BIODEVICES 2023 Abstracts

Full Papers Short Papers
Full Papers
Paper Nr: 3
Title:

Low Profiled Angiographic Catheter with Enhanced Pushability and Flexibility: A Novel Design, Fabrication, and in-Vitro Analysis
Authors:

Hafsa Inam, Murtaza N. Ali and Aimen Arshad
Abstract: The diagnostic angiographic catheter (DAC) available in the market have improved the survival rate and are the result of extensive R&D, but there’s still room for improvement in terms of catheter profile, enhanced pushability, and trackability therefore, the current research focuses on the development of laser-cut reinforced shaft catheters in an attempt to design a low-profile DAC with enhanced pushability and trackability. A new ‘I’ hollow geometry has been used to fabricate reinforced shafts. Stainless Steel 304 was selected as a material to fabricate a laser-cut reinforced shaft and PTFE and PEBAX® for inner lumen and catheter jacketing. This study analyzes and reports the design, performance, and behavior of laser-cut reinforced shaft catheters. The ‘I’ geometry of laser-cut reinforced shaft catheter differed from braided catheters based on ovality retention, enhanced flexural rigidity, and pushability; the pushability force analysis results prove that laser-cut reinforced shaft catheter exerts a minimal resistive force which is approximately 1/3rd times less than the braided catheter. This study also endeavored to manufacture a significantly lower wall thickness for reinforced angiographic catheters. Based on this extensive in-vitro assessment, it has been concluded that laser-cut reinforced shaft catheter performed better in advancement force and flexibility than the braided catheter. In performance evaluation, the laser-cut reinforced shaft catheter has outperformed 16 and 32 wires braided catheters, exhibiting an exceptionally minimal pushability force of 6.25 N.
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Paper Nr: 5
Title:

Artificial Intelligence and Numerical Methods Aided Design of Patient-Specific Coronary Stents
Authors:

William Solórzano-Requejo, Carlos Aguilar, Rodrigo Zapata Martínez, Oscar Contreras-Almengor, Isabel Moscol, Carlos Ojeda, Jon Molina-Aldareguia and Andrés Diaz Lantada
Abstract: The design of personalized medical devices, which are adapted to the patient’s needs, starts from a digital model created from the advanced use of clinical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. However, this methodology has several sources of error related to the medical imaging acquisition, segmentation and reverse engineering process, tessellation, and the selected additive manufacturing technique. Therefore, this paper proposes a new design strategy that avoids medical image segmentation. To demonstrate its feasibility, a patient-specific coronary stent was designed and manufactured based on slices similar to medical images. Using artificial intelligence algorithms and numerical methods, the ellipse that best fit the patient’s artery was obtained, and finally customized stent was generated from the parameterization of unit cells, demonstrating that it is possible to semi-automate the design of biodevices by removing some sources of error inherent to the conventional workflow.
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Paper Nr: 6
Title:

Physico-Mechanical and Performance-Based Testing of a Semi-Compliant Polyamide-Based Angioplasty Balloon Catheter
Authors:

Murtaza N. Ali, Heinz Schade, Jessica Schade, Azhar M. Kayani, Muhammad M. Aslam, Haris Ali and Zunaira Qureshi
Abstract: PTCA balloon catheters have been used for angioplasty for more than 40 years, but no study in the literature reported the physico-mechanical attributes and intended use performance of polyamide-based semi-compliant PTCA balloon catheter. Therefore, the focus of this research was to evaluate the physico-mechanical properties (according to ISO-10555 standards) and performance of a polyamide-based PTCA balloon catheter. The intended use performance of the polyamide-based catheter was evaluated quantitatively in comparison with commercially available PTCA catheters through an in vitro catheter trackability test. The bond strength of the test catheter was found to be 22.8N and 11.6N at Luer/shaft connection and balloon/shaft connection, respectively which means that this catheter is 3 times stronger than the set criteria and is unlikely to easily break or damage during angioplasty procedure. The intended use performance of the Polyamide based catheter was on par with that of B.Braun’s SeQuent®; the overall trend observed was Terumo’s RyujinTM > Abbott’s Mini TrekTM > Boston Scientific’s EmergeTM > B.Braun’s SeQuent® > Polyamide based PTCA catheter. In conclusion, polyamide-based PTCA catheter exhibited favorable results in every test described in ISO-10555 standards and proved its potential suitability for the intended purpose when compared with the market leading PTCA catheters.
Paper Nr: 15
Title:

