bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization Of Protein Hydrolysate Preparation And Their Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity From Shiitake Mushrooms Lentinula Sp.
Authors:   , Paisansak Supawee
Published: September 2023

Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme involved in regulating blood pressure. ACE converts angiotensin-I into angiotensin-II, which results in raised blood pressure. Inhibition of ACE leads to a decreased concentration of angiotensin-II and lowering of blood pressure. Food protein-derived ACE inhibitory peptides are considered to be a safer alternative to antihypertensive drugs. Shiitake mushrooms, one of the most consumed mushrooms in Thailand, are recognized as a nutritive food with health-stimulating properties. The aim of this study was to optimize the preparation of a shiitake-protein hydrolysate and investigate the ACE inhibitory activity of the hydrosylate. Shiitake mushrooms were hydrolyzed by Alcalase using response surface methodology. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) and ACE inhibitory activity were monitored. The optimum conditions, under which the DH reached a maximum of 28.88%, were 50.2 °C, a hydrolysis time of 3 h, and an enzyme/substrate ratio of 1.16. However, the optimum conditions under which the hydrolysate exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.33 μg/mL) were 47 °C, a hydrolysis time of 3 h 28 min, and an enzyme/substrate ratio of 0.59%. After fractionation into five ranges of molecular weight, the fraction < 0.65 KDa showed the highest activity with an IC50 value of 0.23 μg/mL. This fraction was purified by RP-HPLC and the peak with a retention time of 3.96 min had high ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.03287 μg/mL). The amino acid sequence of this peak, identified by mass spectrometry, was Lys-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Phe-Asp-Val-Thr (KIGSRSRFDVT), with a molecular weight of 1,265.43 Da. The ACE inhibitory activity (IC50) of the synthesized version of this peptide was 0.3714 μM. The peptide KIGSRSRFDVT was found to act as a non-competitive inhibitor from analysis of the Lineweaver-Berk plot. A docking study confirmed that the peptide binds at an ACE non-active site. These results indicate that peptides from shiitake mushrooms may be beneficial ingredients in pharmaceuticals, or functional foods, to treat hypertension.
Detergency of mixed oily and particulate soils by single and mixed surfactant systems
Authors:   , Teerasathittham Thanawan
Published: September 2023

This research studies the detergency performance of mixed surfactants of (anionic and nonionic surfactants) for mixed oily and particulate soils on polyester/cotton blend fabric, and compares with a commercial liquid detergent. Palm oil and kaolinite are used as representatives of oily soil and particulate soil, respectively. The anionic surfactants used in this study are methyl ester sulfonate (MES), linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The nonionic surfactants are alcohol ethoxylate 7EO (AE7) and alcohol ethoxylate 9EO (AE9). The effect of surfactant concentrations, NaCl concentration, and mixing ratios of the selected surfactant formulations on detergency performance are investigated. The mixed surfactant system of LAS and AE7 with a 0.3 wt. % total surfactant concentration provides the maximum detergency performance at low salinity of 2 wt. % NaCl. Interestingly, the particulate soil removal for any mixing ratios of all selected surfactant systems could exceed 85%, which is higher than those from either any single surfactant or the commercial liquid detergent. This is possibly because of the synergistic effect between the ethoxylated head group of AE7 and sulfonate head groups of LAS that balance the electrostatic repulsion, leading to lowering the free energy of the system. In addition, the percentages of detergency and total oil removal are relatively constant with the ratio of mixed surfactants.
Preparation and characterization of starch films reinforced with citrate cellulose nanocrystals
Authors:   , Nakarat Prapaporn
Published: September 2023

Citrate-modified bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (citrate CNCs) were prepared by a green one-pot dual acid (citric and hydrochloric acids) method and used them to reinforce three types of starch films; corn, wheat and rice starch films. The average length and width of citrate CNCs were 583 and 46 nm, respectively. The degree of citrate substitution on CNCs was 0.075 and its crystallinity index was closely to the original bacterial cellulose. The effect of various amount of citrate CNCs (0-20%wt of starch) on film property was study. Three starch films showed the same trend of examination results. The film thickness of most films was in a range of 0.20-0.24 mm and the increase of CNCs amount increase the film turbidity. The FE-SEM morphology revealed the good dispersion of citrate CNCs in the starch film matrix. The addition of citrate CNCs in all starches showed the continuing enhancement of crystallinity, Tdeg, and mechanical property. The tensile strength of starch/citrate CNCs films increased gradually while Young’s modulus increased dramatically. This indicated that the elasticity of films decreased if the amount of citrate CNCs increased. Among of three starches, citrate CNCs exhibited the highest influence on the mechanical property of wheat starch films.
Polyisocyanurate foams preparation catalyzed by mixtures of copper-amine complexes/potassium 2-ethylhexanoate
Authors:   , Suwannawet Teeraporn
Published: September 2023

