bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurse Prescribing
Authors: Haririan Hamidreza
Published: April 2023

Nurses, as the most numerous human resources in the field of health, have many roles and responsibilities. The number of countries where nurse prescribing is common is increasing. Also, the legal, educational, and organizational conditions in which a nurse prescribes medication vary greatly from country to country, ranging from the fact that the nurse can only prescribe from a limited list and under the supervision of a physician to the case where the nurse is authorized to prescribe without any restrictions. In many countries, health policymakers have responded to increasing demand for care due to aging populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic disease, physician shortages, and budget constraints, through strategies such as modernizing roles and combining health professions, including the role development of nurses. Prescribing by nurses has been a historic move for the nursing profession and an important part of the health system solution in leading countries to improve access and reduce the waiting time for patients to receive medication. Other potential benefits of nurse prescribing are increased continuity of patient care and better access to medication, efficiency in drug delivery and patient comfort, and reduced patient waiting time.
Life-Cycle Assessment as a Next Level of Transparency in Denim Manufacturing
Authors: Uncu Akı Sedef , Candan Cevza , Nergis Banu , Sebla Önder Neslihan
Published: April 2023

Increased consumer awareness and new regulations about climate change accelerated the need for solid, provable, transparent actions leading to results to support the sustainability claims and initiatives of fashion brands. However, progress on transparency is still very limited despite the alarming signals of climate change. As stated in Fashion Revolution’s Transparency Index 2023, brands have achieved an overall average score of 24%, up 1% from last year. Transparency is a tool for transformation. A productive conversation toward the targets can only start with a certain level of transparency to lead to the desired change. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology represents the next level of transparency. LCA can help brands collect, analyze and monitor their sustainability performance with science-based results. It is a tool that is used to quantify the environmental performance of a product taking the complete life cycle into account (from raw material production to transport, fabric production, garment manufacturing, consumer use, and final disposal. This book chapter focuses on how brands can use LCA as a transparency tool, its advantages and challenges in generalizing the science-based data. A framework will be generated on how to build the LCA model and use the data to compare different products and production practices in denim industry.
Obesity: The Relationship between Growth Hormone and Exercises
Authors: da Cunha de Sá-Caputo Danúbia , Bernardo-Filho Mario , Taiar Redha , Maria de Oliveira Maranhão Técia
Published: April 2023

Obesity is one of the main causes of death around the world. Moreover, considering the cardiometabolic risk (CMR), the relationship between obesity and CMR is well-established, and the location of adipose tissue (AT), particularly in the abdominal region, is considered an important predictor of metabolic dysfunction than total fat mass. Central obesity can be related to abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). The relationship between SAT and CMR is not still clear, but the VAT has been considered a unique pathogenic fat depot. In this context, it is important to identify clinical interventions that could be used to improve the management of obesity. The aim of this chapter is to integrate knowledge about the relevance of exercises and/or growth hormone (GH) to the management of individuals with obesity. In conclusion, it appears that exercise-induced reductions in VAT are mediated by induced changes in GH levels. This could be due to the similar lipolytic effects of both GH and exercise on VAT and this relationship would benefit the role of exercise as an intervention against obesity. Preventing and understanding the development of obesity is therefore essential if it is wanted to curb the global epidemic and save social security several million costs concerning health problems.
Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Political Risk Management: An NLP Analysis of the 2019 US-China Trade War
Authors: D. Wang Michael
Published: April 2023

This chapter examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in natural language processing (NLP) for risk management, with a particular focus on applications in the field of political economics. The aim of this analysis is to identify and measure potential political risks by conducting a textual analysis of newspapers and social media, using sentiment scores as proxies for nationalism. The study uses the 2019 US-China Trade War as a natural experiment to evaluate the impact of international disputes on political risks. One significant finding is the positive effect of the trade war on sentiment in China’s media about the US, which is attributed to the Chinese government’s efforts to mitigate the negative impact of the trade war on international relations. The study also reveals a negative impact on bilateral imports due to the conflict. Furthermore, the study employs a Difference-in-Difference (DID) model to investigate the impact of news censorship on media during the trade war. It is found that China’s regulators attempted to soften domestic anti-US sentiment, while the US media reported more negatively about China during the conflict. Overall, this analysis demonstrates how NLP technology can be effectively used to identify changes in the management of political risks by analysing news and other media.
Inhalation of Ascorbic Acid Modulates Sinonasal Immune System
Authors: Prasetyo Awal , Irawati Nina
Published: April 2023

