bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic determinants of happiness of the elderly in Bhutan
Authors:   , Duba Tashi
Published: September 2023

Elderly in Bhutan are rising steadily as a proportion of total population. In 2015, population older than 60 constituted about 7.3% of the total population compared to 6.9% in 2010. By 2030, the elderly population is estimated to reach 10.1% of total population. Along with growing numbers of elderly in Bhutan and rapid socioeconomic transformations, the individual-level of happiness decreases with age, the lowest being among the elderly (the Gross National Happiness Index surveys of 2010 and 2015 and Bhutan Living Standard Survey 2012). Nevertheless, there is limited literature exploring factors that are associated with happiness of the elderly.  

This study examined the happiness status and analyzed the determinants of happiness among the elderly population aged 60 years old and over. The Bhutan Living Standard Survey 2012 was used because it provides a nationwide representative sample of 3,211 elderly population. This study showed that in 2012 only about 85% of the Bhutanese elderly were happy. Binary logistics regression was employed to examine the association between outcome variable happiness and a set of variables, including individual and demographic characteristics, living arrangement, social capital and economic factors. Findings showed that region, living arrangement, social capital, absolute and relative economic situations in the elderly’s view, and their religiosity are strongly associated with elderly happiness.

The results of this study emphasize roles for government – to develop income security for Bhutanese elderly by introducing home-based income generating programs; develop a long-term old-age policy, introduce a public pension system; and improve social environment and conditions that strengthen family relationship, based on area and region. Those policies will uplift the life, dignity and, most of all, the happiness of the entire Bhutanese elderly population.
A ubiquitous mooc instructional design model based on cognitive dissonance for enhancing higher education students’ cross–cultural competence
Authors:   , Plangsorn Boonrat
Published: September 2023

The research objectives of this study were (1) to study undergraduate students’ opinions in designing a ubiquitous MOOC, (2) to develop a ubiquitous MOOC instructional design model based on cognitive dissonance for enhancing higher education student’s cross–cultural competence (U-MOOC model), and (3) to study the effects of a ubiquitous MOOC instructional design model based on cognitive dissonance for enhancing higher education student’s cross–cultural competence. This study used the research and development research methodology divided into three phases: survey research, U-MOOC model development, and experimental research. The samples of survey phase were 410 undergraduate students recruited from eight government universities. The participants of experiment phase were 30 undergraduate students. The research instruments comprised three questionnaires; undergraduate students’ opinions in designing a ubiquitous MOOC, experts’ opinions about cross-cultural communication content, and experts’ opinions about the U-MOOC model; cross-cultural competence scale; and interview protocol. The research findings were summarized as follows:

1. Undergraduate students’ opinions in designing a ubiquitous MOOC included three concepts; u-learning, massive open online course (MOOC), and instructional design of ubiquitous MOOC for enhancing cross–cultural competence. The highest average score was instructional design of ubiquitous MOOC for enhancing cross–cultural competence, followed by MOOC and u-learning, respectively.

2. The developed U-MOOC model consisted of six steps: (1) Define online learning objectives, (2) Analyze U-MOOC environment needs, (3) Develop U-MOOC learning activity plan, (4) Develop U-MOOC, (5) Deliver to multi-cultural learners, and (6) Assess learners’ learning.

3. The effects of U-MOOC model indicated that student’s cross–cultural competence between pretest and posttest were statistically significant difference (p < .05). In addition, an exploration of the enhancing higher education student’s cross–cultural competence in ubiquitous MOOC instructional model were divided into three parts; ubiquitous MOOC learning, cognitive dissonance, and recommendations for ubiquitous MOOC.
OPTIMAL SIZING, SITING, AND SCHEDULING OF BESS FOR MITIGATINGVOLTAGE PROBLEM IN DISTRIBUTION UTILITIES WITH HIGHPENETRATION OF PV ROOFTOPS
Authors:   , Nguyen Anh
Published: September 2023

For ambition of reducing CO2 emission and reliance on fossil fuels, solar power generation has been received special supports and deployed rapidly in many distribution networks. However, with a high presence of solar power generation, power grid control is no longer simple as conventional one due to natural variation of solar power and large space dispersion of solar power systems. The negative impacts comprise power system stability, electric power quality involving frequency and voltage criteria and other potential issues. Among these impacts, voltage problem is most obvious. Many solutions have been proposed to solve the voltage problem whereas battery energy storage system (BESS) exhibits technically dominant capability in comparison with other ones. However, the price of the battery is, currently, still high, strategies to minimize the operation cost are necessary. This dissertation investigates the BESS, the selected solution for mitigating voltage problem in LV network caused by high penetration of PV rooftops. Two optimal strategies of BESS are proposed to help utilities minimize their operation cost. These strategies cover sitting and sizing of BESSs which is used for long-term planning and scheduling of the installed BESSs for operation planning. Cost evaluations consider aging degradation of the BESS and some additional cost such as O&M cost and so forth. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is demonstrated on a simplified network of Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), Thailand, using Matlab 2016a and Matpower 6.0.
MOLECULAR BEAM EPITAXIAL GROWTH OF GASB AND INSB NANOSTRUCTURES ON (001) GE SUBSTRATES
Authors:   , Zon Zon
Published: September 2023