In this research, a new catalyst system for the preparation of polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam was developed. The mixture of copper-amine complex:potassium 2-ethylhexanoate (K-15) and metal-ethanolamine complex:K-15 were used as catalysts. Two copper-amine complexes and two metal-ethanolamine complexes, namely Cu(OAc)2(en)2, Cu(OAc)2(trien), Cu(OAc)2(EA)2 and Zn(OAc)2(EA)2, respectively; where en = ethylene diamine, trien = triethylenetetramine and EA = ethanolamine, were used as catalyst for blowing and gelling reactions. K-15 was used as a catalyst for trimerization reaction. These catalysts could be further used in the preparation of PIR forms without purification. Characterization of catalysts were done by using UV-visible spectroscopy. The factors investigated in the preparation of PIR foams were reaction times, foam density, NCO conversion, rise profile, temperature profile, compressive strength and morphology. PIR foams catalyzed by copper-amine complex:K-15 and metal-ethanolamine complex:K-15 were compared with those prepared from a commercial catalyst system, N,N´-dimethylcyclohexylamine (DMCHA):K-15. The experimental results showed that Cu(OAc)2(en)2:K-15, Cu(OAc)2(trien):K-15, Cu(OAc)2(EA)2:K-15 and Zn(OAc)2(EA)2:K-15 had better gelling catalytic activity than DMCHA:K-15. The ratio of catalyst:K-15 = 0.5:3 and the amount of water = 5 pbw are suitable for preparation of PIR foam.
Removal of mixed VOCs of benzene, toluene, and xylene by using catalytic corona discharge system
Authors:   , Tantiprapa Issaree
Published: September 2023

Silver (Ag) and Manganese (Mn) catalysts were loaded on TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ supports on quartz wool that were tested for the oxidation of mixed Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of benzene, toluene, and xylene in nonthermal plasma corona discharge. The total feed concentration of VOCs was fixed at 100 ppm. The catalyst located between the pin and plate electrodes with a constant gap distance of 15 mm and the pin and plate plasma reactor had an inside diameter of 9 mm. The outlet stream was analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with TCD and FID detectors. The operating parameters including applied voltage, input frequency, and types of catalysts could affect to the performance of VOCs removal process especially the selectivity for CO₂. For the sole plasma system, the optimum conditions of an applied voltage of 5 kV and an input frequency of 500 Hz provided a relatively high VOCs conversion with the highest CO₂ selectivity. Among all studied catalysts, the 4%Ag/Al₂O₃ catalyst in the pin and plate corona discharge reactor was found to improve the CO₂ selectivity from 59 to 81% while the CO selectivity was reduced from 31.3 to 6.0%. Due to the catalyst provided high surface area for oxidation reaction and also provide the metal oxide on surface which completely reacted with other hydrocarbon and CO molecules could stayed longer in plasma zone that leaded to the opportunity of CO molecules further oxidized with active oxygen in the system become CO₂.
Life cycle assessment of end of life strategies for waste from petroleum production
Authors:   , Urairat Nuntawat
Published: September 2023

The waste treatment and disposal of oil refining industry sector are one of the significant aspects of environmental concerns. Because they are not only generated in substantial amounts, but also contained with various hazardous substances such as waste oils, spent catalysts, and mercury-contaminated materials. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the waste management strategies, from waste generator (WG) to waste processors (WP), using the material flow analysis (MFA, STAN v.2.6.601) and life cycle assessment (LCA, SimaPro v.8.3.0.0) as an assessment tool. The functional unit is the amount of waste generated from six refineries in the year 2015. The waste management schemes for hazardous (HZW) and non-hazardous (Non-HZW) were developed; the base case or existing operation (Option 1), zero waste to landfill and reduce burning in incinerators (Option 2) and enhancing recycling method (Option 3). The MFA results indicated that most of the HZW were disposed to produce energy, while the sorting method was the favorable option for Non-HZW. For the impact assessment, the base case and zero wastes to landfill and reduce burning in incinerators showed no significant difference for all of the impacts, but the enhancing recycling option indicated a decrease in the impacts for both HZW and Non-HZW. For global warming potential (GWP), the least impact value was the enhancing recycling, about 3.2958x10⁸ kg CO₂ eq for HZW and 1.4095x10⁷ kg CO₂ eq for Non-HZW. Therefore, the enhancing recycling is an appropriate method for waste utilization in order to reduce the environmental impacts. The MFA can be used as an assessment tool regarding the material balances and stock of the waste flow, while LCA can be used to evaluate the environmental impacts of the oil refinery waste management.
Heat Exchanger Network Design/Retrofit with Partitioning Technique for Linearization of Specific Heat Capacity-Temperature Relation
Authors:   , Valeekiatkul Siwat
Published: September 2023

Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) design has been studied for 40 years starting from heuristic technique; pinch analysis and design method to mathematical programming. The stage-wise superstructure by mathematical programming from Yee and Grossmann (1990) was one of the famous models suitable for industrial HEN design under assumption of constant average specific heat capacity (Cp) which generally should be fitted by empirical form of cubic equation. Zhu and Asante (1999) and Ayotte-Sauvé et al. (2017) used piece-wise linearization called stream segment model, to approximate Cp. Their Cp approximation techniques used high number of piece-wises to calculate Cp accurately. This paper presents novel technique called partitioning technique; using less number of piece-wise to approximate temperature-dependent Cp more accurately along with stage-wise superstructure model. The concept is to linearize polynomial cubic equation of Cp as a function of temperature with different Cp approximation techniques from Zhu and Asante (1999) and Ayotte-Sauvé et al. (2017). Cp is approximated as a linear equation for each partition of temperature range. Our technique in weighted average Cp calculation at stage in stage-wise superstructure model is novel, giving more accurate Cp approximation and HEN synthesis at validation step. Our model synthesizes HEN with less total annualized cost (TAC) and exchanger area calculation error between our model and Pro/II simulated HEN compared to other models; constant Cp model and cubic equation technique from Kim and Bagajewicz (2017) represented by four examples. First, crude preheat train example from Pro/II library is used to validate new concept. Normally, constant specific heat capacity directly affects outlet temperature which increase error of area calculation. It shows that constant heat capacity flow rate can reach error of heat exchanger area 30 % but using the new model can reduce the error to less than 1 %. Next, two examples from Kim and Bagajewicz (2017) get better result when compared to previous solution of cubic equation technique. Forth example is to show new model in retrofit case. Therefore, new model has many advantages that it increases accuracy of HEN design and better solution can be obtained from variable of specific heat capacity.
Use of binary surfactant formulations in low ift foam and surfactant flood
Authors:   , Tantipalakul Sorrawit
Published: September 2023

Viscous fingering and early breakthrough are the main problems observed during the water flooding. These problems could be overcome by using foam flooding by coinjection of surfactant solution and nitrogen gas as a mobility control in a porous media to help improve the sweep efficiency. To gain the maximum benefits of foam flooding, ultra-low interfacial tension foam was studied to obtain a foaming system with high sweep efficiency and at the same time high oil solubilization to help mobilize the oil phase from reservoir rock. In this work, mixed surfactant systems between sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate (AOT) and internal olefin sulfonate (IOS) with three different carbon chain lengths were tested through phase behavior studies and interfacial tension measurements without adding alcohol. The optimal type III middle phase microemulsion with ultra-low interfacial tension in the order of 10-3 mN/m could be obtained from the mixed systems of 1:1 surfactant/cosurfactant ratio (AOT:IOS) with a wide range of optimum salinity. Surfactant and foam floodings were conducted by a sand pack glass column at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. High oil recovery (>10% OOIP) at the optimum salinity was obtained in both surfactant flooding which Type III microemulsion played a key role in oil solubilization and better sweep efficiency by foam flooding.
Gene expression of Bcl2a1 และ Cxcl9 in soft tissue covering bone grafting materials
Authors:   , Taveedach Borwonluk
Published: September 2023

This study was to assess the expression of Bcl2a1 and Cxcl9 genes in soft tissues covering bone grafted with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) and deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in comparison with ones covering without grafting. The animals were randomly separated into three groups of treatment. Calvarial defect models were created on parietal bones. Bare defect models without bone graft as a control group. After one and three months, animals were sacrificed. Soft tissues covering the defected area were collected by punch technique. RNA was isolated and proceeded to Real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).  Statistical analysis indicated that in comparison to control group at one month, DFDBA and DBBM upregulated Bcl2a1 gene in soft tissue covering bone graft at P < 0.05. Allograft also upregulated Cxcl9 gene (P < 0.05). However, the comparison among groups at three months and comparison within group between one and three months shown the expression of both genes but without significant difference (P > 0.05).
Effect Of Methyl Formate-Methyl Acetate Treatment On Flexural Strength Between Denture Base And Self-Cured Hard Reline Materials
Authors:   , Puangpetch Mongkol
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of methyl formate-methyl acetate (MF-MA) surface treatment on the flexural strength between denture base and hard reline materials. 180 heat-cured acrylic denture base (Meliodent®) specimens were prepared according to ISO 20795-1 (2013) and divided into 18 groups with various autopolymerizing hard reline materials. Group I-III: relined with Unifast Trad®, Group IV-VI: relined with Kooliner® Group VII-IX: relined with Tokuyama® Rebase II Fast (without adhesive, with hardener), Group X-XII: relined with Tokuyama® Rebase II Fast (with adhesive and hardener), Group XIII-XV: relined with Tokuyama® Rebase II Fast (without adhesive and hardener), Group XVI-XVIII: relined with Tokuyama® Rebase II Fast (with adhesive, without hardener).  Group I, IV ,VII and  XIII were untreated surface (control groups), Group II, V, VIII and XIV were surface treated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) for 180 s and Group III, VI, IX and XV  were surface treated with MF-MA solution for 15 s. Group X and XVI were surface treated with the manufacturer adhesive,  Group XI and XVII were surface treated with MMA 180 s and the manufacturer adhesive, Group XII and XVIII were surface treated with MF-MA 15 s and the manufacturer adhesive. The flexural strength was measured using a Universal Testing Machine. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (group I-IX) and one-way ANOVA (group I-XVIII).  If the significant differences in the groups were found, the mean flexural strengths of the groups were compared using Tukey’s test at a 95 % confidence level. For Tokuyama® Rebase II Fast, the data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA (Hardener, Manufacturing Adhesive, Surface treatment). The reline material type and surface treatments significantly affected on the flexural strength (p<0.05). For each reline material, the flexural strength of the MF-MA treated group was significantly higher compared with that of the MMA treated group and the MMA treated group had higher flexural strength than the untreated group (p<0.05).  For Tokuyama® Rebase II Fast, the surface treatment and manufacturing adhesive affected on the flexural strength (p< 0.05), but the hardener did not affected on the flexural strength (p> 0.05). Groups of additional surface treatment (MMA, and MF-MA) after applied with the adhesive significantly increased the flexural strength compared with the groups with only using the manufacturing adhesive (p<0.05). For the same surface treatment, the flexural strength of Unifast Trad® was significantly higher compared with Kooliner® (p<0.05). The flexural strength of Kooliner® was higher than that of Tokuyama® Rebase II Fast (p<0.05). This study suggests the application of MF-MA solutions for 15 s before relining procedure can increase the flexural strength between denture base and hard reline materials.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of voluntary blood donation among university and college students in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors:   , Oo Aye
Published: September 2023

