Measuring Orangutan nest structure using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and ImageJ

The nest is one of the crucial elements in orangutan daily activities. Previously, most of the nest structure studies were done manually by estimating measurement directly from visual observation. However, using the latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, we can reduce the workforce, time and energy while simultaneously ensuring the safety of the researcher conducting nest structure analysis. We recorded 49 pictures of orangutan nests at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) using UAV (DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter). The nest structure (length, depth, and width) was digitally measured by using ImageJ. Most of the nests were built at a strong, stable, and comfortable position at the top of the tree. Most orangutans chose Eusideroxylon zwageri to build nest compared to other tree species because of the strong and durable wood characteristic which would create a sturdy, strong and comfortable nest. We propose the use of drone with digital image analysis could provide a more accurate, less time consuming and safe method for studying orangutan nest structure.

Flexural properties of four fast-growing eucalypts woods deteriorated by three different field tests

Durability is a wood characteristic determined by several factors, making it difficult to investigate the service life of pieces designated for outdoor use. In this study, the decaying of juvenile and adult woods of four fast-growing eucalypts from southern Brazil subjected to three different exposure environments was monitored through mechanical properties (flexural test). The study material was obtained from adult trees of Eucalyptus botryoides, Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus paniculata and Eucalyptus tereticornis. Field tests were conducted in the city of Piratini, southern Brazil, and samplings were carried out during 540 days of experiment. Comparing the four eucalypts, the decreasing order of biological resistance was: Eucalyptus tereticornis, Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus paniculata and Eucalyptus botryoides. The mature wood showed greater and more stable physical-mechanical properties than juvenile wood.

INFLUENCE OF BUILDINGS EXTERIOR ON THE LANDSCAPE OF THE NEMUNAS DELTA REGIONAL PARK

Protected areas were established in Lithuania in order to preserve not only the natural and cultural heritage, landscape and biodiversity, but the landscape and ecological balance, the genetic fund, to restore the natural resources and to provide educational recreation, research and environmental monitoring as well as the promotion of natural and cultural heritage protection. The Nemunas Delta Regional Park was established to preserve the lower Nemunas landscape, the natural ecosystem and cultural heritage values, and manage them rationally. Protected areas residents seek to reconstruct, modernize the existing buildings, in such a way the landscape is being changing. The evaluation of the structures belonging to one hundred park’s homesteads showed that the existing older buildings roof covering is from grey asbestos slates (56 %). In recent years, ceramic tiles and non-asbestos slates are being increasingly used as roofing material, wood (characteristic for grey colour) is usually used for building wall decoration (48 %). These colours correspond to the regulated by the park management regulations. The Regional Park landscape is blemished by the ruins of abandoned buildings, individual illegal structures, unsuitable colours selected for building exteriors decoration, the recommended window division into four or six sections is not being kept to.

Analysis on Fast-Growing Black Poplar Branch Used as Raw Materials for APMP Pulping and Papermaking

Fiber morphology, chemical composition and wood characteristic of fast-growing black poplar branch were studied. Meanwhile, pulping performance of it used for alkaline peroxide mechanical pulp (APMP) was discussed preliminarily. The research results showed that the fast-growing black poplar branch can be used as raw materials for APMP pulping and papermaking.