Case studies of the human critical success factors in information technology (IT) implementation in Malaysian construction industry

Incorporating information technology (IT) into the business process becomes the major concern of every industry around the world. Unfortunately, the high failure rates of IT implementation revealed by researches became a serious concern to all. Much has been written about the critical success factors (CSFs) for IT implementation. But none have highlighted the major reasons for the failure, which is human issue. Human are the foundation of every organization will determine the success and failure of IT implementation. More attention should be given to this issue in an effort to reduce the failure rates. In regards to this matter, this research paper identified the CSFs focusing on the human issue. Literature findings listed 21 CSFs that contribute to the success of IT implementation across industries. Four construction organizations were selected to test the existence of the factors identified. Semi-structured interviews were employed as they offer sufficient flexibility to ensure that all relevant factors are covered. Several key issues contributing to successful implementations of IT are identified. Findings reported in this research paper will benefits the construction organizations by giving them a clearer understanding on CSFs in implementing IT, maximising the probability to success and also serve as a guideline for future planning

Conceptualising risk culture on enterprise risk management (ERM) implementation in construction companies / Wong Ching Ching ... [et al.]

In today's global economy, inadequate risk management and lack of risk culture can threaten a company’s viability. Since construction industry is subjected to uncertainty, construction Public Listed Companies (PLCs) need to implement Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) as an effective technique in managing risk holistically. Although the importance of ERM is widely accepted, the influence of risk culture in its’ implementation is unexplored. This paper presents a conceptual model that shows the relationship between risk culture and ERM implementation. The dependent variable is ERM implementation, consist of four dimensions namely risk identification and risk assessment; risk treatment; monitor and consult; communicate and consult. The independent variables, risk culture compromise of six dimensions, which are risk policy and risk appetite; key risk indicators; accountability; incentives; risk language and internal relationships. This study aims to empirically test the relationship between risk culture and ERM implementation among Malaysian construction public listed companies. Quantitative method through questionnaire survey is adopted as data collection for this study. Risk culture is expected to have direct effects and significantly influence ERM. This study contributes to enhance the body of knowledge in ERM especially in understanding significant of risk culture that influence its’ implementation from Malaysian perspective

Ectoparasites of murids in peninsular Malaysia and their associated diseases

A considerable number of rat-borne ectoparasite studies have been conducted since the early 1930s in the Malayan Peninsula (now known as peninsular Malaysia). The majority of studies were field surveys and collections of specimens across the region, and were conducted primarily to catalogue the ectoparasite host distribution and discover novel species. This has generated a signification amount of information, particularly on the diversity and host distribution; other aspects such as morphology, host distribution and medical significance have also been investigated. Amongst the four main groups (mites, fleas, ticks, lice), rat-borne mites have received the most attention with a particular emphasis on chiggers, due to their medical importance. More recent studies have examined the distribution of ectoparasites in rats from different habitat type simplicating a high prevalence of zoonotic species infesting rat populations. Despite being capable of transmitting dangerous pathogens to human, the health risks of rat-borne ectoparasites appear to be small with no serious outbreaks of diseases recorded. Although an extensive number of works have been published, there remain gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed, such as, the distribution of under studied ectoparasite groups (listrophorids and myobiids), determining factors influencing infestation, and understanding changes to the population distribution over time

Características físicas y químicas de jabones de tocador fabricados a partir de aceite de semilla de albaricoque y estearina de palma.

