Kamaruzaman Jusoff

Predictive modeling and mapping of Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) distribution using maximum entropy

One of the available tools for mapping the geographical distribution and potential suitable habitats is species distribution models. These techniques are very helpful for finding poorly known distributions of species in poorly sampled areas, such as the tropics. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) is a recently developed modeling method that can be successfully calibrated using a relatively small number of records. In this research, the MaxEnt model was applied to describe the distribution and identify the key factors shaping the potential distribution of the vulnerable Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) in one of the main remaining habitats in Peninsular Malaysia. MaxEnt results showed that even though Malaysian sun bear habitat is tied with tropical evergreen forests, it lives in a marginal threshold of bio-climatic variables. On the other hand, current protected area networks within Peninsular Malaysia do not cover most of the sun bears potential suitable habitats. Assuming that the predicted suitability map covers sun bears actual distribution, future climate change, forest degradation and illegal hunting could potentially severely affect the sun bear’s population.

Individualism-Collectivism and Job Satisfaction between Malaysia and Australia.

Purpose – One of the main issues that many organizations will face in the coming years is the management of increasing diversity in the workforce. The purpose of this paper is to examine the levels of individualism and collectivism of managers in two different cultural environments, that is, Malaysia and Australia.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected by questionnaire from middle managers in a total of 18 organisations in Malaysia and ten organisations in Australia. Individualism‐collectivism was measured using Singelis et al.s 32‐item scale. The items in the scale are designed to measure the horizontal and vertical aspects of individualism‐collectivism. The items were answered on seven‐point scale where 1 indicates strong disagreement and 7 indicates strong agreement. In addition, the seven‐item job satisfaction measure, which is part of the Survey of Organizations questionnaire developed by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, was used.Findings – The study reveal...

An analysis of soil disturbance from logging operation in a hill forest of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract This study was carried out to evaluate the extent and severity of soil disturbance that occurred in a typical harvesting operation in a Malaysian hill forest. A five-tier classification system described by Murphy (1982) was used to assess soil disturbance visually on the logging site for the one-month-old logging operation in a hill forest at Johol Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The three indices used were percentage of area with exposed mineral soil (AEMS), percentage of area with deep disturbance (ADD) and percentage of area undisturbed (AU). The study also evaluated the impacts of logging on soil physical properties. Soil samples were analysed for soil moisture content, total pore space, aeration porosity, available waterholding capacity, particle size analysis, bulk density, compressive strength and shear strength. From the study, the AEMS value was 14.6% and the ADD value was 10.1%. The total disturbed area was 23.1%. Results showed that all parameters used generally increased from ADD, AEMS and AU. All soil parameters measured, except for coarse sand, fine sand, bulk density, compressive strength and shear strength, showed significant decrease with increasing soil disturbance (DC0 to DC4). Coarse sand, fine sand, bulk density, compressive strength and shear strength showed a reverse pattern.

Purchasing Decisions among Muslim Consumers of Processed Halal Food Products

Muslim consumers nowadays are aware of the ingredients in foods thus making them more selective in choosing foods that they want to purchase and consume. Halal certification from an authorized body is important to verify that the processed food products are genuinely halal. The objective of this study is to investigate the purchasing decision factors among Muslim consumers of processed food products. Studied variables are characteristics of processed food products, awareness of halal labeling and knowledge on halal processed food products. A set of 7-point Likert scale questionnaires was designed and distributed conveniently to 400 Muslim consumers that had just finished with shopping at the respective supermarkets. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 13 for descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, multiple regressions, and also cross-tabulation analysis. Knowledge (familiarity) of the processed foods was identified as the most influential factor in determining the purchasing decision among Muslim consumers.

Integrating needs of the local community to conserve forest biodiversity in the state of Kelantan

Kelantan State, claimed to be one of the poorest states in Malaysia, has forest lands, nature reserves and other protected natural areas which are under increasing threat from a variety of human activities. At the same time, the State government lacks financial resources and skilled manpower to manage the protected forest lands adequately. The present strategies to manage protected forest areas are inadequate to overcome these constraints. Alternative strategies are needed to conserve Kelantans forest biodiversity. Furthermore, conservation efforts will not be effective without the active cooperation and participation of people living in and near the forest areas. To achieve this, it is essential that the people share the benefits and responsibilities of forest resource management with the state government.A proposal to involve the local people in an integrated action plan is discussed in this paper. It aims to find options of protecting forest land encroachment in the State with an ultimate goal of increasing the capacity of the poor to carry out activities on a sustained basis. It is hoped that the proposed project will help the State government to improve economic status as well as environmental awareness and reduced dependence on forest lands.Much of the forest lands in Kelantan are threatened by encroachment from the people who live around the forest areas. This encroachment is not only the result of poverty and shortage of land, but is also due to the unclear forest boundaries. People also do not understand the significance of forest biodiversity. It is important therefore that the local people are encouraged not to encroach into the forest areas. There has to be support from the top in order to sustain integration efforts. Both the State and the central government agencies must be a part of the planning and implementation process. The challenge becomes one of integrating the needs of the local people with development priorities of the government. In practical terms, this paper hopes to arrive at a workable methodology rather than be a purely scientific exercise which can serve as a model to the other states experiencing similar problems.

