bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inhibitory effect of anthocyanins-rich Thai berries extracts on lipid digestion and absorption
Authors:   , Chamnansilpa Netima
Published: September 2023

Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factor that contributes to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetic mellitus. Anthocyanin-rich Thai berries have been documented to have hypolipidemic activity. However, no scientific data is available regarding the mechanism of lipid lowering property. Thus, the objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of action of Thai berries including Prunus domestica L., Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Syzygium nervosum A. Cunn. Ex DC, and Muntingia calabura L. on a reduction of lipid digestion and absorption in vitro. Phytochemical compounds of Thai berries, including total phenolic (TP), total flavonoids (TF) and total anthocyanins (TA) were determined. The lipid lowering activities were evaluated via bile acid binding, pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase activities and cholesterol micellization. Furthermore, cholesterol uptake into intestinal Caco-2 cells was also observed. Total phenolic, total flavonoids and total anthocyanins contents of five Thai berries were range form 222.7-579.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract, 91.2-184.3 mg catechin equivalents/g extract and 37.9-49.5 mg cyanindin-3-glucoside equivalent/g extract, respectively. All five Thai-berries extracts (1 mg/mL) bound to taurocholic acid (primary bile acid), taurodeoxycholic acid and glycodeoxycholic acid (secondary bile acids) ranged from 20.1-42.3%, 16.4-36.2%, and 27.9-39.3%, respectively. In addition, Thai berries extracts showed inhibitory activities against pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase with IC50 values ranged from 90.6-336.9 µg/mL and 288.7-469.1 µg/mL, respectively. The extracts (0.25 mg/mL) also reduced the solubility of cholesterol in mixed micelles with inhibitory value of 53.0-67.3%. Our finding indicated that Prunus domestica L. had the highest TF, TA and also demonstrated the strongest potent to bind to bile acid, inhibit pancreatic lipase, and reduce cholesterol micellization. Therefore, Prunus domestica L. was then further subjected to investigate cholesterol absorption in Caco-2 cells. It was found that the extract reduced cholesterol absorption in Caco-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the combination of Prunus domestica L. (0.1 mg/mL) with ezetimibe (0.05 mg/mL) exhibited additive effect on the reduction of cholesterol uptake into the cells which had more ability than Prunus domestica L. and ezetimibe alone (p< 0.05). These results illustrate that anthocyanins-rich Thai berries are able to contribute lipid lowering effects via binding to bile acids, decreasing pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase activities and also reducing cholesterol incorporation into mix micelle. Moreover, Prunus domestica L. decreases cholesterol absorption into the intestinal cells. Taken together, our finding provides scientific evidence supporting the potential of anthocyanins-rich Thai berries extracts can be used as a new and efficient lipid lowering agents.
Microencapsulation instant coffee by spray drying using hydrolysed konjac glucomannan
Authors:   , Sakawulan Desi
Published: September 2023

This research is aimed at finding a suitable wall material from konjac glucomannan to shield antioxidant compounds in coffee extract along with appropriate condition of spray drying to produce microencapsulated instant coffee. There are two steps of study. In the first step, two types of konjac powder (A. muelleri and A. bulbifer) and different concentrations of mannanase enzyme were used to investigate the viscosity reduction of konjac glucomannan hydrolysate (KGMH). It is found that mannanase at 38,000 units per gram substrate was able to lower the viscosity of A. muelleri solution to less than 100 m.Pa.s, while A. bulbifer remained above 100 mPa.s at the chosen concentration. In the second step, concentrated coffee extract (20 °Brix) was mixed with KGMH (5, 15 and 20% w/w) as coating material. Maltodextrin (MD) (15, 5 % w/w) was added to adjust total solids of coating material and used as control (20% w/w). The mixture of coating material and coffee extract at solids ratio 2.2:1 (w/w) was then spray dried at 160, 170 and 180 °C inlet temperature and at 85-90 °C outlet temperature. Instant coffee produced from 20% KGMH (without MD) and dried at 160 °C presented the highest apparent retention of phenolic compounds (129%), DPPH scavenging activity (131%), and antioxidant activity of FRAP (122%) (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the highest apparent retention of chlorogenic acid was provided by instant coffee of 20% KGMH and dried at 180 °C (130%). Apparently, KGMH was contributing to the antioxidant properties and the coffee solids were retained nearly 100% in microcapsule. Increasing KGMH concentration leads to higher dietary fiber both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber (p<0.05). Meanwhile, in physical properties, increasing KGMH concentration was correlated to lower production yield and lower water solubility index but higher water absorption index (p<0.05). However, it should be noted that the lowest water solubility index was still above 88% which can be classified as good solubility of powder. Moisture content and water activity of all formulations of instant coffee ranged between 3.37-3.75% and 0.21-0.25 (p>0.05). To sum up, this study revealed the potential use of KGMH solution as wall material in spray drying microencapsulation. Instant coffee alone as coating material presented better antioxidant activity and dietary fiber than microcapsule of MD alone.
Halophilic bacteria from salty fermented foods and its bacteriocin encoding gene expression to use as biocontrol agent against Staphylococcus aureus in salt added foods
Authors:   , Chhetri Vishal
Published: September 2023

