• 대한바이러스학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.157-164
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• 1998

Various hantaviruses were isolated from HFRS patients and various rodent species, in many parts of the world. Bandicotas were captured at Yogyakarta, east region of Sumatura island, Indonesia; and 4 rodents species including Bandicotas were captured at Chiang Rai in Thailand during 1995. Sera were collected from captured bandicotas and other rodent spicies were screened for antibody test against Hantaan (HTN), Seoul (SEO), Puumala (PUU) and Sin Nombre (SN) viruses by immunofluoresence antibody assay (IFA). Hantavirus antigen in lung tissues were tested by IFA. Among 55 captured Bandicota indica in Indonesia, 14 (25.5%) were antibody positive against HTN, SEO, PUU and SN virus. Hantavirus antigen were detected from 5 (9.0%) out of 55 lungs tested. Among 34 captured Bandicota indica in Thailand, 9 (26.5%) were antibody positive against HTN, SEO, PUU and SN virus. Among 34 lungs tissues of Bandicota indica examined, 3 (8.8%) were antigen positive. In other rodent species, antibody positive against Hantaviruses of Rattus rattus, Rattus losea and Mus cervicolor were 4/62 (6.5%), 5/25 (20%), 1/1 (100%), respectively. But no one has antigen in their lung tissues. Antigen positive lungs suspension were inoculated into vero E6 cells for virus isolation and 4 viruses were isolated from Indonesian Badicota and 3 viruses from Thailand.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제55권9호
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• pp.3441-3449
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• 2023

We determined the radiation shielding properties for 10CaO-xPbO-(90-x) deteriorated silica gel (DSG) glass system (x = 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 mol.%). The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) has been estimated at photon energies of 74.23, 97.12, 122, 662, 1173, and 1332 keV using a narrow beam X-ray attenuation and transmission experiment, the XCOM program, and a PHITS simulation. The obtained MAC values were applied to estimate the half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number, and effective electron density. Results show that the MAC value of the studied glasses ranges between 0.0549 and 1.4415 cm²/g, increases with the amount of PbO, and decreases with increasing photon energy. The HVL and MFP values decrease with increasing PbO content and increase with increasing photon energy. The recycled glass, with the addition of PbO content (20-45 mol.%), exhibited excellent radiation shielding capabilities compared to standard barite and ferrite concretes and some glass systems. Moreover, the experimental radiation shielding parameters agree with the XCOM and PHITS values. This study suggests that this new waste-recycled glass is an effective and cost-saving candidate for X-ray and gamma-ray shielding applications.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제56권3호
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• pp.212-220
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• 2023

Objectives: This study compared the epidemiological and clinical manifestations of patients hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at a tertiary care hospital in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Methods: This retrospective observational study utilized data from all cases of laboratory-confirmed RSV infection at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021. Differences in the clinical presentation of RSV infection before (2016 to 2019) and during (2020 to 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed and compared. Results: In total, 358 patients hospitalized with RSV infections were reported from January 2016 to December 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, only 74 cases of hospitalized RSV infection were reported. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the clinical presentations of RSV infection showed statistically significant decreases in fever on admission (p=0.004), productive cough (p=0.004), sputum (p=0.003), nausea (p=0.03), cyanosis (p=0.004), pallor (p<0.001), diarrhea (p<0.001), and chest pain (p<0.001). Furthermore, vigilant measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns, also interrupted the RSV season in Thailand from 2020 to 2021. Conclusions: The incidence of RSV infection was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, which also changed the clinical presentation and seasonal pattern of RSV infection in children.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제61권2호
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• pp.163-171
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• 2023

The present study aimed to determine the infection status of trematode metacercariae and adults in cyprinoid fish from the Khun Thale Swamp in Surat Thani, Southern Thailand, with epidemiologic and faunistic viewpoints. In 2020, 577 fish in 15 species were collected in the summer (February-April) and rainy (September-November) seasons. Fish were individually examined for trematode metacercariae in the whole body and adults in the gastrointestinal tract using a stereomicroscope. Three species of digenetic trematode metacercariae, i.e., Haplorchis taichui, Haplorchoides mehrai, and Centrocestus formosanus, were detected in the muscle, fin, and/or scale of fish. Two species of adult flukes, including Rohdella siamensis and Helostomatis cyprinorum, were collected in the intestines. The prevalence of overall trematode infections was 32.4% (187/577 fish), which was higher in the rainy season (41.4%; 118/285) than in the summer season (23.6%; 69/292). The metacercariae of H. taichui and H. mehrai were detected in 7 fish species each, and those of C. formosanus were found only in Rasbora toneri. The aspidogastrean trematode R. siamensis (adult) was detected in Babonymus gonionotus. A digenean species, H. cyprinorum (adult), was found in Labiobarbus siamensis and Osteochilus vittatus. The present study has first confirmed that the metacercariae of heterophyid flukes, including H. taichui, H. mehrai, and C. formosanus, and adults of R. siamensis (Aspidogastrea) and H. cyprinorum (Digenea) are infected in some species of the cyprinoid fish from the Khun Thale Swamp in Surat Thani, Thailand.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.134-145
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• 2023

