bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-feasibility study of silica sand processing plant in Sihanoukville province, Cambodia
Authors:   , Ros Sochea 
Published: September 2023

In this study was presented the pre-feasibility study of silica sand processing plant in Sihanoukville province. The resources approximately 8,750,000 tons, would be a high potential deposit for the glass industry. In this study focuses on the characteristics of the silica sand, methodology to remove the impurities which contained high Fe2O3, Al2O3 and another major oxide element, and economic evaluation technique. To identification of silica sand which used sieve analysis, Frantz isodynamic magnetic separator following by electrical microscope, XRD, and XRF.

Therefore, to upgrade the quality of silica sand, which is using Shaking Table, Wet High-Intensity Magnetic Separator, and Reverse Flotation. The result of original sample (SiO2 = 94.61 Wt.%), Fe2O3 = 0.18 Wt.%, Al2O3 = 2.50 Wt.% on an average. In the Shaking table, WHIMS, and Reverse flotation SiO2 = 96.68 Wt.% with 0.10 Wt.% of iron oxides, 98.80 Wt.% with 0.057 Wt.% of Fe­2O3, and 99.14 Wt.% with 0.021 Wt.% of Fe2O3 respectively. Moreover, the financial analysis result which including NPV = 754,615,135.13 baht, WACC = 13.64%, Discounted rate = 13%, IRR = 69.64%, and MIRR = 33.47% within Discounted payback period 1.44 years.
Ore reserves estimation of the Nam Nga coal deposit, Lao PDR, using geostatistical method
Authors:   , Bliachongvang Tongvang 
Published: September 2023

This research study focuses on estimating the coal deposit quantity and qualities as CV and AC at Nam Nga coal deposit, Lao PDR using OK and SGS geostatistical methods. A total of 295 assays data from 51 exploration drill holes collected from LID Company were used. The results reveal that OK produces geological resource of 2.2 MT with an average CV of 3,733 kcal/kg and an average AC of 48.68 %. The mineable reserve computed from OK’s ultimate pit design and pit adjustment are 0.55 MT. The OK method produces 9.32 MT of wastes, yielding a stripping ratio of 10.4:1. The SGS method produces 2.2 MT of geological resource with an average CV of 3,769 kcal/kg, and an average AC of 46 %. The SGS’s ultimate pit design and pit adjustment generate 0.54 MT of mineable reserve. The SGS generates wastes 9.5 MT, yielding a stripping ratio of 10.1:1.

In comparison, the OK and SGS produce the very similar results for coal grades estimation, mineable reserve, and stripping ratio calculation. However, OK generates smoother maps when most of the estimated values moving toward the mean value. SGS method is better in preserving a local variation, as can be seen in the overall simulated variance closed to the original data variance. And SGS also provides a multiple realization maps which bring a benefit for accessing the risk involved.
The dislodgement of the sponge head of novel Thai-produced sponge brushes
Authors:   , Meechumna Nawachat 
Published: September 2023

Objective. To perform an in vitro investigation on the dislodgement of sponge head of different manufactured sponge brushes (Sakura shape, Sunstar BUTLER, Japan, and 4 novel Thai-produced sponge brushes; combination of two shapes (round and Leelawadee) and two textures (soft and hard), King Dental Innovation Foundation; KDIF , Thailand. Methods. In order to evaluate the dislodgement of sponge head, strength test measurement was performed according to ISO 20126:2012(E). Five types of polyurethane foam were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The density of the foam was evaluated as the weight of foam in the air per unit volume of a specimen. Specimens were weighed. The volume was analyzed by Micro-CT. Finally, the mean “Force (N)/Density (kg/m3)” data of each group was calculated and investigated. Results. The density of Thai-produced yellow foam, Thai-produced white foam and Japan-produced are as followings; 28.56, 16.17 and 48.53 kg m-3 respectively. The “Force/Density” value of each group were calculated. The comparative analysis revealed that the five types of sponge-foam have different densities. Sakura shape sponge head exhibited significantly more difficult to be dislodged, comparing to other four sponge heads. With the same density, round shape exhibited significantly more difficult to be dislodged, comparing to the Leelawadee shape. Conclusion. The yellow sponge head in the cross-section round shape had the most resistance to dislodgement, compared to four novel Thai-produced sponge brushes because of the higher density of foam results in the higher strength. By the way, fatigue resistance and handle impact test should be conducted for assessing the physical properties of handles. Biological hazards should be the greatest concern to assessing possible biological hazards.
Establishment of an in vitro system to screen for substances to improve osteogenesis imperfecta osteoblasts’ functions
Authors:   , Udomchaiprasertkul Wandee 
Published: September 2023

