bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of monoclonal antibodies against interferon gamma of asian elephant elephas maximus for tuberculosis diagnosis in elephants by interferon gamma release assay
Authors:   , Songthammanuphap Songkiat
Published: September 2023

Tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans. Wild animals such as elephants and non-human primate have been reported to be infected by M. tuberculosis (MTB) complex, which can cause tuberculosis in animals as well. The common TB diagnostic approaches in human such as chest X-ray and tuberculin skin test are not practical in the elephants. Moreover, the gold standard of the bacteria culture from trunk wash has low sensitivity, is time-consuming and can only detect tuberculosis in the active stage. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis covering all phases of the MTB infection is in need. Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) is an alternative approach for tuberculosis diagnosis, which detects the interferon gamma (IFNγ) secreted from white blood cells stimulated with MTB antigens. The aim of this study is to develop IGRA for diagnosis of TB in elephants and possibly other wild animals. The peptides spanning the conserved region of IFNγ from ten mammalian species were identified and used as immunogen for stimulating specific antibody production in mice. Among twelve monoclonal antibodies that showed strong reactivity against recombinant elephant IFNγ (reIFNγ), monoclonal antibody from hybridoma No. nF1C3#15, which is an IgM, was chosen as a capture antibody in an IgM sandwich ELISA. This IgM sandwich ELISA was compared to the IgG sandwich ELISA developed previously using IgG from reIFNγ immunization. The sensitivity of IgM sandwich ELISA and IgG sandwich ELISA showed the limit of detection (LOD) at 190 ng/ml and 0.257 ng/ml, respectively. Therefore, the IgG sandwich ELISA was chosen for further development. Using the developed in-house IGRA for elephant TB diagnosis sixty-one elephant peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were tested using PPD from M. bovis as stimulating antigen. We found that 37.7% of samples were diagnosed as infection negative, 4.9% were indeterminate, and 57.4% showed positive results for potential TB infection. In addition, by using ESAT-6 together with CFP10 as stimulating antigen, the response of the PBMCs was greater than using either ESAT-6 or CFP10 alone, accounting for 31.1%, 21.3%, and 8.2%, respectively. The comparison of the results by in-house IGRA and commercial DPP® VetTB assay using 32 samples, revealed that eleven samples showed positive results in both assays, while twenty-one samples were positive TB infection only with IGRA. In conclusion, the developed in-house IGRA has the potential for using as an alternative approach for elephant TB diagnosis with the same or better accuracy than using a commercial test kit.
Gene expression and lipid accumulation in green microalga chlamydomonas reinhardtii (137c) under salt stress condition
Authors:   , Atikij Thanapa
Published: September 2023

Biodiesel is an important alternative energy that can reduce CO2 emission, the main cause of Global warming. Algal biomass has been considered to be the third generation biofuels. One of the important strategies that enhance lipid accumulation; precursor of biodiesel production, is stress cultivation. High salt concentration is one of a potential approach to enhance lipid accumulation in microalgae. Here, we investigated the impacts of salt on lipid accumulation in green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (137c). The results revealed that higher concentrations of NaCl, KCl, and LiCl led to increasing of saturated fatty acid contents for 1.8, 1.2, and 1.1 folds compared with control condition. Poly-unsaturated fatty acid contents were found to be statistically significant decreased.  The expression level of seven genes involved in lipid biosynthesis was examined under NaCl stress. PDH2, MAT, and KAS2 were up-regulated significantly for 1.83 ± 0.20, 1.82 ± 0.06, and 1.70 ± 0.05 folds, respectively. In this study, we were interested in the expression ChMAT and overexpression of SynMAT in the model freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Expression of ChMAT could be detected at transcriptional level but not translational level. In case of SynMAT overexpressor, gene and protein expression obviously detected. Under different growth phase of SynMAT/7942, gene and protein expressions were not different. SynMAT and SynLACS mRNA expression under salt stress; however, seemed to be down-regulated. Fatty acid composition was modulated in the overexpressor. FAMEs analysis demonstrated that overexpression of SynMAT in S. elongatus PCC 7942 resulted in increasing of total saturated fatty acid while mono-unsaturated fatty acid content was decreased. Moreover, overexpression of SynMAT affected to the content of C16 and C18 in particular. This study would lead to the improvement of lipid accumulation in microalgae or cyanobacteria in the future.
Preparation of graphene nanocomposites for anticorrosion and sensors
Authors:   , Promphet Nadtinan
Published: September 2023

