Ubon Ratchathani University

Lead silicate glasses have been widely used in various applications, including radiation shielding, due to their high density and effective atomic number. However, the addition of certain oxides to the glass composition can significantly enhance their radiation shielding properties. In this study, we investigate the effect of incorporating antimony and alumina oxides on the photon attenuation and shielding properties of lead silicate glasses. It is found that the HVL values of the APSSS1 sample started from 0.00239 cm at photon energy of 0.015 MeV and increased with increasing energy to a maximum value of 4.223 cm at 6 MeV photon energy then decreased to 3.767 cm at energy of 15 MeV. Moreover, the shielding ability of the studied samples are compared with commercial glassy materials. The results of the study showed that the addition of antimony and alumina oxides significantly improved the radiation shielding properties of the lead silicate glasses.

Several mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) cultivars are susceptible to Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by Cercospora canescens Ellis & Martin, and it is necessary to explore resistance sources and understand resistance mechanisms. However, the CLS resistance mechanisms have not yet been explored. The response to CLS revealed significantly different disease severity scores in both mungbean genotypes. Hypersensitive response (HR) started to appear at 2 days after inoculation (DAI) in SUPER5 but was never observed in CN84-1. SUPER5 exhibited fewer and smaller lesions than CN84-1 during CLS infection, resulting in SUPER5 being resistant while CN84-1 was susceptible to CLS. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis was used to unravel the mechanisms of resistance to CLS in a resistant line (SUPER5) and a susceptible variety (CN84-1) upon CLS infection. A total of 9510 DEGs including 4615 up-regulated and 4895 down-regulated genes were revealed. Of these 3242 and 1027 genes were uniquely up-regulated only in the SUPER5 and CN84-1, respectively, while 2902 and 734 genes were down-regulated only in SUPER5 and CN84-1, respectively. The 843 DEGs were enriched in biological processes mainly associated with plant defense responses, defense response to fungus, protein phosphorylation and response to chitin in Gene Ontology (GO) terms analysis. KEGG pathway analysis showed that these genes were represented in plant-pathogen interaction, the MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, and cell wall component biosynthesis in response to the CLS infection specifically in SUPER5. In addition, the qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression pattern of 22 candidate DEGs belonging to pathogenesis related (PR) proteins, resistance (R) proteins, transcription factors, hypersensitive response (HR), and the essential genes involved in cell wall activity during CLS-infected V. radiata. It was found that the expression of these genes was consistent with the RNA-seq analysis, showing a highly significant correlation with a coefficient of 0.7163 (p < 0.01). The co-expression network illustrated the interactions among these genes, which were involved in multiple functions related to the defense response. Interestingly, the ones encoding PR-2, thaumatin, peroxidase, defensin, RPM1, pectinesterase, chalcone synthase, auxin efflux carrier, and transcription factors (Pti1, Pti5, Pti6 and WRKY40) were highly significantly up-regulated in SUPER5 but not in CN84-1 upon CLS infection, suggesting that they might be involved in the CLS resistance mechanisms. Moreover, SUPER5 was found to have higher β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activity levels than CN84-1. Our findings contribute to an understanding of the CLS resistance mechanisms and may advocate the development of more effective disease management approaches.

The main purpose of this study is to develop a portable syringe experiment kit for easy demonstration of the chemical kinetics of H 2 , C 2 H 2, and CO 2 gas-generating reactions for upper secondary school chemistry classrooms. The main apparatus comprises two large (A and C) and one small (B) Luer-lock-tip syringes connected with a 3-way stopcock. Ignition is applied to test H 2 and C 2 H 2 gases. In contrast, the turbidity of lime water is used to test CO 2 gas. The effects of reactant species and concentrations on the reaction rates were demonstrated. The syringe kit was implemented through the 5E inquiry learning process for a group of 33 grade 11 students, leading to an improvement in their conceptual test scores on chemical reaction rates from 33.94 % to 78.03 %, with a normalized gain in the medium range (< g = 0.67>). This suggests that using the syringe kit within the 5E inquiry learning framework effectively supported students in developing a more accurate conceptual understanding of reaction rates.