The self-assembled GaSb and InSb nanostructures (quantum dots, QDs) are grown on (001) Ge substrates in Stranski-Krastanow growth mode by molecular beam epitaxy. The structural properties are characterized by ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the related optical properties are observed by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Growing of polar GaAs on non-polar Ge creates anti-phase domains (APDs). By careful controlling of growth, APDs surface becomes flat and having large surface area (~µm2) which is sufficient to form QD array in each domain. The effects of APDs on the formation of QDs are discussed. By varying the growth conditions, different QD morphologies for two types of QDs; GaSb and InSb, are observed. At the growth temperature of 400-450ºC, GaSb/GaAs QDs are mainly formed on the flat area of each APD. Only a few QDs are also found along the APD boundaries (APBs). The self-assembled GaSb QD shape transforms from circular to rectangular based shape by GaSb depositing over 2.5 monolayer (ML) with the low growth rates ~0.11 ML/s and ~0.09 ML/s, at low growth temperature ~450ºC. The free-standing GaSb/GaAs QDs elongate along [110] direction on (001) GaAs surface having the orthogonal nature of GaAs APDs. The PL emission from QDs exhibits a strong blue shift with increasing the excitation power, which is the characteristic of type-II band alignment. Different from the GaSb QD nucleation position, the low-growth-rate InSb QDs are mostly formed at the APBs, where two orthogonal GaAs surfaces meet. The QD size, shape, density and position are varied with the QD growth temperature and In growth rate. At higher growth temperature and low growth rate, larger InSb QDs are observed as qualitatively similar to the GaSb QD system. By increasing growth rate from 0.023 ML/s to 0.14ML/s, the high density (~1010cm-2) InSb QDs array is obtained, and the QDs accumulate in both APDs and APBs. The QD size and shape are very different on APBs and on the flat GaAs APDs. This work enhances our understanding of the relation between molecular beam epitaxial growth conditions and antimony-based QD morphologies and it provides a basis for practical realization of electronic and opto-electronic devices based on QD nanostructures.
LOGISTICS BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT IN A SPORT GEAR COMPANY
Authors:   , Kamyabi Azadeh
Published: September 2023

A small sports gear company, specialising in boxing and muaythai, is receiving complaints from customers due to incorrect shipments. The consequences of incorrect shipments are: customer dissatisfaction, higher costs due to returns and reshipments, and waste of time and resources. As a result, the objective of this thesis is to reduce incorrect shipments improving the internal logistics processes using framework of SCOR model and information technology management. Having investigated the record of each incorrect shipment, a working group of employees was formed to analyse and determine possible causes using quality improving tools such as fishbone diagram and why-why analysis. Each cause is given different priority using Risk Priority Number (RPN) and is discussed in detail for possible solutions. Advantages and disadvantages were evaluated before presenting the root causes and solutions to executive management for the final approval. This leads to four inter-dependent solutions, particularly a new coding system of all products, information system for inbound logistics process, on-site training, and regular meetings. After six months of implementation, there was no incorrect shipment. As a part of solutions, the weekly meetings and regular reports also promoted inter-organisation communication and allowed the management to identify issues promptly. As a result of improvement implementation time to response to customer order and time to prepare order from stock decreased, monthly sales from stock and total sales increased. Possible intangible benefits of the implementation include higher inventory accuracy and lower inventory level.
PRODUCT DESIGN PROCESS IMPROVEMENT FOR A JEWELLERY MANUFACTURER
Authors:   , Lertkachonsuk Panporn
Published: September 2023

The major purpose of this thesis is to improve the product design process for a jewellery manufacturer by utilisation of Lean Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology. The case is the operations of a jewellery manufacturer in Thailand. In Define phase, a product design process improvement team was formed and current problem which is delay in delivery and product not as per customer specifications were identified. During Measure phase, Cause and Effect Analysis was performed in order to determine root causes, RPNs were defined and prioritised by utilisation of FMEA, and the root causes were graphically summarised using Pareto Chart. In Analyse phase, the solutions for eliminating the problem were discussed. In Improve phase, action plan was created with an integration of the daily planning system using an ERP software, CAD programme and development of product prototype using 3D Printer, and Concurrent Engineering. Lastly, in Control phase, APQP system was integrated in order to monitor and control the product design process. After the improvement, there is a reduction in the average percentage of the product rejection from the customers and the average percentage of design quality was also increased. Furthermore, there was a reduction of the design error items found at the launch phase. Lastly, it allowed the company in delivering product as per customer specifications as the results revealed that the degree of customer satisfaction with adherence to the delivery schedules and product as per specifications were increased.
"White Men's Burdens?": A Study of Joseph Conrad's Lord Jim, George Orwell's Burmese Days, and Graham Greene's The Quiet American as Reflections of Three Phases of Western Colonialism in Southeast Asia
Authors:   , Khamsuwan Navarach
Published: September 2023

