Kalasin University Journal of Science Technology and Innovation

Efficacy of plant extracts of controlling the lesser grain borer in seed storage

2025-03-12T09:29:08+07:00

This research aimed to study the efficacy of plant extracts, including neem seeds, marigold flowers, and sweet flag rhizomes, in controlling the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius)) in seed storage, as well as their effects on rice seed quality. Experimental design followed factorial in CRD with four replications. Plant extracts were analyzed for their chemical composition using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Chemical analysis revealed that the main compound in neem seed extract was trans-13-octadecenoic acid (31.89%), in marigold flower extract was α-tocopherol (11.49%), and in sweet flag rhizome extract was asarone (39.94%). Repellent contact test showed that sweet flag extract had the highest efficacy, repelling 93.92% of lesser grain borers within an hour at 40% concentration, and maintaining its effectiveness throughout the experiment. Insecticidal contact test found that neem and sweet flag extracts at 40% concentration resulted in 100% mortality of lesser grain borers within an hour. The study on preventing infestation in stored rice seeds revealed that woven plastic sacks treated with sweet flag extract provided the highest protection, preventing 93% on the first day of the experiment and maintaining effectiveness for two weeks. The study on the effects of sweet flag extract on rice seed germination showed that woven plastic and gunny sacks treated with the extract had no negative impact on seed germination, with the highest germination rate reaching 96.25% in the fourth week. The research findings indicated that sweet flag has high potential as a natural insect control agent and could be applied for rice seed storage.

The Effect of a Basic Life Support (BLS) Training Program on Knowledge and Skills of Higher School Students in Trang Province

2025-03-24T21:26:24+07:00

This quasi-experimental research aimed to: 1) compare the mean scores of knowledge and skills in basic life support (BLS) before and after the experiment between the experimental and control groups, and 2) compare the mean scores of knowledge and skills between the experimental and control groups. The samples in both experimental and control groups were 49 higher secondary school students received from using the G*Power software for the numbers and using simple random sampling via lottery technique for the sampling method. The research instruments included a BLS training program that incorporated computer-based learning materials and a hands-on practice using a mannequin. The program was conducted twice over a two-week period. The instrument for the experimental control was a BLS skills practice log, while the data collection instruments consisted of a knowledge test and a skills assessment form with reliability coefficients of 0.75 and 0.78, respectively. The obtained data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and the inferential ones including both independent and dependent t-tests. The research findings indicated that the mean of knowledge and skill scores after the experiment in both the experimental and control groups were significantly higher than those before the experiment at the level of 0.01 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the mean scores for knowledge and skills in BLS after the experiment were significantly different between the experimental and control groups at the level of 0.01 (p < 0.01). These findings suggested that the developed BLS training program was effective in enhancing students' knowledge and skills. Implementing this program in schools or training curricula can help equip young individuals with essential life-saving skills for emergency situations.

Effect of the Perceived Self-Efficacy Promoting Program on Knowledge of Rational Antibiotic Use among Nursing Students

2025-03-24T21:30:49+07:00

This quasi-experimental research aimed to compare knowledge scores of rational antibiotic use among nursing students before and after perceived self-efficacy promoting program on knowledge of rational antibiotic use. The sample group was first-year nursing students at Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Trang of the academic year 2024 that was 38 qualified cases. 19 cases were the control group, 19 cases were the experiment group. The research instrument was a perceived self-efficacy promoting program for knowledge of rational antibiotic use developed by the researcher based on Bandura's theory. Data was collected using a questionnaire: personal information questionnaire and knowledge of rational antibiotic use questionnaire. The reliability was analyzed using the Kuder-Richardson (KR-20) formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. The results revealed that the knowledge scores of the experimental group after the end of the program for 1 week more than the control group with statistical significance (t = 8.365, p<0.05). This research suggested that program can be applied to people in the community to Knowledge of Rational Antibiotic Use.