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APPRAISAL OF REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POLICIES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textWaste management has become a pressing global issue, requiring the enactment and enforcement of comprehensive regulatory frameworks to promote sustainability and protect the environment. Despite the available legislations, inadequate resources and inefficient monitoring impede their proper execution, allowing noncompliance and illicit trash disposal to continue. Illegal waste sites are popping up all over the city of Kwara in Nigeria. Improper garbage disposal appears to suggest a breakdown in the state\u27s regulatory system for environmental protection and waste management. This paper has examined the regulatory framework of environmental protection policies and waste management in Kwara state. Both primary and secondary data were used. The population of the study was 280 and the sample size was 172, which was determined through a specific formula. A total number of 172 questionnaires were distributed to the selected respondents and from these 154 responses were retrieved. Findings from the study showed that the majority of the respondents disagreed that the regulatory frameworks did not prioritise the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste materials. These respondents were of the view that there were clear guidelines and procedures for the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. The study also showed that the available regulatory frameworks have encouraged public participation and awareness of waste management practices in the state. Consequently, this paper has recommended that policymakers collaborate closely with communities to design strategies that incorporate local infrastructure, resources, and behaviours to reduce waste and promote recycling. There should also be frequent monitoring to ensure compliance. The rules and policies must be amended to ensure stakeholder engagement in waste management services
Unlocking AI-Powered Tools Adoption among University Students: A Fuzzy-Set Approach
No full textThis study examines, from a post-pandemic theoretical perspective, university students\u27 continuous intention (CI) to utilise AI-powered tools for educational purposes. AI-powered tools are new and underutilised in higher education. The fact that students and teachers need knowledge to use these apps in the classroom compounds the issue. Despite this technology\u27s recent academic introduction, nothing is known about its impacts. In order to investigate the variables that influence the continual intention to employ artificial intelligence, this study discusses the possibility of integrating the self-determination theory (SDT) and technology acceptance model (TAM) with the post-acceptance model (PAM). Three hundred forty university students were solicited to complete a questionnaire to collect data for the proposed model. A dual-stage approach uses both symmetrical assumptions from structural equation modelling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) and asymmetrical configurations from fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). In order to better comprehend the intricate interplay between the model\u27s inputs and its desired output, this approach is devised. Consideration is given to the fact that various configurations of external constructs exert distinct influences on internal constructs. In Thailand, perceived usefulness (PU) and autonomy predict continued AI-powered tool use. Perceived ease of use (PEOU) did not affect continuing intention. Conclusions drawn from the configurational analysis show that no single factor adequately explains a high CI level. Rather, three distinct configurations were identified as improving CI using AI-powered tools. Overall, theoretical and practical ramifications are addressed
Expert Elicitation of Fuzzy Membership Functions of Linguistic Terms: A Fire Evacuation Case Study
No full textDecision-making in complex, uncertain environments, like emergency evacuations, often relies on the use of linguistic terms to express subjective judgments. However, the inherent ambiguity of these linguistic terms, coupled with the variability of expert opinions, poses a significant challenge for accurate decision-making. Membership functions (MFs) are essential tools for quantifying and representing the meaning of these linguistic terms, allowing for the computational processing of subjective judgments. Existing methods for eliciting MFs of these terms struggle to capture the inherent variability and probabilistic nature of expert opinions, hindering the accurate representation of uncertainty. Existing methods for eliciting membership functions (MFs) of these terms struggle to capture the inherent variability and probabilistic nature of expert opinions, hindering accurate representation of uncertainty. This study