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The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the development of an enzyme-based sensor for haloalkane detection. Haloalkane is a toxic compound that is found as genotoxic impurities in pharmaceutical products and contaminants in waste. The need to investigate the genotoxic level in pharmaceutical manufacturing is very crucial because of its toxicity effects on human health. The potential of mini protein as an alternative bioreceptor was explored with the aim to be more effective and stable under extreme conditions.

Mini proteins of haloalkane dehalogenase (HLD) were computationally designed and experimentally validated. Tapered multimode fiber (TMMF) was bio-functionalized with a bioreceptor either native (positive control) or mini protein. The absorbance-based sensor resulting from the binding interaction of mini protein with haloalkane was monitored through a wavelength range of 200-1,300 nm.

An increment of the UV absorption is observed at 325 nm when haloalkane interacted with the immobilized bioreceptors, native or mini protein. Both biosensors displayed a continuous response over the range of 5-250 µM haloalkane. They also had the capability to detect haloalkanes below 1 min and with an operational stability of up to seven days without significant loss of sensitivity.

The results indicate the potential viability of the enzyme HLD-based sensor to monitor the existence of haloalkane in both pharmaceutical and environmental products.

The paper describes an outcome of experimental work on TMMF-based biosensor coated with HLD for label-free haloalkane detection. Mini protein can be used as an effective bioreceptor with some structural modification to improve functionality and stability.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a capacitive biosensor device consisting of an enzyme electrode and a simple detector which has been developed for histamine measurement.

In this analysis, degradation of histamine through enzymatic reaction produces signal that is monitored using a simple detector equipped with “astable” multivibrator operation circuit (in capacitor‐resistor circuit).

Different frequency (f) readings have been obtained for glucose, alcohol and histamine in different concentration levels, showing the ability of this simple device system to measure their dielectric constant (k) as formulated by the equation f=(1.44d)/ [kA (R1+2R2)]. The analysis using smaller electrode gap (d) produces higher value of f, indicating that d, is directly proportional to f. For histamine, by using immobilized enzyme electrode, the results show that the change of dielectric properties during the 300‐second reaction period could also be monitored. A linear relationship is obtained between concentration and frequency from 50 to 200 ppm.

Based on this result, an enzyme electrode and “astable” operation circuits have the potential to be used in the development of a simple capacitive biosensor device.

The paper is an outcome of experimental work carried out to observe capacitive sensing behavior using an immobilized enzyme, to measure biological samples, especially histamine.

This paper aims to estimate the level of histamine in fish and fish products, as it is very important because of their implication in fish poisoning in humans; hence, ascertaining histamine levels in the aforementioned serves as a chemical index for spoilage.

A technique was developed to immobilize an ordered multilayer of diamine oxidase (DAO) by means of chemical cross-linking on the biconical taper surface stepwisely alternating between chitosan, glutaraldehyde and the enzyme. A spectrophotometric signal results from horseradish peroxidase catalyzed reduction of H₂O₂, a secondary product of the oxidative deamination of histamine monitored at 450 nm.

The biosensor showed a linear response range up to 1.5 mM, a good sensitivity of 0.64 mM-1 with detection and quantification limits towards histamine of 0.086 mM (15.8 ppm) and 0.204 mM (37.7 ppm) and a linear response range of 0-1.5 mM. It showed a response and recovery time of 14 sec and operational stability up to 40 repeated analyses without significant loss of sensitivity.

The developed biosensor has a good potential for use in the quantitative determination of histamine in seafood.

The paper described an outcome of an experimental work on tapered fibre optics (taper)-based biosensor coated with DAO embedded into a chitosan membrane to measure histamine.

Research on organizational communication has shown significant associations with many important outcomes. Although these researches are appealing, there have been criticisms and suggestions for improvement of the organizational communication scales, developed in Western organization settings, to make them applicable to collectivist culture‐based organizations. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to access the organizational communication construct through the development and validation of an organizational communication measure for Malaysian organizations.

Item analysis for Malaysian organizational communication scale involves survey of 250 university employees, followed by construct and criterion‐related validation using 346 employees, representing three organizations in Malaysia, resulting in a Malaysian organizational communication scale.

Through the validation of a Malaysian organizational communication measure, support was found for the proposition that Malaysian organizations are composed of information flow, communication climate, message characteristics, and communication structure, as well as new dimensions, namely, the group bond and respect.

One of the weaknesses of the study was the size of sample used for the focus group. Another weakness was the organizations involved in the validation segment of the study, which were service‐related organizations. Finally, current investigations limit themselves to job satisfaction. These results have to be handled carefully.

The paper shows that group bond and mutual respect are salient work relationships in Malaysian organizations.

The emergence of group bond and respect dimensions in the Malaysian organizational communication construct is consistent with the examination of organizational behavior.

Slimming centres have become a hot spot for people to reduce their size and reshape their body figure through the sophisticated and modern treatments that are provided by the therapists. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of price, place and promotion on the behavioural intention to consume the slimming treatments.

This research is a cross-sectional study in which 308 primary data were collected for descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The data were collected through a survey questionnaire that was distributed to respondents who have experience in consuming slimming treatment at a slimming centre.

