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Abstract: This paper presents failure analysis on a super alloy Inconel® 800 superheater tube in Kapar Power Station Malaysia. Visual inspection, microscopic examinations and creep analysis utilizing available related data are carried out to evaluate the failure mechanism and its root cause. The failed high temperature superheater (HTSH) tube was found snapped into two parts, heavily distorted shape and bent at several points. Microstructures of the failed tube showed that creep crack initiated at both external and internal surfaces of the tube and propagated as grain boundary creep cavities coalesced to form intergranular cracks. The severe geometry of tube causing steam flow starvation is identified to have caused increasing tube metal temperature resulting in overheating of the failed tube. Creep rupture is revealed as the cause of failure of the superheater tube. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This paper discusses national programs implemented in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Philippines to generate and apply evidence in making informed policy decisions on the approval, pricing, reimbursement and financing of medicines, diagnostics, and medical devices. Approval: In all countries, the Ministries of Health are generally responsible for approval of health technologies through various agencies like the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation in India, Bureau of Food and Drugs for medicines and Bureau of Health Devices and Technology for medical devices in the Philippines, the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, Health Technology Assessment Unit and Medical Device Bureau in Malaysia, and the Drug Control Organization in Pakistan. Product dossiers are evaluated while taking decisions. Pricing Control: India has a strong price control mechanism through the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority. In the Philippines, the Essential Drug Price Monitoring System monitors prices of 37 essential drugs monthly from all drugstore outlets nationwide. In Malaysia and Pakistan registration pricing of new drugs is negotiated/fixed by the government with the vendor. Reimbursement: A mix of social, voluntary private and community-based health insurance plans are available in India while the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is responsible for reimbursement of drugs and medical devices in the Philippines. In Malaysia no formal reimbursement system is being practiced, and in Pakistan the government reimburses medical claims of its employees. Financing: In both India and the Philippines the bulk of health expenditure is out of pocket while the government pays for 20% and 28% respectively in both countries. The public health care services in Malaysia are heavily subsidized by the government with minimum fee being charged to the public. The government of Pakistan gives free medicines to its citizens at the public health facilities. Conclusions: In the region under discussion, one of the priority areas that the different regulatory agencies would benefit from is human resource development to facilitate the process of evidence based assessment of health technologies. Higher budgetary allocation and stronger legislation is also needed along with interagency and international coordination and cooperation to harmonize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Slope failures in the tropical regions, particularly Malaysia are commonly triggered by frequent rainfall. The tropical rainfall can be characterized as short and intense throughout the year, and prolonged and less intense during monsoon seasons. Under such circumstances, various rainfall patterns should be included in the analysis of rainfall-induced slope failure in the tropical regions. This paper is aimed to demonstrate a simple model for preliminary evaluation of rainfall-induced slope failure. The critical rainfall patterns for four typical types of soil were first determined. Seepage finite element analyses were conducted using the extreme rainfall of ten-year return period for Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The results showed that the ratio of rainfall intensity to soil saturated permeability (i.e., I/k sat) plays an important role in determining the critical rainfall pattern. Two critical combinations of antecedent rainfall and major rainfall, 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 5-day, 7-day, 14-day, and 30-day antecedent rainfalls and the redistribution of the critical combination of antecedent rainfall and 1-day major rainfall were responsible for the formation of suction envelope in soil. The suction envelope, representing the worst suction distribution in soil, was used for the computation of factor of safety of soil slope through the modified infinite-slope–limit-equilibrium method. A model, PERISI, was developed based on the findings from numerical simulation. The suction envelope and factor of safety computed from the PERISI model showed good agreements with the results obtained from Seep/W and Slope/W computer programs and the results derived from the model of Rahardjo et al. developed in 1995. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigates the effectiveness of night ventilation technique for residential buildings in hot-humid climate of Malaysia. This paper firstly presents the results of a survey on usage patterns of windows and air-conditioners in typical Malaysian residential areas. Secondly, the effects of different natural ventilation strategies on indoor thermal environment for Malaysian terraced houses are evaluated based on the results of a full-scale field experiment. The results show that the majority of occupants tend to apply not night ventilation but daytime ventilation in Malaysian residential areas. It can be seen from the field experiment that night ventilation would provide better thermal comfort for occupants in Malaysian terraced houses compared with the other ventilation strategies in terms of operative temperature. However, when the evaporative heat loss of occupants is taken into account by using SET*, the night ventilation would not be the superior technique to the others in providing daytime thermal comfort mainly due to the high humidity conditions. Therefore, the indoor humidity control during the daytime such as by dehumidification would be needed when the night ventilation technique is applied to Malaysian terraced houses. Otherwise, full-day ventilation would be a better option compared with night ventilation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An indoor and an outdoor radio frequency survey was conducted in Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, as a test site, for the purpose of developing radio astronomy research in Malaysia. This is the first radio astronomical survey of any such done in Malaysia. Observation and analysis were done in the radio frequency spectrum between 1MHz and 2060MHz. In this paper, the experimental setup and procedure of surveying are outlined and the measured data are interpreted. The eight radio astronomical windows were investigated from a 24h observation, with the emphasis on two of the most important radio astronomical windows which are protected by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Some intermittent observations were also done for referencing purposes. The radio frequency interferences (RFIs) are found to be relatively low. The overall relative Interference-to-Noise ratio (INR) at this test site ranges between 5.72% and 11.74%. The average strength of RFI in the eight focused radio astronomical windows at this site ranges between −100dBm and −90dBm (equivalently between 9.23×104 Jy and 93.29×104 Jy at resolution bandwidth of 125kHz). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Blind signature and ring signature are two signature schemes with privacy concern. Zhang [Jianhong Zhang, Linkability analysis of some blind signature schemes, In International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Security 2006, IEEE, vol. 2, 2006, pp. 1367–1370, (Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ICCIAS.2006.295283.)] analyzed the unlinkability of Zhang and Kim [Fangguo Zhang, Kwangjo Kim, ID-based blind signature and ring signature from pairings, in: Yuliang Zheng (Ed.), Advances in Cryptology — ASIACRYPT 2002, 8th International Conference on the Theory and Application of Cryptology and Information Security, Queenstown, New Zealand, December 1–5, 2002, Proceedings, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 2501, Springer, 2002, pp. 533–547], Huang et al. [Zhenjie Huang, Kefei Chen, Yumin Wang, Efficient identity-based signatures and blind signatures, in: Yvo Desmedt, Huaxiong Wang, Yi Mu, Yongqing Li (Eds.), Cryptology and Network Security, 4th International Conference, CANS 2005, Xiamen, China, December 14–16, 2005, Proceedings, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 3810, Springer, 2005, pp. 120–133] and Wu et al. [Qianhong Wu, Willy Susilo, Yi Mu, Fangguo Zhang, Efficient partially blind signatures with provable security, in: Osvaldo Gervasi, Marina L. Gavrilova, (Eds.), Computational Science and Its Applications — ICCSA 2007, International Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 26–29, 2007. Proceedings. Part III, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 4707, Springer, 2007, pp. 1096–1105] and claimed that they are indeed linkable. On the other hand, Gamage et al. [Chandana Gamage, Ben Gras, Bruno Crispo, Andrew S. Tanenbaum, An identity-based ring signature scheme with enhanced privacy, Securecomm and Workshops 2006, IEEE, 2006, pp. 1–5, (Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/SECCOMW.2006.359554)] claimed that the scheme of Chow et al. [Sherman S.M. Chow, Siu-Ming Yiu, Lucas Chi Kwong Hui, Efficient identity based ring signature, in: John Ioannidis, Angelos D. Keromytis, Moti Yung (Eds.), Applied Cryptography and Network Security, Third International Conference, ACNS 2005, New York, NY, USA, June 7–10, 2005, Proceedings, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 3531, 2005, pp. 499–512] is vulnerable to key exposure attack. This paper shows that all these claims are incorrect. Furthermore, we show that the scheme proposed by Gamage et al. [Chandana Gamage, Ben Gras, Bruno Crispo, Andrew S. Tanenbaum, An identity-based ring signature scheme with enhanced privacy, Securecomm and Workshops 2006, IEEE, 2006, pp. 1–5, (Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/SECCOMW.2006.359554)] which aimed to provide enhanced privacy actually has privacy level reduced. We hope this work can pinpoint the standard one should use when analyzing the unlinkability of blind signatures and the anonymity of ring signatures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dihydroxystearic acid (DHSA) and its derivatives are hydroxyl fatty acids suitable to be used as multipurpose intermediates in the synthesis of personal care products and decorative cosmetics. In Malaysia, DHSA has been successfully produced from palm-based oleic acid, via epoxidation with per-formic acid followed with hydrolysis of the epoxide. The objective of this paper is to study the crystals of DHSA produced under different crystallization conditions. The crystal habit and morphology were observed in terms of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results show that solvent type, solvent concentration and cooling mode affect the crystal habit but not the morphology. The DHSA crystals agglomerated into either sphere-like or plate-like habit structure while always maintaining the triclinic crystal system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many pesticides used in agricultural activities are considered environmentally non-volatile. The main purpose of this paper is to develop multimedia model to be used as a tool to predict the overall fate and transport of non-volatile organic chemicals {NVOCs) dynamic in the agro-ecosystem. The model was developed based on the EQuilibrium Criterion (EQC) model for type 2 chemicals introduced by Mackay and colleagues in 1996. Mackay's model only considered four environmental compartments, which are air, water, soil and sediment. The present model adds the vegetation compartment, in addition to previous compartments that shape the agro-ecosystem. The vegetation compartment is described by two sub-compartments consisting of the above ground plant (AGP) and roots. The model was parameterized for the Cameron Highlands region, Malaysia, and runs with an illustrative emission rate of 1 kgh-1 into the air for three selected pesticides, namely, mancozeb, spinosad and chlorosulfuron. The simulation results with and without vegetation compartment were compared. The estimated results indicating that the AGP captures 99.9% of introduced NVOCs (i.e., of 100% or 1 kgh-1) and transfers them to the ground below due to the slight degradation losses of 10-4% and the non-volatility property of the evaluated chemicals, Root uptake of chlorosulfuron accounted the highest removal process from soil while degradation of spinosad in the soil is the major loss mechanism. Leaching to groundwater loss for mancozeb is about 2-fold greater than that of degradation, which together accounted the major removal process from soil. Based on the estimated results of mass distribution on the overall system, vegetation compartment accumulates 0.04%, 0.5% and 2.02% of the mancozeb, spinosad and chlorosulfuron, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, pineapple stem (PS) waste, an agricultural waste available in large quantity in Malaysia, was utilized as low-cost adsorbent to remove basic dye (methylene blue, MB) from aqueous solution by adsorption. Batch mode experiments were conducted at 30°C to study the effects of initial concentration of methylene blue, contact time and pH on dye adsorption. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms and kinetic were investigated. The experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models and the isotherm data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm with monolayer adsorption capacity of 119.05mg/g. The kinetic data obtained at different concentrations were analyzed using a pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equation and intraparticle diffusion equation. The experimental data fitted very well the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The PS was found to be very effective adsorbent for MB adsorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During the last century, a great deal of research and development as well as applications has been devoted to waste. These include waste minimization and treatment, the environmental assessment of waste, minimization of environmental impact, life cycle assessment and others. The major reason for such huge efforts is that waste generation constitutes one of the major environmental problems where production industries are concerned. Until now, an increasing pressure has been put on finding methods of reusing waste, for instance through cleaner production, thus mirroring rapid changes in environmental policies. The palm oil industry is one of the leading industries in Malaysia with a yearly production of more than 13 million tons of crude palm oil and plantations covering 11% of the Malaysian land area. However, the production of such amounts of crude palm oil result in even larger amounts of palm oil mill effluent (POME), estimated at nearly three times the quantity of crude palm oil. Normally, POME is treated using end-of-pipe processes, but it is worth considering the potential value of POME prior to its treatment through introduction of a cleaner production. It is envisaged that POME can be sustainably reused as a fermentation substrate in the production of various metabolites, fertilizers and animal feeds through biotechnological advances. The present paper thus discusses various technically feasible and economically beneficial means of transforming the POME into low or preferably high value added products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Malaysia, there has been interest in the utilization of palm oil and oil palm biomass for the production of environmental friendly biofuels. A biorefinery based on palm oil and oil palm biomass for the production of biofuels has been proposed. The catalytic technology plays major role in the different processing stages in a biorefinery for the production of liquid as well as gaseous biofuels. There are number of challenges to find suitable catalytic technology to be used in a typical biorefinery. These challenges include (1) economic barriers, (2) catalysts that facilitate highly selective conversion of substrate to desired products and (3) the issues related to design, operation and control of catalytic reactor. Therefore, the catalytic technology is one of the critical factors that control the successful operation of biorefinery. There are number of catalytic processes in a biorefinery which convert the renewable feedstocks into the desired biofuels. These include biodiesel production from palm oil, catalytic cracking of palm oil for the production of biofuels, the production of hydrogen as well as syngas from