This dissertation focused on the development of graphene (GO) nanocomposite coating to improve various substrate properties for the sensor application, which is divided into 2 main parts. The first part is the development of GO incorporated into electroless nickel phosphorus (NiP) coating to improve the properties of metal for electrochemical sensor application. Nickel phosphorus – titanium dioxide sol  – reduced graphene oxide (NiP-TiO2 sol -RGO) coated surface was successfully prepared by one-pot electroless deposition on the steel substrate. The results show that the homogeneously formation of water-repellent RGO film covering on the coated surface leading to improve the corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity of NiP-TiO2-RGO coated steel. The second part is the development of GO nanocomposite coated textile substrates to enhance the analytical performances of non-invasive colorimetric sensor. GO nanocomposite was incorporated on textile substrates including fabric and thread by coating and padding.  The cotton fabric based sensor was successfully fabricated for sweat pH and lactate detection and it can directly apply onto the human skin for the simultaneous detection of pH and lactate during the physical exercise. The pH indicator gradually changed from red to blue as the pH increased, whereas the intensity of the purple color increased with the concentration of lactate in the sweat which can indicate the sweat pH in a range of 1-14 and the lactate level of 0-25 mM. As for the textiles, thread has been developed for non-invasive glucose and urea sensor. Thread is a promising microfluidic device for biosensor due to low volume of reagent and sample, fast reaction time and high sensitivity. This sensor can be used to identify the cut-off level of glucose (0.3 mM) and urea (65 mM) in human sweat. This sensor might be incorporated into clothes and accessories for the real-time and continuous monitoring of sweat biomarkers. This platform opens a new approach for non-invasive diagnosis in healthcare and it will be integrated with clothes and apparels for the users in the near future.
Thermal stability characterization of tunneling magneto resistive structure for data storage applications
Authors:   , Rakpongsiri Pornchai
Published: September 2023

The conventional read sensor technology used in hard disk drives is the tunneling magneto resistive (TMR) device. The revolutions of technology have been developed to achieve high performance of reading signal resulting in very thin and complicated device layers which thermal induced degradation and defects would be concerned. In this research, a thermal stress has been applied to TMR devices between 150-250 ℃ for reliability investigation. The resistance, amplitude and asymmetry parameters, before and after the thermal stress, were measured using a quasi-static tester (QST). The results showed the temperature dependence of the percentage change in QST resistance, asymmetry and amplitude. The microstructure of the annealed devices was observed using TEM, STEM and XEDS. It was found that structural defects that can be related to the QST parametric changes. Both atomic misalignment of MgO layer and Mn depletion can lead to instability of the magnetic response of TMR after be stressed at high temperature. The in-situ real-time annealing STEM showed a sign of Ru interface change at 350 oC which lower atomic weight elements can diffuse to adjacent layers. The laser stress results exhibit amplitude degradation without changing in resistance and asymmetry. STEM and XEDS analysis indicate portion of Mn depletion in antiferromagnetic layer.
Predicting factors of preschooler's parental feeding behaviors, urban Thailand
Authors:   , Jongsomjitt Chollada
Published: September 2023

This descriptive correlational study aimed to identify the predicting factors and to examine direct and indirect relationships of preschoolers' parental feeding behaviors (PFB), urban Thailand. The conceptual framework was developed guided by Orem's self-care theory. A Multi-stage sampling was used to recruit 443 parents of preschoolers from 11 schools in Bangkok and city municipalities in all regions of Thailand. Six questionnaires demonstrated acceptable content and construct validity, and reliability were used to ask all participants to complete all questionnaires. Data were collected from November 2018 to May 2019. Most of the participants were mothers (71%). Half of them were aged 31-40 years (50.3%). One third of the participants were employee (34.3%). Most of them had 2 children (43.1%) and one child (39.7%). Path analysis (AMOS 22) was used to test the relationships among variables.

For the findings, the hypothesized path model of the PFB among preschoolers’ parents, urban Thailand was analyzed. A just-identified model was presented, which meant a perfect fit. The hypothesized model fit the empirical data and could explain 56% (R2=.56) of the variance of the PFB. Parental feeding attitude had a positive direct relationship (ß=0.17), and had a positive indirect relationship with the PFB through benefits of PFB (ß=0.16). Parental eating habits had a positive direct relationship (ß=0.36), and had a positive indirect relationship with the PFB through benefits of PFB (ß=0.43). Barriers to PFB had a negative direct relationship (ß=-0.20), and had a negative indirect relationship with the PFB through benefits of PFB (ß=-0.16). Moreover, benefits of PFB has a positive direct relationship with the PFB (ß=0.29). All independent variables had significant relationships with the PFB at the .05 level.

