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    Upscaling effects on infectious disease emergence risk emphasize the need for local planning in primary prevention within biodiversity hotspots
    (Springer Nature Limited, 2025-10-27) Muylaert RL; Wilkinson DA; Dwiyanti EI; Hayman DTS
    Zoonotic risk assessments are increasingly vital in the wake of recent epidemics. The microbial diversity of parasitic organisms correlates with host species richness, with regions of high biodiversity facing elevated risks of emerging zoonotic infections. While habitat loss and fragmentation reduce species diversity, anthropogenic encroachment, particularly in forested areas, amplifies human exposure to novel pathogens. This study integrates host habitat, biodiversity, human encroachment, and population at risk to estimate novel disease emergence and epidemic risk at multiple spatial scales. Using Java, Indonesia, as a case study, we demonstrate that degrading spatial resolution leads to information loss, with optimal resolutions typically below 2000 m, ideally around 500 m when native-resolution processing is unfeasible. Gravity models of epidemic spread highlight Jakarta and West Java as high-risk areas, with varying contributions from surrounding regions. Our spatial analysis underscores the influence of population centers on forest management and agroforestry practices. These findings offer valuable insights for guiding pandemic prevention research and improving pathogen- and driver-based risk monitoring strategies.
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    TreeScan V and frame mosaicing : thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Masterate Degree in Information Engineering, Department of Production Technology, Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Nourozi, Farshad
    In 1993 the Department of Production Technology carried out a feasibility study of applying digital imaging technology in the pre-harvest inventory assessment for the forestry industry. Consequently a scanning mechanism was developed to capture a series of overlapping images along the stem of a tree. These overlapping images needed to be registered and combined to form a single long and thin high resolution image of the tree. This report describes different methods of finding the overlaps between the consecutive images. Algorithms developed here fall into two broad categories: Spatial Domain and Frequency Domain feature matching. Comparison of different algorithms is made and advantages and disadvantages of each one are discussed. Finally a robust algorithm is developed which combines the strengths of the other algorithms.
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    Development of an in-field tree imaging system : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1996) Weehuizen, Marijn
    Quality inventory information is essential for optimal resource utilisation in the forestry industry. In-field tree imaging is a method which has been proposed to improve the preharvest inventor assessment of standing trees. It involves the application of digital imaging technology to this task. The method described generates a three dimensional model of each tree through the capture of two orthogonal images from ground level. The images are captured and analysed using the "TreeScan" in-field tree imaging system. This thesis describes the design, development, and evaluation of the TreeScan system. The thesis can also be used as a technical reference for the system and as such contains appropriate technical and design detail. The TreeScan system consists of a portable computer, a custom designed high resolution scanner with integral microcontroller, a calibration rod, and custom designed processing software. Images of trees are captured using the scanner which contains a CCD line scan camera and a precision scanning mechanism. Captured images are analysed on the portable computer using customised image processing software to estimate real world tree dimensions and shape. The TreeScan system provides quantitative estimates of five tree parameters; height, sweep, stem diameter, branch diameter, and feature separation such as internodal distance. In addition to these estimates a three dimensional model is generated which can be further processed to determine the optimal stem breakdown into logs.
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    An evaluation of the production and profitability of alternative management regimes for Pinus radiata on a high fertility site : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Plant Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Blair, Alexander Jason
    Conversion of farmland to forestry is occurring at the rate of approximately 60,000ha/annum, much of it on hill country sheep and beef properties. The potential productivity of ex farm sites is high, mainly due to improved soil fertility but may produce trees with defects such as excessive branching, large branches and stem malformations. Adapting silvicultural practices to suit plantations on high fertility sites is necessary to effectively utilise this potential. However, many of the tools available for planning and assessing alternative silvicultural options in Pinus radiata stands have limitations for farm sites. This study utilises a 12.5ha stand of Pinus radiata established in 1973 on a Manawatu hill country sheep and beef property. Currently 'Tuapaka' has 31.3ha of Pinus radiata occupying land use capability class VI and VII. Of this total, 12.5ha is nearing maturity, while remaining areas are now reaching a stage where decisions on silvicultural management are necessary. The growth modelling system, STANDPAK, was used as an aid for developing and evaluating silvicultural options on Tuapaka. Existing Pinus radiata growth models have been primarily derived from traditional forest site data. They can be utilised for simulating growth on ex farm sites but will generally provide more accurate predictions of growth and yield if they are configured with local growth data. The EARLY and NAPIRAD growth models are recommended for simulating the growth of Pinus