Through the three chosen British novels, Western colonialism in Southeast Asia can be seen in three major phases: colonialism at its peak, colonialism during its decline and colonialism at its transformation. This thesis propounds that the roles and statuses of the white male characters (Jim, John Flory, Thomas Fowler and Alden Pyle) are established through their interactions with other characters, most of whom are women. The roles and statuses of these Western protagonists and their interactions with the people residing in the region of Southeast Asia can be seen to reflect three phases of Western colonialism. In Lord Jim (1899-1900), the main character Jim establishes a hierarchical master-slave relationship between himself and other local inhabitants. The relationship between Jim and other characters reflects the peak of colonialism. In Burmese Days (1934), the relationship between Flory and local characters becomes less hierarchical, reflecting Western colonialism during its decline. In The Quiet American (1955), the relationship between Fowler, Pyle and other characters, especially Phuong, reflects Western colonialism at its transitional stage, where European colonialism has begun to give way to American imperialism. The thesis also proffers the notion that though the roles and status of Westerners in Southeast Asia have continually changed, the paradigm of Western power is still in place.
The effects of debate instruction through a flipped learning environment on speaking ability and critical thinking skills of Thai high school students
Authors:   , Liu I
Published: September 2023

The study aim (1) to develop debate instruction in a flipped learning environment, (2) to investigate the effects of students’ English speaking ability after implementing the debate instruction in a flipped learning environment, (3) to investigate the effects of students’ critical thinking skills after implementing debate instruction in a flipped learning environment, (4) and to investigate the students’ opinion towards using debate instruction in a flipped learning environment. Twenty-four high school students in English programs in Bangkok were chosen as the sample group. The findings revealed that 1) there was a significant improvement of the participants’ English speaking ability after taking DIFLE, 2) there was a significant improvement of the participants’ critical thinking skills after taking DIFLE, 3) the students had positive opinions towards debate instruction in a flipped learning environment. This research provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of flipped learning environment and gives useful insights for future students, teachers, and institutions in teaching speaking English.
Development of novel electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) for turbidity removal and decolorization from textile industry wastewater
Authors:   , Hong Penghour
Published: September 2023

High concentration of dyes together with turbidity were frequently found in the effluents of textile industry wastewater, which are the toxic substances. To remove these contaminants, the combination between electrocoagulation process (EC) and separation has been proposed in this study. The objective of this present work is to design and evaluate the new electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) for treating dye and turbidity from synthetic textile wastewater. The optimization of electrode configuration and design parameter were examined with the batch column reactor for containing 4 liters of wastewater. The result showed that monopolar arrangement within the inner gap 1.5 cm and current density 1.5 mA/cm2 were the optimal condition in terms of gas flow rate over electrode loss ratio (Qg/Loss). It was then studied the removal kinetic of the design parameters for ECR such as hydraulic retention time, optimal current density, and settling overflow rate. Removal kinetic was studied with initial concentration 250 NTU and 6,000 ADMI of turbidity and reactive dye, respectively. The optimal current density 4.5 mA/cm2 was obtained with 25 to 30 minutes of EC electrolyze time in order to achieve the treatment efficiency 95% of both bentonite and dye. Moreover, the comparative analysis between electrocoagulation (EC) and chemical coagulation (CC) was examined. Both EC and CC are possibly used for removal turbidity and color, however, the economization will be subsequently studied. Estimation of the treatment cost through both processes was examined. It can be concluded that if there was only turbidity in wastewater with low concentration, about 50 NTU, conventional system is preferred. However, it is usually co-existed with color and high concentration. Therefore, EC is more suitable for treating turbidity and color from textile wastewater in terms of economic aspect for high concentration. ECR was finally designed in rectangular shape, which was combined between EC and separation process in continue operation. The internal flow pattern in ECR was studied by residence time distribution (RTD) method and the result showed that ECR tended to be plug flow reactor with homogenous baffles of 3 baffles (90% - 90% - 90%). ECR could remove turbidity and dye individually up to 95% with flow rate 3 LPM, and 97% with flow rate 1 LPM, respectively. For simultaneous pollutants, the results showed that removal efficiency can be achieved up to 94% (turbidity) and 96 % (color) with flow rate 2 LPM. Furthermore, the improvement by adding tube settler was studied and expressed that the 2 modules at the higher position could improve the treatment efficiency of turbidity about 10 - 15 % at 50 minutes. The design criteria of ECR for removal of turbidity and dye from textile wastewater was finally proposed.
THE OVERALL ESTHETIC ASSESSMENT OF ANTERIOR SINGLE-TOOTH IMPLANT RESTORATION: MODIFIED OBJECTIVE CRITERIA
Authors:   , Komutpol Pongsakorn
Published: September 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to observe the correlation of esthetic outcomes of single-tooth implant restoration when using Pink Esthetic Score/White Esthetic Score and the new modified assessment (Modified Objective Criteria; MOC) Materials and Methods: This crossectional retrospective study, up to 5 years, recruited 26 patients who single implant in maxillary central incisor area was placed. All the implants were recalled. Demographic data, intraoral photograph, dental model, periapical radiograph and CBCT were taken. One examiner assessed the esthetic outcomes by using PES/WES and MOC (gingiva, prosthesis and bone foundation) with 2 weeks between each evaluation. The score of both groups were analyzed by using K-mean cluster analysis. ANOVA was used to observe the different mean score among clusters, which 0.05 was the significant level. Results: All the recalled implants were found in healthy status. The mean PES/WES was 15.7 ± 1.9 (maximum possible = 20), whereas the mean MOC was 30.7 ± 3.9. The K-mean cluster analysis could categorized the data into 3 clusters namely excellent, medium and divergent cluster, which gingiva and bone foundation score could be significantly divided, however, prosthetic part could not. Conclusions: Combining the bone assessment into esthetic evaluation could presented the esthetic outcome differently from previous routine. The divergent group should be further observed the sustainability of esthetic.
Evaluation of voids in class ii restorations restored with bulk-fill and conventional nanohybrid resin composite
Authors:   , Chaidarun Saiisara
Published: September 2023

