Ayer Hitam Forest (AHFR) from space using satellite remote sensing

There is a high demand to map and monitor the land use and assess their condition for ecological and economic reasons. Information on existing land and cover and their spatial distribution is a pre-requisite for any planning, development and management programme. In this study, Landsat TM data of 1998 were acquired over the AHFR and it's vicinity which covers an area more than 1, 300 ha. The objective of this paper is to map AHFR and assess the land cover of AHFR in 1998 as well as its surrounding area using remote sensing technology. Digital data processing and analysis were carried out using PCI/EASI PACE software, version 6.2 available in Faculty of Forestry, UPM. A false Colour Composite (FCC) of Landsat TM band 4-5-3 (R-G-B) was used in supervised classification using Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC). From a visual interpretation, several features of AHFR could be identified such as federal road, forest road, cleared land, built-up area, oil palm, water bodies and rubber plantation etc. Meanwhile, digital classification showed that seven land use types surrounding AHFR such as forest, secondary forest/shrubs, oil palm, rubber, built-up area, cleared land and water bodies could a easily be mapped out. The mean overall classification accuracy obtained is 86.08 percent with an average accuracy o] 85.64 percent. Satellite map of AHFR is found to be useful for the macro planning and management purposes especially on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) if further development on the area is to be politicized

Effect of tracked and rubber-tyred logging machines on soil physical properties of the Berkelah Forest Reserve, Malaysia

Wheel and track traffic of heavy forest machinery is causing increased concern about forest soil compaction. Compared to agriculture, forest mechanization is potentially more damaging to site productivity because forestry machines tend to be heavier and operations are performed throughout the year regardless of weather conditions. Field experiments of vehicular compaction tests were initiated in dry and wet months (June and November, respectively) on a clay loam soil at the Berkelah Forest Reserve in central Pahang, Malaysia. Two unloaded tree harvesting (TH) machine types (crawler tractor and rubber-tyred loader), two soil moisture contents (14 and 21 % of oven dry weight) and vehicular trips (0,1, 2, 4, 8,16, 32 and 50 passes) were assessed on soil conditions from 0 to 15cmdepth. Rates of soil degradation are very different for the two machines. Changes in soil dry bulk density (DBD), total pore space (TPS), aeration porosity (AP), available water-holding capacity (AWC), saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC) and resistance to penetration (RP) of the rubber-tyred tractor did not exceed those caused by a track-type crawler tractor despite a two-fold difference in mean ground contact pressure. The changes in soilDBD and TPS caused by both machines increased with increasing soil moisture content. However, AP, AWC, SHC and RP decreased with increasing soil moisture content. Most soil physical properties studied reached a maximum or minimum after the first two passes and remained constant thereafter with the tyred machine. SHC appears to be the most sensitive parameter for machine differences. Effects of heavy machinery operation on surface soil compaction should be recognized in forest mechanization

The role of presentation format on decision-makers' behaviour in accounting

The recent increase in researching presentation format area is resulting in an increase in awareness of the importance of presentation format on decision-makers' behaviour. This paper presents a synthesis of prior research on presentation format in the accounting literature which could be used as bases and references for future research. It reviews and evaluates existing accounting literature that examines the linkages of presentation format on decision-makers behaviour. Finally, future research opportunities in this area are made

Airborne hyperspectral sensor for individual species counting and mapping of Karas (Aquilaria malaccensis) in Bukit Nanas F.R, Malaysia

Karas (Aquilaria malaccensis) is well known for producing gaharu, a fragrant material which is extremely valuable for cosmetic products manufacturing. Due to its un-permitted harvesting, there is an alarming depletion in the natural forests, which requires some forms of quick monitoring in near real time. A study on the spatial distribution of Karas trees in Bukit Nanas F.R., Federal Territory (FT) was therefore conducted to identify, quantify and map its geospatial distribution using an airborne hyperspectral sensor. Using a Sobel filter and Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) processing techniques, a digital geospatial distribution map with an accuracy of 89.47% showing 38 individual Karas trees was developed. This study demonstrated that individual Karas trees can be easily counted and mapped with an airborne hyperspectral sensor which may lead to possible estimation of gaharu production for its future sustainable management and conservation efforts in FT, Malaysia

Estimating Acacia mangium Plantation's Standing Timber Volume Using an Airborne Hyperspectral Imaging System

