非左翼的本邦:《蕉风》及其“马来亚化”主张

《蕉风》是马来西亚自建国以来最具代表性的华文文学杂志。截至20世纪末年,其营销出版皆由友联出版社独力支撑。友联机构成立于香港,是冷战时期接受美国亚洲基金会资助的主要机构之一。其于1950年代中期渡海南下新马,自然不无反共文化宣传之意;而其旗下刊物《蕉风》,则与彼时主导马华文坛的左翼思潮分庭抗礼,成了传播非左翼文学的大本营。本文以20世纪五、六十年代的《蕉风》为考察对象,探讨其作者——尤其是"新客"移民——集体想象的本邦,并辨析其中可能的衍变。

Bismaleimide Modified by Allyl Novolak for Superabrasives

A novel thermosetting resin system for superabrasives based on novolak and bismaleimide （BMI） was developed. The novolak resin was allylated and then copolymerized with BMI. The structure of allyl novolak and reaction mechanism were analyzed by FFIR. Thermal and mechanical properties were characterized by using com- prehensive thermal analyzer （DSC-TG） and strength tester, respectively. The results showed that high molecular weight of novolak was advantageous for heat-resistance, but was unfavorable for the bending strength. High allyl content improved the heat-resistance but lowered the bending strength. When the molecular weight of novolak was 450 and allyl content was 50%, the best resin system with good heat-resistance and bending strength was obtained. It was suitable for the manufacturing of superabrasive tools.

Geochemistry of Tertiary sandstones from southwest Sarawak,Malaysia: implications for provenance and tectonic setting

Tertiary sandstones collected from southwest Sarawak, Malaysia, were analyzed to decipher their provenance, weathering, and tectonic setting. The studied sandstones have a sublitharenite composition and are dominantly composed quartz with little mica and feldspar, and a small amount of volcanic fragments. These sand- stones were generally derived from quartz-rich recycled orogenic sources. They have relatively high SiO2 content with low Na20, CaO, MnO, and MgO contents. Values of Chemical Index of Alteration （CIA） of these rock samples vary from 71 to 93, with an average of 81, implying intense chemical alteration during weathering. A felsic igneous source is suggested by a low concentration of TiO2 com- pared to CIA, enrichment of Light Rare Earth Elements, depletion of Heavy Rare Earth Elements, and negative Eu anomalies. A felsic origin is further supported by a Eu/Eu＊ range of 0.65-0.85 and high Th/Sc, La/Sc, La/Co, and Th/ Co ratios. This work presents the first reported geochemical data of Tertiary sandstones of the Sarawak Basin. These data led us to conclude that the sandstones were dislodged from recycled orogenic sources and deposited in a slowly subsiding rifted basin in a passive continental tectonic setting.

Traditional conditioning and conditions in professional Malaysian women talk

Cross-cultural differences have often been seen as an element contributing to the variations in speech acts and this has affected the differences in interpretations of meanings. Each individual contributes to this difference as a result of his/her variation in upbringing. His/her values, beliefs, traditions, norms and standards are greatly influenced by his/her culture. Cultural differences are not only seen through tangible artifacts and daily practices, but also in the articulation of thoughts. This paper will present findings from the analysis of ＂lunch-talks＂ data involving four professional Malaysian women from the two dominant ethnic communities in Malaysia： Malay and Chinese. The ＂lunch-talks＂ are free flowing semi-formal discourse events with topics ranging from family to politics to work-related issues. Data were recorded with the informants＇ consent and are then transcribed. Our findings indicate that Malaysian women professionals are open, direct and forward in their talk as a result of the influence of cultural and religious conditioning and conditions. With higher education and wider exposure, they are also less inhibited by traditional norms. It would seem that educational exposure and the level of experience play a role in shifting Malaysian women from being demure to being more forward. Nevertheless, some remnants of traditional, cultural and religious values are interlaced within the forwardness. This study will provide some insights into the role of culture in communication. Evidence is drawn from the way the two ethnic groups perceive, interpret, and maintain respect for each other.

The Empowerment of Elderly People-in South East Asia： The Social Responsibility of the Young Generation in the Region

This paper puts a focus on the empowerment of the elderly people in modern society. The expected increasing of elder population is a reminder of more social responsibility for the younger generation who has to learn a lot from the experiences of elderly people for the society. While it is acknowledged the importance of addressing the increase of aging population issue in other countries, this paper focuses on selected three countries of Myanmar, Malaysia, and Vietnam as the fact that these three countries are economically rapidly developing, and highly expecting the possible aging population issues. This paper briefly highlights the importance of elderly people by discussing on a brief view on elderly population： a reminder of social responsibility of the young generation, understanding the elderly and their experiences of the life, community organizing for empowering the elderly people, the meaningful participation and elderly empowerment, and the implication for social work practice with the elderly.

