A Multi-Objective Variable Neighborhood Search Algorithm for Precast Production Scheduling

In real life, precast production schedulers face the challenges of creating a reasonable schedule to satisfy multiple conflicting objectives. Practical constraints and objectives encountered in the precast production scheduling problem (PPSP) were addressed, with the goal to minimize makespan and total earliness and tardiness penalties. A multi-objective variable neighborhood search (MOVNS) algorithm was proposed and the performance was tested on 11 problem instances. Ten of these were generated using precast concrete production information taken from the literature. One real industrial problem from a precast concrete company was considered as a case study. Extensive experiments were conducted, and the spread and distance metrics were used to evaluate the quality of the non-dominated solutions set. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the result was statistically convincing. Computational results showed that the proposed MOVNS algorithm was significantly better when compared to the other nine algorithms. Therefore, the proposed MOVNS algorithm was a very competitive method for the considered PPSP

A Study of the Effect of Leadership Style towards Organizational Culture on Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance in Bangkok

This study endeavors to explore the intricate interplay among leadership style, organizational culture, job satisfaction, and employee performance within the organizational landscape of Bangkok, Thailand. Employing a single linear regression (SLR) methodology and a blend of primary and secondary data collection techniques, the research delves into the factors influencing leadership style in the unique context of Bangkok. The investigation adopts an archival study approach, involving 395 respondents with a minimum of six months of work experience in diverse companies or organizations. To enrich the study, five theoretical frameworks from prior research are integrated to formulate a new conceptual framework. The findings underscore significant correlations between the variables under examination, revealing that leadership style significantly influences organizational culture, job satisfaction, and employee performance. Furthermore, the study unveils the pivotal role of organizational culture in shaping both employee performance and job satisfaction. While offering valuable insights, this research is not without limitations. It focuses exclusively on the impact of leadership style on organizational culture, job satisfaction, and employee performance in Bangkok, potentially constrained by time and budgetary restrictions. The study's scope is confined to the city of Bangkok, with data derived from a sample of 395 respondents, potentially limiting its generalizability to the entire Thai population or applicability to different countries and time frames. Nevertheless, this research contributes a comprehensive and innovative framework for comprehending the dynamics of leadership style, organizational culture, job satisfaction, and employee performance within the specific organizational context in Bangkok

การพัฒนามาตรการควบคุมกำกับการดำเนินการห้องพยาบาลในสถานประกอบกิจการ จังหวัดระยอง Development of Control Measure for Medical Care Unit in Enterprises in Rayong Province