radiata on farm sites and formed the basis for the simulation of the Tuapaka stand. Inventory data, including diameter at breast height, mean crop height, and stocking were collected from the existing 12.5ha stand and used to configure these growth models and other STANDPAK components. Site index at Tuapaka was found to be 23m, with a high basal area increment potential. The best STANDPAK configuration combined the growth models EARLY (high +20% basal area increment) and NAPIRAD (switched at mean top height 18m). The results from this configuration predicted basal area to within 6% of the field estimate. These configurations were used to simulate and evaluate the growth of a new stand (at the 1ha level) for both clearwood and framing regimes. The combined influence of low site index and high basal area increment created problems associated with maintaining a target diameter over stubs (DOS) while utilising an acceptable number of pruning lifts. The required number of pruning lifts to achieve a 6.0m pruned height was able to be manipulated by delaying thinning, reducing the green crown length (CRL) at the first and second lifts, and maintaining a high ratio of unpruned trees through to thinning. Net present value (NPV) was primarily used as the selection criteria to determine the best regimes, because it reflects the final harvest revenues and associated silvicultural costs. The most profitable regime required a 3 lift pruning schedule. This regime provided the best compromise between final harvest value and silvicultural costs and was achieved by severe early pruning (CRL of 2.0m and 2.2m), delayed thinning, and maintaining a high ratio of unpruned to pruned trees. Clearwood regimes were more profitable than the framing regimes because of a higher average timber value which more than compensated for increased silvicultural costs and reduced log volume. The clearwood regime produced a final merchantable volume of 698m3 /ha, of which 37% graded in the higher value pruned log class. This regime had a pre tax net revenue of $39,500/ha and an NPV of $2,681/ha (8% discount rate). In contrast, the best framing regime produced a merchantable volume of 787m3/ha, a net revenue of $18,800/ha, and a NPV of $1,100/ha. The best clearwood and framing regime were subjected to economic analysis at the estate level (31.3ha) to determine the best silvicultural options for existing and future stands on Tuapaka. The clearwood regime was the most profitable, having a pre tax IRR of 9.1%, compared with 7.6% for the framing regime. These returns are likely to exceed the potential returns from farming, particularly on steep hill country.
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    Incentives for community participation in the governance and management of common property resources: the case of community forestry in Nepal : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Rural Development at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Adhikari, Sunit
    The devolution of resource management access rights, from the state to local communities, has been an important policy tool in Nepal over the last two decades. One of the major goals of this policy is to increase the participation of local users in decision-making and for them to gain benefits from the forests. However, a lack of meaningful participation amongst users, in relation to forest governance and management, has resulted in a failure to include socially marginalised groups in community decision-making and an inability to reflect the needs and aspirations of these groups within these communities. By employing a mixed method approach incorporating quantitative and qualitative methodologies, this research explores the issue of participation in the governance of common property resources; and in particular the role of incentives in increasing participation. The empirical evidence for level of participation as a function of incentives is obtained by using an ordered probit model by constructing an index of participation as a proxy for participation in governance of common property resources, while a partial least square approach is also undertaken to link the participation indicators to the various incentives. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were applied to gain insights into the influence of caste, socio-economic status and the effectiveness of the institutions in Nepal and the overall governance and management performances of community forest user groups. In this study of community forestry management regimes in the Middle Hills of Nepal, access to resources and benefits, and enforcement of legal property rights are identified as the key influential incentive that determines the effective participation of users in resource governance. The statistical and qualitative findings of this study support the argument that, for common property resource management regimes to be successful in achieving meaningful participation of the poor and disadvantaged groups, in terms of having their strong voice to influence group’s decisions in their favour, it is important to strengthen their rights to provide them fair access to resources and benefits. The policy measures may even require a deliberate focus on providing and guaranteeing the inclusion of poor and disadvantaged groups in CFUG governance structures and processes, in addition to building their capacity and bargaining power to influence decision making and to compensate for the cost of this participation through the economic empowerment of poor users. However, in the Middle Hills of Nepal, where discriminatory sociocultural norms prevail, transferring property rights to a specific group does not protect the rights of the poor and disadvantaged members. Thus, this study proposes the proportional allocation of the most productive part of a community forest to a sub-group (formed within a user group) of the poor and disadvantaged members and the transference and enforcement of legal property rights to this sub-group over the allocated forest, in order to protect their access rights to resources and to secure their greater participation in resource governance.
