, and centralization. Practical Applications : Coercive pressure reduced the frequency of accidents among workers in the process of carrying out construction works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis gas, also known as syngas, produced from biomass materials has been identified as a potential source of renewable energy. Syngas is mainly consists of CO and H 2 , which can be used directly as fuel source for power generation and transport fuel, as well as feedstock for chemical production. Syngas is produced through biomass gasification process that converts solids to gas phase via thermochemical conversion reactions. This paper critically reviews the type of gasifiers that have been used for biomass gasification, including fixed bed, fluidized bed, entrained flow and transport reactor types. The advantages and limitations of these gasifiers are compared, followed by discussion on the key parameters that are critical for the optimum production of syngas. Depending on the biomass feedstock, the properties and characteristics of syngas produced can be varied. It is thus essential to thoroughly characterise the properties of biomass to understand the limitations in order to identify the suitable methods for gasification. This paper later focuses on a specific biomass – oil palm-based for syngas production in the context of Malaysia, where palm biomass is readily available in abundance. The properties and suitability for gasification of the major palm biomass, including empty fruit bunch, oil palm fronds and palm kernel shells are reviewed. Optimization of the gasification process can significantly improve the prospect of commercial syngas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper adopts a qualitative methodology to assess the Malaysian container seaport-hinterland connectivity from the perspective of its physical properties. The findings reveal that although Malaysia's major container seaports are connected to the hinterlands through road and rail transport, they are highly dependent on road. These seaports are also connected to inland freight facilities such as dry ports and ICDs, which are positioned as transit points to help connect exporters and importers in the hinterlands to seaports as well as facilitating regional and cross-border trades. This paper suggests that the quality of hinterland connectivity of Malaysian container seaports could be improved by implementing strategies which tackle the existing challenges including overcoming an extremely imbalanced modal split, insufficient rail capacity and limited train services, increasing road congestion and the limitations of space restriction in some inland facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Store atmospherics which plays an important role in influencing customer behaviour, has received rising attention from academics and practitioners in current years. However, studies of store atmospherics in external environment of the restaurant has been excluded and has continued to remain scarce in Malaysia. In order to gain more understanding, this paper reviews the literature related to store atmospherics, perceived value, customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Therefore, this conceptual paper presents a research model which aims to examine the relationship between store atmospherics (facility aesthetics, ambience, spatial layout and employee factor), perceived value and behavioural intentions (return intentions and positive word-of-mouth) will be mediated by customer satisfaction. Research propositions resulting from discussions on the relationship between the dimensions will be tested in future research. This paper concludes with the research implications of the conceptual model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of studying café e-atmospherics has been acknowledged by academics, practitioners and government bodies. However, there is still lacking of implementation of café e- atmospherics that suits youth preferences, so as to increase their intention to revisit the café. Thus, this paper aims to provide specific youth profile and analyze e-atmospheric elements that can influence youth's intention to revisit the café. A structured interview is being conducted among twenty youths in Selangor, and it was found that majority of the youth is in the age of twenty two years old, bachelor's degree student earning less than RM1,000 per month. These sets of youth intend to revisit a café that have three main categories of e-atmospherics, which are cozy ambience, availability of Wifi and beautiful facility aesthetics.This paper concludes with the research implications and limitations of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corruption is a serious concern all over the world. Due to the limited amount of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) research on specific issues such as bribery, this paper aims to determine the extent of anti-corruption information disclosure in annual reports that demonstrate organizational commitment towards combatting corruption. The index consists of 40 items developed from an analysis of past literature and several organizations' published reports. The input data was based on observation of several organizations' annual reports, CSR and sustainability reports, past literature and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting indicators. The sample consists of 24 companies that participated in the ACCA Malaysia Sustainability Reporting Awards (MaSRA) and 34 Indonesian companies that participated in the Indonesia Sustainability Reporting Award (ISRA). The disclosure of anti-corruption practices (ACP) is still in its infancy in both countries. This study shows that the disclosure of anti-corruption codes of conduct and whistle-blowing practices was the most reported item. Interestingly, Indonesian companies disclosed higher amounts of ACP information compared to Malaysian companies. This is possibly because there is a higher level of coercive pressure to disclose ACP information in Indonesia compared to Malaysia. Further, there are several challenges to curbing corruption in Malaysia which potentially contribute to the low disclosure level of ACP information. This research contributes to CSR studies with a focus on