Life Sciences and Environment Journal

A DEVELOPMENT OF ACANTHUS EBRACTEATUS VAHL. LIQUID SOAP PRODUCT FOR RELIEVING ALLERGIC RASHES SYMPTOMS FROM CHEMICALS

Paripach Ngoenngam — 2025-11-18

This experimental research aims to:1) investigate the antioxidant activity of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. 2) develop the formula and production method of a prototype liquid soap containing Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. extract, and 3) examine the chemical properties and stability of the liquid soap product. The antioxidant activity of extract was tested by the DPPH assay, yielding an IC₅₀ value of 1.470±0.018 mg/ml. The prototype formulation consisted of eleven ingredients: distilled water, sodium laureth sulfate, glycerin, cabopol SF-1, myristic acid, cocamidopropyl betaine, lauric acid, palmitic acid, potassium hydroxide, microcare PHC, and Acanthus ebracteatus extract. The ananlysis of chemical properties revealed: 1) the total fatty matter content of 12.60%, 2) pH of 6, 3) no detectable free alkali, and 4) ethanol-insoluble matter of 0.380%. All measured values complied with the criteria specified in the Thai SMEs Standard S 14-2019. Stability testing over 0, 1, 15 and 30 days showed that the product maintained consistent physical characteristics including brown color at level 3, odorlessness, homogeneity, and absence of phase separation under both room temperature and refrigerated (4-8 ºC) storage conditions

ENHANCEMENT OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM LEUCAENA BY HYDROTHERMAL CARBONIZATION TECHNIQUE FOR DYE ADSORPTION IN WASTEWATER

Sucheewan Yoyrurob — 2025-11-18

Batik fabric production often results in the loss of dyes during the dyeing process, leading to the release of dye-contaminated wastewater into the environment, which affects the ecosystem. Activated carbon is recognized as a low-cost, environmentally friendly adsorbent with strong potential for wastewater treatment. This study aims to determine the optimal conditions for hydrochar production via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) at temperatures ranging from 200 to 260°C and contact times of 30 to 120 min, and to investigate the optimal conditions for dye adsorption from wastewater using activated carbon derived from the hydrochar. The results indicated that the optimal condition was achieved at 220°C for 120 min, producing activated carbon with the highest iodine number (1,383.6 ± 25.9 mg/g) and the largest specific surface area (1,555.5 m²/g). SEM and BET analyses confirmed a porous structure favorable for adsorption. Maximum dye adsorption occurred at pH 3, while dye concentrations above 300 mg/L resulted in a decreasing adsorption trend. Adsorption equilibrium was reached within 90 min. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, indicating a physical monolayer adsorption mechanism, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 116.3 mg/g. HTC at temperatures not exceeding 220°C for 120 min is recommended to optimize yield and preserve pore structure. This study demonstrates a sustainable approach to adding value to local waste materials for effective environmental management.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LITERACY OF PEOPLE IN MAHA SARAKHAM TOWN MUNICIPALITY, MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE

Rutchanun Srisupak — 2025-11-18

This study employed a survey research design aimed at examining the level of environmental health literacy and the factors associated with environmental health literacy among residents in Muang Maha Sarakham Municipality. The study focused on the prevention of health effects resulting from PM2.5 air pollution. The sample consisted of 350 individuals selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected between November 2024 and May 2025. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviation, maximum, and minimum) as well as inferential statistics, specifically Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The findings indicated that participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding PM2.5 (M = 6.92, SD = 0.32), a positive attitude (M = 2.92, SD = 0.23), a high level of perception (M = 2.71, SD = 0.28), and a moderate level of environmental health literacy (M = 2.36, SD = 0.17). The analysis demonstrated that age, income level, knowledge, attitude, and perception were significantly correlated with environmental health literacy (p<0.05). Accordingly, relevant organizations should implement continuous environmental health education and awareness programs to mitigate the risk of respiratory diseases associated with PM2.5 exposure and to improve the overall well-being of the population.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY AMONG LATE ADOLESCENTS

