Semiotic Literacy, Post-Modernity, Malaysia and Japan; How Television Advertising Reveals Political-Economic Development and Change

This paper focuses on how advertising formats can be utilized as inductive tools to assess the political, economic, intellectual and cultural "development" of a society. It does so by focusing on two essentially different countries: Japan and Malaysia. We find that while both countries utilize the same four formats identified by Leiss et al. (1990) in their historical survey of American and Canadian print ads, they do so in different measure. Specifically, in Malaysia Product Information and Product Image formats occur with greater frequency, whereas in Japan the Peronalization and Lifestyle forms are more common. Implicit in Leiss et al.\u27s work was a developmental logic. Simply put, one could hypothesize that nations at a lower level of political-economic development tend to favor the “cruder", more product-centered formats, while those countries at the higher level more often invoke the more sophisticated, entertainment-oriented communications. The comparative data here tends to confirm this. These associations are bolstered by the fact that in Japan, though not in Malaysia, we encounter a fifth presentation format-what I call the \u27Post-modern Format\u27. One further task of this paper is to explore an array of postmodern approaches. In conclusion I seek to understand why such patterns have resulted. My explanation is twofold. From the production side it involves matters of political organization and economic development-factors impinging on ad creation. From the audience side, it entails semiotics and, in particular, an ad reader\u27s sign-processing capacity. We end with questions of globalization. Advertising is one of the few "language systems" which has spread worldwide that is also understandable (at some level) to all recipients. Yet, because it is dependent on semiotic literacy and because such literacy is dependent on political and economic factors rooted in the context, the question whether Malaysian advertising will ever "develop" to the level of Japanese advertising -with a similar dominant status in society- is yet an open question

The Financing Problems Facing the Agricultural Sector in Nigeria and the Prospect of Waqf-Muzaraah-Supply Chain Model (WMSCM)

Agriculture sector becomes important sector in many developing countries including in Nigeria. The contribution of agricultural sector to the development of Nigeria is considerable. This important sector was the economic backbone upon which the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria relied for its foreign exchange and revenue. A country was once a net exporter of agricultural products. However, since the discovery of oil in the early 1960, agricultural productivity has continually decreased due to many problems, especially related to financial aspect. Several programmes and policies have been adopted by various administrations to find solution to the dwindling agricultural productivity but to no avail. These solutions have mainly focused on alleviating the financial problems the farmers face. Usually financial intermediaries including banks would provide micro-financing to the farmers but with high interest rates coupled with collateral requirements. Hence, this mode of financing has not produced any significant result. This study will therefore examine problems facing agricultural sector in Nigeria with special emphasis on its financial aspect and propose a Waqf-MuzaraahSupply Chain model (WMSCM). Under this model, Waqf fund will be used for providing financial facility of the farmers. The relationship between farmers and financial institutions is based on partnership where profit and loss will be shared by both parties. This will enhance commitment by and cooperation among both parties to ensure the success of the business. Furthermore, the issues of collateral and high interest rate that constrain the financial ability of the farmers and their agricultural output are inherently solved by the model. Moreover, the model has features of investment and risk diversification for both the financial institutions and the farmers that will lead to high agricultural productivity and employment generation in the economy

The Determinants of Dividend Payout: Evidence From the Malaysian Property Market

The paper aims to investigate the determinants of dividend payout among the Malaysian property companies. The sample size consists of 30 property listed companies on Bursa Malaysia. The data are generally obtained from the company's annual report for the period of 2012 to 2016. The study employs multiple regression analysis to examine the influence of firms specific and macroeconomic variables on dividend payout. Result of the test shows that the dividend payout has a significant negative relationship with ownership structure and positive relationship on return on equity, quick ratio and GDP. The study instigates to enrich the literature on dividend determinants especially in the context of Malaysia

Revisiting of an Islamic Options Permisibility From Shariah Perspectives

The popularity of derivative instruments especially in managing uncertainty (risk)had become popular after several financial crises that occurred since the Great EconomicDepression. There are various tools have been developed in managing risk such as the Options,Forwards, Futures and Swaps. In addition, these kinds of tools are commonly used by institutional and individual investors. Given this popularity, conventional risk management strategies is completely against from Islamic risk management as Islamic financial market arekeep on growing drastically at Cumulative Average Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% on yearlybasis (Mckinsey, 2005). This is clearly shows that, Islamic finance development are in line withconventional financial development. Therefore, there is need to maintain consistency in productstructures offered by these two financial markets. The complexity is mainly contributed by thestructures and the design of the products especially on Islamic derivatives tools. Therefore, to get a significant picture of the Islamic risk management tools, this paper will only examines thecontemporary derivative instruments namely; Option and the Islamic viewpoints of thisinstrument . As we know, Islamic finance is governed by Shariah principle and guidelines whichprohibit Riba, Gharar, and Masir etc. Therefore, this paper attempts to explore the validity ofoptions from Islamic and Shariah perspectives by reviewing Islamic scholars opinions on anoptions market

Empowering WAQF financing sustainability through capital market in Malaysia:A review