anti-corruption practice, particularly in emerging economies. Some implications to improve the level of anti-corruption disclosure are also presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal 'blue carbon' ecosystem resources are rich carbon stores, offer extensive benefits beyond carbon sequestration, and are marginalized in global markets and policy mechanisms. The participation of blue carbon project activities in international market frameworks is limited by a dearth of appropriate research across disciplinary boundaries, particularly in terms of the cultural and political dynamics that affect project implementation. The socially and politically charged contexts of many developing countries constrain project opportunities, and understanding specific local governance dynamics is therefore of critical importance to policy makers, development practitioners, and the private sector. This paper applies a systems-based political ecology research and analytical approach to explore the social and political dynamics affecting the potential development of blue carbon projects in a proposed marine reserve in Sabah, Malaysia. The investigative focus is situated in its historical context, described and mapped as an influence system in collaboration with local experts, with the elements of that system then explored in detail, through a workshop, survey, and interviews with a diverse range of local stakeholders. Key findings include that historical realities play a vital role in present relationships; effective governance is likely to require international collaboration to minimize inequity and corruption; race and religion continue to be used as tools of political imperialism; and dominant actors in Sabah would be well advised to recognize the growing, informed cohesion of Sabahan society, and its drive for equitable, ecologically sustainable development. The paper contributes a novel methodological approach to sustainability science research, provides unique data on a case study area relevant to climate change policy, and identifies important leverage points for the development of blue carbon finance and policy instruments in South-East Asia and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation, and governments in many countries which are endeavouring to address the situation. Malaysia is no exception. This paper examines the path towards green construction project delivery in Malaysia, focusing on current green policies and initiatives by governments. The historical waves in Malaysian approaches to tackling environmental issues are described, starting from the early 20th century, through the 1990s to the present, and the influence of these approaches on construction practices is analysed. Based on the findings of policy review, essential green construction practices aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of construction activities on the environment in Malaysia were identified. This paper paves the way for future studies in construction and sustainability in Malaysia, especially for the Southeast Asian region where sustainability practices are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to investigate waqf as a possible instrument to reduce the Malaysian Federal Government debt. The latest Malaysian federal government debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio is 54.47%; more than the 50% threshold for developing economies. This increasing debt level will hurt the economy in the long run. In an effort to reduce the debt, the Malaysian government is presently selling government assets and reforming the taxation system i.e. by introducing Goods and Sales Tax (GST) on 1 st April 2015. We however notice that there is an alternative solution from Islamic economics which complies with the Shari’ah law. The alternative is waqf . This paper provides a conceptual framework of the possibility of waqf with respect to its role in federal government debt sustainability. Firstly, the aspect at which waqf can contribute to federal government debt reduction is presented. Secondly, the study discusses the Shari’ah law of waqf, its contemporary issues and the management of waqf in Malaysia. Since Malaysia is a multi-religion society consisting of Muslims and non-Muslims alike, we also analyse the Shari’ah law of waqf pertaining to the non-Muslims. Finally, this paper offers suggestion of a waqf model that may be able to manage and control the federal government debt from ballooning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the issue relevant to the need for Islamic accounting standards in reporting Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs), in the context of Malaysia. With recent rapid growth of IFIs, there is still inconclusive stance regarding the need for specificity accounting standards for IFIs such as the ones issued by Accounting and Auditing for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), prompting this paper to examine this issue in more detail. Drawing upon seven in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with IFIs’ leading officers who are highly involved in preparing financial statements in Malaysia, the paper offers evidence on the influence of AAOIFI accounting standards in reporting IFIs. Whilst interviewees admit the feasibility of IFRSs in reporting IFIs, many interviewees placed greater emphasis on the spirit of Islam based on Islamic contract. In that case, the findings show that in order to convince the public that they offer Shariah compliance products approved by Shariah Advisory Council, there is a need for specificity guidelines or standards for IFIs within the IFRS framework. The main concern raised in the paper is that separate Islamic accounting standard is not needed, instead the option need to be within the IFRS framework with the collaboration work of Accounting and Auditing for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB). Without such collaboration, the intended specific guidelines for IFIs will be unlikely to be accepted globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building Information Modelling is one of the crucial topics in the construction industry. The construction industry has played an important role to assist stakeholders to successfully transfer construction practices to BIM-based technology. Currently, no systematic research that has been carried out to determine the level of BIM implementation in Malaysia. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the diffusion of BIM among Malaysian companies. The results of the 268 responses received revealed that only 13% of the participants from both public and private sectors are using BIM in their organization and this is a negative sign that Malaysia is still far away from the position it supposed to be in BIM implementation. Lack of awareness, costs, slow adaptation, unavailability of a clear guideline to assist organizations and policymakers toward BIM implementation transforming and that BIM was not mandated in sufficient time were observed to be responsible for the slow implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While sewage pollution is considered as an old problem which developed nations have already managed effectively, missing all too often in developing countries are the resources to come up with practical solution and the necessary political and legal infrastructure to support these solutions as well as the community awareness required to address the problem. Many Malaysian rivers continue to suffer from sewage pollution. This paper provided concise exposition the regulatory framework of sewage pollution control of inland surface waters under the country's existing primary federal environmental legislation. The paper then discussed regulators’ perceptions on the main causes that lead to the recurring sewage pollution problem in Malaysian rivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with key informants from several relevant government bodies. They highlighted a mixture of causes to the recurring problem of sewage pollution in our rivers including insufficiency of the law and its implementation, outdated technology as well as lack of public awareness. This research gathers essential views from different authorities that can be of use by policy-makers in the efforts of improving the existing situation of sewage pollution problem in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of cash flow ratios in determining financial distress companies. Using a logistic regression, this paper analyses the data of 52 distressed and 52 non-distressed companies for three years prior to distress years between 2009 until 2012. The results found that five cash flow ratios are significant predictors of financial distress with the overall predictive accuracy of 82.1 percent. This suggests that cash flow ratios are reliable tools to predict financial distress for Malaysian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of corporate governance has continued to gain widespread prominence in local and international business. Notably, audit committee is a key governance structure charged with oversight over financial reporting and disclosure that requires the audit committee members to be critically aware of and fully understand their oversight responsibilities. In recent years, interest in audit committees has increased dramatically, with a specific emphasis on member independence, experience and knowledge. This paper discusses on the corporate governance and audit committees’ qualities and some reviews on the recent literature relating to the most cited audit committee qualities i.e. audit committee's composition and communications. Finally, this paper also identifies the suggestion made for the betterment of audit committee practices in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationships between the perception of young local residents regarding tourism development and conservation efforts, their involvement in promoting and supporting Lenggong Valley as a World Heritage Site (WHS), and their sense of belonging. This paper also asks if the involvement of young residents in activities to support the WHS acts as a mediator of their perceptions and their sense of belonging. A questionnaire survey was administered to all Y4 and Y5 students from three secondary schools in Lenggong Valley. A total of 175 completed questionnaires were returned. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to the resultant data using SmartPLS 2.0 software. The results revealed that having positive perceptions had a positive effect on young residents' involvement in promoting and supporting the Lenggong WHS. A positive relationship between young residents' negative perceptions and their sense of belonging was also found. These findings indicate that involvement plays a mediating role in the relationship between residents' positive perceptions and their sense of belonging. The findings contribute to our understanding of the importance of youth perceptions in pursuing sustainable tourism development and in planning WHS conservation programmes. Our findings might also be relevant to Lenggong's local authorities wanting to increase the involvement of local residents, in particular youth, in supporting and promoting the status of the WHS and in enhancing their sense of belonging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Richardson Award, for the best paper published annually in the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association , was established in 1996. This paper describes the life of the Richardson family: James (‘Jim’) Richardson, the instigator of the Award, his wife Doris and their only son, Gwyn (who died in infancy). The focus is mainly on Richardson's education in the United Kingdom and early career as a field and mining geologist with the Geological Survey Department of the Federated Malay States (Malaysia) and how, having been caught up in WWII, he and his geological colleagues kept thoughts of geology alive during their time as Prisoners of War under the Japanese in Singapore, Thailand and Burma (1942–45). One of the relatively few survivors of the infamous ‘Death Railway’, his subsequent career as a petroleum geologist in the Netherlands, Venezuela, USA and Australia; and as a geologist involved in mineral exploration, artist and local historian in Australia is also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores Malaysia’s efforts to develop and dominate a global market in halal (literally, ‘lawful or ‘permitted’) commodities as a diaspora strategy and how