The objective of the present work was to use apricot kernel oil with palm stearin in toilet soap-making. Apricot kernel oil was obtained from apricot kernel seed (Prunus armeniaca) through hydraulic pressing (12000lb/in2). Kernel contained 43.3% oil. The fatty acids of apricot kernel oil had high oleic acid (81.73%) while, the major of the fatty acid in palm stearin was palmitic acid (55.17%). Eight of the toilet soap samples were prepared from apricot kernel oil, palm kernel oil and palm stearin at different ratios. The structure of soap samples nº1 and 8 were sticky and with bad physical properties. On the other hand, the physical characteristics of blends nos 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 had firm consistency and creamy lather while, in soap nº 7, its were moderatement; i. e. medium hard makeup with fairly lather. After storage (6 months) on a shelf at room temperature, all soaps (nº1-8) were declined in their moisture content. On contrary, the total fatty acids of the same samples were augmented at different ratios during storage. Physical characteristics of soap samples nos 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were increased after the storage time (6 months), their consistencies were very firm with creamy lather and reducement in their erosion from handwashing ratios was observed. It can be recommended that apricot kernel oil can be used in the manufacturing of toilet soap until ratio 50% of the fatty blend (the blend was bear palm stearin).El objetivo del presente trabajo fue el uso del aceite de semilla de albaricoque con estearina de palma en la fabricación de jabón de tocador. El aceite de semilla de albaricoque (Prunus armeniaca) se obtuvo por presión hidráulica (12000lb/in2), y la semilla contenía el 43.3% de aceite. Los ácidos grasos del aceite de semilla de albaricoque tenían altos contenidos de ácido oleico (81.73%) mientras, el ácido graso mayoritario en la estearina de palma fue el ácido palmítico (55.17%). Se prepararon ocho muestras de jabón de tocador a partir de aceite de semilla de albaricoque, aceite de semilla de palma y estearina de palma en diferentes proporciones. La estructura de las muestras de los jabones nº1 y 8 fueron viscosas y blandas con malas propiedades físicas. Por otro lado, las características físicas de las mezclas nos 2, 3, 4, 5 y 6 tuvieron una consistencia firme y espuma cremosa, mientras en el jabón nº 7 fueron moderadas, esto es dureza intermedia con espuma adecuada. Después del almacenamiento (6 meses) en estantería a temperatura ambiente, todos los jabones (nº 1-8) disminuyeron su contenido en humedad. Por el contrario, los ácidos grasos totales de las mismas muestras aumentaron en diferente proporción durante el almacenamiento. Las características físicas de las muestras de jabones nos 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 y 7 mejoraron después del tiempo de almacenamiento (6 meses), su consistencia fue muy firme con espuma cremosa y se observó una reducción en el desgaste en función del número de lavados. Se recomienda el uso del aceite de semilla de albaricoque en la fabricación de jabones de tocador hasta una proporción del 50% de la mezcla grasa (la mezcla fue estearina de palma corriente)

Phylogenetic study of six species of Anopheles mosquitoes in Peninsular Malaysia based on inter-transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) of ribosomal DNA

Background Molecular techniques are invaluable for investigation on the biodiversity of Anopheles mosquitoes. This study aimed at investigating the spatial-genetic variations among Anopheles mosquitoes from different areas of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as deciphering evolutionary relationships of the local Anopheles mosquitoes with the mosquitoes from neighbouring countries using the anopheline ITS2 rDNA gene. Methods Mosquitoes were collected, identified, dissected to check infection status, and DNA extraction was performed for PCR with primers targeting the ITS2 rDNA region. Sequencing was done and phylogenetic tree was constructed to study the evolutionary relationship among Anopheles mosquitoes within Peninsular Malaysia, as well as across the Asian region. Results A total of 133 Anopheles mosquitoes consisting of six different species were collected from eight different locations across Peninsular Malaysia. Of these, 65 ITS2 rDNA sequences were obtained. The ITS2 rDNA amplicons of the studied species were of different sizes. One collected species, Anopheles sinensis, shows two distinct pools of population in Peninsular Malaysia, suggesting evolvement of geographic race or allopatric speciation. Conclusion Anopheles mosquitoes from Peninsular Malaysia show close evolutionary relationship with the Asian anophelines. Nevertheless, genetic differences due to geographical segregation can be seen. Meanwhile, some Anopheles mosquitoes in Peninsular Malaysia show vicariance, exemplified by the emergence of distinct cluster of An. sinensis population

Intestinal myiasis in a Malaysian patient caused by larvae of Clogmia albipunctatus (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Clogmia albipunctatus (Duckhouse) is a cosmopolitan fly belonging to the family Psychodidae and is one of the medically important insects associated with urban environments ( Smith and Thomas 1979 ). Psychodid larvae can cause myiasis in humans through infestation of healthy or traumatized tissues ( Hall and Smith 1993 ). Human myiasis can be presented in various forms with cutaneous myiasis the most common form ( Tu et al. 2007 ). Other infestation sites include nasal, aural, pulmonary, ophthalmic cavities, body cavities, and the gastrointestinal and urogenital systems ( Tu et al. 2007 , El-Badry et al. 2014 ). Intestinal myiasis may result from accidental ingestion of larvae. Subsequently, this form of myiasis presents symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and distention, loss of appetite, weight loss, and episodic diarrhea ( Ramana 2012 ). This is the second reported case of human intestinal myiasis in Malaysia caused by larvae of C. albipunctatus . Microscopic examination revealed the structure of the larvae and DNA barcoding established the species identity

