THE EFFECT OF RESIDENTIAL LAYOUT DESIGN ON NEIGHBOURHOOD RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN JOHOR BAHRU

In Malaysia, typically, the grid system of terrace houses layout has been dominated by landed housing in the property market for many years. The grid system of residential layout may offer more units to be built up by the developers. This situation may lead to fewer open spaces, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities in a strategic location within the neighbourhood schemes. Adopting some residential layout patterns may influence activities, frequency, interest, time, place, and route while doing their recreational activities. A study related to residential layout mainly focuses on building orientation, building design, privacy, safety, traffic calming, and social relation; however, a limited number of studies examine the effect of neighbourhood design on dwellers’ recreational activities routine and pattern. This paper aims to assess the relationship between residential layout design and its impact on dwellers’ recreational activities in well-planned landed neighbourhood schemes. Using observation, two (2) different residential layouts in Johor Bahru were selected as the study area, namely Taman Mutiara Rini (Presint Bakti), for the grid housing schemes and Taman Nong Chik Height for the innovative honeycomb layout. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings in this paper proposed recreational activities in the residential layout may be influenced by several design factors. The design of neighbourhood and outdoor open spaces, for example, played an essential role in residents’ evaluation of the various recreational activities. This study concludes that residential neighbourhoods design, including buildings and the neighbouring environment, significantly impacts people's ability to participate in neighbourhood recreational activities. Based on this research’s findings, residential layouts’ design in both study areas influenced local dwellers’ recreational activities types behaviour and preferred route through outdoor space arrangement.

Impact of Export Trade Promotion Organizations on Export Development in Latvia in the Context of Globalization

Research background: The impact of globalization in the 21st century is increasingly bringing change in the world’s political, economic, social and technological processes. It has become much easier to get information about relevant events across the borders, which lead to the visibility and accessibility of international business environment. International organizations promote and encourage small countries in the same manner as large ones in order to integrate them into the world’s economic development. As a result, most countries become partners and benefit through this globalization process which can be seen as a triggering factor for a successful cross-border trade. Purpose of the article: This paper aims to analyse the impact of Trade Promotion Organizations (TPO) on business in Latvia and its usefulness for export activities as well as contribution of TPO program to GDP growth in Latvia in the period from 2004 to 2019. Methods: In this research authors have used a case study method and analysed the experience of TPO in the global trade environment. Secondary data were obtained from statistical databases and research literature; regulations of international organizations in relevant countries - from publicly available sources. Findings & Value added: Results of this research indicate that organizations which promote and support Latvian export positively influence activities and high-quality cooperation with exporting companies and entrepreneurs who want to trade abroad. At the end of the research, the authors summarize their findings about TPO’s support activities to exporters in Latvia and other countries.

Pyrethroids: How They Affect Human and Animal Health?

Pyrethroids are pesticides commonly used in crop protection; in the forestry, wood, and textile industries; as well as in medicine and veterinary medicine to treat parasitic crustacean infestations. They have been found to be relatively safe for humans and animals. Pyrethroids are recommended for personal protection against malaria and virus Zika by the World Health Organization. Pyrethroids act on voltage-gated sodium channels, which cause an influx of sodium ions into the nerve cells and permanent depolarization. They also influence activities of enzymes, especially in nerve and liver cells. Contact of pyrethroids with the skin, digestive tract, and respiratory tract results in their penetration into the body. Due to the importance of the subject, a summary of the current state of knowledge on the toxic effects of pyrethroids was presented in the comprehensive review by Chrustek et al, published in journal Medicina. Particular attention was paid to nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, cardiotoxic, immunotoxic, neurotoxic, and behavioral effects of pyrethroids on human and animal bodies. It could be added that pyrethroids generate oxidative stress, which modifies DNA, RNA, protein, lipid and carbohydrate molecules. However, public awareness of the possible negative effects of the use of insecticides is still low. Further research should be carried out to clarify the molecular basis of the pathomechanism of pyrethroid detrimental action. Proper dissemination of the results seems to be of first importance for public health.

Influence Activities, Coalitions, and Uniform Policies: Implications for the Regulation of Financial Institutions

We examine a setting in which agents can form lobbying coalitions to influence a policy maker. Policy uniformity causes agents to free ride on each other’s lobbying and gives them an incentive to form lobbying coalitions. We investigate when coalitions are formed by similar or dissimilar agents and show that endogenous coalition formation causes the effects of policy uniformity and lobbying costs on aggregate lobbying activity and policy strength to be nonmonotonic. Our model suggests that increased competition in the market for coalition-facilitating lobbyists can lead to less lobbying. We discuss implications for the regulation of financial institutions. This paper was accepted by Shiva Rajgopal, accounting.

HUBUNGAN PENGEMBANGAN KAWASAN BISNIS DAN PARIWISATA TERPADU DI KOTA MAKASSAR TERHADAP KAWASAN PESISIR KECAMATAN GALESONG UTARA KABUPATEN TAKALAR

Integrated business and tourism development in Makassar was an effort to utilize the potentials of the region in supporting the development activities. One of the areas that identified as having influence activities from the business and tourism area in Makassar City was North Galesong District. The area was located in the north and was approximately 27 kilometers from the capital of Takalar Regency. North Galesong District was one of the connecting routes to Akkarena Beach which was an alternative route for people from and headed to Makassar City. This study was aim to determine the relationship between the development of integrated business and tourism area in Makassar City and the coastal area in North Galesong District. Correlation analysis test was used to determine the effect of the development program. The pond, the number of fisherman, trade services and facilities, as well as road infrastructure were used as parameter. This study showed that the relationship between trade facilities and services and road infrastructure gave a positive contribution. The development of trade service activities and the increase in the length of roads were closely linked to the development of integrated business and tourism areas in Makassar City.

Brussels will grow as target for Chinese spies

Subject Chinese espionage in Brussels. Significance A former EU ambassador, Gerhard Sabathil, is under investigation by German authorities on suspicion of spying on behalf of China. The case sheds light on Beijing’s espionage and political influence activities on European soil. Impacts Neutralising political dissent and stealing intellectual property will remain the main concerns of China’s intelligence services. Brussels is becoming a hotspot for Chinese intelligence, suggesting that Beijing sees Belgium as a relatively safe operating environment. Chinese intelligence will become more active in EU affairs as the bloc’s importance in global geopolitics increases.