Characteristics and Above-Ground Biomass of Mangrove Species in Enggano Island, Bengkulu Sumatra, Indonesia

Estimation of biomass mangrove vegetation plays a vital role in the evaluation of nutrient turnover and potential to act as a carbon sink. Preliminary investigations show that inadequate studies have been conducted on a characterization of mangrove forest. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify species, characterization andaboveground biomass of mangrove vegetation in the Enggano Bengkulu Island of Sumatra, Indonesia. To implement this, the quadrant transect method is applied. The data are collected at 10 m2 quadrat random sampling points along seven stations laid perpendicular to the shoreline. From the experiment, the results show that coverage density of R. apiculata, B. gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia alba, and X. granatum, 63%, 27%, 6% and 4.6% respectively. R. apiculata had the highest values of X. granatum having the lowest. From the data analysis showed linearly increased with an increase of basal area, aboveground biomass was strongly related to the basal area in mangrove forests as results of correlation r = 0,9454 in an equation of Y=1, 7025x-3,6276, with R2 = 8938. When BA increase 1 m2/ha, the biomass increased by 1.7025 ton/ha. The average values for the basal area, estimation based on biomass, B. gymnorrhiza present the highest, at 22 m2/ha, 41,30 t/ha with X. granatum 2,5 m2/ha, 3.95 t/ha lowest. From the findings, it is depicted that there is a significant indirect effect of a change of characteristic of mangrove forest due to human encroachment evidence by the reduction in X. granatum and S. alba species population, Therefore, there is the need for environmental mitigations to preserve the ecosystem

LIBYAN INVESTORS’ INTENTION TO INVEST IN ISLAMIC SUKUK: THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR APPROACH

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to study the factors that influence the attitude of Libyan investors on investing in Islamic bonds. Design / Methodology / Approach: A modified questionnaire was used in this study to answer research questions and test the evolving hypothesis. Questionnaires containing 39 items were distributed and collected from 409 respondents as representatives of investors in Libyan banks. The data collected was analyzed using PLS SEM. Results: The results obtained using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) indicate that knowledge of Islamic Sukuk, perceived control and the impact of Sharia compliance have an important positive relationship with the attitude towards investing in Islamic sukuk. In practical terms, the results indicate that there is no significant difference in investment in Sukuk between Libyan investors, based on the gender of the investors. Originality / value: the current study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Libya. as far as the authors know, there are no studies that focus specifically on socio-economic factors that affect investor intention to trade in sukuk. The result of the study may be useful in countries with similar banking cultures such as Libya. Socially, the result will be beneficial for Libyan investors by helping them explore the benefits of the Sukuk product as one of the less risky and most profitable Islamic financial products. JEL: D25; E22; G11  Article visualizations

THE ROLE OF AWARENESS AND SHARI’AH-COMPLIANT AS MODERATOR ON THE INTENTION TO INVEST IN ISLAMIC SUKUK – A STUDY OF LIBYAN INVESTORS: THEORY OF REASONED ACTION APPROACH

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate and disclose the role of awareness and shari’ah-compliant as moderator on the intention to invest in Islamic Sukuk. The study also tests theory of reasoned action (TRA) as well as to examine the moderating effect of awareness and shari’ah in the relationship between attitude and intention to invest in Islamic Sukuk. Design / Methodology / Approach: A total of 309 modified questionnaires in this study to answer questions and test research hypotheses. The data collected was analyzed using PLS SEM. Results: Use the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and descriptive statistics, presence and extent of legitimacy disclosure the sukuk were verified in Islamic financial institutions represented by Libyan banks. The research found that there is empirical evidence that explains the effect of the compatibility of Sharia and the attitude towards Investment in Islamic Sukuk and the important role of subjective pressure from ‘Ulamaa’ raising awareness and encouraging investment in Islamic Sukuk products that are characterized by Sharia. Originality / Value: This study makes a significant contribution to the current legitimacy of the Sukuk structure and the importance of investing in it. The study added a new discussion, that is, disclosure of the legitimacy of the sukuk and its compatibility with halal investment. The study aims to increase public awareness of the legitimacy of the sukuk in the importance of compliance with Sharia law not only in form but also in substance. In addition, this study will provide more benefits to Islamic finance institutions and financial banks in the sense that they must amend some of their regulatory frameworks to push the sukuk investors in the market to move towards an asset-backed structure with less risk. JEL: D25; E22; G11  Article visualizations

The prevalence of sedentary behavior among university students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background A considerable body of research has demonstrated that reducing sitting time benefits health. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) and its patterns. Methods A total of 6975 university students (49.1% female) were chosen randomly to participate in a face-to-face interview. The original English version of the sedentary behavior questionnaire (SBQ) was previously translated into Arabic. Then, the validated Arabic version of the SBQ was used to assess SB. The Arabic SBQ included 9 types of SB (watching television, playing computer/video games, sitting while listening to music, sitting and talking on the phone, doing paperwork or office work, sitting and reading, playing a musical instrument, doing arts and crafts, and sitting and driving/riding in a car, bus or train) on weekdays and weekends. Results SBQ indicated that the total time of SB was considerably high (478.75 ± 256.60 and 535.86 ± 316.53 (min/day) during weekdays and weekends, respectively). On average, participants spent the most time during the day doing office/paperwork (item number 4) during weekdays (112.47 ± 111.11 min/day) and weekends (122.05 ± 113.49 min/day), followed by sitting time in transportation (item number 9) during weekdays (78.95 ± 83.25 min/day) and weekends (92.84 ± 100.19 min/day). The average total sitting time of the SBQ was 495.09 ± 247.38 (min/day) and 58.4% of the participants reported a high amount of sitting time (≥ 7 hours/day). Independent t-test showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between males and females in all types of SB except with doing office/paperwork (item number 4). The results also showed that male students have a longer daily sitting time (521.73 ± 236.53 min/day) than females (467.38 ± 255.28 min/day). Finally, 64.1% of the males reported a high amount of sitting time (≥ 7 hours/day) compared to females (52.3%). Conclusion In conclusion, the total mean length of SB in minutes per day for male and female university students was considerably high. About 58% of the population appeared to spend ≥7 h/day sedentary. Male university students are likelier to sit longer than female students. Our findings also indicated that SB and physical activity interventions are needed to raise awareness of the importance of adopting an active lifestyle and reducing sitting time