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.
คณะวิศวกรรมศาสตร์
This Project has been undertaken to address the need for skill development and knowledge enhancement in pneumatic systems and automation control, which are crucial in today’s manufacturing industry. Pneumatic systems play a vital role in various production processes, including machine control, automated devices, and assembly lines. However, the Department of Measurement and Control Engineering currently lacks a laboratory dedicated to the study and experimentation of pneumatic systems due to the deterioration and lack of maintenance of the previously used equipment. This has resulted in students missing the opportunity to practice essential skills required in the industrial sector. The authors of this thesis recognize the necessity of reviving and developing a pneumatic laboratory that can effectively support teaching, learning, and research activities. This project focuses on studying and developing industrial robotic arm control systems and pneumatic systems, integrating modern technologies such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and AI Vision. These systems are intended to be applicable to real-world industrial contexts. The outcomes of this project are expected to not only enhance the understanding of relevant technologies but also aim to transform the laboratory into a vital learning hub for current and future students. Furthermore, this initiative seeks to improve the competitiveness of students in the job market and support the development of innovations in the manufacturing industry in the years to come.
คณะเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศ
The process of treating cancer patients in the chemotherapy department at Chonburi Cancer Hospital is complicated and inconvenient due to the procedure of submitting blood test results through the personal LINE application of medical staff, which hinders workflow efficiency. Therefore, the researcher has developed a cancer patient management and tracking program in the form of a web-based application and LINE LIFF (LINE Front-end Framework) application to facilitate both medical personnel and patients. The web-based application is designed for medical personnel to monitor, schedule, and collect patient data, while the LINE application is designed for patients to submit blood test results, view appointment schedules, record symptoms after chemotherapy, log their weekly weight, and access a chatbot for consultation. This system is developed based on client-server technology, which enhances data analysis efficiency and supports automated treatment planning. As a result, the cancer treatment process becomes faster, more modern, and more efficient.
คณะเทคโนโลยีการเกษตร
The innovation of the vertical aquaponics system for rearing golden apple snails integrating with vegetable cultivation by using substrates to water treatment. The system aims to maximize the use of vertical space, save water, and produce safe vegetables for consumption or commercial purposes, and to support living things. The golden apple snail excretes wastes/leftover food scraps that are filtered on the substrates used for water treatment. Meanwhile, natural bacteria help change these wastes into nutrients that plants can use. Therefore, the system is environmentally friendly.