Malaysian state institutions, entrepreneurs, restaurants and middle-class groups in London respond to and are affected by this effort. The empirical focus is on London because this city not only holds a special position in the Malaysian state’s halal vision but also historical linkages that evoke diaspora strategies. I argue that Malaysian diaspora strategies should be explored in the interfaces between Islam, state and market. Among the political elite, and, thus, the Malaysian state, there exists a fascination with discovering or even inventing a cosmopolitan ‘Malay diaspora’ and current diaspora strategies try to address this challenge. An important question explored is how the Malaysian diaspora in London understand and practise Malaysian diaspora strategies in the globalized market for halal products and services. This paper is based on ethnographic material from fieldwork among state institutions, entrepreneurs, restaurants and middle-class groups in Kuala Lumpur and London, namely participant observation and interviewing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model for the medical tourism supply chain with the antecedents and outcomes was developed and empirically investigated in this paper. The theoretical model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling with Partial Least Squares. A self-administered questionnaire was designed and collected from 133 organizations representing various industries that are part of the medical tourism industry in Malaysia. The results show that mutual dependency has the strongest effect of the antecedent variables; and that medical tourism supply chain coordination and medical tourism supply chain information sharing have a direct effect on organizational performance. This paper provides practitioners with guidelines to improve their organizational performance, and ends with recommendations for future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to promote the growth of renewable energy sector in Malaysia, feed-in tariff (FiT) mechanism has been introduced by Malaysian government in 2011, in accordance with Renewable Energy Act 2011 and Sustainable Energy Development Authority Act 2011. The tariff was enacted to overcome the shortcomings identified in the small renewable energy power (SREP) Program from 2001 to 2010. This paper highlighted some measures adopted to rectify the shortcomings identified during SREP, and the role of Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) in achieving the above mentioned task. The paper also includes the latest progress on renewable energy projects, especially those related to solar photovoltaic system. It is predicted that solar energy will become the main source of renewable energy in Malaysia by the year 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia, as a developing country and a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is looking into inexhaustible and repeatable alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, mini-hydro and biomass. The estimated GDP at 2010 is $15,385 per capita and the economic and industrial growth of the country implies that energy demand is growing very fast. In addition, the growing prices of fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, make inevitable renewable energy solutions for the country. Geographically, Malaysia is located in a region of tropical and humid climate which provides easy access to a variety of renewable energy sources. The government of Malaysia has initiated renewable energy policies to encourage industries and individuals to employ renewable-energy-powered systems in power applications. This paper first gives a brief overview of the current status of renewable energy in Malaysia. Then it provides the energy policies, specifically the renewable energy policies in Malaysia, in Section 2 . The renewable energy programs are reviewed in Section 3. The building energy efficiency program with green aspect is provided in Section 4. Lastly, the conclusion and forecasts of this paper are given in Section 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychoanalysis is gaining popularity as a tool for interrogating political problems. This paper applies the three fundamental diagnostic categories of neurosis, psychosis and perversion to Malaysian socio-political discourse. This endeavour is urgent given the political upheavals in the country since the 2008 general elections where the ruling National Alliance regime lost its two-third majority in parliament, a result repeated again five years later at the thirteenth general elections. Nevertheless, democratic abuses and religious extremism remain strife (and has arguably grown worse) in the country. Political action is thus rendered even more urgent and thus, arguably, the need for fresh lenses with which to view the present (and even past) injustices perpetuated by the reigning administration. As such, this paper will analyse issues and events like the Allah' controversy, Mahathirism, Ops Lalang and cronyism in Malaysian politics, and seeks to do so using conceptual tools of a Lacanian-Žižekian nature. If the nature of the problem can be reviewed and rethought, perhaps a new way of thinking about the solutions may also arise, leading even to a reimagining of the very idea of the political. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of paediatric palliative care in Malaysia has followed a distinct trajectory compared to adult palliative care. While adult palliative care was well-established by the mid-1990s, paediatric palliative care was still then largely ad hoc, with individual paediatricians and NGOs taking on the responsibility. Despite progress over the last decade, challenges persist. There is a shortage of trained paediatricians in this subspecialty, and financial constraints hinder progress. Decision-making in paediatric palliative care is also influenced by cultural values, religious beliefs, and societal norms. Parents are steered by cultural practices and the guidance of elder family members in a setting of communitarian traditions that are prevalent in Asian cultures. Discussions about end-of-life matters are hampered by cultural taboos. Additionally, the hierarchical medical culture, where doctors are seen as authoritative, hinder