bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Farmer Characteristics and Design Preferences on Location-based Pest and Disease Reporting Service for Digital Agriculture: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Osman Mohamad Jahidi , Idris Hawani , Majid Zulkepli , Mohd Salleh Mohd Radhie , Ismail Zamri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
User interface design is critical for ensuring that agricultural technology is accessible and usable for farmers. Usability and accessibility for farmers can boost crop yields and lower losses. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the preferences and needs of farmers, particularly in terms of user interface design. This study examines the preferences of chili farmers for user interface elements in reporting chili pests and diseases and investigates how farmer characteristics (i.e. age categories and educational backgrounds) influence these preferences. Data was collected from a group of chili farmers in Batu Pahat using a survey instrument and field experimental tasks that list several user interface elements according to the tasks given in relation to disease and pest attack reporting information for chili crops. The study includes user interface-related tasks for online map services such as Google Maps and Waze, which aim to report the location of attacks. The study’s findings underscore the significance of user interface elements in shaping user experiences. Google Maps emerged as the favored navigation service, highlighting the importance of a straightforward and user-friendly interface. The study suggests that enhancing user knowledge of lesser-known functions can lead to higher satisfaction and loyalty. In agricultural applications, visual cues and intuitive design, exemplified by the “Picture Radio Button” and “Horizontal Date” elements, were well-received. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering farmers’ demographic characteristics in designing user interfaces for agricultural technology. By doing so, agricultural technology can be made more accessible and usable for farmers, ultimately leading to more effective management of chili pests and diseases. The findings of this research will yield advantages by aiding farmers, specifically in Malaysia, in transitioning into intelligent farmers, aligning with the objectives of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and the realization of smart agriculture in Malaysia. Furthermore, this endeavor is consistent with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiative aimed at digitizing farmers, encompassing smallholder farmers as well.
Comparison of different variable selection methods for predicting the occurrence of Metisa Plana in oil palm plantation using machine learning
Authors: Wang Y P , Idris N H , Muharam F M , Asib N , Lau Alvin M S 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMonitoring and predicting the spatio-temporal distribution of crop pests and assessing related risks are crucial for effective pest management strategies. Machine learning techniques have shown potential in analysing agricultural data and providing accurate predictions. Variable selection plays a critical role in crop pest analysis by identifying the most informative and influential features that contribute to pest distribution and risk prediction. The current practice of choosing variable selection methods is mostly based on previous experience and may involve a certain degree of subjectivity. This paper aims to provide empirical comparisons of different variable selection methods for machine learning applications in crop pest spatio-temporal distribution and risk prediction. This study conducted various variable selection methods, including filter methods (information gain, chi-square test, mutual information), wrapper methods (RFE), and embedded methods (Random Forest), using worms pest (Metisa plana) in oil palm trees as the experimental subject. The initial set of variables included bioclimatic, vegetation indices, and terrain variables. The experimental results indicated that there was some overlap in the selected variables across different methods, bioclimatic variables (rainfall (RF), relative humidity (RH)) were selected as important variables by different methods; non-important variables like NDVI and elevation when added to the ANN modelling can clearly contribute to the improvement in prediction accuracy. These empirical findings can provide guidance for relevant data monitoring in the prediction of crop pest and disease outbreaks. Additionally, the results can serve as a reference for variable selection in spatiotemporal prediction of pests and diseases in other agricultural and forestry crops.
Integrating Multiple Geospatial Datasets for Precise and Efficient Surface Water Extent Mapping in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Majid Mohd Adha , Idris Nurul Hazrina , Md Reba Mohd Nadzri , Numpang Welly 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Accurate mapping of surface water extent is essential for several applications, including water resources management, climate modelling, biodiversity conservation, agricultural irrigation, hydropower, and food security. Inland water management is critical in Malaysia due to dams, river basins, and heavy rainfall. In a tropical country, mapping surface water is challenging due to cloud cover and dense vegetation. This study proposes an approach that uses rule sets in ArcGIS Model Builder to automate the identification of water bodies. At the regional scale, the extent of surface waters can be mapped by integrating multiple geospatial datasets, including surface terrain, global surface water data, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. Accuracy is calculated by comparing the results to high-resolution optical imagery via the SecureWatch® application. The accuracy of 200 stratified random points is 95%, with a kappa value of 0.90 for water body and land area classes. This study maps a 12,563.95 km2 study area covering several states in Malaysia. These results show that the integration of multiple geospatial datasets using rule sets and data modelling can map the extent of surface waters in Malaysia. The proposed approach could be applied in other tropical countries with similar topography.
