EAI Endorsed Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology

An open access journal abstracted/indexed in Scopus, DOAJ, DBLP, CrossRef, EBSCO, and WorldCat. It focuses on personal electronic health assistants, health crowdsourcing, data mining and knowledge management, IT applications to needs of patients, disease prevention and awareness, electronic and mobile health platforms including design and more, with no publishing fees.

Editor(s)-in-Chief: Natalia Romero

Scope
Topics
Editor in Chief
Editorial Board
Special Issues

It is internationally recognized that future healthcare systems will be supported by pervasive healthcare systems in order to target the upcoming societal health challenges. Pervasive Health and Technology (PHT) Journal is a cross-disciplinary journal focusing on issues related to development, delivery and management of pervasive healthcare and the impact of technology within future healthcare systems.

The journal aims to become an information source and to create a community of shared interests between health professionals, technologists, patients and other professionals related to pervasive healthcare.

The journal will present and discuss issues pertaining to personal electronic health assistants, health crowdsourcing, data mining and knowledge management, IT applications to needs of patients, disease prevention and awareness, electronic and mobile health platforms including design, implementation and evaluation of supporting hardware and software in ambulant and hospital workflows, needs of physicians, nurses and other healthcare staff.

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning

Physiological models for interpreting medical sensor data
Sensing/Actuating Technologies and Pervasive Computing
Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health Professions
Human-Computer Interaction and Computer Supported Cooperative Work
Hardware and Software Infrastructures
Activity recognition and fall detection
User modelling and personalization
Modelling of Pervasive Healthcare environments
Sensor-based decision support systems
Design and evaluation of patient and ambient-related sensors
Wearable and implantable sensor integration
Data fusion in pervasive healthcare environments
Data mining of medical patient records
Software architectures
Electronic Health Records

Understanding Users

Identifying and addressing stakeholder needs
Usability and acceptability
Barriers and enablers to adoption
Social implications of pervasive health technology, and social inclusion
Coverage and delivery of pervasive healthcare services
Patient and caregiver empowerment
Diversity: population and condition-specific requirements
Inclusive research and design: engaging underrepresented populations
Digital interventions and health behavior change

Applications

Autonomous systems to support independent living
Clinical applications, validation and evaluation studies
Telemedicine and mHealth solutions
Chronic disease and health risk management applications
Health/Wellbeing promotion and disease prevention
Home based health and wellness measurement and monitoring
Continuous vs event-driven monitoring of patients
Smart homes and hospitals
Using mobile devices in the storage, update, and transmission of patient data
Wellbeing and lifestyle support
Systems to support individuals with auditory, cognitive, or vision impairments
Systems to support caregivers

Pervasive Healthcare Management

Challenges surrounding data quality
Standards and interoperability in pervasive healthcare
Business cases and cost issues
Security and privacy issues
Training of healthcare professional for pervasive healthcare
Legal and regulatory issues
Staffing and resource management

Guest editor: Robbi Rahim (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Manajemen Sukma, Indonesia)

Call for Papers: Special issue on: Health and Technology for Society (Manuscript submission deadline: 30 June 2019; Notification of acceptance: 5 July 2019; Submission of final revised paper: 14 July 2019; Publication of special issue (tentative): 30 July 2109)

Anind Dey (University of Washington)
Ansar-Ul-Haque Yasar (Hasselt University, Belgium)
Alejandro Dominguez Rodriguez (Autonomous University of Baja California)
Alexandros Tzallas (Technological Educational Institute of Epirus)
Asimina Kiourti (The Ohio State University)
AtaUllah Ghafoor (National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan.)
Arijit Ukil (Tata Consultancy Services)
Bert Arnrich (Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey)
Daojing He (South China University of Technology, China)
Emilija Stojmenova (Duh University of Ljubljana)
Frank Wallhoff (Jade University of Applied Sciences)
Heiko Mueller (OFFIS, Germany)
Honggang Wang (UMASS. USA)
Kashif Saleem (King Saud University)
Laszlo Bokor (BME, Hungary)
Marcela Deyanira Rodriguez Urrea (Autonomous University of Baja California)
Mauro Femminella (University of Perugia, Italy)
Melina Frenken (Jade University of Applied Sciences)
Mohammad Upal Mahfuz (University of Wisconsin-Green Bay)
Mosabber Uddin Ahmed (University of Dhaka)
Mojtaba Taherisadr (University of Michigan)
Nadeem Javaid (COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan)
Pietro Cipresso (Istituto Auxologico, Milan, Italy)
Razan Hamed (New York Institute of Technology, NY, USA)
Silvia Serino (Catholic University of Milan, Italy)
Stefan Rahr Wagner (Aarhus University)
Tanvir Zia (School of Computing & Mathematics, Charles Sturt University, Australia)
Venet Osmani (CREATE-NET, Trento, Italy)
Wilko Heuten (OFFIS, Germany)
Tessa Dekkers (Delft University, The Netherlands)