biomass gasification, Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) for the conversion of syngas into liquid fuels and upgrading of liquid/gas fuels obtained from liquefaction/pyrolysis of biomass. The selection of catalysts for these processes is essential in determining the product distribution (olefins, paraffins and oxygenated products). The integration of catalytic technology with compatible separation processes is a key challenge for biorefinery operation from the economic point of view. This paper focuses on different types of catalysts and their role in the catalytic processes for the production of biofuels in a typical palm oil and oil palm biomass-based biorefinery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Fuel Diversification Strategy was incorporated into the Malaysian National Energy Policy in order to achieve a more balanced consumption of fuel, namely gas, hydro, coal and petroleum. The objective of this paper is to evaluate changes in CO2, SO2 and NO x emission due to changes in the fuel mix specified in the Fuel Diversification Strategy. Using the environmental extended Leontief''s input–output framework it was found that the fuel mix as envisioned by the Fuel Diversification Strategy generates higher CO2, SO2 and NO x emissions. As such, to ensure a sustainable energy policy, the proposed fuel mix must be accompanied by efficiency gain so that the negative impact on the environment could be mitigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sense of place definition includes the point where the physical element, activity and meaning are intertwined in the people experience of place. In urban design and place quality research, much has been discussed on the significance of the physical elements and activities in creating the sense of place; however, the role of place attachment as a component that gives places meaning(s) has not been adequately explored. This article is based on the main findings of a doctoral research examining attachment to traditional shopping streets in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. Surveys and face-to-face interviews were conducted with users of the streets to investigate place attachment and its influence on place identity. The finding demonstrates that attachment to the traditional streets is strong and it influences the users’ perception on the identity of the places. The streets were regarded as very important in sustaining the economic activities and meaningful in accentuating cultural diversity and self and group identity. The historical significance of the area as the earliest shopping locations in the city evoked personal and shared meanings to the long-term users who developed stronger place attachment. The paper concludes by establishing that place attachment has a significant contribution to the sense of place therefore should be considered in the design of urban places especially when redevelopment is one of the options. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The housing industry is crucial to sustainable development in Malaysia. The efficiency and effectiveness of the housing delivery system require housing provision for all. The housing industry, which had grown rapidly in the 1980s, encountered property oversupply recently. The majority of these units remain unsold for reasons beyond the price factor, ranging from poor location to unattractive houses. The main objective of this paper is to tackle property oversupply in the country by examining a detailed knowledge of home owning determinants. Homeownership should be encouraged as positive externalities of homeownership can be found in many housing surveys. Homeownership is a complex issue that is the result of many determinants, including housing characteristics (house types and property types), employment and income trends, and socio-cultural and demographic descriptors. In addition to determinants, efforts are needed to reduce regulatory barriers in the housing delivery system, which can significantly increase the cost of building houses. The government should make home financing more available and affordable by providing subsidies to low-income families and by creating incentives to save for homeownership. Efforts are also needed to extend opportunities to enhance the affordability of homeownership by liberalizing rules and regulations of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. The treatment of epilepsy patients is focused on three main goals: controlling seizures, avoiding or minimizing the treatment side effects and maintaining or restoring the quality of life. In Southeast Asia, there are about 1% of the population with epilepsy and only 10-20% of the patients receive appropriate treatment. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the research pattern of epilepsy treatment in Malaysia and its gap. Methods. Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology framework was used to guide and conduct this scoping review. Databases of PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholars were systematically searched using the keywords of "epilepsy", "seizure", "treatment", "therapy", "management", "antiepileptic drugs" (AEDs) and "surgery". Studies of epilepsy patients among the Malaysian population with no age preference were selected. Results. A total of 9405 articles were retrieved. Thirty-four articles were included in the final review; from these, 26 articles were published between 2010 to 2019. Ten out of 34 papers reported on AEDs, six articles focused on genetic evaluation for better treatment, three articles evaluated AEDs adherence, two articles reported the side effects and monitoring of AEDs and one article studied on complementary medicine. Four articles analyzed the surgical aspects of epilepsy. Six articles explored education and psychological interventions as part of epilepsy treatment. One study reported on diet therapy and one article on neuromodulation. Conclusion. There have been emerging studies on epilepsy treatment in Malaysia for the last decade. However, more studies need to be conducted such as the treatment gap among rural patients; other alternative therapies in poorly controlled epilepsy and the use of advanced methods for educational intervention in epilepsy care. It is essential to explore more themes in the research of epilepsy treatment in Malaysia for the development of better management of epilepsy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We apply the bootstrap Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index (MLPI) to measure the total factor productivity (TFP) growth for 14 water operators in Malaysia during the years 2000–2017. The analysis confirms that Malaysia's water sector experienced a deterioration in average productivity of 1.21% per year, attributed mainly to technological regression. Before the regulatory reform, the average productivity of water operators improved and was positively influenced by efficiency change. After the reform, the water operators suffered a decline in TFP growth due to decreased efficiency and technical change. The inefficient utilization of capital expenditure and aging water infrastructure are possible reasons for this effect. Regulatory reform is necessary but insufficient to improve the productivity growth of Malaysia's water sector. • This paper aims to measure water sector productivity before and after the reform. • On average, Malaysia's water sector presents declined in productivity growth. • Reform is necessary but insufficient to improve water sector productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The recent history of healthcare privatisation and corporatisation in Malaysia, an upper middle-income developing country, highlights the complicit role of the state in the rise of corporate healthcare. Following upon the country''s privatisation policy in the 1980s, private capital made significant inroads into the healthcare provider sector. This paper explores the various ownership interests in healthcare provision: statist capital, rentier capital, and transnational capital, as well as the contending social and political forces that lie behind state interests in the privatisation of healthcare, the growing prominence of transnational activities in healthcare, and the regional integration of capital in the healthcare provider industry. Civil society organizations provide a small but important countervailing force in the contention over the future of healthcare in the country. It is envisaged that the healthcare financing system will move towards a social insurance model, in which the state has an important regulating role. The important question, therefore, is whether the Malaysian government, with its vested interests, will have the capacity and the will to play this role in a social insurance system. The issues of ownership and control have important implications for governance more generally in a future healthcare system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of research on heavy metals removal from water by filtration using low cost coarse media which could be used as an alternative approach to remove heavy metals from water or selected wastewater. A series of batch studies were conducted using different particle media (particle size 2.36–4.75mm) shaken with different heavy metal solutions at various pH values to see the removal behaviour for each metal. Each solution of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr(III)) with a concentration of 2mg/L was shaken with the media. At a final pH of 8.5, limestone has significantly removed more than 90% of most metals followed by 80% and 65% removals using crushed bricks and gravel, respectively. The removal by aeration and settlement methods without solid media was less than 30%. Results indicated that the removal of heavy metals was influenced by the media and not directly by the pH. Investigations on the removal behaviour of these metals indicated that rough solid media with the presence of carbonate were beneficial for the removal process. Adsorption and precipitation as metals oxide and probably as metals carbonate were among the two mechanisms that contributed to the removal of metals from solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The existence of the F3-layer has been observed at Brazilian equatorial stations. This paper reports on a 1-year observations at Parit Raja, Malaysia (Lat. 1°52′N, Long. 103°48′E). The greatest number of appearances of the F3-layer is around local noon while the least is after local dawn. Its occurrence is more pronounced during winter and the equinoxes. The mean height of reflection for the layer is about 600km reaching a maximum of about 900km during the winter of 2004/2005. It is seen that the critical frequency of the F2-layer decreases with the appearance of the F3-layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to examine the long-run relationship between output, pollutant emissions, and energy consumption in Malaysia during the period 1971–1999. To supplement the findings of cointegrating analysis, we assess the causal relationships between the variables using the recent causality tests available in the literature. The results indicate that pollution and energy use are positively related to output in the long-run. We found a strong support for causality running from economic growth to energy consumption growth, both in the short-run and long-run. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Malaysia is facing an increase in the generation of waste and of accompanying problems with the disposal of this waste. In the last two decades, extensive building and infrastructure development projects have led to an increase in the generation of construction waste material. The construction industry has a substantial impact on the environment, and its environmental effects are in direct relation to the quality and quantity of the waste it generates. This paper discusses general characteristics of the construction contractors, the contractors’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved construction waste management, determining factors which affect the amount of their willingness to pay, and suggestions and policy implications in the perspective of construction waste management in Malaysia. The data in this study is based on contractors registered with the construction industry development board (CIDB) of Malaysia. Employing the open ended contingent valuation method, the study assessed the contractors’ average maximum WTP for improved construction waste management to be RM69.88 (1US$=3.6RM) per tonne of waste. The result shows that the average maximum WTP is higher for large contractors than for medium and small contractors. The highest average maximum WTP value is RM88.00 for Group A (large contractors) RM78.25 for Group B (medium-size contractors) and RM55.80 for Group C (small contractors). One of the contributions of this study is to highlight the difference of CIDB registration grade in the WTP for improved construction waste management. It is found that contractors’ WTP for improved waste collection and disposal services increases with the increase in contractors’ current paid up capital. The identified factors and determinants of the WTP will assist the formulation of appropriate policies in addressing the construction waste problem in Malaysia and indirectly improve the quality of construction in the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With the increase in awareness of environmental issues, the level of environmental disclosure and stakeholder demands for environmental information is increasing. New developments in the ISO 14000 standards also make it more evident that a company''s environmental performance as well as its environmental reporting should be considered as strategic issues in business strategy. Especially for a developing country like Malaysia, many companies are under external pressures to improve their environmental performance. In this study, a review on the image and environmental disclosure, together with the challenges in environmental information management and a short case study are presented. Subsequently, the paper explores some of the strategic implications of environmental reporting as an important tool for improved environmental management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines the politics and practice of education in Malaysia within the context of ethnicity and nation building. Public education in Malaysia—particularly, but not exclusively, at the pre-university level—is promoted as a nation-building tool, seeking to inculcate a sense of Malaysian-ness and patriotism. Simultaneously, however, public education—particularly, but not exclusively, at the university level—is used as a tool for the promotion of ethnic Malay interests. These two objectives are not necessarily contradictory; indeed the assertion that a vital ingredient in the creation of a ‘Malaysian nation’ is the eradication of inter-ethnic economic disparities has been at the heart of the Malaysian regime''s discourse on nation building since the ethnic riots of May 1969. Hence, in this view, preferential policies for the economically disadvantaged but numerically dominant Malays are a necessary component of the nation-building project. Nonetheless, there are at least clear tensions between these two functions of education—tensions, which, I shall argue, help explain both the particularly sensitive politics of education in Malaysia, and the discursive stance the Malaysian regime has adopted within the educational field. Through an analysis of the dynamics of the politics of education, I argue that non-Malay educationalist activism has been characterised by a broad acceptance of the regime''s strategic objectives, whilst simultaneously seeking to ensure that educational opportunities for non-Malays do not suffer as a result of these policies. I argue that whilst the expansion of private tertiary education during the 1990s has largely ameliorated non-Malay concerns on this level, pre-university schooling remains a politically sensitive issue on all fronts that continues to threaten precisely the inter-ethnic harmony it seeks to promote. Here, I argue that the Malaysian regime has sought to resolve the tensions between nation-building and ethnicity through a didactic and pedagogical approach to educational development, which promotes a concept of nationhood that, rather than transcending ethnic alligiances, is explicitly based on ethnic stratification. I argue that these ‘ethnic citizens’ are encouraged to participate in the Malaysian nation uncritically through the virtual worship of development symbols and unquestioning deference to political leadership. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Human body response intelligently to different climate conditions by acclimatization and adaptation. The different thermal comfort behavior of human need for people in different climate condition and also for different season clearly shows that the design strategy for building must comply with the locality of the building. Intelligent system may be used for the purpose of compliance to thermal comfort. This paper describes typical strategies to naturally improve comfort in a climate which is hot and humid without air conditioning. Hot and humid countries like Malaysia usually require air conditioning but for residential buildings, the dependence for thermal comfort through air conditioning may be minimized. The prospect for not using air conditioning in rural area is relatively high when good design was adopted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: When rain forest is logged, rills and gullies are often initiated on heavily disturbed and compacted terrain components; whether and for how long they continue to enlarge following logging is critical as regards the recovery and sustainability of the regenerating forest. This paper examines these two issues in logged rain forest in northeastern Borneo. Results are presented of an investigation into how soil erosion rates and surface topography varies in selectively logged forests at different stages of regeneration (up to 15 years after logging) in Danum Valley, eastern Sabah, Malaysia. Measurements were made of changes in ground level and surface roughness at over 100 transect sites over periods of 1–15 years using the erosion bridge (microprofiler) technique. In the complex mosaic of the post-logging regenerating forest, attention focused on key features, notably abandoned logging tracks, gullies, heavily disturbed or compacted areas and road-related landslides and comparisons are made with primary forest terrain. The role of extreme rainstorms in controlling the temporal pattern of post-logging erosion in both regenerating and primary forest is demonstrated. The different situations in which rills and gullies initiated during or following logging enlarge or disappear in post-logging terrain are highlighted. The implications of the results for slope evolution and sustainable rain-forest management policies are briefly considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution and future tasks of occupational health services (OHS) in Malaysia. The initiatives to develop a more systematic and comprehensive OHS have become more prominent after Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 with appointment of competent persons to conduct specific task. Various professional groups have been identified and their roles are clearly outlined in the Guidelines on Occupational Health Services which was recently launched. Collaboration and coordination by all the OHS providers, both government and private agencies is essential to ensure efficient OHS delivery. However, more need to be done to enhance OHS in the country particularly to develop a better system of OHS delivery and participation from the industry and other stakeholders. In conclusion, comprehensive, well designed and accessible occupational health services are important to ensure the health and safety of the workforce. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to the large capital investment and high risk generally associated with space activities only a limited number of countries have been able to benefit from the use of space technology. Space technology is often seen as an important tool to allow the transition from a developing country to a developed country. As Malaysia''s vision is to be a developed country by 2020, it need to enhance the capability and capacity of its space technology at an accelerated pace. At this stage, Malaysia can be considered as new in space activities, since the first satellite successfully launched into orbit was only in 1997. This paper describes a microsatellite project undertaken in a university environment in Malaysia by the School of Aerospace Engineering from the University of Sains Malaysia (USM) where the students will be participating in the development and operations. Such involvement aim at forming an integral part of the students education extending the traditional way of teaching with practical classes thus providing hands-on experience and offering skills and experience needed by the future Malaysian space workforce, and to expand Malaysian space capacity building. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The popularization of 24h pay-TV, interactive video games, web-TV, VCD and DVD in Malaysia are poised to have a large impact on overall TV electricity consumption in the country. With the increasing of overall TV energy consumption, energy efficiency standards are one of highly effective policies for decreasing electricity consumption in the residential sector. Energy efficiency standards are also capable of reducing consumer''s electricity bill and contribute towards positive environmental impacts. This paper attempts to predict the amount of energy that can be saved in the residential sector by implementing minimum energy efficiency standard for television sets in Malaysia. Over the past 30 years, television ownership in Malaysian residents has increased from 186,036units in 1970 to 2,741,640units in 1991. This figure is expected to reach 6,201,316 units in the year 2010. Hence, efficiency improvement for this appliance will have a significant impact on the future of electricity consumption in this country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper aims to look mainly into perceived benefits derived from ISO 14001 registrations for firms with in a newly industrialized country like Malaysia. The results of a survey on Malaysian firms registered with ISO 14001 indicate that there were benefits to be gained from implementing ISO 14000 Standards. Generally, the benefits were rather similar to those documented for companies that adopted ISO 14000 in industrialized countries. ISO 14000 implementation was crucial in bringing about effective environmental management, and reduction of damage to the environment, as well as improvement of the company''s image and operations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Sustainable ecosystem management of Acacia mangium plantation, the area of which is rapidly increasing in the tropics, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, becomes more and more important. In this context, abundance, biomass and vertical distribution of soil macro-invertebrates were investigated in a mature plantation of A. mangium in Sarawak, Malaysia. In the present paper, in order to reveal the changes in soil macro-fauna caused by conversion of natural forests to A. mangium plantations, the results were compared with those from a nearby primary forest. While total abundance of soil macro-invertebrates was similar, total biomass was much larger in the plantation than in the primary forest. The prominent factor for such a large total biomass in the plantation was the high abundance of earthworms, followed by isopods and harvestmen with much smaller contributions. The common feature of the communities of these three taxa in the plantation was the absolute dominance by single species. The dominant earthworm species was of the endogeic type that was absent from the primary forest and thought to be introduced with A. mangium seedlings from outside. The isopod flushed in the plantation was a pill bug that occurred in the primary forest, too, and might have been pre-adapted to the vegetation change. The dominant harvestman in the plantation was of the life form different from that of the other species found, and was thought to be supported by the explosive increase in biomass of earthworm and/or pill bug. On the other hand, communities of termites, ants, fly larvae, click beetle larvae and other beetle larvae were depressed by the vegetation change. Thus the major consequence of the conversion of natural forest to A. mangium plantation was simplification of community structure in many taxonomic groups. The major points of the simplification in turn were the explosive increase in biomass of the soil processing earthworm and the litter processing pill bug which may accelerate the mineralization processes. The need for a careful monitoring on sustainability of soil fertility was concluded. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Synopsis: In the literature on household gendered work, women are conceptualized as ‘producers’ while men are conceptualized as ‘consumers’ of women''s services. Rather than contest this argument, this paper shows that food may be used for a myriad of purposes, whether to resist, maneuver, change, express, and even reinforce the sexual division of labour. Specifically, conversations with 20 middle-class South Indian women residing in Klang Valley show that they derive personal gains from food production as it facilitates in the construction of gender and class identities. Although women''s attitudes and practices generally reproduce the dominant gender ideology, they do not perceive foodmaking as a form of gender subjugation since this role is coloured by how the ‘self’ is constructed. Furthermore, women view this role to be a significant cultural value, which may be continuously adapted, reproduced, modified, revised, recreated, and elaborated in whichever way they feel befits the situation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The perception that better information on environment and development is the determinant of effective rational decision- and policy-making processes provide the impetus for global interest in the use of sustainable development indicators (SDIs). Accordingly, proposals for SDIs are framed either on organisational goals or on disciplinary and multidisciplinary theories—aiming to reduce uncertainties in choosing the best alternative among a set of options concerning sustainability. Despite the fact that many SDI initiatives are explicitly aimed at improving policy-making, it is not apparent that political settings and organisational realities are taken into consideration in designing the framework for sustainability assessment. Ignoring the realities of policy-making dynamics can result in poor institutionalisation of the SDI development process, and therefore reduced impact of indicators. Linkage of SDIs to policy processes must also take into account the complex role of information in policy processes. The importance of societal values, cultural contexts and behaviour of bureaucracies must be understood and used to assist the assessment of progress towards sustainability using SDIs. Essentially, objective knowledge must be tampered with pragmatism in governance. This paper highlights the case of SDI development in the state of Selangor where the notion of instrumental rationality is balanced with the ‘incrementalism’ of the policy process that provided the foundation for institutionalising the reporting and use of SDIs. The ideals and paradoxes of participatory decision-making, the principles of the rational model and decision-making processes within a state government are critically examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper is about predicting the average conventional energy conversion by a photovoltaic system in Malaysia. The calculation is based on average number of days in a month. Average hourly energy flows are estimated based on knowledge of array test parameters, monthly average of hourly ambient temperature and monthly average of daily hemispherical radiation. The monthly average of diffuse component of radiation can be predicted based on hemispherical radiation, by using an appropriate empirical correlation related to the monthly average of diffuse fraction to monthly average of clearness index. The values of hourly average radiation are estimated based on a statistical model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Allele frequencies for the 15 STR loci in the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit were determined and compared for the three main ethnic groups of the Malaysian population comprising 210 Malays, 219 Chinese and 209 Indians. Blood was placed on FTA® paper and DNA was purified in-situ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents general equilibrium evaluations of forest sector trade for Southeast Asian exporters. The four scenarios examined range from the 1994 Uruguay Round tariff reductions to a complete liberalisation of forest and agricultural products trade. We find that simultaneous reductions in forest and agricultural sector tariffs make Indonesia and Malaysia worse off. For Indonesia, this is due to the fall in forest rent and agricultural tariff revenues. Malaysia has the highest ratio of agricultural imports to total land-based sector imports, the rise in agricultural prices thus hits Malaysian consumers the hardest.We find that terms of trade effect omitted from the partial equilibrium framework may reduce the welfare calculations for Malaysia and Indonesia in the forest sector trade by as much as 106 and 58%, respectively. This points to the importance of general equilibrium modelling in the logging industry. The same applies to other sector specific analyses where trade is concentrated between few countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article highlights the workshop "Women, Youth and Children in Muslim Countries: Between Democracy and War," which was jointly organized by the Academy of Social Sciences and Women's Development Research Center, held at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, on December 23, 2002. The title of the workshop cum seminar captures the dilemma faced by Muslims in a campaign against terror. The exercise of pointing to the shortcomings of Western models of development and shifting from Eurocentric views were the prominent themes of the papers presented in the workshop. Local traditions acquire prominence in the exercise of exposing alternative perspectives. The civilizing role of religion becomes the basis of a dialogue between civilizations. A high priority is given to education as a means to introduce the alternative ways of doing and understanding life and the world. Education, through school and university curricula, becomes interconnected in a project to create a more tolerant society and world. The desire to break away from Eurocentricism and Western knowledge systems is a struggle in many parts of the developing world as the contradictions of capitalist modernity are made obvious.

Knowledge has been widely recognised as the most important factor of production in a "new economy". The production, dissemination and utilisation of knowledge are therefore essential for development. Some countries, Malaysia among others, have embarked on an ambitious plan to use knowledge as a base for economic development, by-passing earlier stages of industrialisation. Some commentators have, in contrast, asserted "that it is doubtful that the knowledge revolution will let developing countries leapfrog to higher levels of development" as "the knowledge economy will actually expand the gap between rich and poor" (Persaud, 2001:108). The paper discusses this controversy by arguing that the knowledge-gap (k-gap) is in fact a precondition for development. It is, however, no natural phenomenon but it is constructed by experts and governments. Socio-economic indicators are used to show that the existing global knowledge gap is widening between Southeast Asia and the OECD countries and within ASEAN Malaysia, whose government has pursued a vigorous strategy of knowledge development is moving ahead of other ASEAN nations, but falling behind industrialised countries. Factors explaining the situation are outlined in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent policy of the Malaysian government to promote use of renewable, especially photovoltaic, energy has warranted a feasibility study on supplementing diesel generation in off-grid sites by solar (photovoltaic) electricity to be done in the Malaysian context. This paper addresses the technical viability and economy of using a photovoltaic (PV) system to supplement an existing diesel generator-based supply in a typical secondary school located at an interior, off-grid and rural site of Sarawak state in East Malaysia. The findings of the present study, would therefore, help the Government with a realistic picture of the techno-economic aspects in implementing its vision regarding renewable energy. Presently, a 150 kW diesel generator supplies electricity to the considered school. The study required simulation of the load sharing pattern of the PV–diesel hybrid system taking into account varied weather and insolation conditions of the chosen site. Also, the purchase price as well as the size of the supplementing PV system that would give the lowest life cycle cost have been determined. The PV system was considered in both forms, i.e. with and without battery back-up. It has been found that if the market price for purchasing a PV system would drop to RM 11.02/WP (Ringgit Malaysia; US$1.00=RM 3.80) i.e. US$2.90/WP, a 35 kWP PV system without battery back-up in conjunction with the diesel generator would be able to supply the selected school’s demand at a marginally lower energy cost than the existing diesel-only system. With continuous research and developments, PV price would keep falling in the near future so that a PV–diesel hybrid system with a higher sized PV is expected to be economically more viable. The reported feasibility study can serve as a guideline for making similar studies in the context of another off-grid site. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The globalisation of economies offers new opportunities to both developed and developing countries in terms of promoting growth, improving income, and reducing poverty and inequality. However, it has also given rise to labour flexibility, wage depression, and eroded important elements of redistribution and weakened social protection systems. The 1997–1998 financial crisis in Southeast and Northeast Asia further exposed important limitations in the ability of such existing systems to cope with the crisis. This paper identifies new forms of economic insecurities generated by the renewed growth of labour flexibility as globalisation weakens the basis of social partnership and tripartism. It examines Malaysia's development experience, the impact of the crisis on workers' economic security, and assesses the adequacy of existing social protection programmes in its response to new types of economic insecurities generated by globalisation. It argues that these issues need to be addressed in formulating policies to ensure equitable social development in Malaysia in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malaysian economy has grown rapidly in the last two decades. This growth has increased the ownership of household electrical appliances, especially refrigerator-freezers. Almost every house in Malaysia owns a refrigerator-freezer. The Malaysia Energy Center considered implementing a minimum energy efficiency standard for household refrigerator-freezers sometime in the coming year. This paper attempts to predict the amount of energy savings in the residential sector by implementing a minimum energy efficiency standard for household refrigerator-freezers. The calculations are based on the growth of refrigerator-freezer ownership data in Malaysian households. By implementing the programs in 2004, about 8722 GWh will be saved in the year 2013. Therefore, efficiency improvement of this appliance will provide a significant impact in future electricity consumption in Malaysia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reports on the results of a short-term observation of CO2 flux above a tropical forest at Pasoh in Peninsular Malaysia, using the eddy covariance method with a closed-path CO2 analyzer, in March 1998. CO2 concentration profiles above and in a canopy were also measured. In the daytime, the time series of fluctuations in CO2 concentration above the forest drew the ramp pattern with a period of 2 min. This suggests that large-scale turbulent motions contribute to CO2 flux in the daytime. We obtained data on the CO2 flux for 6 days and CO2 storage flux under the flux measurement level for 3 days in this observation. The values of the CO2 flux fell within −1.0 to 0.5 mg CO2 m−2 s−1. Net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) was estimated as the sum of the CO2 flux and the CO2 storage flux. Compared with the CO2 flux, the CO2 storage flux was relatively large in the early morning and the nighttime, therefore, the storage flux became important to estimate the NEE in those periods. The daily values of the NEE ranged from −2.08 to −2.74 g C m−2 per day. The results suggest that this tropical forest was a CO2 sink during the period. Although we tired to calculate the mass flow component proposed by Lee [Agric. For. Meteorol. 91 (1998) 39], the magnitudes of the mass flow obtained here were, from 5.20 to 12.55 g C m−2 per day, much larger than the magnitudes of the NEE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a result of rapid economic growth in the past, the usage of residential electrical appliances for the last two decades has increased rapidly in Malaysia. Like other developing countries with hot and humid climates, she has been experiencing dramatic growth in the number of air conditioners from 13,251 units in 1970 to 253,399 in 1991, and it will be about 1,511,276 in the year 2020. In order to reduce energy consumption in the residential sector, the Department of Electricity and Gas Supply considers implementing energy labels for household electrical appliances, including room air conditioners, sometime in the coming year. The purpose of the energy labels is to provide consumers a guideline to compare the energy efficiency of the appliances. This paper attempts to calculate the potential electricity savings by implementing energy labels for room air conditioners in this country. The potential electricity savings is predicted based on three scenarios, namely, minimum expected, nominal and maximum expected. The study found that in the energy savings view point, introducing energy labels for this appliance is very beneficial in this country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Because of the rapid economic growth in the past, the usage of residential electrical appliances for the last two decades has increased rapidly in Malaysia. Like other developing countries with hot and humid climates, she has been experiencing dramatic growth in the number of air conditioners used from 13,251 units in 1970 to 253,399 in 1991, and it will be about 1,511,276 in the year 2020. In order to reduce energy consumption in the residential sector, the Department of Electricity and Gas Supply, Malaysia, considers implementing energy labels for household electrical appliances, including room air conditioners, sometime in the coming year. The purpose of the energy labels is to provide consumers a guideline to compare the size, features, price and efficiency of the appliance. This paper attempts to propose an energy label for room air conditioners in this country based on survey data. This label is also suitable for other appliances without major modification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Malaysia is the major producer of palm oil in the world. It produces 8.5 million tonnes per year (8.5×106 t y−1) of palm oil from 38.6×106 t y−1 of fresh fruit bunches. Palm oil production generates large amounts of process residues such as fibre (5.4×106 t y−1), shell (2.3×106 t y−1), and empty fruit bunches (8.8×106 t y−1). A large fraction of the fibre and much of the shell are used as fuel to generate process steam and electricity in the palm processing mill itself. However, much is wasted by pile burning in the open air with attendant air pollution, dumped in areas adjacent to the mill, or utilized as manure in the palm oil plantation. In this paper, an attempt has been made to convert these residues into solid fuel. The palm shell and fibre is densified into briquettes of diameter 40, 50 and 60 mm under moderate pressure of 5–13.5 MPa in a hydraulic press. Experiments are carried out to determine density, durability, impact and compressive strength of the briquettes. The heating value, burning characteristics, ash and moisture content are other objects of the study. A relationship between press pressure and the briquette density has been established. The produced briquettes have densities between 1100 and 1200 kg m−3. The briquettes properties are quite good with good resistance to mechanical disintegration, and will withstand wetting. The gross calorific value is about 16.4 MJ kg−1 (maf), and the ash content is about 6% and the equilibrium moisture content is about 12%. Further work is required to acquire complete understanding of the densification process before good quality and durable briquettes could be made free from cracks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, Malaysia's attempt to join the 'information society' and 'knowledge economy' by embarking on the ambitious Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) is mapped out and analysed. The discussion is framed in the context of globalization, modernity and the situation in other Muslim societies. Notwithstanding the present national skepticism regarding the MSC, the project has been reasonably well designed and launched. But it is, in the final analysis, only a part of the larger structure of national innovation systems that function equally as 'engines of economic growth.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the use of merger and separation as a textual construction of a nation. According to the author the history is not neutral. It is rendered ideological by the very act of being conveyed in a narrative form for language is both the purveyer of meaning and the principle locus of ideology. The paper explores the idea of history as discourse, and its deployment in the cultural symbolic construction of Singapore. To this end, the author has chosen to analyze a key moment for Singapore history, the years 1963-65, when Singapore for first merged with the nation of Malaysia and then separated form it. The way that these events are described in official histories is used by the government of Singapore to justify the policy of multiracialism, which also serves as a legimitating device confirming the state in its political and ideological hegemony. The author thus has examined the events through the analysis of local newspapers, to see in what ways their reporting may be helped to mould popular understandings to what was happening.

