Science, Engineering and Health Studies

Optimal cutting conditions of abrasive waterjet cutting for Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo alpha-beta alloy using the Aquila algorithm method

Ugochukwu Sixtus Nwankiti — 2025-10-02

This article introduces a novel method, namely the Aquila algorithm for optimizing the abrasive waterjet cutting process for machining Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo alpha-beta alloy. The main parameters of the process are the waterjet pressure (WJP), traverse speed (TS) and the stand-off distance (SOD), while material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) are its responses. The Aquila algorithm optimizes the process parameters, thereby declaring the optimal thresholds for improved efficiency. Unlike previous studies, this work accounts for the optimization of the abrasive waterjet cutting parameters, providing direction on how much of each parameter to utilize for optimal performance of the system. Experimental data from the published literature was used to validate the proposed model. After performing the analysis, the optimal parameters at the convergence of the results after 300 iterations were WJP, TS, SOD, and MRR of 260 bar, 40 mm/min, 3 mm, and 164.74 mm³/min, respectively. This is when the response considered is the material removal rate. Considering the surface roughness as the output, the optimal solutions for WJP, TS, SOD, and SR were 256.27 bar, 24.54 mm³/min, 1.00 mm, and 2.54 mm³/min, respectively. The outcomes will assist process engineers in using optimal results for efficient decision-making in the abrasive waterjet machining process for the Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo alpha-beta alloy.

Optimization and parametric economic analysis for carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites with Taguchi-present worth method

Adeyinka Oluwo — 2025-10-02

Within the drilling community, an integrated method of the technical and economic parameters is needed to improve profit margins and for sustainable operations. In this article, a novel framework that establishes the economic dimension of the drilling operation for the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites is presented by fusing the Taguchi method with the present worth method. The present worth, level, interest rate and the value of the optimal parametric setting at the various levels are integrated. Then the optimal points for variables are identified based on derivatives with response tables developed from the orthogonal array and signal-to-noise ratios with parametric ranking. The optimal parametric setting obtained using the Taguchi method was SP₃PA₁FR₃TF₁/TF₃, matched against the optimal result of PW(i)_SP3PW(i)_PA₃PW(i)_FR₃PW(i)_TF₂ for the present worth derivative with respect to n. The Taguchi method yielded 3000 rpm (speed), 100° (point angle), 500 mm/min (feed rate) and 84.23 N (thrust force). However, the optimal results for the present worth derivative with respect to i were interpreted as 3000 rpm (speed), 135° (point angle), 500 mm/min (feed rate) and 197.35 N (thrust force). Moreover, the optimal results regarding the derivative of present worth with respect to n are 1000 rpm (speed), 135° (point angle), 100 mm/min (feed rate) and 197.35 N (thrust force). In addition, when Oke and Fagbolagun's model was deployed, the positions of the parameters/response with respect to the T-PW method’s evaluation were the thrust force (1st, -40.0460), spindle speed (2nd, -51.0999), point angle (3rd, -50.1034) and feed rate (4th, -50.2274). Thus, the work provides help to process engineers to control their operators and for budget planning purposes.

Overview on the potential of renewable energy generation in poultry farms: A case study in the Manjung Region, Malaysia

M. Devendran Manogaran — 2025-10-14

Poultry farming in the Manjung region of Malaysia is constantly expanding to accommodate the country's increase in protein intake. Consequently, poultry farming is facing problems such as high usage of energy and carbon emissions from waste due to a lack of energy alternatives and poor waste management. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the economic feasibility of introducing biogas and solar energy as an alternative energy source in broiler houses. The effectiveness of green energy to sustain the daily operations in the poultry farm was evaluated by calculating and comparing the energy generation from the aforementioned sources, thus reducing dependence on the national power grid and having more affordable, sufficient and environmentally benign energy. For the biogas production, waste from the poultry farms was anaerobically digested to produce methane and carbon dioxide and later methane was used to produce energy through combustion. On the other hand, solar energy was trapped via the photovoltaic modules and converted into electricity which could be used for lighting and ventilation in the poultry farm. Each cycle of biogas production depicted the potential amount of electricity generation at 27,452.04 kWh, which had a surplus of 15,522.04 kWh per cycle. By installing a 100-kW solar system in 25% of the total roofing area of broiler houses in Manjung, with the capacity of producing 12,000 kWh per month when optimal angle of installation of solar panel is achieved, a 5% grid consumption reduction through photovoltaic would be obtainable. This approach has the potential to advance the circular economy within the poultry industry, while also promoting the adoption of carbon-neutral farming practices.

A comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of glazed and open balconies in low-rise residences in moderate climates via field measurements and simulations

Rupal Pachauri — 2025-10-16

A global phenomenon currently prevails in installing an extensive array of glazing systems in multi-unit residential edifices. Some urban occupants are opting to sheath their balconies predominantly with glass to mitigate issues associated with open balconies (OBs), such as glare, pollution, wind, insects, birds, safety and noise and to augment their living space. The effectiveness of glazed balconies (GBs) in cold and warm climates has been extensively debated, and their advantages and disadvantages have been highlighted. Nonetheless, these studies have not examined the issues related to GBs in moderate climates. Hence, this research adopted a comprehensive approach towards user satisfaction, diverse design parameters, climatic conditions and simulation outcomes. This study explored occupants’ satisfaction levels and perceptions towards OBs and GBs via surveys and determined the issues that warranted attention. Furthermore, OBs and GBs were compared and juxtaposed against thermal comfort, temperature and humidity variation, daylight, and wind via field measurement and simulation. Daylight simulations were performed using Rhino and wind analyses using IESVE. The findings indicated that GBs perform better in moderate climates. Moreover, individuals with OBs were inclined towards installing balcony enclosures in the future. GBs considerably increased the temperature and reduced the humidity in comparison with their open counterparts.

Effects of shading and solar reflection from surrounding built environment on building performance

Prateek Bhagat — 2025-10-16

Awareness regarding the threats posed to individuals and property by uncontrolled solar reflections from the built environment has been increasing. Despite the severe adverse effects of uncontrolled solar reflections, legislation governing them is remarkably limited, and existing standards are not widely accepted. Without a proper methodology, designers cannot accurately evaluate the effect of a projected building’s reflections until after construction. This study developed a methodology to investigate the effects of shading and sunlight reflections from surrounding buildings. A toolchain was developed using the parametric design platform Rhino3D and Grasshopper. An existing scenario involving spatially proximal buildings in Gurugram was identified, modelled, and simulated. Compared with a standalone building simulation, the southwest and northwest façades experienced a 12% and 28.9% increase in total solar radiation, respectively, because of reflections from surrounding buildings. These findings demonstrate that standalone building simulations are not reliable predictors of energy consumption. The novel methodology developed in this study can be used to evaluate the effects of shading and sunlight reflections from the surrounding built environment.

Effects of ultrasonic mixing time and microwave irradiation time on biodiesel production from crude tung oil

Kittikorn Sasujit — 2025-10-24

Biodiesel is an eco-friendly alternative energy source for diesel engines that can be synthesized by the transesterification of vegetable oil or animal fat with alcohol. Tung oil (Vernicia montana Lour.) has poor oxidation stability due to the reactivity of the conjugated carbon–carbon double bonds in the constituent α-eleostearic acid. The ultrasonic and microwave-assisted transesterification of tung oil in the presence of an alkaline oxide catalyst was investigated. A laboratory batch process was optimized within parameter ranges for 28 kHz ultrasound mixing (5–20 min), microwave heating (0.5–3 min), methanol-to-oil molar ratio (3–9:1), and KOH catalyst concentration (0.5–1.5% w/w). The maximum transesterification yield was 93.68 ± 1.79%, with a higher heating value of 42.33 MJ/kg, a viscosity of 7.86 cSt, and a fatty acid methyl ester content of 98.83% w/w. The optimal procedure involved 15 minutes of ultrasonic mixing and 2 minutes of microwave heating at a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 8:1 and a KOH concentration of 1.25% w/w at 60 ± 5^°C. The optimized combination of ultrasonic mixing and microwave heating significantly improved the process conditions and product profile, indicating this technique to be an alternative to conventional methods of producing biodiesel.

Development of a low-cost continuous passive motion machine for the enhanced rehabilitation of elderly individuals with osteoarthritis

Siwasit Pitjamit — 2025-11-14

With the increasing global prevalence of osteoarthritis and the expansion of the aging population, this research presents an innovative low-cost continuous passive motion (CPM) machine tailored to meet the specific rehabilitation needs of elderly individuals, particularly those grappling with osteoarthritis. The primary aim of this study was to address the increasing demand for effective knee rehabilitation tools in this population. The newly developed CPM machine offers a versatile range of features, allowing users to customize the treatment times, knee joint motion angles, and speed levels. Statistical analysis demonstrated the accuracy and reliability of the machine, which is designed for knee rehabilitation in elderly individuals. A one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference between the machine’s performance and control units, both in terms of the angle replication and time measurements. The precision and consistency of the device were underscored by the close alignment of the CPM machine with goniometer measurements and the minimal error in time measurements, which did not exceed 2.66% and 0.13% during the first 20 minutes of use. These statistical findings confirm the efficacy of the CPM machine in delivering reliable and accurate knee rehabilitation, with potential benefits for improving quality of life and mobility.