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable bone disorder caused mainly by dominant mutations in genes encoding collagen-related proteins which are COL1A1 and COL1A2. Genotype-phenotype correlation has some discrepancies which lead to the difficult prediction of the clinical outcome of OI patients. We identified a child with dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) and OI who was homozygous for c.1009G>A (p.G337S) mutation in COL1A2. Her parents were heterozygous for the mutation and had only DI. This family provides the opportunity to explore the biochemical changes which are different between the homozygous with DI and OI and the heterozygous with DI only. Methods: We established patients-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the trio to use as an in vitro system to screen for biochemical substances. They were used to study the expression of the osteogenic marker genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, SPP1, OCN, ALP) and their products along the time course of osteoblast differentiation. Results: We successfully generated patient-specific iPSCs from the trio. They all showed the characteristic features of iPSCs. We then differentiated them to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts. Their osteoblasts showed various defective expression of the osteogenic markers and calcium mineralization. Interestingly, osteopontin was absent in iPSCs-derived osteoblasts of patients with OI, while it was significantly lower in those with DI-only compared to an unaffected control. In addition, osteocalcin was significantly lower in those with OI compared to DI-only and an unaffected control. Conclusion: Levels of osteopontin and osteocalcin in iPSCs-derived MSC of patients with OI were significantly low during osteoblasts differentiation. These cells could be used to screen for substances which can increase osteopontin and osteocalcin.
Application of reduced graphene oxide/ natural rubber composite for petroleum removal in sea water
Authors:   , Songsaeng Siripak 
Published: September 2023

In this study, the natural rubber (NR) composite foam was prepared to enhance oil adsorption performance of NR foam. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized from graphite waste by oxidation and reduction processes. In the oxidation step, different oxidation conditions (thermal-sonication and stirring-sonication) were studied in order to achieve the highest interlayer spacing in graphite structure. Then, the reduction was carried out using L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) as a reducing agent. Furthermore, morphology and surface properties of the synthesized rGO were investigated. To prepare the NR composite foams, NR latex was mixed with various contents of rGO (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 parts by weight per hundred part of rubber: phr). The results showed that the amount of rGO affected the morphology and the oil adsorption capacity of NR composite foams. The optimum amount of rGO in the NR composites foam which exhibited the highest oil adsorption performance was 0.5 phr. The oil adsorption capacity of NG-0.5 for gasohol, kerosene, crude oil, diesel and fuel was 21.50, 19.31, 17.04, 16.53 and 10.09 g g-1, respectively. In addition, the effect of temperature and turbulence on the oil adsorption capacity of the NR composite foams was determined. Three kinetic models, i.e. pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich equation, were examined. The pseudo-second-order presented the better fit with the experimental data. The Langmuir isotherm was an appropriated model to predict the oil adsorption behavior of the NR composite foams. Finally, reusability feature of the NR composite foams was also studied through fifteen oil adsorption-desorption cycles. The result showed that the NR composite foams could be reused in many times.
Caring for patients with drug use disorders in Yangon region, Myanmar : Socioeconomic and psychological burden and coping strategies
Authors:   , Thein Khin 
Published: September 2023

Drug use disorders are considered chronic illnesses, like other severe mental disorders, and caregivers of drug users face a large impact on various aspects of their life. However, there is shortage of research in Myanmar about caregivers’ experiences with caring for patients with drug use disorders. This mixed method study, therefore, aims at exploring the socioeconomic and psychological burden caregivers carry, the coping strategies they employ, as well as the barriers to coping they face. The results of the framework analysis revealed that financial loss, productivity loss, social limitation and negative impact on family members are important dimensions of socioeconomic burden. Sadness, anger, worry, fear and guilt were main psychological distress factors encountered by caregivers of patients with drug use disorders. The strong positive correlation between caregiver stress level and the addiction severity of patients reinforced the qualitative findings. Religious coping, financial coping, acceptance and planning were commonly used coping strategies by the caregivers. Moreover, perceived stigma towards patients and caregivers was very high and the caregivers received hardly any social and financial support from the government or any other organization in Myanmar. The results of this study show that caring for patients with drug use disorders has devastating effects on caregivers and their families. Therefore, reforming existing drug policy, and strengthening drug abuse prevention and treatment programs and campaigns should be considered a priority.
System dynamics analysis of sugar-sweetened beverage taxing effect on sugar consumption, dental health service utilization and oral health for Thai adults and elderly
Authors:   , Urwannachotima Nipaporn 
Published: September 2023

