North Thailand Research Articles

Evaluation of an Indirect-ELISA Test for Trypanosoma evansi Infection (Surra) in Buffaloes and Its Application to a Serological Survey in Thailand.

Surra, caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is a neglected disease due to frequent subclinical evolution, especially in bovines in Asia. However, acute and chronic signs are regularly observed, with significant sanitary and economic impacts. In this study, we evaluated and applied an indirect-ELISA test for the detection of anti-T. evansi immunoglobulin G in buffaloes using antibovine conjugate. Based on buffalo reference sera from the Philippines, a two-graph receiver operating characteristics analysis (TG-ROC) was conducted to define an optimal cut-off value; sensitivity and specificity were estimated at 92.5% and 94.2%, respectively. A cross-sectional serological survey was carried out in the major buffalo breeding areas of Thailand; 892 buffaloes from 8 provinces were sampled in North, Northeastern, and Southern Thailand. Seropositive buffaloes were found in all 8 provinces, on 20.3% of farms for an overall prevalence of 12.2% (95% CI 10.2–14.5%). Nearly one-third of the sampled population was exposed to infection. Broader sampling would be necessary but is not possible in the southern half-wild breeding systems. According to our results, buffaloes may constitute a large and robust reservoir for T. evansi, which is a permanent threat to other livestock such as cattle and horses as well as wild animals such as elephants in Southest Asia.

Understanding tablet computer usage among primary school students in underdeveloped areas: Students’ technology experience, learning styles and attitudes

The need to provide low-cost learning technologies such as laptops or tablet computers in developing countries with the aim to bridge the digital divide as well as addressing the uneven standards of education quality has been widely recognised by previous studies. With this aim in mind, the Thai Government has launched the “One Tablet PC Per Child” (OTPC) policy and distributed 800,000 tablet computers to grade-one students nationwide in 2012. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of tablet computer use in the classroom. Our study examined students’ learning styles, attitudes towards tablet computer use and how these are linked to their academic performance. The study has investigated 213 grade two students in economically underprivileged regions of North Thailand. Data collection was based on questionnaires filled in by the students with the help of their teachers. Our results overall suggested that there were some key significant differences in relation to students’ gender and home locations (urban vs. rural). In contrast to existing studies, both genders at this stage had similar technology experience and positive attitudes towards tablet computer use. However, we found girls had higher visual learning style (M=4.23, p<.032) than boys (M=3.96). Where home location was concerned, rural students had higher learning competitiveness and higher levels of anxiety towards tablet use (M=1.71, p<.028) than urban students (M=1.33). Additionally, we also found technology experiences, collaborative learning style and anxiety affected students’ academic performance.

Modeling Haze Problems in the North of Thailand using Logistic Regression

At present, air pollution is a major problem in the upper northern region of Thailand. Air pollutants have an effect on human health, the economy and the traveling industry. The severity of this problem clearly appears every year during the dry season, from February to April. In particular it becomes very serious in March, especially in Chiang Mai province where smoke haze is a major issue. This study looked into related data from 2005-2010 covering eight principal parameters: PM 10 (particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 10 micrometer), CO (carbon monoxide), NO 2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO 2 (sulphur dioxide), RH (relative humidity), NO (nitrogen oxide), pressure, and rainfall. Overall haze problem occurrence was calculated from a logistic regression model. Its dependence on the eight parameters stated above was determined for design conditions using the correlation coefficients with PM 10 . The proposed overall haze problem modeling can be used as a quantitative assessment criterion for supporting decision making to protect human health. This study proposed to predict haze problem occurrence in 2011. The agreement of the results from the mathematical model with actual measured PM 10 concentration data from the Pollution Control Department was quite satisfactory.

Phenotypic and genotypic structure of Phytophthora infestans populations on tomato and potato in the North of Thailand in 2000–2002

A total of 80 single–lesion isolates of Phytophthora infestans were collected from tomatoes and potatoes in several locations in Chiang Mai and Tak provinces in 2000–2002. These isolates were analyzed for mating type, metalaxyl sensitivity, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype RFLP pattern as determined by probe RG57, and for microsatellite markers. All isolates were A1 mating type. Isolates from tomato were usually sensitive to metalaxyl, but isolates from potato were usually resistant to metalaxyl. With one exception, all tomato isolates were related to the US-1 clonal lineage. With two exceptions, all potato isolates were related to two European lineages. In these two provinces, the populations of P. infestans on tomatoes are clearly different from those on potatoes.

