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CULTURAL ARTS KNOWLEDGE TRAINING COURSE FOR THE SURVIVAL OF ETHNIC GROUPS IN PHUTAKIAN COMMUNITY THA SAO SUBDISTRICT, SAI YOK DISTRICT, KANCHANABURI PROVINCE
(2025-07-15) Phothikawin D.; Sutthisarasophit P.; Seechomnim W.; Phothikawin D.; Mahidol University
Background and Objectives: The Ban Phutakian Community, Tha Sao Subdistrict, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province, is a community with a history that dates back to before World War II. It is also a community where various ethnic groups have settled, including the Mon ethnic group, the Karen ethnic group, the Thai Yuan ethnic group, and other ethnic groups. As a result, the arts and culture within this community are diverse and unique. It has also provided arts and culture occupations that support people in the community. However, due to the changing social and cultural situation, the knowledge of arts and culture that has a role and function in traditions and culture has been reduced in importance, which also affects these arts and culture occupations. The number of people employed in arts and culture has decreased. As a result, music teachers, musicians, and actors have moved and changed their occupations, which is an important reason why the arts and culture that are the foundation of the Phutakian community are disappearing. Therefore, this research aims to study the history and knowledge of arts and culture for the livelihood of ethnic groups and to develop a training curriculum for knowledge of arts and culture for the livelihood of ethnic groups, in order to be a tool for preserving and restoring cultural heritage to remain in a tangible form and to be an important foundation for the development of training curricula which will help promote the transfer of knowledge from generation to generation systematically, resulting in participatory learning within the community. This can also create opportunities to adapt traditional wisdom to suit modern lifestyles, which will lead to awareness of cultural values in ethnic groups, especially among youth who are the inheritors of knowledge in the future. Methods: We conducted the research using Participatory Action Research (PAR) as the primary methodological framework. Field data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. The key informants included: (1) community leaders and local wisdom holders, (2) musicians and performing artists, and (3) school directors and teachers. Additionally, a quantitative research component was conducted using a questionnaire survey, with the population and sample group consisting of students at Phutthawimut Wittaya School. Results: The research results found that history and knowledge of arts and culture are cultural heritages of ethnic groups, reflecting the identity of the community through knowledge of arts and culture, including ethnic traditional play, ethnic music, and Mon Likay performances. However, due to social and cultural changes, some of this knowledge has been lost. The community has therefore begun to restore it by using the educational process. This process can be integrated with Participatory Action Research (PAR) community participation to conduct training courses to create a learning process in arts and culture. The evaluation results of the training course on knowledge of arts and culture for livelihood showed that the level of awareness of the training course on arts and culture for livelihood in terms of curriculum and content, lecturers, teaching media and equipment, study locations, and environment was at a high level. In terms of training activities, knowledge and understanding gained from training, as well as application of this knowledge, were at the highest level. Conclusions: This research aimed to study the history and knowledge of arts and culture for the livelihood of ethnic groups within the Phutakian community. This knowledge of arts and culture has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a model that can be learned, especially ethnic traditional play, music, and Mon Likay performances. It plays an important role in traditions and rituals and enhances entertainment, love, and unity within the community. However, with the current social and cultural dynamics, the arts and culture of ethnic groups within the community have begun to disappear. Therefore, this study designed the process of developing a training course on knowledge of arts and culture for the livelihood of ethnic groups using the concept of curriculum development, starting from problem analysis, setting goals, selecting and organizing content, and designing learning experiences to evaluation, emphasizing the participation of knowledgeable people in ethnic communities together with educational institutions to create a learning process that is consistent with the context of the community. The results of this research indicate that the development of such a training course is a concrete approach that can effectively conserve, restore, and promote the continuation of cultural knowledge and plays an important role in sustainably maintaining cultural identity in the community.
Utilization of plastic waste and sugarcane bagasse for sustainable composite material development
(2026-10-01) Saengchut P.; Bhatsada A.; Wonglertarak W.; Mekwichai P.; Iadtem N.; Saengchut P.; Mahidol University
This study explores the development of sustainable composites using recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF). The objective was to examine the influence of fiber loading on morphology, elemental composition, and mechanical properties. Composites with 0–50 wt% SBF were fabricated and analyzed using FESEM–EDS and mechanical testing. Morphological observations showed that neat LDPE had a dense and homogeneous structure, while the addition of SBF created a rough, fibrous morphology that enhanced mechanical interlocking between fiber and matrix. At moderate fiber contents (25–40 wt%), fibers were well dispersed and effectively embedded, whereas at 50 wt% SBF, fiber agglomeration and void formation were observed, indicating poor interfacial bonding. Elemental analysis confirmed the presence of typical lignocellulosic components, including Si, Ca, Fe, K, and Mg, demonstrating the contribution of bagasse fibers to the composite structure. Mechanical results revealed that tensile strength decreased significantly with increasing fiber content, from 128.1 MPa (neat LDPE) to 50.2 MPa at 25 wt% and 31.3 MPa at 50 wt% SBF. In contrast, impact strength improved from 15.14 J/m² to a peak of 18.01 J/m² at 40 wt% SBF, before declining at higher loading. The findings indicate a shift toward material-dominated behavior, where intrinsic interactions between LDPE and SBF govern performance. Overall, 40 wt% SBF provides the best balance between structural integrity and impact resistance, highlighting the potential of LDPE/SBF composites for sustainable material development and waste valorization.
