Far-infrared Radiation Research Articles

Burning and radiance properties of Si in AP/HTPB based compositions

Silicon (Si) has high caloric power and its combustion product silica (SiO2) shows high emissivity in the far infrared (8–14 μm). The study adds different contents of Si into the Ammonium Perchlorate/Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (AP/HTPB) based compositions, aiming to investigare the influence of Si on the burning and radiance properties of AP/HTPB based compositions by using a FTIR remote-sensing spectrometer, a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, a far-infrared thermal imager and a synchronous thermal analysis instrument. The experimental results show that the combustion oxidation reaction of Si is restricted by the oxygen balance of the system. When the oxygen balance exceeds 25 (Si content is greater than 15%), the insufficient oxygen supply makes the combustion rate significantly reduced from 0.52 g/s to 0.36 g/s, and Si cannot be closely related to the infrared performance and combustion of the AP/HTPB agent. When the Si content is less than 15%, the infrared radiation energy of the entire infrared band of AP/HTPB can be increased, and as the Si content increases, the radiation temperature increases rapidly from 342 °C to 1070 °C, and the far-infrared radiation intensity increases from 1.56 W/Sr to 7.81 W/Sr. The smallest mid-to-far infrared radiation ratio of 3 can be obtained when the Si content is 15%. Therefore, Si has a positive effect on improving the infrared radiation performance of AP/HTPB.

Comparison of different drying methods on Chinese yam: changes in physicochemical properties, bioactive components, antioxidant properties and microstructure

Abstract In the present study, we aimed to assess the effects of hot air drying (HAD), microwave drying (MD), far-infrared radiation drying (FIRD), vacuum drying (VD) and microwave vacuum drying (MVD) on the quality, bioactive components, pasting properties, antioxidant properties, in vitro digestibility and microstructure of Chinese yam. Results showed that these drying processes greatly affected the quality of yam (p<0.05). MVD yam had a good color and its bioactive components were maintained. VD and MVD samples had the lowest setback value and breakdown value, indicating that they had a better cold paste stability and hot paste stability. In addition, MVD samples had a uniform honeycomb microscopic pore structure, and thus the rehydration rate of MVD samples was significantly higher compared with the other drying approaches. When five differently dried samples were compared by principal component analysis (PCA), the MVD samples were found to have the highest comprehensive principal component values. Therefore, based on our results, MVD was an ideal approach to dry high-quality yam.

Tunable terahertz gas laser based on a germanium spectrum splitter

A tunable terahertz gas laser is demonstrated with a germanium ealton served as the spectrum splitter. The germanium ealton is 1.2-mm thick and anti-reflection coated at 10.17 μm, giving good dichroic performance for infrared and far-infrared radiation. By tuning the incident angle of the germanium ealton, the transmittance of 95% at 9– 11 μm wavelengths and the reflectance of more than 70% at 180 – 500 μm wavelengths can be achieved simultaneously. Based on the germanium ealton, a tunable CH3F gas laser is presented when pumped by a transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser. By tuning the pump lines and the incident angles, four THz laser wavelengths are obtained including 181 μm, 261 μm, 360 μm and 496 μm. The energy conversion efficiency is in the order of 10–3, which is comparable to those of typical efficient CH3F molecule lasers. The germanium ealton is anticipated to be an efficient dichroic element for terahertz gas lasers with different wavelengths.

Drying characteristics and optimization of ultrasound‐strengthened cold air drying combined with sequential far‐infrared radiation drying on potato

To improve the dehydration rate and product quality of potatoes, a new strategy utilizing ultrasound-strengthened cold air drying combined with sequential far-infrared radiation drying (UCAD-FIRD) was proposed. The results prove that UCAD greatly promotes dehydration speed, and stronger ultrasound power results in higher drying rate. Compared with UCAD process, UCAD-FIRD drastically shortens the required drying time. Potato slices dried by UCAD-FIRD retain more nutrients compared with those dried by UCAD alone, exhibited by lower color variations and a greater rehydration ratio. For example, total phenol content and Vitamin C content rise first and then, decline but still remain at a high level. The Gray Correlation Analysis is applied to obtain the best experimental group as follows: cold air temperature of 15°C, radiation temperature of 140°C, ultrasound power of 60 W. Therefore, the drying strategy of UCAD-FIRD can remarkably accelerate the drying rate and simultaneously improve the product quality. Practical applications Cold air drying (CAD) can well preserve the product quality due to low drying temperature. However, too long dehydration inevitably restricts its application, so some effective auxiliary measures can be applied to promote mass transfer in CAD to improve the dehydration process. In this study, we proposed a UCAD-FIRD drying strategy, in which contact ultrasound strengthening technology was applied in CAD to significantly accelerate the internal mass transfer of early drying process, subsequently, FIRD was applied to replace UCAD at a certain conversion point to further accelerate water removal in latter stage with lower moisture content. The UCAD-FIRD strategy could achieve both shorter dehydration time and better product quality, comparing with single CAD and UCAD. Therefore, UCAD-FIRD is a promising and practical drying strategy for fruits and vegetables which have great internal mass transfer resistance and thermo-sensitivity.

