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.
วิทยาเขตชุมพรเขตรอุดมศักดิ์
This project aims to design and develop an eye-tracking system to facilitate communication for paralyzed immobile patients. The system is designed to enable patients to convey their needs to caregivers or family members by detecting and tracking eye movements using the Tobii Eye Tracker 5 device. This approach serves as an alternative communication method, replacing the physical movement or speech of paralyzed patients. The system effectively detects and tracks eye movements at a distance of 55 to 85 centimeters and is designed for installation on a computer to ensure ease of use. The program interface consists of three main sections: (1) a set of emotions, (2) a set of needs, and (3) a set of additional needs. It supports input from a virtual keyboard in both Thai and English and allows users to specify additional needs through eye-tracking-enabled typing. Furthermore, the system can generate synthetic speech for text that is difficult to pronounce aloud, send notification messages via the Line application, and store usage data in a database presented in a dashboard format. System testing revealed that the optimal detection distance ranges from 65 to 75 centimeters, as this range yields an error rate of no more than 1 percent. The system accurately responds to eye movements for communication through sound within 3 seconds when interacting with various function buttons. This eye-tracking system effectively enables paralyzed immobile patients to communicate their emotions and needs, facilitating better understanding and interaction between patients and their caregivers or family members.
คณะสถาปัตยกรรม ศิลปะและการออกแบบ
The purpose of this research aims to guidelines the identity design for high-speed rail stations, which are divided into four steps: 1) Survey and analysis of identity at the high-speed train stations, including subway in Japan and Taiwan. 2) Comparison the perception of the environment by the questionnaire at BTS, MRT BL, Airport Rail Link (AERA1), and MRT PPL in Bangkok from passengers 800 passengers. 3) Survey and analysis the perception of identity at the MRT Blue Line by questionnaires 800 passengers at Wat Mangkorn, Sam Yod, Sanam Chai, and Itsaraphap stations. 4) To analysis with the descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. Study and survey of the high-speed rail environment from Bangkok to Nong Khai, then synthesize the identity design guidelines by 12 experts with structured interviews to summarize the conceptual framework for identity design for high-speed rail stations. The results shown that the identity of train stations in Japan and Taiwan is designed based on architectural and historical concepts that align with the local environment, society, and lifestyle near the stations. This design approach is evident at stations serving as significant tourist attractions and in the surrounding environment, including external buildings and nearby public transportation connections, as well as entrance and exit doors to the station. In summary, four types of identities have been identified: 1) The Identity Historical and Architectural 2) The Identity of Culture 3) The Identity from Cartoons and 4) The Identity of Art and Design
คณะอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร
Tepache is a traditional Mexican fermented beverage commonly made using pineapple peels, which naturally contain sugars and the enzyme bromelain. These components contribute to its distinctive aroma and unique flavor. This project aims to develop a health-enhancing tepache by fermenting pineapple peels with probiotic yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Additionally, prebiotics, including inulin and xylo-oligosaccharides, are incorporated as nutrients to support probiotic growth. The resulting synbiotic tepache promotes gut microbiota balance, exhibits antioxidant properties, and enhances the immune system, making it a functional and beneficial beverage for consumers.