Northeastern Part Of Thailand Research Articles

Two new species of Strandesia Stuhlmann, 1888 (Crustacea: Ostracoda) from Thailand, with first record of a male S. martensi Savatenalinton, 2015

Two new species of Strandesia Stuhlmann, 1888 are described from the northeastern part of Thailand: S. karanovicae sp. nov. and S. amnatcharoenensis sp. nov. Strandesia karanovicae is characterized by a tumid carapace in dorsal view, a small anterior overlap, the absence of a dorso-subapical seta on the first segment of the antennule (A1), a large aesthetasc Y on the antenna, an α seta shape with a needle-like tip and a large β seta on the mandibular palp (Md-palp), serrated bristles on the maxilla, a long h1 seta on the second thoracopod (T2) and a slender caudal ramus (CR). Strandesia amnatcharoenensis has a small compressed posterior part of the right valves (RV) which makes it closely related to S. pholpunthini Savatenalinton, 2015. The new species can be distinguished primarily by a considerably small anterior overlap of the left valve over the right valve (RV), a postero-ventral flange of the RV, a remarkably large claw Ga of the CR and the chaetotaxy of the limbs, especially A1, Md-palp and T2. In addition, in the present study, the sexual population of S. martensi Savatenalinton, 2015 is recorded for the first time, and thus the first description of the male is provided here. Moreover, the morphological examination of both males and females revealed differences between asexual and sexual females and also points to the fact that S. martensi is a mixed reproduction species. This is the first record of the mixed reproductive mode in the genus Strandesia or even in the Cypricercinae.

O Desenvolvimento do Turismo Sustentável para a Promoção da Cultura na Área Local: Estudo de Caso Distrito de Nong Sung, Província de Mukdahan, Tailândia

Purpose: This research aimed 1) to explore the geographical and cultural aspects of the area; 2) to design and create a sustainable tourism model; and 3) to suggest a development model to generate income, increase well-being in the community, and transfer lessons learned to other areas.   Method: This research employed realist ethnographic approach collecting data from observation and focus groups of District Chief, Deputy District Chief, senior villagers, and villagers. The researcher describes and interprets the shared and learned patterns of values, behavior, belief and language to create and design a sustainable tourism model to support Phu Thai cultural tourism.   Result and Conclusion: The results showed that the Nong Sung district’s geography consists tiny valleys that surround in all four directions and has a creek through during the rainy season. The valleys have waterfalls flowing all year. Specifically, the ethnic identity of the Phu Thai people becomes the basis of cultural tourism management. As one of the Northeast's best traditional communities in terms of way of life, traditions, religious beliefs, and customs, this community has national recognition as a top tourist destination. Interestingly, the cultural town showed the unique nature of the area by significantly integrating government policies and traditional ways of life.   Research Implications: Phu Thai community at Nong Sung is the key actor for this sustainable tourism model. Phu Thai culture, dress, food, lifestyle and language are the key elements for Phu Thai community sustainable and cultural tourism. The creation of signage and resources for tourist attractions should obviously be provided. Finally, the younger generation should inherit the valuable culture, especially the Phu Thai language and cultural traditions.   Originality/Value: Phu Thai in Northeastern part of Thailand is sustainable traditional tourism community that delivers traditional way of life, religious beliefs and customs to promote local cultures, especially the Phu Thai language.

In vitro studies of Cholangiocarcinoma cell lines response to X-rays and Neutron irradiation

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive cancer that is prevalent in the northeastern part of Thailand. Surgical treatment is the gold standard for CCA treatment, but some CCA patients are inoperable. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are alternative treatments to improve the quality of life of patients. However, the effect of radiotherapy on CCA treatment is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of X-rays and neutron beams on the human CCA cell line (KKU-055). First, KKU-055 cells were irradiated using 6 MV X-rays with a dose range of 0–5 Gy at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) to obtain reference data. Next, cells were exposed to thermal neutron beams with doses ranging from 0 to 5 Gy using the Thai Research Reactor-1/Modification 1 (TRR-1/M1) at the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT). After neutron irradiation, survival curves were studied, and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) was investigated. The findings revealed that the survival rate of the KKU-055 cells under X-ray irradiation is lower than that of neutron beams. To increase neutron interaction with the DNA of CCA cell lines, we plan to introduce boron compounds to CCA cell lines prior to neutron irradiation. This technique is referred to as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).