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of four resin composites on voids in small and large Class II cavities. Furthermore, the thickness of the first increment of the restorations was studied. Methods: Eighty artificial lower second premolars were divided into two preparation designs with 40 standardized Class II cavities in each, and then restored with four resin composites (three bulk-fill types: SonicFill 2, Filtek Bulk Fill (capsule), Filtek Bulk Fill (syringe) and a conventional nanohybrid resin composite: Premise). Restorations were sectioned for microscopic evaluation and a Kruskal-Wallis analysis was performed to evaluate the number of voids and percent void area. The thickness of the first increment was measured and analyzed. Results: There were significant differences in the number of voids and percent void area among the 4 groups in small cavities. SonicFill 2 and Filtek Bulk Fill (capsule) placed with the injection technique showing reduced voids. In contrast, no significant differences were detected among the 4 groups in large cavities. Most of the first increment thicknesses of the restorations in both cavity preparations were thicker than recommended. Conclusions: Voids were reduced when the injectable resin composites were applied in small Class II cavity preparations, and the best results were achieved using SonicFill 2.
Effect of Exchange Rate Volatility on Currency Carry Trade and risk factor compensation of Currency Carry trade in G10 and Emerging Market
Authors:   , Rattanapanurak Jirapaiboon
Published: September 2023

Currency carry trade is one of famous currency speculation strategies through latest decade. Return of this strategy comes from the difference of interest rate between countries. In theoretical world, FAMA uncovered interest rate parity (UIP) assumes change in spot exchange rate is going to offset the difference of interest rate. Therefore, the first objective of this paper is to test violation of UIP which implies possibility to do currency carry trade. Secondly, moving on to determine the relationship between currency carry trade return and exchange rate volatility in some difference aspects because there are evidences about negative relationship between currency carry trade return and market volatility which is exchange rate volatility from previous literature. Finally, this paper employs factor model to investigate the contribution of risk factor such as yield curve factors and investors’ fear factors on currency carry trade return. The groups of data which are considered in this paper are G10 and Emerging countries. According to first empirical result of this paper, it shows the violation of UIP which implies opportunity to earn profit from currency carry trade strategy, since change in spot exchange rate does not offset difference of interest rate. Secondly, the negative relationship between currency carry trade return and exchange rate volatility is consistently appeared while we go through steps of investigating the relationship. This result also accorded with previous literatures which had concluded that currency carry trade strategy is likely to yield favorable return while exchange rate volatility is low and vice versa. Finally, the factor model also yields result consistent with previous works whether it would be significantly negative, significantly negative and positive relationship for VIX index, yield curve slope factor and yield curve level factor to currency carry trade return respectively. Moreover, lagged unexpected volatility also yields significantly negative relationship as well.
A lead-lag relationship between price premium and NAV in property fund and REIT
Authors:   , Piskanok Nithikorn
Published: September 2023

Property fund and real estate investment trust (REIT) play an important role in asset allocation since it increases risk-adjusted return and diversifies portfolio risk. However, in stock market, price of property fund and REIT is deviated from its fundamental value or net asset value (NAV) causing price premium or discount. Understanding causes of price deviation helps investor to plan for investment strategy and generates more profit. Therefore, this paper aims to study the role of price premium in forecasting future performance of property fund and REIT by using vector autoregressive analysis (VAR). Moreover, we examine causes of price premium by studying price pressure from REIT mutual funds trading and investors’ sentiment effect. Unlike previous studies, the results indicate that there is no relationship between price premium and NAV. However, we find that premiums are mainly caused by changing in investor sentiment while REIT mutual funds trading shows no effect to price premium. Furthermore, we find no evidence that price premium reverses to its fundamental price.
Cloning and characterization of bacterial mannanase isolated from dynastes hercules larvae
Authors:   , Leerawatthanakun Sitipon
Published: September 2023