The findings indicated that the highest impact factor influencing the PFB was parental eating habits, followed by the benefits of PFB, the barriers to PFB, and parental feeding attitude respectively. Identifying these variables can help pediatric nurses to develop interventions specific to preschoolers’ parents in urban, Thailand to improve their feeding behaviors as well as preschooler’s health.
Effect of cyclic tensile force on the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 9 and interleukin 6 in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors:   , Tantilertanant Yanee
Published: September 2023

Periodontium is a specialized tissue laying between tooth and surrounding bone. It functions as force cushion. In particular stimulation including mechanical force, periodontal ligament (PDL) cells which are mechanosensitive cells have the ability to secrete specific cytokines and proteins. PDL cells also have the potential to differentiate into osteoblast-like cells or fibroblast-like cells. PDL cells perceive combination of force in oral cavity in which major component is cyclic tensile force (CTF). CTF play an essential role in modulating PDL cells to maintain both hard and soft tissue integrity. Here, we demonstrated that CTF was able to stimulate the expression of osteoinductive genes including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) by PDL cells. Among the BMPs, BMP9 is one of the most potent osteogenic BMPs. We showed that continuously applied CTF for only the first 6 hours stimulated the synthesis of BMP9 which enhanced the mineral deposition by 14 days. Stimulation of BMP9 expression depended on ATP and P2Y1 receptors by an increased level of intracellular Ca2+ through the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway. In addition, CTF also upregulated the expression of interleukin 6 (IL6) and MMPs. We demonstrated that CTF induced IL6 expression coincided with an increased matrix metaloproteinase 3 (MMP3) expression. A neutralizing IL6 antibody attenuated the CTF-increased MMP3 expression, whereas stimulating the cells with recombinant human IL6 increased MMP3 expression. Thus, CTF-induced IL6 increased the expression of MMP3. Collectively, our findings suggest an essential modulatory role of CTF in the homeostasis and regeneration of the periodontium.
Chance Constrained Optimization for Petrochemical Supply Chain with the Validation Technique
Authors:   , Rungphanich Kan
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, the profit is more concern in industry due to high business competition. Therefore, reducing the cost is needed to survive competition. Stochastic optimization had been interesting method to reduce opportunity and over-demand loss in the supply chain under uncertainties. Chance constrained optimization is one of the approaches to stochastic optimization. The uncertainties are included in chance constraint of event under level of confidence. This method is used to design the realistic supply chain giving more stabilities than deterministic optimization. The two case studies have been used to show the effectiveness of chance constrained optimization: the simple supply chain network and the biodiesel supply chain network. The objective of the optimization is to maximize the profit under the different levels of confidence. After obtaining the optimized supply chain, the networks from chance constrained optimization and deterministic optimization have been investigated and compared on the validation and violation of constraints. The results show that the chance constrained optimization can provide higher profit than the deterministic optimization under appropriate level of confidence. The violation of constraints results show that the stability of the network has been improved at higher levels of confidence. Finally, the sensitivity analysis shows that the opportunity loss played the major effect in the system.
Evaluation of environmental impacts for non-metallic part in waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) using combined material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA)
Authors:   , Rungsitikul Warisara
Published: September 2023

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) have become common components in most electric and electronic equipment. Because of their wide ranges of application, waste PCBs is becoming one of the most rapidly growing wastes. Recycling of waste PCBs is an important subject not only for the protection of the environment but also for the recovery of valuable metals. This study aimed to evaluate the waste PCBs management strategies using the combination of material flow analysis (MFA, STAN v.2.6.801) and life cycle assessment (LCA, SimaPro v.8.3.0.0) methods. The waste management scenario was considered for three different options; disposal of the waste PCBs (Option 1), separation as metallic and non-metallic parts before final disposal of the waste PCBs (Option 2) and recycling non-metallic parts of the waste PCBs (NM-PCBs) as a filler additive in HPDE compounded plastic (Option 3). From MFA results, PCBs can be separated into 71 wt.% of NM-PCBs and 29 wt.%. For climate change impact, the results demonstrated that the least impact value was the recycling the NM-PCBs (Option III) about 21.63 kg CO₂-eq which lower than disposal to landfill and incineration (Option I) about 26.59 kg CO₂-eq. The recycling of NM-PCBs as the substitute material for the production of recycling plastic supported a better environment in terms of climate change (kg CO₂-eq), human toxicity (kg 1,4-DB-eq.), terrestrial ecotoxicity (kg 1,4-DB-eq.) and metal depletion (kg Fe-eq). The ratio of NM-PCBs in virgin HDPE had a linear effect on the environmental impacts. Furthermore, the combination of MFA and LCA methods suitable for a powerful assessment of impact which supporting management of waste PCBs.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering technique for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detection using thiol-functionalized silver nanoparticle films
Authors:   , Taksadej Sathita
Published: September 2023

The detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is developed based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using silver nanoparticle films as SERS substrates. The films are fabricated by a Langmuir Blodgett (LB) method and the surface of AgNP films are functionalized with various types of aromatic and aliphatic thiols, i.e., naphthalenethiol, phenylethanethiol, pentanethiol, octanethiol, and dodecanethiol, to create a hydrophobic layer for PAHs to attach on and stay in hot spot. The results indicate that nine kinds of PAHs with different structures, i.e., anthracene, chrysene, naphthacene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, pentacene, perylene, pyrene, and triphenylene, can attach on the surfaces of thiol-modified AgNP films as SERS spectra show characteristic patterns for each PAH. Chemometrics methods, i.e., principle component analysis (PCA), cluster separation, partial least square (PLS) regression, and leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV), are employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis. They show an effective analysis of pure PAH (at the concentration ranging from 10-4–10-7 M) results with the R2 more than 0.9800 and Q2 (R2 of cross-validation model) more than 0.9300. The mixture of two PAHs can be determined with the R2 more than 0.9700 and Q2 more than 0.8900. Moreover, the total concentration of PAHs in the mixture of nine different PAHs can be analyzed with the R2 = 0.9700 and Q2 = 0.9196. This technique can be used to detect PAHs in real sample such as detect PAH in water matrix. SERS technique provides an advantage of sample analysis which does not require any complicated sample pretreatment, convenient and rapid in situ analysis with high sensitivity results.
Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin in critically ill patients during the early phaseof sepsis
Authors:   , Sukarnjanaset Waroonrat
Published: September 2023

Background: Piperacillin/Tazobactam is frequently used for empirical treatment in patients with sepsis. Pathophysiological changes during the early phase of sepsis have significant effects on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) behaviors. This study aimed to characterize the population PKs of piperacillin and investigate probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) of various dosage regimens in critically ill patients during the early phase of sepsis. Methods: Forty-eight patients treated with piperacillin/tazobactam were recruited. Five blood samples were drawn before and during 0-0.5, 0.5-2, 2-4 and 4-6 or 8 hours after administration. Free piperacillin concentrations were determined using HPLC. Population PKs was analyzed using NONMEM®. The PTA of 90%fT>MIC target and CFR were determined by Monte Carlo simulation. Results: The two compartment model best described the data. Piperacillin clearance (CL), central volume of distribution (V1) and peripheral volume of distribution were 5.37 L/h, 9.35 L, and 7.77 L, respectively. Creatinine clearance (CLCr) and mean arterial pressure had a significant effect on CL while adjusted body weight had a significant impact on V1. The standard regimen, 4-g of piperacillin infused over 0.5 hours every 6 hours, achieved the target for susceptible organisms with MIC ≤16 mg/L in patients with CLCr 10 to 40 ml/min, but not with CLCr 40-120 ml/min. In such patients, prolonged infusion is required. Most regimens provided CFR 90% for the E. coli infection while there was no dosage regimen achieved a CFR of 90% for the P. aeruginosa infection. Conclusions: Due to high CL and V1, subtherapeutic concentrations can occur during the early phase of sepsis in critically ill patients with normal renal function. Our proposed regimen for the patients with CLCr 40-120 ml/min was an extended 4-hour infusion of 4-g of piperacillin every 6 hours.
Taxonomy and secondary metabolites of selected endophytic actinomycete strains
Authors:   , Kuncharoen Nattakorn
Published: September 2023

A total of 50 endophytic actinomycetes isolated from fourteen plant species collected from six provinces of Thailand including Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Pathom, Prachinburi and Suphan Buri were taxonomically studied relied on their phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The isolates were identified as members of the family Streptomycetaceae involving Streptomyces (22 isolates), and the family Micromonosporaceae including Micromonospora (25 isolates), Plantactinospora (1 isolate) and Polymorphospora (1 isolate). Based on phenotypic characteristics, whole genome sequence analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization, 5 novel actinomycete species were proposed consisting of Micromonospora globbae (strain WPS1-2T), Micromonospora azadirachtae (strain AZ1-19T), Micromonospora radicis (strain AZ1-13T), Micromonospora musae (strain MS1-9T and NGC1-4) and Streptomyces endoradicus (strain DS1-2T and AZ1-7).

Secondary metabolites from culture broth of  Streptomyces pseudovenezuelae SKH1-2 and Streptomyces aculeolatus MS1-6 were studied based on their interested chemical profiles analyzed by the in-house HPLC chemical database. The chemical structures of the isolated secondary metabolites were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectroscopy. Chartreusin and lumichrome, polyketide, were isolated from S. pseudovenezuelae SKH1-2T. Chartreusin exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538p with MIC values of 3.1, 1.6 and 12.5 ug/mL, respectively, whilst lumichrome did not show any antimicrobial activity. In addition, a naphthoquinone, arromycin, and one derivative of salicylic acid, salaceyin A, were isolated from S. aculeolatus MS1-6. Arromycin has been reported as anti-Gram-positive bacteria such as B. subtilis, S. aureus, Listeria ivanovii and Enterococcus faecium while salaceyin A has the anti-phytopathogenic fungi including Cladosporium cucumerinum, Colletotrichum orbiculare and Phytophthora capsici.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from dendrobium scabrilingue
Authors:   , Sarakulwattana Chalermporn
Published: September 2023

