Mapping seagrass from satellite remote sensing data

This paper reviews some early results on a method adopted in mapping seagrass using Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper data. Seagrass information was extracted from satellite remotely sensed data using depth invariant index (DII) where the sea bottom features were expressed as index (i.e. each bottom type was represented by one index). DII was determined from radiance values recorded in band 1, 2 and 3 which taking into account the effect of water attenuation. Sea truth samples collected during the satellites overpass were used in calibrating DII and an independent accuracy assessment of information extracted

Integration of Remote Sensing-GIS Techniques for Mapping and Monitoring Seagrass and Ocean Colour off Malaysian Coasts

This paper describes seagrass and ocean colour mapping off Peninsular Malaysia. The seagrass were extracted from visible bands of Landsat TM using the depth invariant index of the scabottom type. The ocean colour which much referred to plankton concentration is derived by regressing samples from known site collected at time of satellite overpass. Out these information were then input into GIS database which were also being established to assist the Marine Fisheries Management and Development Centre in managing and monitoring coastal areas This paper also addresses the experience gained in building spatial database for coastal areas various dala collected from various mapping environments were carried out

Flame propagation and burning rates of methane-air in a closed combustion vessel

The propagation and burning rates of methane-air mixtures were investigated at initial atmospheric pressure with temperature range of 298-302K and equivalence ratio range of 0.8 to 1.3. Experiments were performed in a cylindrical constant volume combustion chamber where the mixture is ignited by centrally located electrodes. The images of spherically expanding flame were observed and recorded using schlieren photography technique with high speed camera system. Analysis of the flame area yield flame radii and further burning rates in term of outwardly flame speed propagation can be calculated. Results shows that smooth spherical flames were observed throughout the flame propagation for all equivalence ratios. The fastest flame propagation was recorded at equivalence ratio 1.0 and 1.2. In addition, flame speed of each equivalence ratio exhibits small fluctuation probably arising from acoustic disturbance. This disturbance becomes more apparent at higher equivalence ratio

UTILIZING ZUHD HADITHS FOR UPPER-CLASS CRIME PREVENTION

Crime is becoming more widespread, with varied motives and often involving influential elites. The consequences of crimes committed by these elites are enormous, affecting not only themselves but also their families, institutions, and others. Therefore, addressing the increasing crime committed by influential elites requires efforts focused on prevention rather than just heavy punishment. One potential solution is through a religious approach, particularly by referencing the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Several hadiths teach the concept of Zuhd, which emphasizes avoiding excessive wealth accumulation and enjoying giving and sharing blessings with others. This article aims to present the Prophet’s teachings on leading a humble life and not excessively valuing wealth. The study employed qualitative research methods, including a literature review of relevant library sources. As a result, this article emphasizes that the Prophet taught that the orientation of human life should not solely focus on fulfilling worldly demands but also on having faith in the afterlife. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) exemplified Zuhd in his life, and his example needs to be emulated in the modern world today. Elite individuals who embody Zuhd will be more capable of restraining themselves from committing crimes while fulfilling their duties. This is because the attribute of Zuhd encourages everyone capable of committing a crime to refrain from doing so

Management of an outbreak of brucellosis in a multiple species ruminant farm in Malaysia

This case report describes the management of an outbreak of brucellosis in a mixed ruminant farm in Selangor, central region of Peninsular Malaysia. Two cows with a history of abortion and endometritis were presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Based on the history, physical examination and results of Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), brucellosis was highly suspected. This led to the screening of all the animals (n = 384) in the affected farm. The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) revealed that 23 cattle were positive, while no agglutination was observed in goats and deer. A confirmatory test was performed on all the (n = 384) animals using the complement fixation test (CFT) and the results showed that two (2) cows and five (5) deer tested positive. The CFT positive animals were culled. Preventive steps were then taken where the remaining cattle in the herd were vaccinated once using the RB51 vaccine, while the deer and goats were not vaccinated. All animals in the herd were also recommended to be subjected for blood sampling every 4 months and the serum samples to be tested using competitive ELISA to distinguish between serological responses due to vaccination from infection. To overcome outbreak scenario of brucellosis in a farm, a prompt action and a concerted team work among relevant stakeholders are crucial to curb the situation