Extraction of d-limonene from pomelo (Citrus maxima) peel waste using solvent-free microwave process and antioxidant activity analysis

Boonta Chutvirasakul — 2025-11-28

Solvent-free microwave assisted extraction has been performed as an efficient green technology for the extraction of d-limonene from pomelo peel waste. This environmentally friendly method does not require solvents or water and can be operated at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The extraction results were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that d-limonene was the most abundant compound in the extracted essential oils, comprising 95% of the total, with an additional 17 compounds detected. For 100 grams of pomelo peel, the energy requirement was 336.0 kJ to achieve the highest yield of 1.2% essential oil by weight of the pomelo peel plant material. The essential oil showed the antioxidant activities of IC50 at 4.87 + 0.06 mg/mL using ABTS radical scavenging assay.

Exploratory study on usability and product emotion testing of mechanic prosthetic hand usage

Novie Susanto — 2025-12-12

Metic Hand testing is known as a more economical and widespread in Indonesian society than bionic hand. The rapid development of mechanic prosthetic hand only focuses their function during the prototype test, without considering the usability and user emotion. The need of ergonomics, safe and aesthetic product are as important as the function. Therefore, this research aims to test usability of the mechanic prosthetic hand using the therapy equIpment for hand disorder evaluation and product emotion measurement tools (PrEmo). Daily tasks were assigned to one respondent to determine their usability, while thirty-five respondents were tested to determine the product emotion. The product usability performance criteria based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was explored using ISO 9241-11, which consists of efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction criteria. In addition, the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use and PrEmo tool questionnaires were used to determine the respondents’ subjective pleasure and usefulness. Usability Levels are known to be in excellent and good status. It captures special feeling from respondents when used has some disadvantages that need to be corrected. The results of the emotional assessment provide inputs from the respondents were in the form of products shape, stiffness, texture and skin-like color.

Sesquiterpenoids in Aquilaria oil and their medicinal insights: A structured review

Zakiah Mohd Yusoff — 2025-12-16

Aquilaria oil, widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has long been valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties in treating ailments such as pain, inflammation, and fever. Despite extensive studies on its sesquiterpenoid content, the full medicinal potential of these compounds remains underexplored. This structured review systematically analyzed 177 articles from Scopus and Web of Science, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria, focusing on three main themes: biological activities, chemical characterization, and ethnobotanical and medicinal insights. The findings show that sesquiterpenoids in Aquilaria oil are predominantly humulane- and eudesmane-type compounds, frequently linked to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Current trends also highlight growing use of DNA barcoding and chemical profiling for species authentication and oil quality evaluation. Moreover, ethnobotanical evidence consistently supports its role as a sedative and immune-modulating agent, increasingly validated by pharmacological studies. Collectively, these insights underscore the therapeutic relevance of Aquilaria sesquiterpenoids and identify promising pathways for drug discovery and sustainable utilization.

Machine learning and experimental design for optimizing nitrogen-rich extract from cassava leaves via liquid hot water extraction

Sirada Subjalearndee — 2025-12-16

Cassava leaves are a significant source of nitrogen; however, the severity of the physicochemical extraction processes negatively affects nitrogen release. The objective of this study was to enhance nitrogen-rich extract recovery from cassava leaves through a comparative analysis of various experimental designs and machine learning (ML) techniques. Using the Plackett–Burman design, central composite design, and response surface methodology, the optimal extraction conditions were established: 20 min extraction time, 40% solid loading, and 150 mL extraction volume. The predicted amino nitrogen content reached 209 mg of N, showing a 6% deviation from the experimentally measured value. ML models—specifically, the support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel and random forest (RF)—were subsequently employed to refine the extraction conditions. The RF model showed a 6.6% deviation from the actual value, while both models identified the positive impact of increased solid loading on the total nitrogen recovery. These findings suggest that ML approaches offer promising potential for maximizing the amino nitrogen yield from cassava leaves.

Au-loaded TiO2: A photocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production with formic acid as a hole scavenger

Karnnapus Dangsakol — 2025-12-19

Three methods successfully synthesized the TiO₂ photocatalysts: sol-gel, solvothermal, and flame spray pyrolysis. Au was loaded onto the synthesized TiO₂ photocatalysts via three methods: incipient impregnation, photo-deposition, and single-step doping. All synthesized TiO₂ photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, N₂ physisorption, TEM, UV-vis spectroscopy, H₂ chemisorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results pointed out that only sol-gel and solvothermal methods could provide the pure anatase-phase TiO₂. The anatase-phase, mesoporous-agglomeration structure of nano-crystallite size particles, suitable pore diameter, and relatively high surface area of the solvothermal-synthesized TiO₂ were the key properties that played important roles in maximizing its pristine-form photocatalytic activity in hydrogen production via photodegradation of formic acid under visible light irradiation. With Au loading by the photo-deposition method, the highest dispersion of Au on the TiO₂ surface and an acceptably low recombination rate of electron-hole pairs were achieved, yielding the most desirable Au-loaded, solvothermal-synthesized TiO₂ photocatalyst with the highest H₂ production rate of ~6,000 mmol_H2/h/g_cat.

Analysis of important factors influencing customer satisfaction from food delivery personnel’s perspective during COVID-19 in Thailand

Natissareeya Suksrimuang — 2025-12-30

Food delivery services became an essential solution for consumers and restaurants to minimize contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help food delivery services adapt and survive, this study aimed to evaluate the perspectives of food delivery personnel on the crucial factors affecting customer satisfaction with food delivery services in Thailand amidst the outbreak. The questionnaires derived from SERVQUAL included tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Descriptive analysis, analysis of importance scores, and comparison of service quality aspects across different platforms were conducted from the food delivery personnel's point of view. The results indicated that the assurance aspect had a higher mean score than all the other aspects. From the perspective of both food couriers and users, knowledge of COVID-19 prevention measures was the most crucial factor during the pandemic. However, the cleanliness of the food delivery personnel’s attire and the correct delivery of the ordered food were critical factors that differed between customers and food delivery personnel. Therefore, food delivery service providers should focus on other attributes, especially those that are important from the customer’s perspective, to ensure effective management and control. In summary, the collaboration of all parties involved in food delivery services, including food courier providers, customers, and the government, is crucial for enhancing food delivery services in Thailand.

Performance of up-flow microbial fuel cells in synthetic landfill leachate treatment explained by discrete effects of hydraulic retention time and initial substrate concentration

Songyot Mongkulphit — 2025-12-31

This study aimed to explain the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) using hydraulic retention time (HRT) and initial substrate concentration (C₀) independently. In two experiments, synthetic landfill leachate (35 L/d) was applied to up-flow MFCs at 6 different HRTs and 6 different C₀s. Water quality parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nutrient content were analyzed during the process. The up-flow MFCs produced 1–80 mW/m² of power density with removal efficiencies of 30–87% for COD, 3–84% for total nitrogen (TN), and 8–71% for total phosphorus (TP), during the leachate treatment. Multiple regression analysis of the entire data set revealed that HRT and C₀ had a favorable effect on the removal rates of COD (R_rate,COD) and TN (R_rate,TN). TP removal rate (R_rate,TP) was found to be positively influenced by initial TP concentration (C_0,TP) but negatively influenced by HRT. In terms of electricity generation, HRT, followed by coulombic efficiency (CE), R_rate,COD, initial COD concentration (C_0,COD), internal resistance (R_in), and R_rate,TPwere identified as significant elements whose increase could boost power density production. The MFC performance was found to be consistent and reproducible under similar operating conditions.

Deep learning-based image denoising method

Nosina Krishna Chaitanya — 2025-12-31

Image denoising is crucial in image processing and computer vision. Noise present in digital images captured by cameras, smart phones, and other devices can severely degrade image quality and negatively impact image-based tasks such as object recognition and image segmentation. Image-denoising algorithms aim to remove the noise from the images while preserving their key features. Deep learning-based methods have demonstrated better performance than conventional ones. In light of these developments, a novel image-denoising method was proposed based on a deep neural network that utilizes both residual connections and attention mechanisms. This method was trained on a large dataset of noisy and clean images to learn the mapping between the two. This technique achieved state-of-the-art denoising performance on various benchmarks and exhibited excellent generalization capability to real-world noisy images. In addition, it was computationally efficient and could process high-resolution images in real time.