Sorada Wongsoi — 2025-11-18

This descriptive correlational study aimed to examine the relationships between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among late adolescents and personal factors, negative life events, mental health problems, and mental health literacy. The participants were 136 adolescents aged 15 – 19 years who were studying at a high school in the central region of Thailand. The research instruments included: (1) a personal information questionnaire, (2) the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI), (3) the Stressful Life Events Questionnaire, (4) the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and (5) the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire for Young People (MHLq-YP). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and point-biserial correlation. The results showed that 45.59% of the participants (n = 62) had engaged in NSSI. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among late adolescents showed a significant positive correlation with: mental health problems (r_pb = 0.652, p < .001); negative life events (r_pb = 0.557, p < .001); problem behaviors, such as smoking (r_pb = 0.360, p < .001) and alcohol consumption (r_pb = 0.357, p < .001); and physical symptoms (r_pb = 0.419, p < .001). In contrast, mental health literacy regarding self-help strategies was negatively associated with non-suicidal self-injury among late adolescents (r_pb = -0.265, p = .003).
This study highlights the importance of promoting mental health, reducing risky behaviors, and enhancing mental health literacy among adolescents as a preventive approach for the future.

EFFECT OF THE ENHANCING POSITIVE ASPECTS PROGRAM ON CAREGIVING BURDEN AMONG CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

Thunchanok Wirarach — 2025-11-18

Dementia impairs cognition, memory, and daily functioning, requiring continuous caregiving that often leads to caregiver burden. This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effect of a positive aspect enhancement program on caregiver burden among caregivers of persons with dementia. The sample was divided into an experimental group of 15 and a control group of 15, totaling 30 caregivers, aged 20–60 years, of both sexes, who were dementia caregivers providing care to patients during their hospital treatment. The research instruments included: (1) a personal information questionnaire for caregivers of persons with dementia, (2) the Zarit Burden Interview (Zarit & Zarit, 1990), (3) the Positive Aspects of Caregiving Interview (Tarlow et al., 2004), and (4) the Enhancing Positive Aspects Program, which consisted of six sessions, each lasting 60 minutes, conducted twice a week. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent samples t-test, and one and two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The study results indicated that caregivers who participated in the Enhancing Positive Aspects Program demonstrated significantly lower caregiver burden scores immediately after the intervention and at four-week follow-up compared to their
pre-intervention scores (p < .05). Furthermore, the experimental group reported significantly lower caregiver burden scores than the control group receiving standard care, both

immediately after the intervention and at four-week follow-up (p < .05). The findings suggest that the Enhancing Positive Aspects Program effectively reduced caregiver burden among dementia caregivers, and its implementation is recommended as a supportive intervention in this population.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT MODEL IN BAN BOK COMMUNITY, NONG KHAI NOK SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG SAM SIP DISTRICT, UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Penmat Sukhonthachit — 2025-11-18

This study aimed to develop a participatory model for organic waste management in Ban Bok, Nong Khai Nok Subdistrict, Mueang Sam Sip District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. The research adopted a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach utilizing the PAOR process—Planning, Action, Observation, and Reflection—divided into two phases: (1) assessing the current problems and management practices of organic waste in the community, and (2) collaboratively developing and implementing a context-appropriate model. A total of 113 household members participated through purposive sampling. Data collection included both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were collected via pre- and post-intervention surveys to assess participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding organic waste management. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions, observation, and field notes. Results indicated significant improvements across all dimensions after a 3-month intervention. High knowledge levels increased from 0.9% to 16.8%, positive attitudes from 7.1% to 30.1%, and proper behaviors from 3.5% to 11.5%. Mean scores for knowledge rose from 11.54 to 13.44, attitude from 3.11 to 3.47, and behavior from 2.77 to 3.20 (p-value < 0.001). The community effectively adopted the systematic separation of organic waste and utilized it through composting, bio-fermentation, and animal feed. The model proved to be effective, practical, and adaptable to similar rural communities, promoting sustainable waste management aligned with local lifestyles

ANALYSIS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF DIACHASMIMORPHA LONGICAUDATA (ASHMEAD) IN PUMPKIN FRUIT FLY AND SOLANUM FRUIT FLY USING SSCP OF THE COI GENE

