Understanding the System Fit Challenge at the Initial Post-Adoption Stage: The Roles of Emotions in Users\u27 Adaptation Behaviors

Users’ adaptation behaviors are vital to the success of the system if there is a poor fit between task and technology at the initial post-adoption stage. However, prior studies have mixed results on how users adapt to the fit challenge. We draw on coping theory and appraisal theory of emotion to develop an encounter-emotion-coping framework to reconcile the mixed results by exploring the links between fit, emotions, individual adaptation and task-technology adaptation behaviors. The paths were tested through a survey of 283 nurses. Results suggest that emotions felt by users in the initial stage explain the relationship between fit and the two adaptation behaviors. This study (1) extends our understanding of the consequences of fit issue, (2) unveils the roles of different emotions in eliciting users’ adaptation behaviors, and (3) differentiates individual adaptation from task-technology adaptation in terms of their emotional antecedents. Implications for practice are discussed

Environmental awareness, attitude and behavior among under graduates in Malaysia

This study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behaviour on the environment among 650 undergraduates. The representative samples were selected through a two-stage sampling method. The validated questionnaires developed by the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) process and expert opinions were utilized in this study. The pre-testing of the questionnaire was carried out among 50 undergraduates. Explanatory Factor Analysis revealed three components existed in the questionnaire, namely knowledge, attitude and behavior. Each Component shows good reliability, awareness component (8 questions—Cronbach Alpha0.72), attitude (9 questions—Cronbach Alpha-0.78) and behavior (8 questions, Cronbach Alpha 0.70). This study revealed the level of environmental knowledge and attitudes among students was high 4:15(sd0.42) and 4:19(sd0.49), however, they score moderately on behavior component (3.20(sd0.46). There are no significant difference in awareness, attitude and behaviour between gender, However, different age groups differed significantly (4.24 vs. 4.14, p = 0.013). Meanwhile, the awareness score was also significantly different between undergraduates from different programs (4.11 vs. 4.20, p = 0.005). Multivariable Linear Regression indicates the positive association between high knowledge and attitudes with pro-environmental behavior

Spatial and temporal trends of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment cores of Brunei Bay, East Malaysia

The spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in three sediment cores from Brunei Bay, Southern South China Sea was investigated. The total concentrations of 16 priority PAHs (∑PAH16) and their alkyl-substituted derivatives ranged from 10.4 to 376 ng g−1 and 30.7 to 2263 ng g−1, respectively. PAH biomarker diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) combined with absolute principal component score (APCS) and multiple linear regression (MLR) were performed to apportion the source contribution. The results revealed mixed inputs of fuel combustion residues and uncombusted petrogenic products. The downcore PAH profile revealed that the highest peaks could be related to past human activities using biofuel and coal during the industrialization/agriculture revolution period. The 1,7/(2,6+1,7)-dimethylphenanthrene ratio also highlighted wood combustion during forest fire outbreaks, which appeared to coincide with the past climate events

Industrial Development, Subsidy Reform and Export Behaviour : An Evidence from ASEAN-5 Economies

This study explores the impact of subsidy reform on export performance in ASEAN-5 economies, whereby the output of this research may be useful for the policymakers to balance favourable subsidy reform upon sustainable economic development while controlling fiscal burden. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of subsidy reform on export growth while considering an exchange rate and the industrial value added as a control variable. This study covers a panel data of ASEAN-5 economies from the 1992 to 2015. The dynamic panel data analysis was employed to evaluate the magnitude impact of subsidy expenditure by the government, exchange rate and industrial value added on export performance. The Pooled Mean Group (PMG) model was employed to determine the long run coefficient in the model. The finding concluded that: 1) Export growth was expected to increase as the subsidy growth increases, 2) currency appreciation was expected to encourage export growth and 3) Industrial development would increase export growth as many outputs can be produced in a period of time. As an absence of subsidy would lead to a lost in export, and the government is recommended to implement an adequate offset policy to cushion any negative impact reflected by the absence of a subsidy in an economy

Ethnic Differences in Survival after Breast Cancer in South East Asia

Background: The burden of breast cancer in Asia is escalating. We evaluated the impact of ethnicity on survival after breast cancer in the multi-ethnic region of South East Asia. Methodology/Principal Findings Using the Singapore-Malaysia hospital-based breast cancer registry, we analyzed the association between ethnicity and mortality following breast cancer in 5,264 patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2007 (Chinese: 71.6%, Malay: 18.4%, Indian: 10.0%). We compared survival rates between ethnic groups and calculated adjusted hazard ratios (HR) to estimate the independent effect of ethnicity on survival. Malays (n = 968) presented at a significantly younger age, with larger tumors, and at later stages than the Chinese and Indians. Malays were also more likely to have axillary lymph node metastasis at similar tumor sizes and to have hormone receptor negative and poorly differentiated tumors. Five year overall survival was highest in the Chinese women (75.8%; 95%CI: 74.4%–77.3%) followed by Indians (68.0%; 95%CI: 63.8%–72.2%), and Malays (58.5%; 95%CI: 55.2%–61.7%). Compared to the Chinese, Malay ethnicity was associated with significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.19–1.51), independent of age, stage, tumor characteristics and treatment. Indian ethnicity was not significantly associated with risk of mortality after breast cancer compared to the Chinese (HR: 1.14; 95%CI: 0.98–1.34). Conclusion: In South East Asia, Malay ethnicity is independently associated with poorer survival after breast cancer. Research into underlying reasons, potentially including variations in tumor biology, psychosocial factors, treatment responsiveness and lifestyle after diagnosis, is warranted

Alternative paths to future population growth in Singapore.

New Zealand Population Review11119-3

Preface

Managing Economic Crisis in Southeast Asiai-i

The global financial crisis: Impact and response in Southeast Asia

Managing Economic Crisis in Southeast Asia1-2

AN INTEGRATED KNOWLEDGE-BASED MACHINING SYSTEM FOR ROTATIONALLY SYMMETRIC PARTS

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH