cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1660
title: Factors Affecting Utilization of Health Care Services in Monaragala District, UVA Province, Sri Lanka

description: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in Monaragala district, Uva province, Sri Lanka, to find out factors affecting utilization of health care services of patients with three common diseases, Bronchial asthma, Ischemic heart disease and Viral fever. Survey undertaken to analyze socio-economic characteristics of patients, patient’s perception and how it affect to their utilization pattern of health care services. The survey was conducted at complex, intermediate and basic level of public health care facilities in Monaragala district, participants were randomly selected. 306 patients who can access to the public health facility and 102 patients who cannot access to public health facility were interviewed. Regression model analysis and estimated from OLS method. Hypothesis testing for statistical significance as of result interpretation were used to describe the association between gender, age, income, medical expenditure spend by patient, perception, distance from home to hospital, household size, number of dependents in the family and religion as requirement of research objectives. Descriptive analysis and graphical presentation were applied to analyze the patient’s perception, health care expenditure, and proportion of income that spend for health care and the source of finance for health care expenditure. The results of the study show that patients age, health care expenditure, household monthly income, distance from home to hospital, perception, number of households, number of dependents in the family and religion has significant relation with utilization of health care facilities. According to the results utilization had positive relation with patients age, income, perception and if patient Buddhist and Sinhala. Utilization had negative relation with health care expenditure, distance, number of household and number of dependents in the family. Health care expenditure was highest for patients with I.H.D. who came to higher level of health care facility. All patients had higher perception about doctor’s attention and lower perception about services done by hospital staff other than doctor. Patients with higher income had higher perception. Borrow money and monthly income is the main sources of finance for health care expenditure. Some suggestions for policy makers to improve public health care services as follows, improving quality and workers attitude of public health care services and supporting finance for poor people.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1661
title: Health seeking behaviours among Myanmar migrant workers in Ranong province, Thailand

description: This study was conducted to identify the health seeking behaviours and factors related to those behaviours among Myanmar migrant workers in Ranong Province, Thailand. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire to 388 Myanmar migrant workers during February 2009. The majority of migrants were between 18 to 35 years of age. Around two thirds of them were males. The majority of migrants attained primary or middle school. 46.9% had been in Ranong for 1 to 5 years. 44.1% of the migrants had average net household income of 1,500 to 3,000 Baht per month. Around two third of the respondents were unregistered. 50% of the respondents can speak Thai language basically. 34.5% of the respondents had underlying health problems. Around half of the respondents were staying in the work compounds. The majority of the migrants had 1-5 people staying together in their house with only 1 room, 2 to 3 doors and windows and attached latrines. Most of them were working more than 8 hours a day for more than 5 days per week. Most of the respondents were satisfied with light and ventilation/dust conditions but some were not satisfied with sound and smell conditions in their workplace. Regarding accessibility, almost all of the migrants were accessible to the health care services and they were satisfied with the health centers they visited. But half of them stated they would go to the health centers only when their conditions get worse. Buying drugs from a drug store is the most common health seeking behaviour for the perceived minor health problems while going to the health centers for major health problems. Among the health centers, private clinics were preferred more than Government hospital and NGO clinics. Individual characteristics such as gender, occupation, registration status, place of resident and number of working days of the migrants were significantly associated with the going to the health centers with p-value&lt;0.005. Regarding the accessibility to the healthcare services, there is a significant association between going to the health centers and presence of health insurance, time taken to travel to the health centers, consultation fees and opening time of the health center. There is a significant association between duration of stay in Ranong, occupation, registration status, presence of health insurance and the choice of Government or private health centers. Between the Government and private health centers, there is a significant difference in terms of consultation fees and waiting time between the two of them.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1662
title: Identification and molecular characterization of mutations in the Alpha-L-Iduronidase gene responsible for mucopolysaccharidosis type 1

description: Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disease caused by a deficiency of lysosomal alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA) resulting in an accumulation of partially degraded glycosaminoglycans inside lysosomes. We described two Thai patients with clinical features consistent with MPS I and performed biochemical and mutation analysis. An assay for IDUA activity was carried out in leukocyte extracts using 4-methylumbelliferyl-alpha-L-iduronidase as a substrate. The IDUA activity in a patient with MPS I was less than that of the unaffected controls. Mutation analysis by PCR-sequencing of the entire coding region of the IDUA gene revealed two different potential pathogenic mutations, c.252insC and c.826G&gt;A (p.E276K). The c.252insC found in our patient with Hurler syndrome has been identified in patients with similar phenotype. The p.E276K mutation has never been previously described. We further explored its functional property in cells transiently transfected with the p.E276K construct. The p.E276K exhibited a significant reduction of alpha-L-iduronidase activity compared to that of the wild-type IDUA suggesting it as a disease-causing mutation. This study has further expanded the genotypic spectrum of IDUA as well as emphasized an important role of biochemical and molecular testings for definite diagnosis and genetic counseling.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1663
title: Identification of moving vehicle loads from bridge bending moments

description: The axle loads identification of a moving vehicle from bridge bending moments is studied. The objectives are to investigate the effectiveness of two moving load identification methods which are (a) Method I: Constant magnitude of moving axle loads assumption using least-square optimization with influence line and (b) Method II: Time-varying magnitude of moving axle loads assumption using dynamic programming and regularization with updated static component technique (USC). In this dissertation, both small-scale and full-scale tests of moving vehicle on the bridge are performed besides the numerical study on computer simulation. The effectiveness of two identification methods is intensively evaluated under various passing conditions of vehicles. Moreover, the application of the B-WIM to monitor and record the actual truck information in the road network is conducted. Bridge live load models from design code such as the HS20-44 and design Thai truck are compared with this measured truck database from B-WIM using statistical and probabilistic approach. From the numerical study results, vehicle speed, surface roughness level and measurement error seem to have stronger effects on the weight estimation accuracy than other parameters. About 81 and 47 conditions of passing vehicles are conducted for small-scale and full-scale investigations, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the two methods can estimate the axle loads of vehicle under various speeds and weights regardless of its traveling paths. Comparing between the two methods, it is found that the identification accuracy obtained from the regularization with USC technique is much better. Moreover, the method also provides the identified dynamic axle loads which are very useful information for dynamic load assessment. Based on the full-scale tested results, the gross weight estimation error within ± 6 % can be achieved which using USC technique. For B-WIM application, approximately 5,049 heavy trucks are monitored and recorded. The results show that the mean value of truck weight data does not exceed the legal limit. However, it is found that there are certain amounts (more than 16%) of overloaded trucks traveling in the transportation network. By comparing the design Thai truck and HS20-44 based on the short to medium span bridges (5-30 m), it is observed that the design Thai truck load can conservatively be used with a live load factor of 2.17 for 75 years life time, while HS20-44 is not conservative. It is also found that the design Thai truck load seems to be more suitable than HS20-44 and its weight could be theoretically reduced by 10% for the existing live load factor based on the obtained truck records.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1664
title: Influence of production environment on sterility of parenteral nutrition admixtures at Ramathibodi Hospital

description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the contamination rate of parenteral nutrition (PN) prepared from the cleanroom compared with the traditional separated room. Cost and unit cost analyses were also compared. The study was divided into 3 parts. Firstly, validation of sterile area was conducted by placed Tryticase Soy Agar (TSA) plates in various position in laminar air flow hood (LAFH) and admixing area. Secondly, systematic sampling of final product was used for sterility test. Lastly, cost and unit cost of PN were analyzed by total direct cost calculation. Each preparation site was tested for 8 weeks. The results of validation of sterile area revealed that 70 plates (48.61%) from the separated room were found microorganism growth in different days and locations. There were 14 plates (9.72%) from the cleanroom found microorganism growth. The results showed significant difference (p&lt;0.001). The sterility test showed that 7 out of 748 samples of PN prepared from the separated room were contaminated, and there was no microorganism found in PN prepared from the cleanroom, resulting in significant difference (p=0.008) of sterility between PN prepared from 2 different environments. Types of microorganisms in final products were similar to types of microorganisms found in the preparation area in that period, which was assumed a strong relationship between preparation environment and sterility of final products. Cost analysis showed that the unit cost of PN prepared from the cleanroom was greater than PN prepared from the separated room. Because the cleanroom was provided with a complex system for maintaining air cleanliness standard. It was concluded that the superior air cleanliness provided by cleanroom system can deliver a good quality of PN without microbiological contamination. Although the preparation cost was higher, but patient safety, which was invaluable, must be the first factor in any consideration.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1665
title: Enhanced dissolution of silymarin by solid dispersion technique and inhibitory effect of silymarin against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

description: Silymarin has beneficial effects in the prevention and the treatment of liver disease, however, the bioavailability of silymarin is limited by its poor solubility in water. The preparation of silymarin by solid dispersion technique may improve the dissolution of silymarin. The enhancement of dissolution is caused by an interaction between drugs and hydrophilic carriers. The dissolution characteristics of the drug depend on the type and ratio of carrier used. For this reason, one of the objectives of this study was to investigate the effect of polyethylene glycol 4000, 6000 and polyvinylpyrrolidone K 30 at the ratio silymarin to carrier for 1 : 2, 1 : 4 and 1 : 8 on the dissolution of silymarin prepared by solid dispersion technique using fluidized-bed coating technique. The results suggested that percent dissolved of silymarin solid dispersion pellets were higher than silymarin powder. Silymarin solid dispersion pellets using polyethylene glycol 6000 at all ratios provided the higher percent dissolved of silymarin than polyethylene glycol 4000 and polyvinylpyrrolidone K 30 at the same ratio. In addition for the treatment of liver disease, silymarin was found to be synergist with cisplatin in the treatment of cancers. Cisplatin caused cytotoxicity in normal cells especially kidney cells. Silymarin reduced the cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in normal cells but this protective effect is unclear. For this reason, another objective in this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of silymarin against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in human kidney cells (HK-2 cells). The results suggested that silymarin showed protective effect against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in HK-2 cells by decreasing the number of cell death. The protective effect of silymarin may be due to its ability to scavenge hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. Cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity is caused by the production of these radicals.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1666
title: A study of Chinese idioms in the novel Huan Zhu Gege

description: 本論文的研究目的在於收集、調查小説《還珠格格》中的漢語熟語，而後將之整理分類，根據其特點，分類方法分爲兩種，即：按意義分類和按構成分類。同時也結合了小説中的例子，分析其含義和結構。此外還結合小説中的語言，總結其運用方法，分析和研究小説中的熟語所反映的文化現象。 研究結果顯示，《還珠格格》中的漢語成語按意義分類，可分爲 3 大類：人類 、社會和 自然；按構成分類，可分爲 8 種結構：主謂結構、動賓結構、並列結構、偏正結構、補充結構、連動結構、兼語結構和重疊結構。《還珠格格》中的漢語諺語按意義分類，可分爲 2 大類：人類和社會；按構成分類，可分爲 2 種句子結構：單句和複句。《還珠格格》中的漢語俗語按意義分類，可分爲 1 大類：即人類；按構成分類，可分爲 3 種結構：詞組、單句和複句。《還珠格格》中的漢語慣用語按意義分類，可歸入 1 大類：即人類；按構成分類，也僅有 1種結構：即動賓結構。《還珠格格》中的漢語歇後語按意義分類，只有一大類：即人類；按構成分類，也僅有 1種結構：即主謂結構。 在分析小説的運用方法上，熟語在句中可充當每一個句子成分，也可充當獨立的句子，因熟語有它的獨立性，根據小説中的實例，多數熟語可以獨立成句。在研究文化方面，熟語中反映出七個方面的文化現象，即：反映政治方面的熟語、反映經濟方面的熟語、反映軍事方面的、反映文教方面的熟語、反映人物方面的熟語、反映人類方面的熟語以及反映景色方面的熟語
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1667
title: Analysis of piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites with imperfect interface

description: This thesis is concerned with the study of the electroelastic responses in piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites which are widely used as sensors and actuators due to their instric electro-mechanical coupling properties. General solutions corresponding to an infinite piezoelectric fiber with a vertical body force and an infinite transversely isotropic elastic mediun with a cylindrical hole are derived by using Fourier integral transforms. These general solution are used to solve the mechanical load and electric charge transfer from a cylindrical piezoelectric fiber into a surronding transversely isotropic elastic matrix. the fiber-matrix in terface is considered to be either mechanically perfect or imperfect and either electrically open- or short-circuited. The tree-dimensional axisymmetric interfacial crack in a piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite is also studied by employing the displacement discontinuity method(DDM) based on the fundamental solutions schemes are confirmed by comparision with the existing solutions. Numerical results indicate that the electroelastic responses of a piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composites are very complicated and significantly influenced by properties of the piezoeelectric fiber and the elastic matrix, electric boundary conditions and interface conditions. Compared to composites of BaTio3 and PZT-6B fibers, the electric field generated in PZT-4 fiber has the highest vaule implying that PZT-4 is more suitable for sensing applications. In addition, the presence of the imperfect interface results in lower axial load transfer to the matrix and hence lower interfacial stresses but a higher fiber vertical electrical field. A Fundamental understanding obtained from the present study is very useful for a better design and developement of 1-3 piezocomposites with enhanced properties for advanced applications.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1668
title: Cost saving and cost avoidance from the pharmacy automation system