This research was aimed to isolate, select and apply bacteriocin producing halophilic bacteria from salty fermented foods, Plara (Thai traditional salty fermented fish) and soya sauce as bio-control agent in foods. The isolates having inhibitory activity against different strains of Staphylococcus aureus were selected, identified and characterized prior to application as protective starter in food models. Bacterial communities of Plara and soya sauce samples were studied by two methods, a cultural dependent and cultural independent method (Reverse Transcriptase PCR DGGE (Rev-T PCR-DGGE)), and subsequently sequenced by 16s rDNA analysis. Halanaerobium spp. in Plara and Staphylococcus gallinarum in soya sauce were the main population detected by the Rev-T PCR-DGGE, while Bacillus spp. with the predominance of B. subtilis (41%) was the bacterial isolates detected by cultural plating method. Among 124 isolates from soya sauce and Plara, 37 (29.8%) isolates (35 Bacillus strains and 2 other groups of bacteria) exhibited inhibitory effect against the three different indicator Staphylococcus aureus strains. The inhibitory action was tested by deferred antagonism, spot-on-the-lawn method. The Bacillus isolates displayed different inhibitory pattern on the indicator strains, significantly different at p<0.05. The Bacillus isolates with positive inhibitory action was further investigated for the gene encoding bacteriocin production (subtilin-spa/ subtilosin-sbo). Furthermore, bacteriocin gene expression was studied, and found that two isolates of Bacillus (B. subtilis and B. licheniformis) over expressed bacteriocin gene in 5% NaCl and co-culture with cocktail S. aureus. The gene expression Bacillus subtilis isolate was selected for developing to protective culture, after subjected to safety evaluation. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the selected strain were found at 20AU/ml and 80AU/ml, respectively. When application as protective cultures in two food models (cottage cheese and bamboo shoot pickle), the culture significantly reduced 2-3log cycle of S. aureus contamination. This study demonstrated a potential of Bacillus spp. in controlling the growth of S. aureus, therefore it could be a potential in further development as protective culture in food industries.
APATITE FISSION TRACK DATING OF MESOZOIC SILICICLASTIC ROCKS FROM KHORAT GROUP IN PHU PHAN MOUNTAIN RANGE, NORTHEASTERN THAILAND
Authors:   , Veeravinantanakul Apivut
Published: September 2023

Field and remote-sensing investigations have been performed for mapping the Mesozoic siliciclastic rocks of the Phu Phan Ranges (PPR), northeastern Thailand. Stratigraphically, the PPR study area has been remapped and is occupied by 5 distinct successive formations, including the Phu Kradung Formation with the average thickness of 93 m, the Phra Wihan Formation with the average thickness of 64 m, the Sao Khua Formation with the average thickness of 63 m, the Phu Phan with the average thickness of 84 m, and the Khok Kruat with the average thickness of 49 m. Results on field and remote sensing analyses reveal that the PPR rocks are structurally deformed into series of anticlines and synclines with the NW-SE trend. Geological transects have been performed over the PPR study area. It has been recognized that the major fold has been displaced by NE-SW, short left-lateral strike slip faults. A total of 21 samples of the Khorat Group rocks have been collected for petrographic and apatite fission track (AFT) analyses. Petrographically, all the samples are very fine- to medium-grained sandstones, viz. feldspathic litharenite and litharenite. The sandstone petrography and modal analysis of quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments points to the provenance of recycled orogen. It is considered that the source regions are the Loei-Phetchabun and the Truong Son Belts. The studied samples have essentially clastic textures with siliceous and calcareous cements and contain abundant quartz (av. 72.7%) with minor feldspar (av. 3.6%) and rock fragments (av. 23.7%). Apatite and zircon are significant accessories. Apatite invariably forms long prismatic habits and occurs as discrete detrital grains. About 120 grains from qualified 6 samples have been analyzed for fission track dating. The current AFT result from this study along with those of the previous studies reveals an interesting scenario. Three age ranges of the PPR and surrounding regions have been recognized viz., 78 to 60 Ma, 55 to 42 Ma, and about 37 Ma. The first episode (78 – 60 Ma) corresponds to the tectonic movement in response to the NE–SW compressive stress within the Khorat region, giving rise to the major deformed structure in the study area. Perhaps the Phu Phan anticlinal structures have been formed. Two successive basins within the Khorat region may have been developed at this stage. The second episode (55 – 42 Ma) indicates an extensive exhumation (major uplift and erosion) developed within the whole Khorat region, becoming a Khorat Plateau. The final episode about 37 Ma is marked by the minor movement along the strike-slip fault which slightly displaced the Phu Phan anticlinal structure in response to the clock-wise rotation of the Indochina block. The AFT results from this current and previous studies advocate an average exhumation rate of the Phu Phan Mountain range to be ca. 0.0139 mm/yr (or 13.9 m/Ma).
EFFECTS OF CURCUMIN-LOADED BACTERIAL CELLULOSE FILMS ON CANCER CELLS
Authors:   , Subtaweesin Chayut
Published: September 2023