Background: The flowering and fruiting periods play an important role in biological processes. The deciduous dipterocarp forest is an important forest type in Thailand, however the phenological studies are still limited, particularly in different plant life forms. Thus, the present study focused on the flowering and fruiting phenology of herbs, climbers, shrubs, and trees in the deciduous dipterocarp forest at Lampang province of Northern Thailand. Field visits were made to record plant life forms and observe reproductive phenological events at monthly intervals from November 2018 to October 2019 and September to December 2020. Results: The phenological observations were based on 126 species of 45 families and 102 genera. Flowering and fruiting periods showed similar patterns in herbaceous plants, climbers, and shrubs. Most of these species produced flowers and fruits from the end of the rainy season (October) to the winter season (November-January). Whereas most of flowering and fruiting trees were found from the summer season (March-April) to the beginning of the rainy season (May-June). Most of the dry-fruited species occurred during the dry period (winter and summer seasons), while the majority of fleshy-fruited species dominated in the wet period (rainy season). The statistical analysis supported the phenological patterns of flowering and fruiting in the present study. There were significant negative correlations between the number of flowering and fruiting species and temperature. The number of flowering and fruiting species is significantly impacted by the interaction between seasons and plant life forms. Conclusions: Plant life form seems to be the important factor that affects the different phenological patterns in the studied plants. The abiotic and biotic factors play major roles in reproductive phenology. However, long-term study and in-depth phenological observations are necessary for better understanding.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.73-82
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• 2024

Objectives: The unsafe use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to human health. This study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticide exposure and health symptoms among chili farmers in northeast Thailand. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study included 141 chili farmers in Sakon Nakhon Province, in northeast Thailand. Data regarding health symptoms were gathered using a self-report questionnaire. A medical technician tested blood cholinesterase activity using an erythrocyte method, and an occupational medicine specialist at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand reviewed the results. Associations between personal characteristics, pesticide exposure factors, and health symptoms were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: Of the 141 chili farmers studied, 66.7% experienced pesticide poisoning, as indicated by below-normal cholinesterase levels. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom associated with pesticide exposure, affecting 37.6% of participants. This was followed by nausea and vomiting (31.9%), dizziness (14.9%), and dry throat (14.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with adverse symptoms: amount of work experience, volume of pesticides used, use of chemical pesticides, use of leaking containers during spraying, direct pesticide exposure while working, contact with pesticide-soaked clothing, consumption of food and drinks in the fields, and blood cholinesterase level indicating risk. Conclusions: This study suggests potential health risks for chili farmers stemming from exposure to and contamination by pesticides used in agricultural practices. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to supply personal protective equipment and to implement educational programs aimed at improving protective behaviors among farmers.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.83-90
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• 2024

Objectives: Professional firefighters face various health hazards and are required to maintain both physical and mental fitness to effectively mitigate crises and respond to emergencies. Moreover, the long working hours and shift work of this profession impact sleep quality. This study investigated the quality of sleep and its associated factors among firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of firefighters affiliated with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand between January 2023 and March 2023. A cluster random sampling technique was utilized to distribute 600 questionnaires to firefighters in 15 fire stations. The questionnaire addressed demographic, work-related, and environmental factors. Sleep quality was assessed using the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed. Results: The response rate was 78.7% (n=472), and 44.1% of the firefighters reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5). Sleep quality was statistically associated with conflicting family relationships (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 2.9), additional part-time jobs (daytime, OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4; or nighttime, OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 16.7), noisy sleeping areas (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.8), and the availability of adequate bedding (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.9). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality among firefighters was associated with various personal, work-related, and environmental factors. Organizations should promote policies that improve sleep quality through good sleep hygiene practices and facilities.

