Srinakharinwirot University Journal of Sciences and Technology

A Comparative Study on The Growth of Hybrid Philodendron and Homalomena rubescens (Roxb.) Kunth Variegated Propagated by Stem Cutting Under Controlled Greenhouse and Natural Environmental Conditions to Support Crop Production for Farmers Toward Sustainable Agriculture

Suttipan Aksornniem, Anong Hansakul, Wiwat Sangpakdee, Thaninatphasit Sangpakdee — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Foliage ornamental plants, particularly variegated varieties, have gained high commercial value, creating demand for efficient propagation systems. Although stem cutting is widely used, it often results in slow rooting and inconsistent survival. This study evaluated the growth performance and economic feasibility of hybrid Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) and variegated Homalomena rubescens (Roxb.) Kunth propagated by stem cuttings under control and natural greenhouse conditions. The experiment followed a Split–Plot Design within a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. Leaf length, leaf width, root number, and root length were measured at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after planting. Plants cultivated in the controlled greenhouse (25–28 °C; 75–90% RH; LED 1,000–1,400 lux) exhibited significantly superior growth from day 21 onward (p < 0.05) and reached transplanting stage within 21 days, whereas those grown under natural conditions required 40–60 days. Economic analysis separated fixed investment (60,000 THB) from variable electricity cost (3,963.56 THB per cycle). At full capacity (30 plants at 3,000 THB each), revenue reached 90,000 THB per cycle, generating a net operating profit of 86,036.44 THB. The calculated ROI was 143.39% per production cycle, with a payback period of approximately 0.70 production cycles (~21 days). The enclosed greenhouse system markedly improves propagation efficiency, accelerates capital turnover, and enhances short-term financial viability, contributing to sustainable ornamental plant production and supporting SDGs 2 and 12.

Effects of Soil Improvement Using Aquatic Weeds and Animal Manures on The Growth of Chinese Water Spinach and Soil Properties

Suttayot Yimpoolsap — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to investigate the effects of aquatic weeds, namely duckweed and water lettuce, in combination with animal manures, including goat and horse manure, on the growth of Chinese water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. var. reptans) and soil properties after cultivation. Soil was collected from Ban Thung Haeo community, Sawaeng Ha District, Ang Thong Province, which was originally acidic (pH 5.14) and non-saline (EC 0.17 dS/m), and incubated with the organic materials for 14 days. The incubation markedly increased soil EC (4.86–9.11 dS/m), reaching levels classified as moderately to strongly saline. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that soil improvement with goat manure combined with duckweed resulted in the highest average growth of Chinese water spinach (p<0.05). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), using pre-planting EC as a covariate, further clarified the effects of organic amendments independently from the influence of salinity. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that soil amended with goat manure and duckweed was associated with the highest plant growth and biomass, whereas the water lettuce treatment was associated with the highest nitrate (NO₃^-) content but the lowest plant growth compared with other treatments. This study demonstrates that aquatic weeds and animal manures from the Ban Thung Haeo community can be utilized to improve soil for increasing Chinese water spinach production; however, the potential side effect of increased soil salinity after incubation with such materials should be carefully considered.

Development of a Prototype Smart Greenhouse Control System via Smartphone Using Internet of Things Technology

Pattawee Thuamaur, Adithep Banrungklang, Prem Enkvetchakul — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to develop a smart greenhouse control system via smartphone using Internet of Things (IoT) technology for vegetable cultivation, evaluate system performance, and study user satisfaction. The system consists of sensors for measuring air and soil temperature and humidity, water level sensors, and automated control devices including ventilation fans and irrigation systems, using NodeMCU ESP8266 as the central processing unit and developing a web application for smartphone control. System development followed the SDLC methodology covering 7 phases from problem identification, system analysis and design, development and testing, to implementation and maintenance. The study results showed that the system can effectively control the greenhouse environment both automatically and manually via smartphone, helping to increase water and energy resource efficiency, reduce labor costs, and support continuous vegetable cultivation. Performance evaluation by 3 experts found that the system performed at a good level (mean score 4.22), particularly in sensor reading accuracy and equipment control precision. User satisfaction assessment from 15 users showed a good level (mean score 4.14), with users recognizing that the system facilitates convenient vegetable farm management. This research demonstrates the potential of Internet of Things technology in improving agricultural production processes and serves as a guideline for future smart agriculture system development.

