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Through a case study approach, the purposes of this study are to investigate how the teacher's use of Rogerian reflections in a one-on-one writing conference helps improve the participants' research paper, and how the participants respond to the teacher's use of Rogerian reflections in one-on-one writing conferences. The data were obtained from five text-based interviews with two doctoral students working on their research paper to be submitted for publication. The findings indicate that the use of Rogerian reflections helps the participants improve their research paper. Rogerian reflections, including pointing to structure, clarifying, expanding, recalling, and summarizing, facilitate interaction in nonthreatening, one-on-one writing conferences. Through Rogerian reflections, the participants learn to find their own way to respond to their teachers and make use of the comments in the revision of their papers. Moreover, the participants in one-on-one writing conferences are aware of the respect they receive from their teachers, as a sense of ownership develops. Finally, the participants become confident in their writing since the interaction takes place in a supportive atmosphere. However, the participants mention some difficulties in trying to respond to their teachers' statements as their role switches from passive listeners to reflective thinkers.

The study reported in this article compared two different inductive instructional methods implemented in a Business English writing training, including paper-based instruction (PPI) and product-based instruction (PDI). It assessed the effectiveness and examined practical issues of the implementation of each method. A total of 46 Thai students majoring in a Business English program at a Thai university participated in this study. The students were randomly divided into two groups and put into either the PPI or PDI training module. The researcher collected data from direct observations, focused-group discussions, and students' writing scores. Qualitative data from the focused-group discussions and observation field notes were analyzed thematically using the grounded theory, while cross-examination was utilized for students' writing scores. The study results indicate that the fundamental dichotomies between both approaches include tangibility, authenticity, and contextuality. Students' difficulties in formulating grammar and writing rules on their own and students' perception of learning as a burden were found as challenges in both modules. The findings also indicate that both the PPI and PDI modules trigger classroom dynamics and a positive atmosphere; however, PDI resulted in more vigorous dynamics as student movements and interactions were relatively higher. Finally, this study's findings are beneficial for instructors seeking innovative instructional methodology to improve their Business English writing teaching. The study has contributed to the field of teaching Business English writing. The study's findings have helpful implications for lecturers of Business English writing, who are looking for a teaching approach that enables them to create opportunities for students to learn in authentic, professional environments, contexts, and cultures cast in real-life business situations.

The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of the use of paper-based and weblog-based electronic portfolios on the writing achievement of limited English proficiency students, to survey the students' attitudes towards the use of the portfolio assessment, and to compare the viewpoints of the students in the control and experimental groups. The study was conducted with 60 second-year hotel and tourism students enrolled in the Writing for the Service Industry course. They had limited English proficiency, as their previous English grades were C or below in average. The simple random sampling technique was used for subject selection and group assignment. Google's free weblog website (located at www.blogger.com) was used as a tool for creating and developing the students' personal electronic portfolios. At the beginning of the course, the students in the control group and the experimental group were trained in the concept of portfolios, and the purposes, content, and criteria used for assessment were discussed with the students. A writing achievement test and a closed-ended questionnaire were used for the quantitative data collection, while the qualitative data were gathered from the open-ended questions, interviews, and reflection. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were employed for the data analysis. It was found that the effects of the use of paper-based portfolios and weblog-based electronic portfolios on the writing achievement were not significantly different, but some promising results of the use of weblog-based electronic portfolios for language learning and assessment are indisputable.

Purpose: There are major gaps in our knowledge of hereditary ocular conditions in the Asia-Pacific population, which comprises approximately 60% of the world's population. Therefore, a concerted regional effort is urgently needed to close this critical knowledge gap and apply precision medicine technology to improve the quality of lives of these patients in the Asia-Pacific region., Design: Multi-national, multi-center collaborative network., Methods: The Research Standing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asia-Pacific Society of Eye Genetics fostered this research collaboration, which brings together renowned institutions and experts for inherited eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. The immediate priority of the network will be inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), where there is a lack of detailed characterization of these conditions and in the number of established registries., Results: The network comprises 55 members from 35 centers, spanning 12 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The steering committee comprises ophthalmologists with experience in consortia for eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region, leading ophthalmologists and vision scientists in the field of IRDs internationally, and ophthalmic geneticists., Conclusions: The Asia Pacific Inherited Eye Disease (APIED) network aims to (1) improve genotyping capabilities and expertise to increase early and accurate genetic diagnosis of IRDs, (2) harmonise deep phenotyping practices and utilization of ontological terms, and (3) establish high-quality, multi-user, federated disease registries that will facilitate patient care, genetic counseling, and research of IRDs regionally and internationally., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This research compared the ability of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the altruism framework (AM) to predict paper-recycling behavior. It was comprised of formative research and a major survey. Data collected from 628 undergraduate students in Thailand were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results showed that TPB was superior to AM in predicting paper recycling. Perceived behavioral control was the only significant determinant from the TPB; personal norms alone significantly predicted behavior in AM. A communication approach is proposed to reinforce change in sociopsychological factors that could lead to a long-term paper-recycling commitment.

In this article, a low-cost, simple, and rapid fabrication of paper-based analytical devices (PADs) using a wax screen-printing method is reported here. The acid-base reaction is implemented in the simple PADs to demonstrate to students the chemistry concept of a limiting reagent. When a fixed concentration of base reacts with a gradually increasing concentration of acid, a dramatic demonstration allows students to discover the limiting reagent by naked eyes observing the color change from phenolphthalein as an indicator. This demonstration is not only a new approach to enhancing students' learning of the chemistry concept of the limiting reagent, but also presents potential applications of PADs into all levels of chemistry from middle school through college classes.

The fiber of paper mulberry, which is mostly grown in the East Asian region, varies in both length and width—even if from the same species—depending on the country, soil, and climate where it is grown. This accounts for differences in the quality of handmade paper between domestic and imported products. Once handmade paper is manufactured as sheets, its origin cannot be determined from a morphological perspective, regardless of macroscopic and microscopic observations. Therefore, this study attempted to determine the origin of Korean and imported products using mulberry bast fiber and handmade paper from a chemometrics perspective. The inorganic components of wood are absorbed from the soil and exist in the bark of trees; thus, metal and rare-earth elements in the bast fibers and handmade papers were quantitatively analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectrometry (ICP-AES/MS). Following this, a prediction model of their origin was constructed by applying multivariate statistical analysis, i.e., a partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) loading plot was constructed, which helped in identifying the discrimination factors resulting from their origin. According to the ICP-AES results, Pb was only detected in the Gyeongbuk Mungyeong dak sample of the Korean bast fibers. The Chinese bast fiber sample had high contents of Ca, and B and Zn were detected only in the Chinese bast fiber samples. Bast fiber samples from China, Japan, and Thailand showed relatively high contents of Al, Ca, and Na. Meanwhile, Cu and Zn were detected in the handmade paper manufactured from the imported materials. According to the ICP-MS results, among the Korean handmade papers, the products from Gyeongbuk Mungyeong, Andong, and Chungbuk Goesan exhibited a high U content and that from Gapyeong had high Sc, Rb, Sr, and Ba contents. Thus, the elemental analysis employed in this study effectively identified the origin of the papers. The origin prediction by PLS-DA for the domestic and imported products revealed an accuracy of 86.4% and 72.7% for ICP-AES and ICP-MS methods, respectively, which is deemed acceptable to assess the origin. We believe this method significantly contributes to determining the origin of paper mulberry bast fiber and handmade paper manufactured in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact toxicity of the crude ethanolic extract of leaves of three weeds species, Chromolaena odorata Linn. (Siam weed), Euphorbia heterophylla Linn. (Milk weed) and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A,Gray, (Tree marigold) on Dinoderus minutus were investigated. Three concentrations of 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% and an increased concentration of 15%, 20% and 25% were prepared upon dilution with ethanol. Each experimental setup consists of petri dishes (9cm diameter by 2cm height), lined with a 9cm diameter filter paper (Whatman No.1) and four replicates maintained for each concentration in a completely randomized design (CRD). 1.0ml of the different concentrations of the ethanolic crude extract were spread on the filter paper in the petri dish and the control groups included a positive (+) control setup treated with the ethanol solvent alone and a negative (-) control setup without any treatment. The filter paper was allowed to air dry for 20minutes to evaporate the solvent and thereafter, ten active unsexed adults D. minutus were introduced into the petri dishes. The petri dishes were perforated and covered with muslin cloth to aid aeration and eliminate death by suffocation. The percentage mortality was recorded at 24hours interval for 96 hours and the percentage mortality calculated. The result showed low mortality using the treatment concentrations of 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5%. The highest mean mortality of 45.00±2.89 was recorded at 25% treatment concentration in Euphorbia heterophylla, followed by Tithonia diversifolia and Chromolaena odorata with mean mortality of 37.50±8.54 and 20.00±4.08 respectively at same 25% treatment concentration while the lowest was observed in the negative (-) and positive (+) control at 2.50±2.50 and 7.50±2.50 respectively at 96hours exposure time. The application 25% E. heterophylla, and T. diversifolia can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticide in the management of D. minutus and can be incorporated into the IPM component of the insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between border and bureaucracy offers fertile ground to study how the border continues to affect the lives and movement of people. As epistemological and material sites, borders and their document networks work to produce categories of people. The production of border documents also creates various forms of mediator that traverse in and outside the state arena. Such fluidity of the documentary traffic thus generates a subversive economy that facilitates an unauthorized mobility, which undermines the efficiency of the state document itself. While the anthropology of border attempts to redefine the border's spatio-temporality through examining border practices, state and border crossing populations remain the key actors. This article attempts to move away from the duality of the relationship between state and border dweller by investigating the politics of border mediation. It argues that bureaucratic ID documentation in Thailand has been a significant tool that not only defines the migrants, but also shapes the way in which the border is (re)made. While the aim of the bureaucratic document is to serve the state's objective of border control, the circulation of documents has created extra-state industries, such as extortion, bribery and brokerage, that allow the fluid labourscape to flourish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze an unusual legal development concerning brand protection in Thailand. The case study elucidates many key concepts in brand management and the political economy of Thailand. Design/methodology/approach: A case study approach is adopted, in which a chronology of key events surrounding a supreme court decision are developed. An analysis of the causes and consequences of the verdict is presented drawing on inputs from legal and business experts. Findings: The decision at the center of this case is ground breaking. Unlike conventional infringement decisions that are based on tangible designs of products, this case established protection of a brand image based on advertisements aired on television. It is argued that the decision went too far in the protection of trade dress and may potentially limit freedom and creativity for future marketing campaigns. Practical implications: Intellectual property protection in developing economies such as in Thailand can be complicated by a lack of clear laws and the political and social influence of the parties involved. Originality/value: The case provides the first analysis of a potentially consequential supreme court decision with links to the unique context of the political economy of Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the determination of paper-making potentialities of banana pseudo-stems growing in Thailand. Chlorine dioxide (DoandD1) and extraction (Ep) treatments were all performed in sealed plastic bags in a thermostatically controlled water bath. Unbleached banana kraft pulp in the kappa number range of 23–28 was not easy to bleach with three-stage sequence ofD0-EP-D1. The determination of mechanical properties of standard paper after mild beating in the laboratory is discussed as is the interpretation of the results. As an indication of potential paper-making properties, they are important for the pulp producer in the control of fiber characteristics. The brightness was achieved at 45% ISO, with a viscosity level at 585 mL/g. Drainage of pulp was extremely slow and paper-making properties were characterized by low strength, low bulk, rough surface, and extremely poor optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article is to study corporate social responsibility through packaging and communicated CSR to evaluate consumer buying decisions using the packaging from coconut fibrin. Packaging was obtained from local materials in the community of Samut Sakorn Province, Thailand. Using local waste material (coconut fibrin) for green packaging, it is beneficial to the environmental issue, and can create jobs in the community by making paper and packaging from coconut fibrin. Coconut pulp paper has performed under alkaline conditions coupling a mixture of natural additives consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose and corn starch. The obtained pulp paper was tested according to The National Standard of Kraft paper. It was characteristic of the liner board. The individual packaging was fabricated and used as an instrument for the consumer perception study (258 informants). We found the consumer view of business doing CSR is an ethical organization (4.44) that deems to present responsibility to society and the environment. The decisions were agreed upon, and consumers were delighted to buy the packaging. The CSR activity through the packaging could induce community development in job creation and reduces waste in the community by adding value to green packaging. The CSR activity of business influences the positive perception of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nevertheless, based upon her interviews with Malay-Muslim women in Thailand's Deep South, Streicher asserts that "some young women...found soldiers handsome... [and as the] civilized Other of I Malayness i (110)." Following the post-2004 exacerbation of Deep South insurrection, the military has increasingly promoted itself to Deep South locals as an institution of fatherly benevolence. Streicher concludes by arguing that Thailand's 2014-2019 military junta used imperial practices of policing which re-applied tactics used in the Deep South. [Extracted from the article]

The recent pandemic events in Thailand, Covid-19 in 2018, demonstrated the need for an event-based smart monitoring system. While a distributed multi-level architecture has emerged as an architecture of choice for a larger-scale smart event-based system that requires better latency, security, scalability, and reliability, a recently introduced data mesh paradigm can add a few additional benefits. The paradigm enables each district to become an event-based smart monitoring mesh and handle its analytics and monitoring workload. Districts can form a set of domains in a network of event-based smart community monitoring systems and provide data products for others during a crisis. This paper presents a distributed data mesh paradigm for an event-based smart monitoring product in a given community with predefined domains. The paper presents smart monitoring as a data product between domains. Key considerations for designing an event-based smart monitoring data product are given. The author introduces three possible domains necessary for creating a smart monitoring system in each community. Each domain creates a data product for a given domain and shares data between domains. Finally, a three-layer analytics architecture for a smart monitoring product in each domain and a use case is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the low prevalence and light intensity of Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis, Ss) and hookworm (HW) in Thailand, an increase in the efficacy of detection with the appropriate diagnosis is needed. This cross-sectional survey is aimed at using modified nonnutrient agar plate culture (mNNAPC) to assess the prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm infections and to report intestinal parasitic infections in La-Ngu villagers, Satun Province in Southern Thailand. We used wet smear, modified Harada-Mori filter paper culture (mHMFPC), and mNNAPC to investigate 204 villagers (4 villages) between August 2016 and January 2017. The combination of mHMFPC and mNNAPC raised the prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm infections among the study population from 3.4% and 1.0% to 6.9% and 2.5%, respectively. There were no significant differences between demographic characteristics and these infections (p < 0.05). Three types of protozoal infections, Blastocystis spp. (2.9%), Entamoeba histolytica-like (0.5%), and Giardia duodenalis (0.5%), and 3 species of helminthic infections, S. stercoralis (6.9%) (14 cases), hookworm 2.5%, and Enterobius vermicularis 0.5%, were demonstrated in this area. The mNNAPC showed the highest efficacy in detecting both parasites (Ss 92.9% and HW 80%), whereas the wet smear detected none. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This white paper recognises that for the decision makers and policy makers implementation of any intervention for changing the existing service delivery model, production model, market or regulatory model that impacts consumers and citizens are the most challenging tasks. Uncertainties about consumers and citizens' responses lead to delays or suboptimality in action. Ten priority actions with major direct SDG links that can reduce uncertainty in decision making in energy, climate change and disaster contexts of Bangladesh are derived from the assessment of research outputs of more than 70 lead subject experts and peer reviewed through blind review process by 50 expert reviewers from all over the world published in two special issue volumes of this Journal and research undertaken under the Bangabandhu Chair endowment at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the use of culture and PCR-based assay for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) from sputum collected and stored on filter paper at room temperature for 5 days; the results were compared with those of staining and conventional culture of fresh sputum before storage (the 'gold standard'). Out of 231 sputum specimens examined, MTB was recovered from 124 samples by culture before storage. The culture positivity rate was significantly decreased to 70% after 5 days storage. For PCR assay, a fragment of 377 bp of the IS6110 sequence was amplified and detected using three methods: first PCR product combined with agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE); first PCR product with dot blot hybridization (DBH); nested PCR with AGE. Compared with culture, the sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency for first PCR with AGE were 71.8, 100 and 84.9% respectively; PCR with DBH gave results of 89.5, 96.3 and 92.6% respectively; the same values for nested PCR were 96.0, 97.2, and 96.5% respectively. Of these three methods, nested PCR gave excellent sensitivity and specificity with no significant difference (p = 0.727) from conventional culture. The storage of sputum on filter paper and storage at room temperature for 5 days had no apparent effect on the performance of nested PCR. We propose that this collection and storage method be considered for transporting sputum specimens from peripheral health centers or from the field; specimens may be sent by post to a central point for both culture and PCR analysis by trained technicians supervised in accordance with a well-established quality control system.

There have been recent attempts to revive the traditional production of handmade paper from the bark of the Coi (Streblus asper Lour.) tree in Thailand. A sheet sample of Coi handmade paper, made from the traditional production, was collected and examined microscopically for the first time. Film-like material and cubic calcium particles were found on the sheet sample surface, which is consistent with the results of the authors' previous research. Meanwhile, handsheets derived from Coi pulp fiber, freshly made in the laboratory, demonstrated a low air permeance and brightness with high opacity due to the film-like material and cubic calcium particles. With a high felting power of Coi pulp fiber coupled with a possible strengthening role of the film-like material, both the beaten and unbeaten fibers were used to form handsheets with high strength. Some potential aspects of Coi pulp fiber suitable for creating a unique Thai banknote paper have been demonstrated, for which further studies are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using reporting verbs in research writing seems to be a problem for graduate students (or novice researchers) when writing a research paper. The aim of this paper is to raise the awareness of students in using reporting verbs. The main argument in this paper is based on the comparison of reporting verbs used by two expert researchers and two Thai novice researchers in the field of applied linguistics. The comparison reveals that reporting verbs used by the experts tend to be both factive (i.e., the current researcher portrays the previous researcher as presenting true information or a correct opinion) and non-factive (i.e., the current researcher gives no clear signal as to his/her attitude towards the previous researcher's information/opinion), while those used by the novice tend mainly to be factive. The comparison also shows that the experts tend to use three tenses (present simple tense, present perfect tense, and past simple tense) whereas the Thai novice researchers tend to mainly use present simple tense. The paper ends with a call for students to strive to increase their working reporting verbs, and to understand the differences in different reporting verbs and in the tenses of reporting verbs.

Both the ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups play crucial roles in blood transfusion medicine. Herein, we report a simple and low-cost paper-based analytical device (PAD) for phenotyping red blood cell (RBC) antigens. Using this Rh typing format, 5 Rh antigens on RBCs can be simultaneously detected and macroscopically visualized within 12 min. The proposed Rh phenotyping relies on the presence or absence of hemagglutination in the sample zones after immobilizing the antibodies targeting each Rh antigen. The PAD was optimized in terms of filter paper type, antibodies, and distance of the visualization zone. In this study, the optimal conditions were Whatman filter paper Grade 4; anti-D, –C, -E, -c, and -e antibodies; RBC suspension of 30%; and a visualization zone of 1 cm above the sample zone. The accuracy of simultaneously phenotyping the five Rh RBC antigens in the blood samples (n = 4692) was 99.19%, comparable with the accuracy of the gold-standard tube method used by blood bank laboratories in several regions of Thailand. Furthermore, decision making based on this method can be assisted by deep learning. After implementing a two-stage objective detection algorithm (YOLO v4-tiny) and classification model (DenseNet-201), the ambiguous images (n = 48) were interpreted with 100% accuracy. The PAD integrated with customized-region convolutional neural networks can reduce the interpretation discrepancies in RBC antigen phenotyping in any laboratory. [Display omitted] • Five Rh antigens typing PADs combined with deep learning algorithm for an assisted human-decision. • Rh antigens typing PADs were tested with real blood samples and compared with the standard tube method. • Dataset of photographs following Rh PADs testing were trained and evaluated by the in-house deep learning platform CiRA CORE. • Misinterpretation caused by weak or ambiguous reactions was solved by the CiRA CORE platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined 1432 global publications on Andrographis paniculata plant, as indexed in Scopus bibliographical and citation database during 2003-18, with a view to understand their growth rate, global publication share, citation impact, international collaborative papers share, distribution of publications by broad subjects, productivity and citation profile of top organizations and authors, preferred media of communication and bibliographic characteristics of high cited papers. The global publications registered an annual average growth rate of 10.03% and its citation impact averaged to 16.78 citations per paper. Amongst 73 participitating countries on the subject, the top 10 countries contributed 96.93% global publication share and 98.17% global citation share during 2003-18. India alone contributed the global share of 46.13%, followed by China and Malaysia (together 23.39% global share) and other top 7 countries have global share ranged from 1.96% to 6.63% during 2003-18. Four countries among top 10, registered world average of 17.0 citation per paper and 1.01 relative citation index: U.K. (45.89 and 2.73), Taiwan (32.27 and 1.92), USA (30.65 and 1.83) and Thailand (22.87 and 1.36) during 2003-18. Pharmacology, toxicology and pharmaceutics contributed the largest publications share of 50.98%, followed by medicine biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, agricultural and biological sciences and chemistry (from 13.41% to 33.24%) and immunology and microbiology, environment science and veterinary science (from 2.30% to 7.05%) during 2003-18. Among 301 organizations and 413 authors contributing to global Andrographis paniculata research, the 15 most productive global organizations and authors together contributed 22.07% and 10.75% global publication share and 23.66% and 11.35% global citation share respectively during 2003-18. Universiti Putra Malaysia (55 papers), Mahidol University, Thailand (31 papers) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (28 papers) were the leading contributing organizations. D. Talei and A.Valdiani (17 papers each) and A.E. Nugroho (13 papers) were the leading productive authors. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (with 54 papers), International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (31 papers) and Phytotherapy Research (27 papers), were the three leading journals contributing research on this subject. Amongst 1413 journal papers (in 145 journals) in global Andrographis paniculata research, the top 15 most productive journals contributed 22.36% share of total journal publication output during 2003-18. Thirty Eight publications were found to be high cited, as they registered citations from 102 to 842 during 2003-18 and they together received 6356 citations, which averaged to 164.63 citations per paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which focuses on the pitballs in the laboratory analysis for thyroid testing with the use of filter paper collected samples. The study uses the filter paper for the collection of blood samples at the reference laboratory in southern Thailand. Results show that use of filter paper collected samples in thyroid testing is posing the risk of error.

Thailand has a huge variability of bast fiber plants, some of which have been little researched regarding their applicability in composites. Bast fiber(bundle)s from different species were investigated and incorporated into a polylactide (PLA) matrix by injection molding. Hemp and kenaf were used as well-studied fibers, while roselle, Fryxell and paper mulberry are less extensively characterized. Tensile strength, tensile modulus and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of single fiber(bundle)s were highest for hemp, followed by kenaf, roselle, Fryxell and paper mulberry. Despite the lower tensile strength and IFSS of paper mulberry, the highest tensile strength was achieved for the paper mulberry/PLA composite followed by hemp/PLA. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses showed that the single cells in paper mulberry fiber bundles, in contrast to the other fiber types investigated, were only partially bonded to each other, which explains the lower strength of the fiber bundles. The higher aspect ratio of fiber(bundle)s of paper mulberry in the PLA composite can explain the good composite characteristics. Apart from hemp, paper mulberry shows the best reinforcing effect in the PLA matrix and offers interesting potential for composite applications. Compared to neat PLA, the tensile strength could be increased by 24% and the tensile modulus by 54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate and injury surveillance (IS) system's ability to monitor road traffic deaths and the coverage of road traffic injury and death surveillance in Phuket, Thailand. Methods: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on surveillance system evaluation were used to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate IS. Interviews with key stakeholders focused on IS's usefulness, simplicity, flexibility, acceptability, and stability. Active case finding of 2014 road traffic deaths in all paper and electronic hospital record systems was used to assess system sensitivity, positive predictive value, and data quality. Electronic data matching software was used to determine the implications of combining IS data with other provincial-level data sources (e.g., death certificates, electronic vehicle insurance claim system). Results: Evaluation results indicated that IS was useful, flexible, acceptable, and stable, with a high positive predictive value (99%). Simplicity was limited due to the burden of collecting data on all injuries and use of paper-based data collection forms. Sensitivity was low, with IS only identifying 55% of hospital road traffic death cases identified during active case finding; however, IS cases were representative of cases identified. Data accuracy and completeness varied across data fields. Combining IS with active case finding, death certificates, and the electronic vehicle insurance claim system more than doubled the number of road traffic death cases identified in Phuket. Conclusion: An efficient and comprehensive road traffic injury and death surveillance system is critical for monitoring Phuket's road traffic burden. The hospital-based IS system is a useful system for monitoring road traffic deaths and assessing risk behaviors. However, the complexity of data collection and limited coverage hinders the ability of IS to fully represent road traffic deaths in Phuket Province. Combining data sources could improve coverage and should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper provides interim results of my PhD dissertation. The research hypothesis is "Firms increase and decrease employment in response to changes in expected demand." The paper seeks to answer the question "What are the determinants of changes in aggregate employment in the United States of America (U.S.)?" This is an important research topic because significant increases in unemployment can have a profound effect on an entire society, not just on its unemployed workers. When employment declines, public health declines, crime increases, suicides increase, and public revenues decrease. The paper uses quarterly data from 1948-2021 to estimate the effect of important macroeconomic variables on aggregate employment. The macroeconomic variables include personal consumption expenditures, U.S. federal government expenditures, nominal GNP, international trade (imports plus exports), M3 money stock, the minimum wage level, non-residential fixed investment, nonmanufacturing employment, and U.S. federal tax receipts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objectives of this study are to identify the reasons for the shortage of pilots; the necessity of producing Pilots and the obstacles and problems faced by ASEAN Community in producing pilots. The study is conducted by official documents, observations, in-depth interview from personnel who are working for Airports Authority of Thailand, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd., Civil Aviation Training Center, The Aviation Training Units, Airlines Administrative College and people who have passed in their flight training courses and are waiting for their Pilot Licenses as a whole. Primarily, there are 30 respondents who have given the required information. The study has found that: 1) the shortage of pilots is because of the growth of Low-Cost Carriers, due to the increase of its routes, increase in number of passengers who fly in and out of the country, the increase in aircraft producing process and pilot resignations. 2) There is necessity to produce more pilots, because of few institutions that offer pilot programmes. Besides, there are not too many students who opt to undergo the programme of Multi Crew Pilot License (MPL), usually this program takes at least 1 to 3 years to complete. 3) The obstacles and problems in producing pilots in ASEAN countries are the expensiveness of the teaching equipments, the high tuition fees and the stress encountered by most trainees in clearing tests.

Background: Nested PCR is considered a sensitive and specific method for detecting malaria parasites and is especially useful in epidemiological surveys. However, the preparation of DNA templates for PCR is often time-consuming and costly., Methods: A simplified PCR method was developed to directly use a small blood filter paper square (2 × 2 mm) as the DNA template after treatment with saponin. This filter paper-based nested PCR method (FP-PCR) was compared to microscopy and standard nested PCR with DNA extracted by using a Qiagen DNA mini kit from filter paper blood spots of 204 febrile cases. The FP-PCR technique was further applied to evaluate malaria infections in 1,708 participants from cross-sectional epidemiological surveys conducted in Myanmar and Thailand., Results: The FP-PCR method had a detection limit of ~0.2 parasites/μL blood, estimated using cultured Plasmodium falciparum parasites. With 204 field samples, the sensitivity of the FP-PCR method was comparable to that of the standard nested PCR method, which was significantly higher than that of microscopy. Application of the FP-PCR method in large cross-sectional studies conducted in Myanmar and Thailand detected 1.9% (12/638) and 6.2% (66/1,070) asymptomatic Plasmodium infections, respectively, as compared to the detection rates of 1.3% (8/638) and 0.04% (4/1,070) by microscopy., Conclusion: This FP-PCR method was much more sensitive than microscopy in detecting Plasmodium infections. It drastically increased the detection sensitivity of asymptomatic infections in cross-sectional surveys conducted in Thailand and Myanmar, suggesting that this FP-PCR method has a potential for future applications in malaria epidemiology studies.