Background: Blood can save millions of lives in different clinical settings. According to WHO, blood transfusion services should target young voluntary blood donors as the potential source of sustainable blood supply. As a developing countries, Myanmar have challenges in providing timely and adequate blood supply to patients in need. For effective voluntary donor recruitment, understanding knowledge, attitude and practice towards blood donation among young university and college students is important. The aim of the study is to determine the practice of voluntary blood donations and its associated factors and to find out the reasons for not donating blood among the university and college students in Yangon, Myanmar. Methods: Cross Sectional Study (April to May 2019) with self-administered questionnaires including socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude and practice was conducted among the full time students who are ≥ 18 years old in Yangon Technological University (YTU) and National Management Degree College (NMDC) in Yangon, Myanmar. Non-probability Quota and convenience sampling method was used. Questionnaires were validated with Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) index and reliability tested with Cronbach’s Alpha and KR 20 prior to data collection. Results: Total 341 students (60% females and 40% males) participated in the study with mean age of 19.1 years (SD ± 1.1) and. Among them, 110 (32.3%) practiced blood donation before and all were voluntary blood donors. Minority of the participants have high knowledge level, 74 (21.7%) and high attitude level, 61 (17.9%) towards blood donation. However, most of the participants 286 (83.9%) have willingness to donate blood in the future. The predictors of being voluntary blood donor are male gender AOR (95%CI): 3.03 (1.70, 5.43) p<0.001, having blood related disorder AOR (95%CI): 0.25 (0.09, 0.71) p=0.01, high knowledge level of blood donation AOR (95%CI): 8.24 (3.06, 22.20) p<0.001 and high attitude level of blood donation AOR (95%CI): 7.01 (1.97, 24.90) p=0.003. The main reasons for not donating blood in non-donor participants include no opportunity 43.3%, fear to donate 35.1% and still underage to donate 32.9%. Discussion and conclusion: Practice of voluntary blood donor among the participants is relatively low. Minority have high knowledge and attitude towards blood donation. Male students free from blood disorders with higher knowledge and attitude levels are more likely to donate blood voluntarily. Main reasons for not donating blood were based on lack of opportunity and information. More regular blood donation campaigns and awareness raising in the university students society as well as in community is needed to increase the voluntary blood donations in the country.
An association between job stress, social support and insomnia among public health workers in Thailand.
Authors:   , Paitool Kanokrat
Published: September 2023

Sleep disorder is the global burden public health problem nowadays. Sleep disorders link to several health problem including mental health, cardiovascular diseases, and unintentional injury. Insomnia is a type of sleep disorders which have sign of cannot sleep or difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or woke up at night, or both them. The insomnia rather difficultly to define, however an individual’s report is used to identify its severity. Public health workers is an occupation dealing with distribution and determinants of health-related among population. Those people work with the high pressure including workload, working hours, conflict between different beliefs, lack of concern from community, organize support, and infectious which leading mental health risk factors.This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to 1) access prevalence of insomnia and 2) study an association between job stress, social support and insomnia among public health workers in Thailand. The quota sampling technique was used to select participants among doctors, nurse, public health scholar and others whom work under the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. A self-reported questionnaire was sent out via mail. Thai Job Content Questionnaire (Thai-JCQ) was applied to identify work related factors. Insomnia Severity Index questionnaire(ISI) was performed to classify insomnia level. Amount 325 participants were returned, the response rate was 90.6%. Binary logistic regression was performed to analyse the associations. The result found that, majority of respondents were female (80%). Average age was 35 years old and 67.69% graduated Bachelor’s degree. Average reported working time per week was 46 hours/week. 40% of them reported having enough monthly income without saving. More than half (52.6%) of respondents reported clinical insomnia. For job stress and social support, the results among clinical insomnia showed that 27.49 % had high level of job stress, while 43.27% reported low level of social support. Insomnia was associated with education level (P-value=0.03) and sufficiency of income (P-value<0.01). Job pyschological demand level and supervisor support level were associated with insomnia at p-value< 0.001 and p-value=0.04. In multivariate analysis, workers who reports high pyschological job demand level was increased 1.99-fold odds of having insomnia comparing to the one who reported low pyschological job demand level [OR = 1.99; 95%CI 1.24 – 3.00]. In addition, those who reported high supervisor support level was decreased 0.64-fold odds of having insomnia comparing to the one who reported low supervisor support level [OR = 0.64; 95%CI 0.41 – 0.99].
Effectiveness of “Men in Maternity Health (Mim)” Intervention to Improve Husband Involvement in Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness for safe Motherhood in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar: a Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors:   , Oo May
Published: September 2023