description: The aims of this study were to assess effectiveness of the pharmacy automation system in term of cost saving and cost avoidance, medication filling errors reduction and to suggest a model of cost calculation. Data was collected retrospectively at the inpatient pharmacy department, the Bumrungrad International Hospital during 6 months separated period (July-December 2007, July-December 2008). Cost avoidance concerned costs of medication filling errors and other related costs, while cost saving referred to costs of dispensing labor, new staff training costs, and inventory costs. In an overall, the results revealed that the new pharmacy system with an automated drug filling was be able to reduce around 70% of medication filling errors. Under traditional dispensing system, the medication error and related costs was 4,940 baht, whereas the new system lost 4,053 baht during the 6-month study periods. Cost of claims and compensation could not include in this calculation because of unable to clarify of exact causes and details of such events. Thus, the automated system could avoid 1,687 baht of medications cost and drugs filling cost during the study. At the same time, the new automated system was able to save dispensing labor cost around 303,996 baht training cost saved 176,000 baht and inventory cost saved up to 1,049,308 baht. So, total cost saving was 1,529,304 baht. In the consideration of cost calculation model, it was concerned that all possible related costs directed to the implementation of the new robot in which; cost avoidance counted from medication filling errors cost (calculated depending on levels of severity) and cost of compensation resulting from dispensing deviations; cost saving could be computed from cost from dispensing labor, training costs, and inventory costs.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1669
title: Mathematical Analysis of Marginal Investment Systems

description: Investment systems are the set of historical trades and can be studied as the cumulative probability distributions on all possible gains and losses of the trades. Marginal investment systems are investment systems that allow one to invest more than the capital he has. But the margin costs also play an important role in encouraging or deterring the investor if he should trade on margin. In this thesis, the efficiency index for investment system with margin will be discussed together with the method of how to simulate the trade from the real world data. Furthermore, the interest rate has been taken into account too.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1670
title: Comparison of health-related quality of life between deployed and nondeployed military personnel in three provinces of Southern Thailand in 2007

description: The Cross sectional analytical study was performed to examine the HRQoL of military personnel who were deployed to the violence crisis in the south of Thailand compared with those not deployed in the year of 2007. The samples were drawn by systematic random sampling from two populations, deployed and nondeployed military personnel of the Third Infantry Division. HRQOL BREF THAI and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to be the measurement. A total of 200 of 280 respondents (71.43 percent of response rate) comprised of 103 deployed and 97 nondeployed personnel. By WHOQOL BREF measurement; Nondeployed personnel reported individual’s overall perception of their quality of life higher than deployed participants (92.93 vs. 89.66, p value 0.046, 95%CI -6.089 to - .0579) But mean of VAS in deployed personnel were significantly higher than nondeployed group (77.76 vs. 70.05, p value &lt; .001 ). All domains mean score in WHOQOL BREF of nondeployed participants were higher than deployed group but significantly different only in social and environmental domains. Age group, education, income, marital status, numbers of dependants, religion, rank, CORPS, underlying disease, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking were not associated with WHOQOL score. Preparedness to mission measurement was performed only in deployed personnel. When assessed the association with level of preparation, WHOQOL score was significant higher in the good preparedness group than moderately preparedness group (93.14 vs. 88.73, p value .001, 95%CI -11.508 to -3.318)
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2008.1671
title: Modulating effect of cigarette smoke extract on the response of human coronary artery endothelium to porphyromonas gingivalis LPS

description: Cigarette smoking is well known as a strong common risk factor of periodontitis and atherosclerosis. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have assessed the role of smoking and periodontal infection in atherosclerosis. Objectives: In this study, we used an in vitro model of human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) culture to investigate the immune modulating effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the response of HCAECs to a Toll-like receptor(TLR) 2 ligand-Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide(LPS) as assessed by measurement of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production. TLR expression of HCAECs was analyzed by RT-PCR. The responses of HCAECs to specific-purified TLR ligand and/or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) were measured by IL-8 and MCP-1 production using ELISA. The effect of CSE on stimulated HCAECs was also evaluated. The results showed that HCAECs expressed mRNA of TLRs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10, but not of TLRs 7 or 8. Stimulation of HCAECs with highly purified TLR2, 3, 4, 5 ligands led to IL-8 and MCP-1 production. Enhancement of IL-8 was observed in HCAECs after combined stimulation with P.gingivalis LPS and TNF-, as compared with single stimulation (p&lt;0.05), but the effect on MCP-1 production was minimal. CSE alone stimulated IL-8 response, whereas suppressed MCP-1 production in HCAECs. However, CSE markedly inhibited P.gingivalis-induced IL-8 and MCP-1 production. Conclusion: HCAECs expressed functional TLRs. Our results indicated that instead of enhancing cytokine response, the combination of CSE and P.gingivalis LPS suppressed IL-8 and MCP-1 production from HCAECs (p&lt;0.05). However, it is interesting that CSE alone could promote HCAEC response by increasing IL-8 production. Such complex interaction between P.gingivalis LPS, CSE and the HCAEC response which links between periodontitis, smoking and atherosclerosis, needs further investigation.