Precise fertilization based on crop needs is important for optimal yield and cost‐effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate nutrient uptakes in cassava under different planting dates and irrigation conditions (W). Two‐year field trials were conducted in the early (ERS) and post‐rainy seasons (PRS), with nutrient uptakes measured at five growth stages. Planting dates had a greater impact on nutrient uptakes, accumulation rates, nutrient harvest index (NHI), and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) than W. In the ERS, the nutrients accumulated rapidly at the early to mid‐growth stages, while this occurred at the mid to late growth stages for the PRS. Nutrient uptake was higher in ERS than PRS, with W differenced only in ERS 2015. Irrigation during the mid to late growth stages increased the nutrient uptake, NHI, NUE, and yield for the ERS (2015), with less impact on the PRS. In contrast, the PRS significantly improved yield, accumulation in storage roots, NHI, and NUE. Total nutrients accumulated by the whole plant (kg ha⁻¹) were N (207–383) > K (182–401) > Ca (180–202) > Mg (62–82) > P (42–76) > S (11–25), Fe (2.60–7.64) > Mn (1.60–3.34) > Zn (0.48–0.62) > B (0.15–0.25) > Cu (0.11–0.19) > Mo (0.026–0.055). Nutrients with high NHI were K (0.41–0.64), Zn (0.35–0.58), N (0.28–0.56), Cu (0.16–0.61), B (0.16–0.52), and Mo (0.19–0.62), and lower NHI were P (0.27–0.47), Mg (0.17–0.37), S (0.15–0.48), Fe (0.15–0.34), Ca (0.09–0.19), and Mn (0.04–0.31). These findings will improve nutrient requirement guidelines for seasonal fertilizer recommendations for cassava in Thailand.

The Mekong River Basin, a critical biodiversity hotspot, is facing growing threats from environmental degradation and human activities, particularly dam construction. This study investigates the population structure and migratory behavior of Labeo chrysophekadion, an important food fish and widespread migratory species found in varied habitats, using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing. Treemix, Structure, and PCA analyses using an EzRAD derived neutral SNP dataset supported the subdivision of populations into three distinct zones corresponding to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Mekong regions. The analyses also provided evidence of both upstream and downstream migration pathways, including upstream through the Khone Falls. Active upstream adult migration apparently supports a peak in observed heterozygosity within the middle Mekong. Downstream dispersal best explains a large proportion of genetic material originating from the Upper into the Middle and Lower Mekong regions, and Middle into the Lower Mekong region. These findings emphasize the importance of managing this species as migratory, with special attention to the impacts of dam construction, to maintain healthy levels of genetic diversity.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women. Certain air pollutants have carcinogenic and estrogenic properties that can contribute to breast cancer development. This systematic review aimed to investigate the association between air pollution and breast cancer based on epidemiological evidence. This systematic review included articles published between 2013 and 2022 from Scopus and PubMed databases, focusing on cohort and nested case-control studies examining the association between outdoor air pollution and breast cancer. A total of 25 articles were included. A total of eight outdoor pollutants were analyzed, with seven showing a significant association with breast cancer risk. Specifically, the strong association between benzo[a]pyrene and breast cancer risk was reported. Furthermore, all four studies on nitrogen oxides (NOx), fifteen out of eighteen (83.33%) on particulate matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), nine out of thirteen studies (69.23%) on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and three out of seven studies (42.86%) on particulate matter less than 10 µm PM10 showed an association with breast cancer risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05–1.56; odds ratio [OR]: 1.03–1.86). In contrast, only one out of three studies (33.33%) on O3 (HR: 0.76–1.03) and all studies on cadmium (OR: 0.88–0.97) suggested a negative association with breast cancer risk. None of the studies on black carbon found an association with breast cancer risk. It is important to note the methodological limitations of this review, including potential publication bias due to the inclusion of only English-language articles and a regional focus on developed countries, which may limit the generalizability of findings. This study suggests that exposure to outdoor air pollutants is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship and the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants may trigger carcinogenic effects and contribute to breast cancer development through epigenetic pathways.

