Asian Health, Science and Technology Reports

Content

Asian Health, Science and Technology Reports — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Content

Editorial Board

Asian Health, Science and Technology Reports — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Editorial Board

Editorial Notes

Asian Health, Science and Technology Reports — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Editorial Notes

Performance Evaluation of the Domestically Developed Powered Air Purify Respirator in Thailand

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Thailand in 2020 revealed critical shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), which are essential for protecting medical personnel from airborne pathogens. This study compared the performance of domestically manufactured PAPRs in Thailand (MM and PP) to two commercially imported models (TM and SM), both of which are generally recognized for their compliance with the EN 12941 standard. The study involved 20 subjects, comprised of 10 males and 10 females, to evaluate three key parameters: total inward leakage (TIL), air supply, and breathing resistance. To replicate real-world conditions, subjects wore ASTM-certified surgical masks beneath the PAPR during the TIL tests. The TIL test employed sodium chloride particles produced by an atomizer and was carried out in a sealed chamber. A scanning mobility particle sizer and laser photometer were used to monitor the concentrations of particles both within and outside the respirator. Leakage under dynamic situations was evaluated using standardized exercises following EN 12941 guidelines. Air supply and breathing resistance were tested with a Sheffield dummy head following international protocols. All PAPRs achieved %TIL values below the 1% EN 12941 threshold, with the TM model having the lowest leakage (0.097%). Domestically produced models performed similarly, with small variations in the PP model due to its PTFE membrane filter. Airflow rates exceeded the design specifications while breathing resistance remained within acceptable limits. Compared to a previous study utilizing dummy head testing, this research demonstrated improved consistency in %TIL results by employing human subjects, emphasizing the importance of real-world testing conditions. Furthermore, the present study highlights the potential of domestically manufactured PAPRs to serve as viable, cost-effective alternatives to imported models. Thai-manufactured PAPRs may improve national resilience in future public health emergencies while lowering reliance on global supply chains if they comply with rigorous testing requirements and demonstrate equivalent protective effectiveness.

Development of Phenolic-and-Flavonoid-containing Sugar-Free Jelly from Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) Leaves and Evaluation of Physical and Nutritional Properties

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this study was to develop sugar-free jelly from Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaves and to evaluate its phenolic and flavonoid contents, physicochemical characteristics, and nutritional properties of the selected formula. Dried Chaya leaf powder's cyanide content and physicochemical properties were determined and evaluated. The results showed that the green-yellow Chaya leaf powder contained a cyanide level less than 0.20 mg/L. The water activity and percent moisture of Chaya leaf powder were below the standard criteria established for dry leaf powder. Different formulas of jellies were developed using various amounts of Chaya leaf powder ranging from 0.50 to 2.00 g. The control formulation was prepared using one gram of green tea powder instead of the Chaya leaf powder. The jellies were evaluated for their physical properties, including color and texture. The color of Chaya leaf jellies had a brightness (L^*) ranging from 31.62 to 33.58 with green (-3.61 to -5.14) and yellow (5.37 to 7.16). In terms of texture, the hardness of Chaya jellies ranged from 560.00 to 966.33 g. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and the Aluminum Chloride method was used to determine the flavonoid contents. The flavonoid content of the developed jellies ranged from 1,432.33 to 1,525.00 mg QE/20 g of sample, which was not significantly different from the control formula (1,520.33 mg QE/20 g of sample). The total phenolic content of the control formula (1.43 mg GAE/20 g of sample), Formula 3 (1.35 mg GAE/20 g of sample), and Formula 4 (1.45 mg GAE/20 g of sample) did not differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, Formula 3 (1.5 g of Chaya leaf powder) was selected to study the nutritional properties. The Formula 3 (2.91 kcal per 100 g of sample) showed a 93% reduction in energy compared to the control formula (43.465 kcal per 100 g of sample). Therefore, Formula 3 represented a low-energy food source that could potentially be further developed into a commercial product.

The Effects of Using Pregelatinized Red Jasmine Rice Flour as a Substitute for Wheat Flour on the Quality of Sponge Cupcakes