Choosing Aquatic Plant Species for High Wastewater Treatment Efficiency through Small Wetland

The research was aimed to choose the most appropriate aquatic plant in high capacity as grown in small wetland for community wastewater treatment, they were Typha angustifolia Linn., Cyperus corymbosus Rottb., and Canna indica Linn. The small wetland, sometimes called vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW), has been designated on 100-m long, 5-m wide and 0.75-m deep in size in which four-hole pipes were laid down at the bottom for releasing some treated wastewater as effluent through the outlet to the storage reservoir. There must be paved the gravel on the bottom up to the level of 5-cm height and overtopping with sand about 15 cm that be followed by 30-cm mixed soil (soil: sand equivalent to 3:1). All selected aquatic plant species were planted in small wetland before flowing community wastewater until soil at saturated level for first week and about 30 cm during second week up to the maximum age of plants. The choosing aquatic plant species were only depended on the high efficiency of wastewater treatment. The most probable aquatic plant was selected on Typha as the first priority for high wastewater treatment efficiency, Canna the second, and more or less efficiency for the others. Fortunately, Typha has been grown well in everywhere, particularly flat wetland in central, west, east and down north of Thailand.

Simulation of Nitrate Concentration Affected from Land Use Changes in the Lower Part of Yom River Basin,Thailand: A Preliminary Study

The Lower Yom River Basin is located in the north of Thailand. This study carried out to calibrate and validate using SWAT model in terms of streamflow and sediment concentration hydrographs (Year 2000-2012) for 3 RID streamflow gauging stations (the Royal Irrigation Department). The nitrates concentrations simulate have been influenced of land use changes during last ten years. Optimal values of model parameters derived from calibration and validation processes, which showed well fitted between observed and simulated results. In the last decade, particular in Lower Yom River, the land use change gradually transformed to be more paddy field and has been increased 127.48 km2 (approx. 0.87% increase), followed by urban area, which has been increased 196.66 km2 (approx. 1.35% increase), respectively. Average monthly concentration of nitrate increased 38.28 mg/l (approx.13.40 % increase), 43.17 mg/l (approx.12.00% increase), 43.02 mg/l (approx. 8.60% increase) at station Y.6, Y.4 and Y.17, respectively. Accordingly, on the basis of the results presented in this study, land use changes can significantly affect on concentrations of nitrate.

北部タイにおける降水量変動がコメおよびトウモロコシの生産に与える影響

Thailand has the extreme dry season and rainy season because of the tropical monsoon climate. They have suffered from droughts and floods almost every year and both have caused much damage on agriculture. The objective of this study is to estimate the effect of precipitation fluctuation on production of rice and maize in north Thailand. The statistical analysis using agricultural data shows what factor is determinant for production fluctuation of each crop. The correlation analysis between SPI, which is a simple indicator of precipitation fluctuation, and fluctuation of crop production indicates that there are some provinces where yield fluctuation of crop grown in rain-season shows positive correlation with SPI and harvested area fluctuation shows negative correlation with SPI. It also shows that in some provinces, planted area of rice grown in dry season depends on precipitation fluctuation.

South-East Asia is the center of origin, diversity and dispersion of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae.

Inferring invasion routes and identifying reservoirs of diversity of plant pathogens are essential in proposing new strategies for their control. Magnaporthe oryzae, the fungus responsible for rice blast disease, has invaded all rice growing areas. Virulent genotypes regularly (re)emerge, causing rapid resistance breakdowns. However, the world-wide genetic subdivision of M. oryzae populations on rice and its past history of invasion have never been elucidated.In order to investigate the centers of diversity, origin and migration of M. oryzae on rice, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 55 populations from 15 countries.Three genetic clusters were identified world-wide. Asia was the center of diversity and the origin of most migrations to other continents. In Asia, two centers of diversity were revealed in the Himalayan foothills: South China–Laos–North Thailand, and western Nepal. Sexual reproduction persisted only in the South China–Laos–North Thailand region, which was identified as the putative center of origin of all M. oryzae populations on rice.Our results suggest a scenario of early evolution of M. oryzae on rice that matches the past history of rice domestication. This study confirms that crop domestication may have considerable influence on the pestification process of natural enemies.

