This paper proposes a systematic optimization model of process parameters in plastic injection molding (PIM). Firstly, the Taguchi method is employed for experimentation and data analysis, in which the quality characteristics for the plastic injection product are length and warpage. The control factors for the process are melt temperature, injection velocity, packing pressure, packing time, and cooling time. Moreover, the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to obtain a combination of parameter settings. Experimental data are set for the response surface methodology (RSM) in order to analyze and create two quality predictors and two S/N ratio predictors. The two quality predictors are associated with genetic algorithms (GA) to search for an optimal combination of process parameters that meets multiple-objective quality characteristics. Finally, four predictors are combined with the hybrid GA-PSO to find the final optimal combination of process parameters. The confirmation results show that the proposed model not only enhances the stability in the injection molding process, including the quality in length and warpage, but also reduces the costs of and time spent in the PIM process.

A stair climbing experiment was performed using a four‐stair instrumented stairway. A force platform was mounted in the first stair. Four floor surfaces, including the original force platform surface and three additional floor coverings on the platform, were tested. Human subjects wore the same type of lab shoes and ascended and descended the stairway. Their ground reaction forces were collected. The results showed that when descending, the double‐stair condition resulted in significant (p < .0001) higher vertical ground reaction force at foot landing as compared to the single‐stair condition. The vertical ground reaction force at foot push‐off for stair ascent were significantly (p < .0001) higher than those for stair descent. The mean required coefficient of friction ranged from 0.086 to 0.245 and from 0.051 to 0.246 for foot landing and foot push‐off spots, respectively. Stair descent required significant (p < .001) higher friction than stair ascent both at foot landing and push‐off. Double‐stair stepping required higher friction than single‐stair stepping. Stair descent should be of primary concern in assessing the risk of slip‐ and fall‐related incidents on stairway, and double‐stair descent should be avoided.

The rehabilitation device modified for the needs of children with DD is effective in improving visual-motor performance of children with DD.

Walking and balance capabilities can be improved upon using repetitive ankle dorsiflexion exercises. Here we developed two types of pedal switches incorporated with training devices to improve their walking and balance performance of children with cerebral palsy. The first type of pedal switch can be used to operate a home appliance, while the second type of pedal switch can connect them to web games. Pedal switches can be used for home rehabilitation. This randomized controlled trial included patients in the intervention (n = 24) and control (n = 24) groups who completed 15 weeks of ankle training. The experimental group performed ankle dorsiflexion using a pressure-activated pedal switch connected to the web games. The control group performed ankle dorsiflexion exercises using a pedal switch that operated a home appliance (a fan). Standing balance and walking performance were estimated using the Zebris FDM system, a pressure force platform, the Pediatric Balance Scale score, and the 1-minute walk test. The pre-and posttest data were analyzed using analysis of variance and analysis of covariance, which revealed that the intervention group had more significant improvements in sway patterns and balance and walking. The developed facility of a modified pedal switch integrated with web games can achieve better exercise adherence to promote balance and walking performance than that with home appliances. Maintaining motivation in children with cerebral palsy plays a very important role in the rehabilitation process.

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