Natalia Romero¹

Natalia Romero Herrera. Dr. Romero Herrera works as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, in The Netherlands. After obtaining a Computer Engineer title from University of Chile, Dr. Romero Herrera joint a 2 years post-graduate program and conducted her PhD research within the disciplines of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User-Centred Design at Eindhoven University of Technology, in The Netherlands. Currently she has more than 10 years of experience as a design researcher in the area of personal informatics, exploring data-centric interactions that are adopted by people in their daily life. Involved in a dozen of National and European multidisciplinary research projects, Dr. Romero Herrera’s research has contributed to the design and development of in-situ data-centric design methods with the aim to contextualise knowledge and in that way contribute to the design of user-centric innovations. Her design methodology has contributed to the field of Sustainability and Healthcare Living labs. In addition, her research developments has contributed to data-enabled design concepts that aim to empower people in making informed decisions that positively impact quality of life and environmental impact. Her design concepts has contributed to applications areas such as independent living, e- Health and self-management. Dr. Romero Herrera has served as reviewer of a wide number of HCI and design journals, for example TOCHI, JAISE, ACM Transactions, Pervasive Health and Technologies, Behaviour and Technologies, Design studies. She has also participated actively as associate chair as well in the review committee of a range of technology and design conferences. She has recently obtained a national grant to generate contextual knowledge on food behaviour for the creative industry to design innovations in the prevention of overweight, and a European grant to demonstrate the impact of an in-situ data-centric platform as a low-cost energy strategy to stimulate secondary schools across Europe in the reduction of greenhouse emissions and the increase of wellbeing in schools.

1: Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Online First
Recently Published
Most Popular

Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare Access and Delivery
Appears in:
phat 18: e1

Authors:
Foluso Ayeni, Zacchaeus Omogbadegun, Nicholas Omoregbe, Sanjay Misra, Lalit Garg

Published:
4th Feb 2019

Abstract:
Access to standard and economical health care delivery, availability of significant health information are viewed as some of the most functional public health interventions in present-day history. Despite that, current information obtained from the WHO regarding Nigeria’s health condition shows tha…Access to standard and economical health care delivery, availability of significant health information are viewed as some of the most functional public health interventions in present-day history. Despite that, current information obtained from the WHO regarding Nigeria’s health condition shows that the average existence expectancy is at 54 years and maternal mortality at 608 per 100,000 live births as a result of poor health care services. Several aspects of health informatics have been applied to solve these challenges such as the transformation of records from manual to electronic. Among these are the telemedicine and socialized healthcare, which have been barely adopted in developing nations. This work thus proposes an architectural framework for a cloud-supported socialized healthcare system. In order to achieve this; a webbased application software was designed and implemented through the use of cloud computing technology platforms and server side scripting tools. This study proves that socialized healthcare will really go a long way in defeating barriers of viable human access and delivery.
more »

Confronting Autism in Urban Bangladesh: Unpacking Infrastructural and Cultural Challenges
Appears in:
phat 18(14): e5

Authors:
Upol Ehsan, Nazmus Sakib, Md Munirul Haque, Tanjir Soron, Devansh Saxena, Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed, Amy Schwichtenberg, Golam Rabbani, Shaheen Akter, Faruq Alam, Azima Begum, Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed

Published:
24th Jul 2018

Abstract:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a critical problem worldwide; however, low and middle-income countries (LMICs) often suffer more from it due to the lack of contextual research and effective care infrastructure. Moreover, ASD in LMICs offers unique challenges as cultural misperceptions and social …Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a critical problem worldwide; however, low and middle-income countries (LMICs) often suffer more from it due to the lack of contextual research and effective care infrastructure. Moreover, ASD in LMICs offers unique challenges as cultural misperceptions and social practices often impede effective care there. However, the recent growth in mobile phone adoption in many LMICs has created a timely opportunity for improving ASD care practices through digital means. We present qualitative findings on the challenges of designing mobile assistive technologies for ASD in Bangladesh. Our data reveals a set of technical, social, and cultural challenges with caregivers and care professionals for designing a meaningful technology for them. We show how those challenges are deeply rooted in the broader infrastructural and cultural tensions of the country. We also present embedded design implications to overcome these challenges.
more »
Elementary Time Frequency Analysis of EEG Signal Processing
Appears in:
phat 18(14): e4

Authors:
Parag Puranik, Dr. R. V. Kshirsagar, Sagar Motdhare

Published:
23rd Jul 2018

Abstract:
EEG analysis is used as a tool for medical diagnosis of various diseases related to brain like epilepsy, dementia, brain disorders like stress etc. To identify such neural disorders it is essential to process these signal because of the nonstationary behavior. The time frequency analysis of EEG sig…EEG analysis is used as a tool for medical diagnosis of various diseases related to brain like epilepsy, dementia, brain disorders like stress etc. To identify such neural disorders it is essential to process these signal because of the nonstationary behavior. The time frequency analysis of EEG signals provide the correct visualization of EEG signals to extract the various rhythms of frequencies like alpha, beta, gamma waves. The Wavelet transform is used to carry out the time frequency analysis of EEG signal. Wavelets are used to analyze the EEG signals correctly. Their applications include seizure analysis, modeling of neuron potentials etc. To perform these applications it is necessary to perform the mathematical operations on EEG signal by windowing, filtering and then finally reconstruction.
more »
A Sustainable & Biologically Inspired Prosthetic Hand for Healthcare
Appears in:
phat 18(14): e3

Authors:
E. L. Secco, C. Moutschen, T. F. Agidew, A. K. Nagar

Published:
23rd Jul 2018

Abstract:
There are many persons in the world affected by amputation. Upper limb amputations require high cost prosthetic devices in order to provide significant motor recovery. We propose a sustainable design and control of a new anthropomorphic prosthetic hand: all components are modular and exchangeable a…There are many persons in the world affected by amputation. Upper limb amputations require high cost prosthetic devices in order to provide significant motor recovery. We propose a sustainable design and control of a new anthropomorphic prosthetic hand: all components are modular and exchangeable and they can be assembled by non-expert users. Phalanges & articulations of the fingers and the palm are manufactured via a 3D printing process in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or Polyactic Acid (PLA) materials. The design is optimized in order to provide human-like motion and grasping taxonomy through linear actuators and flexion tendon mechanisms, which are embedded within the palm. HardWare (HW) and Software (SW) open sourced units for ElectroMyography (EMG) input and control can be combined with a user-friendly and intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) to enable amputees handling the prosthesis. To reduce the environmental impact of the device lifetime cycle, the material and energy consumption were optimized by adopting: simple design & manufacturing, high dexterity, open source HW and SW, low cost components, anthropomorphic design.
more »
Security and Privacy Issues with IoT in Healthcare
Appears in:
phat 18(14): e2

Authors:
Anil Chacko, Thaier Hayajneh

Published:
23rd Jul 2018

Abstract:
In healthcare, the Internet of Things (IoT) oﬀers many beneﬁts, including being able to monitor patients more closely and using data for analytics. When it comes to IoT for medical device integration, the focus is shifted towards the consumer end, such as glucose meters, blood pressure cuﬀs, and ot…In healthcare, the Internet of Things (IoT) oﬀers many beneﬁts, including being able to monitor patients more closely and using data for analytics. When it comes to IoT for medical device integration, the focus is shifted towards the consumer end, such as glucose meters, blood pressure cuﬀs, and other devices designed to record data on patient vital signs. This enables healthcare providers to automatically collect information and apply decision support rules to allow for earlier intervention in the treatment process. Unfortunately, medical companies often do not consider the security risks of connecting these devices to the internet. There is a possibility that a zero-day exploit in a medical device can be used to injure or even kill someone without being detected. The rise in hackable medical devices has forced the FDA to issue formal guidance on how medical device makers should handle reports about cyber vulnerabilities. This paper aims to explore the role of IoT in healthcare, vulnerabilities, attacks, and security issues and solutions.
more »
A Soft Anthropomorphic & Tactile Fingertip for LowCost Prosthetic & Robotic Applications
Appears in:
phat 18(14): e1

