Crash Investigation on Automobile vs. Crash Barrier: Assessment of W-Beam Guardrail with respect to REAM Standard

Road traffic crashes involving longitudinal traffic safety barriers, especially W-beam guardrails, are not uncommon. This shows the importance of the guardrails in performing its functions. In Malaysia, installation of the guardrails are according to a guideline published by REAM in 2006. However, the compliance of the barriers installation to the standards can be further verified to ensure its quality and integrity. Site survey on the barriers shows that compliance to the standards are high if it is installed and maintained under the concession, e.g. by PLUS Expressways Berhad. However, there are some issues concerning installation of barriers if it is under custodian of local authorities. The parameters used to measure the compliance, among others, are installation ground condition, overlapping, post height, post spacing, clear zone, guardrail conditions and sub-standards installation. It is suggested to the local authorities to give more emphasis on the inspection of existing barriers, as well as maintenance and replacement of barriers. This is because the barriers will not perform according to its function as it is intended under non-reliable conditions. The outcomes of this study will provide the road transport related agencies on the real conditions of W- beam guardrails installed on roads in Malaysia.</jats:p

Immunomodulatory and growth-promoting effect of a probiotic supplemented in the feed of broiler chicks vaccinated against infectious bursal disease

This study was designed to investigate the effects of a probiotic plus an immunomodulatory product on the growth performance, immune response and net economic returns of broiler chicks vaccinated against Infectious bursal diseases virus (IBDV). A flock of 350 day-old chicks were equally and randomly distributed in seven groups, each comprising 50 birds. A mixture of microorganisms (¹Probiotic) or Cyclophosphamide (immune suppressor) was offered through feed supplementation to different groups. The Probiotic, consisting of Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus salivarius and Enterococcus faecium, in addition to Aspergillus oryza and Candida pintolopessii. Compared with control treatment group, the probiotic-supplemented chicks had better feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.938 and 1.959), with significantly heavier live body weight 2141.0±34.2 and 2120.3±33.2, respectively. Similarly, their antibody titers against IBDV were significantly higher (941 and 832) on day 35. No morbidity and mortality were observed in these groups. This study suggests that a product composed of a probiotic and cyclophosphamide enhanced the growth rate as well as the immunity against infectious bursal disease virus of broilers chicks

Modelling Corporate Competitive Capabilities for SMEs in the Malaysian Manufacturing Sector: An Exploratory Study

This study empirically tests the relationship between the four factors of corporate competitive capabilities (CCC) (cost leadership, differentiation, innovative marketing and customer service) and business performance. The study specifically emphasises small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. The study’s quantitative approach is based on the responses of 135 Malaysian manufacturing SMEs responded to a postal questionnaire. Empirical results from structural equation modelling (SEM) demonstrate an insignificant relationship between CCC and business performance