Clinical risk-scoring algorithm to forecast scrub typhus severity

PurposeTo develop a simple risk-scoring system to forecast scrub typhus severity.Patients and methodsSeven years’ retrospective data of patients diagnosed with scrub typhus from two university-affiliated hospitals in the north of Thailand were analyzed. Patients were categorized into three severity groups: nonsevere, severe, and dead. Predictors for severity were analyzed under multivariable ordinal continuation ratio logistic regression. Significant coefficients were transformed into item score and summed to total scores.ResultsPredictors of scrub typhus severity were age >15 years, (odds ratio [OR] =4.09), pulse rate >100/minute (OR 3.19), crepitation (OR 2.97), serum aspartate aminotransferase >160 IU/L (OR 2.89), serum albumin ≤3.0 g/dL (OR 4.69), and serum creatinine >1.4 mg/dL (OR 8.19). The scores which ranged from 0 to 16, classified patients into three risk levels: non-severe (score ≤5, n=278, 52.8%), severe (score 6–9, n=143, 27.2%), and fatal (score ≥10, n=105, 20.0%). Exact severity classification was obtained in 68.3% of cases. Underestimations of 5.9% and overestimations of 25.8% were clinically acceptable.ConclusionThe derived scrub typhus severity score classified patients into their severity levels with high levels of prediction, with clinically acceptable under- and overestimations. This classification may assist clinicians in patient prognostication, investigation, and management. The scoring algorithm should be validated by independent data before adoption into routine clinical practice.

Differential Prognostic Indicators for Locoregional Recurrence, Distant Recurrence, and Death of Breast Cancer

Objective. To explore prognostic characteristics for locoregional recurrence, distant recurrence, and mortality in patients with breast cancer. Methods. A 5-year retrospective review of patients was conducted in two university affiliated hospitals in the north of Thailand. Prognostic characteristics and clinical outcomes were retrieved from medical registry. Death was verified by the civil database from the Ministry of Interior, direct telephone contact, or by prepaid postcard. Data were analyzed by stratified Cox's regression proposed by Lunn & McNeil, in which multiple-typed outcomes were analyzed in a single multivariable model. Results. The assembled cohort comprised 829 patients. Under the multivariable analysis, 7 prognostic characteristics were significant prognostic indicators. Positive axillary lymph nodes >3 and presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) increased locoregional recurrence, while disease stage 3, positive axillary lymph nodes >3, and radiotherapy increase distant recurrence. Hormonal therapy reduced the distant recurrence. Pathological tumor size >2 cm, disease stage 3, positive axillary lymph nodes >3, and presence of LVI increased, while hormonal therapy and chemotherapy reduced death. Conclusions. Clinical characteristic reflecting tumor invasions increased locoregional recurrence, distant recurrence, or death, while hormonal therapy and chemotherapy reduced such risks. The effect of radiation remained inconclusive but may increase the risk of distant recurrence.

Effects of Multimedia Annotations on Thai EFL Readers’ Words and Text Recall

This study aimed to investigate the effects of using multimedia annotations on EFL readers’ word recall and text recall and to explore which type of multimedia annotations – L1 meaning, L2 meaning, sound, and image – would have a better effect on their recall of new words and text comprehension. The participants were 78 students who enrolled in an Intermediate EFL course at a university in the north of Thailand. Five instruments – a questionnaire, a vocabulary pre-test, a computerized log-file, and two posttests: a vocabulary test and a text recall test – were used to collect data. First, the participants responded to the questionnaire and the pre-test in the classroom. One week later, they read a hypertext equipped with multimedia annotations in the computer laboratory while the log files recorded their selections of words and annotations. Immediately after that, they answered the two post-tests. Three weeks later, a vocabulary test was given to the participants again without informing in advanced. The results revealed that (1) accessing multimedia annotations led to significantly greater vocabulary recall (42%) among Thai EFL learners; (2) their retention lasted at least three weeks after being exposed to the multimedia-annotated text; (3) they recalled words with images significantly better than those with no images; (4) they recalled about 31% of the text with multimedia annotations; and (5) no significant difference was found regarding the effects of using different types of multimedia annotations on learners’ word recall and text recall when compared between learners.

SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE: OPPORTUNITY FOR THAI-RURAL FARMER DEVELOPMENT

This paper analyzed an opportunity of rural farmers in north of Thailand by interviewing 124 households which were 59 families from Tumbon-Santa Aumpor- Narnoi Nan province, 23 families from Tumbon-Banlao Aumpor-Mayjai Prayao Province, 22 families from Tumbon-Sritoi Aumpor-Mayjai Prayao Province, and 20 families from Tumbon-Parfak Aumpor-Mayjai Prayao Province during January 2012 – October 2012. Probit model was developed to answer some factors that impacted farm’s income. The results showed that the relationships between both organic and inorganic land and income level are positive. Most of the farmers were willing to change from conventional agricultures to organic agriculture but they did not have enough information and extension from government and private sectors. Comparing benefits and cost between conventional and organic agriculture found that organic agricultures provided better price and farmers will have better quality of live. Systems of knowledge and policies need to be developed and apply for peasants and farmers in north rural area in Thailand.

Englerarum (Araceae, Aroideae): a new genus supported by plastid and nuclear phylogenies

The new monotypic genus Englerarum Nau- heimer & P.C.Boyce, with the only species Englerarum hypnosum (J.T.Yin, Y.H.Wang & Z.F.Xu) Nauheimer & P.C.Boyce, is here described. The new combination of Alocasia hypnosa J.T.Yin, Y.H.Wang & Z.F.Xu, with exclusion of Alocasia (Schott) G.Don and transfer into Englerarum, is based on molecular phylogenies using plastid and nuclear data. The plant occurs on forested limestone outcrops in tropical and subtropical continental Southeast Asia, ranging from Southwest China, through the Lao PDR, and into North and Southeast Thailand. Englerarum represents an isolated lineage in the basal Pistia-clade. Its inclusion into the phylogenetic framework provides new insights into the evolution of this clade, and into the morphological characters used to distinguish the close related genera Alocasia and Colocasia.

Anatomy And Sequence Architecture of the Early Post-Rift In the Neuquen Basin (Argentina): A Response To Physiography and Relative Sea-Level Changes

Abstract A detailed architectural and sequence stratigraphic analysis was carried out in the early-post-rift succession of central Neuquen Basin (Middle Jurassic Cuyo Group), integrating outcrop and subsurface information from a 3,000 km2 area. Sedimentary facies analysis allowed the definition of six marine facies associations, which are grouped in two main depositional systems. During the late Toarcian to early Bathonian a storm- and wave-dominated shoreface to offshore system was developed. This is overlain by a late Bathonian–early Callovian fluvio-deltaic depositional system. The sequence stratigraphic analysis of this succession identified parasequences limited by marine flooding surfaces with little evidence of erosion. Parasequences could be grouped into four parasequence sets that show the evolution of the depositional systems and can be interpreted in terms of shoreline trajectories. In this sense, a log-term transgressive event defined by a complicated retrogradational stacking pattern and spanning for almost 10 My is identified for the older deposits. This succession is eventually replaced by a progradational unit that represents highstand conditions. The Cuyo succession identified in this part of the basin is completed by the development of a regressive surface and the onset of a deltaic depositional system with no parasequence development but indicating an abrupt basinward facies shift. The long-term transgression that dominates the early post-rift succession in this part of the basin is interpreted to represent a period of sustained accommodation creation produced by the combination of thermal subsidence, differential compaction of syn-rift deposits, and eustatic rise under a relatively low sediment supply. Changes in the stacking pattern of retrogradational parasequence sets are thought to be produced by changes in the bathymetry of the topography being flooded, which is a relic of a complex array of footwalls and shoulders generated during the syn-rift stage. Regional changes in thickness and timing for the early post-rift succession could be therefore the result of the relatively passive infill of an inherited topography of the syn-rift, suggesting that most of the accommodation was already created before the onset of the long-term transgressive trend that characterizes the post-rift succession in this part of the basin. The Cuyo Group succession reported here reflects the complexity in terms of depositional styles, sequence stratigraphic patterns, and controls that can be expected during the early-post rift infill of syn-rift structural depressions. Therefore, the results of this study can provide useful lessons for post-rift systems having prolific hydrocarbon production worldwide (e.g., in the Northern North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Thailand, and Argentina and Chile).