A new jewel-like species of the pill-millipede genus Sphaerobelum Verhoeff, 1924 (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida, Zephroniidae) from Thailand.

A new species of the giant pill millipede genus Sphaerobelum is described: Sphaerobelumturcosasp. nov. from the northeastern part of Thailand. Species delimitation is based on morphological characters and COI sequence data. The new species can be clearly discriminated from congeners by its greenish-blue body color, the face mask-like appearance of the thoracic and anal shields jointly when rolled up, and the combination of the following four characters: (1) the coxa of the second leg laterally with a sharp and long process, (2) the tarsi of legs 4-21 with 6-7 ventral spines, (3) the anterior telopods consisting of four conspicuous telopoditomeres, and (4) the immovable, slender (not strongly humped) and distally curved finger of the posterior telopods without a membranous spot. The interspecific COI sequence divergence between the new species and other Sphaerobelum species ranges from 17% to 23% (mean 20%). The intergeneric COI sequence divergence between the new species and Zephronia species ranges from 18% to 21% (mean 20%). The relationships among Sphaerobelum and Zephronia species based on the COI sequence data were not resolved in this study. Sphaerobelumturcosasp. nov. is restricted to limestone habitat in Loei province and is probably endemic for the Thai fauna.

The Effects of Multimodal Teaching on English Vocabulary Knowledge of Thai Primary School Students

It is increasingly prevalent in digital learning and teaching strategies for discerning a global perspective on creating the student learning experience. Multimodality is an emergent phenomenon that may influence how digital learning is designed, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in which immersive learning environments, such as a virtual learning platform, were employed. This immersive platform may assist learners in engaging in, paying attention to, and reflecting on their learning. This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of multimodal teaching on primary school learners’ English vocabulary and their attitude toward the learning environment. The participants were 59 primary school students in the northeastern part of Thailand. They were divided into two groups: experimental and control groups. The former consisted of 33 students, while the latter comprised 26. Following Nation’s (2013) word knowledge framework, two tests were developed to measure participants’ receptive and productive knowledge of the words. L2 vocabulary scholars validated the tests, and the reliability of the tests was checked using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The questionnaire was also developed to explore the participants’ attitudes toward using multimodal teaching methods to improve their vocabulary knowledge. The results showed that although both groups increased their vocabulary knowledge, the statistical analysis revealed that the multimodal teaching technique significantly enhanced participants’ receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. The results also indicated that primary school participants had a positive attitude toward using multimodal teaching methods to improve their vocabulary knowledge. The current study suggests that the multimodal teaching method effectively improves Thai primary school learners’ receptive and productive word knowledge and helps them learn new vocabulary.

Update on vitamin D status in sunshine-abundant Thailand, 2019–2020

ObjectiveThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide remains unknown. In the Thai 4th National Health Examination Survey (2008–2009) cohort, ∼45% and 7% of the adult population had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] levels below the threshold of 75 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. Vitamin D has been a hot topic in the scientific community. The aim of this study was to uncover the current situation regarding vitamin D status in Thailand. MethodsParticipants were 4098 adults ages 10 to 96 y, randomly selected from the Thai 6th National Health Examination Survey (2019–2020) cohort. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Data were expressed as mean ± SE and adjusted odds ratio (95% CI). ResultsMean vitamin D status based on serum 25(OH)D was 88.2 nmol/L and differed by age, sex, residency, and religion. The prevalence of serum 25(OH)D <75 and <50 nmol/L were 31% and 4%, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was lower in individuals who lived in the northeastern part of Thailand or were male. The risk for vitamin D deficiency was lower than that in 2009. In multiple linear regression analysis, female sex, younger age, urbanization, a higher body mass index, Muslim religion, and living in Bangkok or the central region of Thailand were independently associated with lower serum 25(OH)D levels. ConclusionsThe vitamin D status in the Thai population has improved over the past 10 y. This improvement may reflect an increased awareness related to adequate vitamin D status.

