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
Currently, lithium batteries are widely used in electronic devices and electric vehicles, making the estimation of their State of Health (SOH) crucial. Accurate SOH estimation helps extend battery lifespan, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent safety issues such as overheating or explosions. This project aims to study and analyze mathematical models of batteries and develop SOH estimation techniques using Neural Networks to enhance accuracy and evaluation speed. The experiment involved collecting charge and discharge data from three lithium battery cells under controlled temperature conditions while maintaining a constant current. The current, voltage, and time data were recorded and analyzed to determine the battery capacity for each cycle. These data were then used to train a Neural Network model. The results demonstrated an effective method for predicting battery health status. The outcomes of this project can contribute to the development of a Battery Management System (BMS) that improves battery efficiency and longevity. Additionally, it provides a foundation for applying artificial intelligence techniques in the energy sector effectively.
คณะวิศวกรรมศาสตร์
Nowadays, rail transportation has a significant impact on people's lives and economic growth. Consequently, the number of rail systems being built around our country has dramatically increased. This process causes various types of pollution, such as noise and rail-way vibration, which can badly affect the life of citizens who live nearby. The most popular way to solve this problem recently is to decrease the noise from the sound source or to adjust the vibration by attaching a Track Damper to the railway. This technique is being used in many countries especially in Europe and Australia because it is cheap and has high efficiency. The key piece called Track Dampers are made by AUT company’s Thailand for a period of time. The company produces Track Dampers for the owner of the technology so as to sell more than 300,000 pieces of it overseas. Furthermore, the demand of Track Dampers grows as the railway systems expand. Unfortunately, the imported synthetic materials, which are used to create Track Dampers, are made from environmentally unfriendly sources. As a result, this research aims to develop the product to be environmentally-safe by replacing some imported materials with Thai’s local content; which are natural rubber and rubber crumbs. Furthermore, the product will be added value by mounting with embedded sensors for real-time monitoring of track vibration, noise, and rail temperature. All embedded devices developed will sense, collect, and automatically send to cloud by wireless technology platform. The AI and IOT platform will also be developed for safety, security, and maintenance proposed of railway track system. However, in conducting research, there will be close collaboration with AUT company through design, production, and testing. The outcome of this research is to upgrade AUT company from tier 2 manufacturer (TRL 8-9) to tier 1 manufacturer (TRL 7-8) which will be served the Thailand competitiveness enhancing strategic goal.
คณะวิทยาศาสตร์
Microalgae are rich in bioactive compounds that may contribute to the growth of probiotics, which require appropriate nutrients, known as prebiotics, to thrive. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of crude extracts from intracellular components residues of the microalga Chlorella sp. KLSc61 in promoting the growth of the probiotic bacterium Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JCM1149 under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The intracellular extracts were obtained using 70% (v/v) ethanol, and their effects on probiotic growth were tested at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.75% and 1.5%. The growth of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JCM1149 was assessed using the drop plate method. The findings of this study will provide insights into the potential of Chlorella sp. KLSc61 extracts in enhancing probiotic growth, which could lead to the development of synbiotic dietary supplements containing both probiotics and prebiotics. Additionally, this study may serve as a foundation for further research on the role of microalgal extracts in gut health and immune system modulation.