Samut Prakan Research Articles

Evaluation of bioactivities of Delonix regia extracts from different regions of Thailand

This research is to study bioactivity of Delonix regia flower and leaf extracts collected in Thailand. We analyzed for efficacy of free radical scavenging and found that flower and leaf extracts from Samut Prakan showed the strongest percentage of reduction with IC50 50.21 and 105.0 mg/ml, respectively. The result of evaluated phytochemicals revealed that Chon Buri’s flower extract had the highest of total phenolic and tannin contents at 200 mg GAE/g extract and 32 mg TAE/g extract, respectively. Furthermore, Samut Prakan’s flower extract had the highest flavonoid compounds at 328.5 mg QE/g extract. To examine cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell lines, we found that Samut Prakan’s flower extract had the most cytotoxicity CC50 value, 5000 µg/ml. In conclusion, we found that the flower of Delonix regia is the promising part for the further study because the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity strongly enhances when flower extract concentration is increased.

Flood Preparedness: Challenges for Hospitals in Thailand

Cities are experiencing the need to protect people, natural and man-made resources and productive capacities against the risks posed by climate change related events. This descriptive study examines the flood preparedness of hospitals at sub-district, district, provincial, and regional levels in Thailand. In-depth interviews were conducted at fourteen hospitals in five provinces, including Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon provinces. We used content analysis for this qualitative descriptive study. The highlight findings of the study revealed that lack of disaster standard operating procedures for emergency response to flood, lack of risk mapping and vulnerability assessment, and shortage of trained risk communicators. Increasing performance in disaster and emergency preparedness and response in the hospitals is essential. We suggest that the hospitals and relevant government agencies require appropriate mechanism to enhance disaster and emergency preparedness and response. Our findings demonstrate evidence of flood preparedness, which raises concerns regarding holistic approach to disaster and emergency preparedness and response for health needs at all levels that warrant further investigation.

Improving Mathayom 2/2 Student Learning Interest in Cell Materials Using Augmented Reality (AR) in Streesmutprakan School, Samut Prakan Province, Thailand

This study aimed to describe the use of media Augmented Reality (AR) to improve learning interest in Matayom 2/2 class students who are lower secondary grades at Streesmutprakan School. This was a classroom action research (CAR) consisting of two cycles. Each cycle consists of planning stage, acting, observing and reflecting stage. The subjects of this study were all 34 students of Matayom 2/2 class. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentary analysis. Data analysis techniques used qualitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that students' learning interest in the first cycle was 3.3 with medium criteria, increasing to 4.4 with high criteria in the second cycle. The use of media Augmented Reality (AR) can increase students learning interest in Matayom 2/2 at Streesmutprakan School, Samut Prakan Province, Thailand.
 
 Keywords: Augmented Reality, Cell Material, 3D Media, Learning Interest.

Characteristics of Pteroptyx Firefly Congregations in a Human Dominated Habitat

Riverbanks in Thailand are home to two fireflies, Pteroptyx malaccae and Pteroptyx valida, which form massive mixed-species mating congregations. In conservation, both represent flagship species that attract much public attention. However, their populations have become sparse. With the increasing spread of urbanization, more information is needed on whether and how the fireflies are able to adapt to such new environments. 24 population surveys were conducted across 13 months at a park surrounded by an urban area in Samut Prakan Province to record their pattern of occurrence. The results showed a year-round presence with high abundance around Jul-Oct, corresponding to local rainy season. On average, the park housed 7 ± 3 congregations with a total of 488 ± 274 displaying males (Mean ± SD, Max = 1281, Min = 111, N = 24). Congregation sizes ranged from 5 to 560 males with an average of 70 (N = 172) and the ratio of P. malaccae to P. valida around 3:1. The distribution pattern was dominated by a few very large and long-lasting congregations that contained most of the males in the area. Location-wise, these large congregations tended to occur at certain “hotspots”, which may aid in flash visibility. Theoretical comparison to hilltopping and other lekking insects was discussed. In terms of plant species, the fireflies most often utilized Sonneratia caseolaris as congregation platform which is consistent with many other areas. However, exotic ornamental plants such as Terminalia catappa were also frequently used here, especially during the rainy season. The behavioral adaptability may aid conservation efforts.