Comparison of Finishing Methods for Microencapsulated Essential Oil on Silk: From Laboratory to Community Application

Phussadee Sae-Lim, Jantip Setthayanond — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

In Thailand, there are approximately 40,000 silk producers throughout the supply chain. With the current increasingly competitive trade environment, every industry must focus on product development. The silk industry is no exception. Silk fabric finishing through microencapsulation is a cost-effective method that can add value to products. However, previous research has primarily used laboratory equipment that ordinary producers cannot apply. Therefore, this study compared methods of silk fabric finishing using essential oil microcapsules to provide practical guidelines that producers can actually use. Finishing silk with essential oil microcapsule with acrylic binder through three different processes: pad-dry-cure method (laboratory process) pad-indoor dry-iron method and pad-sun dry-iron method. Study investigated the washing durability of silk fabric treated with these three methods. The optimal conditions for silk fabric microencapsulation using pad-dry-cure method were found to be using essential oil microcapsule at 10 g/L and acrylic binder at 20 g/L. When comparing finishing results with the indoor drying and sun-drying methods, discovered no statistically significant difference in essential oil extraction amounts across methods. After 20 washing cycles, the fabric showed good wash durability. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of essential oil microcapsules on the fabric for all treatment methods. The pad-indoor dry-iron and pad-sun dry-iron processes can be applied to fabric finishing at the community product level.

Environmental Impact Evaluation for Waste Refrigerator Management

Surus Tangpaitoon, Weawboon Yamsaengsung, Sekson Papong — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

At present, as global temperatures continue to rise, electrical appliances such as refrigerators and cooling equipment have become increasingly important to human well-being. These appliances, which use refrigerants as a key component, cause significant environmental impacts, particularly in terms of electricity consumption and refrigerant emissions. This research aimed to: (1) Study and comparatively analyze the environmental impacts of end-of-life refrigerators between informal e-waste management units and formal e-waste management units; and (2) Propose guidelines for managing hazardous waste from end-of-life refrigerators in order to support Thailand’s electronic waste (e-waste) management measures. The sample group consisted of five household refrigerator waste samples per study area. The functional unit was defined as a 6.0–7.0 cubic-foot, single-door refrigerator using R134a refrigerant, with a service life of more than 10 years. This study examined informal refrigerator waste management units in Buriram Province and formal management units in Chonburi Province. The system boundaries covered the processes from collection of end-of-life refrigerators from households to collection points, dismantling and sorting, transportation, recycling, and final disposal. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted using SimaPro 8.3 software. The results indicated that: (1) Climate change impact was the highest impact category in both management systems. This was followed by terrestrial ecotoxicity, which occurred only in the informal management system, and ozone depletion impacts, with differing proportions. The formal management system generated only 3.21 kg CO₂eq of greenhouse gas emissions, whereas the informal system emitted 192.20 kg CO₂eq approximately 59.87 times higher. (2)The study proposed improvements in collection processes, dismantling of end-of-life refrigerators, refrigerant management, and material management to enhance environmental friendliness.

Ecology of Freshwater Aquatic Oligochaetes in Water Sources of Bangbarn District Catchment Area, Ayutthaya Province

Natthakitt To-orn — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigated the ecology of freshwater aquatic oligochaetes in water sources within the water retention area of Bangbarn District, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. The objectives were to examine the diversity, distribution, and density of aquatic oligochaetes, as well as the associated environmental quality factors. Samples were collected from 12 stations covering the Chao Phraya River, the Noi River, and the Bangbarn floodplain field during June 2020 (dry season), July and August 2020 (early rainy season), and September 2020 (late rainy season). The results revealed two oligochaete families: Naididae and Aeolosomatidae. The Naididae family was dominated by Branchiura sp., which exhibited the highest abundance, followed by Tubifex sp., Dero sp., and Branchiodrilus sp., respectively. The Aeolosomatidae family was represented by a single species, Aeolosoma sp. Oligochaete density significantly differed among sampling stations (p<0.05), with the highest density recorded during the early rainy season in August. Correlation analysis indicated that water depth, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, sediment silt–clay content, and total organic matter in sediment were key factors influencing the distribution and density of aquatic oligochaetes. The findings suggest that the and increased density of dominant oligochaete taxa can serve as effective biological indicators of pollution and organic matter accumulation in sediment within the water retention area, as these organisms are highly tolerant of low dissolved oxygen conditions. This ecological information is useful for developing water management strategies and environmental quality monitoring programs in floodplain catchments.