Background: To assess the ability of fluorescence imaging to detect a dose response relationship between fluorosis severity and different levels of fluoride in water supplies compared to remote photographic scoring in selected populations participating in an observational, epidemiological survey in Chiang Mai, Thailand., Methods: Subjects were male and female lifetime residents aged 8-13 years. For each child the fluoride content of cooking water samples (CWS) was assessed to create categorical intervals of water fluoride concentration. Fluorescence images were taken of the maxillary central incisors and analyzed for dental fluorosis using two different software techniques. Output metrics for the fluorescence imaging techniques were compared to TF scores from blinded photographic scores obtained from the survey., Results: Data from 553 subjects were available. Both software analysis techniques demonstrated significant correlations with the photographic scores. The metrics for area effected by fluorosis and the overall fluorescence loss had the strongest association with the photographic TF score (Spearman's rho 0.664 and 0.652 respectively). Both software techniques performed well for comparison of repeat fluorescence images with ICC values of 0.95 and 0.85 respectively., Conclusions: This study supports the potential use of fluorescence imaging for the objective quantification of dental fluorosis. Fluorescence imaging was able to discriminate between populations with different fluoride exposures on a comparable level to remote photographic scoring with acceptable levels of repeatability.

Background: To determine the severity of dental fluorosis in selected populations in Chiang Mai, Thailand with different exposures to fluoride and to explore possible risk indicators for dental fluorosis., Methods: Subjects were male and female lifetime residents aged 8-13 years. For each child the fluoride content of drinking and cooking water samples were assessed. Digital images were taken of the maxillary central incisors for later blind scoring for TF index (10% repeat scores). Interview data explored previous cooking and drinking water use, exposure to fluoride, infant feeding patterns and oral hygiene practices., Results: Data from 560 subjects were available for analysis (298 M, 262 F). A weighted kappa of 0.80 was obtained for repeat photographic scores. The prevalence of fluorosis (TF 3+) for subjects consuming drinking and cooking water with a fluoride concentration of <0.9 ppm was 10.2%. For subjects consuming drinking and cooking water >0.9 ppm F the prevalence of fluorosis (TF 3+) rose to 37.3%. Drinking and cooking water at age 3, water used for infant formula and water used for preparing infant food all demonstrated an increase in fluorosis severity with increase in water fluoride level (p < 0.001). The probability estimate for the presentation of aesthetically significant fluorosis was 0.53 for exposure to high fluoride drinking (≥0.9 ppm) and cooking water (≥1.6 ppm)., Conclusions: The consumption of drinking water with fluoride content >0.9 ppm and use of cooking water with fluoride content >1.6 ppm were associated with an increased risk of aesthetically significant dental fluorosis. Fluoride levels in the current drinking and cooking water sources were strongly correlated with fluorosis severity. Further work is needed to explore fluorosis risk in relation to total fluoride intake from all sources including food preparation.

This study aims to evaluate the mobile emergency severity index (ESI) tool in terms of validity compared with the original ESI triage. The original ESI and mobile ESI were used with patients at the Department of Emergency Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand. Eligible patients were evaluated by sixth-year medical students/emergency physicians using either the original or mobile ESI. The ESI results for each patient were compared with the standard ESI. Concordance and kappa statistics were calculated for pairs of the evaluators. There were 486 patients enrolled in the study; 235 patients (48.4%) were assessed using the mobile ESI, and 251 patients (51.6%) were in the original ESI group. The baseline characteristics of patients in both groups were mostly comparable except for the ED visit time. The percentages of concordance and kappa statistics in the original ESI group were lower than in the mobile group in all three comparisons (medical students vs gold standard, emergency physicians vs gold standard, and medical students vs emergency physicians). The highest kappa in the original ESI group is 0.69, comparing emergency physicians vs gold standard, while the lowest kappa in the application group is 0.84 comparing the medical students vs gold standard. Both medical students and emergency physicians are more confident with the mobile ESI application triage. In conclusion, the mobile ESI has better inter-rater reliability, and is more user-friendly than the original paper form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of DNA in dried blood samples obtained from the neonatal screening program in Thailand was retrospectively studied in order to determine the conditions necessary for the long term storage of samples for DNA banking. Specimens from 1991 to 2001, which had been kept in the ambient conditions at the Department of Medical Science, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, were randomly sampled and used for the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and DNA fragments of the PAX8 and beta-globin genes were amplified by PCR to determine DNA stability. The study showed that 255-bp and 674-bp fragments of the PAX8 gene could be amplified from all the samples. The DNA fragment of 1,039 bp of the beta-globin gene could be detected in all of the samples for the years 1993 to 2001, but only in seven and five out of the ten studied samples for each of the years 1991 and 1992, respectively. Our study shows that genomic DNA is stable in dried blood stored on filter paper at ambient tropical conditions for at least 11 years. However, DNA quality for amplification of larger DNA fragments decreased when the specimens were stored for longer than 10 years.