The current situation and environmental conditions of green mussel farming in the gulf of Thailand

This study investigated the current situation and environmental conditions of green mussel Perna viridis farming in Surat Thani, Phetchaburi and Samut Prakan provinces where were located in the gulf of Thailand. Samples were collected during April, August and November in 2014. Based on the results of this study, there were three major types of mussel culture patterns in Thailand: bouchot culture, longline culture (rope culture), and raft culture. Mussel farmers encountered problems on decreasing of larvae mussel in the water column, water quality degradation, high production cost and farmer’s lack of negotiation power to control the price. The water quality of the mussel farms, such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), fecal coliforms bacteria and the total coliforms bacteria met the standard for aquaculture. However, the nutrient, such as ammonium (NH4-N), nitri-nitrogen (NO2-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and soluble reactive phosphorus (PO4-P) were higher than the value of marine aquaculture standard. The results of the contamination of Salmonella spp. bacteria were not found in the mussel’s tissue, however Escherichia coli was found at very low level.

Dependence of Informal Interest Rates and Level of Lenders’ Influence in the Informal Loan Market in Thailand

Informal finance with usurious interest rates seems to be the last resort for the poor in many developing countries. In Thailand, informal credit lenders can freely set up extortionate interest rates and use controversial enforcement actions to pressure borrowers to repay loans, because that legal enforcement is not practical due to the low punishment levels for those lenders. Despite widespread interest in the determinants of the informal interest rates, it remains a largely unexplored area. This study investigates whether level of lenders’ influence over the borrower, and some characteristics of the borrowers, are related to informal interest rates, enabling the rates to be classified into particular categories. Ordered logistic regression is used to analyze the data. The investigation was based on information collected in a survey presented to a sampled population of 694 participants from Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Phathum Thani, and Samut Prakan where the number of informal loans during the last seven years is highest when compared to other regions of the country. The results suggest that the level of lenders’ influence over the borrower in order to obtain a loan correlates with the informal interest rates applied. Moreover, some characteristics of a borrower, i.e., debt-to-income ratio and high level of familiarity between an informal lender and a borrower, also significantly affect the rates.

Elevation Effect in Urban Water Distribution Model

Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) is Thailand's national government agency responsible for the supply of water to 3 provinces Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan with more than 2,384.9 km2 of service area and 2,281,058 consumers in the year 2016. Bangkok, which is both the capital and the economic center of the country, is densely populated. Consequently, there is a huge demand for water; MWA has to supply 5.914 million cubic meters of water per day. Because the metropolitan water supply area is a densely populated city, the water supply system is very complex like a spider’s web. For this reason, MWA has adopted EPANET software for its water supply managing tool in the main pipeline system. There are some mistakes in the main pipe network; the elevations of the nodes are not assigned, so there are some errors. In this study, we have assigned elevations for all nodes on the pipeline network based on mean sea level (MSL). After adjusting the elevation of each node, it was found that the new pipeline network has increased the correlation between means to 0.893 from the existing model mean of that is 0.803 of accuracy up 0.09 (11.2%).

An Investigation of a Cluster of Echovirus 6 Infection with an Encephalitis Death in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand, 2015

On 16 Dec 2016, the Bureau of Epidemiology in the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, was notified of a suspected echovirus 6 encephalitis death in Samut Prakan Province. An investigation was launched for active case detection and confirmation of causative agent. Out of 32 people identified, two (6.3%) were confirmed for echovirus 6, including the index case, and there were 30 suspected cases. The index case was a 5-year-old Thai boy and kindergarten student. On 8 Dec 2015, he developed encephalitis. Echovirus 6 was detected in his cerebrospinal fluid, nasal and rectal swab samples. Chest x-ray revealed pulmonary edema and elevated cardiac enzyme as signs of rhombencephalitis. There were also five (2.9%) out of 173 asymptomatic contacts tested positive for echovirus 6 infection. Potential risks for infection were sharing of utensils and toys, and playing together. Lack of intensive health screening in the school and inadequate hand washing facilities were also observed. We recommended households and the school to improve sanitation, and health education was provided in the communities and schools. Physician's knowledge and awareness of echovirus infection among children should be raised to provide proper treatment and early referral if needed.