In this study, a curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose films were developed. Bacterial cellulose films were prepared by culturing Gluconacetobacter xylinus in coconut water-based medium. Curcumin, an active substance found in turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn), was then absorbed into never-dried bacterial cellulose pellicles by immersion in 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml curcumin solutions, with absolute ethanol as solvent, for 24 hours. The curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose pellicles were then air-dried. Controlled release of curcumin was achieved in buffer solutions containing Tween 80 and methanol additives, at pH 5.5 and 7.4. Curcumin-loaded bacterial cellulose films prepared with curcumin solutions at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml demonstrated anticancer activity against A375 human malignant melanoma cells, HT29 human colon cancer cells, and MCF7 human breast cancer cells. On normal cells, specifically human keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts, along with Vero kidney epithelial cells, no significant cytotoxic effect was observed. These developed films have properties that would be beneficial in biomedical applications.
The effect of edta-application to heavy metals phytoremediation by vetiver
Authors:   , Wasino Ramida
Published: September 2023

Contaminated soil with heavy metals includes Pb, Zn, and Cd were remediated by phytoremediation with vetiver to solved the problem in Thailand. This study compared the ability of two species of vetiver (i.e., Songkhla 3 and Prachuap Khiri Khan) in absorbing Pb, Zn, and Cd in contaminated soils and study the effect of EDTA application. After the experiment, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test, Allium test, and seed germination were used to determined the toxicity of remediated soil. In this study, 5 mmol of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used to improve the solubility of heavy metals in soil which leads to an increase in translocation factor and bioaccumulation factor.

According to microwave digestion method, the concentration of heavy metals includes Pb, Zn, and Cd was lower in soil and higher in both shoot and root parts of two ecotypes of vetiver in period of studied. While the EDTA application significantly increased the bioaccumulation of Zn in shoot and root part of Songkhla3, it did not significantly increase the total uptake of Zn in root parts of Prachuap Khiri Khan. TCLP results showed that the concentration of heavy metals was lower than regulatory level after 3 months of remediation,but concentration increased after  EDTA application in fourth month. To confirm the ability of vetiver in phytoremediation, Allium test showed no effect of heavy metals in chromosomal aberration and high percentage of seed germination was observed in aliquot extracted from remediated soil by Songkhla3. The results from experiment confirmed that two ecotypes of vetiver grass have ability to reduce heavy metal concentration in contaminated soil and accumulated the in their shoot and root.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF INTEGRATED CO2 HUFF-N-PUFF AND WAG IN LOW-PRESSURE HETEROGENEOUS RESERVOIR
Authors:   , Yoosook Hutthapong
Published: September 2023

The integrated CO2 Huff-n-Puff and WAG is a novel technique to combine CO2 Huff-n-Puff technique that conducted at early state and followed by WAG technique until the end of operating time. This technique is effectiveness in term of increased oil recovery and reduced CO2 utilization. However, the integrated CO2 Huff-n-Puff and WAG process contains numerous adjustable operating parameters. Hence, numerical simulation study and sensitivity analysis become essential to investigate the effects of main operational parameters and evaluate the performance of the integrated CO2 Huff-n-Puff and WAG process in low-pressure heterogeneous reservoir to achieve the maximum benefits. According to simulation results, the highest sensitive parameter on oil recovery factor using CO2 Huff-n-Puff process is production time, followed by production rate. The lowest sensitivity is soaking time. Nevertheless, CO2 HCPV injection illustrates the highest sensitivity on CO2 consumption. In term of conducting integrated CO2 Huff-n-Puff and WAG, higher oil recovery factor with lower CO2 utilization can be obtained by injecting additional chasing water rate and extending CO2 Huff-n-Puff period. Last but not least, applying integrated CO2 Huff-n-Puff and WAG method has capability to extract up to 64% of OOIP beyond primary recovery. Finally, dominant EOR mechanisms of this technique are reservoir pressure maintenance, volumetric sweep efficiency improvement, and oil viscosity reduction.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF ARIPIPRAZOLE COMPARE WITH RISPERIDONE IN PATIENT WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Authors:   , Wongwejwiwat Kridsadadanudej
Published: September 2023