Involving husbands in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) has been encouraged as a new strategy to improve maternal health for safe motherhood since 2000. Myanmar is a patriarchy society and despite the strong domination of husbands on the health of their families, their involvement in maternal health are still limited. This quasi-experimental study aimed to determine the effectiveness of ‘Men in Maternity Health’ (MiM) intervention to improve husband involvement in BP/CR and institutional delivery for safe motherhood in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Total 198 husbands of pregnant women were included (99 husbands from each Township): Lewe Township as study group and Takkone Township control group. Face to face interview using interviewer administered questionnaire was carried out to collect the data. The data was analyzed by independent t-test to compare the continuous variables between study and control groups including within group comparison by paired t-test. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of categorical variables. After ‘MiM’ programme, there were significantly changes in husbands’ knowledge (p=0.001) and attitude (p=0.04) between study and control groups. Husbands in both groups were more likely to involve indirectly as financial support than direct involvement as planning skilled birth attendant and blood donor in case of emergency for their wives before give birth. In study group, husbands’ involvement in BP/CR improved significantly (p<0.001). Institutional delivery prevalence was significant difference between study and control groups, 64.6% and 39.4% respectively. In conclusion, the implementation of ‘MiM’ programme for promoting partner involvement in BP/CR and institutional delivery among pregnant women couples can enhance the benefits for safe motherhood.
Association between social support and depression, suicidal ideation among transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors:   , Tantirattanakulchai Pankaew
Published: September 2023

Depression and suicidal ideation are becoming a major mental health problem globally. Thailand is known as the accepting society for transgender but the available study on transgender women dealing with depression is scarce. This study aims to describe the rate of depression and suicidal ideation among transgender women in Bangkok and to explore the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand on May 2019. Data were collected through self-administered. The measurement tools including socio demographic characteristics, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and The Columbia–Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to explore the associated factors of depression and suicidal ideation. The rate of depression and suicidal ideation among transgender women in this study was 58.2% and 55.0% respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, depression was significantly associated with insufficient income, drinking alcohol 1-3 time/month in the past 12months (p-value <0.05). Low perceived social support and moderate perceived social support showed strongly statistically significant associations (p-value <0.01). For suicidal ideation, cabaret actress showed statistically significant association (p-value< 0.05). Ex-smoker, low perceived social support and moderate perceived social support showed strongly statistically significant associations (p-value <0.01). Transgender tend to experience higher rates of mental health problems than the general population. This study suggested that social support was significantly associated with depression and suicidal ideation in transgender women. Supporting the mental health of transgender people should be seen as a strategic investment which creates many long-term benefits for individuals, societies and health system. Moreover, depression and suicidal ideation rate was high therefore, further studies should focus on intervention study to reduce depression and suicidal ideation.
Trends and factors associated with breastfeeding in Thailand : a secondary analysis of the multiple indicator cluster survey 2005-2016
Authors:   , Chen Yuanpei
Published: September 2023

This cross-sectional study was based on secondary data of Thailand Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS round 3, 4 and 5) between 2005 and 2016 and aimed to identify trends and factors associated with breastfeeding in Thailand. Subjects were selected from the three MICS surveys and then pooled together to form final weighted samples of 9757 children under 2 years for studying early initiation of breastfeeding and 2568 children under 6 months for exclusive breastfeeding. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify trends and factors. Results indicated that the overall breastfeeding rates were low in spite of an overall slight increase in early initiation of breastfeeding from 27.4% in 2005-2006 to 36.7% in 2015-2016 and a significant rise in exclusive breastfeeding from 6.3% to 27.1% during the decade in Thailand. Factors positively associated with early initiation of breastfeeding (p < 0.05) were north (adjusted OR = 1.530) and south regions (adjusted OR = 1.857), age of child (adjusted OR = 1.008), children ever born (adjusted OR = 1.175), average size of child at birth (adjusted OR = 1.180), and weight of child at birth (adjusted OR = 1.217), while negatively associated factors consisted of age of mother (adjusted OR = 0.973), fourth wealth index quintile (adjusted OR = 0.855), primary (adjusted OR = 0.568), secondary (adjusted OR = 0.706) and higher (adjusted OR = 0.504) education levels of mother, delivered in non-public medical sector (adjusted OR = 0.550), times of received antenatal care (adjusted OR = 0.984), and caesarean section (adjusted OR = 0.448). By contrast, factors found positively related to exclusive breastfeeding (p<0.05) included rural area (adjusted OR = 1.417), north (adjusted OR = 2.948) and northeast regions (adjusted OR = 1.551), age of mother (adjusted OR = 1.023), , female child (adjusted OR = 1.527), Richest wealth index quintile (adjusted OR = 1.675), mothers with secondary educational level (adjusted OR = 3.867), and children ever born (adjusted OR = 1.171), while negatively associated factors included age of child (adjusted OR = 0.637), delivered in non-public medical sector (adjusted OR = 0.621), weight of child at birth (adjusted OR = 0.518), times of received antenatal care (adjusted OR = 0.924), and caesarean section (adjusted OR = 0.551). In addition, the variable of area changed from significance in unadjusted to non-significance in adjusted analysis due to the influence of such variables as region, wealth index quintile, place of delivery, size of child at birth, and children ever born. Accordingly, the researcher recommends increasing exclusive breastfeeding practice in Thailand by considering associated factors.
Roles of actors in the development of organic farming in Baan Non-yang, Amphoe Kud-chum, Yasothon Province
Authors:   , Huang Yan-ting
Published: September 2023