บทคัดย่อ วัตถุประสงค์: เพื่อสำรวจสถานการณ์การดำเนินการห้องพยาบาลของสถานประกอบกิจการในจังหวัดระยอง และสังเคราะห์มาตรการควบคุมกำกับระดับนโยบายต่อการดำเนินการห้องพยาบาลของสถานประกอบกิจการระหว่างหน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้อง วิธีการศึกษา: ใช้การวิจัยแบบผสานวิธี เริ่มด้วยแบบสำรวจการดำเนินการห้องพยาบาล ในห้องพยาบาลของสถานประกอบกิจการ 189 แห่ง วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลด้วยสถิติเชิงพรรณนา ตามด้วยการอภิปรายกลุ่มผู้เชี่ยวชาญ 9 คน ที่มีประสบการณ์เกี่ยวข้องกับห้องพยาบาลจากหลายภาคส่วน โดยใช้ร่างมาตรการควบคุมกำกับห้องพยาบาลที่สังเคราะห์จากผลการสำรวจและกรอบประเด็นสนทนาเป็นเครื่องมือ วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลแบบอุปนัยเพื่อสร้างมาตรการควบคุมกำกับระดับนโยบายจากข้อมูลที่ปรากฏบนพื้นฐานของการวิเคราะห์สถานการณ์ ผลการศึกษา: มีห้องพยาบาลที่มีรายการเวชภัณฑ์ครบถ้วนเพียง 6 แห่ง (ร้อยละ 3.2) ขณะที่มีไม่ครบ 135 แห่ง (ร้อยละ 71.4) มี 125 แห่ง (ร้อยละ 66.1) ที่มีรายการเวชภัณฑ์เกินกว่าที่กำหนด และ 131 แห่ง (ร้อยละ 69.3) มีการจัดการด้านเวชภัณฑ์ไม่เหมาะสม ผลการอภิปรายกลุ่มสังเคราะห์ได้มาตรการควบคุมกำกับการระดับโยบายต่อการดำเนินการห้องพยาบาลของสถานประกอบกิจการ คือ 1) ให้หน่วยงานภายนอกหรือตัวแทนแรงงานตรวจสอบห้องพยาบาลได้ตลอดเวลาที่มีลูกจ้างอยู่ทำงาน 2) ผู้มีหน้าที่ควบคุมกำกับจากภาครัฐประสานงานร่วมกันเพื่อส่งเสริมสนับสนุนการยกระดับมาตรฐานห้องพยาบาล และ 3) องค์กรหรือตัวแทนของลูกจ้างต้องสนับสนุนการดำเนินการของนายจ้างและผู้ควบคุมกำกับห้องพยาบาลให้จัดบริการสุขภาพที่เหมาะสม สรุป: การดำเนินการห้องพยาบาลในสถานประกอบกิจการในจังหวัดระยองส่วนใหญ่ยังไม่เป็นไปตามกฎกระทรวงแรงงานฯ จึงควรมีการนำมาตรการควบคุมกำกับฯ ที่พัฒนาขึ้น ไปทดลองใช้เพื่อให้เกิดผลสัมฤทธิ์ในการคุ้มครองสุขภาพของลูกจ้างอย่างยั่งยืน คำสำคัญ: ห้องพยาบาล, สถานประกอบกิจการ, การควบคุมกำกับ, มาตรฐาน,จังหวัดระยอง Abstract Objective: To investigate the operational work situation of Medical Care Units in enterprises in Rayong province and synthesize control measures to direct the implementation of Medical Care Units in enterprises. Methods: Mixed methods using explanatory sequential design were employed. Initially, a survey using the data collection form for examining Medical Care Units operation was undertaken in a sample of 189 Medical Care Units in enterprises and descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. Later, a focus group discussion of 9 experts with experiences in the operation of Medical Care Units was performed using a draft control measure synthesized from the survey data and the dialogue framework as tools. Analytic induction was applied for interpretation and conclusion of the final control measure. Results: Only 6 Medical Care Units had all items of medical supplies (3.2%) in the list; 48 units had completed lists but insufficient amounts of medical supplies (25.4%); 135 units had incomplete lists of medical supplies (71.4%); and 125 units (66.1%) had items of medication supplies exceeding the standard list. 131 Medical Care Units (69.3%) had improper management of pharmaceuticals. Basd on the focus group discussion, 3 control measures for supervising the operation was synthesized, namely 1) providing access for outside agencies or worker representatives to audit the units, 2) providing regulators from the government agencies cooperate to promote and support the upgrading of units, and 3) representatives of employees must support the actions of employers and unit regulators for the best health services in the enterprises. Conclusion: The operation of Medical Care Units in enterprises in Rayong province mostly did not meet the standard. The control measures for supervising the unit operation were synthesized for a sustainable protection of the workers’ health. Keywords: Medical Care Unit, Enterprises, Control Measure, Standard, Rayong Provinc

Characterisation of factors influencing trichinellosis in humans and pigs in Nan Province, Northern Thailand

