Science and Technology for Emerging Innovations in Praxis

The Generational Differences on The Performance of Village Health Volunteers Under The “Village Health Volunteer: Family Doctor Model” Policy, Muang District, Chaiyaphum Province

2026-03-19T09:36:14+07:00

Despite increasing policy emphasis on digitally supported community health services under the Thailand 4.0 initiative, limited evidence exists on whether Village Health Volunteer (VHV) performance differs across generational groups in local implementation contexts. Objective: This study examined whether operational performance under the "Village Health Volunteer: Family Doctor Model" policy differed across generational groups among VHVs in Muaang District, Chaiyaphum Province. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 294 VHVs selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with acceptable content validity (IOC = 0.67–1.00) and reliability (α = 0.89) and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. Results: The majority of VHVs (54.08%) belonged to Generation X. Most VHVs demonstrated good overall performance (86.39%), with basic public health service provision achieving the highest mean score (M = 3.59, SD = 0.70). Operational performance differed significantly across generational groups, F(3, 290) = 4.75, p = .003. Post hoc analysis indicated that Generation Y differed significantly from the Baby Boomer and Generation X groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for generation-responsive strategies to strengthen VHV capacity, particularly in relation to digital adaptation and role-specific community health practice.

Development of Instant Khanom-Jeen Curry Paste Cube

2026-05-08T10:11:09+07:00

This research aimed to develop an instant Khanom-Jeen curry paste in a cube form using the foam-mat drying technique to meet the demand for convenience and extend the product's shelf life. The study investigated the optimal conditions for foaming agents and stabilizers, as well as the appropriate amount of glycerin for the cubing process. The results indicated that using 5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) combined with 6% egg white powder was the optimal formulation for producing the curry paste powder, yielding the best physical properties, particularly water absorption and water solubility characteristics. For the cube formation, adding 12% glycerin provided the most suitable ratio. At this level, glycerin acted as an effective binder, providing structural strength, resistance to breakage, and good rehydration properties in hot water. Furthermore, the product formulated with 12% glycerin received the highest sensory evaluation scores in all attributes, including color, appearance, texture, and overall acceptability. Regarding microbiological quality and safety, the product maintained a water activity (a_w) of less than 0.60 throughout a 3-month storage period at room temperature, which effectively inhibited microbial growth and complied with the Thai Community Product Standard (TCPS 734/2556). These findings demonstrate that this innovation has a high potential for adding value to traditional local foods and can be further developed for commercial production.

Effects of AMINOSA on PR2 and PR3 Enzyme Activities in Marigold (Tagetes erecta) Seedlings

2026-04-22T11:12:00+07:00

This preliminary biochemical screening study assessed whether AMINOSA, a combined formulation of amino acids (27% w/v; AAs) and salicylic acid (SA), alters PR2 (β-1,3-glucanase) and PR3 (chitinase) activity trends in marigold seedlings. Twenty-one-day-old Tagetes erecta L. cv. ‘Cana Yellow’ seedlings were foliar-sprayed with water, AAs, SA (0.5 or 1 mM), or AMINOSA at the corresponding SA concentrations under either a single-spray program (sampling at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) or a repeated-spray program (sprays at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days; sampling at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days), giving 46 treatment combinations. Leaves from 10 plants per treatment were pooled into one composite sample at each time point. The total protein content was quantified by BCA assay, and PR2 and PR3 activities were measured colorimetrically and expressed as U/mg protein. AMINOSA, especially with 0.5 mM SA, tended to produce higher PR2 and PR3 activity trends than AAs alone and water. Repeated spraying produced stronger mid-term PR2 peaks but greater late-stage variability. As each treatment-timepoint was represented by a single pooled composite sample without independent replicated means, the data were interpreted descriptively as trend-level biochemical profiling and were not subjected to inferential statistical analysis. AMINOSA with 0.5 mM SA under single spraying emerged as a promising option for sustaining later-stage PR2/PR3 trends, whereas repeated spraying may be further evaluated for a stronger mid-term PR2 response. These findings suggested that time-course PR2/PR3 profiling may help select candidate formulations and spray programs. The next step is replicated pathogen-challenge validation, followed by greenhouse or field confirmation.