Inhaled drugs, commonly used for the treatment of chronic lung disease, are intended to have their effect quickly reach the airways and are less absorbed into the bloodstream. As ascorbic acid can be dangerous at high dosages, the inhalation route can be a substitute for getting a rapid topical elevated level of ascorbic acid. Drug/vitamin with inhalation route has an advantage as a non-invasive route, minimal side-effect, fast-onset, no first-pass metabolism, and more potent pharmacodynamics drug. The relationship between the effect of ascorbic acid in the form of inhalation on the sinonasal mucosal immune system needs to be studied, considering the role of ascorbic acid in the prevention and plausible prognosis of pandemic era.
Augmented reality for learning mathematics: a pilot study with WebXR as an accessible tool
Authors: Wong Jacqueline , Bayoumy Sharif , Freke Arno , Cabo Annoesjka
Published: April 2023

One of the concerns in service mathematics courses, such as calculus for engineering, is students’ interest in these studies. Research suggests that engineering undergraduates’ lack of awareness about the importance of mathematics for their study success and for their careers contributes to their low motivation for mathematics. An approach to increasing student motivation is to take advantage of technological tools to provide students with more engaging learning experiences. Recent studies showed that augmented reality (AR) enhances student engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention. However, implementing AR can be challenging since it can be quite costly and technically complex. The current paper describes a case study in which an AR application was designed and developed using WebXR, in the context of a service mathematics course for teaching calculus. The AR content involves drawing of level curves and the visualization of a volcano and the flow of lava to support students’ learning of directional derivatives. A pilot study was conducted to examine engineering undergraduates’ perceptions of using AR for learning mathematics. Results show that students perceived using AR for learning math as enjoyable and motivating. Students reported that AR content adds value to their classes by making the mathematical concepts clearer and helping them apply what they have learned to real life. However, the AR content did not work well on all mobile phones and all versions of web browsers. Lessons learned from the design and development of AR using WebXR as well as recommendations for future studies are discussed in this paper.
Integrating sustainability in an electronic engineering program: insights and experiences on academic staff involvement
Authors: Verhulst Elli , Bolstad Torstein , Reppe Lunde Solveig , Randem Lunde Helene , Berntsen Henriksen Robin
Published: April 2023

There is a growing urgency to incorporate sustainability in all facets of society to stay within the planetary boundaries. Higher education has a significant role by educating their students - our future work forces – with the knowledge and competences that are crucial for working with sustainability challenges. The development of sustainable technology thereby takes a significant place, pointing out the role of engineering education. This article presents the journey of integrating sustainability in the M.Sc programme Electronic System Design and Innovation at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. We focus on three aspects of this journey. First, we present the approach used and the process stages for the integration of sustainability, which is a renewed version of a toolbox for integrating ecodesign in engineering studies. Secondly, we present how academic staff is involved throughout the integration process. To be able to succeed with incorporating sustainability into a study programme, it is important to engage and empower academic staff, since they have a central position through their responsibility for a study’s central building blocks - the different courses. Lastly, we outline insights and experiences from the perspective of academic staff and the project team involved in the integration process. We conclude with how the approach used and the lessons learned can provide useful strategic and practical insights for other engineering programmes in their process of integrating sustainability and plans for future activities.
Research on mathematical competencies in engineering education: where are we now?
Authors: Wong Jacqueline , Papageorgiou Elli , Klaassen Renate , Van der Wal Natalie , Menschaart Laura , Cabo Annoesjka
Published: April 2023

In tertiary mathematics education for engineers (hereafter called service mathematics education, SME), there is a long-lasting controversy on what and how to teach. The goal of SME is to provide a base for engineering-specific courses and to develop mathematical competencies needed for academic success and professional practice. A leading question in engineering education is how to take mathematical competencies into account when designing content. Mathematical competencies are employed to understand, judge, do, and use mathematics in a variety of mathematical contexts and situations in which mathematics could play a role [1]. Although mathematical competencies have been introduced for about two decades, Alpers [2] noted that research in engineering higher education had focused chiefly on the modelling competency and less on other competencies. By means of a scoping review, the current study aims to examine how mathematical competencies are investigated in higher education research. The main research question is “To what extent and in what ways have mathematical competencies been examined in higher engineering education research?” Papers were retrieved and qualitatively reviewed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search yielded 166 records, of which, 65 unique records were relevant to engineering education and screened for eligibility. A synthesis of 23 studies reviewed showed that problem-solving and modelling were the most investigated mathematical competencies and were often investigated together or with other mathematical competencies. The inconsistencies in the terminologies used suggest a need for clearer conceptualizations to advance research and inform practice on mathematical competencies.
Student perceptions of student support services for first-year engineering students
Authors: Van Dyck Annelies , Koppen Els , Van den Broeck Lynn , Langie Greet
Published: April 2023