Investigation of Thermal Behavior of 3D PET Knits with Different Bioceramic Additives.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the thermoregulatory properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) 3D knitted materials with bioceramic additives which are highly absorbing far-infrared (FIR) radiation. Ceramic materials are well-known and useful for thermal insulation applications. In order to compare different types of ceramic additives and coating methods for their incorporation into textile, several types of ceramic compounds with heat-retaining function were selected: germanium (Ge), aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si) additives were applied by impregnation in squeezing padder and titanium (Ti) by the screen printing method. The thermoregulatory properties (thermal resistance, heat-retaining effectiveness and air permeability) of 3D PET knits with bioceramic additives were estimated. In this study scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were used to analyze the morphology of coated fabrics, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) analysis was applied to evaluate the number of minerals with high heat capacity in each formulation used for treatment. The knits coated with a formulation containing Ti ceramic additives demonstrated the most effective thermal behavior. Furthermore, better heat accumulation effectiveness of Ti ceramics containing knits was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. It was also determined that 3D knitted fabric with Ti ceramic additives showed the highest emissivity among tested samples and the implication is that this sample radiates its energy more efficiently than others.

P1598USE EXPERIENCE OF FIRAPY (FAR-INFRARED THERAPY) TREATMENT FOR WOUND OF HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims By using far-infrared irradiation, Firapy treatment is expected to improve blood flow by expanding peripheral blood vessels and an effect of promoting wound healing due to its non-thermal effect. The aim is to discuss the clinical effects of Firapy treatment applying to dialysis recipients with lower extremity wounds. Method Two dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy who developed lower extremity wounds were included in this study. Starting from the initial stage of the wound, patients received wound rinsing at each dialysis, followed by a 30-minute Firapy treatment. The following items were observed over time from the beginning of the treatment. Evaluation and examination were then conducted. (1) The wound healing process was evaluated over time from wound measurements, images, and records. Results In both cases, early initiation of Firapy treatment resulted in good healing without leaving any signs of infection or scarring. By using far-infrared irradiation, Firapy treatment has been considered to be an effective therapeutic means due to it could enhance angiogenesis and microcirculation which allows restoration of blood flow in ischemic tissue and its effect of promoting wound healing. Conclusion Appling Firapy treatment to the wound showed the possibility of making wound healing be faster and healed beautifully. Firapy treatment has been considered to be one of effective way to wound healing. We are looking forward to use Firapy treatment for other cases.