Modeling of wind energy potential using a high-resolution grid over Mekong riverside region in the northeastern part of Thailand

Modeling of wind energy potential using a high-resolution grid over Mekong riverside region in the northeastern part of Thailand

Concentrations and source identification of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment cores from south and northeast Thailand

In this study, the environmental fate of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tropical lake sediments and their potential sources have been discussed. 15 PAHs (i.e. ΣPAH) have been investigated in two lakes, namely Songkhla Lake (SKL) and Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake (NHL), which are located at the southern and north-eastern parts of Thailand, respectively. Since these two lakes are registered as important wetlands under the Ramsar convention (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: UNESCO), the quantitative identification of potential contributors of PAHs is an inevitable analytical tool for launching an evidence-based policy. The ΣPAH concentrations observed in SKL and NHL sediments (n = 135) were in the range of 19.4–1,218 ng g−1 and 94.5–1,112 ng g−1, respectively. While the exponential decline of ΣPAH contents were detected in SKL sediments, NHL showed a trend of enhancing PAH contents with depth. The averaged benzo [a]pyrene (B [a]P) contents of surface sediments in both lakes were much below the value stipulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) guidelines for carcinogen risk assessment. Based on numerous multivariate statistical techniques coupled with source apportionment analysis, “biomass burning” and “anthropogenic activities” are two potential contributors of the PAHs detected in the study areas. To achieve the long-term conservation of nature with related ecosystem services and cultural values, it is therefore important to promote decision-making based on ecotoxicological studies of carcinogenic substances.

Seroepidemiological surveillance, community perceptions and associated risk factors of malaria exposure among forest-goers in Northeastern Thailand.

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Thailand. Continuous assessment and understanding of the behavior and perceptions related to malaria exposure in the high-risk group are necessary to achieve the elimination goal. This study aimed to investigate the parasite prevalence, seroprevalence rate, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), and malaria risk factors in rural communities living close to a forested area in the northeastern part of Thailand. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three forest-goer communities (i.e., Ban Khok, Ban Koh, and Dong Yang) located in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan Province, Thailand, from July to August 2019. Demographic, socioeconomic information and KAP data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Parasite prevalence was determined by microscopy. Seroprevalence was determined via ELISA using two Plasmodium falciparum (PfAMA-1 and PfMSP-119) and two Plasmodium vivax (PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119) antigens. Age-adjusted antibody responses were analyzed using a reversible catalytic model to calculate seroconversion rate (SCR). Malaria parasite was not detected in any of the 345 participants. The overall malaria seroprevalence was 72.2% for PfAMA-1, 18.8% for PfMSP-119, 32.5% for PvAMA-1, and 4.4% for PvMSP-119. The proportion of seroprevalence for P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens was significantly highest in Ban Koh (35.1%, P < 0.001) and Don Yang (18.8%, P < 0.001), respectively. For all parasite antigens except PvMSP-119, the proportion of seropositive individuals significantly increased with age (P < 0.001). Based on the SCRs, there was a higher level of P. falciparum transmission than P. vivax. Regarding KAP, almost all respondents showed adequate knowledge and awareness about malaria. Nevertheless, significant effort is needed to improve positive attitudes and practices concerning malaria prevention measures. Multivariate regression analyses showed that living in Ban Koh was associated with both P. falciparum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.87, P < 0.001) and P. vivax (aOR 9.78, P < 0.001) seropositivities. We also found significant associations between age and seropositivity against P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens. The data suggest that seroepidemiological surveillance using AMA-1 and MSP-119 antigens may provide further evidence to reconstruct malaria exposure history. The absence of weak evidence of recent malaria transmission in Mukdahan Province is promising in the context of the disease elimination program.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Wind Energy Potential in North-Eastern of Thailand