The work presented in this thesis focuses on trichinellosis, a food-borne zoonosis caused by a nematode of the genus Trichinella, in Thailand. The main objectives were to characterise human trichinellosis, determine its endemic foci and characterise factors influencing infection in humans and in the pig, which is an important domestic animal reservoir host of Trichinella. The investigations comprised (i) a retrospective review to characterise human trichinellosis in Thailand, (ii) a survey to characterise factors influencing trichinellosis in pigs and (iii) quantitative and qualitative studies to characterise the factors influencing trichinellosis in humans. An analysis of Thai national trichinellosis surveillance data between 1981 and 2008 highlighted the five northernmost provinces in the Northern Region as particularly affected with trichinellosis. The incidence of human trichinellosis in Thailand decreased significantly during this period. Until recently, trichinellosis was found to cluster significantly in these provinces. Domestic pigs and wild boar appeared to be the major sources of infection. Field studies focused on populations in Nan Province in the Northern Region, where specific foci of human trichinellosis have been observed. A survey of pig production in both lowland and highland areas in five districts of Nan Province found small-scale pig production to be predominant. Production and management practices differed significantly between lowland and highland areas. In the highland areas, pig production was mainly for the owners’ own use. The holdings were poorly managed compared with those in lowland areas. A survey of trichinellosis seroprevalence in these five districts showed the disease to be associated with scavenging pigs (OR = 2.96, p = 0.02) and older pigs (OR = 1.02, p = 0.02). Seroprevalence was estimated with 95% confidence and was in the range 0 - 0.36% in lowland areas and 0.46 - 1.48% in highland areas. A pig acquired from a Thai-Laotian border market was among the sero-positive pigs identified in the survey. A survey for trichinellosis in wild animals (n = 97), mostly wild boar (n = 53; 55%), using the digestion method did not detect Trichinella in any of the animals screened. A retrospective gender-matched and age-matched case-control study in four trichinellosis-affected communities during 2003 – 2006 showed that consumption of raw wild boar (OR = 2.66, p = 0.005) and consumption of raw meat at social gatherings (OR = 3.89, p = 0.008) were risk factors, and the belief that alcohol can kill the parasite in raw meat (OR = 0.36, p = 0.03) was a protective factor associated with individual trichinellosis cases. Qualitative studies on communities’ knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to trichinellosis in 12 villages indicated that the communities received information about food-borne diseases. However, the practice of raw food consumption continued because of individual taste preferences and the belief that consuming raw food infrequently and in small amounts lessened the risk of eating infected meat. In terms of pig management, although there had been improvements in the practices within Nan Province, with the majority of pigs kept in pens, due to insufficient pig feed and poor survival rates of piglets in inappropriately designed pens, free-range scavenging still occurred. For control of trichinellosis to be improved, the factors identified as influencing its maintenance in the study areas must be communicated to the local administrative organizations and veterinary and public health offices. This will enable them to construct and implement guidelines for good management practices in pig farms in the highland areas. Additionally, there is a need to specify a requirement for Trichinella-free certification of pigs and meat products sold at the border markets. There is also a requirement for the continued education of the general public regarding the safe consumption of adequately-cooked meat

Patients’ Medication Taking Behaviours: Critiques of Relevant Terminologies

Various terms describing patient’s behavior regarding adherence tomedication use have been a subject for debate internationally.Problems in relation to this terminology issue are identified as: 1)variation of terminologies used in research literature; 2) variation ofdefinitions of the terminologies; 3) only one terminology in Thailanguage used for this patient’s behavior compared to those used inEnglish. Researchers or healthcare professionals should be able tounderstand differences and similarity of these terminologies tochoose appropriate terminologies in research on drug use.Furthermore, the terminology and its definitions should be statedexplicitly in academic articles which would allow readers tounderstand research contexts and be able to compare study results.Keywords: drug-related problems, compliance, adherence,concordanc

DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTERIZATION AND SKIN IRRITATION OF MANGOSTEEN PEEL EXTRACT SOLID DISPERSION CONTAINING CLAY FACIAL MASK

Objective: To develop a clay facial mask containing mangosteen peel extract solid dispersion (MPESD) for enhancing α-mangostin bioavailability and to determine suitable clay-based facial mask.Methods: The MPESD were prepared by a melting-solvent method employing PVP K30 and poloxamer 188 as a carrier. The water solubility was determined by HPLC method. The in vitro skin permeability was examined using porcine ear epidermis. The effects of clay types on the physical stability of MPESD and α-mangostin adsorption capacity were evaluated. The skin irritation was determined by 4 h human patch test.Results: After dissolved optimal formulation of MPESD in water, the spherical micelle was observed with a mean size of ~150 nm and showed significantly α-mangostin water solubility enhancement of ~7 mg/ml, 700 times greater than MPE. Upon mixing the MPESD with clays, a dry powder was obtained. In vitro permeation studies of the MPESD mixed with titanium dioxide showed lowest α-mangostin permeation, while MPESD mixed with mica or talcum showed similar permeation profile as free MPESD solutions. No sign of skin irritation was observed in volunteers after application of the MPESD-based clay facial mask patch on the inner forearm skin for 4 h.Conclusion: MPESD demonstrates a promising technique for improving water solubility and permeation of α-mangostin which reducing the staining effect. In addition, it is safe for topical application and cosmetically acceptable

