Journal of Technology and Innovation Uttaradit Rajabhat University

COST AND VALUE ANALYSIS IN THE DECISION TO COMMERCIALLY PROCESS TILAPIA PRODUCTS OF A COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE FARMER GROUP IN UTTARADIT PROVINCE

2025-09-05T09:28:17+07:00

This study aimed to analyze the costs and determine the rate of return associated with the commercial processing of Nile tilapia products conducted by a community enterprise in Uttaradit Province. Data were collected through random sampling of farmer groups and in-depth interviews with six participants. The results revealed that the cost of raising Nile tilapia was 62,998.42 THB per cycle per cage, consisting of variable costs of 62,954.84 THB (99.952%) and fixed costs of 29.98 THB (0.048%). For frozen tilapia processing, annual depreciation expenses were estimated at 17,460 THB, with an average production cost of 47.73 THB per fish and an average selling and administrative cost of 140.05 THB per fish. The selling price of processed frozen tilapia, including delivery, was set at 187.78 THB per fish. With a 100% profit margin, the selling price would increase to 375.56 THB (approximately 376 THB) per fish. Break-even analysis indicated that commercial processing was financially viable, with the break-even point at 1,400 fish per production cycle. To achieve a target profit of 10,000 THB, the enterprise would need to process 1,608 fish.

APPLICATION OF THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP) FOR MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING IN THE SELECTION OF FLOOR FINISHING MATERIAL SUPPLIERS FOR HIGH-VALUE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

2025-09-04T08:53:40+07:00

Supplier selection in high-value construction projects often lacks a systematic evaluation framework and tends to focus predominantly on cost, resulting in insufficient consideration of critical factors that determine long-term project success. This study aims to develop a multi-criteria decision-making framework for the strategic selection of flooring material suppliers. The research employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate five key criteria: material quality, delivery readiness, completeness of delivery, cost, and production capability. Data were collected from three construction project management experts through structured in-depth interviews. The findings indicate that material quality carries the highest importance weight (0.1103), followed by cost (0.1082) and delivery readiness (0.1061). The evaluation of alternative suppliers shows that Supplier AAA achieved the highest overall score (0.1710). The reliability of the decisions was confirmed through Consistency Ratio (CR) analysis, with all values below 0.10, demonstrating methodological rigor. This study supports the proposition that supplier selection should systematically incorporate multidimensional factors rather than relying solely on cost. The developed framework shows strong potential for application in public infrastructure and hospital projects, where procurement decisions directly affect operational efficiency, environmental compliance, and societal outcomes. Overall, the research contributes to advancing strategic supplier management and evidence-based decision-making in construction procurement, particularly in projects where quality and reliability are essential to public welfare and long-term sustainability.

TESTING THE THERMAL INSULATION PROPERTIES OF PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBERS AND PAPER MULBERRY

2025-07-20T09:02:08+07:00

This research aimed to study the appropriate ratio of heat insulation from insulation sheets and to study the heat resistance of pineapple leaf fiber composite and jute fiber with natural latex by comparing with JIS 5905 and JIS 5908 standards. The experiment started by preparing pineapple leaf fiber and jute fiber to the appropriate size and mixing with natural latex in the ratios of 30:0:70, 30:30:40, 30:35:35, 30:40:30, and 30:70:00 and forming into insulation sheets. Then, the physical properties were tested using an experimental box with the size of 20 × 20 × 25 cm3, which was a simulation of a laboratory with an insulation sheet made from fibers installed in the middle. The top of the insulation sheet was placed with a heater in the middle for heating. The bottom of the insulation sheet was installed with a thermocouple attached to the insulation sheet in the middle of the sheet. The experimental results showed that the insulation sheet had a density value between 0.10 and 0.16 g/cm³ and a moisture content between 7.79 and 18.77%. The most suitable ratio was 30:30:40 because it provided the appropriate density and fiber adhesion. The thermal conductivity of the insulation sheet is in the range of 0.076-0.134 W/m∙°C, and the thermal resistance is in the range of 0.138-0.155 m²·°C/W, which is in the appropriate range for use as heat insulation. When compared with commercial heat insulation sheets, considering the size of 60 × 60 cm2, it was found that the heat insulation sheet made from pineapple leaf fiber and jute fiber has a production cost of 60.36 baht per sheet, which is 20.32% cheaper than fiberglass insulation and 32.18% cheaper than polystyrene (PS Foam) insulation.

DEVELOPING AND EVALUATING A VALUE-ADDING PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR ROBUSTA COFFEE BEANS FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS

2025-08-25T11:00:19+07:00

Robusta coffee farmers in the Laplae District of Uttaradit Province are unable to add value to their crops due to a lack of appropriate processing technology. As a result, they are forced to sell their coffee at low prices, which are often kept artificially low by intermediaries. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate post-harvest handling practices for coffee beans and 2) develop and evaluate the effectiveness of processing technologies suitable for smallholder farmers, including a hulling machine and a coffee roaster. A contextual analysis revealed that 95% of farmers in the area typically sell their crops as raw coffee beans for only 8 to 12 Baht per kilogram. To assess the performance of the hulling machine, the gap between the abrasive stone and rubber units was adjusted to three levels (2, 3, and 4 mm), while maintaining a constant shaft speed of 24 rpm. The results showed that the 2 mm gap produced the highest average percentage of unbroken beans (58.5%). However, this difference was not statistically significant when compared with the 3 mm and 4 mm settings. Roasting experiments demonstrated that roast levels (light, medium, and dark) had a statistically significant effect on the weight of the beans after roasting (P-value < 0.001). Roast level also significantly affected bean moisture content (P-value = 0.009). Light roast beans exhibited the highest average moisture content (8.20%), followed by medium roast (7.88%) and dark roast (7.26%). In conclusion, the developed technologies show strong potential to enable farmers to process their coffee locally, thereby increasing product value, improving income, and promoting the development of a sustainable community-level coffee processing industry.

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON COLOR DEVELOPMENT FROM MIXING PIGMENTS AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN CHINESE LACQUER

2025-08-14T10:03:39+07:00

This study aimed to develop colorants from Chinese lacquer by incorporating pigments and antioxidants to evaluate the quality of surface coatings for contemporary handicraft applications. Natural pigment (pandan leaf powder) and inorganic pigment (chromium oxide green) were combined with vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) as an antioxidant. The findings revealed that the formula containing chromium oxide green produced a vibrant, deep green shade but exhibited poor adhesion, resulting in pigment flaking. In contrast, the pandan-based formula yielded a lighter green tone but showed better surface adhesion and demonstrated greater safety potential for practical use. Vitamin C played a key role in stabilizing color and preserving brightness in all formulas. Overall, this study provides insights into the sustainable development of natural color materials that integrate scientific innovation with traditional Thai craftsmanship, promoting safer and more environmentally friendly practices in artisan and jewelry work.