Effects of Far-Infrared Therapy on Foot Circulation Among Hemodialysis Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Far-infrared radiation (FIR) therapy improves vessel dilation, circulation, vessel endothelial function, and angiogenesis and reduces atherosclerosis. However, evidence of FIR therapy's effects on foot circulation among diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis is scarce. To determine whether FIR therapy improves foot circulation in diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis. Quasi-experimental. In June to November 2017, diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis (N = 58) at a hemodialysis center in northern Taiwan were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 31) received FIR therapy to the bilateral dorsalis pedis artery (40 min/session, 3 times/week for 6 months) and the control group (n = 27) received conventional dialysis care. Paired t test, independent samples t test, two-proportion Z test, and repeated-measures analysis of covariance were performed to compare changes from baseline to the end of the 6-month intervention between the groups. Significant positive effects of FIR therapy on temperature, pulse, and blood flow of the dorsalis pedis artery were observed. Sensitivity to pain, tactility, and pressure also improved significantly in the experimental group. The Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire revealed that the experimental group had reductions in subjective experiences of soreness, tingling, and coldness in the feet. The findings of significant improvements to objective and subjective measures of blood flow and neural function in the experimental group indicate that FIR therapy improves blood circulation to the feet. This therapy thus has great potential to be an effective adjuvant treatment for patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing hemodialysis.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 mediates the inhibitory effect of far-infrared irradiation on adipogenic differentiation of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Background & Aim Far-infrared (FIR) irradiation inhibits adipogenic differentiation of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) by activating protein phosphatase 2B through enhancing intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, but its upsteam mechanism remains unclear. Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) is a well-known calcium-permeable channel located in the cell membrane. It has been reported that certain isotypes of TRPV could regulate adipogenesis in (pre)adipocytes. Here, we investigated whether or how the TRPV channel is involved in the inhibitory effect of FIR irradiation on the adipogenic differentiation of TMSCs. Methods, Results & Conclusion Methods TMSCs were exposed to FIR irradiation with or without TRPV inhibitors at room temperature for 30 min followed by adipogenic differentiation for 14 days. At the end of the differentiation, the degree of adipogenesis was assessed by staining lipid droplets with Oil red O solution, and by measuring the protein expressions of adipocyte-specific markers (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and fatty acid-binding protein 4) using Western blotting. Total RNA was extracted from TMSCs and mRNA transcript levels were measured by reverse transcript (RT)-PCR analysis. Results Exposure to FIR irradiation or a calcium ionophore ionomycin inhibited adipogenic differentiation of TMSCs. Treatment with ruthenium red, a pan-TRP channel inhibitor, reversed the FIR irradiation-inhibited adipogenesis. RT-PCR analysis revealed that TMSCs expressed all the TRPV channels except TRPV5. Based on the previous studies showing an involvement of TRPV1, 2, and 4 in adipogenesis, we tested specific inhibitors of these three TRPV isotypes and found that among those tested, only tranilast, a specific TRPV2 inhibitor, significantly attenuated the effects of FIR irradiation, such as increase of intracellular Ca2+ levels and inhibition of adipogenic differentiation of the TMSCs. When the TMSCs were transfected with small interfering RNA against TRPV2 to silence the TRPV2 gene, the observed effects of FIR irradiation on adipogenic differentiation were also completely reversed. Additionally, we also found that the probenecid, a TRPV2 activator, decreased the adipogenic differentiation of TMSCs. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that FIR irradiation increases intracellular Ca2+ levels through TRPV2 activation, thereby suppressing the adipogenic differentiation of TMSCs.

Far Infrared Technology (FIT) Therapy Patches, Protects from Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Promotes Cellular Vitality.

It is known from the most recent literature that far-infrared (FIR) radiations promote a broad spectrum of therapeutic benefits for cells and tissues. To identify molecular mechanisms by which FIT patches, as a far infrared technology, protects against damage caused by inflammatory process and oxidative stress. Endothelial cells (HUVEC, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells) were used as in vitro experimental model. HUVEC were stimulated with a pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress. As markers of inflammation were evaluated: VCAM1 (Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1), ICAM1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1) and E-Selectin by Western Blot analysis. Oxidative stress was assessed by cytofluorimetric analysis. The experiments were performed on control cells (no patch) or in cells treated with the FIT infrared technology applied on the basis of the culture plate. HUVEC stimulated with TNF-α and treated with FIT patches had significant reduction of the expression of VCAM1, ICAM1 and E-Selectin (p<0.05). HUVEC stimulated with H2O2 and treated with FIT patches were significantly protected from oxidative stress (p <0.01) when compared to control cells. We measured cell viability and proliferation in HUVEC and HEK-293 (Human embryonic kidney cells) cells by MTT assay. HEK-293 and HUVEC treated with FIT patches showed a significantly higher percentage of basal vitality compared to control cells (p<0.0001 for HEK-293, p<0.05 for HUVEC). FIT therapy patches - infrared technology, through these protective mechanisms, could be used in all pathologies where an increase in inflammation, oxidative stress and degenerative state are present.

MiR-548aq-3p is a novel target of Far infrared radiation which predicts coronary artery disease endothelial colony forming cell responsiveness