การพัฒนาเลิร์นนิ่งออบเจกต์ตามแนวคิดการศึกษาบันเทิง เรื่องการสื่อสารภาษาจีนเบื้องต้น สำหรับนักเรียนชั้นมัธยมศึกษาปีที่ 1

The objectives of this research were 1) to develop the learning object using edutainment concept on introduction to chinese communications for Mathayomsuksa students having the quality and efficiency 80/80 criteria; 2) to compare the pretest scores with posttest score after learning from learning object using edutainment concept, and 3) to study the students’ satisfaction on the learning object using edutainment concept. The research sample was 31 students by using cluster sampling from Mathayomsuksa students at Khao Thalu Pittayakhom school in the second semester of the 2014 academic year. The research tools were the learning object using edutainment concept, learning object using edutainment concept quality evaluation form, pretest and posttest, and the questionnaire. Data were analyzed by percentage, mean, standard deviation and t-test. The research results found that: 1) the quality of learning object using edutainment concept on introduction to chinese communications was at good level (Mean = 4.50) and the efficiency at 86.50/86.51; 2) the students’ post-test scores after studying through of learning object using edutainment concept were statistically significant higher than the students’ pre-test scores at .05 level, and 3) the students’ satisfaction towards learning object using edutainment concept were at the most level (Mean = 4.57)

Online Marketing and Advertising Impact Consumer Behavior toward Purchase Intention in Online Shopping

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship that social media marketing and advertising impact on purchase intention in Bangkok, Thailand. Design/Methodology/Approach - This research is using secondary data analysis and an archival study approach to investigate the factors that how online advertising and marketing have an impact on purchase intention through customer behavior, product awareness, and customer satisfaction. The data was gathered from 390 respondents who have ever used online shopping in the last two months. Moreover, this research adopted three theoretical frameworks from previous studies to construct a new conceptual framework. Findings - This research examined the influence of online advertising and marketing impact customer behavior toward purchase intention in online shopping. The finding of the research revealed that online advertising and marketing have an impact on product awareness and customer satisfaction. Moreover, the strength of the relationship between online advertising and marketing and customer satisfaction is stronger than that between online advertising and marketing and product awareness. However, there was no relationship between customer behavior, product awareness, and customer satisfaction do not have an impact on purchase intention in online shopping. Research Limitations/Implication - There are some limitations to researching the influence of online advertising and marketing on customer behavior towards purchase intention in online shopping due to time and budget constraints. Moreover, this research is conducted only in Bangkok and collected data from 390 respondents as a sample size of the whole Bangkok population. So, this study may not be completely applicable to people from the whole population of Thailand and in other countries and different periods. Originality/value - This research is about how online advertising and marketing impact on customer behavior towards purchase intention in online shopping. &nbsp

Association of HLA-B*5701 genotypes and abacavir-induced hypersensitivity reaction: a sysyematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize the association between HLA-B*5701 and abacavir-induced hypersensitivity reaction (ABC-HSR). METHODS: We searched for studies that investigated the association between HLA-B genotype and ABCHSR and provided information about the frequency of carriers of HLA-B genotypes among cases and controls. We then performed a meta-analysis with a random-effects model to pool the data and to investigate the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: From 1,026 articles identified, ten studies were included. Five using clinical manifestation as their diagnostic criteria, 409 and 1,883 subjects were included as cases and controls. Overall OR was 23.6 (95% CI = 15.4 – 36.3). Whereas, the another five studies using confirmed immunologic test as their diagnostic criteria, 110 and 1,968 subjects were included as cases and controls, respectively. The association of ABC-HSR was strong in this populations with HLA-B*5701. Overall OR was 1,056.2 (95% CI = 345.0 – 3,233.3). CONCLUSIONS: Using meta-analysis technique, the association between HLA-B*5701 and ABC-HSR is strong in the studies using immunologic confirmation to identify ABC-HSR. These results support the US FDA recommendations for screening HLA-B*5701 allele before initiating abacavir therapy