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I haplotype diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae)

The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a food-borne zoonotic parasite of public health importance worldwide. It is the primary etiologic agent of eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans in many countries. It is highly endemic in Thailand especially in the northeast region. In this study, A. cantonensis adult worms recovered from the lungs of wild rats in different geographical regions/provinces in Thailand were used to determine their haplotype by means of the mitochondrial partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence. The results revealed three additional COI haplotypes of A. cantonensis. The geographical isolates of A. cantonensis from Thailand and other countries formed a monophyletic clade distinct from the closely related A. malaysiensis. In the present study, distinct haplotypes were identified in seven regions of Thailand – AC10 in Phitsanulok (northern region), AC11 in Nakhon Phanom (northeastern region), AC15 in Trat (eastern region), AC16 in Chantaburi (eastern region), AC4 in Samut Prakan (central region), AC14 in Kanchanaburi (western region), and AC13 in Ranong (southern region). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these haplotypes formed distinct lineages. In general, the COI sequences did not differentiate the worldwide geographical isolates of A. cantonensis. This study has further confirmed the presence of COI haplotype diversity in various geographical isolates of A. cantonensis. The COI gene sequence will be a suitable marker for studying population structure, phylogeography and genetic diversity of the rat lungworm.

MONITORING AND EVALUATIONS ON THE LOTUS THROWING TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL IN BANG PHLI COMMUNITIES CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THAILAND

The favourite festivals in Thailand; the lotus throwing (Rap Bua) festival in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan which countless thousands of local public line the banks of Samrong Canal to throw lotus flowers onto the boat carrying a replica of the famous Buddha image; Luang Poh To was monitoring and evaluated on public’s perceptions of their participants for obvious reasons at Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai toward their participated activities. Associations between public’s activities and their satisfied of this festival were assessed. Using the qualitative data with interview, observation, and participated memberships’ activities were designed from the 10-item Questionnaire on Satisfaction Inventory (QSI) was validated of 0.88 which sample size consisted of 2,383 persons. Statistically significant of their different gender also were found. Public’s participating this festival to their satisfactions were differentiated, the efficiency predictive value ( R 2 ) value indicate that 58% of the variance in their satisfaction assessments also were associated. Article visualizations:

Potential Missed Opportunities Related to the Systematic Screening for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Thailand

Background: In Thailand, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing is part of routine antenatal screening. We assessed the association between characteristics of pregnant women attending Samut Prakan Provincial Hospital antenatal care clinic (ANC) and their Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of pregnant women ≥ 18 yrs presenting at the ANC between August 1st, 2013 and June 30th, 2015. Data on socio-demographics, general physical examination, obstetrical and medical history and knowledge of HBV status were collected. Comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann- Whitney test or Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 115 pregnant women, 18 HBsAg positive and 97 negative, participated. The women had a median age of 27.1 yrs (interquartile range (IQR): 22.4 to 31.5) at a median 28.0 weeks gestational age (IQR: 26.1 to 29.7). Forty-five (39%) reported being born abroad. Sixteen (14%) did not receive primary education. The women’s household contained a median of 3 persons (IQR: 2 to 4). None of these characteristics differed between HBsAg positive and negative women. HBsAg positive women were more likely to know their HBV status than HBsAg negative women [6 (33%)] vs. 12 [(12%), p=0.04] and their previous live offsprings’ HBV status [9 (60%)] vs. 21 [(26%), p=0.01]. In contrast, they were less likely to know their partner’s HBV status [3 (17%)] vs. 50 [(52%), p=0.009]. Conclusion: HBV chronic infection was not associated with any characteristics, which justifies systematic screening for HBsAg during antenatal care. The vast majority of women were not able to report their and their partner’s HBsAg status, underlining potential missed opportunities to be followed for their hepatitis B infection.