The smothering effect of four legume covers, Canavalia ensiformis, Lablab purpureus, Mucuna pruriens and Calopogonium caeruleum, on Pennisetum polystachion ssp. setosum, a troublesome weed in rubber plantations in southern Thailand, was evaluated. Growing legume covers with Pennisetum, M. pruriens, C. ensiformis and L. purpureus caused strong suppression of Pennisetum in this order. Pennisetum grew little under 10% relative light intensity (RLI), but almost normally under 40% RLI. The three legume species generally attained lower RLI than C. caeruleum. The high shading ability of these three species was thought to contribute to the suppression of Pennisetum growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: The efficacy of PCR assay and culture for direct detection of M. tuberculosis (MTB) from sputum specimens collected on filter paper and stored at room temperature for 5 days was evaluated in comparison with conventional culture of fresh sputum specimen. A total of 231 sputum specimens were examined. MTB was recovered from 124 samples by culture from fresh sputum samples before storage. The culture positivity rate was significantly decreased to 70 per cent after 5 day's storage on filter paper. For PCR assay, a fragment of 377-bp of the IS6110 sequence was amplified and detected using nested PCR. Compared with culture results performed on fresh sputum samples, the sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency for the nested PCR were 96.0, 97.2 and 96.5 per cent, respectively. The nested PCR showed sensitivity and specificity with no significant difference (p>0.05) from culture of fresh sputum specimens., Conclusion: The collection and storage of sputum on filter paper at room temperature for 5 days had no apparent effect on the performance of nested PCR. Sputum samples collected by this method could be sent by post in a minimum of space and inexpensive way and will enable a large number of samples collected in the field or from peripheral health centers to be sent to central laboratories for analysis by trained technicians and under a well-equipped and well-established quality control system. The rapid and reliable detection by PCR-based assay will be helpful for optimal patient management of therapy and effective control of tuberculosis.

The 10/66 Dementia Research Group has been formed to promote good-quality, internationally comparable research into dementia in developing countries through active research collaboration. In this position paper, we review existing research into dementia prevalence in developing regions of the world. Seven methodologically robust studies were identified. The prevalence of dementia, age-adjusted to the age structure of the Kerala population, ranged from 1.3% to 5.3% for all those aged 60 or over and from 1.7% to 5.2% for all those aged 65 and over. Two studies, from Ibadan, Nigeria and Ballabgarh, India, reported strikingly low prevalence figures. The reported prevalence for most studies was somewhat lower than the consistent figures for Europe reported by the EURODEM concerted action. Based on critical review of the literature, and on the practical research experience of members of the 10/66 group, recommendations have been made for procedure in the following areas: age limits for inclusion in dementia surveys, age ascertainment, sampling, scope for incidence studies, functional assessment and culture- and education-fair dementia diagnosis., (Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

This article is a study of the guidelines for lifelong education management to mobilize learning communities in the social-cultural context of Thailand is intended to 1) analyze and synthesize the management of lifelong learning to mobilize learning community in the social-cultural context of Thailand; and 2) propose guidelines for lifelong education management to mobilize learning community in the social-cultural context of Thailand. This article applies qualitative research methods, using various documents, interviews and focus groups. The results found that these guidelines are the learning processes which affect learning throughout one's life. The guidelines for lifelong education management to mobilize learning communities in the social-cultural context of Thailand consists of these key components; lifelong education management guidelines; and the final products. Finally, lifelong education management guidelines could be used to promote and develop lifelong learning for learning community mobilization based on the social-cultural context in Thailand. It is anticipated that the findings will add meaningful information and practical guidelines for enhancing understanding of guidelines for lifelong education management to mobilize learning community in Thailand, and serve as a basic and comparative outcome for further research.

