Critical success factors & risks in property investment in China

This paper attempts to provide some insights toward critical success factors, risks encountered and suggestions by foreign investors in property investment in Xiamen (Special Economic Zone), China. The economic prospects of Xiamen as a whole were introduced. The objectives of the study and methodology used were then described, followed by the explanation of data collection and data analysis and results derived thereof were discussed, coupled with related statistics and suggestions by respondents. As a result, this paper has come out with a list of factors and risks affecting the success of property investment from the foreign investors' perspectives in Xiamen, Chin

Studies on the larval development of Schistosomes

Imperial Users onl

A modification in the methodology of mathematics teaching and learning based on an algorithmic approach.

Countries in all stages of development have long expressed concern over what they perceive to be a low level of achievement attained by students of mathematics. The concern over mathematical deficiencies has general educational import viz. application of the mathematics that has been learnt. "They can do a thing in mathematics but cannot do the same thing in physics". Through consideration of this situation, I formulated my research problem: the search for a feasible improvement, however partial, in this achivement through modifying the current methodology of mathematics teaching-learning situations. I have confined this study to secondary school mathematics in Kuwait. This notwithstanding, if this study appears to be convincing, then implications could be drawn for curriculum design, methods of teaching and the setting of tests and examinations as well. This is at both secondary school and university levels of education. In satisfying the research problem, it was indicated that, if the construct 'achievement' is assigned a numerical value A, then A is a function of the independent variable R consisting of the variant component of the 'contents' of a teaching-learning task. Nevertheless, it was viewed that a true change in R is due to a change in the 'structure' S underlying R. However, a modification may result from the interaction of S with another structure H or some part, U, of H in underlying the methodology of mathematics teaching-learning situations. S was identified as a set of instances which do not explicitly make use of a constant of implicit form, 'a' say, other than the variables if any: H on the other hand contains only such instances that make use of one or more of such constants. Empirical studies showed that behaviour is not necessarily consistent in two instances - governed by a unique behavioural objective - one in S and the other in H. In this context a concept of space of knowledge (W,0) was introduced consisting of a set W of structured knowledge - identified by a finite set of rules - which is expected to diffuse a particular piece of knowledge through a certain normal population 0. It was also noted that a space of knowledge (S,0) - the learning space of current methodologies - is influential but insufficient for diffusing the required knowledge either in achievement or application. However, it was argued that a part U (of H) - identified by instances in H which include a unique constant - could feasibly contribute, with S, to a modification in the methodology. Furthermore, it was viewed that learnability in U should be subject to certain conditions that make U 'docile' i.e. applicable. Finally, a modification in the methodology of teaching-learning situations was proposed which relied on S + U as a learning space in the form of a model based on an algorithm. Evidence based on experimentation supports the notion that the achievement of students in mathematics under a tehcnique based on S + U is superior to the conventional based on S

Solvent extraction of oleoresins from vanilla plant (vanilla planifolia andrews) bu using soxhlet extractor

In this study, Soxhlet Extraction method is one of the extraction technique can be used to extract a soluble fraction from solid medium into an organic solvent such n-hexane and ethanol. In this research, the soxhlet extraction method used to extract the vanilla plant (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) and the product is oleoresin of vanilla. To make sure a good quality of oleoresin, parameters that affect the performance of the soxhlet extraction method were investigated. The examined parameters were vanilla surface area and the solvent ratio. The yield of vanillin was observed. Ground vanilla produced higher yield compared to cut vanilla. In addition, ethanol was found to be better than hexane. Both extraction using ethanol and hexane consisted vanilla component such as vanillin

Sumber pengetahuan beragama dan tahap kefahaman muallaf di bahagian Pantai Barat Sabah

Kajian ini merupakan kajian terhadap sumber pengetahuan dan tahap kefahaman mualaf terhadap beberapa istilah fiqh. Persoalan yang diketengahkan ialah dari manakah mualaf memperolehi pengetahuan mengenai agama Islam dan sejauh manakah kefahaman mereka terhadap beberapa istilah fiqh. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui sumber mualaf memahami ajaran Islam dan kefahaman mualaf terhadap beberapa istilah fiqh. Kajian ini berbentuk kuantitatif menggunakan kaedah persampelan dan soal selidik. Data kajian dianalisis menggunakan pakej Statistik SPSS versi 21. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis secara deskriftif. Kajian ini mendapati masih terdapat mualaf yang belum pernah menghadirkan diri ke mana-mana kelas bimbingan agama secara rasmi. Dapatan kajian juga menunjukkan kefahaman mualaf mengenai istilah fiqh adalah rendah walaupun istilah tersebut masyhur dalam kalangan umat Islam

Analyze Strategies for Diversifying the Country's Economy Driven by Tourism Using Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand as a Case Study. To Reduce Fragility and Increase Economic Stability

Purpose: This study investigates ways to enhance economic stability in tourism-dependent regions, using Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, as a case study. Theoretical Reference: Thailand's heavy reliance on tourism, constituting about 17% of its GDP, sets the context. The study gathers insights from SMEs in Chonburi Province through in-depth interviews. Method: In-depth interviews with SMEs reveal challenges faced by small hotel businesses, including high taxation and substantial expenses, with a focus on labor costs and pre-existing issues like excessive charges.   Results and Conclusion: Prioritizing the hotel industry over attracting new tourists is key. Post-COVID-19 economic stability in Pattaya's tourism industry requires a comprehensive approach involving industry revitalization, diversification, support for local businesses, sustainable practices, infrastructure investments, marketing, and government-industry collaboration. Implications of Research: This research underscores the importance of addressing challenges in tourism-driven regions during crises and offers practical insights for safeguarding economic stability. Originality/Value: The study's unique focus on Pattaya provides valuable insights for similar regions, offering strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities caused by external shocks like pandemics