P3.219 A 20-Years Retrospective Cohort Study of HIV Situation Among Hill Tribe Vulnerable Population, Thailand

Thailand had been reported as the highest HIV/AIDS epidemic area. Most of HIV/AIDS had been reported from the north of Thailand. Northern Thailand is the favourite living places of hill...

Cultural context and its influence on managerial leadership in Thailand

In this paper, we explore excellence in leadership in Thailand, a nation that has strong roots in Theravada Buddhism. Summated scales and a structural model were constructed to explain the relationships between the excellences in leadership constructs. A sample frame of 401 Thai managers employed in organizations in Bangkok, North Thailand, and East Thailand participated in this research. The findings suggest that there are strong cultural factors such as non-confrontation, respect, and deference for authority mediating the perceptions of Thai managers with regards to perceptions of an excellent leader. Age and gender are also demonstrated as key differentiating factors in the perceptions of Thai managers.

Three new species of the carnivorous snail genus Perrottetia Kobelt, 1905 from Thailand (Pulmonata, Streptaxidae)

Three new species of the streptaxid snail genus Perrottetia are described from north and northeastern Thailand, Perrottetia aquilonaria sp. n., Perrottetia dermapyrrhosa sp. n. and Perrottetia phuphamanensis sp. n. Each species is endemic to a single or a few limestone mountain ranges. The species are characterized by the morphology of their genital organs, as well as by shell characters. Perrottetia aquilonaria sp. n. has a club shaped distal penis and large penial hooks are present and penial papillae cover almost the entire penial hook portion; adjacent areas possess low reticulated folds. Perrottetia dermapyrrhosa sp. n. has a long genital atrium and the penial sheath is about two-thirds of the penis length. Penial hooks are long, scattered and sunken into deep ovate hollows; vaginal hooks are present. Perrottetia phuphamanensis sp. n. has a rounded and protruded shell periphery. The aperture is subcircular, peristome is thick and the second parietal lamella is adjacent to the first parietal lamella; a basal lamella is the smaller than in the other Thai species.

Between Nonviolent Conflicts and Reconciliation : An International Workshop ( Chiang Mai , Thailand , 19 - 20 January 2013 )

“Between Nonviolent Conflicts and Reconciliation: An International Workshop addressing deadly conflicts in Asia–Pacific” – Chiang Mai [North Thailand] 19-20 January 2013. Sponsors: TODA INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL PEACE & POLICY RESEARCH (Honolulu); Peace Information Center, Thammasat Universtiy (Bangkok); and local host Department of Religious Studies, Payab University (Chiang Mai). The two-day workshop brought together seventeen university researchers and activists from nine Asian countries to explore the transition from violence to reconciliation in conflicted societies.

Preliminary Study of In-situ Combustion in Heavy Oil Field in the North of Thailand

A small oil field in the north of Thailand has medium viscous and low gas-content heavy oil. Since conventional production methods are ineffective, thermal recovery is potentially suitable to enhance oil recovery for this reservoir. In -situ combustion is a complex EOR process used for medium to heavy crude oils. The process involves the multi-phase fluid flow through porous media with chemical and physical transition of the crude oil components under high temperature and pressure conditions. The simulation results with STARS were investigated by conducting a number of sensitivity studies with varying the parameters like gridblock sizes, air-injection rates, oxygen concentrations, and injected air temperature. The 0.5m-block size was chosen due to the optimum running time with acceptable accuracy. From the results, it can be concluded that changing injection rate from 100 Mscf/d to 400 Mscf/d does not significantly affect cumulative oil production – less than 6% incremental recovery. Increase oxygen concentration from 29% to 100% shows an increase in 40.67% oil production. Moreover, if the injected fluid temperature is increased from 80˚F to 500˚F, total oil production increases 97.14%. Furthermore, optimal operating conditions to enhance recovery of oil were also studied.

Pelagodes cancriformis, a new emerald moth species from the north of Thailand, Laos and southern China (Lepidoptera, Geometridae: Geometrinae)

Pelagodes cancriformis, a new emerald moth species from the north of Thailand, Laos and southern China (Lepidoptera, Geometridae: Geometrinae)