Thailand's alternative power development plan attempts to reduce the dependence of electrical power generation on fossil fuels by setting a goal of generating electricity from wind energy resources of 3,002MW within year 2,036. Moreover, the shortage of electricity in the North-eastern region of Thailand needs to be cared for to create stability of energy in Thailand. Therefore, the assessment of wind power resource potential in the north-eastern part of Thailand needs to be studied. This paper presents a technical and economic analysis of the wind power potential for five stations in the north-eastern part of Thailand: Buriram, Roi Et, Sri Sa Ket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani within 4 years (2017-2020) at a 10-minute interval. The data was collected from Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) at a 10m height above ground level. This paper focuses on the wind climate at 60m and 80m above ground level by using WAsP to simulate the mean wind speed and power density of each station. Moreover, this study uses Vestas V52-850kW and Vestas V90-2,000kW wind turbine generators to calculate the net annual energy production of each station. In addition to evaluating the economic analysis of investment, this study uses economic tools to evaluate the feasibility of investment. The result showed that Roi Et is the most suitable location for a wind farm. The mean wind speeds and power densities are 5.95 m/s and 265 W/m2 at 60m and 6.15 m/s and 311 W/m2 at 80m. The AEP can be generated at 18.932 GWh and 56.322 GWh at 60m and 80m heights respectively for Roi Et with a cost per unit of 0.09 $/kWh and 0.07 $/kWh. The other provinces have an AEP of 10.674 GWh for Buriram, 12.152 GWh for Sri Sa Ket, 12.969 GWh for Surin, and 8.508 GWh for Ubon Ratchathani at 60m height level, with a cost per unit of 0.15 $/kWh, 0.14 $/kWh, 0.13 $/kWh, and 0.2 $/kWh respectively. At 80m height, the AEP is 33.437 GWh with 0.11 $/kWh for Buriram, 45.737 GWh with 0.09 $/kWh for Sri Sa Kat, 41.189 GWh with 0.09 $/kWh for Surin, and 27.524 GWh with 0.14 $/kWh for Ubon Ratchathani.

Molecular identification and characterization of Lumpy skin disease virus emergence from cattle in the northeastern part of Thailand.

BackgroundLumpy skin disease (LSD), a disease transmitted by direct and indirect contact with infected cattle, is caused by the Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). The disease affects cattle herds in Africa, Europe, and Asia. The clinical signs of LSD range from mild to the appearance of nodules and lesions in the skin leading to severe symptoms that are sometimes fatal with significant livestock economic losses.ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize LSDV strains in the blood of infected cattle in Thailand based on the GPCR gene and determine the phylogenetic relationship of LSDV Thailand isolates with published sequences available in the database.MethodsIn total, the blood samples of 120 cattle were collected from different farms in four provinces in the northeastern part of Thailand, and the occurrence of LSDV was examined by PCR based on the P32 antigen gene. The genetic diversity of LSDV based on the GPCR gene was analyzed.ResultsPolymerase chain reaction assays based on the P32 antigen gene showed that 4.17% (5/120) were positive for LSDV. All positive blood samples were amplified successfully for the GPCR gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that LSDV Thailand isolates clustered together with LSDVs from China and Russia.ConclusionsThe LSD outbreak in Thailand was confirmed, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed to infer the branching pattern of the GPCR gene from the presence of LSDV in Thailand. This is the first report on the molecular characterization of LSDV in cattle in Thailand.

The first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from South Thailand.