Organic agriculture in Thailand has been shaped by the agency factors with contestation on development in structural contexts since the 1970s. It emerged and developed as a part of alternative agriculture movement, and transformed in dynamic contexts with involvement of various actors. Organic farming in Non-Yang community can be perceived as the microcosm of the development. POs, NGOs, GOs and private sectors are involved into the community as actors of organic farming network. With negotiation and cooperation in the network, the movement has persisted and become viable until today. The thesis was conducted with a stakeholder analysis on the case of organic farming network in Non-Yang. The analysis was emphasized to dialogue with the food regime theory. The results suggest that the community-based organic farming movement does not achieve its success because of values. Nevertheless, it actually holds the concepts of seed sovereignty, health production, and alternative market. It is the mobilization of stakeholders and resources within the system, rather than the value-based mobilization against food regime. Within the mobilization and process of compromise, farmers have more space to bargain, connect with supporters, negotiate with different actors, and keep learning in the changing society.
The Effect of Tranforming from a Colony to a Nation-State on Chinese Diaspora Identity in Southeast Asia : Case Study of the Chinese Emigration from the Malay Peninsula, 1945-1979
Authors:   , Xue Huiwen
Published: September 2023

During the period between 1945 and 1979, the Malay Peninsula was under a chaotic and turbulent social situation. Decolonization, ideological confrontation, and ethnic conflict all happened in this period. This research adopts the documentary research method to analyze how the turbulent social situation affected Chinese society in Malaya/Malaysia and how the problems that the ethnic Chinese of the Malay Peninsula faced affected the Chinese emigration from the Malay Peninsula. During the anti-colonial period, part of the ethnic Chinese of Malaya identified with China and sympathized with the Chinese Communist Party. Hence, China was the most important destination for them. Afterward, during the postcolonial period, some of the ethnic Chinese were unsatisfied with ethnic inequalities in various aspects of life in the Malaysian nation-state. Consequently, these ethnic Chinese tended to emigrate to foreign countries where they could acquire citizenship and equal protection under the law regardless of their ethnicity. This research finds that the notion of 'home' for the ethnic Chinese who migrated from the Malay Peninsula between 1945 and 1979 includes friendly political atmosphere, citizenship and equal opportunity and protection under the law regardless of ethnicity.
Tea culture tourism in Southeast Asia : A comparative study of Mae Salong in Thailand and Thai Nguyen in Vietnam
Authors:   , Guo Yanling
Published: September 2023

This study attempts to explore the development of tea planting and producing, and tea culture tourism in Mae Salong in Thailand and Thai Nguyen in Vietnam. The findings reveal that tea planting in Mae Salong is derived from KMT villagers in northern Thailand who initially planted tea for livelihood, later developed as a cash crop for substituting opium and reducing soil erosion under the cooperation between the Royal Project and Taiwanese organizations. Nowadays, tea in Mae Salong is selected as “OTOP” and marketed as tourism resources to attract tourists. The tea culture tours in Mae Salong are usually organized with other tourism activities and tourists prefer sightseeing and consuming oolong tea, although Mae Salong is able to offer other tea-related activities. Thai Nguyen, situated in North Vietnam, has a long history of green tea but started large-scale plantation after French colonization and revived during Doi Moi reform. The tea culture destinations in Thai Nguyen have been mostly visited by foreign tourists during these two years and the tour packages mainly provide tea producing experience and knowledge for tourists. In sum, the tea culture tourism of Mae Salong and Thai Nguyen have different characteristics as the result of different historical development and market strategies.
The relationship between Facebook users’ motivation on environmental issues, environmental awareness and behavioral tendency in Vietnam
Authors:   , Tue Linh
Published: September 2023