This paper aimed to test the response of household savings to anticipated income changes. Using a data matching technique between the Socio-economic Survey (SES) of Thai Agricultural Households and Labor drawn from crop years 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 and the 2006 Survey of the Integrated Management Plan on Saline Soil in the North-eastern Region of Thailand, this paper did natural experiments comprising both natural and non-natural factors as instrumental variables. The results showed that there existed to some extent evidence of excess sensitivity in Thailand. The robustness of the results was confirmed by using three estimators as well as using seven instrumental variables, which were in the form of actual and subjective data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable pulpwood production from fast-growing tree plantations is needed for pulp and paper industries. To increase the pulpwood production efficiency, the anatomical characteristics and derived-wood properties of 75 trees from 15 half-sib families of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. planted in Thailand were investigated, and then the family was classified by suitability of wood as raw material for pulp and paper products using principal component analysis and clustering. The mean values of vessel diameter, vessel frequency, fibre diameter, fibre lumen diameter, and fibre wall thickness at 2 cm from the cambium were 128 µm, 16 no./mm2, 11.1 µm, 7.1 µm, and 1.88 µm, respectively. In addition, the Runkel ratio, Luce's shape factor, flexibility coefficient, slenderness ratio, solids factor, and wall coverage ratio (i.e., derived-wood properties) were 0.53, 0.42, 0.64, 85.3, 68 × 103 µm3, and 0.34, respectively. Significant differences in fibre diameter, fibre lumen diameter, and Runkel ratio were found among families. Although significant differences among families were not found for other anatomical characteristics and derived-wood properties, the p-values obtained by an analysis of variance test ranged from 0.050 to 0.088. Based on the results of a principal component analysis and cluster analysis, 15 families were classified into four clusters with different expected pulp and paper characteristics. The suitability of wood from E. camaldulensis half-sib families for pulp and paper can be evaluated by principal component analysis using anatomical characteristics and physical properties as variables. Based on the results, desirable pulp and paper quality may be obtained through the selection of families from this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the potential of the Gamified Metaverse as a platform for promoting library services. The study compares the effectiveness of a traditional library program with a Metaverse- based library program in terms of knowledge acquisition and library anxiety. The research also examines students' perceptions of implementing gamification within the context of the Gamified Metaverse platform. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including pre- and post-test analysis, statistical analysis, and qualitative data collection. The results indicate that both the traditional and Metaverse-based library programs effectively increased the participants' knowledge, with no significant difference between the two approaches. However, the Metaverse-based program was found to be less effective in facilitating interaction with librarians and reducing library anxiety. Additionally, students expressed positive perceptions of implementing gamification in the Gamified Metaverse platform, finding it engaging and motivating. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of the Metaverse as a tool for promoting library services and enhancing knowledge acquisition. However, it is not as effective in reducing library anxiety, particularly in terms of interaction with librarians and staff. It should be noted that the platform may have limitations such as high costs and potential side effects of virtual reality, making it more suitable as an additional tool for promoting library services, taking into account its feasibility and potential benefits for specific student populations and larger libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Best Article Award 2018 of the Society of Resource Geology was presented to P. Nualkhao, R. Takahashi, A. Imai, and P. Charusiri for the following paper: Petrochemistry of Granitoids along the Loei Fold Belt, Northeastern Thailand. It is also suggested that Au-Cu-Fe-Sb deposits in Phetchabun, Nakon Sawan-Lobburi, and Rayong-Chantaburi regions were formed by the activity of granitoids having magnetite-series signature, and Au deposits, Cu-Au skarn deposits and epithermal Au deposits in Phetchabun and Nakon Sawan regions were formed by the activity of granitoids having adakitic and magnetite-series signatures. Al content of biotite in those granitoids suggests that depth of emplacement of granitoids associated with Fe and Au deposits, those associated Cu deposits and barren granitoids changes from shallow to deep. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers conducting fieldwork, especially in comparative social research, face the complex issue of conceptualizing and practicing positionality. How we position ourselves affects the research approach, the interpretation of the data and, therefore, the whole research process. This paper discusses my own in-between or 'in-out-sider' positionality during my fieldwork studying the experience of youths in social movements in Thailand and Myanmar in 2020 and 2021. Drawing on data from a visit to Thailand and interviews with 40 Myanmar and Thai youths who participated in the movements, this article documents my experience of the subtle nuances of multiple positionalities and how I navigated through the fieldwork as an in-out-sider researcher. In this comparative context, especially, I believe that my in-out-sider positionality facilitated the research process, from interviewing participants to conducting the field visit. The discussion of this contextually situated positionality challenges the typical explanations of the insider/outsider dichotomy, suggesting the need for a rethinking of certain aspects of this explanation, such as the background and experience of the researcher, and the context in which the researcher and the researched interact. This paper therefore contributes to knowledge around this subject and its application, particularly in the context of comparative social research which studies specific groups of youth activists or protestors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hole in a graph is an induced cycle of length at least 4. A hole is long if its length is at least 5. By Pt, we denote a path on t vertices. In this paper, we give polynomial-time algorithms for the following problems: the maximum weight independent set problem in long-hole--free graphs and the feedback vertex set problem in P5-free graphs. Each of the above results resolves a corresponding long-standing open problem. An extended C5 is a five-vertex hole with an additional vertex adjacent to one or two consecutive vertices of the hole. Let C be the class of graphs excluding an extended C5 and holes of length at least 6 as induced subgraphs; C contains all long-hole--free graphs and all P5-free graphs. We show that, given an n-vertex graph G\in C with vertex weights and an integer k, one can, in time, n\scrO (k) find a maximum-weight induced subgraph of G of treewidth less than k. This implies both aforementioned results. To achieve this goal, we extend the framework of potential maximal cliques (PMCs) to containers. Developed by Bouchitté and Todinca [SIAM J. Comput., 31 (2001), pp. 212--232] and extended by Fomin, Todinca, and Villanger [SIAM J. Comput., 44 (2015), pp. 54--87], this framework allows us to solve a wide variety of tasks, including finding a maximum-weight induced subgraph of treewidth less than k for fixed k, in time polynomial in the size of the graph and the number of potential maximal cliques. Further developments, tailored to solve the maximum weight independent set problem within this framework (e.g., for P5-free [Lokshtanov, Vatshelle, and Villanger, SODA 2014, pp. 570--581] or P6-free graphs [Grzesik, Klimo\v sov\'a, Pilipczuk, and Pilipczuk, ACM Trans. Algorithms, 18 (2022), pp. 4:1--4:57]), enumerate only a specifically chosen subset of all PMCs of a graph. In all aforementioned works, the final step is an involved dynamic programming algorithm whose state space is based on the considered list of PMCs. Here, we modify the dynamic programming algorithm and show that it is sufficient to consider only a container for each PMC: a superset of the maximal clique that intersects the sought solution only in the vertices of the PMC. This strengthening of the framework not only allows us to obtain our main result but also leads to significant simplifications of the reasoning in previous papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we intend to utilize the generalized scalar auxiliary variable (GSAV) approach proposed in recent paper (Ju et al., SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 60 (2022), 1905–1931) for the nonlocal coupled sine-Gordon equation to construct a class of fully decoupled, linear, and second-order accurate energy-preserving scheme. The unconditional unique solvability and discrete energy conservation law of the proposed scheme are rigorously discussed, and the unconditional convergence is then proved by the mathematical induction. Particularly, the convergence analysis covers the proposed scheme in multiple dimensions due to the corresponding nonlinear terms satisfy the global Lipschitz continuity straightforwardly. Finally, time evolution of dynamical behavior of the governing equation with different nonlocal parameters are observed, and ample numerical comparisons demonstrate that the proposed scheme manifests high efficiency in long-time computations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider optimal control problems for partial differential equations where the controls take binary values but vary over the time horizon; they can thus be seen as dynamic switches. The switching patterns may be sub ject to combinatorial constraints such as, e.g., an upper bound on the total number of switchings or a lower bound on the time between two switchings. In a companion paper [C. Buchheim, A. Gruütering, and C. Meyer, SIAM J. Optim., arXiv:2203.07121, 2024], we describe the Lp -closure of the convex hull of feasible switching patterns as the intersection of convex sets derived from finite-dimensional pro jections. In this paper, the resulting outer description is used for the construction of an outer approximation algorithm in function space, whose iterates are proven to converge strongly in L² to the global minimizer of the convexified optimal control problem. The linear-quadratic subproblems arising in each iteration of the outer approximation algorithm are solved by means of a semismooth Newton method. A numerical example in two spatial dimensions illustrates the efficiency of the overall algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]