Impact of utilizing refined glycerol as an energy source on broiler performance and meat quality

Pichet Sriboonyong — 2025-10-29

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using refined glycerol as an energy source in a broiler diet on productive performance and meat quality. The 2,000, one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments for 35 days. The chicks were fed the basal diet of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% refined glycerol. Each treatment was composed of 10 replicates with 50 birds per replicate (25 males and 25 females). The results revealed that using 5% refined glycerol in the broiler diet did not affect growth performance, but the addition of 7.5% refined glycerol negatively affected feed intake, weight gain, and performance index. However, using up to 7.5% refined glycerol in the diet did not affect the carcass traits and meat quality. Therefore, refined glycerol is suitable for use as an energy source and can be used up to 5% in the diet without adverse effects on growth performance and up to 7.5% with no effect on carcass traits and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Isolation of peat soil bacteria producing antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium

Dede Mahdiyah — 2025-11-26

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat to public health, demanding the discovery of novel antibacterial agents. Peat soil is an extreme environment that can be used to isolate bacteria that produce bioactive compounds. This study examined the antibacterial activity of peat soil bacteria against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. Peat soil bacteria were isolated using tryptone soy agar (TSA), and their morphology and characteristics were assessed (Gram staining, catalase activity). The antibacterial activity of these bacteria was examined using the well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each isolated substance was determined using the dilution method, and the minimum bactericidal concentration was determined by the spread plate method. Nine bacterial isolates, termed peat soil bacteria-1–9 (PSB1–9), were obtained at dilutions of 1 × 10⁻⁷–1 × 10⁻¹ on TSA. Of these, PSB-7, PSB-8, and PSB-9 exhibited potential antibacterial activity against S. Typhimurium and E. coli. These isolates were characterized as Gram-positive rods. The MICs of PSB-7–9 against E. coli were 4, 3, and 3 mg/mL, respectively. For S. Typhimurium, the MICs were 3, 4, and 4 mg/mL, respectively. However, none of the isolates exhibited bactericidal activity against either pathogen.

Browning inhibition and lipid peroxidation change of fresh-cut romaine lettuce by arginine treatment

Phrutiya Nilprapruck — 2025-12-03

This study aimed to assess the effect of sodium arginine on browning inhibition and lipid peroxidation in fresh-cut romaine lettuce kept for 15 days at 6±1 °C and 85% relative humidity. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with four treatments: The romaine lettuce was immersed in 0 (distilled water), 1 mM, 10 mM, and 20 mM arginine for 10 min. These results showed that the use of 20mM arginine can inhibit browning compared to other treatments. Reduced levels of phenolic compounds and phenylalanine ammonia lyase were linked to the suppression of browning in romaine lettuce, although polyphenol oxidase activity increased during storage. Additionally, there were studies on the change in lipid peroxidation, which is one of the causes of membrane deterioration. The result indicated that arginine can reduce the process of lipid peroxidation related to the decrease of lipoxygenase activity, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content compared with the control. The inhibition of stress tolerance by arginine could relate to its influence on metabolic pathways, cellular signaling, or oxidative stress. Arginine enhances stress tolerance, which leads to the production of polyamines that stabilize cell membranes and proteins, scavenge reactive oxygen species, and regulate ion channels, enhancing stress resilience. Hence, these results indicated that arginine treatment inhibited browning symptoms and membrane damage in the process of lipid peroxidation.

Impacts of precision fertilization combined with alternate wetting–drying water management on yield, production costs, and the environment in irrigated rice-growing systems

Auraiwan Isuwan — 2025-12-12

A comparative study was conducted to investigate the effects of implementing precision fertilization (PF) practices combined with alternate wetting and drying (AWD) water management on yields, financial costs, and environmental impacts in irrigated rice growing systems. A paired comparison t-test design with 10 replications was used. Two rice-growing models were compared: Model 1 combined PF and AWD and Model 2 combined farmer-experience-based fertilization with a continuous flooding system. The PF was performed based on the recommendations of the All-rice1 smartphone app. The rice fields under Model 1 resulted in higher paddy yields (p<0.05), by 32.71% on average, compared with those under Model 2, leading to a higher net profit of 12,935 THB per ha (p<0.05). In addition, in the rice fields under Model 1, a range of 11 selected life cycle environmental impact indicators, comprising climate change (71.60%), acidification potential (52.78%), freshwater eutrophication potential (54.84%), marine eutrophication potential (62.50%), human health toxicity—cancer effects (65.56%), human health toxicity—non cancer effects (55.38%), particulate matter (56.20%), photochemical ozone formation potential (74.07%), terrestrial eutrophication potential (52.92%), ecotoxicity for aquatic freshwater (73.96%) and ozone depletion potential (77.22%) were significantly lower than those using Model 2 (p<0.05). In conclusion, the adoption of the PF combined with AWD not only increased rice production levels but also increased economic benefits and reduced the environmental impact indicators of irrigated rice growing systems.

Enhanced biotransformation of starch to β-cyclodextrin by using high viability of immobilized Escherichia coli on hollow fiber membrane as whole cell biocatalyst

Nurul Nabila Huda Baharudin — 2025-12-18

Application of biological processes to chemocatalysis through biotransformation of a substrate with assistance of whole cells increases efficiency of the entire process. Cell’s ability to excrete enzymes into extracellular space is crucial in a process of whole cell biocatalysis. However, issues with cell lysis and stability are frequently encountered when using free cell biocatalysts, particularly Escherichia coli. In this study, cell immobilization was studied to overcome these bottlenecks. The effects of process parameters, such as agitation rate, concentration of substrate, temperature, pH, and reaction time, on the production of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), the excretion of β-cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (β-CGTase), and cell lysis using immobilized recombinant E. coli on a hollow fiber membrane as whole cell biocatalyst were investigated. The optimum parameters were as follows: agitation rate, 200 rpm; starch, 4%; temperature, 40°C; reaction time, 4 h; and pH 6, with 5.25–6.14 mg/mL β-CD, 29.88–35.13 U/mL β-CGTase excretion, and 0.3–1.35 U/mL β-galactosidase activity. The immobilized cells exhibited a 11–14-fold increase in β-CD, 17–19-fold increase in β-CGTase excretion, and a 92% reduction of cell lysis compared with the free cells. Therefore, the high viability of the immobilized cell was considered valuable for the efficient biotransformation of starch to β-CD.

Performance of vetiver grass and aeration on chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus removal from surface water of the Chiang Mai moat

Pimpawat Teeratitayangkul — 2025-12-22

The polluted water of Chiang Mai’s iconic moat negatively impacts the city’s image, affecting perceptions among both residents and visitors. Furthermore, contamination of the moat poses significant risks to public health, underscoring the urgent need for cost-effective and sustainable remediation strategies. To achieve this goal, the implementation of bio-phytoremediation, using vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Roberty), was proposed as a promising solution to this problem. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of vetiver grass, in combination with aeration, for removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nutrients from the moat’s water. Water samples collected from the moat were used in experimental setups, where hydroponically grown vetiver grass was cultivated on floating platforms, with some setups incorporating aeration and others without. A control group without vetiver platforms or aeration was also included. The results obtained demonstrated that the combination of vetiver grass and aeration yielded the highest removal efficiencies, achieving 96.38% COD removal (kCOD = -5×10^-4 h^-1), 91.57% NH₃-N removal, and 70.59% total nitrogen (TN) removal (kTN = -0.115 h^-1). Total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiency was approximately 70% for both the vetiver platform with aeration, and the vetiver platform alone (kTP = -1×10^-4 h^-1). This study demonstrates the potential of vetiver grass as an effective bio-phytoremediation agent for the treatment of urban surface water. Implementing this approach in Chiang Mai’s moat could improve the city’s appearance, protect public health, promote sustainable water management, and do so in a cost-effective manner.

Evaluation of antidiabetic and antibacterial activities of Horsfieldia macrothyrsa leaves extracts

Megawati Megawati — 2025-12-30

Cold maceration was used to extracting Horsfieldia macrothyrsa leaves with high lignan and alkaloid contents along with antidiabetic properties from methanol. This work examined the antidiabetic and antibacterial activities of methanol extract and other fractions from H. macrothyrsa leaves, utilizing α-glucosidase and antibacterial inhibition methods against some bacterial targets including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis. This study found that the methanol extract (HMM) and ethyl acetate fraction of H. macrothyrsa (HME) leaves have antidiabetic potential, with IC₅₀values of 7.318 ± 0.57 and 6.694 ± 0.44 μg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, only the ethyl acetate (HME) fraction exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus with MIC/MBC values at concentrations of 0.31/0.31 mg/L and 0.63/0.63 mg/L, respectively. As a result, the HME fraction was separated into 13 fractions using a gravity column chromatography method. The results revealed that the HME column chromatography fractions, namely F11 and F12, had the highest antidiabetic values. The best inhibitory power against all bacteria tested has been shown by F2 and F3, which have an inhibitory capacity of 8.67± 0.47 mm against S. aureus and 9.00 ± 0.00 mm B. subtilis bacteria on with MIC/MB values of 0.15/>0.15 mg/L. The HME fraction contained several bioactive compouds including the 7-hydroxy-3-methoxyflavone-2'-carboxylic acid and 8-acetyl harpagide, whereas the alkaloid group had 4-[(3R)-3-[Bis((2R)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)amino]]benzamide and 1,1–dimethylethyl 4-(4-aminobutyl)-1 piperidinecarboxylate, were also detected these compounds were tentatively identified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS). These findings suggest that H. macrothyrsa leaves may have dual advantages as a reducing agent suggesting potential antidiabetic activity of avoiding diabetes (under 25 μg/mL) and against bacteria S. aureus and E. coli.