propose a framework for eliciting MFs of probabilistic linguistic terms using the Interval Estimation (IE) technique. The procedure integrates a graphic survey to construct MFs that fulfils the definition of Triangular Fuzzy Number (TFN). This approach allows experts to directly express their uncertainty ranges, ensuring the resulting MFs reflect both their individual perceptions and the overall probabilistic distribution of opinions. A case study eliciting psychological responses in fire evacuation scenarios is utilized to demonstrate the utility of our proposed framework. The developed MFs were integrated into a Bayesian Network (BN) decision model. The performance analysis indicated by sensitivity values confirms the stability and robustness of the BN model parameters, thereby validating the rationality and meaningfulness of the expert-elicited MFs. The resulting MFs demonstrated a significant improvement in capturing the variability of psychological responses compared to traditional methods. This robust methodology provides a practical tool for developing expert-driven fuzzy linguistic scales tailored to specific domains thus offering practical applications for decision-making in uncertain environments
ESTABLISHING EQUALITY IN THE CORE-PLASMA PARTNERSHIP IN PALM OIL BUSINESS: THE ROLE OF THE INDONESIA COMPETITION COMMISSION
No full textPalm oil is the main product that has contributed significantly to the Indonesian and Malaysian economy over the past few decades. Oil palm plantations in Indonesia are owned not just by large corporations, but also by smallholders known as MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). One of the Indonesian government\u27s strategies to strengthen the capacity of MSMEs is to encourage large enterprises and MSMEs to form core-plasma partnerships. Large enterprises frequently incur various violations when implementing the palm oil industry partnership. As a result, adequate supervision from a government authority is essential. The purpose of this study is to examine the legal basis for the supervision of the Indonesian Competition Commission (‘ICC’; Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha) on the implementation of core-plasma partnerships, to boost the oil palm plantation industry in Indonesia. This study type is normative-juridical and relies on secondary data sources to make assessments. The research typology used is analytical-descriptive, with the goal of fully and comprehensively explaining the duties and authorities of the ICC in supervising partnership implementation in Indonesia, and then evaluating them to determine the legal basis for the ICC\u27s participation in partnership implementation. The analysis found that Law No. 9 of 1999 on the Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices and Unfair Business Competition does not regulate the ICC\u27s authority to supervise partnerships. However, under Law No. 20 of 2008 on MSMEs and the implementation regulations, the ICC has the authority to oversee the implementation of core-plasma cooperation, namely through consultations, evaluations, suggestions, and considerations related to government policies, policy harmonization and law enforcement
AN APPRAISAL OF YEMEN’S ADHERENCE TO THE TRIPS AGREEMENT STANDARDS ON CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS OF COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
No full textThe role of enforcement is crucial for the protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs), as it provides the rights holders with access to legal tools and remedies essential for safeguarding their intellectual creations. The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) establishes a comprehensive framework for the enforcement of IPRs, covering both procedural and substantive elements that member states are obligated to implement within their domestic laws. These provisions are designed to enable effective and timely actions against IPRs infringements. As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Yemen is obligated to harmonise its national intellectual property (IP) legislation with the enforcement provisions specified in Part III of the TRIPS Agreement. This article analyses the existing IPRs enforcement mechanisms in Yemen, with particular emphasis on both civil and criminal procedures. Utilising the TRIPS Agreement as a framework, this article examines the extent to which the enforcement mechanisms and remedies provided under Yemeni law align with the requirements set forth by the TRIPS Agreement. By adopting a doctrinal legal method, the required data for this article is gathered from the relevant statutes, case law, the official website of Yemeni government agencies, law books, and journal articles. Utilising the TRIPS Agreement as a framework, this article examines the extent to which the enforcement mechanisms and remedies provided under Yemeni law align with the TRIPS requirements. The