Individual tree mapping in the forest is usually done by several techniques such as the sequential target and point origin mapping. Generally, the estimation of standing timber volume operation is considered a difficult task as ground survey is expensive. Most of this task is being done on the ground and takes a lot of time to be accomplished. However, the use of airborne remote sensing such as the UPM-APSB's Airborne Imaging Spectrometers for Applications (AISA) that plays its part in Global Positioning System (GPS) could change the way on how tree mapping and standing timber volume estimation are done. The general objective of this study is to map the individual wild A. mangium trees and estimate their standing timber volume using the airborne hyperspectral imaging technique. The specific objectives were to assess the capability of UPM-APSB's AISA airborne hyperspectral data in mapping A. mangium plantation and estimate its standing timber volume by delineating the individual trees crown areas. The hyperspectral image of A. mangium plantation in Lebuh Silikon, UPM in ENVI (.img) format taken on February 2004 was enhanced using the ENVI software. The age of the A. mangium stand was about 30 years old. Results indicated the presence of 29 canopies of A. mangium trees over a 0.8 ha plot. A single crown or canopy represented a single tree. A set of simple linear regression model for predicting volume from the crown area was developed using the 29 samples of tree crown. The value for r2 was 0.801 for this fit of the model, which showed 80.1% erratum data could be evaded. The equation developed in this study was V = 0.1045 + 0.0111(CA) where it provided a mean for predicting volume from the crown size measurement using the airborne sensor. The total standing timber volume mapped and quantified by the UPM-APSB's for the study site of 0.8 ha A. mangium plantation was about 20.73 m3 with a mapping accuracy of 80.45%. In practice, users of airborne hyperspectral data can now predict the timber volume by measuring tree crown size using ENVI software and apply the appropriate equation developed from linear regression as the indirect method of timber volume estimation. Further work in this area is to estimate the above ground biomass, carbon sequestration and biodiversity of planted A. mangium plantations in Malaysia

An Economic Analysis of Marine Cage Culture in Peninsular Malaysia

Marine fish cage culture is a new emerging aquaculture enterprise in Malaysia. Recently, it has been selected as one of the culture methods to be promoted in the Malaysian Aqua cultural Development Programme. However, the present productivity of this culture system seems low compared to its potential. Therefore.the objective of this studs to find ways to increase. productivity of marine cage culture which could reduce per unit cost of production, leading to improved profit. This study explores the issue of relative economic efficiency (which includes technical and price efficiency ) between the family unit and commercial farms, and the issue of farmers' production behavior. The profit function approach is used to achieve the objectives. The normalized restricted translog profit function is specified as a function of three normalized prices of variable inputs (ie. fingerlings, feed and labour), two fixed inputs ( ie. cage volume and experience ) and a dummy variable to distinguish the family-unit and commercial farm groups. The result indicates that all sampled farms are not able to maximise their short-term profit. This is because there is a significant difference in relative economic efficiency between family-unit and commercial farm groups. It is also revealed that the family-unit farmers are not able to maximise their short-term profit. This result reflects that they are not price efficient because the ir efficiency in utilizing their feed resources. As a result, they are not able to equate marginal product value of the feed to its price. The reason is that they are not able to adopt fully t h e new culture technology. On the other hand, the commercial farmers maximize their profit and use their resources efficiently. It is also found that the commercial farms possess a superior technical efficiency as compared to the family-unit farms. Besides, the commercial marine cage culture production does not follow constant return stocale . In addition, the translog functional form is found out to be more appropriate than Cobb-Douglas form for data analysed. The productivity and profitability of the family-unit marine cage culture can be increased through improving price and technical efficiency. While, the productivity and prof it can only be increased through enhancing technical efficiency for the commercial farming. As such, it is recommended that marine cage farming within the commercial size should be encouraged in Peninsular Malaysia

A Forest Science Effective Research Supervision in the Faculty Of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia

At least historically, undergraduate research supervision has predominantly been seen as part of the basic research function of academic staff. In many fields of study, success in research requires not only sophisticated experimental and analytical skills, but good mentoring and managerial skills as well. This paper presents an observational case study and perception based on the author’s true experiences exploring the most effective supervision of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Due to the need of a highly calibre first class honours undergraduates for the future pool of postgraduates and top notch academia in the Faculty and in UPM, the aim of this paper is therefore to provide a good practice guideline for supervision of undergraduates final year project reports/theses to ensure consistency of approach for staff and students across the faculty and university. Key topics covered include building an effective undergraduate final year project/theses supervisory relationship, negotiating expectations, providing good communication and feedback and providing motivation and guidance to them. Personal interviews of undergraduates' perceptions of their supervision as they undertake their final year research projects were presented. Students reported that only a select few of their supervisors were supportive and sympathetic to their needs. Only a few of the Faculty supervisors adopted the role of resource person, directing undergraduates to references and contacts, discussing ideas and work undertaken. Only a few students had considerable freedom in the conduct of their final year project work. They were not able to choose their own research topic and supervisor but most determined the pace at which they worked. Some appeared to cope well with the autonomous role of a junior researcher while some commented on difficulties. Though the majority of students were given considerable freedom in their research the results of the observation indicated some differences amongst supervisors