Non-Motorized Transportation in and around Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, Samut Prakan

The objectives of this research article are: 1) To study the characteristics and networks of non-motor vehicle transportation routes inside Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and the surrounding area; 2) To analyze peoples’ attitudes and satisfaction levels concerning the safety of non-motorized transportation options on routes leading to Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park; 3) To suggest guidelines for developing the safety of non-motor vehicle routes to Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park. A field survey and questionnaire were used as research tools. The results of the research show that transport inside Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park are limited to non-motorized options. However, the roads that lead to the park (to a distance of 800 meters), have neither separate sidewalks nor bike paths, thus forcing pedestrians and cyclists to share paths with motor vehicles. This has led the questionnaire respondents to express only an average level of satisfaction concerning bike route safety. It is recommended that guidelines for developing non-motor vehicle roads to the park should focus on: 1) Construction of designated separate sidewalks and bike paths; 2) The improvement and development of physical features of the park in order to promote walking and cycling; and 3) Construction and development of bicycle parking stations to facilitate multi-modal transport.

The Land Suitability Evaluation for Samut Prakan Province in Thailand for Eco Industry Development by Applying the Geographic Information System

The purpose of this study is to present the Geographic Information System (GIS) that supports land suitability evaluation for the development of target land in Bang Pu Sub-District Municipality in Samut Prakan Province in Thailand in order to promote the concept of the eco-industrial town. GIS was applied as the research methodology. SIEVE analysis was employed to evaluate suitable land. There are four factors involved in evaluating the land in this study. The first factor is the industrial density factor. The second factor is the industrial cluster factor. The third factor is the accessibility to green and recreation areas factor. The last factor is the risk to the urban ecology and environment factor. Each factor has three score levels in descending order: 3, 2, and 1. It was found that suitable target land could be found in five locations. There were 408 industrial factories on the target land (68.92% of 592 Group 3 factories). The findings are important information for the Samut Prakan Provincial Office to select suitable land, to make strategic and master plans, and to manage resources in order to maximize efficiency and develop the province into a model eco-industrial town in accordance with the province's vision.

Thai waste landfill site fire crisis, particular matter 10, and risk of lung cancer.

In March 2014, a big waste pollution occurs in Thailand. A big fire occurs at a big industrial waste landfill site, Phraeksa, Samut Prakan Province, Bangkok Metropolitan Region. This fire generates several pollutants, including particular matter 10 (PM10). According to the official report of the Bangkok Metropolis, the PM10 in the nearby area (5 km from the crisis area) is equal to 0.575 mg/m 3. The concern is on chronic health effect of PM10 exposure. Recently, the possible carcinogenic property of PM10 is mentioned. To estimate the cancer risk due to this crisis in Thailand, the author calculates the risk based on the ratio by Raaschou-Nielsen et al.; the risk is equal to 70.15 times. Based on the present study, a closed following up and monitoring on the problem of lung cancer in the future among the people living near the crisis area are needed.

The 2009 Pandemic Influenza A Virus in an Outbreak during 2014 in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand

On 30 Jan 2014, a company employee in Samut Prakan Province developed severe pneumonia. Since many other employees also developed influenza-like illness (ILI), an investigation was conducted to describe the situation, identify risk factors and provide recommendations. Medical records and company employees’ medical notes were reviewed. Case definition for ILI was based on the guideline of World Health Organization. Probable ILI cases were randomly sampled to confirm influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 using real-time polymerase chain reaction. A retrospective cohort study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire and a walk-through survey of the company was conducted. Total 102 respondents (18.8%) reported having ILI and among them, two were diagnosed with pneumonia. Seven of 21 throat swab specimens were positive for an influenza virus strain that appeared to be influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. The highest reproductive number (R0) of this outbreak was 2.7 (95% CI=1.9-3.8). Risk factors for illness included attending the company party (adjusted OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.73-56.35, PAF = 0.86) and having contact with persons who developed ILI (adjusted OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.46-4.93, PAF = 0.24). This outbreak showed that the pandemic strain of influenza in 2009 became the circulating strain during 2014.

E-Referral System by Means of Decision Support System

This research aims to study, analyze, design and develop a web-based referral system for the recommendation of appropriate referred hospitals. Decision support system is applied to reduce time to find provider information that qualify with referral policy, medical specialists, bed, healthcare coverage, how emergency, distance and transportation time. This e-referral system scopes referral area from Siriraj hospital to other health care providers in Bangkok and metropolitan region (Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon), with a total of 240 hospitals. This approach uses a rule-based system to match providers with Siriraj referral policy. Then, these matched providers’ data are analyzed to calculate its weight value.