Non-invasive far infrared radiation (FIR) has been observed to improve the health of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) contribute to vascular repair and CAD. The goal of this study was to uncover the role of FIR in ECFCs function and to reveal potential biomarkers for indication of FIR therapy in CAD patients. FIR significantly enhanced in vitro migration (transwell assay) and tube formation (tube length) capacities in a subpopulation of CAD ECFCs. Clinical parameters associated with the responsiveness of ECFCs to FIR include smoking and gender. ECFCs from CAD patients that smoke did not respond to FIR in most cases. In contrast, ECFCs from females showed a higher responsiveness to FIR than ECFCs from males. To decipher the molecular mechanisms by which FIR modulates ECFCs functions, regardless of sex, RNA sequencing analysis was performed in both genders of FIR-responsive and FIR-non/unresponsive ECFCs. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of FIR up-regulated genes indicated that the pathways enriched in FIR-responsive ECFCs were involved in cell viability, angiogenesis and transcription. Small RNA sequencing illustrated 18 and 14 miRNAs that are up- and down-regulated, respectively, in FIR-responsive CAD ECFCs in both genders. Among the top 5 up- and down-regulated miRNAs, down-regulation of miR-548aq-3p in CAD ECFCs after FIR treatment was observed in FIR-responsive CAD ECFCs by RT-qPCR. Down-regulation of miR-548aq-3p was correlated with the tube formation activity of CAD ECFCs enhanced by FIR. After establishment of the down-regulation of miR-548aq-3p by FIR in CAD ECFCs, we demonstrated through overexpression and knockdown experiments that miR-548aq-3p contributes to the inhibition of the tube formation of ECFCs. This study suggests the down-regulation of miR-548aq-3p by FIR may contribute to the improvement of ECFCs function, and represents a novel biomarker for therapeutic usage of FIR in CAD patients.

Running thermoregulation effects using bioceramics versus polyester fibres socks

The feet, covered by socks and shoes during running, undergo an increase of temperature. The aim of this study was to reduce heat generation in the feet of athletes during running by wearing novel thermoregulatory socks impregnated with bioceramic materials. Thirty male athletes ran a half-marathon (21.0975 km) wearing polyester based with bioceramic fibres (zirconium silicate and titanium oxide) and control socks (polyester). The average temperatures were measured with a thermographic camera (FLIR e60bx) before and after the run. Nine regions of interests were evaluated in the plantar surface and eight in the dorsum. Before running, the plantar region with the highest temperature was the inner midfoot (plantar arch) with 30.3 ± 2.1°C on the control sock and 30.2 ± 2.1°C on the bioceramic one. After running, smaller temperatures were found at the plantar surface of five regions of interests: heel, inner midfoot, first and fifth metatarsal heads and first toe and all the dorsal regions of the bioceramic socks. The amount of temperature reduction from the bioceramic sock was between –1.1 and –1.3°C in heel, inner midfoot, first MTH and first toe (plantar) and 1.3°C at the dorsum of first and fifth toes. Polyester-based socks with bioceramic fibre materials, due to far-infrared radiation, promote cooler temperatures on the sock surface after running. This effect is more effective in heel, the inner midfoot and the first MTH and could help improve the behaviour of the sock to make it denser in bioceramics and preventing running lesions, like blisters.

Far-infrared radiation prevents decline in β-cell mass and function in diabetic mice via the mitochondria-mediated Sirtuin1 pathway

Insulin deficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) involves a decline in both pancreatic β-cell mass and function. Enhancing β-cell preservation represents an important therapeutic strategy to treat type 2 DM. Far-infrared (FIR) radiation has been found to induce promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) activation to protect the vascular endothelium in diabetic mice. The influence of FIR on β-cell preservation is unknown. Our previous study reveals that the biologically effective wavelength of FIR is 8–10 μm. In the present study, we investigated the biological effects of FIR (8–10 μm) on both survival and insulin secretion function of β-cells. FIR reduced pancreatic islets loss and increased insulin secretion in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced DM mice, but only promoted insulin secretion in DM PLZF−/− mice. FIR-upregulated PLZF to induce an anti-apoptotic effect in a β cell line RIN-m5f. FIR also upregulated mitochondrial function and the ratio of NAD+/NADH, and then induced Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) expression. The mitochondria Complex I inhibitor rotenone blocked FIR-induced PLZF and Sirt1. The Sirt1 inhibitor EX527 and Sirt1 siRNA inhibited FIR-induced PLZF and insulin respectively. Sirt1 upregulation also increased CaV1.2 expression and calcium influx that promotes insulin secretion in β-cells. In summary, FIR-enhanced mitochondrial function prevents β-cell apoptosis and enhances insulin secretion in DM mice through the Sirt1 pathway.