Chemical Components, Antioxidant and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities of Dried Aloe vera Rind Extract under Different Drying Methods

2026-02-16T09:11:59+07:00

Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is a widely used medicinal plant, primarily valued for its gel in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, while the rind is usually discarded as waste. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of Aloe vera rind extracts prepared by three different drying methods: freeze drying, hot- air oven drying, and solar oven drying. The dried rind powders were extracted and analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. The freeze-drying method provided the highest extraction yield (13.34 ± 0.50%). Total phenolic contents were 38.75 ± 0.11, 38.88 ± 0.59, and 26.11 ± 0.49 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g for the freeze-, hot-air-oven-, and solar-oven-dried extracts, respectively, while flavonoid contents were 64.96 ± 1.45, 70.00 ± 4.55, and 74.53 ± 2.49 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g. Antioxidant activities, assessed by DPPH and FRAP assays, revealed EC₅₀ values of 0.48 ± 0.09, 0.34 ± 0.01, and 0.38 ± 0.01 mg/mL (DPPH), and 45.27 ± 0.56, 44.40 ± 1.09, and 42.99 ± 0.03 mg FeSO₄ equivalents/g (FRAP), respectively. Tyrosinase inhibition showed IC₅₀ values of 0.37 ± 0.00, 0.04 ± 0.00, and 0.11 ± 0.00 mg/mL, indicating the superior inhibitory activity of the hot-air-oven-dried extract. GC–MS analysis of this extract identified bioactive compounds including lupeol, linolenic acid, γ-sitosterol, phytol, tocopherols, squalene, and other fatty acids, which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, UV-protective, and tyrosinase-inhibitory properties. These findings suggest
that Aloe vera rind, particularly when processed by hot-air oven drying, is a promising resource for value-added applications in skincare and cosmetic development.

Development of Fuel Gas Production Technology Using Waste Materials from the Bamboo Rice Production Process

2026-02-04T11:47:10+07:00

Traditional bamboo rice production generates substantial biomass residues that frequently remain underutilized, posing significant environmental challenges within community-based production systems. To address this, the current study integrates Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with experimental validation to develop a tailored fuel gas production technology utilizing bamboo-derived charcoal. The research evaluates thermo-fluid characteristics and syngas composition while assessing economic feasibility relative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Findings demonstrate a peak combustion temperature of 706°C, with gas delivery temperatures stabilized between 250–300°C along distribution ducts. Technical analysis reveals a maximum gas velocity of 34.22 m/s in narrow sections, optimizing the flow of syngas comprising 15.14% hydrogen, 25% carbon monoxide, and 2.31% methane. From an economic perspective, bamboo-derived gas provides a superior cost-benefit profile; while LPG offers higher energy density, the waste-derived alternative reduces energy expenses by approximately two-thirds, costing 1.1 THB/kWh compared to 3.9 THB/kWh for LPG. These results confirm that transforming bamboo residues into renewable energy is technically viable and economically advantageous for community-scale thermal applications. By fostering a circular economy and enhancing energy self-reliance, this technology provides a sustainable framework for localized waste management and the transition toward clean energy in community enterprises.

Occupational health literacy work-related safety behaviors among village health volunteers in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand

2026-02-03T16:27:16+07:00

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between occupational health literacy (OHL) and work safety behaviors among 245 Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Data were collected using validated questionnaires (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.962 and 0.88). Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. The majority of VHVs were female (88.6%). The mean age was 51.18 ± 8.54 years. Most participants were married (73.9%), had primary education (53.1%), and worked in agriculture (84.9%). The average monthly income was 3,710 ± 2,897.79 THB. Most participants had no history of work-related accidents (89.9%) and no underlying diseases (73.9%). The mean experience as VHVs was 13.16 ± 7.32 years, and occupational health and safety information was primarily obtained from medical personnel (76.3%). The results indicated that both occupational health literacy and work-related safety behaviors were at moderate levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that monthly income (β = -0.128, p = 0.046), decision-making and application (β = 0.334, p < 0.001), and media literacy (β = -0.242, p = 0.008) were significant predictors of work-related safety behaviors. The model explained 6.5% of the variance (R² = 0.065).These findings highlight the importance of cognitive dimensions of occupational health literacy, particularly decision-making and application skills, in influencing safety behaviors. Targeted training programs focusing on these competencies may improve work-related safety behaviors and accident prevention practices among VHVs in community-based settings..