Authors:
E. L. Secco, C. Moutschen

Published:
23rd Jul 2018

Abstract:
Nowadays, prosthetic and robotic hands have reached an amazing dexterity and grasping capability. However, to enhance a proper tactile 'experience', dexterity should be supported by proper sensation of daily life objects which such devices are supposed to manipulate. Here we propose a low cost anth…Nowadays, prosthetic and robotic hands have reached an amazing dexterity and grasping capability. However, to enhance a proper tactile 'experience', dexterity should be supported by proper sensation of daily life objects which such devices are supposed to manipulate. Here we propose a low cost anthropomorphic solution for the integration of a force sensor within a biologically inspired fingertip. A commercial force resistive sensor is embedded within a human-like soft fingertip made of silicone: the housing of the sensor - a 3D printed bay embedded within the fingertip - is analyzed via Finite Element Analysis and optimized to enhance sensor response. Experiments validate the design and proposed solution.
more »
Mobile Stress Interventions: Mechanisms and Implications
Appears in:
phat 18(13): e6

Authors:
Luis G Jaimes, Robert Steele

Published:
28th Feb 2018

Abstract:
According to the American Psychological Association, 49% of the U.S. population suers from chronic, daily stress. Chronic stress also has significant long-term behavioral and physical health consequences, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, anxiety and depression. In thi…According to the American Psychological Association, 49% of the U.S. population suers from chronic, daily stress. Chronic stress also has significant long-term behavioral and physical health consequences, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, anxiety and depression. In this work, we examine how smartphones and mobile sensing can help address the short and long-term consequences of stress. First, we define a conceptual framework for thinking about the interaction between real-time pervasive devices and the real-time physiology of stress. Second, using this framework, we propose a set of guidelines or requirements for pervasive just-in-time intervention (JITI) systems. Third, based on these guidelines, we specify a three-layer software/hardware architecture to support just-in-time interventions for stress. Several themes emerge from this discussion, including the need for robust and accurate context-sensitive forecasting of future stress. Fourthly we describe our experiments and results demonstrating the feasibility of forecasting future stress from current measurements and the eectiveness of the intervention management approach. Finally we discuss the broader implications of mobile-based stress interventions. Whilst this work focuses on chronic stress, we believe the ideas presented are generalizable to other types of just-in-time pervasive interventions.
more »
Fractional Flow Reserve: Comparison between Invasive and Non-invasive Methods for Calculation of FFR
Appears in:
phat 18(13): e5

Authors:
S. Starcevic, S. Djorovic, N. Filipovic

Published:
28th Feb 2018

Abstract:
The heart disease that affects millions of people worldwide is coronary artery disease. It is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the arteries due to plaque which restricts blood flow, and reduces the amount of oxygen to the heart. Angiogram as a tool, which represents an X-ray examination of the …The heart disease that affects millions of people worldwide is coronary artery disease. It is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the arteries due to plaque which restricts blood flow, and reduces the amount of oxygen to the heart. Angiogram as a tool, which represents an X-ray examination of the blood vessels in the heart, is traditional tool that aid physicians in the treatment of disease. The severity of blood flow blockages in the coronary arteries is indicated by a fractional flow reserve (FFR) and allows physicians to identify which specific lesion or lesions are responsible for patient ischemia. In this paper, the mathematical model for measuring FFR is derived, and compared with results that were obtained from simulations and angiographically based methods. This analytical model and simulations help to measure values of FFR, by non-invasive methods, only by using reconstructed geometries of coronary arteries with stenosis.
more »
Computational Analysis of Blood Flow Characteristics in an Aortic System with Abdominal and Left Common Iliac Aneurysm Pre- and Post-Stent Grafting
Appears in:
phat 18(13): e4

