Science, Engineering and Health Studies

Analyzing the effects of orientation, window size and position on solar heat gain for four Indian cities

Amalan Sigmund Kaushik S — 2026-02-04

The orientation of a building is the most important passive design strategy to achieve an energy-efficient design. Solar insolation studies help identify orientations that minimize solar heat gain. However, existing literature often overlooks the challenges posed by site constraints that prevent implementing the optimal orientation. India, covering just 2.4% of the world’s land area but accommodating 18% of the global population, faces a significant land scarcity issue. Consequently, the available development sites may not allow for the ideal orientation. In this research, in order to address this issue, Trichy, Chennai, and Mumbai, Kolkata across India were chosen and a solar insolation study was conducted for four different possible orientations of buildings in each of the cities and the best orientations were identified. Subsequently, the empirical calculation method outlined in GRIHA was used to calculate the ideal window design (size and position) for all orientations. The findings reveal that a north–south–oriented building module (M1) minimizes solar heat gain in Trichy, Chennai, and Mumbai, while a northeast–southwest orientation (M4) is optimal for Kolkata; moreover, orientation-responsive window redistribution reduces annual solar heat gain by up to 11.55% even in non-optimal orientations. The findings provide a transferable reference framework for designers to apply the methodology across other cities.

Development of upper limb exoskeleton for elbow rehabilitation systems with fingerprint recognition for personalization

Achirawich Sombatsompop — 2026-05-11

This work aimed to develop an easy-to-use elbow rehabilitation system with fingerprint recognition to ensure personalized movement accuracy. The system featured fingerprint scanning for user identification, an LCD display, Arduino-based control with manual and automatic modes, and a motor-driven elbow support
(0–85°). Ten healthy participants, aged 13 to 45 years, tested this system while fingerprint accuracy, motion precision, cycle time consistency, and motor temperature (monitored via thermocouple) were evaluated. Fingerprint verification and system activation showed a total delay of 185.3 ms, with 100% success for all fingers in dry conditions, while wet conditions resulted in verification failure. Rehabilitation cycle time remained stable at 7.39 ± 0.11 s. Furthermore, motion error averaged 1.29%. Motor temperature stabilized at 44°C within 60 min, confirming continuous safe operation.

Performance evaluation of single basin double slope v-type desalination still coupled with tracked and non-tracked solar dish concentrator

Siva Kumar — 2026-05-20

This study investigates the enhancement in fresh water productivity of a double-slope solar desalination still when coupled with both tracking and non-tracking solar dish concentrators. The primary objective was to quantify the performance differential between the two concentrator types under clear-sky conditions and compare the maximum yields against conventional desalination. Experimental results demonstrated that the maximum daily and hourly fresh water outputs for the tracked concentrator system were 4,050 mL/d and 730 mL/h, respectively. In comparison, the non-tracking system achieved maximum outputs of 2,760 mL/d and 530 mL/h. The tracking system led to a significant overall increase in fresh water production, showing an improvement of 46% compared to the non-tracking configuration and a 100% increase when benchmarked against conventional desalination. The maximum energy consumed by the system utilizing the tracked concentrator was recorded at 23,113 kJ/day. The findings underscore the substantial advantage of solar tracking technology in maximizing the output of solar desalination stills, presenting a viable path toward increased efficiency in passive water purification systems.

Sustainable planning for cities: Weaving e-infrastructure for green transportation in current city profile of Bhubaneswar, India

Swati Prasad — 2026-03-24

Growing CO₂ emissions in the environment have significantly contributed to global warming. With the average global temperature increase from carbon concentration in the air, recording almost 1.5^oC (IPCC, 2023), governments across regions must shift to using electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation sector. By 2050, greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles are expected to have reduced by 50%, according to the research (NRDC India, 2022). By 2030, Bhubaneswar, already designated as a “Smart City,” is envisioned as a green transportation hub in eastern India. This development highlights how the city adopts a holistic and inclusive approach to developing EV infrastructure through accessible and sustainable transportation. The demand for ownership of e-vehicles in Bhubaneswar has also increased substantially. The growth is hindered due to a lack of EV infrastructure, including charging stations, and a compromised distribution. The background of the study revolves around the fact that despite existing government policies at the national and state levels, there needs to be more methodology for providing e-vehicle charging infrastructure on the ground. Digitized geospatial analysis has been recommended to investigate infrastructure for charging various types of EVs based on their battery specifications and charging methods and to plan public charging infrastructure locations. The space allocation of the public infrastructure has been proposed based on road density and activity areas. For high-density roads, infrastructure provision has been proposed at every two km with six stations; for medium-density roads, every four km with four stations; and for low-density roads, every six km with two stations. The paper’s key findings include the establishment of a methodology to find the EV demand and e-infrastructure requirement for the baseline years of 2025 and 2030 to suffice EV needs for the city of Bhubaneswar, India. The proposal includes policy support and intelligent technology to weave a robust e-infrastructure across the city.