Dental caries is a major oral health problem, particularly among developing countries. Almost half of Thai adults and elderly have at least one untreated dental caries. Dental caries can result in debilitating pain that affects work productivity and even the performance of daily activities. The objectives of this study are to develop system dynamics model addressing the relationship of dental caries, sugar consumption and dental health service utilization of Thai population aged 15 and older; and to estimate the changes of dental caries prevalence when the sugar-sweetened beverage tax is implemented. A multi-sector system dynamics model was developed to consolidate the relationship between the progression of dental caries experience and oral health related behaviors. Four hypothetical policy scenarios were simulated to investigate potential points of intervention to improve dental caries status in the population. The main scenario was the implementation of sugar-sweetened beverage tax. The study shows that the sugar-sweetened beverage tax can produce the reduction of sugar consumption compared to the base-case scenario without the policy for both short-run (3.2% for poverty population, and 5.4% for non-poverty population) and long-run (5.2% for poverty population, and 7.5% for non-poverty population). However, the impact of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax on reduction of dental caries prevalence is not pronounced. The model also shows that the combined tax policy with other non-tariff intervention such as health promotion program and the encouragement of reformulation in sugar-sweetened beverages could provide the most benefit on reduction of sugar consumption and dental caries prevalence. In addition, changes in oral health are evident in populations at high risk for dental caries. This study is an example of system dynamics model use for providing policy makers with additional insights to support their oral health policy planning for Thai population.
Periodic-review order policy for a two-echelon inventory problem with seasonal demand
Authors:   , Sakulsom Noppadon 
Published: September 2023

This dissertation presents methodologies to determine ordering policies for a 2-echelon inventory system with multiple replenishing modes under seasonal demand. The system operates on periodic review basis using reorder point and order-up-to point or (R,s,S). An Echelon stock concept is applied where each location makes decisions on its own inventory information and the information of all locations downstream. We decompose a problem into two phases and propose a methodology based on mixed-integer programming models to determine ordering policies for a system with one replenishing mode. Then, another methodology based on the genetic algorithm and binary search is developed to solve the problem with shorter computational time. The later methodology can solve problem with 97.49% on average less computational time in the first phase and 95.99% on average less time in the second phase. Afterwards, a problem is extended to a system with a regular replenishing mode as a main replenishing mode and two special modes to prevent stockouts. Under seasonal demand, special modes could have either a static policy which applies one policy on every period or a dynamic policy which applies a different policy for each period in the demand cycle. Special replenishing modes can eliminate the periods with unsatisfied service level with slightly higher holding cost. A dynamic policy tends to give smaller number of special orders. However, in case of high deviation demand and short demand cycle, for ease of use, the static policy can substitute the dynamic policy.
Effects of 4,5,4'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxybibenzyl from Dendrobium ellipsophyllum on induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cancer stem-like cells in human lung cancer H460 cells
Authors:   , Hlosrichok Anirut 
Published: September 2023

Failure of current chemotherapeutic drugs leads to the recurrence of tumors and increased mortality in lung cancer patients. This study investigated 4,5,4'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxybibenzyl (TDB), a bibenzyl extracted from Dendrobium ellipsophyllum Tang and Wang as a novel anticancer agent for lung cancer. Selective anticancer activity of TDB against human lung cancer cells was demonstrated with a high half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) approximately > 300 µM in dermal papilla cells, while IC50 in human lung cancer H460 cells was approximately 100 ± 5.18 µM. Flow cytometry confirmed that TDB (50 µM) treatment for 24 h, caused significant early and late apoptosis but not necrosis in H460 cells. The up-regulation of p53, a tumor-suppressor protein, was observed in human lung cancer cells treated with 10-50 µM of TDB. The mechanism for apoptosis was attributed to p53 activation, which was related to up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, reduction of anti-apoptosis Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins and suppression on protein kinase B (Akt) survival pathway. Another possible mechanism involved in TDB-induced apoptosis in H460 cells was the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as intracellular ROS level was decreased by TDB (50 µM) treatment for 3-6 h as detected by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH2-DA) fluorescent probe. Moreover, Hoechst33342 staining showed that apoptosis was significantly decreased in H460 cells incubated with 100 µM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 30 min prior exposure to TDB (50 µM) compared with the cells only treated with TDB. Additionally, TDB inhibited cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics in H460 cells as evidenced in spheroid assay and flow cytometry analysis, whereby CSCs, CD133-positive cells markedly decreased after TDB treatment. TDB caused a decrease in protein levels of the stemness-related transcription factors; Nanog and Sox2 while there was no alteration of Oct4. There was the reduction of related regulator proteins, β-catenin. In conclusion, TDB extracted from D. ellipsophyllum demonstrated stemness suppression and selective apoptosis induction via intracellular ROS reduction in human lung cancer cells. The results obtained from this study strengthen the potential development of TDB as an anticancer compound with a favorable safety profile.
Assessing Impacts of FTA in Thailand with Special Emphasis on Trade Creation and Trade Diversion
Authors:   , Charoenchang Sawasdee 
Published: September 2023

This paper uses ex-post gravity analysis to examine whether Thailand’s 12 effective free trade agreements cause trade creation or trade diversion effect. The sample of the study covers 43 countries over the period of 1991-2016.