Transforming herbal medicines: Integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmaceutical advancements

Madhavi G. Patel — 2025-11-06

Herbal medicines have been known for centuries for healing and maintaining human health; according to the WHO, over 80% of the world’s population relies on them for primary healthcare. Different countries and cultures have their own traditional medicine systems that utilize natural products, and humans have utilized that vast reservoir of knowledge for the benefit of society. Over time, the availability of standardized conventional medicines has decreased interest in herbal medicines. However, following the emergence of life-threatening viral diseases, interest in herbal medicines has resurged, leading to their increased use as remedies or for preventive purposes. However, the inconsistent quality, arising from issues such as authenticity, geographical origin, species variation, and a lack of quality control, has cast doubt on the efficacy of these natural treatments. Currently, advancements in sophisticated techniques for establishing herbal standards, including modern extraction technologies such as supercritical fluid, ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted extraction; analytical tools like HPLC-MS, spectroscopy, and DNA barcoding; and in silico approaches such as computational drug screening and network pharmacology, have renewed interest in herbal medicines. Historically, herbal medicines were prepared in traditional dosage forms, which have evolved into standardized preparations through scientific advancement. Modernizing the field through the development of nano-formulation, the enhancement of extraction and analytical techniques, and the application of DNA fingerprinting, biotechnological screening, and computational methods is establishing pharmacological efficacy and standardization. These innovations provide the proof of concept needed to convert ancient knowledge into modern remedies. Various formulation approaches, representing pharmaceutical innovations in herbal medicines, have been found to increase bioavailability by up to 5-50 times and improve the stability of dosage forms, resulting in enhanced efficacy. Recognizing these advancements, many countries have begun to regulate herbal products similarly to conventional medicines, implementing standards such as good manufacturing practices. The herbal market is expected to reach $437 billion by 2032, and these developments, combined with regulatory improvements, are assisting herbal treatments in gaining international recognition. Although herbal products are generally regarded as safe, multidisciplinary studies are needed to validate their safety and efficacy. Establishing clinical efficacy through clinical trials should be a primary focus of future research. With these innovations, herbal medicine holds the potential to address many challenges associated with chronic and communicable diseases.

A comprehensive review of polymeric bioinks for vat photopolymerization 3D bioprinting: Theories, current advances, progress, and pharmaceutic applications

Phuvamin Suriyaamporn — 2025-12-03

Polymeric bioinks utilized in vat photopolymerization 3D bioprinting represent a novel technology in pharmaceutical applications, enabling the precise creation of complex drug delivery systems and groundbreaking approaches to personalized medicine. Vat photopolymerization methods regulate the polymerization of photosensitive bioinks by sequentially creating precise layers through light exposure. These polymeric bioinks are formulated from biocompatible materials comprising polymers, photoinitiators, photoabsorbers, plasticizers, and additives. Frequently utilized biocompatible polymers comprise gelatin methacryloyl, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, and hyaluronic acid methacrylate. Critical parameters for these bioinks and the printing process include viscosity, temperature, printability, and fidelity, as well as mechanical properties, light intensity, exposure time, layer thickness, and post-processing. In pharmaceuticals, vat photopolymerization, a significant breakthrough in personalized medicine, is used to construct drug delivery devices for drug discovery and screening. Due to the high precision of this technology, it is possible to manufacture dosage forms with the desired release profile tailored to the patient, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the drug and patient compliance. Polymeric bioinks thus offer a novel approach to the production of pharmaceuticals through vat photopolymerization 3D bioprinting. Additional research has been directed toward the optimization of bioink characteristics to improve clinical outcomes and the customization of healthcare, revolutionizing the medical and pharmaceutical landscape through synergistic 3D bioprinting.

Towards efficient furfural production: A review of biphasic solvent systems for enhanced yields and industrial scalability

Kritsana Namhaed — 2025-12-12

Furfural, a valuable platform chemical with wide industrial applications, has been produced for decades. Renewed interest in biorefinery processes has driven efforts to improve its production and expand industrial applications. However, challenges in achieving high furfural yield and purity after recovery remain significant bottlenecks. Coupling the reaction with simultaneous separation has emerged as a promising approach, with biphasic solvent systems gaining significant research attention. This review consolidates recent progress in using organic solvents within biphasic systems for furfural production from both simple sugars and raw biomass, covering both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic systems, as well as batch and continuous operation modes. Key topics include the formation and mechanisms underlying biphasic systems, which provide insights for process design, and an analysis of factors influencing furfural yields, aiding in reaction optimization. Strategies to enhance process efficiency-such as solvent selection and tuning, phase ratio adjustment, catalyst stabilization, and integration into continuous-flow systems-are discussed in detail. The impact of these strategies on catalytic performance and furfural selectivity is highlighted, along with a techno-economic analysis showing a promising minimum selling price. Finally, this review addresses the opportunities, challenges, and limitations associated with advancing furfural production in biphasic solvent systems.

Biomarkers in cardiovascular disease: Insights into diagnosis, risk stratification, and emerging therapeutic approaches

Aminu Jibril Sufyan — 2025-12-30

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to constitute a significant global health concern, playing a significant role in premature deaths and increasing healthcare expenditures. Its complex etiology and varied clinical manifestations present substantial challenges to both healthcare systems and individual health outcomes. Despite the numerous diagnostic methodologies available for the management of CVD, further extensive research is needed to elucidate the complex interrelationship between distinct factors, optimize biomarkers for early detection, and understand the critical role of certain proteins in CVD pathogenesis. Biomarkers such as cardiac troponins, hFABP, c-MyC, ANP, BNP, MRproADM, copeptin, CRP, IL-6, GDF-15, soluble ST2, galectin-3, soluble CD40 ligand, P-selectin, Lp-PLA2, MMP-9, catecholamines, granin proteins, and secretoneurin have significant diagnostic value for numerous CVDs. This review concisely summarizes the global impact of cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors and discusses the roles of biomarkers in cardiovascular diagnostic processes. This review further discusses various therapeutic approaches, both current and emerging, that are applicable for curtailing different CVDs in the future.

Formulation of Andrographis tablet from the antisolvent semi-purified Andrographis extract

Nattawat Nattapulwat — 2025-02-25

Andrographis paniculata extract, administered at 180 mg/day of andrographolide for 5 consecutive days, has been used to treat mild cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This research formulated 30 mg film-coated tablets of andrographolide, derived from a partially purified extract of Andrographis obtained using the antisolvent technique. The powdered extract was combined with microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide to create core tablets through the wet granulation method. These core tablets were then film-coated. The Andrographis extract powder contained 40.27±1.18% andrographolide. The average weights of the core and film-coated tablets were 381.9 mg and 392.4 mg, respectively, each contained 31.0 of andrographolide. The average friability and hardness of the core tablets were 0.12±0.01% and 8.7±0.2 kg, respectively. The film-coated tablets completely disintegrated within 23 min, and the distribution of the extracted content in the tablet was uniform. The Andrographis tablets used in this study met all USP criteria.

Factors affecting lung function among motorcycle taxi drivers in Thonburi district, Bangkok

Alongkot Prasansri — 2025-05-27

Motorcycle taxi drivers are another occupational group whose work inevitably exposes them to air pollution. This exposure places them at a higher risk of respiratory diseases and impaired lung function. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to determine the prevalence of respiratory diseases and lung function impairments, along with their associated factors. A total of 208 participants were interviewed, and their lung function was tested using spirometry. The lung function parameters evaluated included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), and forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC). The prevalence of abnormal lung function was found to be 53.85%. Moreover, the results also showed the prevalence of respiratory symptoms: coughing, phlegm, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Factors associated with impaired lung function were identified, including being in the age 40–49-year age group, which significantly increase the risk of impaired lung function. Conversely, being overweight was found to reduce the risk. The study suggests that a surveillance system for monitoring lung function among motorcycle taxi drivers can focus on drivers aged 40 years and above, those who are underweight and at risk of impaired lung function, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, particularly coughing, as it is a key factor associated with lung function impairment.

Comprehension of labels of hazardous chemical household products among consumers

Kirana Roonnaphai — 2025-09-18

This study investigated the comprehension of chemical hazard labels according to the globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals (GHS), aiming to determine the factors associated with comprehension of GHS labels. The study participants included 310 Bangkok residents. Individuals were surveyed regarding demographics, use of hazardous chemical household products, and perceptions and comprehension of GHS labels. The results indicated that only 11.9% of the participants had a proficient level of correct perception of GHS labels, and 11.6% possessed a proficient level of comprehension. A significant association was found between proficient perception of the GHS labels, employment in government or private sectors, and comprehension of the GHS labels. This study's results can be used to develop more effective risk communication strategies that effectively convey product hazards to consumers, thereby reducing potential dangers from hazardous chemical household products.

