KKU Research Journal (Graduate Studies)

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Wood Sawmill Workers: A Systematic Review

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common conditions encountered by employees in nearly all types of industrial factory settings. Sawmills are one of the industrial sectors with high risks due to the use of machinery. The working environment in sawmills includes dust, heat from machinery, and the wood drying process, which involves moisture or chemicals from wood preservative treatments. Employees are required to have specialized skills for their specific job functions. Therefore, this research systematically reviews was studied on employees working in sawmills that predominantly rely on manual labor, both in Thailand and internationally. The review utilizes data from the ScienceDirect^® and Web of Science™ databases, covering publications from 2004 to 2024. Three key terms were used in the search: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Sawmill. In the search for research articles related to the evaluation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sawmill employees, as well as other relevant studies on musculoskeletal disorders from work, a total of 47 articles from the ScienceDirect^® database and 11 articles from the Web of Science™ database met the inclusion criteria. The study results indicate symptoms, main factors, contributing factors, causes affecting work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and utilizing ergonomic assessment tools. The study also proposed prevention methods and actions based on the principles of risk assessment in employee operations to achieve best practices. Consequently, it is recommended to conduct further studies on risk assessment of sawmill employees using ergonomic principles.

The Modeling and Techno-Economics Performance Evaluation of a Microgrid Power Generation System for Energy Management on Hang Island of Krabi in Thailand

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper presents modeling and techno-economics performance evaluation of a microgrid power generation system for energy management on Hang Island, Krabi Province, Thailand, which is located in a remote area and far away from high-voltage transmission lines as well as lacks of electric system stability. HOMER Pro® (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources Pro®) was used for designing and simulating system, technical parameters and economics. The need of electricity consumption of people in Hang Island, a total of 161 households, with the highest effectiveness load demand of 3,664 kW/day and the peak electrical load per day of 426 kW. The model was categorized into 2 modes: stand-alone and grid-connected hybrid renewable energy microgrid power generation systems. The optimum result ofthe stand-alone hybrid renewable energy microgrid power generation system consisted of a solar PV power with a 4,025 kWp, a 250-kW wind turbine generator, a 470-kW diesel generator with a 2,000-kWh battery energy storage system (BESS), and a 3,280-kW inverter. The net present cost (NPC) was 20.4 million US$/project with the lowest LCOE of 0.5267 US$/kWh while the CO₂ emission was 714.8 tonnesCO₂e/year that the emission factor (EF) for this power generation system is 0.5419 kgCO₂e/kWh. For the grid-connected hybrid renewable energy microgrid power generation system, the optimum system comprised of a 3,664 kWp solar PV, a 470-kW diesel generator, a 1,000 kWh BESS, and a 1,900-kW inverter. This alternative solution had the NPC of 2.73 million US$/project, a minimum LCOE of 0.1532 US$/kWh and CO₂ emission of 405.2 tonnesCO₂e/year that the emission factor (EF) for this power generation system is 0.3072 kgCO2e/kWh. The EF values from both systems are comparable to or lower than the national average EF in Thailand, which is 0.5082 kg CO₂e/kWh.

Study on the Efficiency of Two Models of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones) for Accurate Mapping: Case Study at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus

Thanapol Promraksa, Songphol Songsaengrit — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to the efficiency and differences in accurate mapping from the DJI Phantom 4 Pro and DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The study area is Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus, which covers an area of 161,600 m². The camera was set at the ground sampling distance of 5 cm/pixel with forward and side overlaps of 70%. 13 ground control points and 7 check points were scattered on the study area. The Image processing was performed by the Agisoft Photoscan software and the root mean square error (RMSE) error value was calculated. The study found that photogrammetry from 2 models of UAVs were able to efficiently create an accurate mapping of the study area. Vertical photographs from two UAVs can produce accurate mapping at a scale of 1:300 and RMSE of 0.015 and 0.018 m in horizontal direction and 0.052 and 0.057 m in vertical direction according to the ASPRS standard were not different. UAVs are an efficient mapping technology that can collect aerial photographic data quickly and accurately. Which helps reduce the time and budget of the operation.