Effect of Sodium Chloride Concentrations on Germination Quality and Seed Vigor of Three Aromatic Rice Varieties

2026-03-13T10:27:49+07:00

linity stress is a significant factor affecting the seed quality and growth of rice. Understanding the specific responses of different aromatic rice varieties to varying sodium chloride concentrations is crucial for improving germination quality and seed vigor in laboratory settings. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of sodium chloride solution on the germinating quality of three varieties of aromatic rice seed. The experimental design was conducted using a 3x5 factorial in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates. The first factor consisted of three varieties of aromatic rice seeds: Pathum Thani 1, Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105), and RD 15. The second factor was the concentration of sodium chloride solution, utilizing levels of 0, 50,100, 150, and 200 mM. The study found that both rice variety and sodium chloride solution concentration had statistically significant effects on the germination quality and seed vigor of the aromatic rice seeds. Specifically, RD 15 rice demonstrated higher salinity tolerance than the other two varieties. Furthermore, as salinity increased, the germination index and time required for germination were significantly reduced, resulting in accelerated seed aging and shorter rice seedling length. A key finding was that all varieties of aromatic rice seed germinated best at the 50 mM sodium chloride solution concentration.

Effect of a Non-Perforated Double-Plate Diffuser’s Geometry on Thermocline Thickness in a Stratified Chilled-Water Storage Tank: A CFD-Based Parametric Optimization Study

2026-03-10T10:03:19+07:00

Stratified chilled-water storage tanks are an important form of cool thermal energy storage for large air-conditioning systems. They are used to reduce peak electricity demand and shift chiller operation from high-tariff daytime hours to nighttime periods, when system loads are lower and electricity is generally cheaper. Their effectiveness depends on how sharply the thermocline is maintained. A thin, stable thermocline increases the usable volume of chilled water and limits mixing between the cold and warm layers. In this context, diffuser geometry is a governing factor because it controls the internal flow structure, the level of mixing, and the persistence of the thermocline. While many previous studies have investigated perforated, radial, or hemispherical diffuser concepts, the geometric effect of a non-perforated double-plate diffuser on thermocline thickness in chilled-water storage tanks remains insufficiently documented. This study therefore investigates the influence of the geometric parameters of a non-perforated double-plate diffuser on thermocline thickness during discharge.

Two-dimensional unsteady CFD simulations were conducted in ANSYS Fluent for a cylindrical tank with a diameter of 0.8 m and a height of 1.2 m. Identical nonperforated double plate diffusers were installed at the top inlet and bottom outlet. Two geometric ratios were investigated: dp/D = 0.50, 0.75, and 0.875, and hp/di ≈ 0.303, 0.455, and 0.758, giving nine cases in total under a constant flow rate of 2.5 L/min. Thermocline thickness was obtained from vertical temperature profiles within the height range 0.40 to 0.77 m measured from the tank top. Reynolds number (Re) and Richardson number (Ri) were also calculated to support interpretation of the flow mechanisms.

The simulations show that diffuser geometry has a marked effect on thermocline thickness. Within the evaluation range, thermocline thickness varied from 0.199 to 0.260 m. The minimum thickness was obtained in Case 5, with dp/D = 0.75 and hp/di = 0.455, while the maximum thickness occurred in Case 9, with dp/D = 0.875 and hp/di ≈ 0.758. Across the nine cases, Re ranged from 12.48 to 21.84 and Ri from 0.0614 to 2.938. The results indicate that thermocline thickness cannot be attributed to Re or Ri alone; instead, it reflects the flow structure imposed by diffuser geometry. Within the investigated parameter range, dp/D = 0.75 and hp/di = 0.455 provides the most favorable outcome and may be used as a practical reference geometry for subsequent diffuser design and further study under different operating conditions.