Factors influencing road setbacks and urban open space encroachment by traders in Nigeria: A narrative review
Authors: Tijjani A O , Hassan S A , Lazi M K A M , Farah B S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In many developing countries, especially Nigeria, informal sector activities such as roadside trading, hawking as well as roadside squatting has become increasingly prevalent. Although these activities are often seen as survival strategies for the low-income population with no other means of earning a living, nonetheless, they have negative impacts on the environment and traffic flow and can also compromise the safety and security of the traders. This study aims to explore the factors that contribute to the growth of this phenomenon on encroached highways, urban roads, and open spaces, and to examine its effects on both the environment and the traders. Using a narrative review approach, the research analysed relevant books, journals, conference papers, reports, and policy documents extracted from Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholars databases. The study findings revealed that economic crises and high levels of unemployment in developing countries have led to an increase in street trading and roadside vending. In addition, the lack of effective urban planning and enforcement of development control laws has also played a significant role in the proliferation of these activities on encroached urban roads and green spaces. Consequently, on highways, the absence of organized and standardized Rest and Service Areas (RSA) at regular intervals in developing countries, especially Nigeria, has facilitated the emergence of roadside markets. Furthermore, this situation is compounded by the location of agrarian settlements along the highways. Thus, to address these issues, the research recommends that the government reorganize, integrate, and upscale the activities of street traders, while also improving urban planning and enforcing road right-of-way barriers to protect urban green spaces and conclusively, the introduction of standard RSA at regular intervals along highways would provide motorists with necessary rest and services, discouraging them from stopping indiscriminately on transits, which often leads to the emergence of roadside markets.
Level of Service Assessment for People with Disability in Kawo Bus Terminal Park Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Sani S Z , Zaly Shah M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study presents measurements of the overall level of service (LOS) for people with disabilities (PWDs) at public bus terminals. According to user perceptions, these metrics are helpful for evaluating the total LOS on a single scale. The process entails watching passengers and gathering a number of socioeconomic and physical factors that could affect how users rate the bus terminal. With the ability to assess and determine the LOS of transit terminals for physically challenged people, solutions to develop more empathetic transit terminals can be identified, and efforts to confirm the deficiencies can be put into place. It is possible to derive quantitative LOS ratings from survey data using a psychometric scaling technique. Following that, the relationship maps between these two categories of items were examined. The quantitative LOS ratings indices were rated using survey analysis. The findings revealed that the grand mean for expected service was 3.67 (SD = 0.77) while the mean for recorded LOS was 2.01 (SD = 0.58), indicating a significant gap between the two, thus needed attention to address LOS given to PWDs. A planning guideline for IPA is offered to design and optimise bus terminal access facilities for new or existing terminal stations, underscoring the practical usefulness of the approach. The outcome from this study evidently if incorporated in designing Bus Park will help in modelling bus terminal that will accommodate PWDs.
Performance of cold chain logistics service providers in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in Nigeria: a systematic review
Authors: Zego Susanna Ibrahim , Mohamad Husny Zuhra Junaida Binti 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The operations of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) businesses in Nigeria rely on the efficiency and efficacy of cold chain service providers for quality storage and optimal safety of perishable goods. However, the sector faces obstacles such as inadequate technology, unskilled labour, insufficient funds, weak regulation, and a poor regulatory policy framework, all of which impede the business’s growth and performance. The goal of this study is to systematically review the issues that restrict cold chain logistics service providers’ performance in Nigeria’s highly perishable food business. This study employs PRISMA procedure and the systematic literature review technique to extract articles and emphasize the importance of employing cold chain services to increase efficiency, quality service delivery, and consumer fulfilment. The study’s findings demonstrate that achieving quality service delivery, service effectiveness, cost savings, and customer satisfaction is hampered by a lack of proper synergy between cold chain logistics service providers and cold chain major stakeholders such as regulators, as well as an absence of skilled personnel, policy, funding, infrastructure, and technologies for monitoring and tracking product movement and condition. By remedying these difficulties, Nigeria’s FMCGS sectors could potentially improve their performance and contribute to the development of a robust, sustainable cold chain logistics industry. As a result, the quality and safety of FMCG goods would be enhanced, driving the expansion of the FMCG sector in Nigeria. Future research findings should focus on the cold chain logistics performance leverages on economic growth and development in Africa.