Studying of the Behavior of Single Pile and Group Pile Under Static Laterally Load in Bangkok Subsoils with 3D Finite Element Method

Kitisak Daengthong, Pornpot Tanseng — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article discusses the behavior of single piles and pile groups under static lateral loading in Bangkok subsoils. The objective is to investigate the behavior of piles subjected to large lateral loads, focusing on single piles and pile groups based on pile test data in Bangkok subsoils [1]. The study also aims to identify the appropriate stiffness parameters for the hardening soil model, referencing field test results. A 3D finite element method using PLAXIS 3D software. The findings reveal that the total stiffness equivalent to the effective stress stiffness of the soil in geotechnical engineering for engineering design of piles under service load conditions without failure is in the range of 200 –300. Pile simulations using an elastoplastic model, incorporating the cracked-section moment of inertia and the ultimate bending moment, indicate that the location of the maximum bending moment in the pile matches the ultimate bending moment for single piles. This is consistent with pile deflection measured from inclinometer data. Additionally, the resolution of the FEM mesh used in the simulations significantly affects the pile behavior in the modeling.

Unfired clay bricks containing waste zeolite

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Clay bricks have been used for centuries and continue to remain a popular building material today. The production of clay bricks involves 7 days to 15 days firing process, which not only contributes to air pollution but also results in inconsistent quality. This research developed non-fired clay bricks using zeolite waste from the liquid nitrogen production process. A mixture ratio of cement to lateritic soil of 1:6 was employed, with zeolite replacing cement at varying percentages of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% by weight. The bricks were extruded into pellets, cured, and then tested for compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days, along with assessments of water absorption, rupture modulus, and thermal conductivity at 28 days. The results revealed that replacing 10% to 40% of cement with zeolite improved compressive strength, rupture modulus, and water absorption. Recommended ingredients that can use zeolite as much as possible while still having compressive strength and water absorption that pass TIS 77-2022 standards include ingredients that use zeolite in place of 20 percent cement (for bricks Quality class B) and the mixture uses zeolite in place of 60 percent cement (for quality class C bricks).

Application of Flexsim Simulation Technique and Reduce Waste Using ECRS Principle to Balance Production Line Case Study: Production of Car Rear Seat Cover

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Currently, leading automotive upholstery manufacturers face production delays in the rear seat upholstery of the RSC 40% model, exceeding the company’s standard time and resulting in unmet production targets. Originally 66 pieces per day, customer demand per day is equal to 88 pieces per day. The reliance on manual labor causes inconsistency, low efficiency, and production waste due to unbalanced workloads. This study applies two methods Ranked Positional Weight for line balancing and the ECRS principle for waste reduction to enhance production efficiency. Data collected in July 2023 from the evaluation of production line efficiency with Flexsim program, add from 73.4% to 87.9% and 94%, while daily output rose from 66 pieces to 89 and 95 pieces. The improvement also reduced costs by 218,407.5 baht per year.

Microplastic Contamination in Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) from Aquaculture Systems: Implications for Environmental Impact and Food Safety

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to investigate the levels of microplastic contamination in Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) from aquaculture ponds in Ratchaburi and Nakhon Nayok provinces. It was found that the microplastic content in the gastrointestinal tract (199.6 ± 11.7 pieces/g wet weight) was significantly higher than in the muscle tissue (44.4 ± 10.2 pieces/g wet weight) (p< 0.05). The microplastics found in giant freshwater prawns from both locations were predominantly fibrous in shape, with sizes ranging from 60 to 300 ไมโครเมตร, accounting for 78% and 58% of the total microplastics detected in Ratchaburi and Nakhon Nayok Provinces, respectively. Identified microplastic polymers included Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Rayon, and Nylon, which likely originated from the water used in farming, pond sediments, and shrimp feed. This study underscores the importance of managing aquaculture water sources and raw materials to mitigate microplastic contamination, which poses long-term risks to food safety, human health, and environmental sustainability.

Diversity of Rotifers and Their Relationships with Environmental Factors in Inland Waters of Songkhla Rajabhat University

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

A study on the species and density of sessile and planktonic rotifers in the inland waters of Songkhla Rajabhat University, along with an analysis of the relationship between water environmental factors and rotifer species composition, was conducted. Rotifer samples and water environmental parameters were collected in May and July 2022. The results revealed at least 77 rotifer species, belonging to 28 genera and 14 families. Of these, 10 species, 8 genera, and 2 families of sessile rotifers were identified, with common species including Limnias ceratophylli, Lacinularia flosculosa, and Sinantherina socialis. Regarding planktonic rotifers, at least 67 species, belonging to 20 genera and 12 families, were recorded, with high-density species including Anuraeopsis fissa, Lecane bulla, L. leontina, and Plationus patulus. In addition, water temperature was the most influential factor affecting rotifer density, followed by total dissolved solids and water turbidity, respectively. Rotifer species with high density at elevated water temperatures and conductivity included Colurella obtusa, Keratella tropica, L. leontina and P. patulus. Species with high density at increased levels of total dissolved solids and turbidity included Anuraeopsis coelata, A. fissa, Brachionus calyciflorus, and B. caudatus. Species that had high density when dissolved oxygen and pH levels were low included L. pyriformis, L. lateralis, B. quadridentatus, and M. ventralis.