Authors:
S. Djorovic, I. Koncar, L. Davidovic, S. Starcevic, N. Filipovic

Published:
28th Feb 2018

Abstract:
The aim of this study was to demonstrate how fluid dynamic parameters are affected by aortic geometry and flow condition in two cases. Case A included blood flow analysis in aortic system with abdominal aortic aneurysm and left common iliac aneurysm before stent graft placement, while in case B was…The aim of this study was to demonstrate how fluid dynamic parameters are affected by aortic geometry and flow condition in two cases. Case A included blood flow analysis in aortic system with abdominal aortic aneurysm and left common iliac aneurysm before stent graft placement, while in case B was included stent graft geometry, at the site of the aneurysms. An individual patient-specific geometry and a 3D finite element meshes were reconstructed, based on Computed tomography (CT) scan images. The analysis was performed using the possibilities of computational fluid dynamics. It uses numeric methods and algorithms for the simulation of blood flow by solving the Navier-Stokes equations on computational meshes. The computational simulations of cardiac cycles were performed for average blood properties and blood flow rate. The velocity field, pressure and shear stress, as main fluid dynamics parameters, were visualized and compared for cases A and B.
more »
Numerical simulation of human hearing system
Appears in:
phat 18(13): e3

Authors:
V.M. Isailovic, M.M. Nikolic, T. Bibas, A. Sakellarios, N. Tachos, M. S. Milosevic, N.D. Filipovic

Published:
28th Feb 2018

Abstract:
Hearing impairment is a problem faced by many people, mostly the elderly population but occurs even in newborns. Experimental tests performed on patients give information of the level of hearing impairment and the place where the problem is located. In order to understand process of hearing and hea…Hearing impairment is a problem faced by many people, mostly the elderly population but occurs even in newborns. Experimental tests performed on patients give information of the level of hearing impairment and the place where the problem is located. In order to understand process of hearing and hearing impairments it would be very useful to have a look inside, but it is not possible with any experimental equipment. However, it is possible to make a virtual look inside human auditory system by development of numerical model. Using data obtained by experimental research it is possible to make sufficiently detailed model and use it to gain new knowledge that can help in understanding of hearing process and problems with hearing. In this paper one such model will be presented. The model contains mechanical and fluid elements of the middle and inner ear.
more »
Parallelization of the numerical simulation of motion of deformable objects within fluid domain on a GPU device
Appears in:
phat 18(13): e2

Authors:
T. Djukic, N. Filipovic

Published:
28th Feb 2018

Abstract:
Computationally demanding numerical simulations can be significantly accelerated using GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) devices. This way, the results of the simulation can be observed in real time. In this paper, the principles of GPU programming are used to simulate the movement of deformable objec…Computationally demanding numerical simulations can be significantly accelerated using GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) devices. This way, the results of the simulation can be observed in real time. In this paper, the principles of GPU programming are used to simulate the movement of deformable objects within fluid domain. Lattice Boltzmann (LB) method is used to simulate fluid flow. The solid-fluid interaction is modeled using the Immersed boundary method. The developed software was tested on a Tesla GPU device; the execution time of parallelized version and sequential version of the software are compared and significant speed-up is obtained. Fluid flow simulations in the field of biomedicine that needed up to several hours to be performed, can now be completed in just a few minutes.
more »

Ear-Lead Multiple Smart Bio Sensor System in M-health
Appears in:
phat 16(6): e5

Authors:
Numan Celik, Wamadeva Balachandran, Nadarajah Manivannan

Downloads:
1027

Abstract:
In this paper, we present a multi-parameter wearable sensor system in conjunction with a smartphone to enable a real-time unobtrusive monitoring of core body temperature, electrocardiogram (ear-lead ECG), and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) on ambulatory patients. Clinical research illustrating that…In this paper, we present a multi-parameter wearable sensor system in conjunction with a smartphone to enable a real-time unobtrusive monitoring of core body temperature, electrocardiogram (ear-lead ECG), and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) on ambulatory patients. Clinical research illustrating that continuing accurate measurements of core body temperature (CBT) are crucial to investigate human thermoregulation in ambulatory environment and during activity. On the other hand, ECG remains the mainstay test for primary diagnosis and survival analysis of heart diseases. We implement a wireless multisensory system that measures both the tympanic temperature inside the ear and ECG data from an ear and an arm. The behind-the-Ear device makes desirable to measure ECG data without any chest belt and allow the patient to move around freely. The proposed Bluetooth device has similarity of a hearing aid and is wirelessly connected to a smartphone for data transmission and displaying. This device not only gives access to the core temperature and ECG data in real time, but also the device can be controlled – removed and reapplied – by the patient at any time, thus increasing the performance of personal health applications.
more »
Low-threshold CMOS Rectifier Design for Energy Harvesting in Biomedical Sensors
Appears in:
phat 16(6): e4