In silico Tissue Engineering and Cancer Treatment Using Cellular Automata and Hybrid Cellular Automata-Finite Element Models
Authors:

Andrés Díaz Lantada, Miguel Urosa Sánchez and David Fernández Fernández
Abstract: An innovative approach for in silico tissue engineering and cancer treatment is presented in this study. It is based on the employment of cellular automata (CA) and cellular automata hybridised with finite-element models (FEM) for simulating cells within tissue engineering scaffolds. Thanks to the presented strategy, it has been possible to model cells colonising scaffolds, the interactions among different populations of cells and between the cells and the scaffolds as extracellular matrices, and the effects of external stimuli, like temperature, for treating disease. Among the advances incorporated to conventional models based on cellular automata it is important to mention: the establishment of a direct connection between CAD models and the simulation workspace, the incorporation of a wall factor for considering the affinity of cells for the extracellular matrix, the coupling of FEM simulations to the cellular automata for rendering them more versatile, and the modelling of interactions among different types of cells. Results, limitations, and potentials of these simulation approaches are presented and discussed, in connection with current trends in software as a medical device (SaMD).
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Paper Nr: 19
Title:

Simulating the Effects of Melanin and Air Gap Depth on the Accuracy of Reflectance Pulse Oximeters
Authors:

Miodrag Bolic
Abstract: The work aims to understand the effects of skin color and air gap depth on the accuracy of oxygen saturation estimation. In this paper, this is done by simulating light propagation through the tissue. It is very important to understand light propagation through the tissue when designing a reflectance pulse oximeter to know what tissue layers are illuminated by the LEDs, how to position the emitter and the detector depending on the measurement site, and what kind of signal is expected at the photodetector. This knowledge could also contribute to developing robust pulse oximeters whose accuracy does not depend on a subject’s skin color. Our simulation results confirm a larger variation of SpO2 for lower saturation levels for dark-skinned subjects if the SpO2 calibration curve is mainly obtained based on measurements from light-skinned subjects. Also, if the device is calibrated with a small air gap, increasing the air gap will result in overestimated SpO2.
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Paper Nr: 20
Title:

A Portable System for Screening of Cervical Cancer
Authors:

Paloma C. Andrade and Sesh Commuri
Abstract: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect women, with the highest incidence and mortality rates occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, but the need for expensive equipment, trained colposcopists, and clinical infrastructure has made it difficult to eradicate this disease. To address such limitations, we propose the development of a portable, low-cost colposcope that is easy to use, which uses image processing techniques to automate lesion detection and provides a quantitative measure to evaluate progression of the disease or to measure treatment efficacy. Through this paper, we present the development of a system that encompasses the above, and preliminary results show that we can achieve a low-cost bioinformatics-based screening for early detection of cervical cancer in a clinical setting.
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Paper Nr: 26
Title:

Pattern Genomic Probes Inside Capillary Tubes by Magneto Lithography Method Producing Parallel Detection of DNA and RNA
Authors:

Amos Bardea
Abstract: Here we present a new technique that introduces the possibility to pattern inside closed volume using the Magneto lithography (ML) method which allows the chemical patterning of the inside of the micro-channel tube. The ML method is a bottom-up method but at the same time, it provides the desired high-throughput capabilities for mass production. The ML method simplifies chemical surface patterning because it does not require resist, which may contaminate the substrate. ML can also be applied for applications combining both microelectronics and chemical patterning. Furthermore, ML does not depend on the surface topography and planarity, and can pattern non-flat surfaces and the inside surfaces of a closed volume, therefore, ML allows the chemical patterning of the inside of tubes.
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Paper Nr: 27
Title:

