Termite Resistance of Thermally-Modified Dendrocalamus asper (Schultes f.) Backer ex Heyne
The effects of thermal modification on the resistance of Dendrocalamus asper against Microcerotermes losbañosensis were investigated after exposure to virgin coconut oil at 140–200 °C for 30–120 min. The results showed that heat treatment significantly improved bamboo’s resistance to termites based on mass losses and visual observations. The enhancement was highest at 200 °C. Prolonged treatment had a positive effect on the resistance at lower temperatures only.
Effects of two-step post heat-treatment in palm oil on the properties of oil palm trunk particleboard
Chemical, thermal properties, surface characteristics, termite resistance and physico-mechanical properties of 
urea formaldehyde-bonded oil palm trunk particleboard post heat-treated in palm oil were investigated. Oven 
dried samples were immersed in palm oil for 24 h prior to expose to temperature of 180, 200 and 220 °C in a 
laboratory oven for 2 h. Alternation in the chemical composition of treated samples was investigated using 
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Thermal properties analysis was conducted using 
Thermogravimetric (TG) and Different scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis. Surface characteristics were 
checked using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while resistance against subterranean termite, Coptotermes 
curvignathus, was evaluated. Physcial and mechanical properties of the samples was assessed based on antiswelling 
efficiency (ASE), water repellency efficiency (WRE), bending and internal bonding strength. 
Degradation of hemicellulose shown in FTIR spectra has contributed to the improvement in dimensional stability. 
Oil-covered particles as shown in SEM give the particleboard lower water uptake. Treated samples also 
possess better thermal stability and better resistance against termites as the weight loss caused by termites 
reduced from 25.6% to 11.0%. Generally, improvement in dimensional stability accompanied by severe reduction 
in mechanical strength were recorded in the treated samples.
Study on quantitative earthquake damage of Dujiangyan city, caused by 2008 MS=8.0 Wenchuan, China earthquake based on aerial imagery
The paper introduces quantitative earthquake damage estimation method based on remote sensing data. The quantitative remote sensing seismic damage index based on building damage extracted from the aerial image of Dujiangyan city proper, southwest China's Sichuan province, which acquired after 2008 Ms=8.0 Wenchuan earthquake. The actual seismic damage indices were determined by the ground-based investigation in the city proper. Then their quantitative relationship was established. The results indicate that it is possible to build quantitative model of remote sensing seismic damage, which will enhance significantly the practicality applying the remote sensing in emergency acquisition and analysis of seismic disaster.