Background and Aim:Bartonellosis is an emerging worldwide zoonosis caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Bartonella. Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of Bartonella infections from animals and humans, including reports from wild and domestic ruminants. However, there has been only one report of Bartonella infection in water buffaloes from the northeastern part of Thailand. Moreover, the seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes still remains unknown. This study was conducted to explore the prevalence of Bartonella spp. among water buffaloes from South Thailand using molecular and serological techniques.Materials and Methods:A total of 312 samples (156 blood and 156 sera) of 156 water buffaloes from 29 farms in Phatthalung Province, South Thailand, were collected from January to March 2021. All samples were screened for Bartonella spp. using polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence assay.Results:The seroprevalence of antibodies against three Bartonella spp. was 16.03% (25/156, 95% confidence interval: 10.65-22.74%), and among 25 water buffaloes with seroprevalence, 56%, 20%, and 24% were positive for antibodies against Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and Bartonella tamiae, respectively. No significant difference was detected among seroprevalence, gender, age, and ectoparasite infestation.Conclusion:This is the first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against B. henselae, B. vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and B. tamiae in water buffaloes from South Thailand. Further studies are required on the epidemiology of Bartonella infection among water buffaloes, related personnel, and ectoparasites.

The Influence of Linguistic Insecurity on Thai EFL Teachers’ Teaching Performance

Using a case study approach, this study focused on teachers’ linguistic insecurity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of Thai EFL teachers’ linguistic insecurity on their teaching performance. The data were obtained from classroom observation and semi-structured interviews. Using a purposive sampling, the participants were two Thai EFL teachers who were in-service teachers at a public secondary school in the northeastern part of Thailand. The study was conducted in the second semester of the 2020 academic year. Data were analyzed by using content analysis to identify themes. The results of the study indicated that the participants perceived that linguistic insecurity influenced their teaching performance in three aspects: lack of confidence about English knowledge, poor performance in English language teaching, and negative self-concept toward their English language ability. The discussion of findings, pedagogical implications, and recommendations for further investigations were also discussed.

Perceptions of Thai Teachers of English Towards English Medium Instruction: A Case Study of a Local Primary School

Using a case study approach, this study investigated teachers’ perceptions of EMI, the challenges teachers encountered while adopting EMI, and opportunities for EMI in Thai EFL classrooms. The participants were three Thai teachers who used English as a medium of instruction in subjects such as mathematics and science in an intensive English program at a private primary school in the northeastern part of Thailand. Data were obtained from teachers’ journals and semi-structured interviews. The data were transcribed and coded into themes using content analysis. The current study reports the perceptions of Thai EFL teachers and reveals the challenges of EMI in Thai EFL classrooms. As the findings reveal, the participants perceived EMI as an educational advantage, as preparation for the international community and as an approach to enhance students’ speaking confidence. Although EMI offers potential benefits, the study reveals that when teaching, the participants are challenged by students’ language proficiency, classroom size, a lack of teaching materials, teacher’s lack of content knowledge and a lack of support from the school. Moreover, the study suggests some recommendations for pedagogical implication in adopting EMI in Thai EFL classrooms.

Psychometric Properties of the Thai Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia among Older People with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Kinesiophobia is described as fear of physical movement resulting in painful injury. Older adults with knee osteoarthritis usually suffer from joint pain. Assessment of kinesiophobia is beneficial for prevention of further deterioration in performing activity. Even though, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) has been developed to briefly examine pain related to fear of movement in patients with chronic pain, the TSK-11 Thai version has not been examined for its validity and reliability yet. Objective: To examine psychometric properties of the TSK-11 Thai version. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 200 older people with knee osteoarthritis living in the northeastern part of Thailand was used in the present study. Participants were asked to complete the demographic questionnaire, the TSK-11-Thai version, the numeric rating scale (NRS), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) Thai version. To confirm the TSK-11 Thai version validity, construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to confirm the TSK-11-Thai version’s convergent validities. For internal consistency reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were also assessed. Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a two-factor model, including somatic factor and activity avoidance, fitted with the data. The TSK11-Thai version was positively correlated with pain catastrophizing. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the total TSK11-Thai version was at 0.77. For subscale, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the TSK somatic factor and activity avoidance were 0.61 and 0.69, respectively. Conclusion: The Thai version of TSK-11 has acceptable validity and reliability. The TSK-11-Thai version is suitable to use to examine pain-related fear of movement in patients with knee osteoarthritis for clinical and research purposes. Keywords: Instrument; Knee osteoarthritis; Older people; Pain-related fear of movement; Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-Thai version; Psychometric properties; Validation