Self-management as a determinant of quality of life in Thai patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A cross-sectional study

Prapatsinee Prapaiwong — 2025-09-23

The current study aimed to determine whether certain variables, particularly self-management, were significantly associated with quality of life (QoL) among Thai patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A cross-sectional design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected from 92 patients undergoing CAPD at Banphaeo Dialysis Center, Bangkok using self-administered questionnaires and a body composition monitor. They were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the mean score for overall self-management capabilities was 3.36, indicating a good level of self-management, whereas the mean score for overall QoL was 63.16, indicating a fair level. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the diet and fluid restriction component of self-management was a significant determinant of the overall QoL and SF-36 general health QoL, that the medications component of self-management was a significant determinant of the overall QoL and end-stage kidney disease-specific QoL, and that the duration of CAPD treatment was a determinant of the SF-36 general health QoL.

Experiences regarding exclusive breastfeeding practice among ethnic minority mothers in rural areas of Bokeo province, Lao PDR

Krissana Kapheak — 2025-10-24

This qualitative study explores exclusive breastfeeding practices among ethnic minority mothers in Bokeo province, Lao PDR. Utilizing purposive sampling, the research engaged 36 ethnic mothers from five different villages, identified with the help of local health volunteers. This method ensured a diverse group of participants, representing various ethnic backgrounds, age groups, parity levels, and socioeconomic statuses within this marginalized region. The study investigates the intricate interplay between cultural traditions, socioeconomic challenges, and limited healthcare access that shape breastfeeding practices. Through in-depth interviews with these ethnic mothers, it unveils their unique experiences and decision-making processes regarding breastfeeding. Key findings highlight the influence of traditional beliefs such as colostrum avoidance and complementary feeding, alongside economic pressures that compel mothers to resume work soon after childbirth. Additionally, the limited access to healthcare information and support emerged as a significant barrier to exclusive breastfeeding. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive health interventions, enhanced community engagement, and supportive policies tailored to the specific needs of breastfeeding mothers in ethnically diverse, rural areas. Addressing this issue should involve a variety of measures, particularly community engagement. Involving community leaders or experienced members who have practiced breastfeeding can enhance cooperation from nursing mothers significantly.

Use of herbal products and associated factors among patients with non-communicable diseases in a rural northern Thai community: A cross-sectional study

Chanadda Wuttikul — 2025-11-11

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of herbal product use and associated factors among patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the community of Phayao province via home visits. Data were collected from 361 patients at three sub-district health-promoting hospitals using a developed structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were established. The results showed that 61.2% of patients used herbal products, totaling 398 items, with herbal extracts being the most common (30.4%). The primary purpose was treating or relieving symptoms of illness. Factors associated with increased herbal use included age over 60 years (aOR 2.11; 95% CI 1.14–3.91), monthly income below 10,000 THB (aOR 3.47; 95% CI 1.27–9.52), former smoking status (aOR 5.78; 95%CI 1.31–25.50), use of multiple health centers (aOR 2.46; 95% CI 1.55–3.92), receiving treatment at private hospitals/clinics (aOR 6.08; 95% CI 1.15–32.07), and obtaining information about herbal products from social media (aOR 3.49; 95%CI 1.87–6.52). Herbal product use is prevalent among rural patients with NCDs in Thailand. Influencing factors include patient characteristics (older age, former smoking), socioeconomic status, healthcare utilization patterns, and information sources. Healthcare providers should be aware of these trends to ensure safe and effective patient care for NCDs in rural settings.

Fabrication of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots for antioxidant applications

Koranat Dechsri — 2025-11-11

Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted attention because of their unique optical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of synthesis. Recently, CDs have demonstrated significant antioxidant activity due to their high surface functionalization, which enables them to effectively interact with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. In this study, we aimed to synthesize nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (NS-CDs) using a microwave-assisted pyrolysis method, incorporating varying concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The optimal formulation, 20-NS-CDs, was further assessed for total phenolic content and intracellular ROS. Finally, biocompatibility was evaluated using an MTT assay. The results revealed that the 20-NS-CDs had a particle size of 4.35 ± 1.84 nm and demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, as indicated by the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of approximately 0.96 ± 0.03 mg/mL. The total phenolic content was 21.1 ± 1.27 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram (mg GAE/g), consistent with previous studies, and the antioxidant activity was confirmed by a reduction in intracellular fluorescence in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the ability of 20-NS-CDs to scavenge free radicals holds significant potential for applications in health and environmental sciences.

Development and validation of a reliable reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying triterpenes in Centella asiatica: A step towards quality control of herbal products

Kittipat Suwanpitak — 2025-11-21

Centella asiatica (C. asiatica), a medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological properties, contains triterpenes with pharmaceutical activity, including madecassoside (MC), asiaticoside (AC), madecassic acid (MA), and asiatic acid (AA). However, the current assay for these triterpenes in the United States Pharmacopeia 36–National Formulary 31 could be enhanced with improved compound separation and shorter analysis times. A new reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated, which utilized a C18 column with low-pressure gradient elution and a rapidly altered mobile phase ratio (acetonitrile and 0.3% v/v phosphoric acid in water). This method offered significantly reduced analysis times and suitable peak shapes for all triterpenes. The retention times were 11.49, 11.84, 14.67, and 15.74 min for MC, AC, MA, and AA, respectively. The method displayed linearity (R² > 0.9907) across a 0.01–0.25 mg/mL range, and its accuracy was confirmed by spiked sample recoveries of 90.60%–111.50%. The repeatability and intermediate precision were outstanding, with percentage of relative standard deviations lower than 1.31% for all triterpenes. This validated RP-HPLC method offers an accurate and time-saving alternative for analyzing C. asiatica triterpenes, providing a practical solution for the pharma-ceutical and herbal product industries.

Cost and use of ‘Wann Pra Chim’ gel in U-Thong hospital: A 5-year retrospective study

Theerada Taesotikul — 2025-11-21

The development of medicinal plants for hospital use, akin to traditional medicine formulations, requires comprehensive fact-sheet information for support. This study aimed to retrieve and analyze data from the hospital information system on the use of “Wann Pra Chim” gel, which is developed in-house by U-Thong hospital. Over a 5-year period, a total of 4,320 patient records were analyzed, with a higher number of outpatient department (OPD) cases than inpatient department (IPD) cases. The majority of patients were general employees, unemployed individuals, and farmers. Physicians were the primary prescribers of the gel, accounting for the highest total gel volume. The most common diagnoses based on ICD-10 codes for which the gel was prescribed included assault by explosive material, pemphigus, and decubitus ulcers and pressure areas. A comparative cost analysis revealed that “Wann Pra Chim” gel had the lowest cost compared to two commercial alternatives, demonstrating its benefits in terms of cost and usage in volume for both OPD and IPD patients.

Pathogen patterns and clinical outcomes of empirical antibiotic treatment in cholangitis: Single-center retrospective study

Potjamarn Treethammakul — 2025-11-25

This retrospective cohort study determines patterns of pathogens and empirical antibiotic treatment among patients with cholangitis. We examined the clinical response and in-hospital all-cause mortality between empirical antibiotic treatment among patients with acute cholangitis at a general hospital in northeast Thailand. The Nelson-Aalen estimator and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve were respectively used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The prevalence of pathogens and patterns of empirical antibiotics used were also studied. Among 232 patients, 90 patients (38.8%) had positive blood/bile cultures with 107 pathogenic organisms. The most prevalent non-resistant bacteria were Escherichia coli (35.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.2%), to which all were susceptible to ceftriaxone and meropenem. About 16.8% of E. coli isolates exhibited ceftriaxone resistance, but all were sensitive to carbapenems. No difference was noted in clinical response and mortality rates between carbapenem-based and cephalosporin-based regimens (adjusted HR (aHR), 0.88; 95% CI, 0.66–1.19; p = 0.42 and 0.36; 95% CI 0.10–1.28; p = 0.12, respectively). In empirical antibiotic treatment of acute cholangitis, a carbapenem-based regimen demonstrated the same clinical response and mortality rate as a cephalosporin-based regimen; however, carbapenems should only be used among patients at high risk of resistant infections.

