Surat Thani Research Articles

Population Genetic Structure of Ornate Threadfin Bream (Nemipterus hexodon) in Thailand.

Ornate threadfin bream (Nemipterus hexodon) is an economically important fishery species in Southeast Asia. In Thailand, N. hexodon decreased dramatically due to overexploitation for commercial purposes. To construct an effective sustainable management plan, genetic information is necessary. Thus, in our study, the population genetic structure and demographic history of N. hexodon were investigated using 419 bp of the mitochondrial DNA sequence in cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (mtDNA COI). A total of 142 samples was collected from nine localities in the Gulf of Thailand (Chonburi, Samut Songkhram, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla), and the Andaman Sea (Satun, Trang, Krabi, Phang Nga). Fourteen polymorphic sites defined 18 haplotypes, revealing a high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity among nine localities. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) analysis, pairwise FST, and minimum spanning network result revealed that the genetic structure of N. hexodon was separated into two populations: the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea population. The genetic structure of N. hexodon can be explained by a disruption of gene flow from the geographic barrier and the Pleistocene isolation of the marine basin hypothesis. Neutrality tests, Bayesian skyline analysis, mismatch distribution, and the estimated values of population growth suggested that N. hexodon had experienced a population expansion. The genetic information would certainly help us gain insight into the population genetic structure of N. hexodon living on the coast of Thailand.

A multi-objective optimization model for shelter location-allocation in response to humanitarian relief logistics

Decision-making for shelter location-allocation influences the success of disaster response and affects the security of victims. This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization model for determining shelter location-allocation in response to humanitarian relief logistics. Three objective functions are formulated to improve both efficiency and effectiveness. The first objective is to minimize total costs, including fixed costs for opening the shelters, transportation costs, and service costs. The second objective is to minimize the total time for evacuating victims from all affected areas to allocated shelters. The third objective is to minimize the number of shelters required to provide thorough service to victims. The Epsilon Constraint method (EC) and Goal Programming (GP) are employed for solving the proposed model. The applicability of the proposed model is validated through a case study of flooding in Surat Thani, Thailand. The Pareto efficiency obtained from solving the proposed model is compared with current shelter location-allocation plans determined by the government sector. The comparisons reveal that the results obtained from solving the proposed model outperform current shelter location-allocation plans. Furthermore, the results of this study could provide an advantage to decision-makers considering appropriate strategies for disaster response.

Two new Kukri Snake species (Colubridae: Oligodon) from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range, and addition of O. ocellatus to the fauna of Thailand.

We describe two new Kukri snakes of the genus Oligodon from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range, southern peninsular Thailand. Oligodon phangan sp. nov., endemic to Pha-Ngan Island, Surat Thani Province, is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 369.1 mm; 12 maxillary teeth, the posterior three enlarged; 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows; 163-166 ventrals; 33-42 divided subcaudals; a single anal; dorsal color brown with a pair of discreet paravertebral and lateral stripes; no dorsal or supracaudal bands, blotches or crossbars; background color of belly pinkish-orange; underside of tail immaculate. Oligodon promsombuti sp. nov., whose type-locality is Khao Phanom Wang, Surat Thani Province, is also found in Trang Province, and is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 552.7 mm; 12 maxillary teeth, the posterior three enlarged; 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows; 177 ventrals; 40 divided subcaudals; a single anal; deeply forked hemipenes lacking spines; dorsal color blackish brown with nearly indistinct paravertebral stripes; no dorsal or supracaudal blotches or crossbars; background color of belly ivory, heavily speckled with subrectangular blackish blotches. We tentatively allocate both new species to the informal Oligodon-cyclurus-group. They are the 5th and 6th Oligodon species endemic to Thailand. We add Oligodon ocellatus, so far known only from Cambodia, southern Laos and southern Vietnam, to the Thai fauna, based on a specimen from Chong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Working Conditions and Health Risk Assessment in Hair Salons.

Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the chemical and physical work conditions in hair salons and to analyze health risk of exposure to VOCs for the hairdressers of hair salons. Methods: This study was carried out at 4 selected hair salons close to universities in Surat Thani province, Thailand. VOCs were collected by area sampling using charcoal tubes (9 samples per salon). The air samples were analyzed using GC/FID. The noise levels, illumination, and temperature were measured by using sound level meter, lux meter, and WBGT, respectively. Results: Toluene, cyclohexanone, xylene, and hexane were the most frequently found across the hair salons. All of the VOCs concentration was highest in the mixing area. All of hair salons had cancer risk exceeding 1 × 10−6 and HI > 1.0, indicating that indoor air pollution may affect hairdresser’s health. The average VOCs concentrations after installation of local exhaust ventilation and open the door for 30 minutes before closing the hair salon, was significantly lower than before and after installation of the local exhaust ventilation. The WBGT indoors varied within 22 to 28°C, sound pressure levels within 71 to 76 dBA, and illumination within 70 to 400 lux. The noise levels and temperature in the hair salons were satisfactory on the scale of the Ministry of Labor (Thailand). Conclusions:Installing and using proper ventilation in hair salon are recommended to eliminate health effects. Hairdresser worked in poor lighting that should be improved to appropriate levels (>1000 lux).

Two new species of Ilex (Aquifoliaceae) from Thailand

Two new species of Aquifoliaceae are reported for Thailand. Ilex depressifructu is newly recorded from Umphang District, Tak Province (leaf blades ovate, ovate-oblong or oblong, base obtuse; infructescences solitary dichasia; fruits depressed globose with capitate stigma; pyrenes 5, shallowly-5-sulcate, 6-striate) and Ilex phanganensis (like I. umbellulata, but glabrous, smaller leaves, less veins, diplothyrsoid inflorescences with mainly alternate branches, less pyrenes), is newly recorded from Ko Phagnan Islands, Surat Thani Province. The descriptions and illustrations of the taxa are presented.

Two new species of Ilex (Aquifoliaceae) from Thailand

Two new species of Aquifoliaceae are reported for Thailand. Ilex depressifructu is newly recorded from Umphang District, Tak Province (leaf blades ovate, ovate-oblong or oblong, base obtuse; infructescences solitary dichasia; fruits depressed globose with capitate stigma; pyrenes 5, shallowly-5-sulcate, 6-striate) and Ilex phanganensis (like I. umbellulata, but glabrous, smaller leaves, less veins, diplothyrsoid inflorescences with mainly alternate branches, less pyrenes), is newly recorded from Ko Phagnan Islands, Surat Thani Province. The descriptions and illustrations of the taxa are presented.

Public Mind: University Engagement and Community Relations for Sustainable Quality of Life Development and Strong Communities

This study aimed to 1) survey issues in the communities and organize ten community projects to resolve the issues, 2) integrate the bodies of knowledge, concepts, theories of Public Administration with students volunteering and 3) respond to the four missions of university engagement. This study is part of the classroom action research, the project evaluation course and the management innovation course. The subjects in the project were 150 students majoring in Public Administration from Suratthani Rajabhat University and Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus. The project operated during 2017-2019 beginning with the study of problems in the community covering Makham Tia Sub-district and Khun Thalae Sub-district, Muang District, Surat Thani Province. Then it was developed into a project to solve problems with the community, with groups of 10-15 students. Then the students proceeded to create a project, evaluate it and bring what they learned from various projects to take lesson learned together. The findings revealed that the student volunteers had positive conscience towards participating in designing and arranging the project as well as other activities that support the communities. Furthermore, these activities provided the students more opportunities to grow the spirit of volunteering and apply the practical knowledge to outside education. Each community had different problems, most of which were fundamental problems such as waste, environment, well-being and diseases. For another objective of the study, it was found that PDCA, POCCC, and system theory along were popular techniques used in the students' volunteering projects. For the last objective, the study found that organizing these projects created the process of participation for stakeholders in both public and private sectors. In addition to practising various skills to nurture the I-WISE identity, the students could achieve the university engagement on community relations for the development of the quality of life and sustainably strong community that conforms to the determination of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla, "The benefit of fellow humans is the first activity". Keywords: Public Mind, University Engagement, Quality of Life Development, Strong Communities

Genetic mixed-stock analysis of short mackerel, Rastrelliger brachysoma, catches in the Gulf of Thailand: Evidence of transboundary migration of the commercially important fish

Short mackerel, Rastrelliger brachysoma, is one of commercially important marine species in the Gulf of Thailand. The mackerel resource has been faced with overfishing and sharply declined. Here, genetic mixed-stock analysis was performed using eleven microsatellite loci on 1675 short mackerel individuals caught, in 2014, from its four major fishing grounds of Thai waters in the Gulf of Thailand. Short mackerel populations from Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese and Malaysian waters in the Gulf of Thailand were used as baselines. The mixed-stock analysis revealed that these populations significantly contributed to catches of the four fishing grounds in Thai water. The Samut Songkhram population, representing sedentary behavior, was the major contributor (52.71 %) to the total catch from the Inner Gulf of Thailand. The Surat Thani population dominantly contributed 46.23 % to the total catch from lower part of the Central Gulf of Thailand, where the fishing ground surrounds its spawning ground. The populations from Cambodia and Malaysia corporately contributed of 70.95 % and 87.88 % to the total catches from the Eastern Gulf of Thailand and upper part of the Central Gulf of Thailand, respectively. According to these analysis results, the populations from neighboring countries to Thailand displayed transboundary migration and significantly contributed to fishery catches in the Thai water. Therefore, profound sub-regional cooperation from Gulf of Thailand countries is required for effective fishery management of the short mackerel resource to be sustainable.

