Academic Journal Uttaradit Rajabhat University

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SWEET TAMARIND POD SORTING MACHINE PROTOTYPE FOR SWEET TAMARIND ENTREPRENEURS

2024-10-24T14:16:52+07:00

The objectives of this study were to develop a prototype, evaluate its operational efficiency, and conduct an economic feasibility of sweet tamarind pod sorting machine prototype for tamarind entrepreneurs. The research methodology employed the engineering specifications synthesized from users’ requirements using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) technique together with ergonomic principles. The process involved designing a prototype blueprint, building the prototype, testing its performance, analyzing energy consumption, and assessing its economic viability. The prototype of sorting machine operated with a conveyor belt speed of 0.82 meters per second. The processing time for tamarind pod size classification was 230 milliseconds, while the processing time for pod sorting was 40 milliseconds. The system was designed to sort straight tamarind pods of the "Sri Chompoo" variety and curved pods of the "Sri Thong" variety into two size categories of long and short pods, as specified. An infrared sensor was used to detect pod length, with the sensor distances set at 75 millimeters for straight pods of the Sri Chompoo variety and 90 millimeters for curved pods of the Sri Thong variety. The system was controlled by an Arduino Uno R3. The performance test results indicated that for sorting straight tamarind pods, 153 long pods and 191 short pods were sorted, with an average processing time of 2.65 minutes. The average number of pods sorted by size was 150.00 long pods and 160.33 short pods. The accuracy of sorting long pods was 98.04%, while that of short pods was 83.94%. The average number of damaged pods after sorting was 7.33, accounting for 2.13%. For sorting curved tamarind pods, 115 long pods and 110 short pods were sorted, with an average processing time of 2.41 minutes. The average number of pods sorted by size was 110.33 long pods and 94.33 short pods. The accuracy of sorting long pods was 95.94%, while that of short pods was 85.76%. The average number of damaged pods after sorting was 6.67, accounting for 2.96%. The electrical energy consumption was 0.814 units per hour, with an electricity cost of 3.18 THB per hour. From an economic standpoint, the total operating cost of the machine was 72.96 THB per hour, and the break-even point was at 1,589 operating hours per year, payback period was 0.02 years. The research results offered a solution to improve tamarind sorting quality by reducing the incidence of mixed-grade tamarinds, and decreasing processing time and labor costs.

MUANG KHONG’S TRADITIONAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM: LOCAL WISDOM FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMNT IN AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITIES OF TH LOWLAND BASIN, CHIANG DAO DISTRICT, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

2025-03-12T16:11:54+07:00

The objectves of this study were to investigate the Muang Khong’s traditional irrigation system and the role of local wisdom in community water management, and analyze the conservation and development strategies to help the system adapt to environmental changes and rising water demand in the lowland agricultural community of Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai. This study employed a qualitative approach, collecting data from in-depth interviews and field surveys. The sample group comprised 36 participants, including six community leaders and 30 residents. Research instruments included semi-structured interviews and spatial data surveys. The data were analyzed using interview transcriptions and physical site assessments. The findings revealed that the traditional irrigation system served as an effective model of water management based on local wisdom. It consisted of weirs, irrigation canals, water-diversion structures (Tang Nam), rainwater storage ponds, and embankments, which collectively distributed water to agricultural areas. The rotational water allocation system and the role of Kae Fai (weir caretakers) were crucial in ensuring efficient water distribution. However, environmental changes and the increasing water demand had challenged the system's stability. The conservation and development approach integrated local wisdom with modern technology to maintain water management efficiency and adaptability to environmental shifts. Key strategies involved strengthening weir structures, increasing water storage capacity, and integrating modern technology for efficient management. The rotational water allocation system remained a core mechanism for equitable water distribution, relying on community participation. Moreover, collaboration among stakeholders strengthened the system's resilience, ensuring that Muang Kong maintained a sustainable water management system that would align with its local context.