Development and evaluation of a triphala-based throat spray: Physicochemical properties, stability, and pharmacological potency

Phuvamin Suriyaamporn — 2025-12-03

Throat sprays are widely used, act quickly, and can help relieve a sore throat from several viral or bacterial infection. There are many types of throat sprays available today, depending on different components such as chemical compounds and herbal extracts. Triphala, a herb, consists of three dried fruits: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica. The chemical compounds in Triphala mainly consist of gallic acid, polyphenol, and tannin. These compounds have been reported to exhibit high antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects. Then, this study aimed to develop a throat spray containing Triphala extract with suitable physicochemical properties, pharmacological potency and stability. Throat sprays with Triphala extract were investigated for their physicochemical (physical characteristics, pH, spray ability, and viscosity) and pharmacological properties (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity). All formulations exhibited suitable sprayability, with pH values ranging from 3.2 to 4.2 and no significant differences observed. The formulations showed significantly higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities than the control. A stability study was performed over five weeks under three storage conditions. The formula containing 0.25% v/v Triphala extract exhibited suitable physicochemical and pharmacological properties. Moreover, the 0.25% v/v Triphala extract throat spray showed no precipitation under the three storage conditions, and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities did not change significantly after storage. This study demonstrated a novel, suitable Triphala extract throat spray formulation as an alternative treatment for sore throat.

Effects of fluoroquinolone on mitral and aortic regurgitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Yawee Sricoth — 2025-12-08

This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of fluoroquinolones on mitral and aortic regurgitation. Seven electronic databases were searched for relevant research data published in English and Thai between the database’s inception and September 30, 2022, including additional records from Silpakorn University and Chulalongkorn University’s online theses databases. This systematic review included studies that compared the effects of fluoroquinolones and other antibiotic classes on the occurrence of mitral and aortic valve regurgitation. Subsequently, the quality of the research was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Of the 2,891 articles identified, two eligible studies were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis examined different exposure periods and discovered that individuals who received fluoroquinolones within 30 days and within one year had a similar risk of developing mitral and aortic valve regurgitation compared to those who received other groups of antibiotics. Specifically, the risk of mitral and aortic regurgitation associated with fluoroquinolones was comparable to that of amoxicillin and macrolides. Overall, the meta-analysis found no association between fluoroquinolone use and the development of mitral and aortic regurgitation.

Green technology extraction of Dictyophora indusiata at the egg stage: Unveiling the antioxidant potential and bioactive components for cosmetic applications

Jatuporn Prathumtet — 2025-12-12

Mushrooms have been introduced as potential sources of natural antioxidants. Different bioactive components and antioxidant activity have been reported for different extraction methods. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the bioactive components and antioxidant activity of Dictyophora indusiata in eggs extracted with water using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), and hot water extraction (HWE). The results indicated that the extract yields ranged from 12.33 ± 0.42% to 15.60 ± 1.44%. UAE exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity in the 2,2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-acid) assay (IC₅₀ of 5.68 ± 0.09 mg/mL), whereas HWE demonstrated the best antioxidant activity in both the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Furthermore, the MAE yielded the highest total polysaccharide content (746.75 ± 3.04 mg glucose/g extract). The highest total phenolic content (9.73 ± 0.28 mg gallic acid/g extract) was observed in UAE. The total flavonoid content, a subtype of phenolic compounds, was enriched in HWE and UAE (3.96 ± 0.03 and 3.96 ± 0.12 mg quercetin/g extract, respectively). In summary, UAE was shown to be a promising method for extracting bioactive components with antioxidant activity, offering advantages in reducing extraction time and temperature, which is appropriate for cosmeceutical applications.

Effects of patella tendon and hydrostatic ankle foot orthoses on foot plantar pressure and pain: Pilot study in healthy subjects

Chotika Suvipalawat — 2025-12-12

This study compared the efficacy of three ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) designs: patellar tendon bearing AFO (PTB-AFO), hydrostatic AFO (H-AFO), and hydrostatic AFO with a four-ply sock (H4-AFO). The research explored pressure distribution on the leg and foot, potential correlations with gender, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and pain scores between PTB-AFO and H4-AFO. Six healthy participants were included, and the study revealed that PTB-AFO effectively reduced plantar pressure, while H-AFO displayed lower average leg pressure than H4-AFO. A significant negative correlation was identified between BMI and average leg pressure in PTB-AFO. However, PTB-AFO was associated with higher discomfort, likely due to its structural design. These findings highlight the need for further investigations involving larger sample sizes and dynamic gait analyses to better understand the impact of orthosis design on pressure distribution and user comfort. This study suggests potential improvements in AFO design that could enhance patient experience and orthotic effectiveness in clinical applications.

Gamification and mobile health in diabetes self-care: A comprehensive review of their impact and efficacy

Muhammad Thesa Ghozali — 2025-12-12

This study evaluates the roles of gamification and mobile health (mHealth) in diabetes self-care, highlighting their transformative potential in diabetes management. The review methodology entailed an extensive literature search across various databases, including PubMed, Sage Publications, Taylor & Francis, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect, focusing on systematic reviews and review articles published between 2019 and 2023. Rigorous inclusion criteria were applied to ensure a comprehensive analysis, focusing on studies that provide a broad perspective. A rigorous data extraction and quality assessment were conducted to confirm the validity of the findings. The findings of this study underscore the effectiveness of gamification and mHealth interventions in elevating various dimensions of diabetes self-care. Reviewed studies indicate notable improvements in glycemic control, as evidenced by reductions in hemoglobin A1c levels and significant enhancements in self-care practices, including dietary regulation and medication adherence. Additionally, these interventions have been shown to positively influence patient engagement and overall quality of life. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including variability in study designs, potential publication bias, and challenges in sample selection, highlighting the need for more standardized and exhaustive research approaches. In summary, gamification and mHealth interventions are promising strategies for advancing diabetes self-care.

In vitro synergistic efficacy of nystatin combined with geraniol against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilm on acrylic resin

Siripen Pesee — 2025-12-19

Candida albicans and Candida glabrata predominate in the oral cavities of elderly people with denture stomatitis. Prolonged nystatin treatment can alter the surface properties of acrylic resin, while geraniol can inhibit Candida biofilm without affecting the surface roughness or color of the acrylic resin. This study investigated the efficacy of nystatin/geraniol combinations against C. albicans and C. glabrata biofilms on acrylic resin. Checkerboard assay revealed synergistic activity of nystatin/geraniol combinations. The minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and efficacy against Candida biofilm were evaluated by crystal violet assay. The MBEC₉₀ of nystatin against C. albicans and C. glabrata biofilms was 55 and 131 μg/mL, respectively. The MBEC₉₀ of geraniol against C. albicans and C. glabrata biofilms was 330 and 45,367 μg/mL, respectively. A significantly higher percentage of C. albicans biofilm reduction was observed when combining nystatin at 0.25 MBEC with geraniol at 1 MBEC (70.89%) (p<0.05), compared to geraniol monotherapy (42.35%). However, the percentage of C. glabrata biofilm reduction at sub-inhibitory concentrations did not differ from single-agent treatment. In conclusion, nystatin/geraniol combinations had a synergistic effect against C. albicans and C. glabrata, and combinations at sub-inhibitory concentrations can diminish the biomass of Candida biofilms on acrylic resin.

Effects of an herbal foot bath to reduce foot paresthesia among diabetic patients with complications in border area of Sa Kaeo, Thailand

Kanyarat Jawso — 2025-12-23

Foot complications from diabetes, particularly numbness, can be managed using traditional Thai medicine. This alternative approach incorporates various herbs to relieve numbness in the feet. This study investigated the mean change in visual analog scale (VAS) scores and monofilament test results among diabetic patients with complications. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest-posttest design involving diabetic patients with complications. The sample consisted of 72 participants, divided into intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups through simple random sampling. The control group received standard care and a self-care foot manual. In contrast, the experimental group participated in a four-week herbal foot bath program, three times a week, totaling twelve sessions. Following this, they were monitored for three months, continuing to use the herbal foot bath once a week. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests. The findings indicated a significant reduction in mean VAS scores for the left foot in the intervention group compared to the control group. Moreover, there was a notable reduction in mean VAS scores for the right foot in the intervention group compared to the control group. Additionally, the monofilament test revealed a significant decrease in the mean number of points with numbness in the left foot for the intervention group compared to the control group. Similarly, there was a significant decrease in the mean number of points with numbness in the right foot between the intervention and control groups. These results suggest that the herbal foot bath may serve as an effective and accessible non-pharmacological intervention for managing diabetic foot paresthesia in community healthcare.

Box-Behnken design optimization of the spray-drying process for yield and antioxidant activity of Koklan remedy extract powder

Nutsawadee Apichatwatana — 2025-12-24

Koklan remedy is a traditional Thai herbal formulation used for the relief of muscle pain and inflammation. However, its decoction form presents limitations, including poor stability and low patient compliance. This study aimed to optimize the extraction and spray-drying conditions to convert Koklan remedy extract into a powder form with high yield and retained antioxidant activity. A Box-Behnken design was employed to investigate the effects of inlet temperature, feed rate, and decoction ratio on powder yield and ABTS radical scavenging activity. The results indicated that all three variables influenced the responses, with decoction ratio emerging as the most significant. The optimum condition for yield was found at inlet temperature, feed rate, and 3.71 decoction ratio. Validation experiments confirmed strong agreement in powder yield prediction but revealed some deviation in antioxidant activity due to model limitations. Overall, this study demonstrates the applicability of response surface methodology for optimizing herbal spray drying processes and supports the development of Koklan remedy powder as a more stable, scalable, and patient-friendly dosage form.