Correction : Human adipose stem cell-derived exosomes modulate the transcriptome of D-galactose-induced neuronal cells (Scientific Reports, (2026), 16, 1, (4575), 10.1038/s41598-025-34661-5)
(2026-12-01) Khongkla E.; Promtap K.; Meerasri J.; Mo-Mai P.; Chankamngoen W.; Sirinonthanawech N.; Chetsawang B.; Khongkla E.; Mahidol University
Correction to: Scientific Reportshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-34661-5, published online 04 January 2026 The original version of this Article contained errors. The title has been corrected and now reads: “Human adipose stem cell-derived exosomes modulate the transcriptome of d-galactose-induced neuronal cells”. Furthermore, in the Abstract, the term ‘PKH26’ was incorrectly stated as ‘PHK26’. Lastly, several instances of in-text References to Figures in the Results section of the main Article text were incorrect. As a result, under the subheading ‘Uptake of hASC-exosomes by neuronal CAD cells’, “3D visualization was performed to confirm that the exosomes were internalized within the cytosol rather than remaining attached to the cell membrane (Fig. 2a and Supplementary File 1).” now reads: “3D visualization was performed to confirm that the exosomes were internalized within the cytosol rather than remaining attached to the cell membrane (Fig. 2c and Supplementary File 1).” Under the subheading ‘Illumina-based mRNA sequencing analysis identified 3019 genes that were differentially expressed in the presence of hASC-exosomes in DG-neuronal cells’, “Together with the heatmap hierarchical clustering presented in Fig. 4c,d, the results revealed a clear distinction between comparative groups on the basis of the abundance profile of DEGs.” now reads: “Together with the heatmap hierarchical clustering presented in Fig. 5c,d, the results revealed a clear distinction between comparative groups on the basis of the abundance profile of DEGs.” Under the same subheading, “On the basis of the results of the GO enrichment analysis, the biological process associated with the DG-treated cells that was most significantly enriched was the cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, in which the H2AX gene was enriched (Fig. 5a,b).” now reads: “On the basis of the results of the GO enrichment analysis, the biological process associated with the DG-treated cells that was most significantly enriched was the cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, in which the H2AX gene was enriched (Fig. 6a,b).” And, “As shown in Fig. 6, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs revealed a large cluster centered around mitogen-activated protein kinase 13 (MAPK13), also known as stress-activated protein kinase 4 (SAPK4).” now reads: “As shown in Fig. 7, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs revealed a large cluster centered around mitogen-activated protein kinase 13 (MAPK13), also known as stress-activated protein kinase 4 (SAPK4).” Under the subheading ‘hASC-exosomes induced the upregulation of genes associated with metabolic processes, DNA replication, and neuronal signal transduction but suppressed global translation in the DG-treated model’, “In the comparison of B vs. C, the upregulated DEGs were enriched in several metabolic and neuronal processes, including cholesterol biosynthetic processes, oxidative phosphorylation, regulation of cell junction assembly, receptor internalization, neuronal signal transduction, mitochondria–nucleus signaling, calcium ion transport, synapse organization, the cellular response to potassium ions, and negative regulation of axon regeneration, as well as pathways related to DNA replication and regulation of cell cycle arrest (Fig. 7a).” now reads: “In the comparison of B vs. C, the upregulated DEGs were enriched in several metabolic and neuronal processes, including cholesterol biosynthetic processes, oxidative phosphorylation, regulation of cell junction assembly, receptor internalization, neuronal signal transduction, mitochondria–nucleus signaling, calcium ion transport, synapse organization, the cellular response to potassium ions, and negative regulation of axon regeneration, as well as pathways related to DNA replication and regulation of cell cycle arrest (Fig. 8a).” And, “Furthermore, genes involved in the DNA replication complex, factor C complex, histone deacetylase complex, and CD40 receptor complex were also upregulated in the presence of hASC-exosomes (Fig. 7b,c).” now reads: “Furthermore, genes involved in the DNA replication complex, factor C complex, histone deacetylase complex, and CD40 receptor complex were also upregulated in the presence of hASC-exosomes (Fig. 8b,c).” Under the subheading ‘A number of genes involved in inflammatory responses are regulated by hASC-exosomes’, “GO enrichment analysis was performed to identify the top biological processes that may underlie the set of downregulated genes (Fig. 8).” now reads: “GO enrichment analysis was performed to identify the top biological processes that may underlie the set of downregulated genes (Fig. 9).” And, “The transcriptomic expression (FPKM) values of the genes involved in the inflammatory response are plotted in Fig. 9.” now reads: “The transcriptomic expression (FPKM) values of the genes involved in the inflammatory response are plotted in Fig. 10.” And finally, under the subheading ‘Genes associated with aging and neurodegeneration are suppressed by hASC-exosomes, “The expression levels of genes associated with apoptosis and cellular senescence across the experimental groups are presented in Fig. 10.” now reads: “The expression levels of genes associated with apoptosis and cellular senescence across the experimental groups are presented in Fig. 11.” The original Article has been corrected.