Background/Objectives: Crickets are recognized as an alternative source of chitosan. This study aimed to assess the potential of cricket-derived chitosan as a natural source to develop chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). Methods: Chitosan were isolated from different cricket species, including Gryllus bimaculatus, Teleogryllus mitratus, and Acheta domesticus. The isolated chitosan were characterized by their functional groups, crystallographic and thermal properties, molecular structure, morphology, water solubility, molecular weight, binding capacity, irritation potential, and cytotoxicity in comparison to commercial shrimp-based chitosan. CNPs were developed through an ionotropic gelation method, followed by the evaluation of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Results: The findings of this study indicate that chitosan can be successfully isolated from the three cricket species, with yields ranging from 4.35% to 5.22% w/w of the dried material. The characteristics of cricket-based chitosan were similar to those of commercial chitosan, except that the cricket-based chitosan displayed a higher crystallinity and a lower molecular weight. Additionally, CPNs were successfully produced from cricket-based chitosan using sodium citrate as a crosslinking agent. All cricket-based chitosan exhibited no irritation or cytotoxicity. Chitosan derived from A. domesticus however was found to be the most suitable to develop CPNs, as it produced the smallest particle size (522.0 ± 12.1 nm) with a comparatively narrow PDI (0.388 ± 0.026) and an acceptable positive zeta potential (34.2 ± 4.4 mV). Conclusions: Cricket-derived chitosan compares favorably with crustacean-derived chitosan and showed potential for a range of applications, including the use as a nanocosmeceutical delivery system in topical and cosmetic formulations.

Background: Hypersalivation, or excessive production and secretion of saliva, can result from associated disorders or adverse drug reactions. It significantly impacts physical health, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. Clozapine, a gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, is known to cause hypersalivation in some patients. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypersalivation and identify factors associated with its occurrence in patients with schizophrenia treated with clozapine, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antipsychotics. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia at a tertiary psychiatric hospital. Data were collected from patients treated with clozapine between June 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of hypersalivation, and multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the association between hypersalivation and patient characteristics. Results: A total of 96 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 44.03 years (SD = 13.27); 72.9% of the patients were male. The overall prevalence of hypersalivation was 14.6%, with 19.51% of patients on clozapine monotherapy and 10.91% of those on clozapine combined with other antipsychotics experiencing hypersalivation. Male sex appeared to reduce the risk for hypersalivation (adjusted OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.10-1.33, P = .13), while the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly increased the risk of hypersalivation (adjusted OR: 5.40, 95% CI: 1.22-24.02, P = .03). Other variables, including age, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, clozapine dosage, and use of anticholinergics, were not significantly associated with hypersalivation. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypersalivation in schizophrenia inpatients treated with clozapine was 14.6%. Male sex was associated with a reduced risk of hypersalivation, while ECT use significantly increased the risk. These findings provide valuable insights for clinicians managing patients on clozapine, highlighting the need for careful monitoring, particularly in patients undergoing ECT.

In this study, we conduct a techno-economic comparative analysis between traditional manufacturing and 3D printing technology (i.e., additive manufacturing (AM)) for fused deposition modeling (FDM) --based finger casts. Manufacturing costs are initially collected for machine cost, material cost, and labor cost, in which the Monte Carlo method is also implemented to simulate the number of pieces manufactured in each manufacturing cycle. Traditional manufacturing based on injection technology is found to have high manufacturing costs due to the mold requirement, in which the economies of scale are applied with the increase in manufacturing quantity. In addition, manufacturing costs with AM technology are analyzed using the Cura platform to assess the designed experiment from the FDM-based AM printer to fabricate single and multiple healthcare workpieces per time, respectively. In particular, the breakeven point analysis is investigated, where manufacturing one and five workpieces with AM technology is comparable to producing 1,854 and 6,048 pieces using traditional, injection manufacturing technology in our exemplified case study. The results from the techno-economic evaluation in this study are expected to be further used as a guideline for studies relevant to operational and tactical planning for AM-related applications.