Duangta Julsirikul — 2025-11-18

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) is an important parasitoid of tephritid fruit flies in Thailand and has been recognized as the species complex comprising at least three sibling species, named as DLA, DLB, and DLBB. These species exhibit distinct host specificity, which may play an important role in driving their genetic differentiation. This research aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of D. longicaudata collected from pumpkin fruit flies and solanum fruit flies using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of a 265 base pair fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The results revealed that D. longicaudata from solanum fruit flies exhibited COI-1, COI-2, and COI-3 haplotypes, corresponding to the DLA lineage. Whereas D. longicaudata from pumpkin fruit flies showed four novel haplotypes (COI-8, COI-9, COI-10, and COI-11) which are distinct from the previously reported lineage. Furthermore, nucleotide sequence analysis and a Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the D. longicaudata species complex in Thailand is a monophyletic group with a bootstrap value of 100%. The haplotypes COI-8, COI-9, COI-10, and COI-11 formed a distinct subclade within the D. longicaudata clade and are clearly differentiated from their sibling species. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating SSCP analysis with the COI gene to investigate genetic variation within the D. longicaudata species complex in Thailand. The genetic data obtained provide valuable insights for taxonomic studies, genetic conservation, and the appropriate and sustainable application of this parasitoid species in biological pest control.

DEVELOPMENT OF A TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED DRYING CABINET FOR DRIED BANANA (MUSA ABB CV. ‘KLUAI NAMWA MALIONG’)

Chanirat Phungbunhan — 2025-11-18

This research aimed to develop a temperature-controlled drying cabinet for drying Musa ABB cv. “Kluai Namwa Maliong” suitable for community use. The study was conducted in response to the variability of raw materials and environmental conditions that often result in inconsistent quality of dried bananas. The experiment consisted of two phases: (1) investigation of the optimal temperature ranges (48-52, 58-62 and 68-72°C) and drying durations (12–16.5 hours) to achieve moisture content within the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS 92-2563) for dried bananas, and (2) design and testing of the prototype temperature-controlled dryer. The results indicated that the optimal drying condition was 48-52°C for 16.5 hours, producing an average moisture content of 19.42±2.29%.
The prototype dryer achieved an average final moisture content of 15.79 ± 0.19% under a temperature setpoint of 50°C controlled by a microcontroller, both of which met the industrial standard limit (<21% wb). The prototype dryer utilized two 100-watt tungsten lamps as the main heat source, aligning with the “Boutique Technology” concept—emphasizing simple but effective technology that is affordable, repairable, and based on locally available materials. The use of light bulbs instead of electric heaters exemplifies an appropriate design trade-off between heat efficiency and economic feasibility, enabling community users to operate and maintain the system independently. The dryer maintained a stable temperature within the 48–52°C range and effectively reduced the banana moisture content to the desired standard. The preliminary economic analysis revealed that the prototype dryer cost approximately 2,000 Baht to build, consumed about 3.3 kWh per drying cycle (16.5 hours), costing less than 20 Baht per round, and achieved a payback period of around 10 drying cycles (approximately two weeks), with an average net profit of 250 Baht per round. These findings demonstrate the economic viability and practical suitability of the developed dryer for household- and community-level applications, promoting value addition to local agricultural products such as bananas, mushrooms, and herbs.

DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH PROMOTION MODEL AMONH ELDERLY THOUGH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN KLONG JIG SUB-DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, BANG PA-IN, PHRANAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA

Piyalak Charoenchart — 2025-11-18

This is an action research study that aimed to develop and evaluate a model for health promotion among the elderly through community participation in Khlong Chik Subdistrict Municipality, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
The activities for this health promotion among the elderly model utilized the Community Participatory Planning Process technique as a mixed-methods action research. The sample group consisted of 60 elderly. Data analysis was used for descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics, including the Paired Samples t-test and qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The research showed that the process of health promotion model for the elderly through community participation were 1) Planning: Situational analysis, problem identification and root cause analysis 2) Action: Implementation through activities
3) Observation: Health assessment observation and 4) Reflection: Summarizing lessons learned. The knowledge scores of the elderly health care before and after the development of the health promotion model showed a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level. The health promotion model for the elderly developed through participatory action is called the "KLONG JIG Model." This model consists of K - Knowledge: Knowledge in health care. L - Laugh: Smiles and laughter from recreational activities.
O - Occupational: Having an in come. N - Nursing: Providing nursing care for patients, especially those who are bedridden. G - Group: Forming groups that include community leaders, village health volunteers, sub-district health promotion hospitals, and government personnel. J - Job: Having a good hobby. I - Interesting: Having interests in desired activities. G - Good: Having a good quality of life. In conclusion, this participatory health promotion model emphasizes the continuous involvement of the elderly in all stages of the process to ensure stability and sustainability.