Assessment of Bacterial Communities in Water Samples from Mangrove Absorbed via COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits Using Next-Generation Sequencing Technology

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to investigate the bacterial communities in water samples from mangroves absorbed via COVID-19 antigen test kits and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The locality considered for water sampling was the mangrove area in Samut Prakan Province, which exhibits a high biodiversity of microorganisms. The water samples were absorbed using a COVID-19 antigen test kit. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the test strips of the test kit (Group A) and directly from the water samples (Group B as the control) using a DNA extraction Kit. Bacterial sequencing analysis targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted using NGS. A substantial overlap in operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was observed, with 7,140 OTUs shared between the two groups. Specifically, 867 OTUs were exclusive to Group A, whereas 1,148 OTUs were unique to Group B. At the phylum level, Group A was dominated by Proteobacteria. The abundance of Bacteroidota was high in Group B. At the genus level, bacterial PLTA13 was abundant in Group A, whereas bacterial SBR1031 and A4b were predominant in Group B. Regarding alpha diversity, there was a significant difference in the Shannon diversity index between groups (p < 0.05). The results revealed slight differences in some bacterial community compositions and one diversity index when comparing the absorbed test strips with the direct samples. This study elucidated the core bacterial microbiomes of mangroves, based on samples collected using two different techniques. Moreover, it provides important data for the further adaptation and optimisation of microbial analysis techniques in aquatic environments.

Analysis of Installation Performance and Obstacles in Fully Precast Concrete Construction Using AHP and Statistical Productivity Evaluation

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study analyzes installation productivity, identifies key obstacles, and links analytical findings with productivity improvement guidelines for fully precast concrete construction in mid-rise residential buildings (≤ 8 stories) in Bangkok and its vicinity. Quantitative data were obtained from 58 completed condominium projects comprising 193,000 precast structural elements, while 135,965 screened installation records were used for productivity and cycle-time analysis. Expert judgments were collected from 50 construction professionals, including 23 project management personnel and 27 site operation engineers. The research integrates cycle-time productivity evaluation, Spearman’s rank correlation, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results show an average installation productivity of 3.25 pieces per hour (18.5 minutes per piece). Elements using splice sleeve joints achieved higher productivity than those using corrugated duct joints. Spearman’s correlation indicates a high level of agreement between management and field teams regarding time, quality, and site-readiness factors. The AHP results show that transportation, lifting, and site-space management had the highest relative weight (0.25858), followed by planning and coordination (0.25498). These findings indicate that the main bottlenecks are related to pre-installation readiness, crane sequencing, dowel-bar alignment accuracy, and final quality inspection. Accordingly, the study proposes 4D BIM simulation, dowel-bar alignment jigs, and PCI/ACI-based inspection checklists as systematic measures to reduce time variability and improve installation productivity in constrained urban construction environments.

Effect of Solvent and Time on Polysaccharides Extraction from Cocoa Pod Husk: Water vs. Citric Acid Extraction

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to compare two solvents extraction - water extraction and citric acid solution extraction (pH 4.0) - for obtaining polysaccharides from cocoa pod husk (Theobroma cacao L.), and to evaluate the effect of extraction time on yield, chemical composition, and structural characteristics. The cocoa pod husk contained a high dietary fiber content of 64.02%, consisting of cellulose (34.93%), hemicellulose (35.46%), and lignin (27.93%). Water extraction yielded 82–93 mg glucose/g sample, corresponding to 12.17–13.00% yield, whereas citric acid extraction provided significantly higher yields. The results indicate that citric acid extraction at pH 4.0 for 2 h is an optimal condition to produce high-quality polysaccharide extracts from cocoa pod husk. FTIR and ¹³C NMR analyses confirmed that the isolated polysaccharides were predominantly homogalacturonan-rich pectin with a low degree of methylation, suitable for calcium-induced gelation. The results demonstrated that polysaccharides can be extracted from cocoa pod husk using either water or mild organic acid, making them suitable for application as raw materials in functional foods and health-promoting products.

Distribution of PM2.5 in Thailand

Thanawat Phumuanboot, Chetta Ngamjarus — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Particulate Matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM_2.5) is an air pollution that affects the health of Thai people. Thus, this study aims to investigate the spatial distribution of PM_2.5 in Thailand. We retrieved PM_2.5 data during 2020 to 2024 from the website of Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand. We explored a spatial autocorrelation of the PM_2.5by using Moran’s I test and Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA). The results indicated that the annual average of PM_2.5concentration increased by approximately 4.4 µg/m³ between 2022 and 2024.The distribution of PM_2.5 in 2024 was strongest clustering pattern (Global Moran’s I = 0.66, 95% confidence Interval: 0.29 to 0.99). When we conducted spatial analysis by using provincial data, our findings reveal that northern part of Thailand had the highest in both quantity and spread of PM_2.5 in 2020, 2023, and 2024. Additionally, we also found that the majority of southern region of Thailand had lowest of average PM_2.5 over the past five years. When monthly data of PM_2.5 was considered, the findings found that quantity of PM_2.5 was highest between January and April each year.

editorial board

Srinakharinwirot University Journal of Sciences and Technology — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Srinakharinwirot University Journal of Sciences and Technology