To help first-year students get accustomed to university, many universities organise intra- and extracurricular support initiatives. During the academic year, student support services at the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven offer both course-specific activities as well as initiatives focusing on study career guidance and academic skills. Yet we notice that not all students find their way to these voluntary activities – even if they would benefit from the help. The purpose of this study is (1) to understand how first-year engineering students perceive the student support services, and (2) to understand how we can reach students who need the support, but do not find their way yet. This will further guide us in the development and communication of support activities. A small-scale questionnaire was distributed among first-year engineering students, followed by two focus group discussions. Our findings indicate that support needs are bigger at the start and end of the first semester. Crucial information such as how to study, and communication regarding support activities, should be served more than once, as first-year students still find it hard to filter out the right information. Students prefer course-specific Q&A sessions where they can hear questions of fellow students as well as the answers to those questions. A mentor for study career guidance is well appreciated. Tests and trial exams are important as triggers to start studying. We believe that these findings can inspire colleagues in other institutions.
How St. Augustine Could Love the God in Whom He Believed
Authors: Miles Margaret R. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2023

St. Augustine, pictured by Western painters holding in his hand his heart blazing with passionate love, consistently and repeatedly insisted―from his earliest writings until close to his death―that the essential characteristic of God is “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Yet he also insisted on the doctrines of original sin and everlasting punishment for the massa damnata. This article will not explore the rationale or semantics of his arguments, nor the detail and nuance of the doctrines of predestination and perseverance. Rather, I seek to understand, from Augustine’s last writings, how he reconciled his strong conviction that God is love with doctrines requiring belief in a God who determined the fate of individuals to eternal reward or punishment “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), a God indifferent to individuals’ actions, struggles, or longings. My primary interest is not on Augustine’s ability to render these two apparently opposing ideas of God intellectually compatible, but rather on his feeling, gathered from his last sermons, as he approached death. In brief, how could Augustine love the God in whom he believed?
From “Mors Pro Summo Munere Desideretur” to “Occidere Se Ipsum”: An Overall Approach to Augustine on Suicide
Authors: Ponsatí-Murlà Oriol ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2023

This article aims to offer an overview of the problem of suicide in Augustine of Hippo, from the anti-Manichean texts of the late 380s CE to De ciuitate dei and the rejoinder to Gaudentium (Contra Gaudentium). A transversal analysis of the evolution of the concept of voluntary death throughout the work of Augustine allows us to identify up to four different conceptions of suicide, each of them corresponding to a rather well-defined chronological period: a philosophical conception, that we find in De libero arbitrio; a moral one, that we can excerpt from De mendacio; a polemical approach in the context of controversy against Donatism, which we can retrace in a set of writings from 400 to 412 CE, and especially in Contra epistulam Parmeniani; and, finally, the conception of suicide as homicide, that appears in De ciuitate dei and that will define the decisive and most widespread doctrine of Augustine in this matter. In this way, this paper aims to enrich, from a transversal and chronological perspective, the studies that have been carried out over the last decades on suicide in Augustine.
Philosophy with Children
Authors: Cassidy Claire ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2023

This article proposes that children’s voice is important. It also suggests that one way in which children’s voice might be supported is through Philosophy with Children. However, when teachers undertake Philosophy with Children to promote children’s voice, it is important that they reflect on their role and the practice to consider how that role and practice enable children’s voice. One way in which teachers might do this is by considering the seven factors for enabling children’s voice identified through the Look Who’s Talking project. The seven factors are as follows: definition, power, inclusivity, listening, time and space, approaches, processes and purposes. The article takes each element in turn to consider the ways in which Philosophy with Children might align with them and offers questions teachers may ask of themselves and their practice. As there is a range of approaches to Philosophy with Children, the article focuses on one model: Community of Philosophical Inquiry.
Positive Effects of the Keto Diet on Muscle Building: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Tzenios Nikolaos , Chahine Mohamad , Tazanios Mary , Binti Jamal Poh Omasyarifa
Published: April 2023

The ketogenic (keto) diet, characterized by high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate intake, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits and weight loss effects. Its impact on muscle building, however, remains a subject of interest and debate. This review aims to examine the current literature on the keto diet's role in muscle growth, recovery, and performance. We discuss how ketosis-induced changes in fat oxidation, inflammation, and hormonal balance may contribute to muscle building. The evidence suggests that, under certain conditions, the keto diet can support muscle growth and improve recovery in athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Cutaneous Sarcoidosis: A Review and Approach to Treatment
Authors: Patel Parth
Published: April 2023