Background: in recent years, many Asian countries have witnessed an intensification in populist discourses identifying the death penalty as a central tool of drug control, with public opinion surveys referred to as invaluable evidence of public support for the death penalty. This paper will address the claim that the public supports capital punishment, and the role of surveys in shaping this discourse.Methods: review of thirty-nine public opinion surveys on the death penalty carried out in five Asian countries which retain the death penalty for drugs or are considering re-introducing it. The review was conducted by analysing and comparing design, methodology, findings, and the relationship between these elements.Results: all but two surveys recorded a majoritarian support for the death penalty, driven by beliefs in (a) deterrent effect of the death penalty, and (b) perfect justice - both disproven. Complex surveys found a low intensity of support, and a limited interest and knowledge by the public in capital punishment. Support for capital punishment is lower for drug offences specifically, and it decreases significantly when expressed with reference to real-life cases. Limited data suggest that the public in the focus countries has reservations on the effectiveness of the death penalty to reduce drug offences, and prefers a discretionary system of punishment. The analysis also revealed correlations between the framing of survey questions and their findings.Conclusion: Public opinion surveys conducted in China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand suggest that the public knows little and has little interest in the death penalty. Although majoritarian, its support is based on a faulty understanding of key facts related to capital punishment, and an increase in knowledge is correlated to a decrease in support. More rigorous polling exercises demonstrate that public support for capital punishment - both in general and for drug offences specifically - is instinctive, abstract, elastic, and contextual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onshore and shallow marine conventional hydrocarbon resources around the world are mostly at the maturation phase and hence, exploration activity globally, showing increasing interest into progressively deeper water hydrocarbon prospects such as South China Sea basins. However, a comprehensive understanding of basin tectonics, depositional history, and petroleum systems of the basin is required to deduce the exploration prospectivity of these deeper reservoirs. The Sabah Basin is a prolific hydrocarbon province in Southeast Asia and has a significant economic impact on this part. Recent discoveries in the deep-water hydrocarbon prospects in the NW Sabah Trough prompted a comprehensive investigation of the surrounding area, e.g., Dangerous Grounds for hydrocarbon prospectivity. Previous studies in the Dangerous Grounds mainly focused on the sparse 2D seismic and gravity-magnetic data analysis. A systematic review of stratigraphic evolution has not been presented thus far in the published literature. In this paper, recently acquired high-resolution 3D seismic data with the core and cuttings and conventional well log data from the adjacent areas have been combined to characterize the stratigraphic evolution of the Dangerous Grounds in the NW Sabah Platform. Seven horizons interpreted from the 7570 sq. km 3D seismic data, calibrated with the global sea - level curve and geological time scale, to establish the stratigraphic evolution in the study area. Based on distinct structural and seismic characteristics, and calibrated with the adjacent regions well data, two mega-sequences, namely, lower syn-rift and upper post-rift mega-sequences, have been identified and evaluated. The Paleocene to Early Oligocene syn-rift sequence consists of clastic sedimentary fill in grabens and half-grabens is overlain by Late Oligocene to recent post-rift sedimentary successions represented by siliciclastic and carbonates deposits. Major depositional units within these two mega-sequences, including carbonate, channel, mass transport deposits, and turbidites have been identified and evaluated. During Late Oligocene to Middle Miocene, the area has witnessed the deposition of carbonate platform and reefs on top of pre-existing structural highs. Late Oligocene to Middle Miocene channel-levee complexes with convex upward sand filling features is prominent in the seismic data. Mass Transport Deposits and turbidites have also been observed above the Middle Miocene Unconformity with distinct seismic characteristics. The pelagic and hemipelagic nature of the sedimentary succession deposited from Pliocene to recent in a passive margin condition have also been interpreted from their unique seismic features. Paleocene-Early Oligocene syn-rift siliciclastic hydrocarbon play, Late Oligocene-Middle Miocene carbonate play, and Late Miocene turbidite play within the study area have been interpreted. • Syn-rift clastic sediments deposited in between Paleocene to Early Oligocene age. • The significant presence of three types of reefs as patchy, pinnacle and atoll. • Late Oligocene-Middle Miocene convex upward sand filling channel-levee complex. • Mass Transport Deposits and Turbidites above the Middle Miocene Unconformity. • Pliocene-recent pelagic-hemipelagic sediments deposited in passive margin condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidences of food contamination often lead to behavioral changes among consumers, and the long-term outcome may jeopardize economic returns to producers. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between food safety concerns, price consciousness, perceived severity, and food repurchase intention in the context of the canned sardine contamination issue in Malaysia. Moreover, the moderating and the mediating impact of perceived severity on repurchase intention are also uncovered in this study. A self-administered survey was distributed to a total of 400 respondents among consumers of canned sardine who had prior knowledge regarding canned sardine contamination. Empirical finding supported that price consciousness is related to repurchase intention. Perceived severity positively moderates the relationship between these two variables. The study results also reveal that, perceived severity fully mediates the relationship between food safety concerns and consumers' repurchase intention. This paper offers new insights into tackling food poisoning issues and addressing market sales during a food contamination outbreak. • Food safety is not directly related to consumers' repurchase behavior. • Food safety on repurchase intention is mediated by perceived severity. • Price consciousness is related to repurchase intention. • Perceived severity positively moderates price consciousness on repurchase intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the study on examining sustainable business performance determinants includes proposed variables of organizational learning culture and digital organizational culture. Organizational learning culture and digital organizational culture have been used in some previous studies but they were not recognized as determinants of sutainable business performance. The organizational learning culture is relevant in anticipating challenges and pressures while the digital organizational culture is relevant to the digital transformation. The empirical synergy of both supports sustainable business performance is quantitatively tested using the PLS-SEM tool and inputs of 207 samples collected from the Malaysia upstream petroleum industry. The results show that supports from organizational learning culture and digital organization culture on sustainable business performance are positive and significant. Digital organizational culture mediates the relationship between organizational learning culture and sustainable business performance. This research enriches the theory and literature on sustainable business performance and the role of organizational learning culture and digital organizational culture. It also provides fundamentals for industry practitioners and policymakers for relevant decision making and improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]