The Explicit Portrayal of Obscenity in American Television Series on The Grey＇s Anatomy

The portrayal of obscenity in television series is not a new issue in our society. It is a reasonable fact to be understood, that the exposure to such explicit content of obscenity is acceptable in Western culture but somehow or rather, the acceptance of obscenity among the Asian society is still taboo and this has geared parents to pay greater attention to what type of media content should be watched by their children. The researcher believes the audience could also educate themselves by watching such television series since Malaysia is lacking in sexual education. This research consists of qualitative content analysis. The researcher had included the obscene visuals and dialogues in order to justify the existence of such sexual portrayal on the Grey＇s Anatomy TV series. A theory was selected for this study--the application on selected variables from a previous research done by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation （Sex on TV4, 2005）. The researchers had found that such TV content could be a medium to promote safe sex messages since Malaysia lacks in sex education. The implication on theory was to distinguish the obscenity portrayal in TV series in shaping the audiences＇ acceptance.

Construction Waste Quantification and Benchmarking： A Study in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Construction industry is a major contributor of negative impact to the environment. Estimation of construction waste amount is crucial for implementing waste minimization program. Estimation of construction waste amount generated is a mean in assessing the potential for waste reduction. Decision-making should be based on quantified measurements expressed in numerical terms to effectively minimize waste produced. A better understanding of C＆D waste generation in terms of causes and sources can be achieved. Lack of benchmarking will hinder the implementation of more sustainable practices in the industry. The aim of this paper is to establish benchmarks on construction waste generation rate in Klang Valley （greater Kuala Lumpur）, Malaysia using appropriate waste quantification method. Nine projects in Klang Valley constructed between 2006-2010 have been selected for this study, which include residential and commercial building projects conducted by a wide range of contractors employing conventional and IBS systems. Wastage level and waste index approaches had been employed in this study as tools for quantifying waste and also for environmental assessment. Types of waste that generated at significant amount, such as concrete, timber, reinforcement bars, tiles, screeds, and plaster are considered. Other factors, such as waste management provision, Environmental Management System （EMS） employed, record-keeping, contractors＇ profile and other related policies are also assessed by conducting interviews with construction personnel. Based on the findings, overall site-management, size of project, and awareness of waste management among construction personnel are the most significant factors that contribute to construction waste generation. Currently, there is still relatively lack of waste minimization awareness among construction players in Malaysia as reflected by poor waste record-keeping, lack of waste sorting and recycling practice, low usage of IBS systems, and lack of supports from top management, clients, and authorities. The roles of construction authorities are essential in achieving the desired benchmark in waste generation rate for Malaysian context. Construction authorities as the policy maker and enforcer could develop and issue new regulations or incentives to stimulate and encourage waste management practices and the use of green building technology, establishing formally standardized systems in record-keeping of quantitative data, introduce useful guidelines and measures, conduct education and training to achieve sustainability and better environmental awareness among Malaysian construction players.

Green Highway for Malaysia： A Literature Review

This paper reviewed on the green highway definition and green highway terminology to improve knowledge and awareness of green highway for highway construction projects. Moreover, this paper discussed briefly on the rating system for green highway by highlighting various eight rating systems for green highway. This study adopted the secondary data from previous research and findings on green highway construction from all over the world. With regard to published articles on green highways, the outcome of the paper will examine several major issues in green highway which are the definition of green highway, terminology used for green highway aspects, green highway initiatives and green highway rating systems from all over the world.

Impact of agricultural activities-motor vehicles and e-waste on sediment characteristics of the Serin River, Malaysia