Amycolatopsis acididurans sp. nov., isolated from peat swamp forest soil in Thailand.

A polyphasic approach was used to describe strain K13G38T, a novel actinomycete isolated from peat swamp forest soil collected from Surat Thani Province, Thailand. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strain belonged to the genus Amycolatopsis and showed the highest sequence similarities to both Amycolatopsis acidiphila JCM 30562T and Amycolatopsis bartoniae DSM 45807T (96.8% sequence similarity). Furthermore, strain K13G38T, which formed extensively branched substrate and aerial mycelia, exhibited chemotaxonomical characteristics of the genus Amycolatopsis which included phospholipid pattern type II and cell-wall chemotype IV. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified phospholipids, and an unidentified aminolipid. MK-9(H4) was a predominant menaquinone of the organism. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0, and C16:0. The genomic DNA size of strain K13G38T was 8.5 Mbp with 69.5 mol% G+C content. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, overall genomic relatedness index and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain K13G38T represents a novel species of the genus Amycolatopsis, for which the name A. acididurans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K13G38T (=TBRC 12507T = NBRC 114553T).

Dengue Risk Mapping from Geospatial Data Using GIS and Data Mining Techniques

Dengue fever is a major public health problem and has been an epidemic in Thailand for a long time. Therefore, there is a need to find a way to prevent the disease. This research aimed to explore the important factors of dengue fever, to study the factors affecting dengue hemorrhagic fever in Surat Thani Province, and to map the potential outbreak of dengue fever. Collecting patient information was done including, Rainfall, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), Population Density, and Patients in Surat Thani Province, which was analyzed using data mining techniques involving analysis using 3 algorithms comprising Random Forest, J48, and Random Tree. The correct result is Random Forest since the accuracy of the data is 96.7 percent followed by J48 with accuracy of 95.9 percent. The final sequence is Random Tree with accuracy of 93.5 percent. Then, using the information can be displayed through ArcGIS program to see the risk points that are compared to the risk areas that have been previously done. The results can be very risky in Mueang District, Kanchanadit District, and Don Sak District, corresponding to the information obtained from the Public Health Office and the risk map created from the patient information.

Pseudonocardia acidicola sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from peat swamp forest soil.

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain K10HN5T, was isolated from a peat soil sample collected from Kantulee peat swamp forest, Surat Thani Province, Thailand and its taxonomic position was determined using a polyphasic approach. Strain K10HN5T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose, galactose, glucose and ribose in its whole-cell hydrolysates. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 1H. Mycolic acids were not present. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylmethylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that it was closely related to Pseudonocardia bannensis DSM 45300T (97.9 %) and Pseudonocardia xinjiangensis JCM 11839T (97.9 %). Strain K10HN5T exhibited low average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values with P. bannensis DSM 45300T (82.6, 28.7 %) and P. xinjiangensis JCM11839T (76.3, 22.2 %). The DNA G+C content of strain K10HN5T was 72.4 mol%. Based on polyphasic data, strain K10HN5T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, for which the name Pseudonocardia acidicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K10HN5T (=TBRC 10048T=NBRC 113897T).

Population genetic structure of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) in the Gulf of Thailand

Abstract. Supmee V, Sawusdee A, Sangthong P, Suppapan J. 2020. Population genetic structure of Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) in the Gulf of Thailand. Biodiversitas 21: 4260-4268. The Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) is an important commercial fishery product in the Gulf of Thailand. To provide a strategy for management, information on genetic features is needed. In our study, the population genetic structure and demographic history of the P. pelagicus living in the Gulf of Thailand were analyzed based on the variation of the nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial DNA in the control region (mtDNA CR). Ninety-seven samples were collected from 5 sampling sites: Rayong, Chonburi, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces in the Gulf of Thailand. Forty-nine haplotypes were identified and 39 private haplotypes were found. An AMOVA showed no genetic structure among populations. The pairwise FST also indicated no statistically significant difference between all possible regional combinations. The topology of a minimum spanning network revealed a star-like topology that was not separated by geographic structure. The historical demographic analysis revealed a stable population size for a long period and followed by a very recent expansion. An absence of a population structure of the P. pelagicus was possibly caused by a high level of gene flow. The results of this study differ from previous studies that used genetic markers in nuclear DNA. Thus, to clear the genetic structure information of P. pelagicus in the Gulf of Thailand, we suggested that more sensitive markers to detect genetic structure should be used in further analysis.