The objectives of this research were to study the Facebook users’ motivation on environmental issues, their environmental awareness and behavioral tendency in Vietnam and to explore the relationship among these three variables. Three social media influencers who had more than 10,000 followers on their Facebook profiles, demonstrated open, explicit environmentally-friendly lifestyle and achieved certain media recognition were invited to join in-depth interviews. Four hundred and fifty eight Vietnamese male and female respondents, aged between 18 and 45 years old and currently residing in Vietnam, were asked to complete an online and offline questionnaire survey. The results depicted that the respondents had a positive opinion on Facebook users’ motivation on environmental issues (M = 3.326), with interesting contents receiving the highest score (M = 3.629) and the size of follower range receiving the lowest overall score (M = 2.745). Moreover, the respondents had a positive attitude towards the environmental awareness (M = 4.1689) and highly concern about waste problem (M = 4.502). Furthermore, the respondents had a positive attitude towards the behavioral tendency (M = 3.6463) and strongly care about the alignment between a brand and its action in being environmentally-friendly (M = 4.218). In regard to the relationship among the variables, the research results demonstrated that Facebook users’ motivation environmental issues is positively related with the respondents’ environmental awareness (r = .441) and environmental awareness is positively related with the respondents’ behavioral tendency (r = .580)
Effects Of Tio2 Support And Co Addition On Ni/Tio2 Catalysts In Selective Hydrogenation Of Furfural To Furfuryl Alcohol
Authors:   , Wonglekha Kittithad
Published: September 2023

Furfuryl alcohol is an important chemical intermediate that can be converted into many value-added derivative molecules. It is typically produced by the hydrogenation of furfural using supported metal catalysts. In this work, 15%wt Ni catalysts supported on titania (TiO2) were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method. The effects of phase composition and average crystallite sizes of TiO2 and Co addition in the range of 1-3 wt% on the catalytic properties of 15 wt%Ni/TiO2 were investigated in the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol at 50°C, 20 bar of H2, and 2 h reaction time. It was found that Ni supported on anatase-rutile mixed phase TiO2with appropriate crystallite size and pore structure (Ni/TiO2-A2) exhibited the highest furfuryl alcohol yield at 43.84%. The catalytic performances of the catalysts corresponded to the relatively strong Ni-TiO2 interaction and good dispersion of Ni on the support. Addition of Co into Ni/TiO2 catalysts on P25 and A2 TiO2 supports made the catalysts easier to be reduced and as a consequence, the catalyst activities decreased with little change on the FA selectivity.
Validation of LAMP-LFD Ehrlichia canis DNA sensor Kit
Authors:   , Jirapiti Pipat
Published: September 2023

Diagnosis of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis is in light of anamesis, visualized cytoplasmic morulae, clinical signs and laboratory test result of platelet counts.  The PCR technique is always a definitive confirmatory test of Ehrlichia canis infection.   However, the drawback of PCRs test is crucially needed of laboratory equipments.  This drawback is somehow enabled newly DNA based technology to be developed in order to eliminate laborious thermocycler and gel electrophoresis.  The LAMP-LFD is on focus by using a single temperature to amplify DNA and no gel electrophoresis involved to detect DNA product.   LAMP-LFD is included in DNAsensor test kit that recently developed to replace the special equipment requirement for PCRs.  This work is aimed to validate LAMP-LFD against nested PCR and single PCR.  The validation results showed that nPCR, LAMP-LFD and sPCR are equally in specificity test meanwhile, they have different degrees of sensitivity.  nPCR is determined to be the most sensitive method.   However, sensitivity of LAMP-LFD and sPCR  when compare to nPCR are 78.57% (95% CI= 63.19%-89.70%) and 40.48% (95% CI 25.63% to 56.72%) respectively.  The Cohen’s kappa coefficient revealed that nPCR and LAMP-LFD is in substantial agreement (0.785, 89.28% observed agreement) but not sPCR.  The application of LAMP-LFD is hence capable of being an alternative method of molecular diagnostic test for CME and a point-of-veterinary care device.
Efficacy of tetracycline and enrofloxacin against wolbachia spp. in microfilaria of Brugia Pahangi
Authors:   , Piromkij Pimsiri
Published: September 2023

Brugia pahangi is a major causative agent of animal lymphatic filariasis, one of the neclected tropical disease. Recent studies have also indicated that B. pahangi can cause clinical infection in human, with clinical appearances which are consistent with human lymphatic filariasis. Nowadays, the recognition of Wolbachia as new alternative drug choice for treatment and control of lymphatic filariasis is the most important in anti-filarial chemotherapy. Since, Wolbachia play important roles, including the development, viability, fertility and fecundity of filarial parasites. Depletion of Wolbachia results in sterilization, stunting and death of filarial worms. In this study, we investigated the effects of tetracycline and enrofloxacin on B. pahangi microfilarial motility and on Wolbachia depletion. Results showed that motility score of microfilaria treated with tetracycline were markedly reduced and high concentrations of enrofloxacin also can reduced worm motility. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the change of Wolbachia population in each treatment groups were decreased gradually. MEC of tetracycline was 128 and 32 μg/ml at 24 and 48 hours, respectively, while MEC of enrofloxacin was 512 μg/ml at 24 hours. Thus, tetracyclines should be considered as a drug of choice for treatment of animal lymphatic filariasis and suggest new antibiotic, enrofloxacin, as a substitute.
Genome characterization of quinolone resistance associated genes of flavobacterium columnare isolated from columnaris diseased asian sea bass (lates calcarif)ER)
Authors:   , Chokmangmeepisarn Putita
Published: September 2023