Authors:
Mehmet Yuce, Ali Mohammadi, Jean-Michel Redoute

Downloads:
813

Abstract:
The power transfer efficiency of energy harvesting systems is strongly dependent on the power conditioning circuits, especially rectifiers. The voltage drop across rectifier and its leakage current can drastically influence the efficiency. The hybrid energy harvesters impose even more severe co…The power transfer efficiency of energy harvesting systems
is strongly dependent on the power conditioning circuits,
especially rectifiers. The voltage drop across rectifier and
its leakage current can drastically influence the efficiency.
The hybrid energy harvesters impose even more severe constraints on the rectifier. The low Vth transistors and bulk
regulation technique are used in this work to mitigated the
voltage drop and leakage current, respectively. It has been
shown that the bulk regulation stops the current leakage
through body of PMOS transistor. A near zero threshold
cross connected CMOS rectifier is presented in this work using the standard 180nm UMC technology and experimental
analysis are carried out to evaluate the circuit performance.
more »
Body-IMU autocalibration for inertial hip and knee joint tracking
Appears in:
phat 16(5): e3

Authors:
Sarvenaz Salehi, Gabriele Bleser, Attila Reiss, Didier Stricker

Downloads:
678

Abstract:
Sensor to body calibration is a key requirement for capturing accurate body movements in applications based on wearable systems. In this paper, we consider the specific problem of estimating the positions of multiple inertial measurement units (IMUs) relative to the adjacent body joints. To deriv…Sensor to body calibration is a key requirement for capturing accurate body movements in applications based on wearable systems.
In this paper, we consider the specific problem of estimating the positions of multiple inertial measurement units (IMUs) relative to
the adjacent body joints. To derive an efficient, robust and precise method based on a practical procedure is a crucial as well as
challenging task when developing a wearable system with multiple
embedded IMUs. In this work, first, we perform a theoretical analysis of an existing position calibration method, showing its limited
applicability for the hip and knee joint. Based on this, we propose a method for simultaneously estimating the positions of three IMUs
(mounted on pelvis, upper leg, lower leg) relative to these joints.
The latter are here considered as an ensemble. Finally, we perform
an experimental evaluation based on simulated and real data, showing the improvements of our calibration method as well as lines of future work.
more »
SysML based Design for Variability enabling the Reusability of Legacy Systems towards the support of Diverse Standard Compliant Implementations or Standard Updates: The Case of IEEE-802.15.6 Standard for e-Health Applications
Appears in:
phat 16(5): e1

Authors:
Sofia Meacham, Fotios Gioulekas, Keith Phalp

Downloads:
587

Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to provide a consistent development path enabling the re-usability of in house legacy systems or architectures towards their re-design, in order to ensure compliance with evolving standards, by using the new features of SysML for modelling variants. Modern standards evolve …The aim of this paper is to provide a consistent development path enabling the re-usability of in house legacy systems or architectures towards their re-design, in order to ensure compliance with evolving standards, by using the new features of SysML for modelling variants. Modern standards evolve quickly, include advanced functionalities and operations and support diverse implementations. System industries need to cope with such standards changes by modifying their current technologies. This paper shows how a novel engineering process (SysML modelling) could be employed to define consistently the specification and the migration procedure of legacy systems to their variants. Within this work SysML characteristics such as package and block diagrams, are employed, with an emphasis on variability modelling, as a basis for standard compliant architecture implementation, thus providing design flexibility and reusability at several abstraction levels. As an illustration of our proposed method we present models of two variant Physical Layer structures for IEEE-802.15.6 Standard for e-Health Applications. The advanced SysML features are used to target the re-usability of a legacy Narrow-Band (NB) physical layer subsystem for the Wireless Body Area Network standard and to implement the alternative Ultra-Wide Band (UWB). Therefore, we contend that such methods bring potential benefits to those needing to ensure compliance when producing product variants.
more »
Mining Minds: an innovative framework for personalized health and wellness support
Appears in:
phat 15(2): e5