Immediate and Short-Term Effects of Respiratory Muscle Stretching Combine with Hot Pack on Chest Expansion and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Patients With COPD: Pilot Study

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes the respiratory muscles and muscles around the chest to lose their elasticity, become shortened, and weakened, leading to respiratory dysfunction. Stretching and superficial heat therapy increase flexibility and reduce muscle contraction. However, its effects in COPD patients are limited. This pilot study is an experimental study, aims to investigate the immediate and short-term effects of hot pack combined with respiratory muscle stretching on chest expansion and respiratory muscle strength in COPD patients. Fourteen male participants with moderate-stable COPD were applied hot pack to the upper back and chest for 20 minutes, followed by respiratory muscle stretching. Chest expansion was measured with a tape measure, and respiratory muscle strength was measured with a respiratory pressure meter before the experiment and at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after the intervention. The results showed that chest expansion and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, significantly increased after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p<0.05), with the greatest increase occurring at 30 minutes, except for the middle chest expansion, which continued to increase until 60 minutes. These findings suggested that the combination of hot pack and respiratory muscle stretching improves chest expansion and respiratory muscle strength in COPD patients immediately, with effects lasting for over 30 minutes.

Effect of Providing Pharmaceutical Care Services Using Line Application on Detecting Drug Related Problems for Diabetic Patients at Sungnoen Hospital Nakhonratchasima

Jeeraya Luang-apirom, Areewan Cheawchanwattana — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: To study the effects of providing pharmaceutical care using the LINE application (intervention) compared with standard care in diabetic patients. The before-after comparisons between the identification of drug-related problems and blood sugar levels, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were studied. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study using purposive sampling, with a sample group of 24 patients who received services at the chronic non-communicable disease clinic at Sungnoen Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, from June 2023 to January 2024. Results: Before the study, 43 drug-related problems were identified (from 24 volunteers), and after the study, the number of problems decreased to 5 (from 5 volunteers). The number of patients with drug-related issues decreased significantly (p < 0.001) during follow-up using the LINE application. An additional 40 drug-related problems were identified, bringing the total number of drug-related problems found in this study to 88, with 83 problems resolved. Clinical outcomes showed that the FPG values before and after the study were 159.50±55.84 and 135.79±33.57, and the HbA1c values before and after the study were 8.47±1.70 and 7.87±1.03, respectively. Both blood sugar levels tended to decrease, although there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.07 and 0.12, respectively). Conclusion: The research shows that providing pharmaceutical care using the LINE application helps to increase the identification and resolution of drug-related problems and enables real-time medication management.

Non-Medical Costs and Health Literacy Associated with The Decision to Return for Screening Among Recipients of Opisthorchiasis and Cholangiocarcinoma Screening Services in Khon Kaen Province

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to the non-medical costs and health literacy associated with the decision to return for screening among recipients of opisthorchiasis and cholangio carcinoma screening service in Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Statistical analysis included by descriptive and inferential statistics at a significant level of 0.05. There is a multistage Random Sampling. The results showed that the overall level of the 171 participants screening service in Khon Kaen province. The majority decided to come for screening services next time, 123 people (71.93 %), considering the relationship with each factor as follows: personal characteristics, age, income, and distance. There are statistically insignificant relationships. In terms of non-medical costs, lost income from work stoppage (OR_Adj=4.09; 95%CI: 1.56-10.75), Travel costs of caregivers or relatives (OR_Adj=3.39; 95%CI: 1.31-8.79), and health literacy, the overall results were at an adequate level (133 people (77.78%) and health literacy; communication (OR_Adj=4.99; 95%CI: 2.13-11.67). Therefore, community hospitals should provide optional service hours, establish screening points, provide multiple access methods to information, and develop communication skills among service providers.

