Life Sciences and Environment Journal

STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING OF FACTOR AFFECTING SMALL THAI FABRIC PRODUCT ENTERPRISES IN THAI SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCE

2023-10-28T13:40:16+07:00

The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the factors affecting the operating efficiency of small enterprises producing Thai fabric products in the southern border provinces of Thailand and 2) to analyze the structural equation modeling of the factors affecting operating efficiency. Small enterprises work on Thai fabric products in the southern border provinces of Thailand. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research was used for the study. For the quantitative research, 340 business owners, managers or directors of small businesses working on Thai fabric in the southern border provinces of Thailand were interviewed. The instruments used in the study included interviews, questionnaires, and observation questionnaires. Reliability and validity were assessed and scored 0.912. The statistics used for data analysis are mean and standard deviation, structural equation modeling, causal influence analysis, and confirmatory component analysis of latent variables. The statistics used in the data analysis are mean and standard deviation. Structural equation modeling, causal influence analysis and confirmatory component analysis of the latent variables. The results of the study show that the structural equation modeling of factors affecting the operating efficiency of small firms producing Thai fabric products in the southern border provinces. It consists of three latent variables that are independent variables, namely internal factors (INF), external factors (EXF), and entrepreneurship (ENT), and one latent variable that is the dependent variable, namely labor efficiency (EFF). The structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis yielded the following index values: Chi-square = 7.554, Chi-square/df = 1.511, df = 5, P = 0.183, CFI = 0.995, RMR = 0.028, GFI =0. 978, RMSEA = .034, and each observed variable is statistically significant at the 0.05 level, indicating that the indicator or observed variable with a value between 0.45-0.69 reliably represents the group of latent variables.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST MICROBIAL PATHOGEN AND DRUG-RESISTANT EXTENDED SPECTRUM ß-LACTAMASE (ESBL) PRODUCING GRAM-NEGATIVE

2023-11-28T13:02:00+07:00

The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze the chemical compositions and major components of essential oils extracted from lemongrass leaves in the Sathing Phra Peninsula, Songkhla Province. Lemongrass was extracted by steam distillation, and its chemical composition was analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). It was discovered that the extracted essential oil contained up to 260 different chemical components, with important substances unique to the chemistry of lemongrass essential oil found in the monoterpene group, both terpene aldehyde and terpene alcohol in the form of citral, neral, geranial, geraniol, and others. In addition, there was a study of the effectiveness of lemongrass essential oil against six strains of pathogenic bacteria and drug-resistant bacteria, such as Escherichia coli ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus aureus SP1, Streptococcus pyogenes SV1, Escherichia coli A3 (ESBLs), Pseudomonas aeruginosa A2 (ESBLs), Klebsiella pneumoniae A1 (ESBLs). The disc diffusion assay method discovered that the extracted lemongrass essential oil had antimicrobial properties, with the most effective strain being S. pyogenes, which had an zone of inhibition size of 34.55±0.25 millimeters and could against all three strains of drug-resistant pathogens, with the highest efficiency against E. coli A3 (ESBLs), which had an inhibition zone size of 11.38±0.99 millimeters and inhibition zone size of Inhibits resemble to K. pneumoniae A1 (ESBLs), which has a size of 9.99±0.25 millimeters.

EVALUATING THE SAFETY OF RICE CULTIVARS VIA THE BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS UNDER AGROCHEMICAL-INTENSIVE PRACTICES IN PHITSANULOK PROVINCE

2023-11-17T14:05:37+07:00

The objectives of this research were to study the paddy soil properties and assess heavy metal contamination in paddy soil and rice grains in fields where five rice varieties, namely, RD41, RD49, RD51, RD79 and RD85 were cultivated. Paddy soil and rice grain samples were randomly collected from the same plots belonging to individual farmers, with three samples obtained for each rice variety, resulting in a total of 15 sample plots within Phitsanulok province. The heavy metal contents were quantified by using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The bioaccumulation factors of heavy metals in these rice varieties were subsequently evaluated. The results indicated that paddy soil exhibits a suitable soil texture and pH level, with adequate quantities of organic matter and potassium for rice cultivation. However, the nitrogen and phosphorus contents were presented in relatively low, necessitating soil quality improvement to enhance rice growth. Regarding heavy metal contamination in the paddy soil, these contamination levels did not exceed the specified standards. The contamination levels ranked as follows: Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd, with ranged between 76.35-240.88, 27.14-209.74, 1.70-28.11, 2.37-17.90, and 3.87-6.29 mg/kg, respectively. In terms of heavy metal contamination in rice grains, only the amount of Pb contamination in the RD41 rice variety was found to exceed the standard criteria announced by the Ministry of Public Health (≤0.2 mg/kg). Nevertheless, none of the rice varieties were classified as hyperaccumulators, as their Bioaccumulation Factors (BAF) consistently remained below 1.

PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING ACTIVITIES OF ACTINOMYCETES ISOLATED FROM MEALWORM FRASS AND SUPERWORM FRASS

2023-12-12T08:58:09+07:00

Actinomycetes are recognized as the plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB).
A total of 24 actinomycetes were isolated from mealworm frass and superworm frass. The evaluation of plant growth promoting activities of these actinomycetes found that 22 isolates were able to produce the enzyme ACC Deaminase, 18 isolates were able to produce siderophore, eight isolates were able to solubilize phosphate and 20 isolates were capable of producing high amount of IAA plant hormone (23.59 – 309.15 µg/ml), effectively promoting the root growth of Pathum Thani 1 rice seeds by increasing root length and volume compared to control and non IAA-producing isolates. However, among these, only six isolates (TM1, TM4, TM6, TM8, ZA1, and ZA3) exhibited positive results in all tested biochemical activities. Based on nucleotide sequence analysis and the phylogenetic relationship of the partial 16S rRNA gene, these six isolates were identified as belonging to the genus Streptomyces. These findings could be promising for utilizing worm frass directly as organic fertilizer or isolating actinomycetes as bio-fertilizer substances to enhance plant growth.

THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF GREENHOUSE SOLAR DRYER FOR DRYING STICKY RICE (RD6) AND HEAT TRANSFER MODELING

2024-01-22T10:46:24+07:00

This research presents the experimental performance of greenhouse solar dryers and heat transfer modeling of greenhouse solar dryers for drying sticky rice. Five batches of sticky rice were dried; for each batch, we used 5,000 kilograms of sticky rice. The parameters used in the heat transfer model are solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity and airflow rate. The numerical solution was programmed in C⁺⁺. The results showed that the moisture content, Root mean square error and determination coefficient ; 0.4741 and 0.9859 respectively. The thermal efficiency of the greenhouse solar dryer was between 24.0%-27.0%.

ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS AND THEIR BIOAVAILABILITY IN SEDIMENTS FROM BANDON BAY, SURAT THANI PROVINCE

2023-12-07T13:30:40+07:00

This research aimed to investigate the accumulation of heavy metals and their bioavailability in sediments collected from the Bandon Bay, Surat Thani Province. The samples were randomly collected from 10 sampling locations in coastal area of Bandon Bay. The samples were digested by a microwave system followed by elemental quantitation using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The total amounts found in the sediment, in descending order were: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd with the mean concentrations of 59.520, 8.163, 2.838 and 0.216 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. When compared to the quality standards for coastal marine sediment and the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States, it was found that the levels of all four heavy metals found in the sediment are below the specified standards. Therefore, it can be concluded that the sediment from the mentioned source has an environmentally safe level of heavy metal accumulation. In studying the bioavailability of heavy metals in sediment, the sequential extraction method is employed to assess the potential release of each type of heavy metal from the sediment into water sources and its uptake into the cells of aquatic organisms. It was found that the levels can be ranked in descending order as follows: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb. Cadmium (mostly 70.6-78.4%) is predominantly in forms soluble in water/exchangeable ions/capable of forming complexes with carbonate. For zinc and copper, they are in forms soluble in water/exchangeable ions/capable of forming complexes with carbonate, with percentages of 33.6-50.4 and 10.5-26.5, respectively. Meanwhile, lead fraction in the sediment is mostly in forms ready to be released into the water in the smallest quantity (3.9-9.9%).

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ANTIOXIDATION OF MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACT

2024-02-21T09:19:54+07:00

The study of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and antioxidation of medicinal plant extract was done by three medicinal plants which selected from Thai traditional medicine textbooks, namely Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz, Piper betle L. and Cassia fistula L. They were extracted using water and 80% ethanol. The extractions determined antibacterial activity against S. aureus by agar disc diffusion at 10 and 100 mg/mL. The results showed the highest activity of 100 mg/mL 80% ethanol extract of Piper betle L. leaves to inhibit bacterial growth with an inhibition diameter of 2.45±0.08 cm. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The MBC to MIC ratio of Piper betle L. leaves water extract was 0.50, which showed the highest bactericidal activity compared with other medicinal plant extract. While the 80% ethanol extract of Piper betle L. leaves, Cassia fistula L. leaves and water extract of Cassia fistula L. leaves showed the MBC to MIC ratio of 8.01, 16.03 and 32.05, respectively. Those represented the bacteriostatic activity. Moreover, the antioxidants of all extracts were detected by a DPPH assay. Water extract of Piper betle L. leaves showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ 3.12±0.06 mg/mL. This research data supported the use of medicinal plants in skin disease treatment by Thai traditional medicine. It also showed the opportunity to develop medicinal plant products.

