Native-immigrant Wage Differentials in Malaysia

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Classification of herbs plant diseases via hierarchical dynamic artificial neural network

When herbs plants has disease, they can display a range of symptoms such as colored spots, or streaks that can occur on the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant. These visual symptoms continuously change their color, shape and size as the disease progresses. Once the image of a target is captured digitally, a myriad of image processing algorithms can be used to extract features from it. The usefulness of each of these features will depend on the particular patterns to be highlighted in the image. A key point in the implementation of optimal classifiers is the selection of features that characterize the image. Basically, in this study, image processing and pattern classification are going to be used to implement a machine vision system that could identify and classify the visual symptoms of herb plants diseases. The image processing is divided into four stages: Image Pre-Processing to remove image noises (Fixed-Valued Impulse Noise, Random-Valued Impulse Noise and Gaussian Noise), Image Segmentation to identify regions in the image that were likely to qualify as diseased region, Image Feature Extraction and Selection to extract and select important image features and Image Classification to classify the image into different herbs diseases classes. This paper is to propose an unsupervised diseases pattern recognition and classification algorithm that is based on a modified Hierarchical Dynamic Artificial Neural Network which provides an adjustable sensitivity-specificity herbs diseases detection and classification from the analysis of noise-free colored herbs images. It is also to proposed diseases treatment algorithm that is capable to provide a suitable treatment and control for each identified herbs diseases

Using Structural Equation Modeling and the Behavioral Sciences Theories in Predicting Helmet Use

In Malaysia, according to road accidents data statistics motorcycle users contributes more than 50% of fatalities in traffic accidents, and the major cause due to head injuries. One strategy that can be used to reduce the severity of head injuries is by proper usage of helmet. Although the safety helmet is the best protective equipment to prevents head injury, majority motorcycle user did not use or did not fasten properly. In understanding this problem, the behavioral sciences theory and engineering aspect are needed to provide better explanation and comprehensive insights into solutions. The Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) and Health Belief Model (HBM) were used in predicting the behavioral intention toward proper helmet usage among motorcyclist. While, a new intervention approach were used in Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that based on the perception of a conceptual system called Safety Helmet Reminder System (SHR). Results show that the constructs variables are reliable and statistically significant with the exogenous and endogenous variables. The full structured models were proposed and tested, thus the significant predictors were identified. A multivariate analysis technique, known as Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used in modeling exercise.  Finally, the good-of-fit models were used in interpreting the implication of intervention strategy toward motorcyclist injury prevention program

Mirror-Mirror on the Wall, What Job Mismatch Measurements of All?

In today’s labour market, job mismatch is not a new issue. It has been addressed thoroughly. The frequency and consequences of job mismatch are investigated in a small but growing body of literature. Most job mismatch research has been motivated by concerns that the rise in labour-force educational attainment may have outpaced the rise in jobs for more educated people. Job mismatch is frequently cited as a significant source of labour market inefficiency. However, job mismatch is difficult to measure, define, and comprehend. Therefore, this paper conducts bibliometric analysis, content analysis, and thematic analysis using a systematic literature review to identify trends and outcomes of studies on job mismatch. The PRISMAguided literature review search examines 161 Scopus-indexed articles. As a result, this paper identifies the most influential authors and articles, leading journals and countries, and research cluster networks. This review also discusses job mismatch measurement and the future direction of job mismatch studies. Furthermore, this review paper provides critical and beneficial insights for policymakers and researchers

The effects of EFB compost and Hexaconazole on Beta-Carotene content and its relationship with the yield components of sweet potato Var. Vitato / Borhan Abdul Haya [et. al]...

Field experiment was conducted on sandy tin-tailing soil to test the effectiveness of oil palm EFB compostand hexaconazole (HEX) growth regulator in increasing the storage root β-carotene content and yield components of sweet potato var. VitAto. The treatment plants were arranged using the RCBD replicated four times. The treatments used were the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer practice in VitAto cultivation (control), EFB compost (F-EFB) and the combination of EFB compost with 10 ppm (F- EFB+10 ppm) and 30 ppm HEX (F-EFB+30 ppm). As results, F-EFB+30 ppm HEX treatment was the best in increasing the storage root β-carotene content up to 6052 µg/100 g, 15% significantly higher than control at the maturity stage. At similar growth stage, this treatment also increased the storage root total fresh weight, dry mass production and number by 35, 17 and 125% significantly higher than control respectively. The β-carotene content showed high correlation with these parameters (r = 0.56***, 0.67*** and 0.53*** respectively) through correlation studies. In conclusion, F-EFB+30 ppm HEX was the best treatment applied with respect to the enhancement of storage root β-carotene content and yield components. It is proposed that this combination treatment could be used by farmers as an alternative practice to the inorganic fertilizer application in VitAto cultivation on sandy soil

Storage root nutrient and yield enhancement in sweet potato variety vitato using empty fruit bunch compost and hexaconazole

Bacterial wilt is a major ginger disease in Sabah after rhizome rot. The disease has affected the production of ginger in Sabah since 2005. In this study, the ginger plants with foliar symptoms (yellowing and wilting), collected from six ginger-growing areas in the Tambunan and Ranau districts, were observed to have signs of bacterial pathogen (i.e., rhizome rot and bacterial ooze). A total of 19 bacterial strains were isolated, and all of the isolates were characterised as rod-shaped and Gram-negative by Gram-staining and potassium hydroxide test and microscopic examination. MALDI-TOF analysis identified six species from the isolates: Enterobacter cloacae complex (57.9%), Ralstonia pickettii (10.5%), Agrobacterium tumefaciens (10.5%), Bacillus pumilus (10.5%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (5.3%) and Serratia marcescens (5.3%). In pathogenicity test, E. cloacae, which constituted most of the isolates, induced mild rot symptoms (discoloration) on ginger rhizome slices, but no disease symptoms were produced in ginger plants. Further studies on the interaction of E. cloacae with other isolated species are required to confirm the causes of ginger wilt disease in Sabah, Malaysia