Participation and Leadership Skills Affecting the Solid Waste Management Among Local Administrative Organization Officers in Nongbualamphu Province

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to examine the participation and leadership skills that influence solid waste management among officials under the local administrative organizations in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province. The data were collected using a questionnaire that was examined for content validity by three experts. All items had a consistency index of more than 0.50 and the reliability of the questionnaire was Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.94. Data were collected between November 21, 2024 and December 10, 2024. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum values) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression) with a significance level of 0.05. The results revealed that the overall levels of participation, leadership skills, and solid waste management of the officials were high (𝑥̅ = 4.04, S.D. = 0.50), (𝑥̅ = 4.25, S.D. = 0.46), and (𝑥̅ = 4.32, S.D. = 0.47), respectively. And it was found that there were 4 independent variables that had an effect and were able to together predict solid waste management of officials under local administrative organizations. Nong Bua Lamphu Province received 72.0 percent (R2= 0.720, p-value <0.001).

Validation of HPLC Method for Determination of Hydroxychavicol in the Extract from The Thai Traditional Remedy “Ruean-Mhoon-Nok” to Treat Psoriasis Disease

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Ruean-Mhoon-Nok (RMN) remedy is listed in the National Thai Traditional Medicine Formulary in Honour of His Majesty the King B.E. 2562. The RMN remedy consists of 9 herbs used for the treatment of psoriasis disease (the stage characterized by white scars, scaly, raised edges, itching, and spreading all over the body). Previous research has shown that hydroxychavicol is an active compound of RMN remedy, but the analytical method was not validated. Therefore, this research aimed to develop and validate a method for analyzing the amount of hydroxychavicol in RMN remedy extract using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that standard hydroxychavicol was eluted at a retention time of 33.927 min. Similar chromatogram was also found in the RMN remedy extract with the same retention time (33.797 min), confirming that it is hydroxychavicol. Moreover, the standard calibration curve of hydroxychavicol expressed a good linearity within the range of 25 – 400 µg/mL (R² = 0.9996). The LOD and LOQ values were 4.31 and 13.05 µg/mL, respectively. Besides, the method demonstrated excellent intra-day and inter-day precisions of hydroxychavicol at 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL, with a relative standard deviation (%RSD) of 1.12-1.45% and 1.25-1.42%, respectively. In addition, the percentage recovery of hydroxychavicol was found to be 94.44 ± 0.58, 98.30 ± 1.11, and 100.79 ± 1.38%, respectively, indicating a high degree of accuracy of the method. Additionally, the quantification of hydroxychavicol in three different batches of RMN remedy extract was found to be within the range of 21.24 ± 0.16 to 22.80 ± 0.80 %w/w of extract. This method, therefore, will be very useful for standardization and quality control of RMN remedy extract, ensuring its efficiency and safety for future applications.

Computer Vision-based AI Models for Tracking Learners' Facial Expressions and Gaze Behavior in Online Education

Pichaya Promla, Somkid Saelee — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Online learning faces a significant challenge: the high dropout rate caused by limitations in observing learners’ behaviors. As a result, instructors often lack sufficient data to adapt teaching methods and effectively motivate learners. This research aimed to 1) develop computer vision-based AI models for analyzing online learners’ facial expressions, 2) to develop computer vision-based AI models for analyzing online learners’ gaze behavior, and 3) to study the potential application of the developed models in the context of online learning environments. To address the diversity of devices and computational constraints in online learning environments, a transfer learning approach was adopted to train the models. Four pre-trained models including Yolov8n, Yolov9t, Yolov10n, and Yolov11n were selected cause by their optimization for low computational resource usage, and their effectiveness was evaluated and compared. The results revealed that the Learner Emotion Detection model (LeEmo) detects academic emotions from learners’ facial expressions, performed best with Yolov9t, achieving a mAP of 78.10% and an F1-Score of 76.05%. The Lerner Eye Tracking model (LeET), developed for learners’ eye-tracking tasks, achieved its best performance with the Yolov11n, achieving a mAP of 94.51%, an F1-Score of 85.23%, and a performance of 93.45% for monitoring blink and closed eye activities. Lastly, the Learner Drowsiness Detection model (LeDro), which detects activeness or drowsiness from learners’ facial expressions, also performs best with the Yolov11n, achieving a mAP of 85.96% and an F1-Score of 82.46%. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of computer vision-based models for detecting and monitoring online learners’ behaviors, providing valuable data for instructors to enhance online learning outcomes. Furthermore, these data could be analyzed using other artificial intelligence technologies to explore various learning states of online learners, such as sustained attention levels, flow states, engagement levels, and stress levels.