The Forecasting Model with Climate Variables of the Re-emerging Disease Rate in Elderly Patients

This research forecasted the incidence rate per 100,000 elderly population with food poisoning, pneumonia, and fever of unknown origin in Khon Kaen Province and Roi Et Province in the northeastern part of Thailand. In the study, the time series forecasting with Box-Jenkins Method (SARIMA model) and Box-Jenkins Method with climate variables, i.e total monthly rainfall, maximum average monthly temperature, average relative humidity, minimum average monthly temperature and average temperature (SARIMAX model) was performed. The study results revealed that the forecasting accuracy was closely similar to the model without the climate variables in the combined analysis although such climate variables had relationship with the incidence rate per 100,000 elderly population with food poisoning, pneumonia, and fever of unknown origin. Therefore, the appropriate model should be the SARIMA model because it is easier for analysis but with higher forecasting accuracy than the SARIMAX model.

Co-occurrence of Angiostrongylus malaysiensis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis DNA in cerebrospinal fluid: Evidence from human eosinophilic meningitis after ingestion of raw snail dish in Thailand

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the main causative agent of human neuroangiostrongyliasis, is a food-borne parasitic zoonosis, particularly in Southeast Asia and Mainland China. Angiostrongylus malaysiensis, a cryptic species, has not been unequivocally identified as a causative agent for human angiostrongyliasis. Here, we investigated a local incidence of human angiostrongyliasis in Kalasin Province, northeastern part of Thailand. Field and laboratory investigations, clinical symptoms, and treatment of the disease are also discussed. Five sera and three cerebrospinal fluid samples were taken from each patient who displayed clinical symptoms of mild or severe headache without neck stiffness after ingesting a local dish containing Pila virescens. With molecular evidence using PCR and DNA sequencing approaches, we confirmed the presence of A. malaysiensis and A. cantonensis DNA in the patient samples. In addition, P. virescens and Pomacea canaliculata collected in the vicinity were also examined for the existence of angistrongylid larvae. The rate of infection in the snail population was 33.3% (18 infection out of 54 examined), with A. cantonensis as the predominant species. Notably, two snails were found to be co-infected with both A. malaysiensis and A. cantonensis. This discovery comes after several years of suspicion that it could be a zoonotic pathogen. Therefore, our findings are important for public health and clinical diagnosis since clinicians are not aware of the zoonotic potential of A. malaysiensis in humans.

Photovoltaic forecasting model in Thailand: case study solar farm at Nakhon Ratchasima province

The photovoltaic module performance was normally tested at the standard conditions. The use of the actual field performance has not been investigated. One purpose of this study was to find the predicted equation for forecasting the energy produced from photovoltaic modules. Data for this study were collected using the data from the solar farm in Nakhon Ratchasima province: solar irradiation, ambient temperature, module temperature and wind velocity. The daily composite data were 1,461 from 1st January 2015 – 31st December 2018. The five predicted equations, including both the main effect and the interaction effect, were statistically analysed by regression method using the Minitab software program for multiple linear regression. The requiring dependent variable (y) was the energy produced from the photovoltaic module. The four independent variables were solar irradiation (x1), ambient temperature (x2), module temperature (x3) and wind velocity (x4). For prediction preciscion, all the predicted equations were validated with the new gathered data from 1st January 2019 – 30th June 2019. The analysis results showed, the forecasting model together with the appropriate predicted equation with the highest coefficient of determination (R2 of 0.9873) and the standard deviation of prediction (S = 2.67%). This predicted equation, ŷ = 5258 + 5310.0 x 1 - 100.31 x 2 + 66.2x 4, consisted of the three external independent variables; solar irradiation, ambient temperature, and wind velocity. The independent variable sensitivities were also determined. The solar irradiation was the most sensitive to the predicted equation. Moreover, this predicted equation would be suggested to utilize as the estimator for the energy produced from the new photovoltaic power plant to be installed at the north-eastern part of Thailand.