Though the Waqf (Islamic endowment) has been operative for countless years as a superlative instrument that upholds societal welfare, most of the developed and developing countries are yet to entirely utilize Waqf for the capital market investment. This paper aims to review and explore the Waqf financing feasibility through capital market integration from the Malaysian context. Financing tools primarily designed for Waqf assets development are rigorously explored to secure sustainability of Waqf institutions. While embracing the theory of sustainability entailing chief aspects of economics, social and environment as a guiding principle, the study proposes a viable integration of Waqf and capital market instrument of unit trust investments based on the Shariah-compliant. The finding illustrates that there is an essential need for a novel apparatus through the capital market such Waqf unit trust to realize grander Waqf funds accumulation, investment, and distribution. It is exceedingly encouraged that produced proceeds from the investment are optimally utilized for socio-economic projects. This study realizes as one of the pioneer endeavors to group Waqf fund via unit

Farmakokinetika u plazmi i režim doziranja cefpirom-sulfata u ovaca

Cefpirome is fourth- generation cephalosporin class of drug with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram- positive and Gram- negative organisms. A pharmacokinetic study of single dose intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration of cefpirome sulfate (10 mg/kg body weight) was conducted using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and the pharmacokinetic parameters established were utilized to calculate optimal dosage regimens in ewes. Following IV administration of cefpirome in ewes the mean value of the elimination rate constant (β), elimination half life (t½β), the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞), the area under the first moment of the plasma drug concentration (AUMC), the mean residence time (MRT), the apparent volume of distribution (Vdarea) and total body clearance (ClB) were 0.43 ± 0.04 h-1, 1.68 ± 0.21 h, 82.71 ± 3.76 mg.h/mL, 211.06 ± 23.99 mg.h2/mL, 2.51 ± 0.19 h, 0.28 ± 0.03 L/kg and 0.11 ± 0.00 L/h/kg, respectively, while following IM administration of cefpirome the mean values were 0.33 ± 0.01 h-1, 2.04 ± 0.06 h, 73.27 ± 4.04 mg.h/mL, 229.02 ± 20.32 mg.h2/mL, 3.09 ± 0.12 h, 0.45 ± 0.03 L/kg and 0.14 ± 0.01 L/h/kg, respectively. The bioavailability following IM administration of cefpirome was 88.85 ± 4.07 %. Cefpirome concentration in plasma was maintained above the target MIC (≥0.25 mg/mL) for 12 h. The therapeutic dosage regimen calculated using the pharmacokinetic parameters generated by the intravenous route of drug administration indicated the most appropriate dose of cefpirome to maintain MIC at ≥ 0.25 μg/mL with a dosage interval of 12 h, would be 13.00 mg/kg body weight in ewes.Cefpirom je cefalosporin četvrte generacije lijekova sa širokim spektrom djelovanja protiv gram-pozitivnih i gram-negativnih mikroorganizama. Istraživanje farmakokinetike pojedinačne doze cefpirom-sulfata, primijenjene intravenski (iv.) i intramuskularno (im.) (10 mg/kg tjelesne mase), provedeno je tekućinskom kromatografijom visoke djelotvornosti (HPLC) te su utvrđeni pokazatelji za optimalan režim doziranja u ovaca. Nakon intravenske primjene cefpiroma u ovaca prosječna vrijednost konstante brzine eliminacije (β) bila je 0,43 ± 0,04 h-1, poluvijek eliminacije (t½β) 1,68 ± 0,21 h, područje ispod krivulje odnosa koncentracije u plazmi i vremena (AUC0-∞) 82,71 ± 3,76 mg.h/ mL, područje ispod krivulje prvog momenta koncentracije u plazmi (AUMC) 211,06 ± 23,99 mg.h2/mL. Nadalje, srednja vrijednost vremena zadržavanja (MRT) bila je 2,51 ± 0,19 h, prividni volumen distribucije (Vdarea) 0,28 ± 0,03 L/kg i ukupni tjelesni klirens (ClB) 0,11 ± 0,00 L/h/kg. Srednje vrijednosti tijekom intramuskularne primjene cefpiroma za prethodno navedene parametre bile 0,33 ± 0,01 h-1, 2,04 ± 0,06 h, 73,27 ± 4,04 mg.h/mL, 229,02 ± 20,32 mg.h2/mL, 3,09 ± 0,12 h, 0,45 ± 0,03 L/kg i 0,14 ± 0,01 L/h/kg. Bioraspoloživost nakon intramuskularne primjene cefpiroma bila je 88,85 ± 4,07 %. Koncentracija cefpiroma u plazmi održavana je iznad ciljne vrijednosti MIK-a (≥ 0,25 mg/mL) tijekom 12 sati. Terapijski režim doziranja izračunat na temelju farmakokinetičkih pokazatelja dobivenih intravenskom primjenom lijeka upućuje na optimalnu dozu cefpiroma kojom se može održati MIK pri vrijednosti ≥ 0,25 μg/mL s intervalom doziranja od 12 sati, a ta bi doza u ovaca bila 13,00 mg/kg tjelesne mase

The Concept and Practice of Macroprudential Policy in Indonesia: Islamic and Conventional