Bacterial isolate HM7 was isolated from Dynastes hercules larvae excrement. It was identified as Bacillus sp. by 16S rRNA gene analysis. When the bacteria were cultured for β-mannanase production in medium containing konjac flour it had the highest specific activity of 138 U/mg at 36 h, and when cultured in medium containing coconut meal it had the highest specific of 114 U/mg at 48 h. The 1089 base pairs long of a β-mannanase encoding gene (Man26HM7) was successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), using pET21-b expression system. The enzyme was purified and characterized. The optimal condition MAN26HM7catalysis was 50 o C and pH 6.0. MAN26HM7 showed surfactant-tolerant ability when compared to Bacillus subtilis CAe24 mannanase (MAN26CAe24). The residual activity of MAN26HM7 and MAN26CAe24 was 90% and 60% after incubated with 1.0 % (w/v) SDS at 37 °C for 180 min, and retaining 60 % and 40 % of MAN26HM7 and MAN26CAe24 activity at 2.0% (w/v) SDS at 50 and 60 °C, respectively. Powder detergent at 0.5 % (w/v) decreased β-mannanase activity, retaining more than 55 % and 51 % of MAN26HM7 and MAN26CAe24) activity, respectively, more than 5 % (v/v) liquid detergent, retaining more than 95 % and 90 % of MAN26HM7 and MAN26CAe2424) activity. Amino acid sequence alignment of MAN26HM7 and MAN26CAe24 showed amino acid changes at 7 positions, one of which was found in the interior of the protein, leucine 238. Leucine at this position in MAN26HM7 was replaced with Isoleucine in MAN26CAe24. Sited-directed mutagenesis of amino acid at this position in MAN26CAe24 from I to L improved SDS-tolerant of the enzyme. Surfactant-tolerant β -mannanase can be applied in detergent industry.
Relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome in working age population In Bangkok
Authors:   , Sujinnapram Matthawan
Published: September 2023

The objectives of this observational descriptive cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalences of depression and metabolic syndrome and to examine the relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome and dietary pattern in working age people in Bangkok. The samples were 446 participants (123 males and 323 females) aged 20 and over who received an annual health examination 2017. The metabolic syndrome was defined by NCEP ATP III criteria. The data on waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, depression score, and dietary pattern were collected. The relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome and dietary patterns were evaluated.

The results showed that the prevalence of depression and metabolic syndrome were 29.4% and 12.6%, respectively. There was no relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome (p = 0.423). The analysis of depression and dietary pattern showed that intakes of whole grains (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.09-3.00, p = 0.021), vegetables (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.09-2.49 p = 0.025) and fruits (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.09-2.94 p = 0.017) 3 days and below per week were significantly related to depression. This study illustrated that dietary pattern is one of the factors that influences the symptoms of depression. Increased consumption of whole grains, vegetables and fruits may help reduce risk of depression.
Ancient and modern fluvial geomorphology of meandering system from upstream area of the Mun River, Changwat Nakhon Ratchasima
Authors:   , Nimnate Parisa
Published: September 2023

At the southwestern rim of the Khorat Plateau, the upstream part of the Mun River flows through clastic sedimentary rocks leading to a massive amount of sand was transported via the Mun River to downstream. The Mun Bon Dam was constructed in 1986, and it would be effect more or less on river system. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to analyze the geomorphological changes before and after the Mun Bon Dam construction. Moreover, the sedimentary facies from geological and shallow geophysical surveys were characterized. The geomorphic parameters was analyzed from series of aerial–photo and satellite image which were taken in 1974, 1986, and 2011. The sinuosity, width and radius of curvature of the river channels were comprehend the channel stability and possibility of cut off or bank erosion process. Medium and Small sized paleo-channel were recognized and their average channel widths were 35 m and 16 m, whereas the Mun River is of 13 m. SI values of two paleo-channel belts are categorized as meandering river system. The channel stability indicated that the Mun River has low rate of erosion for long time with the migration rate of 0.71 to 2.64 m/yr. Shallow geophysical survey was verified with on-sited boreholes along survey lines. Four radar reflection patterns including reflection free, shingled, inclined and hummocky reflections were represented lateral accretion of point bar from GPR survey. Besides, subsurface lithology and channel geometry derived from the different of resistivity from Electrical Resistivity Tomography survey.
Classification Models for Stocks' Performance Prediction: A Case Study in Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)
Authors:   , Phongmekin Athit
Published: September 2023

