Increased visceral fat is associated with an increased mortality rate. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a noninvasive method to assess visceral fat that is easily accessible and avoids exposure to radiation. It is unknown how a visceral fat rating from a noninvasive machine correlates with the serum lipid profile and fasting blood sugar (FBS). The aim of this research is to study the correlation of the visceral fat rating obtained by a noninvasive method with the serum lipid profile and FBS. This cross-sectional study involved 90 obese adults, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years old. The visceral fat rating was measured by BIA. The results demonstrated that significant positive correlations were found between the serum triglycerides and visceral fat rating (r ¼ 0.287, P ¼ 0.006) and between the FBS and visceral fat rating (r ¼ 0.210, P ¼ 0.047). There was a negative correlation between the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and visceral fat rating (r ¼-0.322, P ¼ 0.002). In conclusion, statistically significant positive correlations were found between the serum triglycerides and visceral fat rating and between the FBS and visceral fat rating, and a negative correlation was found between the serum HDLcholesterol and visceral fat rating.

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The three-parameter asymmetric Laplace distribution is modified by using discretization method of Roy (1993) based on the survival function. The new modified distribution is called the discrete asymmetric Laplace distribution. It is the distribution over integer. We show some of its mathematical properties; pmf, moment, the probability generating function, the characteristic function, the reliability measure and the quantile function. Moreover, the estimation of parameter for this distribution based on maximum likelihood method is discussed. An application to the change of the stock price data is presented by comparing the proposed distribution with the discrete normal distribution.

This study aimed at investigating (1) the characteristics of self-regulated learning (SRL) among low proficiency EFL students and (2) the variation for SRL among students with different English proficiency. Participants were 85 Thai university students who were categorized as low proficiency EFL students based on their Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) score. These students were divided into two groups: G1 and G2. The results revealed that students in the G1 group had a significantly lower TOEIC score than the students in the G2 group. For the investigation of SRL, the exploratory factor analyses (EFA) demonstrated ten subscales: Five for motivational and five for learning strategy factors. Multiple regressions that determined the influences of SRL on proficiency revealed that the students who possessed higher task value and intrinsic goal orientation were more proficient. On the contrary, if the students had higher test anxiety, they were less proficient. Students in the G1 and G2 groups differed significantly for extrinsic goal orientation. The students in the G2 group (with higher TOEIC score) had more extrinsic goal orientation than did the G1 group students. For Learning strategy in SRL, a multiple regression for learning strategy factors revealed that there were correlations between elaboration and critical thinking and proficiency of Thai EFL students. This factor was a significant predictor of the variation of proficiency. Significant differences were also found between the G1 and G2 groups in peer learning. The lower proficient group tended to rely more on their peers and seek for help. For pedagogical implications, teachers need to provide motivational environments in order to improve the mental state of low proficiency students. Attention should be paid to students who cannot perform well in class in order to raise their confidence and lessen anxiety in learning English.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), which is a member of the Circovirus genus in the family of Circoviridae, is a small non-enveloped, closed-circular ssDNA. The PCV2-associated disease is one of the most important infectious agents on pig productivity worldwide, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. It caused 2 major syndromes; postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS). In addition, PCV2 may cause complexity with a pathogenic agent into porcine circovirus associated diseases (PCVADs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PCV2 in smallholder farms in Thung Yai district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was performed; 100 blood samples were collected from 13 smallholder pig farms. The samples were classified into 4 groups based on the pig’s age; gilts, 6 sows, nursery-to-starter, and from growing to finishing pigs. Blood samples were carried out for DNA +extraction and nested-PCR. The epidemiological study showed 9 % positive by genetic detection. The result suggested that growing-to-finishing pigs had significant PCV2 infection, followed by nursery-to-starter pigs and sow groups. In addition, multiple farms showed a high positive and significant correlation (Cr ≈ 0.245). These results reveal a low prevalence of PCV2 in endemic regions in southern Thailand, which may help in the local control evaluation and eradication programs. Furthermore, the phylogenic study of local strain should be investigated for the occurrence of PCV2 genetic evolution in Thailand and neighboring countries.