Background: Surgical mortality data are collected routinely in high-income countries, yet virtually no low-or middle-income countries have outcome surveillance in place. The aim was prospectively to collect worldwide mortality data following emergency abdominal surgery, comparing findings across countries with a low, middle or high Human Development Index (HDI).Methods: This was a prospective, multicentre, cohort study. Self-selected hospitals performing emergency surgery submitted prespecified data for consecutive patients from at least one 2-week interval during July to December 2014. Postoperative mortality was analysed by hierarchical multivariable logistic regression.

Problem statement: This study examined the public procurement system as prevalent in the Malaysian government system of administration. Various aspects of public procurement are outlined including types and the processes that entail public procurement. This study also highlighted the weaknesses in the manual public procurement processes that are opened to potential abuse and mismanagement resulting in corruption. This study places the Malaysian Government public procurement system under the spotlight zeroing on allegations of abuse, tampering and corrupt practices. The study concluded that the large amount of funds allocated to public procurement coupled with excessive human intervention opportunities opened avenues that increase the risk of system abuse, profiteering and corruption. Case studies on the abuse and corruption of the public procurement system highlight the need for the Malaysian Government to eliminate the loopholes in the system, arrest the rot and implement a transparent, efficient and accountable public procurement system. Approach: Documents from the Ministry of Finance on public procurement including, among others, the Procurement Guideline Book, The Financial Procedures Act 1957, the Treasury Instructions (TI) and the Treasury Circular Letter (TCL) were scrutinized in studying the Malaysian Government public procurement system, its various attributes, types and processes that reflect a diversified approach to public procurement. Three case studies were cited to illustrate the susceptibility of the system to abuse and corruption. Results: Despite claims of openness and transparency of the public procurement system, it was found the current system is replete with the risk of abuse, unethical manipulations and corrupt practices. This research is limited to the analysis of data and processes related to the Malaysian Government public procurement system. The sensitivity of the subject may inhibit the collection of empirical data via surveys or interviews. Records of court cases involving corruption offered clues to areas in the system prone to human intervention. Conclusion: This research helps identify areas of improvement in the Malaysian Government public procurement system and thus raises the possibility of enormous cost savings and the eradication of rampant corruption and abuse. This study shows that, while the public procurement system may be available in the Malaysian Government system of administration, weaknesses in the public procurement processes may open avenues for corruption to take place. Corruption stemming from a procurement system weak on aspects of 'check and balance' will cause a major drain on the national budget and can result in a huge loss of public funds. Eventually, the nations credibility in the eyes of the international business community will be severely tainted thus reducing the overall competitiveness of the country.

No abstract

No abstract

Problem statement: Public awareness of sustainable agriculture is low, especially in organic paddy practices. As alternative, introducing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) application like electronic learning is an effective way to educate and promote the young generation to appreciate sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to discuss a design of a prototype of persuasive learning in virtual paddy as a tool to promote sustainable practices in paddy farming using Malaysia paddy farming practices as a case study. Approach: The real practice in sustainable paddy farming practices has been adapted in design of prototype. A method used for prototype design and development in this study is adapted from the model for design and development created by Alessi and Trollip. After that, a pilot test will be conducted with the help of an expert user. In addition, a lab experiment was conducted in the Computer Laboratory of the Engineering Department, University Putra Malaysia. Respondents from the Biology, Engineering and Agriculture Department student, Faculty of Engineering were selected randomly to answer the usability and awareness questionnaire. Results: Finding of this study shown the way of information and communication technology can facilitate understanding in organic paddy farming practice. The prototype also improves the level of awareness in sustainable agriculture in general. Conclusion/Recommendations: For future study, more research about potential used of learning environment in the sustainable issues can be carried out.