findings indicate that the civil and administrative procedures and remedies in Yemen\u27s IP laws are largely consistent with the stipulations of the TRIPS Agreement. Nevertheless, there remains scope for enhancement, especially with regard to the evidentiary provisions. In terms of criminal enforcement, both the Trademarks Act 2010 and the Copyright Act 2012 criminalise deliberate acts of trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy, prescribing penalties that include imprisonment and fines. However, the existing penalties under these Acts are inadequate to serve as an effective deterrent against such violations. This shortcoming is in conflict with the requirements of Article 61 of the TRIPS Agreement, which mandates that penalties for these offences must be sufficiently severe to prevent future infringements. To ensure Yemen\u27s full compliance with international standards and to enhance its efforts to combat trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy, it is recommended that the country revise its IP laws to incorporate more stringent penalties, in alignment with the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement
VISUAL THINKING THROUGH MOVIES AND DOCUMENTARIES: ASSESSING STUDENTS’ LEARNING AND SATISFACTION IN AN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CLASS
No full textIn contemporary teaching, it has become quite common to talk about “active learning.” This discussion initially started in Education, but it soon spread to many disciplines. International Relations (IR) is no exception to this trend, with many scholars and teachers reporting on the use of several active learning techniques in their classrooms. An active learning format that has recently gained popularity is “visual thinking” (VT). VT is considered relevant for teaching in many disciplines, including IR. Several scholars have introduced the use of visual items, such as pictures, cartoons, video games, or art paintings, in their teaching projects. Movies and documentaries are also used for visual teaching. Many IR scholars consider them as effective tools to improve students’ learning, thanks to their supposed capacity to make class contents more understandable and increase student class engagement. By relying on a mixed-method approach, the goal of this study is to empirically assess whether a VT format contributes to improving IR students’ hard skills, measured in terms of grades, and their perceptions about and satisfaction with the class
Transforming payment processing through lean and kaizen management : A Malaysian public service perspective
No full textLean management has emerged as a transformative methodology for optimizing operational efficiency and reducing waste in various sectors. However, its application within public office environments, particularly in payment processing services, remains underexplored. This study investigates the implementation of Lean and Kaizen methodologies in a Malaysian Government-Linked Company (GLC) responsible for payment processing. Lean management focuses on eliminating waste and optimizing processes, while Kaizen is a continuous improvement strategy that enhances operational efficiency through incremental changes. The study highlights significant inefficiencies in service delivery, with Service Level Agreement (SLA) performance scores fluctuating between 54.68% and 95.16% from January to July 2020, indicating an urgent need for process optimization.Using Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen burst events, and structured problem-solving techniques, the study identifies key bottlenecks in file movement, verification, and approval processes. VSM is a Lean tool that visualizes and analyzes workflows to detect inefficiencies and streamline operations. Through targeted Lean interventions, the organization successfully achieved a minimum SLA performance threshold of 82%, demonstrating improved workflow efficiency, reduced lead times, and enhanced employee engagement. The findings emphasize the potential of Lean and Kaizen in optimizing administrative processes in the public sector, advocating for wider adoption and further empirical research in this domain
TRADE OPENNESS AND MANUFACTURING GROWTH OF ASIAN ECONOMIES: INVESTIGATING LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR EFFECT