DETERMINATION OF HISTAMINE-FORMING BACTERIA, TOTAL COLIFORM AND ESCHERICHIA COLI IN FERMENTED FOODS

Fermented fishery food products have been generally sold in the local market, Thailand. These products were frequently contaminated with various microorganisms due to raw material and unhygienic production process. Determination of microbial contamination of fermented food products helps to assure safety for consumers. Therefore, the aims of the study were to determine total bacteria, total coliform, Escherichia coli and histamine producing bacteria from fermented fishery food products commercially distributed in several regions of Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces. Twenty-two samples of fermented fishery food products were randomly collected for bacterial contamination assay. All samples revealed the levels of pH and salt content in the range of 3.67-7.46 and 8.46%-29.69%, respectively. The bacterial contamination of the samples was tested by total plate count method. Determination of coliform bacteria and E. coli was examined by multiple-tube fermentation technique. Total bacteria, total coliform and E. coli of all samples were in the range of 2.15-7.54 log CFU/g, < 3-460 MPN/g and < 3-93 MPN/g, respectively. In addition, thirteen histamine-forming bacteria were found on histamine-forming bacteria isolation agar after incubation at 37°C for 4 days. Five isolates of histamine-forming bacteria named M1, M3, M9, M11, and M13 were selected to identify by molecular techniques. M1 and M3 were obtained from shrimp paste (Kapi) and M11 was obtained from fermented fish (Pla Pang Dang). They were identified as Enterobacter sp. M9 and M13 isolated from fermented fish (Pla Som and Pla Ra) were identified as Citrobacter farmeri and Staphylococcus kloosii, respectively.

Distribution, abundance, and habitat characteristics of the congregating firefly, Pteroptyx Olivier (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) in Thailand

Pteroptyx fireflies represent an important economic insect for ecotourism. Two methods, visual counting and sweep net collection, were used to survey Pteroptyx species at 23 study sites along the coast of Thailand. P. malaccae and P. valida were the most common species across all sites with significant differences in abundance among study sites. In contrast, P. asymmetria was found only in the southern region, and P. tener was found only at one site in Surat Thani province. Pteroptyx fireflies displayed in trees whose canopies were opened to view as opposed to those blocked by other vegetation. Fireflies most often perched in the top section. Pteroptyx horizontal distribution was affected by ambient wind direction and speed. In addition, most display trees were located at prominent spots on either the inside bends or the outside bends of mangrove rivers. The principal component regression analysis was performed to determine which environmental factors might influence Pteroptyx species abundances and revealed that three Pteroptyx species appear to be influenced by different combinations of environmental variables.

Resolving an unnoticed diversity within the Schistura robertsi species complex (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) using molecules and morphology

The Schistura robertsi species complex is a group of freshwater fish inhabiting streams in southeast Myanmar as well as in western and southern Thailand. In southern Thailand, the distribution exceeds the biogeographically important ‘Surat Thani – Krabi line’. The complex is believed to include five described and one undescribed species, but monophyly and systematics of the group have never been studied explicitly. The present study aims to resolve the number of species within the Schistura robertsi group as well as their distribution areas and phylogenetic relations. We analysed mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data of 86 specimens from 47 localities and 18 morphological characters of 193 specimens. The phylogenetic analyses revealed the S. robertsi complex to be monophyletic and to be composed of ten major lineages. Six of them correspond to the known described or undescribed species, but another four newly identified clades reveal the existence of an overlooked diversity within the group. All genetic lineages are statistically highly supported and all are morphologically diagnosable, suggesting that they represent distinct species. The distribution areas of several clades overlap, the cases of direct co-occurrence show no sign of hybridisation.

A new species of miniaturised narrow-mouth frog of the genus Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) from northern Tenasserim, Thailand

ABSTRACT An integrative taxonomic analysis recovered the new miniaturised species Microhyla tetrix sp. nov. of the M. superciliaris group as the sister species to M. superciliaris. The new species inhabits low-elevation to mid-elevation evergreen tropical forests of Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Krabi provinces of south-western Thailand. Additionally, our analysis supports the occurrence of M. superciliaris in Songkhla Province of southern Thailand. Our results underscore the important role of the Isthmus of Kra – a well-known biogeographic region of cladogenic turnover – in differentiation of the M. superciliaris species group. The description of Microhyla tetrix sp. nov. and the record of M. superciliaris brings the total number of species of Microhyla in Thailand to nine. Our work underlines the physiographic complexity of the Thai–Malay Peninsula and the need for intensified field surveys and integrative taxonomic studies for further exploration of its poorly understood herpetofauna. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BDEAEAE3-D7C3-463C-B184-4F23C09252FA

&lt;strong&gt;PREFACE: Proceedings of the 16th International Symposium on Trichoptera&lt;/strong&gt;

The 16th International Symposium on Trichoptera found the community of world caddisfly scholars once again in Thailand, in Surat Thani Province during 1–14 June 2018. This second Thai-based symposium was hosted by Prince of Songkla University, Chiang Mai University, and Mahasarakham University.

Malaria cross-sectional surveys identified asymptomatic infections of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi in Surat Thani, a southern province of Thailand

ObjectivesMalaria cross-sectional surveys are rarely conducted in very low transmission settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Plasmodium infection in a near-elimination setting in southern Thailand. MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys were conducted in areas of active transmission in the Surat Thani province of Thailand in January and May 2019. PCR was used to detect Plasmodium infection. ResultsThe prevalence of Plasmodium blood infection was 0.45% and 0.61% in January and May 2019, respectively. The major parasite species was Plasmodium falciparum in January and Plasmodium vivax in May. Unexpectedly, Plasmodium knowlesi infections were also detected. Most infections, including those of Plasmodium knowlesi, were asymptomatic. Being male and staying outdoors at night-time were the only significant identified risk factors. Of people infected in January 28.0% were positive in May for the same parasite species, suggesting persistent asymptomatic infections. ConclusionsDespite the very low incidence rate in Surat Thani, most malaria infections were asymptomatic. Outdoor mosquito biting at night-time is likely an important mode of malaria transmission. Unexpectedly, asymptomatic Plasmodium knowlesi infection was found, confirming previous reports of such infection in mainland Southeast Asia.

Granite landforms of Samui Island (southern Thailand) from geoheritage, geoconservation and geotourism perspectives

Samui Island (or Koh Samui in Thai) is a popular tourist destination in Southern Thailand. It is a part of Surat Thani province and located off the east coast of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. This island is composed of granitic rocks and is blessed with several unique granite landforms. An investigation has been conducted in several localities of granite landforms in this island to assess and evaluate their potentials for geoheritage, geoconservation, and geotourism. Several geological sites have been selected for this study including Hinta-Hinyai Rocks (granite outcrops similar to human genital organs), Lamai Overlapping Rocks (the overlapping and balancing giant granite boulders), and Na Mueang Waterfalls (waterfalls with purple-shaded rocks). Assessment and evaluation have been carried out by using qualitative and quantitative approaches based on geoheritage values (scientific, educational, aesthetic, recreational, cultural, etc.), levels of significance, as well as their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). The outcomes show that Samui Island contains several geoheritage resources with exceptional values, thus geoconservation measures should be conducted in all these sites for some purposes, such as research and education as well as geotourism development.

Correlation of the Areal Number Density of Vascular Bundles with the Mechanical Properties of Oil Palm Wood (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Currently most of oil palm trunks in Thailand are left on the field to rot or are burnt in the field, not utilized as lumber. To promote such value-added uses, the objective of this study was to characterize the levels and variation within oil palm trunks of their key mechanical properties. In addition, the vascular bundle population was assessed, because this structural characteristic affected density and mechanical properties. The key ones being here were modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and hardness. The 25 years old oil palm trunks were selected from a palm plantation in Surat Thani Province, in southern Thailand. The trees were cut down at 500 mm above ground, cut into dices, then sawn into small pieces in radial direction. Vascular bundle populations and basic densities were determined. Oil palm lumber was sawn from the logs between wood dices, and their mechanical properties were determined. The results indicated that the vascular bundle population density gradually decreased towards the central axis of trunks, and the population density positively correlated with basic density and mechanical properties. This was because the main component of a vascular bundle has fibers with thick cell walls. The data obtained may help select or create products that match the properties of oil palm wood (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), or contributed to the sorting of wood raw material based on, for example, machine vision.