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of deficits in social interaction and social communication (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The result of a study in Thailand found that ASD patients with less self-reliance increased the number of caregivers, indirect costs and total costs (Naruemol Junsamut, 2014). Risperidone and aripiprazole showed the effectiveness for treating irritability/disruptive behavior in ASD (LeClerc & Easley, 2015). The objective of this research was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of aripiprazole compared with risperidone for treating ASD patient. Seven studies were selected to analyze the outcomes of effectiveness utilizing network meta-analysis. The number of improving symptoms that was evaluated via Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and the lower score is the better. Result of this study revealed that average ABC-I scores of risperidone group were considerably lower than aripiprazole group (mean difference 0.41). Given both active agents were compared, there was no statistical significance reached in the network meta-analysis (95%CI: -5.53, 6.36). The results of unit cost analysis were presented the cost per 1 decreasing ABC-I score of risperidone by provider perspective was 981.04 Baht and aripiprazole was 423.54 Baht. As a result of cost-effectiveness ratio, it was clear that in the risperidone group, the provider was responsible more for the cost of treatment.
Factors Associated with Infant and Under-five Mortality in Myanmar
Authors:   , Mawi Lal
Published: September 2023

Myanmar is committed to achieve unfinished agenda for reducing child mortality, fourth indicator of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and global target to achieve under-five mortality rate 25 per 1000 live births in 2030. Moreover, under-five mortality varies across states and regions within the country and the study aims to explore determinants of mortality across different health care planning zones. The results showed that infants who were breastfed had lower risk of death by 11.7 percent comparison with children who were not, and twin or multiple births were more likely to die by 8.1%. Moreover, short preceding birth interval, mothers with no using contraceptives, birth order, size of baby after delivery, caesarean born child were found to be statistically significant predictors of infant mortality. Furthermore, the study found regional disparities and infant from Hilly and Dry zones more like to die by 2.6% and 2.1% in comparison with infants from Coastal zone. In additionally, infants of mothers residing in rich household wealth were less likely to die by 4.4% than those of infants from poor wealth in Dry zone, infants of mothers belonged to secondary education were less likely to die by 4.4% than those infants of mothers with no education or primary level in Delta zone, urban infant tends to survive than rural infant in Hilly zone. Finally, the findings from this study showed that determinants of infant mortality vary across the four zones and overall sample and highlight multi-sectoral coordination to improve infant survival in Myanmar.
PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTION ON LEVERAGING PROVIDER PAYMENT METHODS FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO HELP MEET NATIONAL HEALTH GOALS IN MYANMAR
Authors:   , Lwin Nay
Published: September 2023

Myanmar has committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. With a poor economy and scarce resource, the government alone cannot achieve UHC without the collaboration of private stakeholders which has an increasing role in the health sector with evolving political and administrative circumstances. To uplift equitable access to essential quality health care services with financial risk protection and efficiency, the country is eager to know a suitable mix of provider payment methods which can be used as key levers to support achieving UHC goals. This study is designed to explore the private stakeholders’ perception on leveraging provider payment systems to help meet national health goals in Myanmar. 23 key informant interviews were conducted with private stakeholders including private hospitals, general practitioners, ethnic health organizations, non-government organizations, civil society organizations and other public health professionals in Myanmar, using a guideline question. After analysis, the result showed that Myanmar is still using traditional passive purchasing methods, i.e. line-item budget and unregulated fee for service in both public and private sectors, which cannot produce explicit incentives for desired provider behavior towards aspired national health goals. The results of this study provided an empirical basis for policy-makers in Myanmar to assess the perception of private stakeholders on different provider payment reform options and make decisions about a mix of payment methods to help meet national health goals in Myanmar according to the roadmap of National Health Plan.
TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF PRIVATE CLINICS UNDER UNIVERSAL COVERAGE SCHEME IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
Authors:   , Kangyang Pimpitcha
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to measure technical efficiency of 88 private clinics under Universal Coverage Scheme (UC) in Bangkok in fiscal year 2017 and to identify the factors affecting their technical efficiency. The study was divided to two parts. The first part was measuring of technical efficiency with data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the second part was identifying the factors affecting efficiency with regression analysis using Tobit model. The result of DEA under a variable return to scale assumption showed that 84 private clinics under UC (95.45 percent of the target of study) were operating on pure technical efficiency frontier (VRSTE), the mean pure technical efficiency score was equal to 0.98. Furthermore, the results of regression analysis revealed that only health supporting staff ratio was significantly affecting on pure technical efficiency (TEVRS) of private clinics under Universal Coverage Scheme (UC) while other explanatory variables such as family medical physician ratio, nurse practitioner ratio, health promotion and disease prevention service ratio, the number of Universal Coverage Scheme (UC) members, type of clinics and location were insignificant. As a result of DEA; patterns of scale inefficiencies showed that in order to achieve appropriate scale of operation, private clinics under UC which operated increasing return to scale (IRS) should expand their scale of operation while private clinics under UC which operated decreasing return to scale (DRS) should reduce their scale of operation. Moreover, as a result of regression analysis, in order to increase in efficiency, it should increase in health supporting staff ratio.
Metal artifact reduction in computed tomography at head and neck region
Authors:   , Oonsiri Sornjarod
Published: September 2023