Using the first-principles calculations, the gas sensing properties of GeC monolayer are analyzed to explore the possibilities in the toxic nitrogen-containing molecular sensors to detect NH3, NO2 and NO molecules. The adsorption behavior is computed under different stable adsorption configurations. NH3 is physically adsorbed on GeC monolayer with modest adsorption energies (Eads = −0.487 eV). NO2 is chemisorbed on GeC monolayer with Eads of −0.770 eV. NO is either physisorbed or chemisorbed on GeC monolayer with Eads of −0.437 eV or −0.605 eV depending on the stable adsorption configurations. NO2 and NO molecule dramatically change the electronic properties of GeC monolayer, while NH3 molecule barely modifies those of GeC monolayer. Because of the change in the electric conductivity, the descending order of the sensitivity is NO2 > NO > NH3. Finally, the quick recovery times are found for all molecules which determine the worth of reusability of a sensing material.

The borate glasses 75B2O3–5ZnO–5Nb2O5–10BaO–(5–x–y)PbO–x[Eu2O3] + y(Yb2O3), where x = 0, 1, 2, and y = 2, 3 mol.%, were prepared using the melt-quench process in this study. The influence of the Eu2O3 and Yb2O3 on the glass system’s physical, optical, and radiation interaction features were investigated following series of experimental, simulation, and standard theoretically procedures. The minimum and maximum density of 3.16 g/cm³ and 3.21 g/cm³ were obtained for glass sample having 2 and 0 mol.% of PbO, respectively. The increase in the Eu2O3 and Yb2O3 concentrations directly led to an increase in the molar volume of the glass system from 31.19 to 32.42 cm³/mol. A decrease in the concentration of PbO relative to Eu2O3 and Yb2O3 in the glass samples resulted in the decrement of the optical absorption of the glass matrix in the UV–VIS region. There mass attenuation coefficients of the glasses slightly increased with density for 15 keV–15 MeV gamma-rays. The present glasses generally had values of effective atomic number between 10.39 and 48. The glasses investigated in the present showed better gamma-ray absorption and fast neutron moderation abilities than many previously investigated and standard shielding materials. The borate glass sample of Y3E2-Pb0 can be adopted as effective transparent ionizing radiation absorbers.

In the last decade, carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a novel class of carbon-based nanomaterials, have received increasing attention due to their distinct properties. Carbon Quantum Dots/Titanium Dioxide (CQDs/TiO2) Nanocomposites were reported as potent compounds against SARS-COV-2. In this manuscript, citric acid is the carbon precursor used to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CQDs). Using a green approach, the synthesized CQD fabricates the Carbon Quantum Dots/Titanium Dioxide (CQDs/TiO2) Nanocomposites. Synthesized composites were characterized by using a UV–visible spectrophotometer, Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX). Methylene blue was used to check the Photocatalytic activity of synthesized (CQDs/TiO2) nanocomposites of different concentrations. Computational modeling of agglomerates of CQD and TiO2 nanoparticles with the formula TiO2…….. Ti253O506 demonstrated two stages of the nanocomposite formation, including the formation of agglomerates with the neutral and salt-like structures with the total gain in the Gibbs free energy − 38.397 kcal/mole. In silico, Molecular docking studies of citric acid were evaluated against SARS-COV-2 protein to understand their mechanism and key amino acid interactions along with standard drug remdesivir. The photocatalytic activity of CQDs/TiO2 showed extremely promising results. Based on this study, the proposed mechanism of action of these compounds is reported. A detailed investigation of CQDs/TiO2 against SARS-CoV-2 is needed, which is another part of the research in our next manuscript.

In this paper, we propose the integral representations of the k-Fibonacci and k-Lucas numbers. We use the Binet’s formulas to establish some identities and use simple integral calculus to prove them. Our results are also deduced with the Fibonacci, Lucas, Pell, and Pell-Lucas numbers.