Phytochemical study of the methanol extract of the whole plant of Dendrobium scabrilingue Lindl. (Orchidaceae) resulted in the isolation of a new phenanthrene and a new bisbibenzyl namely dendroscabrols A and B, respectively, along with eight known compounds, identified as (Z)-ferulic acid tetracosyl ester, (E)-ferulic acid tetracosyl ester, gigantol, batatasin III, coelonin, aloifol I, lusianthridin and RF-3192C. The structures of these isolated compounds were determined mainly by spectroscopic data. All isolates were examined for alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Dendroscabrol B and RF-3192C exhibited the most potent activity. In addition, dendroscabrol A, gigantol, coelonin and lusianthridin displayed strong activity compared with the positive control acarbose.
Consciousness eliminated in Daniel Dennett
Authors:   , Narakornpaichit Jittiwat
Published: September 2023

One of the major debates in philosophy of mind is the complication about how to explain the manifestation of qualia in the scientific image. Qualia have usually been understood as phenomenal properties of mental states; and their resistance against physical explanation is famously demonstrated by Joseph Levine as the explanatory gap and by David Chalmers as the hard problem of consciousness. The aim of this thesis is to study and evaluate Daniel Dennett’s response to the complication in this debate with his eliminativist approach on consciousness. The key idea of Dennett’s so-called illusionism is that qualia only seem to exist but actually do not. By rejecting the ontology of qualia as phenomenal properties, Dennett proposes that qualia as illusions can be completely explained in terms of physical mechanism of the brain. The thesis also considers the main criticism to Dennett’s idea which is referred to as ‘the datum objection’. The datum objection, proposed by contemporary philosophers e.g. David Chalmers and John Searle, criticizes that by rejecting the ontology of qualia as phenomenal properties, Dennett denies the crucial data that theory of mind is supposed to explain. Nonetheless, my analysis on Dennett’s arguments shows that his view does not deny the crucial data as being opposed. In contrast, his rejection of the existence of the data even introduces a new perspective in this debate and enables him to fulfill two satisfying conditions that other theories cannot achieve before -- that is (1) to preserve the fascinating phenomenon of conscious experience as it appears in the manifest image, and (2) to conserve the convention of contemporary scientific explanation as we know in the scientific image. The thesis then draws a conclusion that eliminativist approach on consciousness in Daniel Dennett should be taken seriously as a default theory. This is because it possesses a potential to explain qualia in the scientific image with minimal compromises from both the folk psychology about qualia and the convention of scientific explanation compared with other approaches.
Involvement of nucleus raphe magnus in neuronal excitability of long term paracetamol-treated rats
Authors:   , Potewiratnanond Prangtip
Published: September 2023

This study examined an involvement of nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) on neuronal excitability at cortex and trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) of chronic paracetamol-treated rats. Male Wistar rats were separated into two main groups. The rats in paracetamol-treated group were intraperitoneally injected with 200 mg/kg paracetamol while 0.9% NaCl was injected in control rats for 30 days. In the first experiment, cortical spreading depression (CSD) event was initiated and direct current (DC) shift was recorded for 2 hours. Thirty minutes after CSD induction, the rats were injected with glutamate, muscimol or saline at NRM and continued signal recording. In the second experiment, TNC neuronal excitability was recorded during intravenous nitroglycerin (NTG) infusion for 2 hours. One hour after NTG infusion, glutamate, muscimol or saline was injected at NRM. After completion of electrophysiological recording, brain and TNC were collected and prepared for Fos immunohistochemical staining. From the first experiment, chronic paracetamol treatment can increase the number of CSD waves and Fos expression in cortex and TNC compared with the control group. Muscimol microinjection at NRM in control group significantly increased the number of CSD waves and Fos expression compared with saline microinjection. Though, glutamate microinjection did not change the number of CSD waves and FOS expression. Moreover, muscimol or glutamate microinjection in paracetamol-treated group did not alter the number of CSD waves and FOS expression compared with saline microinjection. In the second experiment, TNC neuronal excitability and Fos expression were increased after chronic paracetamol treatment compared with control group. Furthermore, glutamate injection in control group can decrease TNC neuronal excitability, while muscimol injection increased TNC neural excitability compared with saline microinjection. However, the neuronal excitability in paracetamol-treated group did not differ after glutamate or muscimol microinjection compared with saline microinjection. From these results, NRM was shown to modulate the cortical and TNC neuronal excitability. Chronic analgesic treatment leads to an alteration of NRM function which affects the central modulating system. The derangement of NRM may contribute to the pathogenesis of medication overuse headache.
Reforming Regulation of Multi-level Marketing in Myanmar
Authors:   , Oo Zeyar
Published: September 2023

The business of multi-level marketing is prohibited in Myanmar under the Notification no 46/2018.  There are not only three paragraphs but also lack of the definition of MLM in this Notification. If distributors sell any product through MLM in Myanmar, they will be punished with imprisonment for a term exceeding three years under section 5 of the Myanmar Essential Goods and Services Law 2012. The study of the provisions on the business of MLM in selected ASEAN countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore indicates that the definition of multi-level marketing and pyramid scheme is not the same.