An Analysis of IoMT Vital Signs Measurement Devices for Practical and Secure Remote Clinical Monitoring
Authors:

Kerry Y. Fang, Quoc L. Trieu, Heidi Bjering, Steven Thomas, Jim Basilakis and Jeewani A. Ginige
Abstract: The increasing need to provide care outside of hospitals necessitates remote monitoring of basic vital signs of patients from places such as private homes and aged care facilities. While much exploratory research has been done on using Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices for remote monitoring, there is a requirement to examine the practicality associated with the mass use of affordable off-the-shelf devices in terms of usability, secure access to data, and integration into hospital-based information systems. This paper investigates various security aspects in nine vital signs sensor devices that can be purchased and used for homecare monitoring in Australia. Specifically, the security and privacy aspects of these devices and associated software, regulatory compliance, interoperability, and formats of the accessible data streams were investigated. It was found that the devices were not entirely secure, as personal health information could be accessed using appropriate tools. Only one vendor enabled encryption during data transmission and provided an API to access data. While the clinical use of these devices with integration into hospital systems for practical remote monitoring is not easily achievable, it is possible to use devices for day-to-day vital signs monitoring purposes in a home setting.
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Short Papers
Paper Nr: 1
Title:

On the Application of Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Indices to Track Changes in Cognitive Arousal
Authors:

Mahtab Mohammadpoor Faskhodi and Miquel A. García-González
Abstract: Studies have demonstrated that Heart Rate Variability (HRV) can be utilized as an effective tool for monitoring the level of arousal. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is frequently measured by heart rate and principally controlled by the coordinated parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, which also regulate fluctuations in arousal. In HRV studies short-term analysis is more affordable and easier to measure rather than long-term analysis. Here, to track arousal changes, 31 participants (18 male and 13 female) with a mean age of 32 years were examined in both relaxed and aroused stages. Relax and arousal states are measured in two stages, each lasting five minutes. Relaxed status was carried out with closed eyes and listening to nature sounds. The arousal status was performed by playing a Stroop test while listening to traffic noise or death metal music. After data acquisition, 28 HRV features are calculated for each five-minute epoch. The observations have demonstrated that novel indices such as FnQ and ACI produced better results in arousal detection by using short-term (5 min) HRV analysis among all of the obtained indices. Moreover, the performance of ACI was significantly superior to the rest since it is a robust and easy-to-compute index. Consequently, ACI can be used as a powerful tool for monitoring cognitive arousal.
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Paper Nr: 8
Title:

Analysis of a Simple Method to Change the Wettability of the PDMS Surface for Biomicrofluidic Applications
Authors:

Inês M. Gonçalves, Diana Pinho, Andrea Zille, Hirokazu Kaji, Graça Minas, Rui Lima, Patrícia C. Sousa and Ana Moita
Abstract: One of the most often utilized materials for making microfluidic devices is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Organs-on-a-chip (OoC) is a novel class of devices that blends cell culture with microfluidic technology. These devices replicate the microphysiological characteristics of the human body to make it easier to research both healthy and unhealthy conditions. Due to its mechanical and chemical characteristics, as well as the fact that it is a biocompatible and inert substance, PDMS is one of the materials of choice to manufacture OoC. However, PDMS has the tendency to promote the adsorption of non-specific molecules due to its hydrophobic properties, which may impede cell culture adhesion and growth and reduce the specificity of several biochemical tests. It is also necessary to use external sources for flow control, such as syringe pumps, due to the hydrophobicity of the materials’ potential effects on fluid flow within the microchannels of microfluidic devices. Oxygen plasma treatment is one of the frequently used methods for enhancing the wettability of the PDMS surface. This strategy is, however, only effective for a limited time. Another tactic is to add ingredients like surfactants during manufacturing to change the bulk of PDMS. In this study, PDMS was mixed with a variety of surfactants at a concentration of 1% wt. The wettability changes were examined on the day the samples were collected and one week later. A week after manufacture, two surfactants continued to improve the wettability of the PDMS surface to a hydrophilic behavior.
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Paper Nr: 9
Title:

In Vitro Flow Study in an Intracranial Aneurysm Biomodel Manufactured by Additive Manufacturing
Authors:

Andrews Souza, Diana Rodrigues, Maria S. Souza, Conrado Ferrera, João Ribeiro, Rui A. Lima and Ana Moita
Abstract: The hemodynamics of Intracranial Aneurysm (IA) involves complex phenomena that influence its growth and rupture. The progress of additive manufacturing techniques has allowed the development of biomodels suitable to perform in vitro flow experiments. Hence, this work presents the manufacturing process to fabricate flow biomodels by using the additive manufacturing technique known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The biomodels obtained through the proposed technique has proved to be suitable for in vitro flow experiments using imaging techniques and for validation of numerical studies.
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Paper Nr: 10
Title:

A Novel Multi-Modal Sensing System Prototype for Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Monitoring
Authors:

Yusuf Z. Hayirlioglu and Beren Semiz
Abstract: Cardiopulmonary disease treatments can highly benefit from remote monitoring systems, allowing for early diagnosis and enabling personalized treatment programs. In this paper, the feasibility and performance of such a system is demonstrated. Continuous and simultaneous monitoring of electrocardiogram (ECG), seismocardiogram (SCG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and body temperature signals from a total of six sensors is achieved by a microcontroller-based setup, which consists of a fixed main body mounted on mid-sternum and a mobile daughter body mounted on the wrist. The data is stored in an SD card and transmitted by a Bluetooth to PC in real-time, allowing easy data access. The proposed system’s performance is examined in comparison to the heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and respiration rate metrics derived from the BIOPAC system’s ECG and respiration data. Low margins of error in all test cases show that the system works at high performance.
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Paper Nr: 11
Title:

A Novel Microfluidic Pressure Sensor for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Pulse Data Collection and Analysis
Authors:

Hong Zhu, Liutong Lin, Jui Pin Er, James Wong and Lingling Sun
Abstract: Recently, we developed a novel microfluidic pressure sensor which can accurately sense and collect human wrist arterial pulse signals to be used in a wearable TCM pulse analyzer enabled with artificial intelligence for self-monitoring of cardiovascular disease. Various micro tactile sensor structures had been explored and fabricated using in-house microfabrication facilities. The connection between the parameters of sensor and its output has been investigated and found that the parameters of pressure sensor had great influence on its performance. An easy-to-use mechanical structure to hold the sensor and pulse signal reading and processing electronics on both hardware and firmware have also been designed and fabricated.
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Paper Nr: 12
Title:

Design and Manufacturing of Microtextured Patient-Specific Coronary Stent
Authors:

Francisco Franco-Martínez, William Solórzano-Requejo, Alejandro de Blas-de Miguel, Matthias Vostatek, Christian Grasl, Marta Bonora, Francesco Moscato and Andrés Díaz Lantada
Abstract: Currently, the most usual treatment for coronary artery disease is the use of stents, which are produced with standard dimensions and shapes and the surgeon selects the one that best fits the patient’s anatomy. Due to this treatment, likelihood of restenosis might reach 40%. Additionally, thrombi formation is an important risk for these patients that is treated with anticoagulant medicines. Therefore, a design and manufacturing method to produce microtextured patient-specific coronary stent is developed with the aim to minimize the likelihood of restenosis and thrombosis. Stents consisting of unit cells structures that are regularly repeated to form a ring and, sometimes connectors to join the rings. To improve the fitting between artery and stent, parametric design of unit cell as a function of the length and mean radius of coronary artery is required. Then, the unit cell is microtextured to improve hemocompatibility using a bioinspired design in shark skin, which provide superhydrophobicity, drag reduction and oleophobicity under water conditions. Once the unit cell is micropatterned, a reverse engineering reconstruction is done to obtain the stent model. Finally, the design is manufactured with a 3D printer using two-photon polymerisation technology. SEM is used to evaluate the design and manufacturing method.
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Paper Nr: 13
Title:

Ultra-Low Power Electronic Circuits Inspired by Biological Genetic Processes
Authors:

Ilan Oren, Raghd Abu-Sinni and Ramez Daniel
Abstract: Neuromorphic engineering, inspired by principles and architecture of neuronal circuitries, enabled the design of Artificial Neural networks (ANNs) for Intelligent systems. These systems perform very complex computation tasks, yet they consume significant power. Thus, using artificial intelligence (AI) for applications where only a small power source is available is very limited. While the neuronal networks in the brain can recognize complex patterns and memorize enormous elements, molecular and protein networks can perform other complex tasks such as adaptive immunity and cell differentiation at high energy efficiency. Here, we claim that a bio-inspired computing platform mimicking molecular protein networks can lead to ultra-low power emergent computation. Previously, we proposed a molecular-inspired computing model named Perceptgene that has the attributes of learning and adaptivity as the neural network (Rizik et al., 2022). Similarities were found between equations describing biochemical reactions and transistor operation at subthreshold (Sarpeshkar, 2011) enabling the design of Perceptgene with subthreshold electrical circuits. Thus, the subthreshold Perceptgene circuits are expected to allow computing and learning capabilities at ultra-low power consumption.
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Paper Nr: 17
Title:

Bioimpedance Simulations for the Monitoring of Fluid Overload in Heart Failure Patients
Authors:

Alejandro P. Prenda, Alberto Olmo, Alberto Yúfera, Santiago F. Scagliusi, Pablo Pérez and Gloria Huertas
Abstract: Heart Failure (HF) is a relevant disease that leads to an overload of fluids (edema) that accumulate in the pulmonary and systemic vascular territory of the patient. The use of bioimpedance measurements have been proposed for the monitoring of edema in heart failure patients, being necessary to optimize the design of electrodes systems in medical medices. In our work we present the modelling of the supramalleolar section of the leg, and finite element simulations of bioimpedance measurements performed to monitor fluid overload in lower limbs. Results show the similarity of our simulations with performed experiments, and the validity of our model to study the optimization in the design process of bioimpedance electrodes.
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Paper Nr: 18
Title:

Towards an Intelligent Triage Bracelet: A Conceptual Study of a Semi-Automated Prehospital Triage Algorithm and the Integration of Blood Pressure Measurement
Authors:

Lorenz Grünerbel, Ferdinand Heinrich, Oliver Zett, Kristjan Axelsson and Maximilian Schumann
Abstract: First responders often reach their limit when they have to find and triage dozens of victims in a mass-casualty incident. However, a delay in treatment directly affects the survival chances of seriously injured people. A method to reduce the time for the prehospital triage could potentially save lives. Hence, this work outlines the conceptual development of an intelligent bracelet that semi-automates the prehospital triage. This bracelet is supposed to enable non-professional first responders to help with the triage, which maximises the utilisation of man power at a mass-casualty incident. The bracelet should automate the part of the triage that is based on vital, position and movement data and it should guide through the necessary patient interactions. As a step towards this goal, this work proposes a semi-automated triage algorithm that is based on mSTaRT. One of the challenges to implement this concept is to measure the blood pressure with a small and easy to attach system. Therefore, this work presents a wrist worn oscillometric blood pressure measurement prototype. Furthermore, we discuss the use of machine learning methods to forecast triage level changes.
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Paper Nr: 22
Title:

