Hierarchical Assemblies of Soft Matters From Polymers and Liquid Crystals on Structured Surfaces

Hierarchical, multifunctional materials hold important keys to numerous advanced technologies, including electronics, optics, and medicine. This thesis encompasses generation of hierarchical structures with novel morphologies and functions through self-assembly directed by lithographically fabricated templates. Here, two soft materials, amphiphilic random copolymers of photopolymerized acryloyl chloride (ranPAC) and smectic-A liquid crystal (SmA-LC) molecule, 4\u27(5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,12,12,12-heptadecaflu-orododecyloxy)-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, are synthesized as model systems to investigate the governing principles at the topographic surface/interface. The ranPAC can self-organize into nanomicelles with high regularity and stability, typically not possible in random copolymer systems. The morphology can be controlled by the photopolymerization conditions and solvent; the crosslinked shell makes the micelles robust against drying and storage. Using SU-8 micropillar arrays with spatially controlled surface chemistry as templates, we construct hierarchical microporous structures with tunable pore size and symmetry (e.g. square array), and uncover a new evaporative assembly method. By functionalizing the ranPAC nanovesicles with cationic poly(ethyleneimines), we encapsulate the anticancer drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride, and mRNA at a high payload, which are delivered to HEK 293T cells in vitro at a low cytotoxicity level. SmA-LC are characterized by arrangement of molecules into thin layers with the long molecular axis parallel to the layer normal, forming a close-packed hexagonal array of topological defects known as focal conic domains (FCDs) in a thin film. Using a series of SU-8 micropillar arrays with different size, shape, height, and symmetry as topological templates, we investigate the epitaxial and hierarchical assemblies of FCDs; whether the system favors confinement or pillar edge-pinning depends on balance of the elastic energy of LCs and the surface energy imposed by the template. The conservation of toric FCD (TFCD) textures over large LC thickness manifests a remarkably unique outcome of the epitaxial growth of TFCDs. On shorter pillars, however, the system favors the pinning of FCD centers near pillar edges while avoiding the opposing effect of confinement, leading to the break of the underlying symmetry of the pillar lattice, exhibiting tunable eccentricity, and a nontrivial yet organized array of defects balancing the elastic energy of LCs and the surface energy imposed by the template

Management of watergate to enhance fisheries in the Nam Kam River system, Thailand

The impact of watergate operation on hydrology and habitat, and their effects on fish migration, fish diversity, population structure, and recruitment of fisheries resources were studied in the Nam Kam River system, a tributary of the Mekong in Thailand. The factors that influence the migration of fish were identified and the effectiveness of fish passage facilities installed at watergates in the river system were investigated.The flow regime and flood cycle were modified by watergate operation, which is designed to control floods in the wet season and retain water for irrigation in the dry season. Fluctuations in flow and water level were created and varied along the river in the wet season. Timing, frequency and duration of floods in each habitat down the river were altered. Operations for irrigation removed low flows and created longer periods of no flow in the dry season. The river becomes stagnant and water levels in the floodplains above the watergates are higher than pre-construction. Many new nursery and feeding habitats were created after construction, but water abstraction also disconnected the floodplain below the watergate and the mainstem river. Flow modification driven by watergate operation for flood control is likely to delay water level rise at the onset of the flood in the downstream area that trigger upstream migration of fish into the Nam Kam River system, especially pangasids. The watergate operation limits the upstream migration of adult fish at the onset of the flood season and inhibits the upstream migration of late migrating species, the downstream migration of fish, and drifting of eggs, larval and juvenile fish since all sluice gates were closed at the end of the flood season. Longitudinal migrating species are more likely to be impacted than lateral migrating species and this will impact on the overall population structure of fishes.Several longitudinal migratory white fish species, main channel residents and main channel spawners declined in abundance or were absent in the upstream area above Thoranit Naruemit Watergate and it most likely resulted from hydrological alteration driven by watergate operation. Fish larvae and juvenile fish in this river system were dominated by resident grey and black fish, while recruitment of white fish species was limited as watergate operation obstructs the upstream migration of adult fish during the spawning season. Diversity of fish in the river decreased from downstream to upstream area, it shows a negative relationship with number of barriers. The relative abundance of white fish was significantly different between the floodplain above and below Thoranit Naruemit watergate during the study period. Seasonal distribution of fish in the Nam Kam River system is different from the free-flowing Songkhram River. At the end of flood season, diversity of fish in the regulated river was high since larvae and juvenile fish and many white and grey fish species are stranded in the floodplain above the watergate after sluice gates were completely closed. These fish have subsequently adapted to feed and grow in the poor habitat conditions during the dry season. Genetic study of two target species, Hemibagrus nemurus and Osteochilus hasselti, indicates high genetic diversity and big population sizes maintained by gene flow from the downstream populations and nearby populations when the watergates are opened. Populations of the two target species in the most upstream lake, Nong Han, are contributed by migrating fish from Mekong River and resident populations with in the river system. Rate of migrations, small genetic distances and genetic differentiations between subpopulations of the target species support the occurrence of gene flow in this river; many subpopulations have little genetic differentiation between samples although there is the series of barriers in the river system. By chance, population size of the two migratory species migrating through the Thoranit Naruemit and Suraswadi fish passes were relatively big and bigger than populations along the river suggesting that upstream migration of target species is only partially limited by watergate operation. This is probably because the Nam Kam River is a rather short river and gene flow in the river system was supported by the operation schedule that fully open the watergates in flood season and the fish pass operation at the onset and the end of flood season. Thus, the most important things that need to be addressed to maintain fisheries resources in this river system are watergate and fish passage operations.Fish passage facilities in the Nam Kam support migration of more than 135 fish species and mitigate the impact of delayed watergate opening on the recruitment of fish in this river system. However, the operational schedule needs to be adjusted since fish can only use the fish passes when the sluice gates are closed or partially opened dring high river discharge in the wet season. Upstream migration is only completely unobstructed when the watergates are open to maximum capacity. The watergate and fish passes management schemes in the river system are key important factors to mitigate the impact on hydrological changes and habitat changes, to enable free movement of fish through the river system and enhance the fisheries in the Nam Kam River system. Recommendations for watergate and fish pass operation based on the integrated knowledge gained from this study are provided

