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The Influence of Project Team Members’ Competencies on Project Success: A Study of Malaysian Construction Industry
No full textProject success in the construction industry is frequently linked to the competencies of the project manager and top management support. Although much has been written about the importance of project managers, less focus has been paid on the skills of project team members and how top management support affects project results. This study investigates how emotional, managerial, and intellectual competencies among project team members, together with top management support, influence project success in the Malaysian construction industry. Using quantitative analysis, the data was analysed using SPSS 29 and SmartPLS, encompassing several stages: descriptive statistics, reliability and validity testing, correlation analysis, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), moderation analysis, and data screening and assumptions testing. The data demonstrates a strong correlation between intellectual competence and project success, whereas emotional and managerial competencies exhibit weaker connections. It is noteworthy that despite top management support not significantly improving the influence of emotional competence, it is essential to strengthen the impact of intellectual competence on project outcomes. The findings indicate that focusing on intellectual competencies within teams, along with strategic support from the top management is crucial for enhancing project success in Malaysia's construction sector. The research provides significant insights for policymakers focused on improving project management frameworks and optimizing resource allocation to achieve better project outcomes
A Review of Attention-Enhanced GRU Models with STL Decomposition for Food Loss Forecasting
No full textForecasting food loss with high accuracy is crucial for improving global food security, optimising supply chains, and supporting sustainability goals. However, conventional time series models and standard deep learning techniques, including recurrent neural networks (RNNs), often fall short in handling the irregularity, seasonality, and complexity inherent in food loss data. While Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) offer advantages over traditional RNNs, such as mitigating vanishing gradients, they still face limitations in modelling long-range dependencies and noisy sequences. This paper reviews recent advancements aimed at overcoming these challenges by enhancing GRU-based models with attention mechanisms and seasonal-trend decomposition using Loess (STL). Evidence from related domains shows that attention mechanisms improve the capture of long-term dependencies and interpretability, while STL decomposition strengthens stability and accuracy by isolating seasonal and trend components. Hybrid GRU models that combine both approaches consistently outperform standalone methods, highlighting their promise for robust and interpretable forecasting. Though underexplored in the context of food loss, this paper identifies the research gap and advocates for domain-specific GRU–attention–STL architectures, offering a foundation for future empirical work to enable timely interventions and foster resilient, data-driven food systems
Deep Learning Framework for Automated Vehicle Classification and Counting Using Road Energy-Harvesting Sensors Data
No full textTraffic congestion and ineffective vehicle monitoring systems remain pressing challenges in urban transportation which is leading to time delays, accidents, and reduced road efficiency. Conventional approaches such as manual counting, inductive loop sensors, and traditional image processing often lack accuracy, scalability, and adaptability to real-world conditions. These limitations create a research gap for automated, reliable, and intelligent solutions. This study proposes a deep learning based framework for automated vehicle classification and counting using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Using piezoelectric sensors, a numerical data of road traffic is collected, pre-processed, and augmented to enhance data quality and reduce overfitting. The 1D-CNN model is trained to classify multiple vehicle categories and integrated into a counting mechanism. Model performance is evaluated using standard metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score. Achieving high classification accuracy across diverse traffic conditions, these experimental results show that the proposed framework significantly outperforms conventional machine learning and image processing methods. This research contributes both academically and practically by providing: (1) a CNN-based methodology tailored for vehicle detection and counting, (2) a benchmark dataset for evaluation, and (3) an effective framework that can support intelligent transportation systems (ITS)
Communicating Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment Among Sarawakian Women: An Extended Parallel Process Model Analysis
No full textBreast cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian women, with an incidence rate of 38.9 per 100,000 from 2017 to 2021. However, many women in Sarawak are hesitant to engage in regular screening and treatment for various reasons but the main barriers have yet to be investigated. This study examined barriers towards seeking breast cancer screening and treatment among Sarawakian women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine women aged 20 to 70. The interview transcripts were analysed using Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). The results showed that fear control responses causing women to disengage from preventive healthcare, that is, denial of personal vulnerability and avoidance of cancer-related discussions. Many participants expressed a belief that discussing or thinking about breast cancer would invite bad luck or bring about anxiety. Financial constraint is not a major barrier, but psychological avoidance or downplaying personal risk is a bigger barrier in seeking breast cancer screening and treatment. Fear of diagnosis or treatment outcomes lead to reluctance in seeking medical advice, even when they are aware of the potential severity of the disease. The study highlights the critical need for communication strategies that confront fear-driven avoidance and provide emotional and psychological support to reduce fear control mechanisms, encouraging more proactive engagement in screening and treatment
Pemilihan Bahasa Dalam Kalangan Bangsa India Malaysia Berdasarkan Generas
No full textThis study was conducted to examine language selection, particularly the choice of the Tamil language among different generations of Malaysian Indians using Fishman’s Domain Theory (1972) as a framework and analyzing each generation’s language ideology. The study also aims to identify the percentage of Tamil language retention within each generation and assess their language ideology towards Tamil. 100 Malaysian Indians was participated as respondents, which are 25 individuals representing each generational cohort, such as generation babyboomers, generation X, generation Y, and generation Z. Four domains which are family, religion, friendship, and employment, were selected to analyze language preference across generations. A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data through questionnaires distributed on social media platforms such as Whatsapp and Instagram. Fishman’s Domain Theory (1972) served as the benchmark for analyzing language selection among Malaysian Indians based on generational differences, while three constructs of language ideology were used to guide the analysis of each generation’s language perception. The study findings indicate that all four generations of Malaysian Indians predominantly maintain the use of the Tamil language across the four domains. Furthermore, the research confirms that language ideology regarding Tamil remains unchanged across generations, as Malaysian Indians continue to perceive Tamil as a highly valued language. Thus, it can be concluded that this strong language ideology contributes to the continued transmission of Tamil to future generation
Penggunaan Disfemisme Sebagai Perlambangan Kesantunan Dalam Kalangan Masyarakat Melayu Di Daerah Melaka Tengah
No full textThis study examines the use of dysphemism as a symbol of politeness among the Malay community in Melaka Tengah district. Dysphemism is often associated with negative and
impolite connotations in communication. However, this study aims to demonstrate that in certain cultural contexts, dysphemism is not merely a crude expression but serves as a marker of familiarity, humor, and admonition. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with 14 informants from Generation X and Baby Boomers who are permanent residents of Melaka Tengah district. The data is analyzed based on Allan and Burridge's Theory (1991) to categorize polite elements of dysphemism, as well as Asmah Omar’s Politeness Model (1996) to explain the symbolism of politeness in dysphemism. The findings reveal that the Malay community in Melaka Tengah employs dysphemism in daily communication to express warmth, closeness, teasing, and advice. Words such as ‘lahabau’,
‘hawau’, ‘melingkau’, ‘lahanat’ and ‘bahalul’ are not merely insults but can function as friendly expressions accepted among close speakers. The implications of this study indicate that norms of politeness are flexible, influenced by cultural and social factors within the local community.