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, granulomatous, inflammatory condition. There are numerous clinical manifestations of cutaneous sarcoidosis, the most common being papular sarcoidosis, which presents as red-brown or violaceous papules on the face, trunk, or extremities. Cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis can present similarly to other conditions such as psoriasis, lichen planus, nummular eczema, granuloma annulare, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It is important that an accurate diagnosis is made when patients present with cutaneous lesions as sarcoidosis can affect multiple organ systems. A patient diagnosed with sarcoidosis will typically require comprehensive care with dermatology, rheumatology, pulmonology, and other specialties as needed. Clinicians often face difficulty determining the best and most effective treatment for cutaneous sarcoidosis while keeping side effects in mind. In this article, the author presents a clinical vignette of a patient with cutaneous sarcoidosis then reviews the disease process, diagnostic work up, and treatment/management.
Something is Afoot: Case of Pemphigus Vulgaris Mimicking Infections
Authors: Griffith Cynthia , Matthews Loderick , Son Rosemary
Published: April 2023

This case of a gentleman with a chronic foot lesion and onychodystrophy illustrates one of the various forms that pemphigus vulgaris can take. We present diagnostic testing, including histology, direct immunofluorescence testing (DIF), and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). We discuss the incidence of pemphigus, the variants of pemphigus, and the treatment objectives in this patient population.
A Non-invasive Technique for Detecting Melanoma
Authors: Ruppenthal Danielle , Hyde Mark
Published: April 2023

Advances in genomic technology have allowed providers to evaluate pigmented lesions with greater reliability. Using all available methods to evaluate changing lesions has led to earlier detection and actionable results.
The contrarians: Are they really the winner?
Authors: Budiarso Novi , Pontoh Winston
Published: April 2023

Several new global issues information (including the COVID-19 pandemic) tends to have an impact on the capital market in Indonesia but big-cap stocks show good performance compared to small-cap stocks. Employing 766 listed firms as sample with 246 market days, this study examines whether the contrarians are really the winner. This study finds that the contrarians succeed to beat the market by violating the efficient market hypothesis. However, the success of the contrarian strategy does not seem to indicate that they are the real winners as they are only thin-winning.
Microplastics in industrial wastewater treatment plant: Quantification, identification and ecological risk assessment
Authors:   , Saiwaree Sujarat
Published: April 2023

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are one of the significant pathways of microplastics (MPs) entering the environment. Thus, information regarding this issue is still requisite in Thailand. In this study, wastewater and sludge samples were collected from various treatment units of industrial WWTP in dry season (February 2020) and wet season (July 2020). The MP particles were identified by size, shape, and polymer types. From the wastewater, MPs were detected in the highest amounts after the aeration unit (134.35 ± 20.79 particles/L) in dry season sample. In addition, sludge contained relatively low MPs. The size fraction in wastewater varied, but in sludge was >300 μm commonly in both seasons sample. Fragments and pellets were identified as the most common shape of wastewater and sludge in both seasons sample. The treatment units and sampling period had a significant effect on MP abundance.The distinction might occurred by temporal variation or system operation during the pandemic.  Form FTIR result, plastic polymer mainly identified as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The overall removal efficiency was 93.86%, which still discharge to the ocean 108 particles per day. For risk assessment of the effluent, polymer risk index (H) was 230.38 and 203.49 of dry and wet seasons, verify as high value. Moreover, the potential ecological risk (RI) of effluent considered as extreme danger level due to high toxicity polymer from Polymethacrylate (PMMA). SSD method showed that the MP abundance was exceeded the limit value derived from SSD model (HC5 1.143 particles/L), which is relatively low due to selected data. Therefore, the attention must be on WWTPs in Thailand, as they act as the greatest source of MP contamination in the environment and main cause of risk which can affect the ecosystem.
Environmental displacement in Thailand’s disaster policy and practice: a case study of Samut Chin
Authors:   , Nitsch Cynthia
Published: April 2023

As the world is experiencing more frequent disasters, sudden and slow-onset, the number of communities facing displacement is rapidly increasing. Some international frameworks suggest definitions and promote human rights-based approaches to dealing with mobility caused by environmental concerns, however, there is no legal term nor general consensus on how to label this group of people. With a lack of agreement on how to categorize those displaced on the international stage, nations are left to create and implement their own definitions and policies to assist. Displaced groups experience specific vulnerabilities and are at risk of human rights violations. The responsibility to protect rights and alleviate vulnerabilities falls on states. Looking at a small village in the Samut Prakan province of central Thailand, Samut Chin, sea-level rise is inundating much of the village each year. Families are moving their homes farther from the coastline or relocating altogether. Interviews were conducted in the village to understand and assess the severity of specific vulnerabilities. An analysis was made of disaster laws and policies to determine the categorization given for environmentally displaced persons and what resources were allocated to them. After examining the appropriate policies established by both national and provincial disaster agencies and comparing them to the experiences of those facing displacement in Samut Chin, it is evident that they do not adequately consider and address all vulnerabilities. While many of Thailand’s disaster policies have plans and resources readily available to support during the immediate disaster response, there is insufficient recognition given to those affected by gradual environmental degradation or those facing long-term displacement. This gap in disaster policy will surely lead to a gap in the protection of human rights and the reduction of vulnerabilities. By identifying deficits in categorization and allocations in policy this information can be used to change existing policies. It can also benefit civil society, humanitarian organizations, and advocacy groups by highlighting specific areas that environmentally displaced people desperately need assistance.
Social innovation and inclusive business model for the bottom of the pyramid: a case study of organic tourism ecosystem in Thailand
Authors:   , Liu Yunkang
Published: April 2023

Social inequality and poverty are major challenges facing all humans in the 21st century. At the same time, income gaps, uneven development of urban-rural, and poverty as the stumbling block of Thailand to achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It is necessary to explore new development models by promoting social innovation. On the one hand, in the past few decades, the private sector is one of the main contributors to Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the ASEAN region. It is important to encourage the private sector to assume more responsibilities for contributing to local development. The inclusive business model as a business approach with a focus on the improved benefits of the “Bottom of the Pyramid” community, and promote sustainable development economically, socially, and environmentally. On the other hand, the tourism industry has contributed to Thailand’s economic prosperity and poverty reduction, but some research shows that under certain circumstances, tourism has also deepened the fissures separating the rich and poor, and worsens wealth distribution. In this thesis, an inclusive business case study was selected which call the "Suan Sampran" organic tourism project in the Nakhon Pathom province of Thailand. Based on the qualitative research method through in-depth interviews with different project stakeholders, to analyze the role of the private sector’ inclusive business model on promoting inclusive growth for Thai society. This research finds that develop inclusive business in the organic tourism industry helps improve the “Bottom of the Pyramid” community’s sustainable livelihoods which leads to promoting poverty reduction and social equality in Thailand. Besides, this research may also help to investigate the challenges in implementing the inclusive business model in the organic tourism industry of Thailand.
Youths' participation in agriculture for enhancing sustainable livelihoods: a case study of pa-o self-administered zone in southern Shan state, Myanmar
Authors:   , Aung Khine
Published: April 2023

Myanmar in which 70 percent of the population is rural people relies on agricultural sector for its economy. It contributes about 37.8 percent of the country’s GDP and employs about 50 percent of the labors (FAO, 2020). However, Myanmar’s agricultural sector is not well developed and does not stand as reliable livelihood for the people, especially for the youths, in rural areas. Hence, the people in rural areas have to seek more livelihood opportunities like leaving their farmlands and moving to other places for work. This situation has impact both on youths and on the agricultural sector which needs youths’ capacities for its development. Therefore, this study focuses on the challenges for the youths in rural areas in approaching their livelihoods, their contribution to agricultural development and how to support them in enhancing sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. This study is conducted through qualitative methods with the use of case study of Pa-O SAZ located in Southern Shan state of Myanmar. The findings result that youths have more challenges for access to natural capital and less challenges for access to physical, social and human capitals. Another significant finding is that both youths and the elders have challenges for access to knowledge or information on their livelihoods. The strengths of the youths for agricultural livelihoods are having more capabilities to adapt with new techniques, innovative ways as well as to connect with varieties of people. For their livelihoods, the youths make decision depending on the factors of having experiences and exposures, support from government and organizations, education, parents and families’ background and access to finance. This study also argues that sustainable livelihood is not only about getting more wages and profit but also about having job and social security. Though agriculture is not promising and reliable work in terms of wages or profit, it can still be regarded as a main livelihood in terms of sustainability in Pa-O SAZ. Hence, diversification becomes the most preferred livelihood strategy for all of the youths participated in this study. Therefore, the study suggests to promote the youths’ participation in agriculture through financial and technical supports from government, NGOs, CSOs, CBOs and the private sector in order to enhance more sustainable livelihoods in Pa-O SAZ.
Determinants of cross-border mergers and acquisitions of firms in Thailand
Authors:   , Weerakiet Pongpak
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we evaluate the effects of firm-level and country-level variables on the firms’ probability of having cross-border M&A deals and the size of the deals. Our sample consists of 87 firms from SET100 Index (firms from financial industry are excluded), and the data between 2009 to 2018 is used in this paper. The results indicate that the increase in ownership advantages of the firms, namely, size and profitability raise the chance of the firms having cross-border M&A deals and the size of the deals. For country-level variables, the results agree with the gravity model that an increase in GDP of both the Thai and host country economies leads to an increase in cross-border M&A deal value. However, the increase in the distance between host countries and Thailand reduces the cross-border M&A deals’ size. The rise in average wage of host countries reduces the size of cross-border M&A deals from Thai firms, implying the efficiency motive.
Middle class and democratization under capital and land inequality: a theoretical approach
Authors:   , Mannaitham Wantiwa
Published: April 2023

The study revisits the relationship between the middle class, transition to democracy and inequality. This paper uses mathematical methodology to represent the role of the middle class on democratization under capital and land inequality based on Acemoglu and Robinson 2006 models. This paper extends social class from two to three class models including the rich, the middle class and the poor. Moreover, the paper also describes how capital and land inequality affect democratization. To test an impact of the middle class on democratizing process under capital and land inequality conditions, this study divides into three cases; (1) capital and land inequality, (2) capital inequality and (3) land inequality.  As a result, the richer middle class has more similar preference to the elites which make they have more fear of the future income redistribution under full democracy. Hence, capital intensive society is more likely to be partial democracy. The study finds an income of the middle-class variable has a negative impact on transition to democracy. Because the poorer middle class demand higher land redistribution which is costly to the elites, democratization is not attractive to the elites. Thus, land abundant countries seem to be less democratic. However, the results do show a significant role of the middle class as human capital on democratization. When the middle class become dominant to an economy, this economic structure is called human capital-intensive societies and they are more likely to be democratic.
The popularity of K-POP in north east India: case on the increasing fame of BTS between 14-29 age group
Authors:   , Bora Eshani
Published: April 2023

Hallyu Wave or Korean Wave in North East India began in the late 1990s pirated CDs, DVDs, and the Korean TV channel in Manipur due the Revolutionary People’s Front ordered a ban on Hindi films and TV channels. The popularity of the Hallyu Wave has been present in the North East ever since due to many physical and cultural similarities. Today, due to the popularity of BTS, a seven-member boy group from South Korea who are the biggest boy group in the world have immensely popularized K-POP to the youth.

Due to limited studies on K-POP in North East India, this study focuses on the popularity of BTS from the ages of 14-29 years and analyses the factors of K-POP popularity in the region. Firstly, the Factors of Consumer Behavior and Cultural Diamond model are used as the framework for this study. Secondly, for the methodology, the selected sample size of this study is 320 respondents who are K-POP fans on social media platforms, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, online observation, and comment analysis. Using these methodologies, the study highlights the reason behind K-POP popularity because of psychological factors when compared with social and cultural factors. In case of BTS popularity in the region it is through their music and lyrics which has made them ‘relatable’ to the young fans.

Since India is one of the last countries to consume Hallyu and is still learning and exploring more about Korean culture. Although K-POP is the most popular component other components such as K-Food, K-Beauty, K-Fashion are also gaining a lot of attention in the North East as well as in India.
Definable modules over definable rings without zero divisors in o-minimal structures
Authors:   , Rodbanjong Jaruwat
Published: April 2023

In an o-minimal structure, every definable group admits a definable group
manifold. Moreover, one can also show an analogue of this statement for definable
rings. In this work, we prove that every definable module over definable ring without zero divisors admits a definable module manifold. In addition, we also give
the classification of definable modules over definable rings without zero divisors in
o-minimal structures
Generalized factorizability of certain implicit dependence copulas
Authors:   , Panyasakulwong Peerapong
Published: April 2023

The copula CX,Y of random variables X and Y that are uniformly distributed on [0,1] is called an implicit dependence copula if f(X)=g(Y) almost surely for some Borel functions f and g on [0,1]. Via a generalized Markov product, we give a one-to-one correspondence between the implicit dependence copulas and the parametric classes of subcopulas on a corresponding domain for the cases that f=g=Λθ, the tent function whose top is at (θ,1). We also show in the case f=g=α, a simple measure-preserving function, that implicit dependence copulas are generalized factorizable.
Quaternion algebras over some extensions of function fields
Authors:   , Thongmeepun Silipong
Published: April 2023

In this thesis, we study quaternion algebras over rational function fields over finite fields of odd order. [It is known that a quaternion algebra is either the algebra of 2x2- matrices or a division algebra.] We determine conditions for quaternion algebras of the form(symbol) to be division algebras and conditions for quaternion algebras to split after the constant quadratic field extension.
Telomere shortening and cellular senescence induced by oxalate and nephrolithiasis urine in HK-2 cells
Authors:   , Chuenwisad Kamonchanok
Published: April 2023

Kidney stone disease is a common urologic problem worldwide, especially in the tropics such as Thailand. It is known as a multifactorial condition, and aging increases the risk of stone development. The major type of stones is calcium oxalate (CaOx), and its formation is driven by increased urinary oxalate excretion and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystallization. Both oxalate and COM are known to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cause oxidative stress. Furthermore, patients with CaOx stone have increased extent of oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the induction of cellular senescence and telomere shortening through oxidative stress by oxalate, COM and urine obtained from CaOx kidney stone (KS) patients (n=5) in HK-2 cells. Five urine samples from the age- and sex-matched non-stone (NS) subjects were used as urine control. HK-2 cells were treated with H2O2 (representative of ROS), oxalate, COM and urine samples (10% v/v) for 72 h. The result shown that the number of senescent (SA-βgal positive) cells were significantly higher in H2O2-, oxalate-, COM- and KS urine-treated conditions than that of the NS urine-treated and untreated conditions. Oxidative stress, indicated by increased protein carbinyl level and decreased total antioxidant capacity, was significantly increased in cells treated with H2O2, oxalate, COM and KS urine relative to the untreated control and NS urine. The expression of p16 protein was clearly increased in the H2O2-, oxalate-, COM- and KS urine-treated cells compared with the untreated control and NS urine-treated cells. In contrast, relative telomere length was significantly decreased in the H2O2-, oxalate-, COM- and KS urine-treated cells compared with the untreated control and NS urine-treated cells. Expression of TRF1, TRF2 and POT1 mRNAs was significantly lower in cells treated with H2O2, oxalate, COM and KS urine than that of the untreated control and NS urine. In conclusion, this is the first study showing that oxalate, COM and KS urine induce cellular senescence and telomere shortening in renal proximal tubular cells. This senescent induction is mediated through oxidative stress and associated with upregulation of p16 and downregulation of shelterin complex genes. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress-mediated senescence and telomere shortening in renal proximal tubular cells induced by lithogenic factors, particularly oxalate and COM, may contribute to the development of CaOx kidney stone disease.
The labeling of 99mtc-psma-hbed-cc for prostate cancer imaging
Authors:   , Phromphao Benchamat
Published: April 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide in 2018 (1). Initially, PCa diagnosis is based on Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which is low sensitivity and low specificity, and sonography guided needle biopsy, which is invasive. Therefore, molecular imaging recently enrolls as an important technique in PCa diagnosis using some small molecules which are well developed to bind to overexpressed Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA). The small molecules, for example PSMA-HBED-CC, PSMA I&T, can be chelated with Ga-68 for diagnostic purpose using positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Even though PET scan provides good contrast and spatial resolution, the related cost is high. Meanwhile, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging offers more affordable with longer half-life of radiotracer. Therefore, it is difficult for most patients to access to PET scan in limited PET facilities. Herein, we report a new tracer using Tc-99m labeled with PSMA-HBED-CC aim to be alternative option for PCa diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to develop in-house preparation of 99mTc-PSMA-HBED-CC for prostate cancer imaging using SPECT system. 99mTc-pertechnetate 370 MBq was added to mixture solution of PSMA-HBED-CC 10 µg and 4% SnCl2·2H2O in 10 mL sterile vial, then heated to 100 oC 15 minutes and incubated while cool down to room temperature. Labeling parameters were optimized to obtain the maximum radiochemical yield of 99mTc-PSMA-HBED-CC. The completeness chelation was determined by instant thin layer chromatography (iTLC) and pH of 99mTc-PSMA-HBED-CC was measured. 99mTc-PSMA-HBED-CC was successfully chelated using 99mTc-pertechnetate solution in high radiochemical yield (71.49%) and radiochemical purity (98.29%) which is sufficient to administer to patient for SPECT imaging of PCa diagnosis according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommendation.
The study of local diagnostic reference levels at unit of vascular and interventional radiology, King Chulalongkorn memorial hospital
Authors:   , Prajamchuea Kornkamol
Published: April 2023

Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures are minimally invasive surgery using angiographic equipment which the patients and staffs may receive high radiation dose. DRLs, based on 75th percentile of the median dose for a sample of standard sized of patients, are an effective tool for optimization of protection in the medical exposure of patients for diagnostic and interventional procedures (ICRP Publication 135, 2017). The objective of this study is to establish the local DRLs distribution of patient radiation dose and related parameters in interventional radiology procedures in standard-sized of Thai patients.

Local DRLs of radiation dose and related parameters of patients (45-75kg for female, and 50-80kg for male) who underwent 3 Neuro-interventional and 9 body interventional procedures were established by retrieving the patient data from PACS and Radimetrics. The data analysis used descriptive statistics via SPSS version 22. The median value of interventional radiology procedures in this study were compared to National DRLs.