Moreover, businessman and consumer have unavoidable problems as follow; firstly, Myanmar MLM measure is difficult to understand because it is not clear.  Secondly, MLM business does not have a chance to compete with normal business, thirdly, this situation cannot create to be more choice and better price for the consumer.

This thesis put forward new regulation of MLM in order to good balance between consumer rights and fair market. This thesis also studies the essential elements on a MLM regulation of selected ASEAN countries.
Fracture Resistance Of Non-Ferruled Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored With Different Fiber Post And Core Methods After Five Years Fatigue Loading
Authors:   , Malakorn Puriwat
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the fracture resistance and failure mode of non-ferruled ETT restored with different fiber post and core methods after five years in vitro fatigue loading. Forty-eight uniradicular lower first premolar teeth were decoronated, endodontically treated and prepared for the post space. The prepared specimens were divided into four groups (n=12): single fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post and flowable resin composite core (Group I), FRC post with an accessory fiber post and flowable resin composite core (Group II), resin composite relined FRC post and resin composite core (Direct anatomic post)(Group III), and resin composite relined FRC post with an accessory fiber post and resin composite core (Direct anatomic post)(Group IV). The coronal restoration was fabricated with casted Ni-Cr alloys. All specimens were subjected to the cyclic loading test for 1.2 million cycles to simulate five years of clinical service followed by static loading test. All failure loads were recorded and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA at the 95% confidence level. The mode of failure was classified into two groups: favorable failure and unfavorable failure. The results showed that all specimens survived the cyclic loading test. The mean (SD) fracture resistance was 636 N (133 N)  for Group I, 621 N (152 N) for Group II, 636 N (114 N) for Group III and 618 N (109 N) for Group IV. There was no statistically significant differences between different experimental groups. Ninety-six percent of specimens showed unfavorable failure. Every fiber post and core method resulted in fracture resistance above the force of mastication after five years of clinical simulation.
Health consciousness and the theory of planned behavior: the role of health consciousness with the on-campus use of reusable water bottle among Chulalongkorn freshmen
Authors:   , Patumtaewapibal Aruch
Published: September 2023

Use of reusable water container on Chulalongkorn University campus, though is pro-environmental, is currently limited among the students. The present study investigated antecedents of such behavior, using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with health consciousness as an addition to the model. One-hundred and twenty Chulalongkorn freshmen filled out a TPB-based questionnaire with a health consciousness scale. Data analyses using LISREL reveal an excellent fit for the TPB model. Specifically, attitude, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly and positively predicted intention and the behavior. Health consciousness indirectly influence intention and behavior via attitude, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control. Examinations of the effects of these predictors have important implications for designing effective behavior-change interventions to promote the use of reusable water container on campus among college students.
Parent vaccine hesitancy on their children measles rubella (MR) vaccination of urban area in Indonesia
Authors:   , Arthin Ardyansyah
Published: September 2023

introduction: Although vaccine has been one of the biggest achievements in public health, number of people who still question the benefit of vaccine gets bigger each year. It happens all over the globe, including Indonesia. The reason of this hesitancy toward vaccination is different from each region and as the result, it makes people either completely accepted it, accept but not sure to completely refuse the vaccine. This research is held to see the vaccination status toward MR vaccine. Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried out in Makassar city, Indonesia from March-May 2019 using online self-administered questionnaire. Snowball sampling technique was used. There were 283 respondents who eligible for this study, which are parents/caregiver who lived in Makassar for the last 10 years and has child age 1-9 years old. There are three variable that we want to see association with the MR Vaccination status. From contextual influences variable, there are six parts. On Individual or group influences variable, it has five parts. On vaccine/vaccination variable there are five parts. From each of these parts, it has some questions and all of those questions were analyzed to see the association with MR vaccine status with the p-value <0.2 Result: Most of the respondents are the mother of the child 221 (78.1%). Parent who get support from the leader on MR Vaccination are 3.993 times higher to give their children MR Vaccination compare to the ones that not get support. From the multivariate analysis, we found out that parents who do not believe that there are other (better) ways to prevent diseases by vaccine are 0.392 times lower to give their children vaccination compare to parents who believe so. Parents who fear their child will get hurt during MR vaccination are 0.124 times lower to give their children MR vaccine compare to parents who have no fear that their children might get hurt. Parents who have difficulties to get their children to MR vaccination due to the schedule are 0.473 times lower compare to those parents who easily follow the MR vaccination schedule.
Knowledge, attitude and health care practices for gender-based violence cases in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors:   , Ei Aye
Published: September 2023

Gender-based violence has negative impact on physical, psychological and social wellbeing of the survivor. The initial response can lessen the magnitude of the effect and thus the health care sector’s readiness to response GBV cases is important. Hence, a study to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice level regarding GBV response among health care personnel was conducted.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 public hospitals in Yangon, Myanmar during April and May 2019 involving 398 health care personnel (doctors and nurses). The measurement tool is self-administered structured questionnaires for demographic assessment, knowledge, attitude, supportive environmental factors and practice. Analysis of the variables was done using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis at 95% confidence level. Ethical approval from Chulalongkorn University was obtained.