Does ASEAN need a Supranational Approach to Its Competition Law and Policy to Create a Highly Competitive AEC? Case Studies on Abuse of Dominance in Singapore and Thailand

ASEAN aimed to create a highly competitive, single market, production-based AEC in 2015 by applying strategic measures set out in the AEC Blueprint. However, after seven years of its adoption, the deadline has become merely the beginning of the AEC, not the finished line. Since November 2015, ASEAN has adopted the AEC Blueprint 2025 which aims to create a competitive, innovative, and dynamic AEC by 2025. One of the measures ASEAN uses is ensuring effective competition policy through greater harmonisation and convergence of national competition law. The key concept of this thesis is competitiveness. It applies Professor Michael E Porter’s concept of competitive advantage and gathers 15 years of data on the ASEAN Member States’ competitiveness. And it questions whether competition law and policy attribute to a nation’s competitiveness. If yes, to what extent. Then it questions whether it is necessary for ASEAN to take a supranational approach to become a competitive region because ASEAN has its own norm of cooperation, the ASEAN way, which is ingrained in ASEAN since its establishment. And it is now formally recognised in the ASEAN Charter. The results show that competition law and policy is not a sole key determinant of competitiveness. Having a low degree of market concentration, effective competition law and policy, and efficient goods market does not necessarily correlate to high competitiveness. A country’s competitiveness is affected by its stage of development too. Additionally, the political economy of a country has a certain degree of effect on efficiency in competition law enforcement. However, the determinant factor of efficient competition law enforcement lies on political will rather than type of the government administration as in the case of Taiwan and South Korea. The disparities in the economic development of AMSs are obvious. Therefore, trying to harmonise AMSs’ competition law and policy using an all-sector approach is not recommended and proved difficult, if not impossible. Moreover, a supranational approach is not compatible with the ASEAN way. Hence, a sectoral approach is more likely to help ASEAN achieve its goal. ASEAN has already begun its own sectoral approach to competitiveness in the aviation market. The Aviation Agreements which the AMSs have signed between them provide much more details and commitments on competition rules concerning this industry than in the Regional Guidelines 2010. The application of sectoral approach alongside with the comprehensive approach to competition law and policy to enhance competitiveness of the relevant market is practiced in many countries. Examples of how regulatory body in electricity in the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea collaborate with their competition agencies provide evidence that it is possible and efficient. Therefore, ASEAN does not need a supranational approach to improve its competitiveness regarding competition law and policy. This thesis suggests that ASEAN should pursue a sectoral approach in dealing with competition issues among member state the ASEAN way

Demographic and Regional Trends of Smoking among Thai Females from 1986 to 2014

Background: Smoking is a major public health burden causing substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalences and demographic trends of smoking among Thai females.  Methods Data from Thailand’s National Statistics Office for 1986 to 2014 were used. Multiple logistic regression was implemented to identify the prevalences and trends of female smoking by region (Bangkok, Central, Northeast, North, and South) and area (Rural and Urban).  Results: The overall prevalence of smoking was 3.4% among females aged 15 years and above in 2014. Gradually decreasing trends of smoking were observed from 1991 to 2007. Afterwards, the trends of smoking was found higher in 2011 to 2014 among aged 15-39 years. Furthermore, there were substantial differences in female smoking in different regions and areas. Of those, the Northern Thailand and rural areas had the highest prevalence of smokers.  Conclusion: Smoking among Thai females in the past 20 years had a decreasing trend, but it can be seen that since 2007 the trend of smoking had shown an increasing trend and a variation among the regions. This imply that, tobacco control policies are important and in need particularly for young females, living in rural areas and Northern provinces.&nbsp

