APHEIT Journal (SCIENCE and Technology)

Physical characteristic analysis of latent fingerprints in crime scene for personal identification

Gulanat Chanachinrat — 2026-06-30

This study aimed to analyze the physical characteristics of latent fingerprints collected from crime scenes, and to statistically compare the width and length of latent fingerprints impressed by the thumb and other fingers. Analyze and compare the latent fingerprints deposited by the thumbs of male and female individuals at a 95% confidence level. A total of 597 verified latent fingerprint impressions from 155 forensic cases (2020–2023) by the officers in area of Police Forensic Science Center 7, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-tests at a 0.05 significance level. The study found that latent fingerprints were deposited on porous, semi-porous, and non-porous surfaces of evidence on crime scenes, and at least 10 minutiae points were required to identify a person. Latent fingerprints of every finger could be found and possibility of nine fingerprint patterns could be seen on crime scene. Latent fingerprints were mostly incomplete, with whorl pattern being more common than loop and arch pattern. The depositing latent fingerprints by thumbs differed significantly in width and length from other fingers. The width of thumbprints of male and female were statistically different significantly, while the length did not differ. Findings support improved accuracy in forensic identification and fingerprint classification.

Efficacy of direct heat application for latent fingerprint development on thermal paper : A comparative quality assessment between experts and artificial intelligence

Navaporn Chalermchavalit — 2026-06-30

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of direct heat application for developing latent fingerprints on thermal paper and to compare fingerprint quality assessments between forensic experts and artificial intelligence (ChatGPT). A total of 80 thermal paper samples, including automated teller machine (ATM) receipts and point-of-sale (POS) receipts, were examined. Latent fingerprints were developed using two heat-based methods: a hot plate (100 °C) and an iron (70-100 °C) under controlled experimental conditions. The results indicated that the hot plate method produced slightly higher average fingerprint quality scores and demonstrated greater consistency than the iron method. In addition, ATM thermal paper yielded slightly higher fingerprint quality than POS thermal paper. Comparative evaluation revealed that ChatGPT provided scores comparable to those of forensic experts, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.56). The agreement analysis demonstrated a Weighted Cohen’s Kappa value of 0.62 indicating a substantial level of agreement that is academically acceptable. These findings suggest that artificial intelligence has potential as a supportive tool for latent fingerprint assessment in forensic science. Nevertheless, in-depth analysis and courtroom-admissible interpretation still necessitate expert judgment.

Reducing processing time in product scope assessment for electrical appliances using RPA software technology at a government agency

Aphiwit Pintakoon — 2026-06-30

The research objective was to investigate the development of a product-scope assessment process for electrical appliances within a government agency to enhance assessment efficiency for customs clearance by at least 50%, reduce operational delays, identify bottleneck factors, and determine optimal stages for automation via the National Single Window (NSW) system. The proposed framework integrated Robotic Process Automation (RPA) with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Utilizing a one-group pretest–posttest experimental design, the study evaluated a dataset of 350 product applications. The methodology incorporated RPA, AI models for document and product image analysis, and a Cause-and-Effect Diagram to comprehensively analyze the root causes of operational inefficiencies. The findings revealed that after implementing RPA and AI, the processing time decreased to 2 days from 6 days per request, representing a 66.67% reduction. Processing capacity increased from 355 to 575 requests per day, while the backlog declined by 90%. The system achieved data extraction accuracy of 88–92% for text-based PDF documents and 80–85% for scanned documents. An economic feasibility analysis using Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) showed a Return on Investment (ROI) of 716% and a payback period of 2.2 months. The results demonstrate that the application of RPA and AI can significantly improve the efficiency of public service delivery and serve as a practical model for adoption by other government agencies.

Innovation of Food Productions for Space Exploration: Concepts, Agricultural Aspects, Food production systems

ศุจิมน มังคลรังษี — 2026-06-30

Food production is a critical challenge for deep space exploration, particularly for long-duration missions such as lunar bases and Mars expeditions. Traditional reliance on pre-packaged food has limitations in sustainability, nutritional value, and storage efficiency. This review explores past, present, and future innovations in space food production, highlighting key technologies such as Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), automated food production, 3D-printed food, and Engineered Closed Circular Environmental Life-Support Systems (ECCLES). Various raw materials-including plants, bacteria, algae, fungi, and insects are examined for their potential role in sustainable space food systems. Additionally, advancements in plant growth under microgravity, zero-gravity conditions, and closed-loop waste recycling are discussed. The integration of automation, bioengineering, and resource-efficient agricultural techniques is essential for ensuring self-sufficient food production beyond Earth. As space agencies and private organizations plan for extended missions, innovative food production systems will play a crucial role in astronaut health, mission sustainability, and the feasibility of long-term human presence in space.

Candida auris: Biology, Antifungal Resistance, and Clinical Challenges

Punyapat Rittidej — 2026-06-30

Candida auris has emerged as a major global health threat due to its multidrug resistance, environmental persistence, diagnostic complexity, and propensity for healthcare-associated transmission. This review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the biology, antifungal resistance mechanisms, clinical significance, and emerging epidemiology of Candida auris, with particular emphasis on its implications for healthcare systems and the evolving situation in Thailand. A narrative review of published literature and relevant evidence from global studies and available reports from Thailand was conducted. The reviewed evidence indicates that the emergence of C. auris is driven by the convergence of environmental resilience, biofilm formation, genomic adaptability, and multidrug resistance. High levels of resistance to fluconazole and increasing resistance to amphotericin B and echinocandins substantially limit therapeutic options. The pathogen’s ability to persist on healthcare surfaces and colonize human skin facilitates sustained nosocomial transmission and recurrent outbreaks. Recent genomic studies have identified multiple resistance-associated mutations, although the clinical significance of several emerging variants remains uncertain. In Thailand, the detection of antifungal-resistant strains and the limited availability of advanced diagnostic capacity highlight important challenges for surveillance, laboratory identification, and infection prevention. Effective control of C. auris requires an integrated approach combining rapid diagnostics, antifungal stewardship, genomic surveillance, and rigorous infection-prevention measures.

Diabetes mellitus today: A comprehensive review of epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnostics, technology, and therapeutic futures with implications for Thailand

Jidapha Wannaprabha — 2026-06-30

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major and growing global health challenge driven by urbanization, population aging, and lifestyle changes. This study was conducted as a narrative review, synthesizing evidence from major databases and clinical guidelines. A narrative review was conducted using major scientific databases and clinical guidelines. Findings indicate a shift toward predictive, personalized, and technology enabled care, including advances in pharmacological therapies and digital health tools. In Thailand. challenges such as underdiagnosis and unequal access to care highlight the need for strengthened health system integration and improved early detection strategies.