A total 398 participants (mean of age 35.01±8.265, mean of working experience 9.91±6.82), 86.2% accounting for female involved in this study. Most of the participants have moderate knowledge (66.1%) and attitude (73.9%) level. More than a half (54.3%) have the moderate level of supportive environmental factors. Among them, 0nly 12.8% have experienced practice and 87.2% have never experienced GBV management. Among those who have ever managed GBV cases, 29.4% have the high practice level, more than a half 54.9% have moderate and 15.7% have poor practice level. From the chi square tests, age, education (diploma, bachelor or master), workplace (the level of the hospital), working position (doctor/nurse, senior/junior), the level of knowledge, the completeness of GBV response training, STIs management training, multidisciplinary teamwork training and communication skills training are found to be associated with the level of practice on GBV response. And then from the binary logistic regression, the study found out that the health care personnel who got the diploma degree tend to do less practice then the higher education level, bachelor degree (OR=3.768, CI=1.854-7.659, p<0.001). The participants who are working in regional hospitals tend to have 69.6% less practice than those working in station hospitals. The medical officers and senior medical officers are found to have more practices than the junior nurses. Like that, the participants who already attended the GBV response training and STI management training had a better practice than who have not.

It is suggested that in order to raise the readiness for GBV response, the health care personnel of various working position should be trained for GBV response and their knowledge regarding GBV should be improved through specific trainings.
Prevalence and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending AMDA hospital of Eastern Nepal
Authors:   , Acharya Gaurab
Published: September 2023

Anemia in pregnancy is a global public health problem, affecting nearly 40% of the pregnant women worldwide. The higher burden of anemia was found in Nepal with 46% prevalence among pregnant women. This study is a health facility-based cross-sectional study carried out from September to October 2018. A total of 420 pregnant women of reproductive age group (18-49 years) attending the antenatal check-up in AMDA Hospital of Damak, Jhapa were recruited in this study. Data was collected through a validated semi-structured questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed in SPSS 22. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. Chi-square test was applied for the test of association between anemia and designated variables. Later, the variables with a p-value <0.20 obtained in bivariate was processed for multivariate analysis and considered significant with p-value <0.05. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported.

The prevalence of anemia was 42.1% in which 13.6% were severely anemic, 40.7% moderate and 45.8% were mild anemic. The study explored age group <20 and between 30-34 years (AOR 5.499, 95%CI: 1.172-25.792), (AOR 0.175, 95%CI: 0.042-0.735), pregnant with other religion (Buddhist, Christian, Kirant, Muslim) (AOR 3.217, 95%CI: 1.152-8.982), Janajati ethnicity (AOR 0.337, 95%CI: 0.134-0.848) were the factors associated with anemia. In addition, pregnant women working as laborer/peasant farmer (AOR 3.267, 95%CI: 1.121-9.522), Insufficient kitchen garden products (AOR 10.648, 95%CI: 2.702-41.961), vegetables brought rarely and sometimes (AOR 7.042, 95%CI: 1.049-47.277), (AOR 7.653, 95%CI: 2.308-25.371) had higher likelihood of having anemia. Correspondingly, vegetarian (AOR 6.264, 95%CI 1.646-23.830), DGLV once a week (AOR 8.139, 95%CI 1.714-38.680), no dietary diversity (AOR 6.741, 95%CI: 2.528-17.975) and prolong menstruation (AOR 2.696, 95%CI: 1.351-5.380) were independently associated with anemia as well.

The findings identified the necessity of awareness on nutrition and the importance of dietary diversity to pregnant women. Similarly, adequate counseling by health workers on preventing anemia during ANC visit is highly recommended.-
Improving willingness to pay and utilization of maternal neonatal and child health services by empowering women groups participating in voluntary savings and loans schemes in Gombe state Nigeria
Authors:   , Yahya Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Gombe State in North Eastern Nigeria is one of the states in the region that records the highest maternal and newborn death rates in the world. Poverty incidence is 72.2% in the state and a great deal of women in the villages don’t have tangible means of livelihood and heavily rely on their husbands. Empowering these women through formation of women groups saving schemes, literacy, maternal health and vocational training, will improve their economic power and enhance their utilization of these vital maternal services. The study was a quasi-experimental one with non-equivalent experimental and comparison groups. Data for this study were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods through household survey and focus group discussions (FDGs) in two purposively selected intervention Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state at baseline and 6 months after intervention. Iterative bidding technique was employed to determine the women’s willingness to pay. The main outcome variables are willingness to pay (WTP) and utilization of antenatal care (ANC), facility delivery and post-natal care (PNC) of the women. An association between women’s characteristics and their WTP and utilization of maternal health care services was analysed. The findings show statistically significant changes in the income (z=-6.983, p < 0.001) and the willingness to pay for delivery (z=-2.623, p = 0.009) and PNC (z =-2.465, p = 0.014) services. The correlations between WTP and income with all the services were found. Decision of women independently or jointly with husbands on their health care, religion, ability to read and write local languages were factors found to be associated with WTP for maternal services. Utilization of maternal services was found to be associated with age, current pregnancy, decision on health care, and prices for ANC and PNC services. The FGDs revealed that the groups understand empowerment as a combination of economic power, literacy and ability to take decisions independently. Willingness to pay for maternal care is associated with higher income, autonomy in taking decision for health care needs. Empowering women economically and educationally has potential for improving their willingness to pay for maternal health care needs. Government needs to look at the feasibility of aiding the proliferation of women savings groups especially in rural areas, which are the abodes of women without the ability and willingness to access health care services.
Depression, anxiety and stress association among Taze boarding school adolescent, Shwe Bo District, Sgaing Division, Myanmar : a cross-sectional study
Authors:   , Win Nanda
Published: September 2023