Pekerja industri filem belakang tabir di sabah: Isu, cabaran dan strategik

Pekerja belakang tabir di Malaysia khususnya di Sabah amat memerlukan perhatian khusus. Hal ini demikian kerana terdapat pelbagai isu yang timbul dan dikenal pasti menerusi kajian yang dijalankan. Industri perfileman di Sabah tidak cukup besar jika dibandingkan dengan industri filem di Semenanjung Malaysia. Namun begitu, terdapat beberapa isu serta cabaran yang terpaksa dihadapi oleh golongan ini. Sebelum COVID-19 melanda dunia, industri filem di Sabah masih berada pada tahap yang sederhana jika dibandingkan dengan Semenanjung Malaysia. Keadaan bertambah buruk apabila dunia dilanda COVID-19 yang banyak menjejaskan sumber pendapatan pekerja belakang tabir mahupun industri filem di Malaysia khususnya Sabah. Justeru, kajian ini akan meneliti strategi yang boleh diketengahkan dan membantu pekerja belakang tabir dalam menghadapi cabaran semasa dan selepas pandemik ini. Bagi mencari jalan penyelesaian terhadap permasalahan ini, pengkaji telah melakukan sesi temu bual terhadap beberapa pengarah dan pekerja belakang tabir di negeri Sabah serta menganalisis data menerusi dapatan maklumat dari pelbagai sudut. Analisis mendapati bahawa terdapat perbezaan tahap bayaran tenaga kerja serta penangguhan bayaran antara isu yang harus diberi perhatian. Hal ini menyebabkan kurangnya motivasi dalam menghasilkan karya yang lebih bermutu. Akhirnya, sesebuah karya kreatif menjadi kurang menarik dan tidak memberi kesan kepada audiens. Walau bagaimanapun, terdapat juga bantuan yang tidak putus dari kerajaan pusat khususnya Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Malaysia (FINAS) yang menjadi pendorong dalam membantu pekerja belakang tabir untuk terus berkarya dan bertahan

The Institutionalization and Processual Elements of Operational Risk Management as a Best Practice in a Government-Linked Organization: A Case Study in Malaysia

Operational risk management practice varies from one organization to another. There is no consistency in its implementation. This has caused misinterpretation, half-hearted implementation which eventually, denies the full function of its capabilities to support a business operation. Previous studies have provided limited exposure in finding on the best practice of operational risk management implementation. To fill the gap, this study aimed to uncover and explore how operational risk management is institutionalized within an organization and the best practice from a primary GLC in Malaysia. An extended case study approach by Burawoy (1998) was adopted. The primary data from 42 semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found seven processual stages which the case company underwent to institutionalize risk management and regarded as the best practice of operational risk management implementation that supports business operations. Namely, strong leadership and obtaining external consultancy, setting the apparatus and assignment of tasks to the person in charge, risk framework, risk diagnostics, monitor and measure, developing and nurture a risk management culture, and consistent risk management enforcement and monitoring. These are regarded as a best practice by similar organizations in its secto

Covid-19’s impacts on foreign workers

Migrant workers play a significant role in the economy of their home countries. These workers and their dependents are in a socially vulnerable and economically difficult situation due to the dire impacts of the COVID-19. Bangladeshi is one of the migrant workers that pumping approximately USD15 billion into their economy that directly contributes to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh every year. In this pandemic, migrant workers from Bangladesh in other countries are facing adverse impacts such as isolation, unemployment, short working hours, social discrimination, poor quality of living, and mental pressure while their dependents at home are facing financial crisis due to the limited or reduced cash flow from their working relatives. The governments of the migrant workers’ host countries have undertaken various initiatives to reduce the effects of COVID-19 on migrant workers. In spite of those initiatives, migrant workers are still at risk and vulnerable due to the cascading effects of COVID-19 in the socio-economic systems of the host countries. A significant number of migrant workers have been sent back to Bangladesh and many are in constant fear of being sent back due to the impacts of COVID-19 in their host countries. Thus, COVID-19 intensifies numerous socio-economic crises such as joblessness, consumption of reserve funds by family members, and shrinking of the country’s remittance inflow. Migrant workers from Bangladesh and their dependents are facing various economic and social hardships under the COVID-19 situation. Therefore, by capturing the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 on migrant workers, a few policy interventions are recommended as strategies to overcome the problems in both host and home countries and support migrant workers

Measurement of driver distraction in malaysia’s traffic environment: a driving simulator study

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research has embarked on the development of a fixed-based driving simulator that can be reconfigured easily to suit various road safety research requirements. The objective of this study is to measure driver distraction in terms of participants’ response time for different road conditions and secondary tasks using a driving simulator. Three different simulation routes were designed in the study—expressway, off-ramp, and curved road. Thirty participants took part in the study. Two types of detection response task were used in the study—tactile and visual. Recall number, surrogate reference task, navigation, and texting were used as secondary tasks. The results showed that in terms of road segments, both types of detection response task were found to be sensitive; longer response times were observed for more demanding off-ramp and curved road sections when compared with expressway. Furthermore, for secondary tasks, the participants took longer to respond to both stimuli, particularly for the more difficult task followed by an easier task. In general, response times increased as a function of road segments as well as exposure to secondary tasks