The patient data of 485 cases, neuro-intervention 87 cases and body intervention 398 cases, were reviewed and collected between January 2019 and June 2020. The results show that: the median of KAP value and 75th percentile (DRLs) of Cerebral angiogram were 49 and 61 Gy.cm2, Embolization of intracranial aneurysm were 121 and 144 Gy.cm2, Embolization of brain AVM were 157 and 224 Gy.cm2, CT-guided TACE were 287 and 459 Gy.cm2, CBCT-guided TACE were 238 and 397 Gy.cm2, PICC line were 0.7 and 1 Gy.cm2, Perm cath were 1 and 4 Gy.cm2, PCD were 2 and 4 Gy.cm2, PTBD were 6 and 14 Gy.cm2, Peripheral angiogram were 4 and 18 Gy.cm2, Peripheral angioplasty were 7 and 16 Gy.cm2, CBCT-guided Biopsy were 12 and 17 Gy.cm2, respectively. The thickness of the body part, the complexity index, the angiographic equipment, the angiographic materials, the exposure techniques and the interventional radiologists' skill and decision influence the patient radiation dose.

As the patient radiation doses in the therapeutic procedure are always higher than the diagnostic procedures, the DRLs of interventional radiology procedures should be optimized and reviewed DRLs annually. The exposure techniques to decrease the risk of patient radiation dose and reducing scatter radiation to all staffs should be reviewed. The Local DRLs of interventional radiology procedures is established in 2020 while Thailand DRLs is established in 2021. The Local DRLs report is useful in providing a guidance on National DRLs database.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) study on X-chromosome in Thai SLE populations
Authors:   , Jaiwan Krisana
Published: April 2023

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is common autoimmune disease in Thailand which dominantly in females in ratio 9:1 of patients. Previous study has shown that the genetic components especially in X chromosome contributed a lot to the disease development. However, the susceptibility loci in Thai population have not been fully examined. Here, we conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) on X chromosome using the data from two independent cohorts: primary dataset (controls = 1,683, SLE = 487) and secondary dataset (controls = 1,711, SLE = 455). Through meta-analyzing and imputation base on 1 KGP the two data set, SNP rs1059702 in IRAK1- MECP2- TMEM187 ( p-value = 1.82 x 10-7; OR = 0.68), rs3853839 (p-value = 2.03 x 10-4; OR = 0.74) in Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), X:9165034 (p-value = 1.14 x 10-5; OR=1.3) closet FAM9B (Family With Sequence Similarity 9 Member B) and rs12398129 ( p-value = 1.72 x 10-4; OR = 1.39) on CXorf61 was successfully replicated in other populations. In addition, we also identified a number of loci specific with Thai population such as rs6528443 (p-value = 8.71 x 10-6; OR = 3.55) on GPR101 and rs7052503 (p-value = 2.46 x 10-4; OR = 0.77) nearly MIR891A. These loci are involved immune systems may affect to Thai SLE patients, which worth to be further investigated.
Guidelines to enhance community participation in community learning centers in the kingdom of Cambodia
Authors:   , Neak Piseth
Published: April 2023

The study aims to 1) analyze components of community participation in the CLCs in Cambodia; 2) study current states and desirable needs of community participation in enhancing community participation in the CLCs in Cambodia; 3) propose guidelines to enhance community participation in the CLCs in Cambodia. A semi-structured interview with 5 Cambodian experts has been employed, and all the keywords have been coded to analyze community participation components in the CLCs. Moreover, this research utilized a survey with the selected samples of 28 CLC committee members and 197 people using stratified random sampling by analyzing data through Means (x̅), Standard Deviation (S.D.), and Modified Priority Needs (PNImodified) to study current states and desirable need of community people in the CLCs in Cambodia. Lastly, the in-depth interview and Likert-scale questionnaire have been conducted with the experts to clarify and confirm the proposed guidelines' validity and feasibility. The research findings are as follows. 1. The components of community participation in the CLCs in Cambodia consist of utilizing services, resource mobilization, attending programs, diagnosing needs, planning programs, monitoring, and evaluation, and decision making in the CLCs in Cambodia. 2. The current states in enhancing community participation in the CLCs are at the moderate level (x̅=2.64, S.D.=0.67) meaning that there are a few the CLC committee and members participating in the activities of the CLCs while the desirable needs in enhancing community participation in the CLCs are at the high levels (x̅=4.41, S.D.=0.66) meaning that there is a high need of the CLC committee and members a taking part in activities of the CLCs. 3. Guidelines to enhance community participation in the CLCs in Cambodia comprise of vision, goals, and guidelines. The vision is to transform the CLCs to become lifelong learning centers in promoting informal, non-formal, and lifelong learning by 2030. The goals are to enrich human resources, physical infrastructure, finances, and enhance community participation in the CLCs to achieve future sustainability and become lifelong learning centers. The guidelines enhance community participation in diagnosing needs, planning programs, implementing programs, monitoring and evaluation, and decision making in the CLCs in Cambodia. Key terms: Community Participation, Participation, sustainable community learning centers, Community, Guidelines