Within stock market, the objective of both stock buyers and sellers is to make profit on price difference based on their expectation on a company’s current and future value. There is no investing strategy that is considered to be the best by experts, and investing decision criteria remain contingent upon an individual investor’s experiences and bias. To address the challenges, this paper uses financial ratios and company’s industry data to construct forecasting models that quantitatively describe the return on stock investment. Various classification models, including Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and K-nearest neighbor are used in the current study to find the best model with high predictive power. Two types of classification models for predicting whether a stock’s one-year return in SET will outperform or underperform the SET Index and whether the return will be positive or negative are constructed in this study with Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve as measurement for models’ performance. This study primarily focuses on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The resulting AUCs demonstrates that the usefulness of these models can be rated as “Acceptable" to “Good" with AUC range from 0.7 to above 0.8 using Deloitte’s standard.
Application of radio frequency identification (rfid) technology for tracking the manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances: a case study of phenobarbital tablets production
Authors:   , Rachivong Jesdaporn
Published: September 2023

This study applied RFID tracking of the manufacturing process and tracing back of product for preventing API loss with phenobarbital tablets as a case study. GPO has produced narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances complied with GMP, Narcotics Act, and Psychotropic Substances Act. It included designing RFID implementation, determining user requirement and functional specification, selecting suitable devices, evaluating significant parameters and verifying the designed system. The verified software was continuously tested in stages of site testing and was assessed the risk with FMEA tool, user’s satisfaction and the impact on the manufacturing process. The risk priority class of a plant which followed GMP shall be negligible generally. The result showed the risk priority class of RFID implementation for potential failure modes that cannot protect opening a material container or confuse with other materials during shipping between sections were reduced from minor class to negligible and RPN values were decreased up to 50%. Thus, the RFID has effectively supported throughout the manufacturing process, material management, tracking and tracing of product and process, and risk reduction. The finding also suggests in the process development, supports the quality system, and builds the competitive strength in the pharmaceutical market.
Sisters, Boyfriends, and the Big City: Trans Entertainers and Sex Workers in Globalized Thailand
Authors:   , Villar Leo
Published: September 2023

As transgender issues penetrate mainstream human rights dialogue, most of the current understanding and research on this marginalized group revolve around the perspective of HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. To add to the growing academic discourse on transgender women in the world of work, this research looks into the lives of transgender women sex workers and entertainers in the major cities of Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand. The research uses a qualitative approach consisting of content analysis of relevant Thai policies and semi-structured interviews with 8 transgender women, a transgender-focused local NGO, and the management team of a prominent transgender cabaret theatre. Drawing its analysis from the concepts of homonormativity and homonationalism, the research explores the Thai state’s contradicting policies that affect transgender women. In particular, the study looks at the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s promotion and support of transgender cabaret performers, which is in contrast to the deep stigma and discrimination experienced by other transgender women, specifically transgender sex workers. In spite of what transgender cabaret performers may benefit from state support, this does not translate to equality for the broader transgender community in Thailand. Concluding this thesis, the study finds that some transgender women may be implicated in multiple political, economic, and socio-cultural structures and pushed to become commodified in order to gain rights. But despite the commodification of trans identity and culture, transgender women show their agency by resisting and challenging societal discrimination in their own ways.
An analsis of "Participation" in Participatory irrigation management: a case study of Kraseaw reservior, Suphan Buri province, Thailand
Authors:   , Karnphakdee Somruedee
Published: September 2023

Improving irrigation efficiency has been identified as the ultimate goal in irrigation management across the globe. In this, respect, Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) has been implemented in Thailand to increase irrigation efficiency through reforming institutional structures and the establishment of the Water Users’ Organization. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the participation of each stakeholder in the participatory irrigation management of the Kraseaw irrigation project, Suphan Buri province. The concept of participation and the ladders of participation have been adopted in the study of identify the participation of all stakeholders. Data collection methods included i-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations and documentary reviews. There are 4 groups of key informants which are: government departments; Sub-district Administrative Organizations; private companies; and farmers. The study found that each stakeholder has different levels of participation in the irrigation management as a result of occupational prestige and technical know ledge. The decision making has been dominated by the irrigation officers. The participation of Water Users’ Organization in irrigation management is at the informing level, where stakeholders have more access to information about irrigation management. The study concludes that although there was not equal participation in the irrigation management, the establishment of the Water Users’ Organization resulted in reduction of conflict.
Comparative studies of South Korea's and Japan's nation branding
Authors:   , Wienrawee Piyarat
Published: September 2023

This thesis provides a comparative examination of nation branding strategies used by Japan and South Korea. Nation branding is a concept derived from consumer product branding, referring to the development of a nation-brand identity to improve a nation’s reputation and image for global audiences. It has its origins in concepts such as public diplomacy, but reaches beyond these origins to incorporate a multidisciplinary and multifaceted set of commercial, cultural, artistic, and scientific images. Japan was an early leader in nation branding, building on image and reputation enhancement activities. South Korea followed the example of Japan with the establishment of the Presidential Council on Nation Branding in 2009. The approaches and strategies used did vary between the two countries. Although South Korea based its program similar to Japan’s nation branding, it focused more broadly on content marketing through the hallyu or Korean wave strategy. The comparative analysis showed that the programs were similarly successful, and today both Japan and South Korea are highly ranked internationally on nation branding indices. The study’s implication for developing countries is nation branding strategies can improve global image and reputation.
STRATEGIC FIT FOR OUTSOURCING OF PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING: A SCENARIO STUDY IN THAILAND
Authors:   , Apithamsoonthorn Sompong
Published: September 2023