Estimation of rate of recovery of disturbed soils from ground-based logging in Peninsular Malaysia

A field study was conducted to determine the rate of natural recovery of compacted soils in a logged-over hill forest area in Sg. Tekam, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Based upon regression analysis, the estimated average times required for natural recovery of bulk density, total porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity and resistance to penetration on skid trail, bush landing and secondary forest road to conditions found in the undisturbed soil are respectively listed in consecutive order as follows: (i) 22, 17and 14 years; (ii) 24, 17 and 15 years; (iii) 52, 37 and 28 years; and (iv) 19, 14 and 12 years. The study showed that ground-based logging is most damaging to the skid trails, as the natural rate of recovery of such disturbed soils is exceedingly slow compared to bush landing and secondary forest road. Future research should focus on improved logging machine and systems that will lessen the damage on skid trails

UPM-APSB AISA Airborne Hyperspectral Technology for Managing Mangrove Forest in Malaysia

Mangrove forests are one of the most productive and bio-diverse wetlands environments on earth. In Malaysia, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) has always been fully committed to the implementation of the sustainable forest management practices and in line with current concerns such as climate change, conservation of biodiversity and Tsunami, have brought about a heightened expectation on the political, socio-economic, ecological and environmental well-being of the country. Thus, managing mangrove forests is very challenging to the department and a precise geospatial database is urgently required. The objectives of this paper are to assess the capability of UPM-APSB’s AISA airborne hyperspectral imaging sensor for developing a geospatial database through an individual mangrove species mapping and to determine the wavelength regions that define the inherent spectral characteristics amongst mangrove species. A total of nine groups of mangrove species spectral separability were identified in Port Klang, Selangor namely Lumnitzera littorea, Rhizophora mucronata, R. stylosa, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia officials, R. apiculata, Bruguiera parviflora, B. gymnorhiza, B. cylindrical and S. caseolaris. The species were easily identified and separated in the NIR range (700 nm to 900 nm) with the following spectral values namely (a) 1,750-6,000:B. cylindrical, (b) 2,000-7,750: B. gymnorhiza, (c) 1,875-8,250: B. parviflora, (d) 1,875-5,500 :A. officials, (e) 1,625-6,250 :S. caseolaris, (f) 1,875-5,250: S. alba, (g) 1,750-7,500: R. apiculata, (h) 2,000-8,000: R. stylosa, (i) 2,200-7,000: R. mucronata. Results of this study indicated that the mangrove species could only be identified at the near infrared (NIR) wavelength (700 nm to 900 nm) and not in the visible (VIS) spectrum. With such a capability, the sensor should be in a position to provide a geospatial database of the Malaysian mangroves for Tsunami management and other purposes of interests. Future management of mangrove forests in P.Malaysia should then adopt an integrated approach by further refining the current management and incorporating latest findings and updated latest geospatial information through more vigorous airborne hyperspectral data acquisition on mangrove forest. With the future geospatial database developed from the sensor, the National Forestry Policy and other policies related to mangrove forests management can be revised from time to time to match latest prevailing conditions and requirement. The future success in developing a mangrove geospatial database using UPM-APSB’s AISA data by FDPM will in fact contribute to the sustainability of the wetlands in Malaysia which is crucial to the survival and future health of our Mother Earth

Web-Based Practical Exam Monitoring System (WPEMS)

The purpose of this executive summary is to give a complete view ofmy developed project, which is the Web-based Practical Exam Monitoring System (WPEMS). I developed the project for the purpose to complete my Final Year Project 1 and Final Year project 2 requisite. Thus, WPEMS is created throughout the time period. Throughout the entire period oftime, I have been exposed to a lot ofnew things ranging from various technological knowledge's, especially in manage and exploit some ofthe Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) functions available in Microsoft XP or Microsoft Windows 2003. I undergo my Final Year Project 1 and 2 under the supervision of Mr. Hilmi Hasan, an ICT lecturer in Universiti Teknologi Petronas. Being a student under his supervision requires me to constantly work perfectly in order to ensure the success ofmy developed project, which is the WPEMS application. WPEMS is a totally new system, where no one else in UTP has created it before, and thus it is unique in its own way. Generally, it is a web-based monitoring application for practical examination in the lab. Practical examination here is such programming examinations or tests, where students need to hard coded their own program in the lab, and thus the needs to constantly ensure the integrity ofthe examination is crucial. This is due to the availability ofthe Internet which can be used by students to cheat in the examination, because they can simply search for the examination answer or tips at the Internet during their practical examination time. WPEMS can solve that problem, by automatically monitormg^he running examination, and any cheating attempt by students will be automatically logged, ^hs can reduce number ofpersonnel usage, and also minimize the efforts ofthe lecturets to constantly walking all around the lab to make sure nobody is cheating