Potential of Chinese-Thai herbal extracts as natural sources of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobials, and antifungal compounds

Waranya Neimkhum — 2026-05-11

This study explores the biological effects of three Chinese-Thai medicinal extracts: Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. rhizome extract (AE), Morus alba L. stem extract (ME), and Camellia oleifera Abel. seed cake extract (CE). Their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay and the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays, with anti-inflammation assessed by the heat-treating albumin protocol. Additionally, the antibacterial and antifungal effects were tested using a broth microdilution assay. The results showed that AE provided the highest percentage yield (26.57%), with ME having the highest TPC (35.84±1.27 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and TFC (23.3±1.48 mg quercetin equivalent (QE/g). Although AE had the lowest TPC and TFC, it exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity: 61.39±4.4 mg/g; Ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity: 7.93±0.27 mg/g). AE showed the highest percentage inhibition of 14.86±1.99 on protein denaturation. Moreover, AE demonstrated the greatest efficacy in inhibiting the growth of S. epidermidis and S. aureus. Conversely, CE had the strongest antifungal action against T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and M. gypseum. This finding suggests that utilizing these extracts can contribute to improving health and well-being.

Promoting health literacy about pregnancy prevention among adolescent students: A qualitative study

Rattana Tanthaisong — 2026-05-12

This critical ethnographic study aimed to examine the promotion of health literacy about pregnancy prevention among adolescent students. Conducted between December 2022 and August 2024, the study included 65 participants, comprising key informants such as adolescent students, school administrators, teachers, individuals responsible for educational and health services, parents or guardians, peers, and additional general informants identified by the key informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant and non-participant observations, and document analysis. Content analysis was employed for data interpretation. The findings indicated that fostering health literacy in pregnancy prevention among adolescent students necessitates collaboration and support from multiple stakeholders. Seven key strategies were identified: (1) enhancing knowledge of sexual health, pregnancy prevention, and related topics; (2) developing essential skills for effective pregnancy prevention; (3) improving access to health services and contraceptive resources; (4) raising awareness of the significance of pregnancy prevention; (5) establishing safe zone for discussion and counseling on sexual health and pregnancy prevention; (6) fostering leadership and networks dedicated to adolescent pregnancy prevention; and (7) strengthening intersectoral coordination with relevant agencies and organizations. These findings underscored the necessity of a multidimensional approach to effectively promote health literacy and prevent adolescent pregnancy.

Negative automatic thoughts, social support and depression among senior high school students in Thailand

Niwat Songsin — 2026-05-12

Depression represents a prominent public health concern present within diverse populations worldwide, and it is known to manifest across all genders as well as age groups. The current investigation constitutes a cross-sectional study aimed at exploring negative automatic thinking, social support, and depression among senior high school students in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand. The study sample consists of 373 senior high school students who were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using online questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using inferential statistics and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The study found that overall automatic negative thoughts were at a low level, while overall social support was at a moderate level (M = 3.07, SD = 0.80), and depression was at a moderate level. The analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between negative thoughts and depression among high school students. Additionally, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between social support and depression. The results of this study will be valuable in guiding the development of teaching and learning strategies as well as mental health services that support student learning. They will also aid in planning for the care and prevention of depression in the future.

Development of an oral spray formulated with stingless bee propolis and mangosteen pericarp extracts

Natthan Charernsriwilaiwat — 2026-05-18

This study developed an alcohol-free, sugar-free oral spray containing stingless bee propolis (SBP) and mangosteen pericarp (MP) extracts with desirable physicochemical properties and stability. The formulations were evaluated for pH, viscosity, and SBP and MP extract content using high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and antibacterial testing against Streptococcus pyogenes. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was employed to assess the cytotoxicity of the spray to human gingival fibroblasts. Microbial contamination and stability were also examined. The formulations, which contained up to 25 mg of each extract, had a pH range of 6.02–6.54 and viscosities of 0.46–1.19 mPa·s, demonstrating Newtonian flow. The SBP and MP extract contents of the formulation ranged from 99.94% to 102.27%. The antioxidant inhibition rates were 62.04%–84.62%, while the antimicrobial activity was observed at a 50% concentration. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed over 50% cell viability in oral mucosal cells after 15 seconds of exposure. Microbial contamination met safety standards, and the formulations remained stable for 6 months under both normal and accelerated conditions, with the α-mangostin content ranging between 96.12% and 98.76%. This study successfully developed a novel stable oral spray incorporating MP and SBP extracts with favorable organoleptic properties, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial efficacy, indicating its potential for oral health applications.