No full textThis study investigates the linear and non-linear effects of trade openness on manufacturing growth in 35 selected Asian economies from 2004 to 2022. Using linear and quadratic regression specifications derived from the production function framework of growth, panel data fixed effects models, two-stage least square (2SLS) method, and two-step difference and system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation techniques, the study uncovers significant findings. The results from the linear static and dynamic specifications indicate a positive and significant impact of trade openness on manufacturing growth. Moreover, factors such as tariff rate, financial development, control of corruption, foreign direct investment, and foreign exchange reserve also play a significant role in influencing manufacturing growth in the Asian economies. The study further reveals that the relationship between trade openness and manufacturing growth is non-linear. While additional trade openness initially has a positive effect on manufacturing value-added growth, beyond a certain threshold, the marginal impact of trade openness becomes negative. This study makes valuable contributions to the existing literature by providing evidence on the linear effect of trade openness on manufacturing growth and by being the first to analyze the optimality or non-linearity of trade openness specifically in the Asian region. The findings suggest that higher levels of trade openness offer opportunities for knowledge sharing, technological advancements, innovation, increased productivity, access to new capital goods, and attraction of foreign investment in the manufacturing sector. However, the study emphasizes the importance of specialization in producing high-quality goods and developing expertise to achieve sustained growth in the manufacturing sector
MIGRATION PATTERN IN PAYMENT PREFERENCES POST COVID-19 AMONG CONSUMERS IN MALAYSIA
No full textThe purpose of this study is to explore the patterns of migration in consumer payment preferences and to investigate the pattern of changes in payment preferences of daily transactions by type and value of transactions and to compare consumers’ overall perception of the selected common retail payment methods. A total of 407 responses were collected through an online survey. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors that can significantly influence consumers’ migration of payment preferences. The findings of the study show that Cash to E-wallets is the biggest shift in payment preference, lower-income consumers are less likely to change their payment preferences and the biggest change in payment preferences in the type of transactions were transactions in food stalls and convenience stores. Furthermore, the highest shift away from cash to E-wallets was in transactions below RM100 while a significant shift from cash to cards payments was for transactions above RM100. Economic factors such as income and technological receptiveness proxied by age have significant influence on the changes in payment preferences during crises. The observed shifts in preferences suggest inherent differences in the features and functionalities offered by various payment methods. This study sheds light on the migration trends in payment preferences, highlighting the unique characteristics of various payment methods. Understanding consumer perceptions of these methods can help payment providers to develop and promote targeted solutions.  
Pemikiran keagamaan dalam puisi “Khutbah II” dan “Iktikaf 2”: (Religious thoughts in “Khutbah II” and “Iktikaf 2” poems)
No full textSajak berfungsi sebagai saluran dan wahana dalam menyampaikan mesej dan amanat kepada masyarakat sarwajagat. Walau bagaimanapun, amanat dan mesejnya wajar mengalami anjakan paradigma atas faktor keperluan milieu yang sudah mengalami evolusi atas desakan dan tekanan kehidupan pada abad ke-21 yang semakin mencabar. Kehidupan pada era ini menuntut manusia untuk bersaing mengejar urusan duniawi untuk kepentingan material demi keselesaan hidup sehingga lupa nilai-nilai mulia yang mengakibatkan mereka terjebak ke kancah yang dimurkai Allah. Oleh itu, sewajarnya penciptaan genre sastera memberikan penekanan terhadap aspek keagamaan agar manusia memberikan perhatian terhadap nilai murni ke arah pembentukan akhlak yang mulia. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti dan menganalisis pemikiran keagamaan dalam sajak “Khutbah II” karya Mustafa Jusoh (2001) dan “Iktikaf 2” karya Naapiee Mat (2001). Kaedah kualitatif diaplikasi sepenuhnya dalam kajian ini dengan memberi fokus terhadap analisis teks. Kerangka teori yang diaplikasi ialah teori Pengkaedahan Melayu yang digagaskan oleh Hashim Awang (1989) yang membincangkan dua aspek utama, iaitu alamiah dan keagamaan. Walau bagaimanapun, kajian ini dibataskan dengan menggunakan pengkaedahan keagamaan sahaja. Dapatan kajian memperlihatkan bahawa kedua-dua sajak sarat dengan pemikiran keagamaan yang signifikan menerusi penganalisisan terhadap rangkap dan baris-baris sajak tersebut. Pemikiran keagamaan ini diperlihatkan menerusi unsur-unsur dakwah yang memandu umat Islam ke jalan yang diredai Allah, pengajaran dan nilai moral positif sebagai panduan masyarakat sarwajagat dan nilai estetika yang digunakan oleh penyajak bagi menyampaikan pemikirannya. Kesimpulannya, kedua-dua sajak bukan sahaja berupaya memprojeksikan pemikiran keagamaan malahan menyirati mesej yang menjadi gagasan pengarang dalam penciptaannya untuk tujuan mentarbiyah umat manusia khususnya dalam era revolusi industri 4.0