New Application of an Instantaneous Frequency Parameter for Assessing Far Infrared Fabric Effects in Aged Subjects

A microcirculation microscope has recently been introduced to reveal finger blood flow changes by visualization, before and after using far-infrared fabric. Digital volume pulses (DVPs) from the dominant index fingertip of healthy young subjects (Group 1, n = 66) and healthy upper middle-aged subjects (Group 2, n = 33) were acquired through a photoplethysmographic electrical device (PED). By using the one intrinsic mode function (i.e., IMF5), an instantaneous frequency difference (ΔfEmax) was revealed through the second part of the Hilbert–Huang transformation. Parameters from DVPs in the time domain, i.e., the stiffness index, crest time, crest time ratio, and finger perfusion index, were also obtained for comparison. The results showed significant differences in FPI and ΔfEmax between the two groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.043, respectively). A significant ΔfEmax was also noted for the two groups under the effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) (Group 1: p = 0.046; Group 2: p = 0.002). In conclusion, this study aimed to validate a self-developed and economical device, with a good extensibility, which can be operated in a domestic setting, and to demonstrate that the PED performed quantitative indexes on finger blood flow comparable to those investigated through a microcirculation microscope.

Instability of Nucleic Acids in Airborne Microorganisms under Far Infrared Radiation

Emergence of zoonotic-human pathogens is proven to be a lethal threat to public health, and RNA virus including influenza viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and COVID-19, plays a pivotal role. As those viruses as airborne microorganisms spread mainly by tiny airborne particles, it is important to de-active those airborne particles before their entry into human bodies. In this study, we investigated the effect of far infrared (FIR) radiation on inhibition of airborne microorganisms. The result confirmed that double stand DNA from airborne microorganisms containing RNA viruses was stable under mild FIR radiation. However, single strand RNA from them was found to be sensitive to FIR radiation, indicating that RNA virus in airborne particles is instable under FIR radiation. Based on this observation, two models on usage of FIR radiation to prevent RNA virus transmission by air and cure RNA virus infection were proposed. Then, this study suggests that FIR radiation has the potential to be a cheap, convenient, and efficient method in clinic to treat RNA virus.

Study of Fundamental Properties for the Development of Functional Revetment Blocks with Illite

In this study, concrete, which consists of 9% Illite and 3% cement replaced with Illite, was studied. To analyze the effect of the developed block on river and sea environments, formaldehyde emission, far-infrared radiation, and fish acute toxicity tests were employed. Compared with the standard rates, the formaldehyde adsorption rate and addition adsorption rate of the developed block increased by 130% and 112%, respectively. Additionally, toxic and intoxication were not observed during the 96-h fish acute toxicity test. Furthermore, 92.3% of the far-infrared radiation rate was checked. We believe that this study can be used as a method to protect environments such as seas and rivers by employing the developed block at construction sites. Key Words: Illite, Hydrophilic protection block, TVOCs, Far-infrared ray, Fish acute toxicity test

Far infrared radiation induces changes in gut microbiota and activates GPCRs in mice

Far infrared radiation (FIR) has been widely used to treat chronic diseases and symptoms; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. As gut microbiota (GM) markedly impact the host’s physiology, making GM a potential target for the therapeutic evaluation of FIR. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to five times of 2 min-FIR exposure on the abdomen, with a two-hour interval of each exposure within one day. Fecal samples were collected on day one and day 25 after the FIR/control treatment, and the extracted fecal DNAs were evaluated using ERIC-PCR and 16S amplicon sequencing. Host’s G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) were analyzed using qRT-PCR. FIR induced immediate changes in the GM composition. A prompt and significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the abundance of phylum Deferribacteres (comprised of several pathogens) was observed in the FIR-irradiated mice compared to the control group. Contrarily, FIR exposure induced beneficial genera such as Alistipes, Barnesiella, and Prevotella. The gut of FIR-irradiated mice was predominated by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producers. Also, FIR stimulated the expression of SCFAs-sensing receptors, GPCR 41, 43, and 109 in the gut epithelial barrier. These findings provide the first-hand evidence in which the beneficial effects of FIR radiation might be partially through the modulation of GM.