The common streak artifacts in computed tomographic images result from the metal implant in patients. Such the artifacts could suppress proper diagnosis or misdiagnosis in computed tomographic images. The purpose of this study is to develop the method for metal artifact reduction using MATLAB software and implement in both phantom and patients for head and neck computed tomographic imaging. The new algorithm of metal artifact reduction in computed tomographic images had been developed using MATLAB software. The homogeneous phantom, Alderson Rando phantom, and patients with a metal implant in the head and neck region had been scanned by Philips Brilliance Big Bore CT. Commercial Orthopedic metal artifact reduction (OMAR) and new algorithms were applied to the computed tomographic images in phantoms and patients with the metal artifact in the head and neck region. The quantitative analysis of image quality on a metal artifact of the head and neck region was evaluated in percent noise. The qualitative analysis in clinical imaging was evaluated in scoring by two radiation oncologists. In homogeneous and Alderson Rando phantoms, the new algorithm indicated higher efficiency in metal artifact reduction than OMAR. In contrast, for the head and neck computed tomographic image with metal artifact reduction, OMAR showed higher efficiency than the new algorithm. The new algorithm suppressed the artifact in homogeneous, anthropomorphic phantom and patients with a metal implant in the head and neck region approximate 40%, 40%, and 60%, respectively. The new algorithm of metal artifact reduction based on non-linear interpolation technique to suppress the metal artifact in computed tomographic images, use the unique technique to improve the image quality. The qualitative analysis by two radiation oncologists showed the comparable results of OMAR and new algorithm. The efficiency of the new algorithm is better than filtered back projection and metal artifact reduction for OMAR in homogeneous phantom and Alderson Rando phantom in the clinical range of the tube current-time, mAs. However, the efficiency of metal artifact reduction for OMAR is higher than a new algorithm and filtered back projection regarding percent noise. The image quality scoring by two independent radiation oncologists with the same experience showed comparable efficiency result of the new algorithm and OMAR.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY COMPARED WITH OPEN CHOLECYSTECTOMY AT A PRIVATE HOSPITAL IN MYANMAR
Authors:   , Heing Pye
Published: September 2023

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the main treatment of uncomplicated gallstone diseases in developed countries due to shorter hospital stay, faster recovery time and other benefits. However, it is still controversial for developing countries. This study aims to evaluate whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy is more cost-effective than open cholecystectomy (OC) in the treatment of gallstone diseases in Myanmar. A cost-effectiveness analysis was evaluated from the provider perspective. The required cost and outcome data were obtained from a private hospital which is located in Yangon, Myanmar. Two outcomes are used as effectiveness in this study, namely cases of complications avoided and cases with shorter hospital stay. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to check the robustness of the result. In conclusion, LC is found to be more cost-effective than OC in the hospital of Myanmar. According to the result of this study, the hospitals in Myanmar should strongly consider to do further study and apply laparoscopic technique in the treatment of gallstone diseases.
FACTORS AFFECTING HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE IN EJIN HORO COUNTY, CHINA
Authors:   , Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2023

This study aims to explore health seeking behavior in Ejin Horo county, China, specifically it tries to assess how socioeconomic-demographic factors and health literacy affect the decision to use formal outpatient care and conditioning on use the choice among the three-tiered health care facilities visited by people in Ejin Horo county, China during the period of 2016. Our attention is placed on the demand side because Ejin Horo county is the most powerful county in Inner Mongolia and the supply of health services in this county is quite comprehensive. In essence, the study on health seeking behavior will be able to shed some light on the prospect of the country in reducing the overcrowding in secondary and tertiary health care facilities. A cross-sectional data called “Community Survey of Ejin Horo County 2016” is used for the study. The econometric methods employed for this study consist of binary logit and ordered logit regressions as well as descriptive statistical approach at the initial stage of the analysis. Thereafter, marginal effect corresponding to each factor is calculated to give the magnitude of the impact of each socioeconomic and demographic factors and health literacy on the probability of seeking formal outpatient care and the probability of choosing each health care facilities. The results indicate that being Han ethnic and having adequate health literacy will reduce the use of formal outpatient care. While the people with emergency disease and people with primary education level have the tendency to use more of formal outpatient care when sick during the two weeks prior to the interview. And among those who seek formal outpatient service, people with college education or above, retired, being in the highest income quartile, having knowledge-based health literacy, or having emergency diseases are more inclined to visit tertiary and secondary health care facilities comparing to their relevant counterparts. While people with belief or behavioral components of health literacy are more likely to visit primary health care facilities when they were sick during the last two weeks.
EFFECT OF OVERALL EQUIPMENT EFFECTIVENESS IMPROVEMENT OF CORRUGATING MACHINE USING TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CARBON FOOTPRINT OF CORRUGATED BOARD.
Authors:   , Nguyen Long
Published: September 2023