Exploring the evidence for conservation-poverty link: the case of Kg. Tudan, Kiulu, Tuaran, Sabah

Kg Tudan, a village with steep terrain and infertile soils located within the buffer area of Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve (CRBR) is requiring policy and socio-economic interventions. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), through some funding from the Federal Government, has implemented the Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) and MOSTI Social Innovation (MSI) for alternative uses of the mulberry products. The main objective of this study is to identify the missing links between biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. The study also identified factors that motivate the community's participation in the livelihood enhancement program coordinated through the KTP and MSI programs as well as the impacts of such programs on the protection of natural resources in Crocker Range Park. A qualitative interview of 35 respondents was conducted in Kg. Tudan, Kiulu, Tuaran. Based on the content analysis using Leximancer, the results revealed that the primary motivation of their participation is financial support, community enhancement through training program and certification, enhancement of facilities, the opportunity for employment, and cultural recognition. Findings also unearthed that only 3% of the respondents are still going to the forest to extract natural resources after implementing poverty alleviation projects. The findings can be deduced that social value is substantial in local community participation in poverty alleviation projects. Therefore, the study's outcome is crucial as preliminary discoveries of moving beyond the "conservation-poverty" debate towards on-the-ground implementation. Thus, contributing to addressing the knowledge gaps between biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation of local communities. © 2021 Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia. All rights reserved

First report of brown widow spider sightings in Peninsular Malaysia and notes on its global distribution

Background The brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus Koch, 1841) has colonised many parts of the world from its continent of origin, Africa. By at least 1841, the species had successfully established populations in South America and has more recently expanded its range to the southern states of North America. This highly adaptable spider has been far more successful in finding its niche around the world than its famous cousins, the black widow, Latrodectus mactans, found in the south-eastern states of North America, and the red-back, Latrodectus hasselti, found mostly in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Methods We performed an extensive web search of brown widow sightings and mapped the location of each sighting using ArcGIS. Specimens reputedly of the species L. geometricus were collected at three localities in Peninsular Malaysia. The spiders were identified and documented based on an examination of morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding. Results The spiders found in Peninsular Malaysia were confirmed to be Latrodectus geometricus based on their morphological characteristics and DNA barcodes. We recorded 354 sightings of the brown widow in 58 countries, including Peninsular Malaysia. Conclusion Reports from the Americas and the Far East suggest a global-wide invasion of the brown widow spider. Herein we report the arrival of the brown widow spider in Peninsular Malaysia and provide notes on the identification of the species and its recently expanded range

Is there a risk of suburban transmission of malaria in Selangor, Malaysia?

Background The suburban transmission of malaria in Selangor, Malaysia’s most developed and populous state still remains a concern for public health in this region. Despite much successful control efforts directed at its reduction, sporadic cases, mostly brought in by foreigners have continued to occur. In addition, cases of simian malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi, some with fatal outcome have caused grave concern to health workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of local malaria transmission in suburban regions of Selangor, which are adjacent to secondary rainforests. Findings A malaria survey spanning 7 years (2006 - 2012) was conducted in Selangor. A total of 1623 laboratory confirmed malaria cases were reported from Selangor’s nine districts. While 72.6% of these cases (1178/1623) were attributed to imported malaria (cases originating from other countries), 25.5% (414/1623) were local cases and 1.9% (31/1623) were considered as relapse and unclassified cases combined. In this study, the most prevalent infection was P. vivax (1239 cases, prevalence 76.3%) followed by P. falciparum (211, 13.0%), P. knowlesi (75, 4.6%), P. malariae (71, 4.4%) and P. ovale (1, 0.06%). Mixed infections comprising of P. vivax and P. falciparum were confirmed (26, 1.6%). Entomological surveys targeting the residences of malaria patients’ showed that the most commonly trapped Anopheles species was An. maculatus. No oocysts or sporozoites were found in the An. maculatus collected. Nevertheless, the possibility of An. maculatus being the malaria vector in the investigated locations was high due to its persistent occurrence in these areas. Conclusions Malaria cases reported in this study were mostly imported cases. However the co-existence of local cases and potential Plasmodium spp. vectors should be cause for concern. The results of this survey reflect the need of maintaining closely monitored malaria control programs and continuous extensive malaria surveillance in Peninsula Malaysia