patients, including parents, from taking an active role in decision-making. The paper exemplifies these complexities through a case study, where the family's hopes and concerns were overlooked in a hectic and hurried hospital environment. The narrative calls for a compassionate, collaborative ecosystem that bridges cultural gaps and embraces shared decision-making in paediatric palliative care. It emphasizes the need to harmonize palliative care with societal values, involving healthcare providers, families, and the community. However, recognizing individual preferences and avoiding cultural assumptions are crucial. Healthcare professionals must develop skills in cultural diversity, delivering distressing news with compassion, and effectively communicate to involve families in decision-making, all while respecting their beliefs and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development and heritage conservation have become guiding principles for our modern industrial society. In order to achieve a sustainable management of heritage building conservation in Malaysia, it is vital that maintenance takes a leading role in conserving the heritage values of the buildings. However, there has been no published work on assessment of the relative importance of each best practice criteria for sustainable maintenance management of heritage buildings in Malaysia. Thus, this paper is aimed at identifying and ranking the criteria that support sustainable best practice. Data collected through questionnaire which covered a selected sample of experts in the field of heritage building conservation. Data were analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII), Kendall's concordance test, and Pearson's Chi-Square test. The results show that maintenance staff training and expertise was the most important criterion considered crucial by the respondents in supporting sustainable best practice. The paper is a pioneering attempt at establishing the criteria that support sustainable best practice in the maintenance management of heritage buildings in developing countries like Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper underscores the critical relationship between innovation adoption and innovation implementation, particularly how two contrasting effects—bandwagon and leapfrog—relate to organizational Internet diffusion. Bandwagon effects, adopting a technology due to fad and fashion, accelerate adoption but often lead to ineffective technology implementation. Leapfrog effects, however, attenuate adoption and often lead to effective technology use relative to early adopters. Drawing on and combining related Malaysian hospitality studies, this paper illustrates these two effects and extends the literature by showing that early, and late, adoption can relate positively to successful Internet implementation. In addition, the findings complement and question literature suggesting that business websites evolve through predictable linear patterns, and that adopter categories differ in innovation implementation styles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is currently growing interest in quantifying the direct and indirect carbon emissions embodied in construction materials and their components production. Previous research shows that indirect emission could be higher than direct emission for energy intensity materials such as cement and steel reinforcement. Quantifying direct emissions alone would underestimate the carbon emissions associated with a material and in turn its environmental impact. The assessment of indirect emissions is a challenging task involving upstream processes of material production. This paper investigates the existing literature on the quantification of embodied carbon by both direct and indirect emissions as well as demonstrating the application of a hybrid life cycle assessment method in building construction. The focus of this paper is the Malaysian context however the principles apply universally. A typical 2-storey residential building has been investigated to determine the total carbon emissions when comparing two construction techniques: conventionally reinforced concrete and precast concrete panels. This paper demonstrates the application of hybrid life cycle assessment by expanding the boundaries of process methods and reducing the sensitivities of I–O life cycle assessment to the raw material price fluctuation for product manufacturing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Human capital or education has become one of the central issues in the study of economic development. The existing literature suggests that human capital, especially education, is an important component of economic growth. This paper explores the issues of Malaysia education data. Despite some issues and data quality problems, Malaysian education datasets are highly correlated for both secondary and tertiary education data. This paper also tests the effect of different datasets on education and growth relationship. The results are very similar suggesting that Malaysian education datasets are reliable. The results are robust regardless of education measure. All datasets lead to similar conclusion; education is negatively related to economic growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology to design an information flow telehealth model with an initial model designed based on standard of Laboratory Information System (LIS) in Malaysia. Ministry of Health (MoH) Malaysia's vision is to have an integrated telehealth system for telehealth services within Malaysia. The idea of telehealth integration has been raised a long time ago and the progress is relatively slow. The recommended information flow model is to strengthen the foundation of the integration model. This paper proposes the methodology to achieve the goal, which is to design an information flow model for Malaysia. Initial study has been done to design the information flow model in LIS. The designed model is a preliminary step prior to achieve the bigger scale for Malaysia. Ubiquitous technology is also taken into consideration to be the strong point of the model. In conclusion, this paper shows the significance of information flow model prior achieving integration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]