Sediment is a sink for organic materials, nutrients and heavy metals and sediment condition affects the overlying water Though Serin River is a source of drinking water, agricultural and waste disposal activities in the watershed may impact the sediment of the river. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the organic matter, nutrients and heavy metals in the sediment of the Serin River. Five stations were selected for sediment sample collection. Results of the study show that organic matter （OM） ranged from 0.7% to 5.9%, TP was 100 -366 （mg/kg）, TAN was 16-141 （mg/kg）, TON was 550-3019（mg/kg）, and TKN was 566-3160 （mg/kg）. Sediment oxygen demand （SOD20） ranged from 5.6 to 14.2 （g O2/m^2/d）. Among the five stations OM, TKN, and SOD of the sediment were second highest at the two stations downstream of animal （fish, chicken and pig） farming. TP and TAN were the second highest at the station downstream of fish farming and third highest at the station downstream of pig farming. Zn, Cu and Cd ranged from 132-357 （mg/kg）, 26.7-96.7 （mg/kg） and 4.0-19.3（mg/kg）. According to USEPA guideline, sediments at four stations were heavily polluted with Zn, Cu and Cd whereas the station that was farthest upstream, near a village, was slightly polluted with Zn and Cu. This study indicates that animal farming has an impact on the organic matter content, nutrients （N and P）, oxygen demand and heavy metals of the sediment. Motor vehicles and discarded e-waste also contributed to the heavy metals in the sediment. Farm effluents and storm water should be treated and e-waste recycled to protect the water quality of the river for its designated use.

Readiness of a Developing Nation in Implementing Automation and Robotics Technologies in Construction： A Case Study of Malaysia

The Malaysian government＇s vision to be a developed nation by 2020 has pushed forward the use of innovative technologies in most sectors and industries, including the construction industry. Through the ETP （Economic Transformation Programme）, major projects launched are expected to provide a great catalyst for the economy, and may become the platform for increasing the use of automation and highly enhanced plants and machineries in the construction industry. Innovations in most countries are mostly driven by the need to find revolutionary solutions to problems, such as a shortage of skilled labor, decreasing quality of product and processes, inferior working conditions, declining productivity and increasing costs of labor and materials. Automation and robotics technologies encompass a wide range of innovative technologies using technologically advanced machineries to improve the speed and efficiency of a given process. This paper discusses the readiness of a developing country in embracing construction automation and robotics, by exploring industry perception, suggested practices and barriers to its implementation using a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews directed at Malaysian construction finns of contractors, specialist sub-contractors, developers and consultants. The findings show that the Malaysian construction industry is ready, to a certain extent, for implementing the technologies in limited areas such as prefabrication and assembly and in the design, planning and costing phases.

Impact of Climate Change on Regional Hydroclimate Projection in Peninsular Malaysia

For the assessment of the impact of future climate change on the hydrologic regime and water resources of Peninsular Malaysia, it is necessary to downscale the climate change simulations of a coarse scale General Circulation Model to the region of Peninsular Malaysia at fine grid resolution. This paper presents a desktop review of the state of climate change parameters, namely rainfall and river flow over the Peninsular Malaysia for the 2041-2050 projection period. Analysis of the results from the models shows there will be a substantial increase in mean monthly precipitation over the North East Coastal region from historical 259.5 mm to 281.5 mm, from 289.0 mm to 299.0 mm and 221.8 mm to 239.5 mm over Terengganu and Kelantan, respectively. Meanwhile, for river flow projection, it will be an expected increase in interannual and intraseasonal variability with increased hydrologic extremes （higher high flows, and lower low flows） at Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, and Kedah watersheds in the future.

Physicochemical Analysis of Selected Durian Hybrids at Bukit Tangga, Kedah, Malaysia

The physicochemical analysis was carried out to quantify the total soluble solids, acidity, pH, ascorbic acid contents and pulp colour of eight selected durian hybrid clones. The aim of this study was to select the most promising durian hybrids for commercialization. The durian hybrid fruits were collected in an established durian research plot. All tested characteristics with the exception for total soluble solids （TSS） showed significant differences （P 〈 0.05） amongst the eight durian hybrids with four check cultivars. F1 hybrid 15-3 had significantly higher pH （7.25） and lower titratable acidity （0.09%） than other hybrids. While for ascorbic acid content, durian hybrid 7-3 （26.13 rag/100 g） showed significantly higher than other hybrids. As for pulp colour, hybrids 1-15, 1-17 and 7-20 were yellowish orange/deep yellow. Even though there was no significant differences for TSS, three durian hybrids showed value above 39.00 °Brix and there were hybrid 14-3 （39.97 °Brix）, hybrid 8-16 （39.83 °Brix） and hybrid 7-3 （39.50 °Brix）. Based on the results of this study, Fl hybrids durian 1-15, 7-3, 8-16, 14-3 and 15-3 shall become successful candidates for recommendation to farmers for commercial production in Malaysia. However, further evaluations on fruit eating quality and stability of the hybrids should be completed prior to recommendation for commercialization.