Environmental friendly production is an emerging trend in industrial production. Enhancing environmental protection and ensuring company’s profitability have gained great attention from manufacturers. The application of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) using Total Quality Management (TQM) to reflect efficiency of production has been widely implemented in the manufacturing process. However, the full advantage of OEE using TQM techniques as a measure to simultaneously facilitate reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and to sustain the existing profitability has not been utilized. This study aimed to investigate the application of OEE using TQM techniques to improve the manufacturing process of corrugated board production using two indicators including CO2 emission and profitability. The research showed a model of measuring OEE, CO2 emission and Profitability. The proposed model was a useful tool in predicting Carbon Footprint (CFP) and Profitability when improving OEE. The experiment was done in Vietnam. The tendency of OEE, CFP and Profitability was similar in both experiments. It suggested that the corrugating machines should have the same conditions. In Vietnam, nowadays there are over 90% of second hand corrugating machines used in corrugated box industry. The study clearly demonstrated the relationship between OEE and CFP and Profitability of corrugated paper producers in that when improving OEE, CFP would decrease and Profitability would increase. The TQM techniques used in this study were one of the suggestions for improving OEE.
Threshold of luminance contrast and chromaticity contrast for subjects wearing simulated low vision glasses
Authors:   , Manavutt Mintra
Published: September 2023

As reported by WHO in 2010, there are 246 million people with low vision (total population in the world is 6,737 million). The proper environment is important for doing their daily activities not only to be safe and convenient but also to improve the quality of life. This research investigated the threshold of luminance contrast and chromaticity contrast for subjects wearing simulated low vision glasses. The subjests are color normal vision wearing simulated low vision glasses with visual acuity (VA) ranging between 0.05 and 0.3: narrow vision (NV), blur vision (BL), occlusion vision (OLS) and combination of blur and occlusion vision (BL-OLS). They took part in series of psycho-physical experiments. The stimuli are achromatic and chromatic sinusoidal gratings of different spatial frequencies and hues. For all stimulated low vision glasses at higher spatial frequencies, the luminance and chromaticity contrast thresholds were high compared to lower spatial frequencies except for blue and red in maxNV glasses. Yellow showed the highest chromaticity contrast threshold and they were not much different for all spatial frequencies. The medBL-maxOLS glasses showed the highest luminance and chromaticity contrast thresholds while the maxNV glasses showed the lowest ones.
Formulations of primer, acrylic paint and pastel in traditional Thai style colour
Authors:   , Kaew-on Nawarat
Published: September 2023

This research aimed to improve Thai traditional primer, used for mural painting, with antibacterial property, to formulate novel primers having antibacterial behavior, scrub resistance and washability as well as to formulate paints according to Thai color dictionary. Both primers and paints were aimed to use in mural painting. We divided the research into 3 parts: 1) improved traditional primer and formulated novel primer with antibacterial, washable and scrub resistance properties; 2) formulated acrylic paints and pastels according to Thai color dictionary and 3) investigated the wavelengths used for distinguishing the change of paint caused by light, moist and heat using multi-spectrum imaging technique. Traditional primers that were made of natural constituents particularly tamarind glue and white clay hardly resist to environmental factors including the microorganisms because the natural components encourage their growth. Titanium dioxide, TiO2, and silver nanoparticles, AgNPs having antibacterial property, were used in the formulations. Subsequently they were tested against 4 bacterial species; Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, B. mycoides, and Leclercia adecarboxylata that were found on the mural painting surface of Somanas Rajavaravihara temple in Bangkok, Thailand. The presence of TiO2 and AgNPs in the novel primers inhibited the growth of these 4 bacteria, while neither the traditional primer with AgNPs nor the one without showed inhibition activity against all 4 bacterial species.  On the other hand, the novel formulated primers containing TiO2, aluminum silicates and AgNPs showed the best inhibition and the second best was the primer with aluminum silicates and AgNPs. The latter gave better scrub resistance and washability than the former.  Primary colours were formulated, 11 colours for acrylic paint and 12 colours for pastel. These primary colours were used as database to formulate traditional Thai style colour for acrylic paint and pastel respectively.  Samples of traditional Thai style colour were made, twenty colours for acrylic paint and forty colours for pastel.  The color differences CIEDE2000 between the formulated and the Thai color dictionary’s CIELAB values were less than 3. The pass-fail color tolerance and brush testing were carried out by Thai artists. In addition, multi-spectrum imaging technique was employed to study the spectroscopic characterization of paints, pastel and primers that were influenced by changing of moist, heat and UV radiation.
Increasing profit by rice export reduction among union members
Authors:   , Sangmanacharoen Narabhatra
Published: September 2023