THE STUDY OF POTENTIAL AND EVALUATION OF ENERGY ECONOMICS OF SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS FOR COMMUNITY-LEVEL AQUACULTURE

2024-09-24T14:30:18+07:00

The objectives of this study were to investigate the operational potential and evaluate the energy economics of using a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for aquaculture at the community level, specifically within the Tha Thon Kwao Community Enterprise Group for Agricultural, Vegetable, and Herbal Cultivation in Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province. The design findings indicated that the optimal solar PV system size was 900 Wp, utilizing a single 450 W monocrystalline solar panel to power a 350 W DC motor paddlewheel aerator for approximately 9 hours per day. Additionally, another 450 W panel was used to charge two 12 V 100 Ah batteries to supply backup power to the aerator during nighttime hours (from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM), a period when dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the water become normally lower. An environmental monitoring system was used to continuously track DO levels, which ranged from a minimum of 1.30 mg/L to a maximum of 7.50 mg/L, with an average of 3.70 mg/L which is sufficient to sustain fish life. The annual energy assessment showed that the solar PV system could generate approximately 1,383.35 kWh/year, reducing conventional electricity usage for aeration by 90.24% compared to operating the aerator for 12 hours per night. The economic evaluation revealed electricity cost savings of 6,225.08 Baht/year, a payback period of 6.35 years, a net present value (NPV) of 15,898.71 Baht, and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 10.53%. As a result of the system's implementation, the community enterprise was able to shorten the fish farming cycle from 7 months under natural method condition to only 4 months.

FACTORS AFFECTING TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT AND REQUESTING GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN UTTARADIT PROVINCE AND PHRAE PROVINCE

2024-08-05T13:33:27+07:00

The objectives of this study were to investigate the factors affecting the decision to adopt technology used in small and medium-sized enterprises and examine the Infrastructural factors of government agencies that affect the requests for government support by small and medium-sized enterprises in the areas of Uttaradit and Phrae Province. The population included 3,364 entrepreneurs in Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces, with a sample size of 128 cases. Data collection was conducted with questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, also using inferential statistics by generalized linear model and logistic regression analysis. The study results revealed that the factors that significantly influenced the decisions at the 0.05 level included the type and extent of business experiences, confidence in their abilities, decision-making, and technological experimentation. It was found that the Infrastructural factors of government agencies that affect the requests for government support by small and medium-sized enterprises in the areas of Uttaradit and Phrae Province consisted of the government policy, the knowledge and technology, and the cooperation between government and private sectors, all of which were significant at the 0.05 level. If government agencies enhanced policies to support various aspects of business operations, including fostering cooperation between the public and private sectors for SME entrepreneurs, it would increase opportunities for these entrepreneurs to seek support from government bodies. These responsibilities are distributed across several agencies; namely, Department of Industrial Promotion, which provides central machinery services to entrepreneurs and new investors; the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, which promotes the commercialization of technology and research; and the Ministry of Commerce, which promotes marketing and product exports. All these agencies aim to collectively foster the effective growth of SMEs.

DEVELOPMENT OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE SWEET TAMARIND PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY IN UTTARADIT PROVINCE

2025-02-24T15:12:00+07:00

The objectives of this study were to develop optimal nutrient management for sweet tamarind by using chemical fertilizers combined with biofertilizers, and examine the return on investment costs using chemical fertilizers in combination with biofertilizers. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and five replications of 2 plants each. Treatments 2–4 were set to provide all-year nutrient rates of 0.8-0.4-1.2 kg N-P₂O₅-K₂O per tree. For Treatment 1, fertilizer and soil amendments were applied according to the farmers' conventional practices. For Treatment 2, Chemical fertilizers were applied at the specified rates. For Treatment 3, Chemical fertilizers at the specified rates and phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizers were applied at 500 g/tree. For Treatment 4, Chemical fertilizers at the specified rates and manure (cow dung at 20 kg/tree) and phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizers were applied at 500 g/tree. The experiments were conducted in farmers' sweet tamarind fields in Fak Tha District, Uttaradit Province, from October 2022 to September 2023.The result showed that Treatment 4 produced the highest yield at 554 kg/rai, with the highest pulp weight of 450 g. and the highest average pod weight of 30.30 g. Regarding the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Treatment 3 yielded the highest return on investment at 3.05. Farmers could adopt the tested technologies to improve their practices effectively which could lead to the development of nutrient management knowledge for sweet tamarind cultivation in Fak Tha District. Collaborative learning emerged alongside the development of product quality, transforming the community into a source of high-quality sweet tamarind. This also created a positive image for Uttaradit Province.

DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY KOMBUCHA BEVERAGE PRODUCTS FROM ROASTED COCOA BEAN SHELLS

2024-11-11T13:17:05+07:00

The objectives of this study were to investigate the types of raw materials used in fermenting healthy kombucha beverage products from roasted cocoa bean husks, examine the quality, evaluate consumer acceptance of the healthy kombucha beverage products, and transfer kombucha production technology to the cocoa-growing community of Nangua in Phetchabun Province. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to analyze chemical qualities, while a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed for sensory evaluation, focusing on appearance, color, aroma, flavor, and overall acceptance. Convenient sampling was conducted with 50 participants using a 9-point hedonic scale for taste preference assessment. Descriptive analysis, including mean and standard deviation, was used to summarize satisfaction levels of 30 community enterprise members participating in kombucha product development training. The research results revealed that Formula 2 (100% roasted cocoa husk) received the highest acceptance in all aspects, with an average score of 8.12±8.60 and was selected as a prototype kombucha drink. The product had a pH of 2.45±0.12 and a total soluble solid value of 16.2±1.02. Chemical quality analysis revealed that the kombucha beverage contained no lead or arsenic. However, it contained preservatives, specifically benzoic acid and sorbic acid, at concentrations of 14.20 mg/L and 38.60 mg/L, respectively, as well as caffeine at 2.25 mg/L. Microbial quality analysis revealed no contamination from yeast and mold, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Coliform, or Escherichia coli, with levels below 1.1 MPN/100 ml. These levels complied with the standards set forth by the Ministry of Public Health Notification (No. 356) in B.E. 2013. This indicated that kombucha from roasted cocoa husk was safe for consumers. For technology transferring to the community, farmers participating in the training reported the highest level of satisfaction, with an average score of 4.75±0.51 for applying knowledge and an overall satisfaction score of 4.82±0.54. The research output could help add value to roasted cocoa husk, generating income for cocoa farmers and residents in Nangua Subdistrict of Phetchabun Province.

DEVELOPMENT OF TEAT SEAL CREAM PRODUCT FROM MANGOSTEEN PEEL EXTRACT ON THE CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF MASTITIS IN DAIRY COWS

2024-12-27T12:38:50+07:00

The objectives of this research were to develop a teat seal cream product made from mangosteen peel extract to help with the control and prevention of mastitis in dairy cows, examine the effect of a teat seal cream product made from mangosteen peel extract on inhibiting the growth of bacteria causing mastitis in dairy cows, and investigate the acceptability of the teat seal cream product made from mangosteen peel extract. This research was divided into 4 treatments of different levels of mangosteen peel extract contained in the products at different levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 %). Qualifications, performance testing, and acceptance of teat seal cream products were tested. The results showed that the teat seal cream product made from mangosteen peel extract had pH between 6.98-7.21 and a viscosity value between 1684 -2249 centipoise, which pH and viscosity value were increased linearly (p<0.01), while the linear decrease in IC₅₀ (p<0.01) was 683.79 micrograms/milliliter when the amount of mangosteen peel extract was increased. The control group had the highest L* values of 72 (p<0.01). However, the teat seal cream product containing mangosteen peel extract at 10 and 5 percent had the highest a* and b* values of 10.85 and 56.02 (p<0.01), respectively. The teat seal cream products containing mangosteen peel extract at 10 and 15 percent were able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 (p<0.01), with values between 14.40±0.23-15.32±0.11 and 16.62±0.04-18.03±0.58 millimeter, respectively. As for the evaluation of the acceptance of teat seal cream products made from mangosteen peel extract, the overall mean for product satisfaction was at 8.07. Therefore, this research generated added value to mangosteen peel and could be developed further into an actual teat seal cream products made from mangosteen peel extract for launching in the market.