Authors:
Oresti Banos, Muhammad Amin, Wahajat Khan, Taqdir Ali, Muhammad Afzal, Byeong Kang, Sungyoung Lee

Downloads:
555

Abstract:
The world is witnessing a spectacular shift in the delivery of health and wellness care. The key ingredient of this transformation consists in the use of revolutionary digital technologies to empower people in their self-management as well as to enhance traditional care procedures. While substantia…The world is witnessing a spectacular shift in the delivery of health and wellness care. The key ingredient of this transformation consists in the use of revolutionary digital technologies to empower people in their self-management as well as to enhance traditional care procedures. While substantial domain-specific contributions have been provided to that end in the recent years, there is a clear lack of platforms that may orchestrate, and intelligently leverage, all the data, information and knowledge generated through these technologies. This work presents Mining Minds, an innovative framework that builds on the core ideas of the digital health and wellness paradigms to enable the provision of personalized healthcare and wellness support. Mining Minds embraces some of the currently most prominent digital technologies, ranging from Big Data and Cloud Computing to Wearables and Internet of Things, and state-of-the-art concepts and methods, such as Context-Awareness, Knowledge Bases or Analytics, among others. This paper aims at thoroughly describing the efficient and rational combination and interoperation of these modern technologies and methods through Mining Minds, while meeting the essential requirements posed by a framework for personalized health and wellness support.
more »
Reducing alarm fatigue: exploring decision structures, risks, and design
Appears in:
phat 17(10): e2

Authors:
Mustafa Hussain, James Dewey, Nadir Weibel

Downloads:
524

Abstract:
Automated patient monitoring systems suer from several design problems. Among them, alarm fatigue is one of the most critical issues, as evidenced by the Sentinel Event Alert that The Joint Commission – the U.S. hospital-accrediting body – recently issued. In this study, we explore fast-and-frugal…Automated patient monitoring systems suer from several design problems. Among them, alarm fatigue is one of the most critical issues, as evidenced by the Sentinel Event Alert that The Joint Commission – the U.S. hospital-accrediting body – recently issued. In this study, we explore fast-and-frugal heuristics that may be used to prioritize patient alarms, while continuing to monitor patient physiological state. By using a combination of human factors methodologies and the theory of Distributed Cognition (DCog), we studied alarm fatigue and its relationship to the underlying hospital systems. We identified three specific factors that we envision to be helpful for clinical personnel: ventilator presence, number of intravenous drips, and number of medications. We discuss their application in daily hospital operation. We also address cost-benefit considerations and possible monitor designs.
more »
Modelling and Simulation for Major Incidents
Appears in:
phat 15(4): e3

Authors:
Eleonora Pacciani, Alessandro Borri, Paolo Maurizio Soave, Daniele Gui, Sabina Magalini, Simona Panunzi, Claudio Roberto Gaz, Pasquale Gaudio, Andrea Malizia, Andrea De Gaetano

Downloads:
492

Abstract:
In recent years, there has been a rise in Major Incidents with big impact on the citizens health and the society. Without the possibility of conducting live experiments when it comes to physical and/or toxic trauma, only an accurate in silico reconstruction allows us to identify organizational solu…In recent years, there has been a rise in Major Incidents with big impact on the citizens health and the society. Without the possibility of conducting live experiments when it comes to physical and/or toxic trauma, only an accurate in silico reconstruction allows us to identify organizational solutions with the best possible chance of success, in correlation with the limitations on available resources (e.g. medical team, first responders, treatments, transports, and hospitals availability) and with the variability of the characteristic of event (e.g. type of incident, severity of the event and type of lesions).