Oil Palm Soil Variability in West Malaysia as Affected by Its Parent Materials

The research aimed to analyze soil variability induced by parent materials for oil palm in West Malaysia. The research results can provide basic information on potential reserves of nutrients to improve soil productivity for oil palm. Soil samples were collected from two locations （granite soils and basalt soils）. The collected soil samples were completely analyzed in laboratory. The research results showed that based on mineral resistance to weathering （sand and silt mineral sizes）, mineral weathering of granite and basalt is divided into three categories, i.e., very slow weathered mineral （quartz and muscovite）, slowly weathered mineral （K-feldspar, Na and Ca-feldspar and biotite）, and easily weathered mineral （hornblende, augit, olivine, dolomite, calcite and gypsum） Losing mineral during weathering process from granite to clay is determined by containing mineral in rocks. Such minerals （CaO, Na：O, KzO, MgO and SiO2） loosed 100%, 95.0%, 83.5%, 74.7% and 52.5%, respectively, but Fe203 is disappeared only 14.4%. Soil properties characters of granite soil is more acid, has very low to low chemical soil fertility and is dominated by sand fraction, furthermore basalt soil is acid, has low to moderate chemical soil fertility and is dominated by clay fraction. Granite and basalt soils are able to produce FFB of oil palm （Fresh Fruit Bunches） 13-18 ton/ha in a year and 19-24 ton/ha in a year, respectively. The production difference of both soils is around 6.0 ton/ha in a year.

Status of Renewable Energy Applications in the Malaysian Energy Mix

Demand for power in Malaysia is projected to double the current demand in 2030. The current fuel mix for power generation is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. This has created energy supply and environmental sustainability concerns to the industry. Furthermore, at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009-15th Conference of Parties （COP15）, Malaysia had given the commitment to voluntary reduction of up to 40% in terms of emissions intensity of GDP by the year 2020 compared to 2005 levels. Renewable energy （RE） provides the best alternative in addressing these issues. In 2001, RE was regarded as the fifth fuel in the new Five Fuel Strategy of the National Energy Policy. Small Renewable Energy Program （SREP） was launched with the main objective of supporting the government＇s strategy to intensify the development of RE as the fifth fuel resource. Biomass, the largest amongst the main RE resources available, can be used for heat and power generation. With optimum utilization, the value ofbiomass resources in Malaysia is estimated to be more than RM 500 billion （USD 156 billion） over the next 20 years. Malaysia has the capacity to use renewable energy resources to address the national energy agenda.

Social Media Use for Information-Sharing Activities Among Youth in Malaysia

Social media are popular among youth for sharing information. This study tries to explore the popularity of the social media sites, the level of use of the social media sites, the types of information-sharing activities involved on the social media sites, to compare youth of various background in relation to information-sharing activities, and to analyze the relationship between the level of social media use and the information-sharing activities among youth. This study employs a quantitative research design, using survey method with questionnaire as the research instrument used for data collection. In this study, youth aged between 17-40 years old nationwide were surveyed. The study was developed based on the user and gratification theory （Blumler ＆ Katz, 1974）. Findings showed that youth always （five to seven days per week） use social media to share information including personal information. Results also showed that youth used the social media more for sharing negatively-oriented information compared to the positively-oriented information. Although there were more items on the positively-oriented information-sharing activities but more youth spent their time on the negatively-oriented information-sharing activities. The results are supported by a strong relationship between frequency of use and the negatively-oriented information-sharing activities.

Soil Carbon Dioxide Efflux and Atmospheric Impact in a 10-Year-Old Dipterocarpus Recovering Lowland Tropical Forest, Peninsular Malaysia

The recovering logged-over forest ecosystem increases the CO2 efflux into the atmospheric carbon pool in response to environmental factors to changes in the soil temperature and moisture. These CO2 outbursts can have a marked influence on the ecosystem carbon balance and thereby affect the atmospheric carbon pool. The study was conducted in the 10-year-old logged-over forest of Sungai Menyala forest, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The measurements of soil CO2 efflux were conducted using the continuous open flow chamber technique connected to a multi gas-handling unit and infrared CO2/H2O gas analyser. The aim of this study was to determine the soil CO2 efflux and the environmental variables and likewise the impact of environmental factors on soil CO2 efflux. Post-hoc comparisons were made using the Tukey test （p 〈 0.05）, and multiple linear regression to determine the impact of environmental factors on soil CO2 efflux. Soil CO2 efflux ranged from 100.22-553.40 mg m^-2 h^-1 with the highest efflux in the afternoon attributed to an increase in soil temperature and low moisture. A higher soil temperature and low moisture signify an influential factor as the forest is recovering from logging activity. Furthermore, the predictor environmental variables： SOC （soil organic carbon）, TOC （total organic carbon）, SMC （soil moisture content）, Bulk Density, SOCstock （soil organic carbon stock）, TAGB （total above ground carbon biomass）, Below Ground Carbon Biomass, soil pH, Nitrogen to Carbon ratio account for the spatial and temporal variation in soil CO： efflux into the atmosphere. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between soil CO2 efflux, changes soil properties and environmental factors with an R^2 more than 0.80 at p 〈 0.01. This is proven that logging activity accounts for the changes in environmental factors to influence soil CO2 efflux rate within 10-years of logging and forest recovering.