Over the past decades, OPEC which coordinates petroleum policies among members has agreed to cut supply to raise oil price. With a consensus elasticity of -0.13, oil is an inelastic commodity, a reduction in production results in a huge increase in price. It is noticeable that OPEC can increase oil price because they altogether possess a large amount of global oil supply. It is interesting whether this strategy can be used with rice to increase its price by reducing its supply. Because rice elasticity ranges between -0.51 and -0.13, rice is also an inelastic commodity. Although rice and oil have some differences, a rice export reduction agreement among union members is investigated in this study to see the possibility of price movement of rice and the potential profit generated among countries given various percentages of rice export reductions among members as well as the effect to farmers in Thailand if implemented. This study creates a model for the relationship between rice export quantity reduction and corresponding profits. This model construction includes the integration of regression, demand curve, consumer price index inflation adjustment, elasticity determination, union member selection, autoregressive time-series model, revenue and cost calculation with discounted present value, and substitution price limit. The study mainly focuses on effects to Thailand. It is found from the model that an export reduction of 10% among members would increase an average annual profit of Thailand by 141.72 million USD compared to the current export level. Thailand may experience an additional revenue gain of 6.64% from export only and 11.08% for the total production of rice.
THE CHALLENGES AND LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES OF PAKISTAN'S URBAN WOMEN REFUGEES IN BANGKOK,THAILAND
Authors:   , Nguma Margaret
Published: September 2023

Despite the fact that Thailand is a non-signatory of the 1951Refugee Convention relating to the Status of Refugee and its 1967 protocol, it has become a home to many and still provides basic protection for many refugees and those who seek asylum. In principle with lack of some legal framework that recognizes and provides documents for asylum seekers and refugees, these subjects are treated as illegal migrants under the Thai Law article 12 of Immigration act. The focus of the study is to understand and examine the challenges and the livelihood strategies faced by Pakistan urban women refugees on access to health and education on their children and how they cope with it in the absence of assistance in order to survive, and the given role played by international organization, local organization and religious institutions in helping provide assistance to women refugees. Through in-depth interviews of open ended questions and non-participant methodology, provided the account of their experience in accessing there social services. This research examines a broad view of the available literature on insecurity, women urban refugees and asylum seekers’ access to health services as well as education for their children, in order to form the development of policy work and further research in this area. The study found that the difficulty with access to health situations and conditions faced by refugees and asylum-seekers awareness was vital; as well as understand the ways in which these refugees and Asylum Seekers provide for and protected themselves and their families in this hostile precarious environment. In addition, the study found that urban refugees had little access to education for their children. The study gave avenues for a better understanding of the ways in which refugees and asylum-seekers develop their strengths and agency to contend with traumatic events and daily challenges to better support and strengthen these coping mechanisms The significance of this paper is to help improve and make a difference in the lives of women urban refugees through coping strategies with access to education and health, finding alternative for assisting and providing them with sustainable opportunities.
Exploring Collaborative Governance Approaches to Addressing Trafficking and Forced Labour of Migrant Workers in Thailand’s Fisheries Industry
Authors:   , Lehman Sara
Published: September 2023

Thailand’s fishing industry has been in the global spotlight in recent years with continued international attention on human rights abuses taking place on fishing vessels and in fish processing areas. Recently, the Thai Government, suppliers and retailers have been spurred to action to eliminate forced labour and human trafficking from seafood supply chains, including collaborating through new multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs). This paper explores different examples of collaboration between the public sector, industry and civil society to combat forced labor and trafficking in Thailand’s fishing industry. This research uses a conceptual framework based on collaborative governance to conduct qualitative research using case studies of select MSIs. Through this research, I identify the main contextual drivers, motivations – individual and shared – among the different stakeholders as well as their capacity for joint action. There seems to be widespread acceptance among private sector, public sector and civil society actors that collaboration is necessary to effectively address the issue of human trafficking and forced labour in seafood supply chains, but there is limited empircal research to support these claims. The central argument of this paper is that it is necessary to understand the conditions that give rise to, facilitate, or inhibit, cross-sectoral collaborative arrangements, particularly where they intend to address complex, multi-scaAle governance issues. The intention of this paper is to help address this knowledge gap, drawing on case studies of the promising MSIs emerging to address forced labor and human trafficking and uphold the rights of those working in Thailand’s fishing industry.
Development and Dynamics of the Informal Workers in Thailand: A Case Study of Informal Workers Network
Authors:   , Assawarotjanamitre Tanachot
Published: September 2023

This thesis aims to analyze the informal worker movement that is associated with a labor NGO named HomeNet Thailand, which helped mobilize informal workers and strengthen their skills and knowledge. The core analysis of thesis follows Resource Mobilization Theory and Political Process Theory to analyze the informal workers' developments, conditions, and limitations. This thesis explores the Informal workers' situation during Yingluck Shinawatra's civilian government (2011-2014) and Prayut Chan-o-cha's miliatry government (2014-Present). The thesis consists of 5 parts. Firstly, an introduction elaborates the research methodology of Archival Research and Interview methods. Secondly, a literature review and theoretical framework show the limitations of prior research and connectivity between this research and the analytical frameworks. Thirdly, it studies HomeNet and its informal worker groups’ origins, development, sytematization and mobilization via Resource Mobilization Theory. Fourthly, it analyzes HomeNet informal workers’ political engagement under two different regimes, focusing on the dynamics and limitations within the group via Political Process Theory. Lastly, the conclusion elaborates how the relationship between the movement’s resource mobilization and external political structures can determine the movement’s success and failure. The thesis argues that with the pre-existing network and attempts to draw popularity by Yingluck’s government from having civilians participated in politics led the informal sector to their further developments. While on the other hands, the military government – if not interest in informal sector – could halt the development progress of the sector.
DETERMINANTS OF INWARD FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT FROM CHINA, SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CAMBODIA
Authors:   , Kan Puthi
Published: September 2023