Outsourcing is recognized as one of the critical factors for efficient execution of pharmaceutical supply chain management, many pharmaceutical companies engage in international outsourcing of services (IOS) to survive in global highly competitive business. Since the key success factors for both domestic & international alliances are partnership characteristics and strategic fit management, but there is no empirical research on this issue in Thai pharmaceutical partnership offshore outsourcing. Therefore, this survey of Thai and foreign companies, both contract providers (CPs) and contract manufacturers (CMs), seeks to indicate significant relationships among both outsourcing strategic fit type and partnership type, including outsourcing performance outcome. This research is two-fold. First, the partnership types (type I, II, & III), the strategic fit types (low fit, moderate fit, & good fit), and their correlations are analyzed. And second, their outsourcing performance (company revenues and growth rates) are presented. The results showed that most of the Thai pharmaceutical outsourcing manufacturing relationships are classified as the partnership type II, as well as the moderate strategic fit, and strongly support the relationship between these two models. However, it is not necessary that the most integrative type of partnership, Type III, will be always the best, because it depends also on the strategic fit between each pair of partners as well. The company revenue and growth rate could predict the company performance outcomes for each of partnership type and strategic fit type. In Thailand, the government policies and strategic goals are the key success factors in this industry.
Comparision of fly ash and metakaolin based geopolymer properties for heavy metal adsorption
Authors:   , Onutai Sujitra
Published: September 2023

This work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of fly ash and metakaolin based geopolymer powder and fly ash and metakaolin based geopolymer composite fiber as an adsorbent for removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. The fly ash and metakaolin used as raw materials in this research was from Thailand. Fly ash based geopolymer (FAG) was synthesized by mix with an alkali solution. After that, the geopolymerization process was occurred and then cured geopolymer samples at 60oC for 24 h and left at 25 oC for 6 days. The fly ash based geopolymer was ground, washed and sieved through 100 mesh to obtain geopolymer powder. The process of metakaolin based geopolymer (MKG) powder was synthesized as same as that of fly ash based geopolymer powder. In addition, the geopolymer composite fiber was fabricated by mixing geopolymer powder with Polyethersulfone (PES)/ N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution and then being extruded through a nozzle to coagulation bath. The geopolymer composite fiber was formed to be fiber by phase inversion method. After synthesis of geopolymer powder and fabrication of geopolymer composite fiber, the effect of contact time, adsorbent amount, pH of a solution, temperature and initial concentration of solution on the adsorption efficiency were studied. Furthermore, the multi- and mono- Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ solutions were demonstrated to compare the efficiency of each metal ions. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics study were also studied. The results showed that the geopolymer powder had the semi-crystalline phases and mainly composed of silica and alumina. The surface area of FAG powder, MKG powder, FAG composite fiber and MKG composite fiber were 85.31, 20.36, 71.67 and 53.11 m2/g, respectively. The results showed that metal ions in aqueous solution are effectively removed by geopolymer powder and geopolymer composite fiber.
MONITOR UNIT (MU) VALIDATION USING VARIOUS TYPES OF DOSIMETERS FOR COMMISSIONING SMALL FIELD IN ECLIPSE™ TREATMENT PLANNING SYSTEM
Authors:   , Mamesa Sammuel
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the differences of calculated MU between commissioning using corrected FOF from single detector and commissioning using average uncorrected FOF from three detectors. Measurements were carried out on 6 MV flattened photon beams from 1x1 cm2 to 10x10 cm2. Four detectors were utilized to measure depth doses and beam profiles: IBA CC01, IBA PFD, IBA EFD and Sun Nuclear EDGE. For FOF determination, Sun Nuclear EDGE was not used. The determination of FOF was classified into corrected FOF according to IAEA/AAPM TRS 483 and uncorrected FOF from three detectors. Commissioning was undertaken in Eclipse™, and Acuros XB was selected as the dose calculation algorithm. Four beam commissioning datasets were generated. The validation of calculated MU was made in 6 symmetric field sizes, 10 IMRT-SRS plans and 10 VMAT-SRS plans. It was observed that in depth dose curves and beam profiles, the outcomes among all detectors were relatively similar although broader penumbra from CC01 was noted. For FOF, corrected PFD showed higher outcome than the average uncorrected FOF in all field sizes while the corrected EFD and corrected CC01 were agreeable to 1.5x1.5 cm2 and 1x1 cm2, respectively. In symmetric fields, validation of MU yielded mean differences of 0.2%, -1.6% and 1.2% for commissioning using corrected CC01, corrected PFD and corrected EFD, respectively. For validation in IMRT-SRS plans, the mean differences were -1.3%, -3.4% and -1.5%, respectively. For validation in VMAT-SRS plans, the mean differences were 0.2%, 2.0% and -0.2%, respectively.
THE DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL PROTOCOL FOR DIGITAL CHEST TOMOSYNTHESIS
Authors:   , Tongkum Sarawut
Published: September 2023