The model is specified with the aim to obtain unbiased estimates of three FTA dummy variables, representing trades within and outside the trade blocs. This study is able to analyze only 7 out of 12 total FTAs due to multicollinearity problem.

The results of this study show that AFTA has trade creation effects on international trade of Thailand with little diversion effects on exports. We found pure trade creation in exports and mild import diversion from ACFTA and AJCEP. In general, ASEAN-plus-one agreements have caused trade creation effects to Thailand's exports and some or little import diversion. On the other hand, the results suggest that bilateral free trade agreements have different trade effects. TPCEP causes pure trade creation effects on Thailand's overall trade. Results obtained from ITFTA indicate that the higher trade level from the agreement come from trade diversion effects. Regressions on JTEPA and TCFTA indicate trade contraction effects.

Therefore, this study supports the notion of trade liberalization for Thailand. The policy recommendation to Thai policy maker is that negotiations on further FTAs should be focusing on ASEAN plurilateral agreements, which tend to provide benefits to intra-bloc and extra-bloc countries.
Role of Global Production Networks on Development of Automotive Industry in selected ASEAN countries
Authors:   , Jongkraijak Wachara 
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the impact of Global Production Networks (GPNs) on the industrial development in 3 aspects; domestic value added, labor productivity, and export performance, employing Trade in Value Added database at the country-sector level from Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The estimation is based on pooled time series, cross section and period fixed effect covering Automotive industry in 4 selected ASEAN countries; Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines from 1995 to 2016. The results suggest that Thailand can exploit the benefit from GPNs through task specialization and economies of scales, at the same time expanding the domestic capacity. All GPNs involvements make Thailand gain positive value added and productivity, especially through forward linkages. And downstream specialization significantly boosts Thailand’s export performance. Indonesia significantly gains positive value added and productivity through backward linkages in GPNs, while forward linkages boost its export performance. Malaysia significantly lowers value added and productivity from GPNs involvement, which implies the limited domestic capacity to increase the GPNs participation. And though downstream specialization significantly boosts Malaysia's export performance, backward linkages significantly decrease domestic content in gross exports. Lastly, Philippines’ GPNs involvement does not have a significant impact on value added and productivity, and the domestic chains would contribute more to the industrial development. Philippines can increase domestic content in gross exports by producing selected auto parts which they have comparative advantages. As a result, its forward linkages significantly boost gross exports. However, its backward linkages significantly lower its domestic content in gross exports.
Juche realist music : the politicization of music in North Korea
Authors:   , Heo Jungmin 
Published: September 2023

In North Korea, music and songs have extensively been used as an effective political tool of state propaganda. Unlike previous research which overlooks the contents of the songs, this thesis examines how their lyrics reflect political ideologies and propaganda operation of North Korean regimes. Their lyrics are analyzed in light of the historical context they were written in and widely perceived. It aims at contributing to the knowledge of North Korean music and its relationship with the politics of the country.

The study analyzes the lyrics of 100 North Korean songs from 4 different sources using qualitative contents analysis. The findings show that, in term of politicization, the songs reflect seven overlapping themes in promoting its authoritative regimes. The themes comprise of raising patriotism, exalting the country and the party, exalting socialism and Juche ideology, exalting the supreme leaders, exalting the army, emphasizing economic advancement, and various topics. Moreover, some of the most widely-used symbols within the lyrics are highlighted. As a result, the study shows not only that strong political themes are often found in the expression of the songs, but also that the lyrics of each song are written as a part of a political campaign and perceived threats in response to changing political and social contexts both internally and internationally.
A study of social change and dining culture in Korean society : the case of Honbap (혼밥)
Authors:   , Somporn Nutnicha 
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to understand the social change and dining culture in Korean society by emphasizing in Honbap (혼밥), which means eating alone. In Asian countries as Korean society is a collectivism society which people are strong in-groups for a long time, unlike the Western countries where people are in individualism society. The influence of collectivistic values includes the dining culture in Korean society as eating out. Normally, Korean people usually prefer to eat with friends, family members, colleagues rather than eating alone. Eating alone in public looks strange like an outcast, it is hard to find Korean people eating alone in a restaurant. But nowadays, the prosperity of technology, modernization and westernization affects Korean society, the individualistic values also expand among Korean people through the Western culture and also impact to values and demographic change such as late marriage, low fertility in Korean society. The value change not only affects the social change, but also affects dining culture, and eating alone trend gradually occurs in Korean society.