• 동남아시아연구
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.213-247
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• 2018

2017년에 들어와 타이 대중들은 쁘라윳이 이끄는 군사정부에 등을 돌렸다. 군사정부가 약속했던 민주주의의 회복, 국민화해, 부패척결, 경제성장과 같은 공약이 지켜지지 않았기 때문이다. 그럼에도 2017년에 들어와 쁘라윳 군사정부는 국제적으로 위신을 회복하기 시작했다. 특히 2014년 쿠테타를 강력하게 비난하면서 민정 이양 압박 차원에서 외교적 제재를 가했던 미국과의 관계개선이 이루어졌다. 쁘라윳 총리의 미국 방문과 트럼프 대통령과의 우호적 회담이야말로 큰 성과였다. 유럽연합(EU) 역시 타이와의 관계회복을 공식화했다. 물론 이러한 긍정적 신호는 서방국가들이 2017년 와치라롱껀 국왕의 신헌법 승인과 반포에 따른 헌정체제 회복에 의미를 두었기 때문이다. 10월 말에 있었던 푸미폰 국왕 장례식에 미국 등 전세계에서 조문사절단을 보냄에 따라 장례절차를 관장한 쁘라윳 총리로서는 엄청난 외교적 소득을 얻었다. 그러나 쁘라윳 총리는 2017년에도 임시헌법 44조에 의거해 절대권력을 행사했다. 개혁을 위해 이 절대권력을 행사할 것이라는 군사평의회 국가평화질서위원회(NCPO)의 주장에도 불구하고, 국내외 인권단체들은 무소불위의 이 법이 국민들의 인권을 제약하고 책임성이 결여되어 있다고 비판했다. 여기에다가 오랜 역사를 갖는 국왕모독죄가 현 군사정부 하에서 정치적 행동을 제약하는데 적극적으로 활용되고 있다. 그럼에도 불구하고 쁘라윳 총리는 극히 보수적 개념인 '타이다움'에 근거한 '타이식 민주주의'를 지속적으로 옹호하였다. 이때의 '타이식 민주주의'란 대중의 의사에 기반하는 민정(民政)보다는 '좋은 사람'(콘디)으로 얘기되는 영웅이 이끄는 훈정(憲政)이다. 이 점에서 쁘라윳 군사정부를 '싸릿모델'의 부활로 볼 수 있다. 그러나 쁘라윳 군사정부가 2017년에 내건 4차산업혁명으로의 진입을 준비하는 '타이 4.0' 프로젝트가 개인의 자율성을 억압하는 부활한 '싸릿모델' 하에서 과연 성공을 거둘 수 있을지 귀추가 주목된다.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• 제7권12호
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• pp.831-843
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• 2020

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of audit socialization and professional commitment on professional success of tax auditors in Thailand through individual learning as the moderator. The specific research questions are: (1) How audit socialization affects professional commitment, (2) How professional commitment influences professional success, and (3) How individual learning moderates the audit socialization-professional commitment relationships, the audit socialization-professional success relationships, and the professional commitment-professional success relationships. This study collected data from 249 tax auditors in Thailand by using questionnaire. To investigate the research relationships, both structural equation model and multiple regression analysis are implemented. Within the research results, audit socialization has a significant positive effect on professional commitment and professional success while professional commitment has an important positive influence on professional success. Similarly, individual learning positively moderates the professional commitment-professional success relationships. In summary, audit socialization is important for auditing professions and it is a key determinant of professional success. Thus, auditors need to pay attention to audit socialization through learning and understanding it and applying its concepts to audit works to increase auditors' professional success, continuous survival and long-term sustainability.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• 제7권12호
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• pp.423-431
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• 2020

This study examines the cost and benefit (i.e., income) of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) rubber plantations in Thailand. The study attempts to identify the challenges to the implementation of FSC standards in rubber plantations in the country. A total of 60 rubber farmers in two Southern provinces, namely, Songkhla and Rayong, were interviewed through a standardized questionnaire to gather primary data. The study found that small-, medium- and large-sized FSC rubber plantations were worth investing in. All sizes of rubber plantations had similar values of benefit cost ratio (BCR). It was also found that the values of the discount payback period (DPP) of the three forms of FSC rubber plantations were 9-12 years, while the large rubber plantations had the highest internal rate of return (IRR) (19.0%). It implies that the large-size plantations had the highest values. The rubber farmers in the study area reported that they are facing a number of problems and hardships in implementing FSC standards, lacking knowledge and understanding of FSC, especially for preparing documentation. Therefore, the Thai government should take proper policy initiatives to remove all the problems and barriers in implementing FSC standards for the sustainable rubber production in the country.