Recently, digital chest tomosynthesis (DTS) is introduced as alternative technique in digital chest radiography for evaluating pulmonary disease and enhancing the internal structures in different slices. However, the radiation dose is higher compared to general chest radiography. The present study was to determine the optimal protocol for DTS in order to reduce the radiation dose to patients while maintaining the image quality. The multipurpose chest phantom N1 "LUNGMAN’’ was scanned by digital radiographic systems model Definium 8000.Such phantom was inserted with simulated nodules with size diameter of 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 mm, and the data were acquired using chest VolumeRAD protocol with AEC technique. Parameters were varied in tube voltage (100, 110, 120 kVp) copper filter (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm) and dose ratio (1:5, 1:8, 1:10) for evaluating the optimal protocol. All of protocols were performed three times. The entrance surface dose (ESD) was measured using glass dosimeter attached at the mid-chest level of the phantom. The effective dose (ED) was calculated using the recorded DAP value. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured for qualitative image quality evaluation. The image criteria and nodule detection capability were scored by two experienced radiologists. The results indicated that the average±SD of ESD obtained from vendor’s default protocol at 120 kVp, dose ratio 1:10 and no copper filter was 1.68±0.15 mGy. The optimal parameter for DTS was obtained at 110 kVp, dose ratio 1:5, and copper filter at 0.3 mm with the ESD of 0.47±0.02 mGy. The effective doses for the default protocol and optimal protocol were 313.98±0.72 µSv and 100.55±0.28 µSv, respectively. There were slightly different of the image criteria and nodule detection between optimal and default protocols using visual assessment by two radiologists. In the clinical study, the average patient’s thickness of 22.51±1.70 cm (range 19.30-25.80 cm) was obtained. The average±SD effective dose of 98.87±0.08 µSv was obtained after applied the optimal protocol in 30 patients. The dose ratio and tube voltage were in slightly correlation with the radiation dose since the AEC technique was applied. A copper filter has a potential to reduce radiation dose to the patients. In conclusion, the optimal protocol can reduce radiation dose substantially while preserving the image quality compared to the vendor default protocol.
Involvement of Notch signaling in interleukin-4-stimulated human macrophages
Authors:   , Sangphech Naunpun
Published: September 2023

Macrophages respond to various stimuli, resulting in distinct effector phenotypes that range from LPS-stimulated proinflammatory to IL-4-activated pro-healing phenotype. The regulatory mechanism of this polarization is not fully understood. Notch signaling pathway is a conserved signaling pathway involved in polarization of macrophages, especially proinflammatory macrophages. However, the role of Notch signaling in IL-4 stimulated macrophages (M(IL-4)) is not well defined. PPARgamma is a signature nuclear receptor in M(IL-4) that function mainly in regulating lipid metabolism. There are many reports that revealed the interaction of Notch signaling and PPARgamma in various cells but not in macrophages. In this study, the interaction between Notch signaling and PPARgamma in M(IL-4) using THP-1 cell line and primary human monocytes derived macrophages was investigated. M(IL-4) activated Notch signaling that required the activity of g-secretase to cleave Notch1 receptor. Notch1 intracellular domain (NIC1) overexpressing THP-1 increased PPARgamma expression in the presence or absence of IL-4. Furthermore, g-secretase inhibitor pretreated M(IL-4) decreased PPARgamma level. In contrast, overexpression of dominant negative mastermind-like (DNMAML), a dominant negative for Notch signaling, in M(IL-4) had no effect on PPARgamma level. NIC1 overexpression increased PPARgamma stability by delayed proteasome degradation but not the mRNA transcription or stability. RNAseq was performed to obtain global insight of Notch signaling in M(IL-4). NIC1 overexpressing M(IL-4) showed enrichment of proinflammatory gene sets consistent with previous reports. More importantly, some gene sets of pro-healing macrophages were enriched as well. Network analysis revealed the links between Notch and PPARgamma through NEDD4L, an E3 ubiquitin ligase and SGK1, which has 45-55% of catalytic domain similar to AKT. Deletion of NEDD4L in the presence of NIC1 overexpression in M(IL-4) reduced PPARG mRNA expression. This reduction of PPARG mRNA was accompanied by decreasing AKT phosphorylation. These results indicated that Notch signaling required NEDD4L for optimal expression of PPARG mRNA. Activation of Notch signaling increased lipid metabolism in M(IL-4) by increasing lipid accumulation via CD36 uptake mechanism. Collectively, this study provides evidences linking Notch signaling and PPARgamma via protein stabilization and NEDD4L mediated PPARG regulation and its effect on lipid uptake. The results obtained in this study indicated that Notch signaling operates in both proinflammatory and pro-healing macrophages.