House physical environment and incidence of acute respiratory tract infection: Regression test logistics for toddlers

Cucu Herawati — 2025-12-26

Acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) is a highly contagious disease, particularly among toddlers. The risk factors associated with this disease include environmental conditions, physical factors, and living in unhealthy house. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the environmental and physical characteristics of households in correlation with the incidence of ARI among toddlers. The method adopted was a quantitative cross-sectional design. A total sample of 91 was selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected through interviews and measurements, and the analysis was conducted using multivariate analysis and logistic regression testing. The results showed a significant relationship between lighting, humidity, and room temperature with the incidence of ARI. The most related variable was humidity. Respondents who resided in humid houses that did not meet the recommended conditions were more than 15 times as likely to be infected with ARI.

Effects of teaching using the hands-off technique on breastfeeding success before discharge among postpartum mothers at the obstetrics and gynecology ward, Nakhon Phanom Hospital

Wathinee Chunhapran — 2025-12-30

Breast milk is crucial for an infant's immunity from birth and supports physical and mental health throughout life. The hands-off technique, which respects nursing ethics, encourages postpartum mothers to breastfeed and boosts their confidence in successful breastfeeding. This research utilized a prospective interrupted time design with the objectives to examine the impact of the hands-off technique on breastfeeding efficiency before discharge, and to compare mothers’ breastfeeding confidence between the hands-off and traditional hands-on techniques. The study included 42 postpartum mothers who delivered normally between February and April 2024. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and survival regression. Results indicated that most participants were aged 20-34 years, had a gestational age of over 37 weeks, and had infant birth weights above 3,000 grams. The hands-off technique reduced the time spent teaching until successful latch and the time to achieve a LATCH score of ≥8. Mothers in the hands-off group showed a significant increase in confidence scores before discharge and achieved these scores in less time (time ratio of 0.63) compared to the hands-on group.

Monte Carlo dosing simulations of topical terpinen-4-ol from Zingiber cassumunar oil against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus

Ei Ei Win — 2025-12-31

Plai oil is an essential oil derived from the steam distillation of Zingiber cassumunar rhizome. The oil contains terpinen-4-ol (T4) as its major component. This study developed and validated gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric methods for quantifying and investigating the physicochemical properties of T4 and determined the effective dosage regimens of T4 against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus using Monte Carlo simulation. The results demonstrated that the aqueous solubility of pure T4 was higher than that of T4 in plai oil, and the log K_ow of T4 in the pure form and plai oil were in the ranges of 0.73–2.83 and 0.77–2.88, respectively. The simulation analysis suggested topical pure T4 dosage regimens of 1.50 and 2.00 g/cm² every 12 h to suppress C. acnes (MIC 1,489.60 µg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC 2,327.50 µg/mL), respectively, to achieve the PKPD targets of C_max> MIC and AUC > 2×MIC. When converted to plai oil (21.23% w/w of T4), the topical dosage regimens were 7.07 and 9.42 g/cm² every 12 h, respectively. At higher MIC or PKPD targets, the topical dosage regimens of T4 and plai oil were 2.70 and 12.72 g/cm² for C. acnes and 3.00 and 14.13 g/cm² for S. aureus, every 12 h.

Extraction, characterization and wound healing property of chitosan extracted from Penaeus indicus shells on mouse fibroblast (L929) cell line

Sivalingam Valliappan Meenakshi — 2025-12-31

The current study aimed to characterize the properties of chitosan, extracted from Penaeus indicus, on the mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) for wound healing purposes. Chitosan is well known for its wide variety of biological characteristics. Shrimp exoskeletons were obtained from a local fish market in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. Chitosan was extracted through demineralization, deproteination, and deacetylation processes. It was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The characterized chitosan was processed into nanoparticles and evaluated for cytotoxicity on cell lines. The cell line was treated with concentrations ranging from 25 to 500 µg/mL for 4 h. The results demonstrated 99% cell viability across all concentrations. The study primarily focuses on evaluating the ability of chitosan to repair wounds. Mouse fibroblast cell lines were seeded on a microtitre plate at a density of 1×10⁵ cells per well. Results indicated that the chitosan-treated groups exhibited significantly greater wound closure, with 10% to 20% more growth compared to the control groups. These findings underscore the potential of chitosan derived from P. indicus shrimp waste as a valuable pharmaceutical compound. Such applications could significantly contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic development.

Predictive factors of postoperative physical performance impairment among patients with brain tumor surgery: A predictive-correlation study

Khemmarat Panruy — 2025-12-31

Impaired physical performance in patients following brain tumor surgery can reflect the quality of care. For this reason, contributing factors should be identified and managed. This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of frailty, nutritional status, and surgical complexity over postoperative physical performance impairment in patients undergoing brain tumor surgery by using a cross-sectional design. The sample included 125 patients aged 18 years and over who had undergone brain tumor surgery. Data were collected using the modified frailty index, the nutrition alert form, the Milan complex scale, and the Karnofsky performance status scale to compare physical performance before and 30 days after surgery. A decrease of 10 points or on the scale indicated physical impairment. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. Postoperative brain tumor surgery patients who had high frailty, moderate or severe malnutritional status, and tumor removal complexity were likely to have a higher risk of impaired physical performance than other groups. Health issues such as frailty and malnourishment should be corrected in patients before surgery and preparation should be made for perioperative care in patients with surgical complexities to prevent physical impairment.

Exploring the impact of demographic and environmental factors on interferon–γ expression in bone and soft tissue tumor: A case-control study

Yuni Prastyo Kurniati — 2025-12-31

Bone and soft tissue tumor are rare but have a high morbidity and mortality rate, with a recent increase in incidence. Interferon–γ, a part of the immune cell microenvironment, plays a crucial role in tumor development. However, the expression level of IFN–γ in both benign and malignant tumor is unclear. The impact of age, sex, and demographic-environmental factors on IFN–γ expression is also unknown. Therefore, a case-control study was conducted using tissue blocks from patients with bone and soft tissue tumor. Tissue blocks were divided into malignant (cases) and benign (controls). Independent variables include distance to shoreline, population density, elevation, as well as distance to farmland, urban center, and river. Linear, Tobit, and robust regression analyses were also performed to assess the effect of various demographic and environmental factors on IFN–γ expression levels. The results showed that there was a significant association between malignancies and population density, with positive associations for malignancies and population density, and negative for distance to shoreline. Malignant bone and soft tissue sarcoma type had higher IFN–γ expression than the benign type. Furthermore, IFN–γ expression was positively associated with population density and negatively associated with distance to shoreline. In conclusion, this comprehensive approach allows for further investigation into how proximity to different surroundings and demographic features influences tumor biological behavior, potentially informing prognosis and personalized treatment methods.

Predictive models of PM2.5 concentration with aerosol optical depth and meteorological data in Bangkok area using machine learning techniques

Ikwan Bensalam — 2025-05-30

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), is a significant global concern due to its adverse effects on human health and the environment. In response to this challenge, this study aimed to develop and compare machine learning models for predicting PM_2.5 concentrations, focusing on two monitoring stations in Bangkok. A comprehensive dataset integrating meteorological data and aerosol optical depth (AOD) information was utilized. The models employed in this research included multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM). Notably, the SVM model demonstrated superior predictive performance for ambient stations. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring the machine learning method to the specific monitoring station type. Furthermore, the inclusion of influential gas variables such as NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃ significantly enhanced the models' predictive capabilities. Fine-tuning hyperparameters further improved model performance. In conclusion, this research highlights the effectiveness of machine learning models in predicting PM_2.5 concentrations, with important implications for air quality management in urban environments.

Adaptive Lasso sparse logistic regression on high-dimensional data with multicollinearity

Narumol Sudjai — 2025-09-23

A combination of high-dimensional sparse data and multicollinearity problems can lead to instabilities in a predictive model when applied to a new data set. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) is widely employed in machine-learning algorithm for variable selection and parameter estimations. Although this method is computationally feasible for high-dimensional data, it has some drawbacks. Thus, the adaptive Lasso was developed using the adaptive weight on penalty function. This adaptive weight is related to the power order of the estimators. Hence, we focus on the power of adaptive weight on two penalty functions: adaptive Lasso and adaptive elastic net. This study aimed to compare the performances of the power of the adaptive Lasso and adaptive elastic net methods under high-dimensional sparse data with multicollinearity. Moreover, the performances of four penalized methods were compared: Lasso, elastic net, adaptive Lasso, and adaptive elastic net. They were compared using the mean of the predicted mean squared error for the simulation study and the classification accuracy for a real-data application. The results showed that the higher-order of the adaptive Lasso method performed best on very high-dimensional sparse data with multicollinearity when the initial weight was determined using a ridge estimator. However, in the case of high-dimensional sparse data with multicollinearity, the square root of the adaptive Lasso together with the initial weight using Lasso was the best option.