Site-selective benzylic C–H oxidation through mediated electrolysis

A novel strategy for site-selective benzylic C–H oxidation has been developed through mediated electrolysis.A bulky maleimide N-oxyl radical(MINO)generated by proton-coupled electrochemical oxidation of N-hydroxymaleimide(NHMI),serves as a hydrogen atom-transfer mediator.Good-to-excellent site selectivity was observed among different substrates,providing a practical approach for site-selective benzylic C–H oxidation.Additionally,the hydrogen-atom transfer mechanism for C–H electrochemical oxidation allows the oxidation to proceed at much lower anode potentials relative to direct electrolysis and with minimal reliance on the substrate's electronic properties.

Bio-Fertilizer,Ground Magnesium Limestone and Basalt Applications May Improve Chemical Properties of Malaysian Acid Sulfate Soils and Rice Growth

Acid sulfate soils are normally not suitable for crop production unless they are appropriately ameliorated. An experiment was conducted in a glasshouse to enhance the growth of rice, variety MR219, planted on an acid sulfate soil using various soil amendments.The soil was collected from Semerak, Kelantan, Malaysia. Ground magnesium limestone(GML), bio-fertilizer, and basalt(each 4t ha-1) were added either alone or in combinations into the soil in pots 15 d before transplanting. Nitrogen, P and potash were applied at 150, 30, and 60 kg ha-1, respectively. Three seven-day-old rice seedlings were transplanted into each pot. The soil had a p H of 3.8 and contained organic C of 21 g kg-1, N of 1.2 g kg-1, available P of 192 mg kg-1, exchangeable K of 0.05 cmol c kg-1,and exchangeable Al of 4.30 cmol c kg-1, with low amounts of exchangeable Ca and Mg(0.60 and 0.70 cmol c kg-1). Bio-fertilizer treatment in combination with GML resulted in the highest p H of 5.4. The presence of high Al or Fe concentrations in the control soil without amendment severely affected the growth of rice. At 60 d of growth, higher plant heights, tiller numbers and leaf chlorophyll contents were obtained when the bio-fertilizer was applied individually or in combination with GML compared to the control. The presence of beneficial bacteria in bio-fertilizer might produce phytohormones and organic acids that could enhance plant growth and subsequently increase nutrient uptake by rice. Hence, it can be concluded that addition of bio-fertilizer and GML improved rice growth by increasing soil p H which consequently eliminated Al and/or Fe toxicity prevalent in the acid sulfate soil.

Urban Forestry as a Vehicle for Healthy and Sustainable Development

Urban forestry has been defined as the art, science and technology of managing trees and forestresources in and around urban community ecosystems for the physiological, sociological, economic andaesthetic benefits trees provide. The importance of urban forestry has received limited attention in manypoor countries as it is often percieved as being associated with beautification projects, which are considereda luxury benefiting only the wealthier part of the population. However, urban forestry may have a number ofenvironmental, economic and socio-cultural values, which will also benefit poorer segments of city populations.Even in poorer countries, planning for urban trees and forests is a good investment, as these areas will bedemanded when income levels increase. Once everything is allocated to other construction or infrastructure,it may be very difficult to create new green areas unless these are planned for.The Danish Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning has been leading actor in the development of UrbanForestry during the last decade. EUFORIC (European Urban Forestry Research and Information Centre),COST Action E12 Urban Forests and Trees and E39 Forests, Trees and Human Health and Wellbeing areall examples of activities initiated and coordinated by the Danish centre. It has also developed urban forestryand urban greening as a concept for environment and development aid projects in Eastern Europe anddeveloping countries in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. Over the coming years, the main challange willbe to ensure that the expansion of the green infrastructure in the worlds urban areas is implemented withinthe framework of sustainability and human health and well-being, without the use of a technology inimical toman and nature and with as few chemical aids as possible.