Critical Thinking Skills through Online Learning in Problem-solving Classroom

Narongsak Sangpom, Wasukree Sangpom — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative research aimed to develop critical thinking skills in 16 electrical engineering students through online learning using GeoGebra in a problem-based learning classroom. Data collection instruments included learning management plans, field notes, interview protocols, learning reflection forms and critical thinking skills assessment. Data analysis focused on content analysis and analytical descriptions. The research findings indicated that the majority of learners demonstrated learning objectives at the comprehension and analysis levels during the problem presentation phase. However, these levels were not observed in the application phase. In the self-directed problem-solving phase, learners employed diverse methods utilizing their foundational knowledge and GeoGebra. The reasoning discussion phase emphasized the use of probing questions, and the concept summarization and connection phase utilized GeoGebra. The overall assessment of critical thinking skills was at a good level. Future studies should focus on designing activities that challenge real-world application, exploring interaction factors influencing the development of critical thinking skills at all levels, and expanding the scope of the study to other content areas, disciplines, and academic years. This would contribute to establishing effective online teaching guidelines using GeoGebra for the comprehensive development of advanced thinking skills.

Editorial Note

Professor Dr.Wittaya Ngeontae — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

วารสารวิจัย มข. (ฉบับบัณฑิตศึกษา) สาขาวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี ปีที่ 25 ฉบับที่ 3 (กรกฎาคม–กันยายน 2568) จัดทำโดยบัณฑิตวิทยาลัย มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น เป็นวารสารวิชาการที่ได้รับการรับรองให้อยู่ในฐานข้อมูล Thai-Journal Citation Index (TCI) กลุ่มที่ 2 มีพันธกิจในการเผยแพร่ผลงานวิจัย และบทความวิชาการที่มีคุณภาพ เพื่อเป็นเวทีแลกเปลี่ยนองค์ความรู้ และนวัตกรรมทางวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี ที่สามารถนำไปสู่การพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืน

ในฉบับนี้ ซึ่งเป็นปีที่ 25 ฉบับที่ 3 (กรกฎาคม–กันยายน 2568) วารสารได้นำเสนอผลงานวิจัยจำนวน 15 เรื่อง ที่สะท้อนความหลากหลายขององค์ความรู้ในแขนงต่าง ๆ ไม่ว่าจะเป็นด้านพลังงาน สิ่งแวดล้อม วิศวกรรมศาสตร์ วิทยาศาสตร์สุขภาพ เทคโนโลยีอุตสาหกรรม และเทคโนโลยีดิจิทัล ตัวอย่างเช่น การพัฒนาระบบผลิตไฟฟ้าไมโครกริด การประยุกต์ใช้เทคโนโลยีอากาศยานไร้คนขับเพื่อการทำแผนที่ การวิเคราะห์การปนเปื้อนไมโครพลาสติกในระบบเพาะเลี้ยงสัตว์น้ำ การบริบาลเภสัชกรรมผ่านแอปพลิเคชัน ไปจนถึงการพัฒนาโมเดลปัญญาประดิษฐ์เพื่อติดตามพฤติกรรมผู้เรียนในชั้นเรียนออนไลน์

คณะบรรณาธิการขอขอบคุณผู้ทรงคุณวุฒิทุกท่าน ที่ได้ให้คำแนะนำและประเมินบทความอย่างรอบคอบ ตลอดจนผู้เขียนบทความทุกท่านที่มีส่วนสำคัญในการสร้างสรรค์องค์ความรู้ใหม่ ๆ ที่มีคุณค่า วารสารฯ หวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่าผลงานในฉบับนี้จะช่วยสร้างแรงบันดาลใจให้กับนักวิจัย นักศึกษา และผู้สนใจทางวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี ได้ร่วมกันต่อยอดความรู้ สร้างสรรค์นวัตกรรม และพัฒนางานวิจัยที่ตอบโจทย์สังคมไทยในอนาคต

วารสารฯ ยินดีต้อนรับผลงานวิจัย และบทความวิชาการจากทุกท่าน เพื่อร่วมเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของการขับเคลื่อนองค์ความรู้ในสาขาวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี ให้เติบโตอย่างมั่นคงและยั่งยืน ผู้สนใจสามารถศึกษารายละเอียดเพิ่มเติม และส่งบทความเพื่อพิจารณาตีพิมพ์ได้ทางระบบออนไลน์ของวารสาร ที่เว็บไซต์ https://journal.gs.kku.ac.th/gs และ https://www.tci-thaijo.org/ index.php/gskku/user/register