Investigation of the tobacco consumption situation and smoking cessation services over 5-year periods among the population living in health region 10, Thailand

Anun Chaikoolvatana — 2026-05-19

Despite smoking cessation programs, the average smoking rate in health region 10 was around 22%, exceeding the Thai National Standard Goal of 18–20%. It was a secondary data survey from 2017 to 2021, collecting information on Thais aged 15 and older registered in the 43-folder Thai Healthcare System. Topics included demographics, smoking history, tobacco control policies, and factors involved in tobacco control. The majority of clients were current smokers (21.86%), and only 6.25 percent of clients were quitters. Overall findings indicated brief counseling (2A) has been widely used, compared to the other models including 5A counseling, and 5A counseling and medications (65.55%, 23.39%, and 11.06% consecutively). The quit rates were mainly notified after 1- and 3-month cessation periods (46.01% and 41.96%, respectively). There were statistically significant relations between types of cessation services and quit success at 6-month periods (p<0.05). The smoking rate among 15-year-old smokers in region 10 had exceeded the Thai National Standard Goal. Most current smokers received brief counseling (2A), which was statistically more effective than other cessation methods. These findings could help health policymakers in identifying target groups and enhancing access to cessation services nationwide.

Development of PVA/HA-dissolving microneedles containing Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. stem extract for antioxidant activity

Kritsanaporn Tansathien — 2026-05-25

Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. has been reported in Thai herbal medicine for treating various ailments, such as skin diseases, and for skin health promotion. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant efficacy of the extract and to develop dissolving microneedles. Stems and leaves were extracted, and their antioxidant activities (DPPH assay and total phenolic content) were evaluated. Characterization of the dissolving microneedles was then performed. The results indicated that the % yield of the stem and leaf extract was 8.02 ± 1.34 % and 6.04 ± 0.13 %, respectively. The stem contained a higher total phenolic content than the leaf, showing 19.75 ± 1.33 and 15.02 ± 2.07 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram, respectively. The concentration of the extracts required to inhibit 50% of DPPH radicals (IC₅₀) was 130.28 ± 2.29 µg/mL for the stem and 254.23 ± 3.52 µg/mL for the leaf. These extracts were non-toxic to keratinocytes. The optimal ratio of PVA and HA in the dissolving microneedles was 8:2. The height of the needles was 449.36 ± 4.89 µm, and the base width was 224.04 ± 2.81 µm, which indicates that they could completely penetrate the first layer of Parafilm. Moreover, the mechanical strength indicated that the PVA:HA (8:2) microneedles experienced a lower percent height reduction compared to others, while showing rapid dissolution. Finally, the PVA/HA-dissolving microneedles containing the extract show potential for transdermal delivery.

Ursolic acid disrupts cariogenic biofilms with selective antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus

Arthit Klaophimai — 2026-05-27

Prevention of dental caries requires effective control of biofilm-forming Streptococcus spp. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of ursolic acid (UA) and beta-sitosterol against cariogenic bacteria. UA demonstrated selective antimicrobial activity, with MIC/MBC values of 8 and 16 μM against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, respectively. At 16 μM, UA reduced biofilm adherence by 95% and 90% in S. mutans and S. sobrinus, respectively. Confocal microscopy revealed a dose-dependent reduction in biofilm thickness, decreasing from 35.2 ± 2.3 μm to 17.3 ± 1.5 μm for S. mutans and from 64.3 ± 1.8 μm to 42.1 ± 1.2 μm for S. sobrinus following treatment with 64 μM UA. At this concentration, bacterial viability decreased to 40% and 62% for S. mutans and S. sobrinus, respectively. In comparison, 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control) reduced biofilm thickness to 15.1 ± 2.5 μm and 32.5 ± 1.9 μm, with viability decreasing to 36% and 52% for S. mutans and S. sobrinus, respectively. Unlike UA, beta-sitosterol showed negligible antibacterial activity. These findings demonstrate the potential of UA as a promising natural therapeutic agent against cariogenic biofilms, although its efficacy remains lower than that of chlorhexidine.

Pharmacy education in Myanmar: The past, present, and future

Mi Mi Saw — 2026-04-03

This review article aimed to describe an overview of pharmacy education, including the challenges and barriers to pharmacy education in Myanmar. Pharmacy education in Myanmar is a content-based education system. The curriculum’s courses in undergraduate professional subjects are related only to pharmaceutical sciences; those related to clinical, social and administrative sciences are not covered. Clinical pharmacy is implemented in postgraduate programs; however, it is not sufficiently developed. Moreover, the subject of social and administrative pharmacy has not yet been implemented in Myanmar. Updating the curriculum and establishing a pharmacy council were identified as key challenges because the current curriculum does not align with modern pharmacy practices, and the absence of a regulatory pharmacy council limits the standardization, governance, and advancement of pharmacy education, particularly in specialized areas within pharmacy schools. The rapid and ongoing change in pharmacy worldwide forces pharmacy education in Myanmar to adapt to patient and public safety and efficiency in drug utilization. It is concluded that a four-year pharmacy program should be revised to address the challenges and barriers worldwide.