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    Item type:Publication,
    Comparative physicochemical and rheological properties of tamarind seed xyloglucan from sweet and sour tamarind cultivars for food applications
    (2026-06-01)
    Julapuk, Punwadee
    ;
    ;
    Narkrugsa, Woatthichai
    ;
    Phumjan, Lamphung
    ;
    Adair, Pornpatu
    This study comparatively investigated the physicochemical, structural, and rheological properties of xyloglucan extracted from sweet (Sri Chomphu) and sour (Kradan) tamarind kernel (TKP) cultivated in Thailand to provide insights for industrial applications. The extraction yields were 58.35 ± 0.28% and 57.90 ± 0.37% (w/w) for sweet and sour TKP, respectively. Chemical composition analysis revealed comparable macronutrient profiles between the two samples. FTIR spectra confirmed similar functional groups, while SEM analysis showed amorphous and heterogeneous structures with slight differences in porosity. Molecular weight distribution indicated that sour TKP-derived xyloglucan was dominated by intermediate molecular weight fractions (4.03 × 10⁵ Da, 70.46%), whereas sweet TKP-derived xyloglucan exhibited a broader distribution. These structural differences influenced hydration properties, with sweet xyloglucan showing significantly higher water absorption and solubility (%WAI: 475.02 ± 9.91%; %WSI: 5.62 ± 0.62%) compared to sour xyloglucan (%WAI: 398.81 ± 7.01%; %WSI: 4.81 ± 0.57%). Evaluation of gelling properties revealed that both samples exhibited maximum gel strength at 2% concentration and pH 3, with sour xyloglucan forming stronger gels. Rheological analysis demonstrated non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior and dominant elastic characteristics (G′ ' G″), with higher viscosity observed in the sour cultivar. Emulsifying activity and stability were high and showed no significant differences (EA: 93.58–94.87%; ES: 97.94–98.71%). Overall, while cultivar origin had minimal impact on structural and emulsifying properties, it significantly influenced hydration and gelling-related characteristics, supporting the potential of tamarind xyloglucan as a versatile hydrocolloid for food and material applications.
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    Item type:Publication,
    Decoding undergraduates’ English reading proficiency: EEG evidence and GPA–SES effects in a computerised English assessment
    (2026-01-01) ;
    Angsuwatanakul, Thanate
    ;
    Phairot, Ekkapon
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    Mohamed Ismail, Shaik Abdul Malik
    ;
    This study investigates undergraduate students’ English reading proficiency through a sequential mixed-methods design that integrates neurocognitive evidence, behavioural performance, learner perceptions, and background characteristics within a computerised assessment context. In Phase 1, paper-based testing (PBT) and computer-based testing (CBT) were compared using electroencephalography (EEG) and qualitative inquiry. Five Thai EFL undergraduates completed parallel Thai Reading Evaluation and Decoding System (Thai-READS) tasks in both formats while EEG data were recorded using a single-channel MindWave Mobile 2 device. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests indicated no significant differences in Thai-READS scores between PBT and CBT (Z = −1.633, p = 0.102). EEG analyses revealed largely comparable cognitive processing across test modes; however, a significant difference in alpha frequency emerged for difficult items answered incorrectly (Z = −2.023, p = 0.043), with higher alpha frequency observed in the CBT condition, suggesting differential neural engagement under increased task difficulty. Semi-structured interviews further indicated that students generally perceived CBT as convenient, organised, and supportive of focus, while also expressing concerns related to technical reliability, digital navigation, and limited opportunities for annotation. Phase 2 analysed Thai-READS performance data from 3,274 undergraduates using a two-way analysis of variance to examine the effects of academic achievement (GPA) and socioeconomic status (SES). Results revealed significant main effects of both GPA and SES on reading proficiency (p < 0.05), with GPA demonstrating a larger effect size (η<sup>2</sup> = 0.06). The findings support the feasibility of CBT while highlighting the importance of considering cognitive processing and learner background to ensure valid and equitable assessment practices in Thai higher education.