Supply Chain Network Design of Ethanol in Thailand

The proposed model is location-allocation model developed to design and manage the plants-to-customers ethanol supply chain in Thailand with the objective to minimize the total cost. The results showed that Thailand should have only one ethanol export depot and central depot located along wharfs in Samut Prakan province and along the highway in Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, respectively. This model also provided the solutions on opening and expanding of production capacity of ethanol plants over time and appropriate ethanol allocation both of direct distribution and through the central depot for long term (2012-2021).

Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources Management in the Lower Chao Phraya Basin, Thailand

Climate change and associated rising in sea water level have affected the salinity in many rivers around the world. It has an effect on the embouchure adjacent with the sea, which is called the salinity intrusion problem. This study investigated the effects of climate change on sea water level that affects the hydraulic conditions, salinity, water supply and agricultural areas in the lower Chao Phraya River by MIKE 11 model has been used. The study covered the area from Chao Phraya Dam (barrage), Chai Nat Province to the river estuary, Samut Prakan Province. The model was divided into two parts, hydrodynamic module and advection-dispersion model. Calibration of each part was done by adjusting its important coefficients. It was observed that the Manning’s coefficient (n) and coefficient dispersion of mass were in the range of 0.025 - 0.40 and 800 - 1600 m2/s, respectively. The results of comparison between models and observation data revealed order of forecasting error (R2) with the range of 0.76-0.99 for water level and 0.73 - 0.86 for salinity. The RCP 8.5 scenario from IPCC report was simulated. It was found that sea water level rising in was 1.16 m in the year of 2100, and salinity at SamlaePump Station was risen to 0.37 - 0.75 g/l. The value of 0.25 g/l exceeding standard and the pointed tip of salinity was at Koh Rain District, Ayutthaya Province (137 km from Chao Phraya Dam: CPD). For agricultural sectors, the value of 0.20 g/l exceeding standard and the pointed tip of salinity was at Ban Mai District, Ayutthaya Province (123 km from CPD). Results obtained from this study will give the guideline in raw water resources management for water supply and agricultural in Chao Phraya River Basin.

Mon Dance: Creating Standards to Continue the Performing Arts of Thai-Raman

This investigation, Mon dance: Creating standards to continue the performing arts of Thai-Raman, has the following objectives: 1) To understand the history, current conditions of and problems with Mon dance of the Thai-Raman; 2) To examine the standards of Mon dance; 3) To create standards to continue the performing arts of the Thai-Raman. This qualitative research was conducted in three central Thai provinces: Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. Data was collected from documentary study and field data by means of observation, interview and group discussion. Workshops were also held with a total of 100 attendees, comprised of 20 key informants, 50 casual informants and 30 general informants. Data was validated using a triangulation technique and findings are presented using a descriptive analysis. The research highlighted current conditions and problems in dancing process, melody, costume, performers, time and rituals,which have similarities and contrasts depending on the environment and the social and cultural changes in each area. The standardization of the dance was found to be similar to the dancing process, melody, costume, performers, time and rituals. Traditions are not supposed to change in order to demonstrate the identity of Mon Dance. It was concluded that the dance process has 6 indicators and points were set in the performance judging criteria as follows: 170 points for the melody with 3 indicators, 195 points for the costume with one indicator, 30 points for the performers with six indicators, 80 points for the time with 2 indicators, 25 points for the rituals with 3 indicators and 40 points for meeting the assessment criteria. The passing score for the dance will be 80%.

Burmese Migrant Workers: Dimensions of Cultural Adaptation and an Assimilation Model for Economic and Social Development in the Central Coastal Region of Thailand

This research is aimed at studying the background of Burmese migrant labor, the current state and problems with Burmese migrant labor and the dimensions of cultural adaptation and an assimilation model for economic and social development of Burmese migrant labor in the Central Coastal Region of Thailand. This is a qualitative study carried out between November 2012 and November 2013 that incorporates document study and field research. The research area was purposively selected as Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan and Samut Songkhram Provinces. The research sample was also purposively selected and comprised of 150 individuals, divided into three groups: key informants (n=21), casual informants (n=69) and general informants (n=60). Tools used for data collection were observation, interview and focus group discussion. Data was validated using a triangulation technique. The result of the investigation is a development model in five sections: cost of labor, work conditions, job security, career progression and work sanitation and safety.