PREVALENCE OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AMONG UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THAILAND

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a variety of signs and symptom which occurs during the luteal phase. The fundamental concern with PMS is that it causes symptoms that interfere with regular activities. The negative impact of symptoms      interferes with daily activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the current incidence of PMS and rank the most typical symptoms among female college students. This descriptive approach used a random sampling method to select 108 female undergraduate public health students. The questionnaire was developed to collect information about participants\u27 demographics, menstruation history, and daily health and behavioural patterns. The Women\u27s Health Assessment Questionnaire (WHAQ) was also used to assess participants\u27 PMS. According to the findings, the prevalence of PMS was 64.8 percent, with moderate to severe PMS symptoms. The most prevalent symptom categories with negative effect (97.2 percent) were found to be mood swings and irritation, another category were found 94.5 percent revealing increased appetite,  and 91.7 percent revealing skin blemishes. This study has shown that more than half of the female participants had PMS, with moderate to severe PMS symptoms. In general, it seems that the findings of the study would be utilised to understand the premenstrual syndrome of reproductive-age women. It is vital to evaluate whether PMS has an influence on individuals

Mudrock microfabric and porosity : Sarawak and Sabah Basins, Malaysia

Mudrock microfabric is complex and heterogeneous and has a significant effect on mudrock porosity and permeability characteristics. This study proposed the need for a simplified representation of microfabric that has widespread application for sedimentary mudrocks of all ages. One of the principal drivers is to develop an understanding of mudrocks and mudrock microfabric that is useful in the exploration for and production of shale gas and shale oil resources. Three different mudrock formations from the Sarawak and Sabah Basins in Borneo, Malaysia: the Oligo-Miocene Setap Shale and Sibuti Formations and the Miocene West Crocker Formation. New sedimentological data presented here have established a marine shelf depositional environment for the Sibuti Formation, an outer shelf to upper slope environment for the Setap Shale Formation, and a deepwater turbidite-dominated environment for the West Crocker Formation. TOC values are generally low (0.2-3.5%) and include both woody terrestrial and marine algal organic material. The relative proportion of ductile minerals (clays and micas) and brittle minerals (quartz, feldspar, carbonate, pyrite) in the sediment inorganic composition are of key importance in the behaviour of the mudrocks during hydraulic stimulation. A new composite microfacies model has been developed that links microstructure, microfabric and microporosity. This is valid for all three study formations and is believed to be more widely applicable to mudrocks in general. Microstructure and microfabric types have a pronounced effect on microporosity style, distribution and network. An important aspect of this model is the recognition that dispersed granular material (primary and diagenetic), bioturbation traces, and disturbed microstructures all disrupt the original microfabric and enhance microporosity. The integration of a multi-scale, multidisciplinary approach has been applied in this study. Although the individual methods are not new, the application of this kind of systematic approach is considered essential for the study of mudrocks and unconventional hydrocarbon potential

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A among Thai Population Residing Near Myanmar Border

When compared with Thailand, the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) is extremely high among its neighbouring countries. To investigate the seroprevalence of HAV among the Thai people residing in the border area between Thailand and Myanmar, 308 residents in Umphang, Maesod district, Tak, were recruited. Sera were tested for HAV IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seroprevalence among the Thai people residing in the border area of Thailand was significantly higher than that among the general Thai population (71% vs 27% respectively, p<0.05). As asymptomatic or mild HAV infection typically occurs in children, the Thai people residing in the border area may receive little benefit from universal HAV vaccination. Lower protective antibodies against HAV, along with the exclusion of HAV vaccine from the Expanded Programme on Immunization, potentially increase the susceptibility to HAV among the general Thai population and may lead to more future outbreaks if HAV is introduced from the border areas. The findings suggest that HAV vaccines should be recommended to travellers before their journey to the border between Thailand and Myanmar where HAV is endemic

Serological evidence of herpesvirus infection in gibbons

BACKGROUND: Herpesviruses are not only infectious agents of worldwide distribution in humans, but have also been demonstrated in various non-human primates as well. Seventy-eight gibbons were subjected to serological tests by ELISA for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). RESULTS: The prevalence of IgG antibodies against HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV and CMV was 28.2%, 28.2%, 14.1% and 17.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Antigenic cross-reactivity is expected to exist between the human herpesviruses and gibbon herpesviruses. Gibbons have antibodies to human herpesviruses that may reflect zoonotic infection with human herpesviruses or infection with indigenous gibbon herpesviruses. Therefore, it is difficult to draw concrete conclusions from serological studies alone. Identification should be based on further isolation and molecular characterization of viruses from seropositive animals