Soundscape Perception and Preference in the context of Malaysian Urban Parks
Authors: Ling Lee Josephine Siaw , Hosni Nafisa , Rusli Noradila , Ghani Nabila Abdul 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPark soundscape studies are receiving increasing attention in cities due to the increasing noise pollution in urban centers. As soundscape is dependent on people-place-interaction, there is still a lack of knowledge on how the socio-demography of the park users influences the perceptions and preferences of the soundscapes in the parks of Malaysia. Most studies on soundscape perception are linked to the general population in developed Western and Eastern countries, investigating the relationship of perception with mental well-being. This paper addresses the gap between the park’s sound profile and soundscape perception in the context of a developing country, Malaysia. A random sampling of 423 park users in four selected Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya parks was used to conduct an on-site survey regarding their perceptions of the park’s soundscape. The study revealed that soundscape perception differs among park visitors in a typical urban park in Malaysia. Three dimensions of socio-demographic and behavioural attributes were found to be associated with the perception and preferences of park soundscapes, which are (1) age and educational level, related to the perception of the dominance of human sounds; (2) distance from home and sensitivity of park users revealed that those who are stressed and more sensitive to noises influence their expectations of the pleasantness and calmness of the park’s soundscape; and (3) gender and occupation on the other hand only relates to the dominance of natural sounds indicating that females are more sensitive to the sounds of nature when in a park. It is crucial to consider the needs of all park visitors to provide a supporting soundscape which matches the activities carried out in the parks. These results implicate Malaysian park planning and management by serving a further understanding of the relationship between the soundscape of the parks from the perspective of different park users.
Service quality assessment of orange line metro train, Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Amin S , Husny ZJ Mohammad , Ijaz Z , Shahbaz A , Rasool S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Service Quality increases the efficiency and effectiveness of a service leading to achieving the satisfaction of its users. A customer satisfaction score is considered one of the effective tools to achieve efficiency in any service. Service Quality and riders’ satisfaction with public transport is important for social, political, environmental, and economic outcomes. The research aims to assess service quality from the perspective of users of the Orange Line Metro Train OLMT, Lahore. The study was based on two types of surveys one was the observatory and the other was a questionnaire-based survey. The observatory surveys at stations were carried out to note down the status of facilities available. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted from passengers at different OLMT stations. The average ridership of OLMT is approx. 65,000 per month till the first quarter of 2022. The research used random sampling techniques for the selection of users riding from different stations of OLMT. The study used eight service quality variables; i.e. accessibility, safety and security, comfort and cleanliness, customer care, infrastructure, amenities, and fare satisfaction; and environmental conditions. The study concluded that the customer satisfaction score for the OLMT service is 65%. The riders were moderately satisfied with service quality at stations of OLMT. The absence of the park-and-ride facility is one of the most critical and challenging things. The majority of riders highlighted that the behavior of the staff working at stations was not cooperative. Observatory surveys and riders’ perceptions regarding various issues complement each other. The variables that need to be improved are particularly related to accessibility through the provision of park-and-ride facilities, comfort and convenience through the provision of additional facilities at the waiting area of stations. The findings of the study will help authorities and policymakers in improving factors that were identified during the surveys for the improvement of service quality.
Leadership issues for road project engineers
Authors: Danial Norhana , Misnan Mohd Saidin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Being a construction team leader is an enormous responsibility because leaders inspire and motivate others. This study aims to identify leadership development and required skills from engineers’ perspectives. Using a qualitative approach from interviews with eight civil engineers, the authors explored their leadership issues and practices, especially in handling road project delays. The participants’ diverse viewpoints and experiences led to road construction’s four most common delay factors and how they responded to them. The research findings demonstrated that engineers in road projects require leadership competencies and extensive technical knowledge and experience to keep road projects on track. Since leaders accept responsibility, they must constantly learn to expand their knowledge and find new approaches to solve problems. This study generated a leadership chart highlighting road engineers’ leadership competencies to engage, coordinate and communicate effectively with team members and other project stakeholders. Combining technical expertise and soft skills enhances engineers’ ability to navigate construction complexities and adapt to changing trends.