Nawaporn Hongpan, Phirawit Rattanadarachok, Soontreeya Kalawong — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study was an investigation of the effects on the physical and chemical properties, bioactive compounds, and nutritional value of sponge cupcakes when wheat flour was substituted by pregelatinized red jasmine rice flour, at various percentages of substitution. The results showed that the 20% substitution maintained a similar appearance and texture to the control (0% substitution), while the lightness (L*) of both the crust and crumb decreased. Notably, the redness (a*) of the crumb significantly increased (p≤0.05) with higher substitution levels, resulting in a darker color in all substituted samples than in the control. The total color difference (ΔE) also increased, indicating noticeable visual changes. As substitution levels increased, the specific volume significantly decreased from 6.49 mL/g in the control to 3.63 mL/g at 100% substitution. Additionally, hardness decreased from 1070.3 g-forces in the control to 862.5 g-forces at 20% substitution, resulting in a softer texture. The antioxidant capacity improved significantly, with DPPH scavenging activity increasing from 35.26% in the control to 36.30–67.99% at higher substitution levels. This enhancement correlated with the anthocyanin content, which ranged from 1.53 to 2.86 mg/kg in cakes made with red jasmine rice flour. Nutritional analysis indicated that the 20% substitution provided 342.77 kcal, 8.36 g of protein, 14.57 g of fat, 44.55 g of carbohydrates, and 1.21 g of crude fiber per 100 g. These findings suggest that pregelatinized red jasmine rice flour can be used to develop a healthier option for health-conscious consumers and has the potential for development as a gluten-free bakery product in the future.

The Enhancing System Thinking and Teamwork Through LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®: a Case Study in Knowledge and Innovation Management

Manissaward Jintapitak, Pitipong Yodmongkol — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigated the application of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) methodology to enhance learning outcomes in the Knowledge and Innovation Management (KIM) program at Chiang Mai University. LSP is a hands-on, interactive methodology where participants use LEGO® bricks to construct three-dimensional models that visually represent abstract concepts, interdependencies, and dynamic challenges. As a critical component of KIM education, system thinking and teamwork are essential skills for navigating the complexities of interdisciplinary innovation. LSP was integrated into the curriculum to provide students with a tool to construct models that visualize interdependencies within smart cities, bridging theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving. The study’s findings, derived from pre-session and post-session surveys, peer evaluations, and reflective exercises, demonstrate significant improvements in system thinking, with students adopting holistic perspectives to address dynamic challenges. By fostering engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative learning, LSP proved to be a powerful methodology in interdisciplinary education. Enhanced teamwork skills were also reported as participants engaged in collaborative tasks that emphasized creativity, communication, and shared decision-making. LSP's metaphorical modeling minimized communication barriers, facilitating equitable participation across diverse learner groups. While LSP is not the sole instrument for achieving knowledge and innovation management, it complements other creativity tools and methods by providing an experiential learning approach that bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application. By promoting active engagement and critical thinking, LSP serves as a transformative educational tool for preparing students for innovation-driven environments. Challenges such as initial learning curves and time constraints were identified, with recommendations for session optimization to enhance outcomes. These results underline LSP's potential for broader application across fields that require system-oriented thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Future research should explore its scalability and long-term impact on skill development within KIM and related fields.

Study on the Efficiency of the Savonius Hydro Turbines Installed in Water Pipes

Supat Nuyam, Ratchapon Suntivarakhon, Khanisorn Thanutwutthikorn — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Hydroelectric power generation has predominantly been large-scale, relying on infrastructure like dams, and rivers. There has been significant expansion of various types of water pipe systems, industrial, and irrigation systems, and there is growing interest in sustainable energy, especially in regions with limited electricity access. For this study, we chose the Savonius turbine, a vertical cross-flow turbine classified as a low-head turbine. The Savonius hydro turbine (SHT) offers benefits like operation at low flow rates and head, and simplified maintenance. However, its low efficiency limits its application. This study aimed to enhance SHT efficiency for small water pipes with low flow and head, focusing on the factors influencing turbine performance. The factors studied were the number of blades, the number of stages, the phase shift angle, the stage height ratio, the aspect ratio (AR), and the use of a baffle plate. The tests involved testing the coefficient of power (C_P), the coefficient of torque (C_m), and the tip speed ratio (TSR). Twelve types of SHT were installed with a guide vane to adjust the inlet angle to 30^๐. The turbines were installed in 4-inch PVC pipes. The volumetric flow rate of water through the pipes was varied, with values of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 m³/hr. The results indicated that the SHT M5-1 with 3 blades, 3 stages, a height ratio of 1:1:1, a 60^๐ angle of phase shift, AR=1.4, and a baffle plate, exhibited the highest efficiency at a flow rate of 25m³/hr. The C_P, C_m, and TSR were measured at 0.272, 0.313 and 0.871 respectively. Furthermore, the study also concluded that the SHT model M5-1 outperformed the SHT model M1-2, showing increases in the C_p of 0.174 and C_m of 0.198. ANOVA analysis was used to examine the parameters that affect turbine efficiency. It was found that the six factors and flow rate significantly influenced turbine efficiency. Notably, the M5-1 turbine exhibited the highest efficiency, which aligns with the experimental results.