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has increased globally since the late 1980s. It increased rapidly in Cambodia in the past two decades. This paper aims to examine the determinants of inward FDI from China, South Korea and Japan and its contribution to economic growth in Cambodia during 1994-2014, using both time series analysis by country and the panel data analysis. The results on the determinants of FDI show that real GDP, bilateral trade between the countries, exchange rate, inflation rate, and relative labor productivity are statistically significant and have positive impact on inward FDI flows into Cambodia, and inward FDI from those three investing countries contribute to Cambodia’s economic growth respectively. The findings from the study on the impact of FDI indicate that there are positive relationships between inward FDI from China, South Korea and Japan and Cambodia’s economic growth. Labor force, domestic investment, human capital, infrastructure and trade openness are the important factors leading to economic growth in Cambodia when receiving inward FDI from those three investing countries. However, the positive effect on the Cambodia’s economic growth could have been greater if the country had greater capability to absorb advanced technology from the FDI. Besides, Cambodian policy makers should focus more on the policies that are friendly and attractive to inward FDI. Moreover, to attract more inward FDI, the government should promote encouraging environment for trade and investment for both local and foreign investors, remove restrictions against FDI and develop physical infrastructure. Finally, policy makers should not forget the development of human capital because the variable represents the absorption capacity from which the Cambodian economy could benefit from the FDI.
ADAPTATION OF SOUTH KOREAN LEADING MUSIC COMPANIES' MARKETING STRATEGY IN GLOBALIZATION CASE STUDY IN THAI MARKET
Authors:   , Sereemanopat Anyarin
Published: September 2023

Music industry in South Korea has developed the new marketing strategy focusing on the big market in China, Japan, and Thailand. To continue the success, G-L-G’ K-Pop’s Globalization Strategy is introduced as a new marketing strategy. From the past, K-POP has been well-known as a result of the co-operation between government and private sector in exporting the product of culture, especially K-POP music. The leading music company turns its focus to adjusting the Standardization Strategy, which is based on Korean members, to Localization Strategy, which is based on local members. The growing success of Super Junior M, f(x), EX-O M, 2PM, Miss A sets the new standard of marketing strategy. Because of this, the music company applies the diversity of nationality to its marketing strategy, namely G-L-G’ K-Pop’s Globalization Strategy. G-L-G’ K-Pop’s Globalization Strategy stays focus on 1. The diversity of investors 2. The export of K-POP 3. A band with members from multi-nationalities. This results in the growing number of international fan-bases, especially in Thailand. The use of language, personality, and image of the band contribute to the success in penetrating into international markets. For example, Thai companies use GOT and NCT as their representatives for their products, which requires the Korean-based image, such as EST Cola, EST Play, Taokaenoi, Masita, It’s Skin, and Yamaha. From the hypotheses, in the globalized age, it can be concluded that G-L-G’ K-Pop’s Globalization Strategy shows positive impacts on account of the popularity from fan-bases and the co-operation between Thai company and Korean music company, not just Thai members in those bands.
Pathomechanism of x-linked osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors:   , Tongkobpetch Siraprapa
Published: September 2023

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bone disease is a genetic disorder characterized by deformities of bones and multiple bone fractures. We identified a new causative gene, MBTPS2, in two unrelated patients with OI inherited in X-linked pattern (X-OI). MBTPS2 or site-2 protease (S2P) is a protease that cleaves the transmembrane proteins to activate them acting as transcription factors. To determine pathomechanism of X-OI caused by MBTPS2 mutations, S2P functions were investigated. RNA and protein of S2P were stable. Instead, the defective S2P decreases its cleavage activities. ATF6 and CREB3L1 are target proteins of S2P. We demonstrated decreased a transcriptional activity of ATF6 and a decreased transcription factor form of CREB3L1. Both of them were resulted from defects in the cleavage activity of S2P. In addition, we generated iPSCs from patients’ skin fibroblasts and induced them to osteoblasts to elucidate the involving pathomechanism. During osteoblast differentiation, we found the delay or absence of calcium deposit and abnormal patterns of calcium binding in X-OI patients. Consistently, the studies of osteogenic gene expression revealed the defect of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization supporting the defects of calcium deposit. Interestingly, COL1A1, a downstream gene of CREB3L1, and SPARC, SEC23A, SEC24D and LOX, downstream genes of CREB3L3, were downregulated.  These genes have functions involving in osteoblastogenesis. Taken together, we concluded that X-OI phenotype is possibly caused by the defects of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization resulting from the decreased transcriptional activities of CREB3L1 and CREB3L3 that downregulate COL1A1, SPARC, SEC23A, SEC24D and LOX.