Thus, this study is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the function of dysphemism in Malay communication and open avenues for further research on linguistic politeness across different communitie
Exploring Sarawak Folktales Through William R. Bascom’s Functionalist Theory: A Study on Heidi Munan’s Sarawak Folktales Book (2017)
No full textAnalisis Teori Relevans Dalam Filem Anak-Ku Sazali
No full textThis study aims to analyze the use of implicit utterances in the classic Malay film Anak-ku Sazali based on Relevance Theory (RT) by Sperber and Wilson (1986) and the Cross-Referencing Framework (CRF) by Kempson (1986). The objectives of this research are to identify implicit
utterances in the film Anak-ku Sazali and to analyze selected utterances using RT and CRF. A qualitative method was employed through content analysis of the film’s dialogue script. Data were collected through observation and transcription of dialogues and analyzed based on the
principles of context, cognitive effect, and processing effort (RT) as well as cross-referential meaning connections in discourse (CRF). A total of 31 implicit utterances were identified to fulfill objective one. Subsequently, only 15 of these utterances were selected for in-depth analysis in relation to objective two. The findings reveal that the utterances convey layered meanings involving advice, sarcasm, and moral values. Analysis using RT and CRF
demonstrates that these utterances are cognitively relevant within the socio-cultural context of the Malay society. The implications suggest that classic Malay films serve not only as entertainment, but also as effective mediums for cultural critique and moral transmission through subtle and meaningful implicit language
Associations Between Algae, Substrate Characteristics, and Herbivorous Fish in Coral Reef Ecosystems of Pari Island, DKI Jakarta
No full textCoral reefs around Pari Island, DKI Jakarta, provide vital habitats supporting corals, algae, and reef fish. This study examined the associations between algal cover, bottom substrates, and herbivorous fish abundance at four sites (South, West, East, and North Pari) during July 2020, October 2020, and January 2021. Using the line intercept transect (LIT) method at depths of 3 and 10m, data on
substrate composition, algal types, herbivorous fish, and water quality were collected. Algal cover ranged from 7.23 to 31.48%, with the highest at shallow depths (3m) and during the transitional season (October). Turf algae dominated on dead coral substrates, while macroalgae such as Padina, Sargassum, and Halimeda were common on sandy areas. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between algae and dead hard coral (r= 0.823, P< 0.01) and
sand (r= 0.765, P0.05). Principal component analysis indicated that macroalgae, herbivorous fish, and dead coral contributed most to ecosystem variation (55.97%). Elevated nitrate levels (0.124mg. L⁻¹) exceeded national standards, promoting algal growth. Nutrient enrichment and substrate conditions, rather than herbivory, were identified as the main drivers of algal proliferation on Pari Island reefs
Role of Women in Sustaining Indigenous Food Security: An Insight from the Iban Community in Sri Aman, Sarawak
No full textThis paper examines the crucial role of Iban women in ensuring food security within rural Sarawak, Malaysia, with a focus on their contribution to the sustenance of household and community food systems. Traditionally, Iban women have always play crucial roles in household food security, particularly through their activities in agricultural practices, food foraging, and the processing and preservation of indigenous food resources. While often framed through cultural or anthropological perspectives, their labour and knowledge systems are central to the socio-economic resilience in rural communities. This study delves into how their knowledge of native crops, seed-bank traditions, and adaptive strategies have been significant in maintaining food security, particularly in the face of environmental and economic challenges. These practices, though rooted in tradition, are dynamic and continually adapted in response to environmental uncertainty, economic pressures, and shifting social expectations. Additionally, the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and its role in overcoming contemporary issues such as climate change, land-use changes, and modernization is explored. These knowledge exchanges, often carried out through everyday practices and communal labour, reinforce both cultural continuity and environmental awareness. Drawing on in-depth interviews and participatory observations conducted with Iban women in Sri Aman, Sarawak, the study offers a comprehensive perspective on their resilience and adaptability. Although current national policies such as the National Agrofood Policy and Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 highlight inclusivity and rural development, there remains limited attention to the informal yet critical contributions of indigenous women in these frameworks. Ultimately, it emphasises the vital role of Iban women in sustaining indigenous food security, not only preserving cultural heritage but also contributing to the broader framework of rural development and food sovereignty in rural areas