An easy platform for calculating biodiesel yield with a graphical user interface

Fajar Al Afghani — 2025-09-23

An algorithm for calculating the biodiesel yield from esterification/transesterification was developed. The algorithm was represented in a program to facilitate researchers in exploring different types of feedstocks and catalysts. The input program of the preliminary yield data was processed numerically to generate reaction rate constant (k), reaction order (n), and activation energy (Ea) as a part of the kinetics response. The study revealed that the transesterification of used cooking oil and methanol with 0.25 wt% KOH catalyst had pseudo-first-order kinetics, with Ea = 21.7 kJ/mol. The optimum % yield obtained through the calculation was 96.5% at 323 K (50°C) within 10 h of reaction time. This program succeeded in validating secondary data from experimental research with a tolerance level of 10–17%. The program was validated where the model accuracy (R²) for the first and second validations were 0.90 and 0.98, respectively. The application of this program is not limited to a specific biodiesel reaction design and can be extended to other designs as well.

Automatic question generation system for learning to create linear programming models

Kannika Boonkasem — 2025-10-17

Automatic question generation systems play a key role in enhancing the efficiency of teaching and learning, particularly in fields that involve complex problem-solving, such as linear programming (LP). This study presents the development and evaluation of a system designed to generate questions and answers related to business product mix problems in LP. Aimed at enhancing LP modeling skills, the system was tested on 132 undergraduate business students enrolled in a quantitative analysis course. The evaluation involved pre- and post-learning achievement tests, with data analyzed using t-tests and normalized gain (g) to measure learning progress. Results showed significant improvements in students’ performance on identical (t = 14.94, p<0.05) and different tests (t = 8.95), along with a moderate learning gain (g = 0.59). These findings indicate that the system not only reduces the instructional workload but also effectively enhances students’ understanding and application of LP concepts, making it a valuable tool in education.

Analyzing meteorological data with bootstrap-based confidence intervals for Poisson-Rani distribution parameter estimation

Wararit Panichkitkosolkul — 2025-11-11

The Poisson distribution is commonly used when events are assumed to be independent and occur at a consistent rate. This may not be generally applicable, and the Poisson distribution is not appropriate in situations where the underlying rate of occurrence displays variability. A mixed Poisson distribution such as the Poisson-Rani distribution permits the rate parameter to be random instead of constant. Bootstrap-based confidence intervals (CIs) were developed for the Poisson-Rani distribution parameter in this study. The percentile bootstrap (PB), basic bootstrap (BB), and bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrap methods were compared for empirical coverage probabilities and expected lengths by the Monte Carlo simulation using the RStudio program with sample sizes of 10, 30, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. The parameter values were set at 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.5, and 2 with 1,000 replications. The simulation results suggested that the bootstrap-based CIs required improvement to attain the nominal confidence level for small sample sizes. No significant differences were detected in the performances of bootstrap-based CIs when evaluating large sample sizes, with the BCa bootstrap CI exhibiting superior performance compared to the others. The application of bootstrap-based CIs to meteorological data yielded comparable results to the simulation study.

Simulation radiation shielding properties of tungsten carbide alloys

Sunantasak Ravangvong — 2025-11-19

This work evaluated the gamma rays shielding properties of tungsten carbide alloys. The mass attenuation coefficients (µ_m) of gamma rays for these alloys have been obtained at gamma rays energy ranges of 356–1,332 keV using WinXCom software and FLUKA Monte Carlo code simulation. The results are found to be in good agreement. The 0.832W+0.0498C+0.002Co+0.00092Fe+0.107Ni alloy sample showed the highest µ_m and radiation protection efficiency (RPE%) values, while half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP) and transmission factor (TF%) values showed the lowest value compared with the others. These results indicate that this alloy sample, which has the highest density, possesses excellent g-rays shielding properties.

A smarter forest: Enhancing cardiovascular risk prediction using a knowledge-based random forest

Sirichanya Chanmee — 2025-12-24

Predicting heart disease and other cardiovascular issues accurately is critical for enabling early intervention and improving patient outcomes. This study proposed the semantic random forest (SRF) framework, which enhances the classification performance of conventional random forest (RF) algorithms for heart disease prediction. The conventional RF framework is augmented through the integration of knowledge from a formal ontology model that encapsulates domain-specific medical knowledge, thereby providing a structured representation of concepts, relationships, and axioms. The SRF framework utilizes this ontology during the classification process to yield more precise predictions. The effectiveness of the proposed SRF framework was evaluated against the conventional RF, AdaBoost, and gradient boosting algorithms, with a focus on their ability to classify heart disease instances accurately. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SRF framework outperformed the baseline algorithms on two datasets, achieving the highest accuracy and Matthews correlation coefficient values of 0.8296 and 0.6589 on the University of California at Irvine dataset and 0.9856 and 0.9706 on Mendeley dataset, respectively. The results demonstrate that ontology-based structured knowledge significantly improves the classification power of traditional RF algorithms, which highlights this knowledge-driven approach’s potential to predict heart disease risks in computer-aided medical diagnoses.

M-SES: An online cybersecurity self-evaluation system to mitigate the risk of cybersecurity attacks in Thailand

Narong Chaiwut — 2025-12-26

Various preventive and responsive measures have been developed to mitigate the risk of cybersecurity attacks. Enhanced cybersecurity is now crucial to safeguard computer systems against malicious attacks. Implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in June 2022 mandated compliance by all companies and government units operating in Thailand. Non-IT organizations have experienced significant challenges in adapting and meeting the requirements of this national regulation due to the time and resources required for comprehension and evaluation. This research proposed a novel online self-evaluation system (M-SES) for assessing compliance with the PDPA and related Thai cybersecurity legislation. The M-SES was developed based on a customized framework incorporating ISO/IEC 27001:2013, PDPA, and the Thailand Computer-related Crime Act (CCA). This tool was validated by ten experts from industrial and government sectors and comprised 26 cybersecurity controls. To mitigate the self-evaluation biases of the respondent users, this study adopted a web scraping technique to search for cybersecurity keywords in the data crawled from organizational websites. The final evaluation score was then calculated from the self-evaluation score and the web scraping score and an adjustment factor was applied to indicate the overall cybersecurity implementation status. The system prototype was tested using three organizations from different sectors, yielding cybersecurity implementation levels of one fully implemented and two moderate adoption. Our evaluation offers a practical and time-efficient approach to enable Thai companies to adapt to the national cybersecurity regulations.

Comparison of DeepLab v3+ base networks for crack segmentation under limited computational resources

Thitiporn Lertrusdachakul — 2025-12-30

Accurate crack segmentation plays a crucial role in infrastructure assessment and preventive maintenance. This research explored the crack segmentation efficacy of DeepLab v3+, a modern and advanced semantic segmentation network with a high performance and reduced computational cost. The performance comparison was investigated of DeepLab v3+ with different base networks, including Inception-ResNet-v2, Xception, ResNet-50, MobileNet-v2, and ResNet-18. The objective of this paper was to recommend the base network and its optimizer of DeepLab v3+ architecture in terms of crack segmentation of structure for structural health assessment and monitoring under limited resources. The optimizer algorithm, mini-batch size, learning rate, and squared gradient decay factor were adjusted to obtain the best model for each base network considering limited resources of graphics processing unit (GPU) for model training. The best results were analyzed in terms of mean accuracy, class accuracy, and weighted IoU whilst taking the model size into account. The recommended models ranked from the most accurate to the smallest in size are DeepLab v3+ network based on ResNet-50 with Adam optimizer, Xception with RMSProp optimizer, ResNet-18 with SGDM optimizer, and MobileNet-v2 with RMSProp optimizer, respectively. The findings assist in choosing a suitable network architecture for specific applications considering the compromise between model size and performance. The results also highlight the feasibility of the network architecture with tested conditions in terms of structural crack segmentation under limited computational resources.

Effect of mineralogy and microfabric on shear strength of clayey soil from Trussardi formation in Bundu Tuhan, Sabah

Nur Ayu Sufiah Khairul — 2025-12-31

Soil instability, including slope failure and creeping, frequently occurs in the research area of Bundu Tuhan, Sabah. The lithology in this region primarily comprises interbedded sandstone, metasandstone, shale, and argillite from the Trusmadi formation. Intense weathering contributes to the formation of thick, clayey soil profiles. Geotechnical laboratory tests classified clayey soils from three distinct locations as poorly sorted materials of sandy-silty clay and silty clay textures. X-ray diffractograms revealed the presence of kaolinite and illite in the clayey soils. Electron microscopy images demonstrated the microfabric characteristics of clayey soil, such as pseudohexagonal plate shapes of kaolinite and ribbon-like projections of illite. Shear strength analysis results of the clayey soil samples indicated values ranging from 128.28 to 155.01 kPa, classifying the soils as strong. The presence of clay minerals in the soil facilitated water adsorption into the mineral structure, potentially softening the soil and reducing its shear strength. Understanding the mineralogical composition of these soils is essential for mitigating soil instability by implementing measures like lime treatment on slopes, particularly in high-risk areas.