APPLICATION OF FUZZY C-MEANS CLUSTERING ALGORITHM FOR SPATIAL STRATIFIED HETEROGENEITY OF INNOVATION CAPABILITY OF NATIONAL HIGH-TECH ZONES IN CHINA

2024-10-22T16:15:56+07:00

The objectives of the study were to construct a comprehensive and scientific evaluation index system to assess the innovation capabilities of 169 national high-tech zones in China, analyze the spatial stratified heterogeneity of innovation capabilities across 34 provinces, and visualize and analyze innovation capabilities' spatial distribution and disparities. The research adopted a multi-method approach, including the entropy weight method, catastrophe progression method, weighted average method, and fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm, supplemented by data visualization using Python-based tools. The results showed that the evaluation index system consisted of four levels and 28 indicators, effectively quantifying the innovation performance. Catastrophe progression results indicated that Beijing Zhongguancun (0.9725), Shanghai (0.9531), and Shenzhen (0.9472) rank highest, while Rongchang (0.7810), Huainan (0.7947), and Qianjiang (0.7968) rank lowest. The fuzzy c-means clustering analysis classified provinces into six distinct categories of innovation capability, revealing a pronounced "strong East, weak West" spatial pattern. The findings offered spatially grounded policy insights that was to bridge regional innovation gaps, China should enhance R&D investment, optimize resource allocation, promote innovation output conversion, and strengthen inter-regional cooperation, particularly in less developed regions. These measures supported the goal of achieving balanced regional innovation and sustainable national development.

DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COSMETIC PRODUCTS FOR THE KO SICHANG COMMUNITY KOH SICHANG DISTRICT, CHONBURI PROVINCE

2025-04-23T15:37:19+07:00

The objectives of the study were to develop cosmetic products; namely, salt scrub, aloe vera gel and bar soap, design and create the packaging of all 3 types of products to match the integration of community identity, and evaluate and analyze the satisfaction of all 3 types of cosmetic products. The present study was conducted by developing product formulas, designing and developing packaging to represent the identity of the community, testing the stability and satisfaction of the products, including the satisfaction of the product packaging design in 120 volunteers, as the study population, on Koh Sichang using a questionnaire to collect general information and evaluate satisfaction, and analyzing the data with descriptive statistics. From the experimental results, the cosmetic products had physical properties that met the specified standards. 25 volunteers were satisfied with the products for over 95 percent for all 3 products. Overall, the design of the prototype packaging of all 3 product groups was able to attract the attention of the tourist group very well. The satisfaction assessment results from the 3 groups of government officials, Koh Sichang residents and tourists revealed that the average satisfaction was at a high level (not less than 4 points out of a full score of 5). Tourists felt interested and wanted to pick up, and most of the packaging could communicate the ingredients from Koh Sichang. This research was able to develop all 3 types of cosmetic products with quality and packaging that met market needs, increasing their attractiveness, appeal and purchase. It could also demonstrate the integration of community identity in Ko Sichang Subdistrict very well and convey products to the community for production, distribution, or further development in the future.

DEVELOPING A SYSTEM TO PROMOTE THE COEXISTENCE OF PEOPLE OF THREE AGES THROUGH THE PARTICIPATION OF NETWORK PARTNERS

2024-07-16T15:22:36+07:00

Action research design aimed to develop a system for promoting of a model for the coexistence of people in a three-age group through the participation of the networks and strengthening the capacity of the leaders in driving the system to encourage coexistence. A sample was selected from a three-age group consisting of elderly representative, working age representative and youth representative, by purposive sampling, groups of 10 people per age group, a total 30 people per area. Community network in the area of Pasao sub-district, Mueang district, Korrum sub-district, Pichai district, Uttaradit province Jedeechai sub-district Chaiwattana sub-district, Pua district, Nan province and Nongmuangkai sub-district, Nongmuangkai district, Phrae province, a total 150 people. By using innovations for coexistence of a three-age group name is SIDASES (S =Situation, I =Information, D =Development, A =Activity, S =System, E =Evaluation, S-Share), 1 year processing period. The instruments used include semi-structured questionnaires and community innovators competency assessments. This research was divided into 4 stages: 1) Preparatory stage 2) Performance development stage 3) Evaluation stage 4) Reflection stage, by using content analysis. The results of the study were as follows: The promoting of a model for the coexistence of people in a three-age group through the participation of the networks consists of 7 steps: 1) preparation 2) data analysis and synthesis 3) developing the capacity of the leaders 4) organizing learning activities 5) integration of knowledge management and innovation 6) assessing the outcomes 7) reflection of results. The result revealed that has knowledge and innovation of the community in promoting the coexistence of people in a three-age group three characteristics is (1) a mechanism to drive the activities of a three-age group by personnel in the Local government (2) Community leaders (3) Elderly leaders. 25 community innovators who were developed to be able to communicate and coordinate with people in a three-age group and government agencies, can drive the activities of people in a three-age group, able to transfer knowledge and concepts to drive learning for people in a three-age group. There were learning area for people in a three-age group in 5 areas. The results of this research can be used as a guideline for the community leading groups and relevant agencies to drive the activities of a three-age group in areas with similar contexts.

THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OF SEASONED SQUID FOR KOH SICHANG IN CHONBURI PROVINCE

2025-04-09T14:11:27+07:00

The objectives of this research were to develop seasoning sauce and seasoned squid products, examine the sensory qualities of product, and evaluate chemical, physical and microbial qualities of product of Koh Sichang in Chonburi Province. This experimental study initiated with developing 3 main recipes of seasoning sauce by selecting the proper ingredients and testing them for sensory qualities of the product from consumers and then developing it into seasoned squid product for the community. The results showed that the most accepted community product by consumers is recipe 1 (Aji-mirin: Japanese soy sauce: coconut sugar: roasted white sesame: garlic: black pepper: Korean chili = 37.4: 34.2: 12.2: 6.0: 6.4: 1.0: 2.8 by weight). The overall liking score of seasoning sauce product was over 7.00 (on a 9-point scale) within positive acceptance (91.67%). The physical qualities of seasoning sauce consisting of water activity (aw) and pH were 0.80 and 5.27, respectively. The chemical compositions of seasoning sauce including moisture, protein, lipid, ash and NaCl contents were 54.78, 5.30, 1.03, 4.73 and 4.44, respectively. The physical qualities of seasoned squid product consisting of water activity (aw) and pH were 0.70 and 5.54, respectively. The chemical compositions of seasoned squid product including moisture, protein, lipid, ash and NaCl contents were 70.05, 18.94, 2.03, 5.29 and 2.10, respectively. The microbiology quality of the seasoning sauce and seasoned squid product was found to follow the standard on the Thai Community Product Standard for a season squid product. Outputs from this research had potential for adding value and variety of products from squid (the local ingredient of Koh Sichang in Chonburi Province), and increasing the income for the community in the area of Koh Sichang in Chonburi Province.

ASSESSING DROUGHT-PRONE AREAS IN NON-IRRIGATED AREAS USING WATER ACCOUNTING AND THE WEAP MODEL

2025-05-02T15:40:42+07:00

The objectives of this study were to develop an annual water accounting framework and analyze drought-prone areas using the WEAP model under five different scenarios at the sub-district level for the Lam Chiang Krai River Basin. The study focused on the non-irrigated Lam Chiang Krai River Basin, Thailand, with analysis conducted at the sub-district level. Key research instruments included a Water Accounting Framework and the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model. Secondary data encompassing meteorological, hydrological, land use, crop calendar, and population figures were collected from relevant government agencies. Data analysis involved calculating water demands (agricultural using FAO Penman-Monteith, domestic, and environmental) and utilizing the WEAP model, integrated with water accounting principles, to simulate monthly water balance under five off-season rice cultivation scenarios. This identified drought-prone areas and assessed water shortage magnitudes, with model performance validated (R² = 0.74-0.88). Results revealed that expanding off-season rice cultivation significantly increased agricultural water demand by up to 30.63% compared to only wet-season cultivation. Crucially, under the 100% off-season rice scenario, total water demand surpassed effective rainfall, eliminating water outflow from the basin. While overall annual rainfall appeared sufficient, localized water scarcity emerged due to intensive agricultural water utilization patterns, particularly during the dry season months. The study confirmed the effectiveness of the integrated WEAP-water accounting approach for detailed drought vulnerability assessment in data-scarce, non-irrigated regions. Findings offered spatially and temporally explicit insights into water stress levels, directly informing local stakeholder decisions. This information was vital for developing targeted sub-district water management plans, optimizing existing resource allocation, and guiding the strategic placement and design of essential small-scale water infrastructure. The research strongly emphasized the critical need for carefully managing off-season rice cultivation to ensure sustainable water availability and enhance drought resilience within the Lam Chiang Krai River Basin.