Reproductive hormonal variations and adenohypophyseal lesions in pre-pubertal buffalo heifers inoculated with Pasteurella multocida type B: 2 and its immunogens

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic septicemia is a fatal disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by P. multocida. Although the pathogenesis of the bacteria has been well established in literature, there is a paucity of information on the possible role of the bacteria and its immunogens; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) on the reproductive capacity of buffalo heifers. METHODS: In this study, twenty one healthy prepubertal female buffaloes aged 8 months were divided into seven groups of 3 buffaloes each (G1-G7). Group 1 (G1) served as the negative control group and were inoculated orally with 10 mL sterile Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS), groups 2 (G2) and 3 (G3) were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10 mL of 1012 colony forming unit (cfu) of P.multocida type B: 2, while groups 4 (G4) and 5 (G5) received 10 mL of bacterial LPS orally and intravenously, respectively. Lastly, groups 6 (G6) and 7 (G7) were orally and subcutaneously inoculated with 10 mL of bacterial OMPs. Whole blood was collected in EDTA vials at stipulated time points (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 312, 360, 408, 456 and 504 h), while tissue sections of the pituitary glands were collected and transported to the histopathology laboratory in 10% buffered formalin for processing and Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (PG), estradiol (EST) and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) were determined. RESULTS: The histopathological lesions observed in the pituitary gland included hemorrhage, congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, hydropic degeneration, necrosis and edema. These changes were higher (p < 0.05) in distribution and severity in G3, G6 and G7. Hormonal concentrations of LH, FSH, PG, EST and GnRH declined in all inoculation groups as time elapsed and were lower (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, P.multocida B: 2 and its immunogens can be said to negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in decreased levels of reproductive hormones which may predispose to infertility in buffalo heifers

Integration of remote sensing-GIS Techniques for mapping Seagrass and Ocean Colour off Malaysian Coasts

This paper describes seagrass and ocean colour mapping off Peninsular Malaysia. The seagrass were extracted form visible bands of Landsat TM using the depth invariant index of the seabottom type. The ocean colour which is much referred to micro-plankton concentration is derived by regressing samples form known site collected at time of satellite overpass. Both these information were then input into GIS database which were also being established to assist the Marine Fisheries Management and Development Center in managing and monitoring coastal areas

Spectral Characteristics of Seagrass with Landsat TM in Northern Sabah Coastline, Malaysia

The spectral characteristics of Landsat TM bands 1, 2 and 3 were examined over identified seagrass area in the South China Sea, off northern coastline of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Two seagrass types namely the low and high dense classes were used in this study. Two main extraction techniques employed ere the spectral transform based on band ratioing and radiative transfer model. Results of this study indicated that band ratio of band 2/band 1 gave a better spectral response to high dense and low dense seagrass distribution than band 3/band1, whereas band ratioing after applying radiative transfer model could not detect any seagrass in the study area

Biofuel pulse combustion characteristics

The phenomenon of pulse combustion of hydrocarbon-oxygen mixtures was investigated experimentally. An experimental rig that consists of a stainless steel tube with inner diameter of 100mm, complete with data acquisition system, ignition control unit and filling system was built in order to measure the characteristics of pulse combustion such as, pressure, velocity and cell width. Two types of hydrocarbon fuels were used in this investigation, which were propane and natural gas with 92.7% methane. Synthetic biogas was produced by mixing 65% natural gas with 35% carbon dioxide. Results showed that natural gas and biogas are not sensitive to detonation propagation compared to propane. The oxygen concentration in the oxidizer mixture was diluted with nitrogen gas at various percentage of dilution. It was found that in smooth inner wall tube, combustion wave propagate as a detonation wave if the percent of dilution gas is not more than approximately 35%. Combustion wave may accelerate and transit into detonation wave if it propagates in a very long channel. In order to accelerate the combustion wave into detonation wave within 0.5m of the tube, array of obstacles with identical lockage ratio was placed inside the tube near to the ignition source. It was confirmed that the obstacle could enhance the transition process within the given length