Worm-free Cooking, Fish Safety: Recommendation to Strategy for Opisthorchiasis Prevention Program

Fish-borne parasitic zoonosis such as Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini remains a major public health problem in many parts of Southeast Asia and Me Kong Basin region including Thailand. The focal point of Opisthorchiasis is located in north-eastern part of Thailand, along with high prevalence coincidence of cholangiocarcinoma, a major primary carcinoma of the liver with a very poor prognosis. Opisthorchis viverrini infection caused by developed cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). O. viverrini infection is acquired by eating raw or partially cooked fish. In endemic areas, several food preparations contain uncooked or raw freshwater fish. The most common local freshwater fish used for this recipe are Koi Pla, Pla Som, Lab Pla and Pla Yang or Grill fish. Raw fish dishes are known to be associated with the risk of liver fluke infection due to the consumption of cyprinoid fish that contains metacercaria of O. viverrini. Grill fish and Lab-Pla are among the famous Thai traditional food in the northeastern and northern part of Thailand. The consumption of raw Grill fish can lead to    O. viverrini infection because cyprinoid fish is a second intermediate host of O. viverrini.  This study investigated the literature of previous working for prevention and control of Opisthorchiasis and confirm worm-free cooking safety of cooking with consideration of time for the preparation of freshwater fish-grill for the prevention and control of Opisthorchiasis and Cholangiocarcinoma infection. The unique experiment experimental designed. The freshwater fishes grill within the group of 0,1,2,3,4 and 5 minutes with 10 fresh water fishes from fisherman in Nakhon Phanom and Sakhon Nakorn provinces which reported high O. viverrini infection among risk people in 2009. The another experiment using frozen freshwater fish at -10 degree for 5 days. The results showed that metacercariae remained active in control and 1-2 minutes experimental groups. The groups 3-5 minutes of grill fish partially cooked showed inactive metacercariae. The excretory bladder spread with unclear form. The conclusion suggested that worm-free cooking under review, and unique experiment of cook safety is a crucial basic knowledge leading to bringing knowledge, practically for the prevention and control Liver fluke infection. Recommendation information also let people better understand the concerns during health literacy program to stop transmission of liver fluke and need to be discussed among head villagers, public health agencies and teachers in the public participation process and school health program. 

Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning of Working-Age People

Objective – This study aimed to investigate the level of understanding of financial knowledge and the relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning of working-age people. Methodology/Technique – The participants of the study were residents of Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan, Thailand. The questionnaire is the research tool for collecting data with 1,200 adults, aged between 25-60. This study will use a descriptive statistical analysis to describe frequency, percentage, mean and mode. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method is widely used to describe the relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning. Findings – The result show that the level of education has a positive relationship with financial literacy. Most of middle lower income people have a moderate to low level of the basic financial literacy and are not involved in retirement planning. The respondents of women in Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan have more understanding of retirement planning than men; this result is different to the previous research undertaken by Lusardi and Mitchell (2011), Bucher-Koenen and Lusardi (2011) Grohmann et al. (2016). Novelty – This paper will study the level of understanding of financial knowledge and the relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning of working-age people. Most of the previous research concentrated on people who live in the big city; there was. little focus on people living in the countryside, especially in the Northeastern part of Thailand. Not too many papers have focused on the working-age people, who in due course will contribute to Thailand becoming an Aging Society. It could help to the government, labor union, Bureau of Financial Inclusion Policy and Development and related departments to know the level of financial knowledge and retirement planning. So, they could provide guidance of financial literacy to community. Type of Paper: Empirical Keywords: Financial Literacy; Retirement Planning; Working-Age People Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Sirisakdakul, T; Khornjamnong, B. (2020). Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning of Working-Age People, J. Fin. Bank. Review, 5 (3): 99 – 107 https://doi.org/10.35609/jfbr.2020.5.3(4) JEL Classification: E21, G02, I22, J26