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    Optimal forest management for carbon sequestration and biodiversity maintenance : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics at Massey University, Turitea, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2011) Nghiem, Thi Hong Nhung
    Managing planted forests for carbon sequestration and biodiversity maintenance has become increasingly important in times of rapid climate change and the loss of biodiversity worldwide. The objectives of this study are to find out private and socially optimal management strategies for planted forests, and suggest an appropriate policy for promoting multiple-use forests. The research attempts: (1) to identify the harvesting strategies of forest stands that can maximise the benefits from timber production and carbon sequestration; (2) to identify the patterns that can balance economic gain and biodiversity maintenance; (3) to examine the actual management strategies and biodiversity conservation attitudes of forest owners; and (4) to recommend policy tools that can be used to align private with socially optimal decisions. The Faustmann model is extended to include carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, multiple forest stands and spatial arrangements among forest stands. The Safe Minimum Standard Approach is employed to model biodiversity conservation. The number of birds is used as a biodiversity indicator. A direct search algorithm is used to determine optimal sets of harvesting strategies. The models are applied to planted forests in Yen Bai province, Vietnam. To get primary data, 291 household forest owners and 4 state enterprises, growing Eucalyptus urophylla and Acacia mangium were surveyed. The results show that the actual cutting ages are 5 and 7 years for household and enterprise forests, respectively. Both the optimal timber and carbon rotation ages are between 9 and 11 years for two species. The value of carbon uptake makes the optimal rotation age slightly shorter. The incorporation of spatial arrangements has little impact on the optimal rotation age, but significantly increases the net present value. The inclusion of biodiversity conservation lengthens the rotation age and significantly reduces the profitability of forest owners. Policy implications are that payment for carbon sequestration services of planted forests in Vietnam is feasible. Merging small forest stands of several forest households should be encouraged. Direct payments are an appropriate policy tool to encourage household forest owners to lengthen rotation ages in order to enhance biodiversity.
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    The use of GIS and remote sensing to identify areas at risk from erosion in Indonesian forests : a case study in central Java : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resource Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2006) Savitri, Endang
    Environmental degradation and soil erosion begins when production forests are harvested. Unfortunately, logging cannot be avoided in plantation forests and since this operation can render the land more susceptible to erosion, any negative impacts need to be addressed properly. Erosion potential is predicted by evaluating the response of land cover, soil and slope to the impact of rainfall and human activities. The role of remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) in erosion prediction is to collect information from images and maps; combine and analyse these data so that it is possible to predict the erosion risk. The objective of this study was to produce a method to identify areas most susceptible to erosion and predict erosion risk. It is intended that the method be used particularly by forestry planners and decision makers so that they can improve forest management, especially during logging. The study area was within Kebumen and Banjarnegara districts of Central Java, Indonesia. Imagery used included a Landsat 7 satellite image (28th April 2001) and panchromatic aerial photos (5th July 1993). Other data was derived from topographical, soil, and geological maps, and 10 years of daily rainfall data from 17 rainfall stations. Predicting erosion in this study was done by combining rainfall, slope, geology, and land cover data. The erosion risk was predicted using land cover and soil type and depth. A rainfall map was generated using a thin plate spline method. A slope map was derived from a DEM which was generated by digitizing contours and spot heights from topographic maps. A geological map was derived from Landsat image classification with assistance from a 1:100000 scale geological map; and a land cover map was produced from an interpretation of the Landsat image and aerial photographs. A stratified classification technique was used to delineate land covers in the study area with an accuracy of 44%. The low accuracy could be attributed to the complexity of the area and the temporal variation in the data acquisition. The analysis of erosion risk showed that mixed forests and monotype forest experienced high and moderately high erosion risk. This condition supported the contention that harvest plans must incorporate soil conservation measures.
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    The ecological requirements of the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaseelandiae) in plantation forestry : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2007) Seaton, Richard
    Commercial pine plantations made up of exotic tree species are increasingly recognised as habitats that can contribute significantly to the conservation of indigenous biodiversity in New Zealand. Encouraging this biodiversity by employing sympathetic forestry management techniques not only offers benefits for indigenous flora and fauna but can also be economically advantageous for the forestry industry. The New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) or Karearea, is a threatened species, endemic to the islands of New Zealand, that has recently been discovered breeding in pine plantations. This research determines the ecological requirements of New Zealand falcons in this habitat, enabling recommendations for sympathetic forestry management to be made. Plantation forests that create a mosaic of pine stand ages across a plantation, offer suitable habitat for breeding New Zealand falcons by providing abundant nest sites, promoting high abundances of avian prey and creating favourable conditions for hunting. The diet of falcons within pine forests consisted primarily of birds, of which the majority were exotic passerines. Prey abundances were highest along pine stand edges. Both sexes preferentially hunted along pine stand edges between stands less than four years old and stands more than 20 years old. Pairs also preferentially nested along these borders, particularly within and along the edges of pine stands less than two years old. Within pine stands, nest sites were always located on the ground. Introduced predators and some forestry operations negatively affected breeding success. Nevertheless, productivity was higher than recorded for other habitats and female falcons were recorded successfully breeding in their first year for the first time. High prey densities and availabilities are suggested as the primary explanation for this. The extent of juvenile dispersal strongly suggests that pine plantations supplement populations in surrounding areas where falcons are in decline. This research demonstrates that changes to the existing forestry operational practices can influence the success of the breeding population. This research establishes that if commercial pine plantations are suitably managed, they can support extremely high falcon densities. Plantation forests therefore have a significant role to play in the future conservation of this species.