The majority of slimming centre consumers are working women aged 25 and above from urban areas. As an attraction, the pricing strategy is a very important influence on consumers to consume the slimming treatment at slimming centres. Although the main target market for slimming centres is career women who are earning an above average income, an excessively high price might weaken the behavioural intention of the consumer to consume the service since Malaysian women are very price conscious. The findings also indicate that there is a significant correlation relationship between price and promotion as well as place and promotion.

This research is expected to contribute in terms of providing more knowledge about this industry, since there are still limited findings pertaining to slimming centres, especially in the Malaysian market.

Strategic market entry; international business; marketing.

MBA/MA in management; international business; postgraduate.

This case is based on a real-life situation of an existing transnational firm contemplating to enter a new market in a developing country. It involves a gamut of issues ranging from firm-strategic market entry, competitive positioning, international marketing strategies (including international market segmentation) and international product lifecycle. These issues revolve on numerous theories namely theories on internationalization (motive, scope, process, scale and timing of entry) and globalization of markets (standardization versus adaptation). In the past, the market was heavily regulated and protected which makes market entry simply impossible. However, a change in government policy is opening up new opportunities for foreign providers to participate in the host country. Although the market potential is enormous, there are various factors that concern the firm in determining its market entry and marketing mix decision.

After carrying out this exercise, students are expected to be able to: evaluate a firm's internal and external position in market expansion decision; assess a country's attractiveness in terms of its potential, competitive intensity and entry barriers; identify and discuss the factors that influence firm's marketing mix decision (standardize/adapt); and determine the firm market entry and the tactical decisions.

Teaching notes.

In the analysis of Third World economic and rural development, Malaysia represents an intriguing and somewhat special case. Many applaud the impressive growth registered since independence and particularly in recent years; as Vokes testifies, Malaysia is “one of the most successful cases of economic development in the Third World.” It has managed a structural transformation of its economic base from one relying on primary commodities to one in which manufacturers now play a central role; not denying the intermittent problem of fluctuating growth and uneven development.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) addition on microstructure, interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) layer and micromechanical properties of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305)/CNT/Cu solder joint under blast wave condition. This work is an extension from the previous study of microstructural evolution and hardness properties of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder under blast wave condition.

SAC/CNT solder pastes were manufactured by mixing of SAC solder powder, fluxes and CNT with 0.02 and 0.04 by weight percentage (Wt.%) separately. This solder paste then printed on the printed circuit board (PCB) with the copper surface finish. Printed samples underwent reflow soldering to form the solder joint. Soldered samples then exposed to the open field air blast test with different weight charges of explosives. Microstructure, interfacial IMC layer and micromechanical behavior of SAC/CNT solder joints after blast test were observed and analyzed via optical microscope, field emission scanning microscope and nanoindentation.

Exposure to the blast wave induced the microstructure instability of SAC305/Cu and SAC/CNT/Cu solder joint. Interfacial IMC layer thickness and hardness properties increases with increase in explosive weight. The existence of CNT in the SAC305 solder system is increasing the resistance of solder joint to the blast wave.

Response of micromechanical properties of SAC305/CNT/Cu solder joint has been identified and provided a fundamental understanding of reliability solder joint, especially in extreme conditions such as for military applications.

Sustainability issues have become crucial to mitigate urban heat islands (UHIs) and reduce the global warming effect. The climate change news is frequently heard lately due to the extreme weather to the extent that the increasing earth’s temperature often causes disaster and loss of property and life. New adaptation needs to new climate context and limits the on-going effects. One of the ways is adopting green roofs on buildings. Implementing sustainable practices such as green roofs will help mitigate this adverse effect in urban areas. Green roofs provide many benefits such as enhancing the aesthetical quality of the built environment, reduce UHIs, reduce energy consumption, improve storm-water attenuation, roof longevity, and reduce noise pollution. However, only a few buildings in Malaysia have considering green roofs as a main green feature element. There is barely number of buildings that have green roof design even though it offers benefits to the community and environment. This chapter has emphasised the types of green roof systems that are potentially suitable in Malaysia climate and obstacles associated with the green roof system. The study found the barriers to implementing green roofs in Malaysia, especially during the stage of building operation in maintaining the green roof system. The survey has been done, which revealed nine factors that hinder the green roof application. This study also highlights the challenges to overcome the barriers of implementing green roofs in Malaysia.

Health fitness has become a major issue in Malaysia since the population of overweight and obesity is becoming critical. One of the ways to achieve optimum health fitness is by consistently consuming balanced diet meals. Hence, this paper aims to focus on the willingness of society to purchase functional foods as an alternative for their daily meals to stay fit.

The research framework was developed based on a combination of findings by other research scholars within a similar field. The willingness to purchase functional foods to stay fit is positioned as the dependent variable, while lifestyle adaptation, social media influence and food consumption awareness are placed as the independent variables. Quantitative research was conducted by collecting primary data from respondents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and regression analyses.

The willingness to purchase functional foods to stay fit is dependent on the lifestyle adaptation, social media influence and food consumption awareness.

Although the current market for functional foods in Malaysia is still at a small scale, the market for this industry seems very promising. Nevertheless, greater awareness on functional food is still needed.

Functional food producers should make an effort to gain the untapped market by focussing on the lifestyle adaptation, social media influence and food consumption awareness.

This research is a breakthrough to discover the willingness of Malaysians to purchase functional food to stay fit, which is influenced by lifestyle adaptation, social media and food consumption awareness.