Aligning Malaysian Agrotourism Real Estate Investment with The Sustainable Development Goals: Opportunities
Authors: Baharudin Norhishammudin , Jaafar Mohd Nadzri , Ismail Azizah , Ab Azis Shazmin Shareena , Afrane Ebenezer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Investing in Malaysian agrotourism real estate can significantly impact achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Agrotourism investments rely on market demand and visitor interest. It is essential to assess the potential market demand for agrotourism experiences in the specific location and consider the competition from existing agrotourism destinations or other tourism sectors. However, failure to attract a sufficient number of visitors can impact the financial viability of the investment. This paper explores the potential opportunities of such investments with respect to suitable development, including economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Content analysis from the literature review is used as the medium to achieve the stated objectives above. Findings showed that while investing in agrotourism real estate has the potential to have significant positive impacts on local communities and ecosystems, it also requires careful planning and management to ensure these outcomes are achieved in a suitable manner. We conclude by recommending strategies for investors to promote sustainable development goals through their investment choices in Malaysian agrotourism real estate.
Addressing idle agricultural land: the conceptual framework of idle land tax based on financial self-interest model
Authors: Hamid Muhamad Norfiqiri , Yunus Norhidayah Md , Razali Muhammad Najib , Hock Sia Pong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
All landowners are obligated to utilize their lands in line with the categories of land use specified in the title document. The issue of idle agricultural land keeps arise and has negatively impacted our country. By law, the government has the power to forfeiture idle agricultural land if the land has been left uncultivated, but it is poorly implemented in order to maintain a good relationship between people and the government. This paper aims to provide a conceptual framework to impose taxes as an enforcement policy to ensure landowners obey the rules at once to avoid land forfeiture. The secondary data includes the application of the act, a review of other countries’ approaches, and the Financial Self-interest Model is used to develop the framework. The analysis indicated that we have legislative pillars, but the issues keep remain meaning that their effectiveness is lacking. By analyzing foreign countries, we can use taxation approaches, and the model is related to compliance behavior which is good in order to overcome the issues. In conclusion, this conceptual framework can be a trigger to alternative enforcement in making sure the landowners obey the rules to utilize their agricultural land and reduce idle agricultural land issues.
Challenges In Land Title Issuance for Water Assets in The Restructured Water Services Industry
Authors: Ghani Azizul Abd , Yunus Norhidayah Md. , Sukereman Anis Syazwani 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The restructuring of Malaysia’s water services industry, initiated by the Federal Government in 2008, aimed to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework encompassing both water supply and sewerage services. In line with this initiative, Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) undertook the acquisition of water assets from the state, as part of the National Water Services Industry Restructuring Initiative. The acquisition was conducted based on the one-time book value of the state’s water assets, aligned with their corresponding liabilities. However, this common practice faced technical challenges owing to constraints encountered by the land office, leading to unapproved land alienation applications and subsequent delays in the issuance of titles for the acquired water assets. Despite the significance of the matter, the discourse surrounding water assets, particularly concerning land alienation and title issuance, has received insufficient attention in the existing literature. This research seeks to address the challenges faced by the land office in issuing land titles for water assets within the restructured water services industry. Engaging a qualitative mode of inquiry, content document analysis was employed, utilizing the READ approach, to scrutinize pertinent statutes, acts, policies, and procedures of the land office. The study’s outcomes disclose the existence of fifteen (15) challenges spanning diverse aspects such as government policies, administrative procedures, and the pivotal engagement of land office personnel. Conversely, these challenges also pertain to the activities and contributions of applicants and stakeholders, albeit through indirect channels. By identifying these challenges, key stakeholders, especially the land office and PAAB, can better address problematic applications, expedite the process of land ownership for water assets, and significantly contribute to the overall enhancement of the national initiative restructuring Malaysia’s water supply service industry.