Effects of spice dust on lung functions and respiratory symptoms in spice factory workers in Selangor

Exposure to spice dust has long been associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function in man. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of such exposure on the workersi lung function and respiratory symptoms in three spice-processing factories in Selangor. Spirometry measurements (VC, vital capacity; FVC, forced vital capacity; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second) were performed on 56 workers (39 males, 17 females) who were occupationally exposed to 249611g/m3 respirable fine dust, PM10 ' The subjects also completed a set of standard respiratory questionnaires (modified ATS questionnaires). 61 persons from Universiti Putra Malaysia (36 males, 25 females) served as controls. The PMlO measurement in UPM was only 10111g/m3. Significant differences in VC, FVC and FE~ were observed between the two groups for both the male and the female. In addition to the decrease in spirometric values, the workers also reported higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms compared to controls. Therefore, the study suggests that exposure to spice dust in the spice factories leads to an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function

Assessment of Ta’widh and Gharamah in Islamic Financing Contract and Its Applicability Potential for Construction Works Contracts

Ta'widh and gharamah are the Shariah compliant late payment charges primarily used for Islamic financial contracts. Seven identified themes were used to qualitatively compare and contrast between the Guidelines on Late Payment Charges for Islamic Banking Institutions (2012) against the provisions of interest for late interim payment from four Malaysian construction works contracts. The findings revealed similarities and differences for identification of Shariah compliance. Recommendations were made for the harmonisation of ta’widh and gharamah in the construction works contracts while ensuring its practical and legal applicability. The outcome is beneficial for Islamic organisations and Muslims involved with the construction works.  Keywords: ta’widh and gharamah, late payment, interest,construction, eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i15.250

A review of ex-mining land reclamation as construction project activities : focusing in City of Ipoh / Mohd Najib Abd Rashid ... [et al.]

A large demand of housing and land development in Malaysia since the last two decades has resulted in the reduction of suitable and proper spot for housing development. This kind of land can now only be found in the area far away from the cities. However, most people choose to be near or not too far from the cities. This has led to the development of the less desirable area such as ex-mining land.A study of completed and ongoing development in the above mentioned areas reveal that there are less than adequate guidelines, laws or policies to ensure development in these areas are given proper attention in term of safety and environmental provisions. This paper discussed several issues regarding to the construction of housing and development in the difficult and less desirable areas.As land is getting scarce due to rapid development, an abandoned ex-mining area hasbecome valuable lands for developments

Doctrinal analysis on interest for late interim payment for Malaysian construction works contracts

The doctrinal analysis is a legal methodology adopted to understand a particular area of law's principles and practices. In the context where interest is used as a charge for late interim payment, related provisions in the Malaysian construction works contracts are confined by minimal details. Hence, this study aims to identify relevant legal provisions bearing the principles and practices of interest for a late interim payment for the Malaysian construction works contracts using the doctrinal analysis approach. Fifteen cases were selected from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Law Reports from 2015 until 2018 for the analysis. The doctrinal analysis was conducted in two stages; the first stage was to locate the law sources, and the second stage was to synthesis the findings of the analysis. Through the analysis, seven themes and nineteen sub-themes based on the case judgements and principles related to interest for late interim payment were developed. The findings were subsequently presented to legal experts for validation and comments. This study helps the employer and the contractor be more prudent in forming and treating contractual interest provisions for late interim payment. Also, a better understanding of the legal implications for the said provisions might reduce disputes between the contracting parties

Physical and mechanical properties of juvenile wood from Neolamarckia cadamba planted in west Malaysia

Juvenile Neolamarckia cadamba or kelempayan tree has been harvested from forest plantation and converted into sawn timber. Some basic properties of timber such as physical and mechanical were determined from different parts of the tree namely lower, center and upper. The physical properties were evaluated. The mechanical properties were conducted using small test clear specimens. The results indicated that the physical and mechanical properties of the lower portion of the trunk were significantly superior compared to the upper portion of the trunk. The investigation revealed that the wood be able to use as a substitute material of the furniture components after some modification undertaken on its properties

An Effectiveness of High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Self Instructional Manual for Students’ Assignment Achievement

High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is an important aspect of teaching and learning. An individual’s thinking can affect learning ability, learning speed and effectiveness of learning. The weakness in implementing HOTS is one of the reasons for a student not being creative in solving all the problems that arise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of HOTS’s Self-Instructional Manual (SIM) in teaching and learning for assignment achievement among polytechnic students. This study uses a quantitative approach and the Quasi Experimental design - “Pretest-Posttest Non-equivalent Comparison Group Design” consisting of one Treatment Group (TG) and one Control Group (CG) involving 78 students at Polytechnic of Sultan Abdul Halim Muad'zam Shah. The assignment evaluation rubric was modified to assess the level of students’ assignment achievement. The findings showed that most of the students for TG and CG achieved good result in the individual pre-assignment. Additionally, there is a significant difference mean scores of individual post assignment between TG and CG. Students for TG achieved excellent result in the individual post assignments. However, students for CG only achieved good result in the individual post assignments. This means that HOTS Self-Instructional Manual has a significant impact on the student assignments achievement. Therefore, we encourage all students of higher education institutions to use Self-Instructional Manual in teaching and learning in order to score better achievement especially in the course work