Optimization of cooking vessel geometry for enhanced flame impingement heat transfer using a hybrid CFD and artificial intelligence approach
(2026-09-01) Kamma P.; Loksupapaiboon K.; Phromjan J.; Boekfah A.; Suvanjumrat C.; Kamma P.; Mahidol University
Flame–surface interaction governs the thermal performance of combustion-based heating systems; however, the role of surface topology in premixed flame-impingement heat transfer remains inadequately quantified. This study presents an integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and artificial intelligence optimization framework to systematically evaluate premixed impinging flame jets interacting with cooking vessels of varying bottom geometries. Ten surface configurations—including flat, concave, wavy, rectangular, cavity, bulged, and triangular designs—were examined to elucidate the influence of geometric modification on flow topology, wall-jet development, and near-wall heat transfer behavior. The CFD results reveal that surface shaping strongly redistributes stagnation-zone structure and wall-jet momentum, leading to substantial variations in local thermal fields and overall thermal efficiency. Among the investigated configurations, the bulged-bottom vessel achieved the best performance, enhancing mass-specific thermal efficiency by approximately 50% relative to the conventional flat-bottom geometry. To further improve this design, a surrogate model based on an artificial neural network (ANN) was constructed using high-fidelity CFD datasets. The optimized multilayer perceptron architecture (5–10–15–2) demonstrated strong predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.9256, MSE = 0.01995). The trained ANN was subsequently coupled with a genetic algorithm (GA) to perform global optimization of key geometric and operating parameters. The ANN–GA optimized configuration yielded a predicted thermal efficiency of 0.920, which was confirmed by additional CFD simulations with a deviation below 2.6%. Overall, the proposed CFD–ANN–GA framework provides a robust and computationally efficient strategy for optimizing flame-driven heat transfer systems, offering mechanistic insight and practical design guidance for high-efficiency cooking vessels and related thermal devices.
Compounded environmental health risks in mountain communities upstream of Bhumibol Dam, Thailand
(2026-01-01) Trivalairat P.; Phiwchai I.; Chaichan M.; Trivalairat K.; Sripo N.; Trivalairat P.; Mahidol University
BACKGROUND: Indigenous, mountain communities residing upstream of Bhumibol Dam, Thailand, rely on vulnerable natural water sources for their water supply, yet remain unaware of the associated health risks. METHODS: This study assessed the water quality, usage patterns, and contamination pathways across six villages upstream of Bhumibol Dam to shed light on the obstacles to sustainable water security. Samples from 38 water sources of drinking and/or non-drinking water, soil, and the edible parts of crops were subjected to analyses of physical, chemical (NO3-N, pH), and qualitative pesticide-related variables, alongside a 6-month assessment of a community water filter system. RESULTS: Principal component analysis identified a "at-risk group" of preferred drinking water sources all exhibiting high NO3-N, highly alkaline pH, and substantial pesticide contamination, which was found to likely be caused by agricultural run-off. This was reinforced by the detection of pesticide residues in all soil samples and, critically, in the below-ground edible parts of crops (taro, lemongrass, arrowroot), confirming dietary exposure in the local communities. Further compounding the risks posed by the unsafe water supply, the community water filter was found to be ineffective throughout the 6-month analysis with there being no significant difference in water quality between before and after filtration. The residents' paradoxical preference for high-risk, still water (from sand-filtered puddles) for drinking, rather than water from flowing sources, which they used only for cooking and cleaning. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings reveal compounded environmental health risks emerging from the convergence of mineral-rich hydrogeology, agrochemical runoff, and vulnerable water-collection behaviours. To mitigate these threats, the study suggests that decentralized water management strategies must prioritize both the implementation of advanced filtration technologies capable of mineral and chemical removal and targeted public health education to shift community reliance away from high-risk, stagnant water sources.