Sweet potato roots are rich in phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of number of storage roots, storage root dry weight, harvest index and anthocyanin and carotenoid contents of 10 sweet potato genotypes. Ten sweet potato genotypes were evaluated in a randomised complete block design with three replications at three locations in Surin province, including Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI), Chomphra district and Sanom district during November 2022 to March 2023. Results indicated that the environment significantly influenced most traits, except for carotenoid content. Genotypes and genotype–environment interactions were significant for all traits. Number of storage roots was highest in genotypes found in RMUTI. Storage root yield and anthocyanin content was highest in genotypes found in Chomphra district, while harvest index and carotenoid content were highest in genotypes found in Sanom district. SR 2022/03 had the highest storage root yield across locations and in Chomphra district. KS 2022/07 had the highest harvest index and anthocyanin content across locations. SR 2022/10 had the highest anthocyanin content at RMUTI and also had the highest carotenoid content across locations. KS 2022/07 had the most stable storage root yield. SR 2022/01 had the most stable anthocyanin and carotenoid contents. Information on the levels and variability of phytochemicals in sweet potato enables breeders to select sweet potato genotypes with high and stable phytochemicals for sweet potato breeding.

Drought is the one primary issue limiting peanut growth and productivity. The study aimed to investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), rhizobium (Rhi), and their combinations on phenolic content, proline content, growth, and yield of peanut under different soil water regimes. The pot experiments were carried out for two growing seasons under greenhouse conditions and designed based on a 2×3 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Factor A comprised two soil water regimes: field capacity (FC) and 1/3 available soil water (1/3 AW), whereas factor B included three different types of microorganisms: (i) uninoculated control, (ii) arbuscular mycorrhiza (AMF), and (iii) a combination of AMF and rhizobium (Rhi) inoculations. Data were collected for growth, proline content, phenolic content, yield, and yield components. Drought stress significantly reduced in relative water content, leaf area, biomass, yield, and yield components of peanut, whereas leaf phenolic content was increased under drought stress. Higher pod dry weight was achieved under FC conditions (28.87 g plant⁻¹), and it was reduced to 16.06 g plant⁻¹ under 1/3 FC. Interestingly, AMF+Rhi synergistically increased the leaf area compared with non-incubated peanut under 1/3 FC conditions. AMF-inoculated peanut tended to increase biomass, while the combination of AMF+Rhi tended to have higher yield components compared with uninoculated control, especially for the weight of 100 seeds.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer in humans, with an increasing incidence worldwide. The current study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms that inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells, a hepatoblastoma-derived cell line. MSC-derived exosomes (UC-MSCs) were prepared with a median particle size (N50) of 135.8 nm. Concentrations of UC-MSCs ranging from 10 μg/mL to 1000 μg/mL were applied to HepG2 cell cultures and compared to untreated and anticancer drug-treated HepG2 cells. A combined approach was employed, integrating a proteomic analysis of UC-MSCs, metabolomic analysis of HepG2 cells, and transcriptomic profiling of HepG2 cells to decipher the inhibitory mechanisms of UC-MSC exosomes on HepG2 cell growth. Treatment with a high concentration of UC-MSCs led to a notable reduction in HepG2 cell viability, with survival decreasing by 65%. A proteomic analysis of UC-MSCs revealed enriched degranulation processes in Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, in addition to the known exosomal pathways. Transcriptomic profiling showed distinct changes in the expression of genes related to hepatocellular diseases in UC-MSC-treated HepG2 cells, contrasting with changes observed in HepG2 cells treated with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX). Combined with a metabolomic analysis, the detailed GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that pathways associated with neutrophil extracellular trap formation played a critical role in mediating protein degradation and suppressing central carbon metabolism in cancer cells. Our results revealed that the UC-MSC treatment mimicked molecular mechanisms similar to those involved in neutrophil extracellular trap formation, exhibiting effects on HepG2 cell growth suppression that differed from those of chemical cancer drugs. Notably, the UC-MSC treatment demonstrated that protein degradation in HepG2 cells was regulated through canonical signaling pathways activated by bacterial peptides in neutrophils. This research has provided valuable insights into the potential of MSC-derived exosomes as a therapeutic approach for cancer treatment in the future.