A study on determination of sports tourism preferences in Malaysia

Tourism industry is known as one of the largest contributors of national and global revenues through sports events and tourism. The purpose of this research is to identify the most preferable type of sports tourism among Malaysian and to examine the factors of social, economic and environmental that influence sports visitors to travel in Malaysia. However, at least some articles are exploring the specific type of sports activities that are loved and participated by Malaysian. In response to this statement, this study wants to emphasize the preferable type of sports tourism among Malaysians based on their social, economic and environmental factors. This study used simple random sampling and an online survey form distributed among Malaysian. Based on SPSS analysis, 53 respondents responded to the survey showed the result that only environmental factors give significant impact toward preferences in sport tourism while social and economic factors are partially supported in this study

Characterisation of plasticised PVDF–HFP polymer electrolytes

This study focuses on the preparation and characterisation of sodium ion conducting polymer electrolytes. Poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) has been used as the host matrix and hydrated sodium sulphide (Na2S.9H2O) salt as the source of charge carriers in the polymer electrolyte system. To the highest conducting polymer–salt electrolyte, different concentrations of equal weight of propylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate mixture have been added, and the electrolytes have been characterised by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The room temperature ionic conductivity of 1?3461024 S cm21 for the unplasticised electrolyte with a composition of 65 wt-% poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)–35 wt-%Na2S increased to 3?4961024 S cm21 when 30 wt-% propylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate (w/w51) plasticisers were added

Communicating quality audit indicators for inbound tourism: a qualitative insight from Malaysian travel agencies

Quality assurance is fundamental to all business activities in the tourism sector as it is advantageous to market recognition and competitiveness. Awareness of the importance of quality assurance certifications is already in place in Malaysia however it is still under-researched. Thus, this study aims to investigate how local travel agency operators perceive suitable levels of quality audit indicators for inbound travel agencies. A semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the views and experiences of key industry players from five travel agencies involved in both inbound and outbound tourism businesses in the country. A content analysis of data acknowledged the industry's increased awareness of quality service delivery and the importance of rationalising key quality audit indicators in assuring the lifelong survival of inbound Malaysian travel agencies. Also found was the need for systematic monitoring of the inbound travel agency's certification plan that continually reflects the demands of the clientèle and uplifts national productivity as outlined in the initiatives undertaken by the Tourism Productivity Nexus, an industry-led establishment under the Malaysia Productivity Blueprint 2016-2020. The study finally outlines specific entrepreneurial strategies that will enhance productivity operations at the enterprise level

Exploring the driving factors behind traditional food entrepreneurs in Sabah and Selangor

This study explores the key factors influencing local entrepreneurs in Sabah and Selangor states in selling traditional food. Twenty (20) informants from various business categories are identified and interviewed using a qualitative method. The transcript interview is being analysed to develop code and theme. Results showed there are two (2) themes that have been identified: 1) criteria for traditional food (cooking method, flavour, and originality) and 2) demand for traditional food (history, origin of food). Findings show the key factors that drive local entrepreneurs to develop distinctive attractions and become new tourism destinations, especially in traditional food areas

Food Contact Surfaces’ Hidden Secrets and Food Handlers’ State of Readiness

A guarantee for clean and safe food could be achieved when the standards of food hygiene at each preparation process and cooking practices are monitored and measured accordingly. This research examines the effectiveness of a self-regulatory practice in non-commercial residential establishments. The level of hygiene of cleaned food surface contacts was analysed through swab analysis. After a 24 hours incubation, the RIDA® count plates identified light blue colonies as total coliforms, demonstrating the existence of contamination across the majority of the selected food contact surfaces. This research, therefore, strongly encourage the application of a simple scientific tool to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the measurement of hygiene and sanitisation as it could affect the quality of life of the consumers. Keywords: consumer quality of life; food hygiene; food surface contact; food handler; the on-site premise eISSN 2398-4279 © 2019. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-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/ajqol.v4i16.19

Prioritizing safety training for a more personal compliance of a safe and healthy work environment among students and staff of higher education institutions of Selangor