EFFECT OF WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE AND PALM FIBER RATIO ON QUALITY OF COMPOST

2024-01-24T14:35:09+07:00

Waste activated sludge (WAS) and palm fibers are classified as industrial waste with a high amount of nutrients and organic matter. This research is investigated the effect of 6 ratios of WAS to palm fiber at 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 by weight for 60 days. The results showed that all ratios of compost had physical properties in accordance with the standard for organic fertilizer of the Department of Agriculture. While the chemical properties, the cadmium content was found to be in the range of 4.6 to 8.3 mg/kg, which exceeds the standards and tends to increase as the proportion of WAS increases. The 70:30 ratio achieved the highest germination index (83.10%), which differed significantly from the other ratios. In conclusion, a compost ratio 70:30 is deemed most suitable for producing compost from WAS and palm fiber, meeting germination index standards. However, the slightly elevated cadmium content indicates the need for improved fermentation methods, possibly by using the proportion of WAS less than 50 %, sludge pretreatment to reduce cadmium before fermentation is a consideration and it is recommended to increase the type of materials used in co-fermentation. In addition, the long-term use of this compost on plants should be studied regarding its effects on the food chain and the environment.

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON DRYING RATE, PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES IN VITEX GLABRATA R. BR. FRUIT

2024-01-24T14:49:51+07:00

This research aimed to study the optimum temperature for drying Vitex glabrata R. Br. Fruit by drying rate, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities at 45, 55 and 65°C for 15 hours. The sample for drying rate analysis was organized by sampling every hour in the first 5 hours and afterwards every 2 hours until the 15th hour. The result showed that drying V. glabrata R. Br. fruit at all drying temperatures rapidly decreased the moisture ratio in the 1st to 5th hours. Drying at 65°C for 5 hours indicated the highest drying rate of 11.64 ±0.01 g water/g dry matter/hr (P ³0.05). The drying rates of V. glabrata R. Br. fruit at three temperatures for 15 hours ranged from 3.33±0.01 to 5.30±0.09 g water/g dry matter/hr. The phenolic content of V. glabrata R. Br. fruit dried at 45, 55, and 65°C had similar values between 291.92±13.87 and 313.39±24.90 mg GAE/g DW (P<0.05). V. glabrata R. Br. fruit dried at 65°C revealed the highest total anthocyanin at 371.21±16.26. µg CGE/g DW. The antioxidant activity test of V. glabrata R. Br. fruit dried at all drying temperatures by DPPH and FRAP methods showed similar values (P<0.05) between 80.47±0.08 to 80.64±0.05 mg GAE/g DW and 7.21±0.16 to 8.32±0.30 µg Trolox/g DW. However, V. glabrata R. Br. fruit dried at 65°C, and the antioxidant activity test by ABTS assay had the lowest value (P ³0.05).

FACTORS AFFECTING FARMERS’ ADOPTION OF QUALITY NAMWA BANANAS PRODUCTION, NAM PHAI SUBDISTRICT, NAM PAT DISTRICT, UTTARADIT PROVINCE

2024-03-07T17:37:30+07:00

This research aimed to study personal information, economics and information and the factors affecting farmers' acceptance of quality banana production methods in Nam Phai Subdistrict, Nam Pat District, Uttaradit Province. The research population consisted of farmers who produced Namwa bananas in the area. There were 3,989 people in total. The sample group consisted of farmers who had produced Namwa bananas in the area for at least two years and were willing to cooperate in this research. The sample size was determined using the G*power program to be 276 people, and then random sampling was carried out for each stratum using a simple random sampling method (Simple Random Sampling). The research found that farmers have an average age of 52 years with an education level higher than primary school. The average experience of growing bananas was seven years. The average number of workers in the household was three people. Most of them are hired workers at 99.60 percent. The average area for growing bananas was eight rai. The average income was 31,782 baht per year. The average production cost was 9,333 baht per year. On average, they attended training courses twice a year, received information about producing quality bananas at 50.00 percent, and were supported by various agencies at 48. 90 percent. On the attitude level, the highest level was using leaf binders, which led to less fertilizer, followed by the production of bananas using quality-focused methods, which increased the number of products and was not complicated, and the production made better soil drainage. The farmer’s average knowledge level was 14 out of 20 points. On the acceptance level, it was found that harvesting correctly can reduce damage, and proper post-harvest management of bananas is essential. Choosing banana varieties that are suitable for the soil can increase yield. Soil improvement was shown after the soil analysis. The methods of choosing good banana varieties affected the quality of bananas. Leaf pruning affected banana quality. The factors that significantly affected the acceptance of quality banana production methods at 0.05 included level of education, workers number, training, information receiving, agencies support receiving, attitude and level of production knowledge.