The Effect of Information Technology Infrastructure Flexibility on Intranet Effectiveness

When intranet was first conceived a decade ago, its adoption was only affordable by large business enterprise or organizations. However, at present, intranet adoption has become so prevalent that almost every organizations, irrespective of sizes and business nature has diffused intranet into their business operations and activities. While studies addressing the effectiveness of the intranet have been greatly reported in the literature, very few have really explored or focused on the antecedents or determinants to intranet effectiveness. Specifically, none has ever attempted to examine the effect of information technology (IT) infrastructure capabilities on intranet effectiveness. Against this concern, this study is an attempt to explore the relationship between IT infrastructure flexibility and intranet effectiveness. In addition, it also seeks to investigate the perceived level of IT infrastructure flexibility and intranet effectiveness in the context of public organizations in Malaysia. Based on the results of the analysis, this study has empirically showed that IT infrastructure flexibility comprising of connectivity and IT personnel are influential in determining intranet effectiveness measured in terms of operation, culture and facilitation.

Fuzzy State Space Model of Multivariable Control Systems

Fuzzy State Space Model (FSSM) is a new modeling technique, which was developed for solving inverse problems in multivariable control systems. In this approach, the flexibility of fuzzy modeling is incorporated with the crisp state space models proposed in the modern control theory. The vagueness and uncertainty of the parameters are represented in the model construction, as a way of increasing the available information in order to achieve a more precise model of reality. Some important properties and characteristics of FSSM were also investigated. In this paper, our discussion is focused on the formulation of the FSSM that provides algorithms for optimization of input parameters directly. The effectiveness of this modeling approach is illustrated by implementing it to the state space model of a furnace system of a combined cycle power plant. The results obtained in this application demonstrate that the proposed new modeling approach is reasonable and provides an innovative tool for decision-makers.

Satellite remote sensing of deforestation in the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract Deforestation has been a very critical environmental problem during the past few decades. Monitoring the Earths surface conditions and their changes are essential to the management of this global environmental problem. Remote sensing can provide an effective 1001 for monitoring environmental changes on a global scale. This has focused attention on developing more effective and efficient techniques for the management and survey of forest areas. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of utilizing Landsat TM data in monitoring deforestation in the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve. Detection of land cover change due to urbanization was performed using rnulti-tempora! data taken in 1988and 1991. An IDRISI image processing system was used to analyse the satellite data. Multi-temporal images were registered and spectral signatures of each point were directly compared. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the similarity of two spectral signatures. A false colour composite image of bands 4, 5 ...

Positive Affects Inducer on Software Quality

This paper presents an early empirical study on an agile methodology (Extreme Programming) using Positive Affect metric. The question of interest is whether an agile methodology has any distinct outcome on the positive affectivity of the software developers. And whether these affects will contribute to the quality of software produced. Quantitative methods were utilized, including participative observation and simple statistical tests such as Spearman Correlation and Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that Extreme Programming has positive affectivity which leads to the increase in software quality. This study suggests that when people experience joy and mild contentment, they are more likely to be more creative over wider range of problems, become more resilient over time and are more likely to develop long-term plans and goals.

Geospatial Information Technology for Conservation of Coastal Forest and Mangroves Environment in Malaysia

Mangrove forests are one of the most productive and bio-diverse wetlands environments on earth. Yet, these unique coastal tropical forests environment are among the most threatened habitats in the world. Growing in the intertidal areas and estuary mouths between land and sea, mangroves provide critical habitat for a diverse marine and terrestrial flora and fauna. The important need of living being is opportunity to continue their life in sustainable environment and suitable conditions. Potential stand is the place that obtains the possibility of germination and establishment of a plant species according to their physical, chemical, biological demands. In many cases are seen that because of unsuitable selection of site and species, afforestation and reforestation projects after spending time, cost and labor are forced to failure. Therefore, it is an obligation by the relevant authorities, especially Forestry Department to ensure that the rate of seedlings survival in the afforestation and reforestation activities is successfully monitored, mapped and quantified. One of the most efficient techniques available is the use of Geospatial Information Technology consisting of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and remote sensing (RS). Using this technology and integrating the different thematically maps that shows environmental conditions of specific region, suitable and potential positioning of different species for plantation and rehabilitation programs could be well determined and monitored. For mapping and detection of individual mangrove species for reforestation and afforestation purposes, mathematical functions such as Boolean logic, fuzzy logic, and neural network can be easily applied. It is expected that suitable species-site matching for reforestation and afforestation of mangroves could be implemented with such geospatial tools.