Adolescent is a transition phase from childhood to adulthood. Therefore, there are various problems occurring in that period such as physical, social and mental health issues. The study purpose is to describe prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and to explore the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 adolescents at three boarding schools in Taze, Myanmar. Data were collected by self-administered. The measurement tools including socio demographic characteristics, Modified form of social support scale, Pearlin’s mastery scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale and Depression, anxiety, stress -21 scale (DASS 21). Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to explore the associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress.  The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 85%, 84% and 71% respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, depression was significantly associated with problems with teacher interaction, in school performance, social support from parents and mastery (p-value <0.05). Problems in school performance and mastery showed highly statistically significant associations (p-value <0.01). For anxiety, interpersonal conflict with parents, problems with teacher interaction, and social competence showed statistically significant association (p-value< 0.05). Problems with teacher interaction and interpersonal conflict with parents showed highly statistically significant associations (p-value <0.01).  For stress, age, grade, sex, problems with teacher interaction, in school performance and interpersonal conflict with parents showed statistically significant association (p-value< 0.05). Age, grade and problems with teacher interaction showed highly statistically significant associations (p-value <0.01).  Boarding school is a stressful environment compared with public schools. This study showed the associated factors of students’ depression, anxiety, stress and conditions with parents, teachers and peers. In this study, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was so high, further studies should focus on intervention study to reduce depression, anxiety and stress and investigate about suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt.
Pharmacognostic specification and brazilin content in Caesalpinia sappan heartwoods, macroscopic, microscopic and molecular identification of selected Caesalpinia species in Thailand
Authors:   , Intakhiao Suwipa
Published: September 2023

The genus Caesalpinia L. belongs to Caesalpiniaceae family. This genus was spread throughout Asia and South East Asia. In Thailand, 18 species of Caesalpinia L. genus were reported which were spread in every parts. Due to the similar morphology especially the leaf part and closely vernacular name of eight Caesalpinia species, the identification of these species is complicated. Caesalpinia sappan L. is the well-known species which has many important drug properties. It was used as food, beverage, and cosmetic industries especially the heartwood part that contained brazilin, one of the flavonoid group. This study aimed to establish the pharmacognostic specification, develop the quantitative analysis of brazilin in C. sappan heartwoods by TLC analysis using TLC-densitometry compared to TLC-image analysis. Microscopic leaf characteristics including leaf constant numbers, and phylogenetic relationship by ISSR markers were used to differentiate the selected eight Caesalpinia species in Thailand. The heartwood of C. sappan was hard and rough with orange-red color. The contents of brazilin using TLC-densitometry and TLC-image analysis were 1.259 ± 0.455 and 1.256 ± 0.405 g/100 g crude drug, respectively. Brazilin contents analyses from two methods were not statistically significantly different (P> 0.05). The analytical methods were validated to confirm that the processes were appropriate, reliable, and gain an accurate data in term of specificity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation and robustness. The physico-chemical parameters including total ash, acid insoluble ash, ethanol and water soluble extractive values, loss on drying, and water content should not be more than 0.87, 0.44, 8.50, and 8.52 g/100 g crude drug, respectively whereas the content of ethanol and water soluble extractives should not be less than 2.94 and 3.77 g/100 g crude drug. Botanical characteristics and transverse cross section of midrib were illustrated by drawing. Microscopic leaf characteristics including leaf constant numbers (stomatal number, stomatal index, palisade ratio, epidermal cell area, trichome number, and trichome index) were evaluated. The results from microscopic characteristics can be used as the key to classification plants in Caesalpinia species. For ISSR fingerprinting, 15 universal primers were screened and 7 primers were used in this study. This technique produced a total of distinct and reproducible 217 bands. The genetic relationship among Caesalpinia L. genus presented the similarity index between 0.192 and 0.454. The information from this study provided the beneficial data for identification of selected eight Caesalpinia species, provided the pharmacognostic specification and brazilin content in C. sappan heartwoods in Thailand.