Utilizing modelling and simulation techniques, a simplified mathematical model of physiological evolution for patients involved in physical and toxic trauma incident scenarios has been developed and implemented. The model formalizes the dynamics, operating standards and practices of medical response and the main emergency service in the chain of emergency management during a Major Incident.
more »
A smart phone based gait monitor system
Appears in:
phat 16(7): e1

Authors:
Dong Qin, Ming-Chun Huang

Downloads:
476

Abstract:
Gait is a person’s manner of walking. Analysis of gait can be used in many areas like healthcare, therapy, sports training and characteristic recognition. The goal of this paper is to present a smart phone based system to collect and calculate gait parameters. These parameters which consists of ste…Gait is a person’s manner of walking. Analysis of gait can be used in many areas like healthcare, therapy, sports training and characteristic recognition. The goal of this paper is to present a smart phone based system to collect and calculate gait parameters. These parameters which consists of steps, step length, velocity, cadence, motion intensity and walking regularity were collected by the inertial sensor in the smartphone. A prototype of gait parameter collection and visualization system has been built to collect accelerometer data from the smartphone, providing a reliable algorithm to calculate several gait parameters closely related to walking activity. The system also contains a fall detection function. Once the user suffers from fall, an alarm message will be send to another. Experiment has been done on 4 subjects for testing the stability and accuracy of the system. The experiment result has been compared with the real data. It shows a high accuracy and reliability for counting steps (error<5.47%) and walking duration (error<4.55%). Based on the gait monitor system, an anomaly data detection method is presented. Four independent gait parameters (cadence and motion intensity in three axis) are chosen from previous results during normal activity and their mean and standard deviation are calculated individually. If the latest data deviate from the normal activity model too far, this data is defined as an abnormal event.
more »
Designing Wearable Sensing Platforms for Healthcare in a Residential Environment
Appears in:
phat 17(12): e1

Authors:
Xenofon Fafoutis, Antonis Vafeas, Balazs Janko, R. Simon Sherratt, James Pope, Atis Elsts, Evangelos Mellios, Geoffrey Hilton, George Oikonomou, Robert Piechocki, Ian Craddock

Downloads:
464

Abstract:
Wearable technologies are valuable tools that can encourage people to monitor their own well-being and facilitate timely health interventions. In this paper, we present SPW-2; a low-profile versatile wearable sensor that employs two ultra low power accelerometers and an optional gyroscope. Designed…Wearable technologies are valuable tools that can encourage people to monitor their own well-being and facilitate timely health interventions. In this paper, we present SPW-2; a low-profile versatile wearable sensor that employs two ultra low power accelerometers and an optional gyroscope. Designed for minimum maintenance and a long-term operation outside the laboratory, SPW-2 is able to oer a battery lifetime of multiple months. Measurements on its wireless performance in a real residential environment with thick brick walls, demonstrate that SPW-2 can fully cover a room and - in most cases - the adjacent room, as well.
more »
MedLink: A Mobile Intervention to Address Failure Points in the Treatment of Depression in General Medicine
Appears in:
phat 15(3): e3

Authors:
David Mohr, Enid Montague, Colleen Stiles-Shields, Susan Kaiser, Christopher Brenner, Eric Carty-Fickes, Hannah Palac, Jenna Duffecy

Downloads:
446

Abstract:
Major depression is common, and imposes Major depression is common, and imposes a high burden in terms of cost, morbidity, and suffering. Most people with depression are treated in general medicine using antidepressant medication. Outcomes are poor due to failure points across the care system, in…Major depression is common, and imposes Major depression is common, and imposes a high burden in terms of cost, morbidity, and suffering. Most people with depression are treated in general medicine using antidepressant medication. Outcomes are poor due to failure points across the care system, including patient non-adherence, failure of physicians to optimize the treatment regimens, and lack of patient-physician communication. This study reports on the 4-week pilot deployment of MedLink, a mobile intervention aimed at systemically addressing each of these failure points. A mobile app provides the patient with information and collects data on symptoms and side-effects. A cellularly enabled pill bottle monitors medication adherence. Data from these are provided to the physician and patient to foster communication and medication adjustments. Usability evaluation was generally favorable. Medication adherence rates in this first deployment were high with no patients discontinuing, and 84% of doses taken. Depressive symptom severity was significantly reduced. This study supports the use of a comprehensive, systemic approach to mHealth solutions to enhance processes of care for depression by general medicine physicians.
more »

Publisher: EAI
ISSN: 2411-7145
Number of Volumes: 4

Last Published: 24th Jul 2018

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology

Natalia Romero1

Natalia Romero¹