Safety is an important element in an organization. A safe work space makes safety a priority throughout the organization. Improved safety will minimize job accidents, injuries, medical illnesses and death. Occupational safety and health (OSH) training that is provided by the top management of universities will create a safe and comfortable environment for both the staff and students. It also guarantees that every em-ployee is safe in the workplace. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the effect of safety training towards personal com-pliance. A total of 234 questionnaires were distributed to 20 higher educational institutions in Selangor, Malaysia. A conclusion was reached once the data were analyzed using SPSS; that safety training (B = 0.364, t = 11.90, p <.01) significantly has a positive effect on Personal Compliance

Testing the mediating role of management commitment to enhancing workplace behaviour and personal compliance within the university environment

In line with the 2020 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Master Plan, a continuous proactive commitment from the university’s management is called for to ensure that its campus community can enjoy working in an environment that is mutually trusting, happy, productive, and safe. This study investigates the managementcommitment of several local universities through the eyes of its students and staff totalling 221 respondents. Assessment of the three regression models found Management Commitment significantly mediating the Behavioral and Personal Compliance relationship. This increased Management Commitment level subsequently pushes the average agreement level that the students and staff have for Personal Compliance. That management commitment has a mediating role to play in the interaction of these variables in the university environment confirms the Social Exchange Theory, where the students and staff would give back to the university what they have taken as a token of appreciation for top management’s effort at looking after their well-being. This study implicates management commitment as a critical component for achieving safety, health, and well-being of every employee under its charge. Upholding OSH reflects an acceptance of all the priorities set out in the master plan that will nurture a working environment that cares about safety and health

Characterization of sodium channel mutations in the dengue vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus within the context of ongoing Wolbachia releases in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Specific sodium channel gene mutations confer target site resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in mosquitoes and other insects. In Aedes mosquito species, multiple mutations that contribute to resistance vary in their importance around the world. Here, we characterize voltage sensitive sodium channel (Vssc) mutations in populations of Aedesaegypti from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and look at their persistence in populations affected by ongoing Wolbachia releases (a dengue control measure). We also describe a Vssc mutation in Aedesalbopictus (F1534L) found for the first time in Malaysia. We show that there are three predominant Vssc haplotypes in Aedesaegypti in this region, which all persist with regular backcrossing, thereby maintaining the original genetic composition of the populations. We identify changes in genotype frequency in closed populations of Ae. aegypti maintained for multiple generations in laboratory culture, suggesting different fitness costs associated with the genotypes, some of which may be associated with the sex of the mosquito. Following population replacement of Ae. aegypti by Wolbachia in the target area, however, we find that the Vssc mutations have persisted at pre-release levels. Mosquitoes in two genotype classes demonstrate a type I pyrethroid resistance advantage over wildtype mosquitoes when exposed to 0.25% permethrin. This resistance advantage is even more pronounced with a type II pyrethroid, deltamethrin (0.03%). The results point to the importance of these mutations in pyrethroid resistance in mosquito populations and the need for regular backcrossing with male mosquitoes from the field to maintain similarity of genetic background and population integrity during Wolbachia releases

Preparation of Polypropylene Thermoplastic Container via Thermoforming Process

In this study, plastic containers made of polypropylene (PP) sheets were fabricated via vacuum thermoforming. Thermoforming is a process used in fabricating plastic parts by changing flat thermoplastic sheet to three dimensional shapes. In preparing these thermoplastic containers, the design and fabrication of mould were first done by using Catia V5 software and CNC milling machine, respectively. The thermoforming process was then performed at various temperatures ranging from 160°C until 200°C on the PP sheet to form the container. From the experiment, it can be suggested that the outcomes of final thermoplastic containers are significantly depends on temperature control during thermoforming process and also the vent holes design of the mould

The effect of MAPE compatibilizer agent on the tensile strength of recycled PET/HDPE plastic composite

This paper reports the effect of compatibilizer agent, polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (MAPE) on the tensile strength of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic composite. The 10% rPET/90% HDPE plastic composites with and without the addition of compatibilizer agent MAPE were prepared by using hot pressing machine. The tensile test was performed using universal testing machine. The result shows that the tensile strength of rPET/HDPE composite with the addition of MAPE increased up to 156.3 MPa, about 6 times higher than pure HDPE (24.26 MPa). The increased tensile strength seen in rPET/HDPE/MAPE composite can be suggested due to the compatibilizer agent MAPE increased the interfacial bonding between rPET and HDPE, which consequently increased the strength of the composite. The finding was supported by the SEM analysis done on the fractured surface and FTIR analysis presenting the intermolecular bonding of rPET/HDPE composite