Flavobacterium columnare is Gram negative bacteria which caused columnaris disease in various kinds of freshwater fishes. This study is the first report of F. columnare infection in freshwater culturing Asian sea bass in Thailand. Phenotypic characterization, antimicrobial susceptibility test and quinolone resistant-associated genes of F. columnare were performed. A total 15 of F. columnare were isolated from diseased fishes and phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates were belonged to genetic group 2 and 4. From disk diffusion test results, 5 and 6 isolates were resistant to oxolinic (OA) and nalidixic acid (NA) respectively. The highest MIC values to OA and NA were 16 and 64 μg/mL respectively. The complete genome analysis revealed that most resistant genes were responsible for efflux pump activity. Moreover, the mutations within quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE were detected. The novel mutations at position 370 in gyrB and 389 in parE were founded in all quinolone resistant (QR) isolates. Moreover, mutation at position 83 in gyrA was responsible for OA resistant mechanism in QR isolates whereas mutations within gyrB, and parE were play role in both NA and OA resistant. On the other hands, the QS isolates were carried double mutations in parC at position 88 and 183. Thus, these mutations may not play important role in resistant against quinolones.
Development of reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification combine with lateral flow device as a detection assay for swine influenza virus
Authors:   , - Albarriyati
Published: September 2023

Swine influenza causes high morbidity and low mortality in pigs. The disease spreads rapidly in pig farms causing the delay of pig weight to reach market. Moreover, pigs play important role as “mixing vessel” of influenza viruses. Pigs can support infection and replication of influenza viruses from avian, human and swine origins. These lead to major concerns of the important of swine influenza which are not only the economic impacts but also the human health. There is the need of accurate and rapid diagnosis for swine influenza virus (SIV) to minimize further spreading of the viruses in pig population and to reduce the risk of multiple infections of influenza viruses. The objective of this study was to develop a Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification combine with Lateral Flow Device (RT-LAMP-LFD) assay for the detection of SIVs and to evaluate the performance, sensitivity and specificity of the assay. This study was conducted in two phases: the development of RT-LAMP-LFD assay for SIVs detection and the evaluation of the performance, sensitivity and specificity of the assay. The result showed that RT-LAMP-LFD assay was developed with six newly designed primers and with optimum condition at 63oC and 30 minutes. The detection limit of the assay was 1.14 pg/µl, which is 10-fold higher than real time RT-PCR assay, RT-LAMP-LFD assay is specific method for the detection of SIV, there were no cross reaction with other important viruses of pigs (PRRSV, PCV2, Pseudorabies virus and PEDV). From our result the newly developed RT-LAMP-LFD assay has good performance with 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity and perfect percentage of agreement (Kappa = 1) compared to reference assays (viral isolation and/or real time RT-PCR). In conclusion, this RT-LAMP–LFD assay has a potential for patent technology as a rapid diagnostic test for SIV detection and could be developed for low-cost or in house kits. The RT-LAMP-LFD assay could be implemented and applied at first point care of SIV outbreaks to help control and prevent the spread of disease in pig farms.
Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) Production and Colistin-resistance in Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli Isolated from​ Pigs and their Meat Products in the Border Provinces between Thailand and Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar
Authors:   , Sunn Kyaw
Published: September 2023

A total of 809 samples of pig rectal swab from slaughterhouses (n=441) and pork from retail market (n=368) were collected in the border provinces among Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar between October 2016 and March 2017. The objective of this study was to determine resistance to extended-spectrum ß-lactams (ESBLs) and colistin in Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli. A total of Salmonella (n=463) and E. coli (n=767) were collected and determined for the ESBL-production and for the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of colistin and; the presence of ESBL gene and mcr gene. The results showed that the prevalence of Salmonella was highest in Cambodia (65.8%) and lowest in Myanmar (13.6%). Serovar Rissen was mostly observed. The prevalence of E. coli in pork was above 87% in all countries. ESBL-producing Salmonella (1.9%) and E. coli (6.3%) were detected at low level. Five bacterial isolates (1 Salmonella and 4 E. coli) were simultaneously resistant to colistin produced by ESBL enzymes. Among the ESBL genes tested, blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes were found in all countries. Twelve Salmonella and 68 E. coli isolates were positive to mcr-1 gene. One Salmonella and 31 E. coli isolates harbored mcr-3 gene. In addition, one Salmonella isolate from pork in Lao PDR carried both mcr-1 and blaCTX-M. One E. coli isolate from pigs in Thailand and one E. coli isolate from pig and pork in Cambodia belonged to mcr-3 and blaCTX-M. These findings demonstrated that pigs and pork serve as reservoirs for the next-generation cephalosporins and colistin-resistant Salmonella and E. coli. Monitoring of resistance to these antibiotics in food animals is needed.