Motor control is a critical process for muscle contraction, which is initiated by nerve impulses governed by the motor cortex. This process is vital for performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Consequently, a disruption in communication between the brain and muscles, as seen in various chronic conditions and diseases, can impair bodily movement and ADLs. Evaluating the interaction between brain function and motor control is significant for the diagnosis and treatment of motor control disorders; moreover, it can contribute to the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The purpose of this study is to investigate brain activation in designed upper extremity motor control tasks in regulating the pushing force in different brain regions; and develop investigation methods to assess motor control tasks and brain activation using a robotic arm to guide upper extremity force and motor control. Eighteen healthy young adults were asked to perform upper extremity motor control tasks and recorded the hemodynamic signals. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRs) and robotic arms were used to assess brain activation and the regulation of pushing force and extremity motor control. Two types of motion, static and dynamic, move along a designated trajectory in both forward and backward directions, and three different force levels selected from a range of ADLs, including 4, 12, and 20 N, were used as force-regulating upper extremity motor control tasks. The hemodynamic responses were measured in specific regions of interest, namely the primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Utilizing a two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.00625) across all regions, we observed no significant interaction effect between force levels and movement types on oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) levels. However, in both contralateral (c) and ipsilateral (i) PFC, movement type—static versus dynamic—significantly affected brain activation. Additionally, cM1, iPFC, and PMC showed a significant effect of force level on brain activation.
This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between brain activation in specific regions and various motor tasks involving upper extremity movement with force control. Utilizing fNIRs, the research will monitor hemodynamic changes in four key brain areas: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), premotor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and primary motor cortex (M1) during task performance. The primary population for this investigation consists of healthy young adults, allowing for a clearer understanding of how force control affects brain activation. The scope of the study includes assessing brain activation measured by fNIRs during upper extremity motor and force control tasks, as well as examining how upper extremity movements and force control influence brain activation.
คณะครุศาสตร์อุตสาหกรรมและเทคโนโลยี
Crispy Rice-berry Snack is a product made from broken rice-berry rice that has been processed into a snack that is thin and crispy, bite-sized. Broken rice-berry rice is cooked, finely ground, and mixed with other ingredients to increase its nutritional value, such as adding plant seeds, adding plant protein nutrients, and then forming it into sheets using heat. The resulting product is a thin sheet, purple-brown in color, crispy, and has the smell of the ingredients used in the production process. It does not contain sugar or sweeteners. It is used as a snack with tea or coffee. Crispy Rice-berry Waffle is a product that contains complete nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which are derived from the ingredients in the production formula.
คณะสถาปัตยกรรม ศิลปะและการออกแบบ
This study explores the design, production, and installation of 3D-printed modular artificial reefs (3DMARs) at Koh Khai, Chumphon Province, Thailand, through a design thinking framework. Collaborating with SCG Co., Ltd. and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the research establishes design criteria and installation methods, utilizing content analysis and qualitative research. Key principles such as modularity, flexibility, environmental sustainability, and usability are identified. The user-centered approach optimizes the 3DMARs for transport and deployment, enabling local community involvement and fostering sustainable practices. The modular design supports scalability, enhancing marine habitats and coral larval settlement. Furthermore, underwater monitoring techniques enable site-specific data collection, allowing for the generation of digital twin models. This research offers a practical framework for marine ecosystem restoration and empowers coastal communities in Thailand and beyond
คณะเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศ
The AfterDay Horizon project is a two-player survival game developed to raise awareness of the impact of climate change. It leverages Virtual Reality (VR) technology and a website as gaming platforms. In the game, players experience a world where civilization has collapsed due to global warming, forcing the remaining population to live in bunkers to avoid environmental dangers. AfterDay Horizon focuses on collaboration between the two players to complete various missions that help the bunker’s inhabitants survive as long as possible. These missions are designed to encourage teamwork and decision-making in challenging scenarios, while also raising awareness of the potential consequences of climate change if left unresolved. Preliminary testing of the game showed that players successfully completed the missions and worked well together. However, some missions were complex and time-consuming, indicating areas for improvement to enhance the overall enjoyment and gameplay experience.