Life cycle assessment of preserved plum production in Southern China

The fruit preservation industry in developing countries is growing rapidly and presents unique opportunities for promoting environmental sustainability. However, very few life cycle assessment studies have evaluated the environmental performances of current production technologies in developing countries. This study represents the first life cycle assessment to compare two common production lines of the preserved plum industry in Southern China and suggested strategies for improving their environmental performances. The first line, commonly adopted by medium-sized plants, included washing, osmotic treatment, blanching, superheated steam coupled with far-infrared radiation for drying, packaging and wastewater treatment stages. The second line, commonly utilized by small-sized plants, consisted of washing, osmotic treatment, drying by natural ventilation, packaging and wastewater treatment stages. The comparison suggested that the first production line resulted in higher fossil fuel depletion, ozone depletion, human health noncancer, respiratory and ecotoxicity impacts than the second production line. In contrast, the second production line resulted in higher photochemical formation, global warming, acidification, human health cancer and eutrophication impacts. Electricity and wastewater treatment, together, were the dominating contributors to most of the life cycle environmental impact categories. The sensitivity analyses suggested that the life cycle global warming impacts were most sensitive to electricity use, while the wastewater amount ranked as the most influential factor for the life cycle eutrophication impacts. In addition, the scenario analyses indicated that upgrading the activated sludge process to a membrane bioreactor process, for in-plant wastewater treatment, alone would increase life cycle fossil fuel depletion, photochemical formation, acidification and respiratory impacts. However, the combinational adoption of a membrane bioreactor process and electricity derived from wind or lignocellulosic biomass can significantly reduce life cycle environmental impacts of the plum preservation plants.

Research of coherent edge radiation generated by electron beams oscillating free-electron lasers

We have studied far-infrared coherent radiation with S-band linacs at Laboratory for Electron Beam Re-search and Application (LEBRA) at Nihon University and at Kyoto University Free Electron Laser. We have already developed a couple of terahertz-wave sources based on coherent synchrotron radiation and coherent transition radiation, which have been applied to spectroscopic research. Moreover, we developed coherent edge radiation (CER) at the downstream bending magnets in the FEL sections. Because the edge radiation has an annular shape distribution characterized by the asymmetric first-order Laguerre-Gaussian mode, the CER can be extracted from an optical cavity of the FEL system without a diffraction loss of the FEL beam. The root-mean-squared bunch length of the electron beam was evaluated by measuring the CER spectra, which was about the same level as the FEL micropulse width. Although the infrared FELs at LEBRA had a long slippage length, the FEL energy became higher as the bunch length was shorter. The CER intensity can be a guidepost enhancing the FEL power because of the existence of their correlation.

Evaluating the Far-Infrared Radiation Bioeffects on Micro Vascular Dysfunction, Nervous System, and Plantar Pressure in Diabetes Mellitus.

The most frequent clinical complication is diabetes. Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting in sensory nerve damage or lesions. Diabetic foot wounds are often slow to heal and require medical attention and monitoring. This study evaluates the effect of far-infrared radiation on the microcirculation and plantar pressure in the diabetic foot. Ten diabetics and 4 nondiabetics were recruited in this study. The diabetic group was examined before and after the intervention in each month for 3 consecutive months. Four nondiabetic groups were also measured before and after the intervention for 2 weeks in each month. The surface temperature and blood flow in the diabetic foot was significantly improved (temperature: 32.1 ± 2.3°C vs 33.5 ± 2.2°C, P < .05; blood flow image: 118.3 ± 58.1 PU [perfusion unit] vs 50.4 ± 4.3 PU, P < .05). The sympathetic nerve activity index LF also increased from 40.8 ± 18.6% to 61.8 ± 13.5% (P = .07) in the second month. Plantar pressure tended to increase in the third month. This might indicate that far-infrared radiation could affect the mechanical properties of the plantar foot soft tissue. These results indicated that the effects of far-infrared radiation would improve blood circulation and change the soft tissue properties in the diabetic foot.

New approach in determination of moisture diffusivity for rough rice components in combined far-infrared drying by finite element method

Rough rice was dried using several combinations of heated air drying and far-infrared radiation (FIR). The moisture diffusion coefficients were determined at various drying air temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °C and FIR intensities ranging from zero to 2000 W m−2. The effective moisture diffusion coefficients increased with drying air temperature and FIR intensities. The coefficients varied from 1.5170 × 10−10 to 2.5201 × 10−9 m s−2. Moreover, based on Fick’s law, the equation for moisture transfer by diffusion was used to model the single kernel drying rate. The finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate moisture movement within an individual rice kernel. A new numerical approach was developed to determine moisture diffusion coefficients of the three main components of recently harvested rough rice. These components were the starchy endosperm, the bran, and the husk. A Polynomial-Arrhenius type general equation was developed to correlate the moisture diffusion coefficients of the kernel components with drying parameters. Based on FEM results, the prediction of the rough rice moisture content during drying was highly accurate.