This study aims to examine reserve ratio (GWM), and capital buffer toward credit growth; the impact of macroeconomic variables and micro-banking specific factors toward credit growth in Islamic and Conventional Bank. This research using Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). This research finds that macroprudential policy based on GWM instrument positively influence the credit growth of conventional and Islamic banks. From macroeconomic, the credit growth is positively affected by GDP and negatively affected by BI Rate and inflation. Also, credit also affected by deposit funds and default rate ratio. Interestingly, there is a different impact of capital buffer instrument toward credit growth. Capital buffer instrument has negatively affected the financing growth of Islamic banks in Indonesia.DOI: 10.15408/aiq.v10i1.544

Study of feto-maternal outcome in patients with intra uterine fetal death

Background: Intra Uterine Fetal Death (IUFD) is an important issue in modern obstetrics. This study has been undertaken to find out the incidence of IUFD, socio-demographic factors, probable etiological factors, mode of delivery, its outcome and complications if any.Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected from case papers of patients who have delivered beyond 20 weeks and/or baby weighing more than 500 grams and having IUFD prior to onset of labor or during labor with singleton pregnancy.Results: Incidence of IUFD was 17.2 per 1000 births. Majority of the patients 93 (48.1%) were in age group of 26-30 years, 115 (59.5%) came as an emergency and 94 (48.7%) were primi gravida. Majority 89 (46.1%) patients had not taken any antenatal visit. IUFD occurred due to unexplained etiology, pre-eclampsia-eclampsia, anemia, uncontrolled diabetes, jaundice, antepartum haemorrhage and congenital malformation in 77 (39.9%), 51 (26.4%), 10 (5.1%), 7 (3.6%), 4 (2%), 29 (15%) and 2 (1%) respectively. Vaginal delivery occurred in 151 (78.2%). Majority of dead babies 111 (57.5%) were male, 71 (36.7%) were weighing 1kg or less and 92 (47.6%) were macerated. Emotional upset, DIC, PPH and ARF occurred in 193 (100%), 21 (10.8%), 15 (7.7%) and 1 (0.5%) respectively.Conclusions: Majority of patients were unregistered and had not taken antenatal care or had inadequate antenatal care. Pre-eclampsia-eclampsia, APH, anemia and diabetes were the leading cause of IUFD along with unknown causes. A significant proportion of IUFD can be prevented by health education regarding adequate antenatal care, warning signs and institutional deliveries

Učinak tolfenaminske kiseline na farmakokinetiku cefkvinoma nakon njihove istodobne intramuskularne primjene u ovaca.

The pharmacokinetics of cefquinome (2 mg/kg) were studied following intramuscular administration of cefquinome alone, and co-administered with tolfenamic acid (2 mg/kg) in sheep. The plasma concentration of cefquinome was detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Following a single dose intramuscular administration of cefquinome alone, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 4.36 ± 0.10 μg/mL obtained at 0.75 h. The absorption half-life (t1/2Kα), volume of distribution (Vdarea), total body clearance (ClB) and elimination half-life (t1/2β) of cefquinome were 0.61 ± 0.10 h,2.07 ± 0.36 L/kg, 0.12 ± 0.01 L/h/kg and 12.29 ± 2.62 h, respectively. Following intramuscular co-administration of tolfenamic acid, no significant changes were observed in most of the pharmacokinetic parameters of cefquinome, except Cmax and the absorption rate constant (Ka) were significantly increased, while t1/2 Kα was significantly reduced compared to cefquinome alone treatment of sheep. Cefquinome pharmacokinetic data (2 mg/kg) generated from the present study suggest that cefquinome may be administered with tolfenamic acid to treat bacterial infection with inflammatory conditions in sheep.Istražena je farmakokinetika cefkvinoma (2 mg/kg) nakon njegove intramuskularne primjene i istodobno u kombinaciji s tolfenaminskom kiselinom (2 mg/kg) u ovaca. Koncentracija cefkvinoma u plazmi bila je određena visokotlačnom tekućinskom kromatografijom. Vršna koncentracija cefkvinoma u plazmi (Cmax) 0,75 h nakon primjene jedne njegove doze iznosila je 4,36 ± 0,10 μg/mL. Poluživot apsorpcije cefkvinoma (t1/2Kα) iznosio je 0,61 ± 0,10 h, njegov volumen raspodjele (Vdarea) 2,07 ± 0,36 L/kg, ukupni klirens iz organizma (ClB) 0,12 ± 0,01 L/h/kg te poluživot izlučivanja (t1/2β) 12,29 ± 2,62 h. Nakon istodobne intramuskularne primjene tolfenaminske kiseline nisu ustanovljene značajne promjene u većini farmakokinetičkih pokazatelja cefkvinoma osim za Cmax i konstante stope apsorpcije (K) koji su bili značajno povećani dok je t1/2 Ka bio značajno smanjen u usporedbi s primjenom samog cefkvinoma. Farmakokinetički pokazatelji cefkvinoma (2 mg/kg) proizašli iz ovog istraživanja upućuju na zaključak da se cefkvinom može u ovaca primijeniti istodobno s tolfenaminskom kiselinom za liječenje bakterijskih infekcija s upalnim promjenama