Enhancing Men’s Health Management at Home with an Easy-to-Use, App-Connected Prostate Self-Testing Device
Authors:

Elisabeth Benke, Simone Gschaidmeier, Olivier Gentsch, Hannes Deittert, Sina Martin, Alexander Preis and Jörg Franke
Abstract: A fundamental problem in men’s health is that large groups of men shy away from visiting the doctor, and specifically, often do not take part in early screening tests if they do not have complaints yet. This is particularly evident in the sensitive field of urology. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most widespread disorders in ageing men and is associated with an increasing burden on healthcare systems. It is often underdiagnosed and undertreated and has a substantial impact on the patients’ quality of life. An altered urine flow curve can be a first clue to BPH. A new developed, easy-to-use prostate self-testing device based on a Swiss high-precision flowmeter enables men to check their urine flow at home in familiar surroundings. Via a Bluetooth connection, the results can be transmitted wirelessly and stored in a digital diary so that long-term developments can be tracked. The self-testing device not only provides men with the opportunity to deal with their health with low effort and in a discreet way, but also gives them certainty about their prostate health status.
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Paper Nr: 23
Title:

Towards a Synthetic Tissue Model of the Lower Urinary Tract
Authors:

Alexander Preis, Christina Merkl, Paula Miralles, Svenja Heer, Elisabeth Benke, Sebastian Reitelshöfer, Sina Martin, Ralf Rieker and Jörg Franke
Abstract: The development of medical devices often depends on in vivo studies to validate the proper functioning of the products. These trials provide ethical as well as economic challenges, which can be partially addressed by the usage of realistic synthetic tissue models that replicate human anatomy and the corresponding properties of the biological tissue. In this work, a silicone-based model with a fiber structure and a PVA-based model that exhibits fabrication-induced anisotropy are presented in the special context of the lower urinary tract. The analysis of the materials in the uniaxial tensile test shows the anisotropic and viscoelastic properties of the materials. Furthermore, the anatomical model of the lower urinary tract shows expected deformation in simulation as well as in the real silicone model. Additionally, a suitable artificial urine according to ISO 20696 is shown for use with the model. First experiments to change the pH of the artificial urine are successfully conducted.
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Paper Nr: 24
Title:

Biomechanical System Prototype with Advanced Biofeedback for Rehabilitation of Bedridden Patients
Authors:

Frederico Santos, Luis Roseiro, Cândida Malça, Alexandra André, Ruben Durães, William Xavier, Arménio Cruz and Marco Silva
Abstract: Citizens with physical limitations, namely bedridden patients, are often unable to perform physical activity alone, which can translate into long periods of immobilization, with serious consequences for their health. This type of patient usually stays in bed for long periods, leading to getting several motor problems due to their immobility. Thus, it is important to develop biomechanical systems that can be used in the implementation of physical rehabilitation activities for this type of patient. This work presents a prototype, specifically developed for bedridden patients, aiming to contribute to the prevention of complications associated with their immobility for long periods of time. The developed equipment is based on a modular structure allowing a linear module with active/passive operation and alternatively an active/passive rotary module, to perform different types of physical movements on upper and lower limbs. This work describes the developed management and control system with emphasis on the use of biofeedback sensors and real-time data analysis. The first tests carried out on the prototype clearly identified the benefits of the system when used in physical-motor rehabilitation procedures for long-term bedridden patients.
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Paper Nr: 7
Title:

Monitoring of Vital Signs in the Home Environment: A Review of Current Technologies and Solutions
Authors:

Nerea Arandia, Jose I. Garate and Jon Mabe
Abstract: Vital signs measurement is key for monitoring and controlling the health of patients in the home environment. Parameters such as body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation or blood glucose reflect the state of essential functions of the human body. Deviations of some of these parameters may indicate illness or worsening of the patient’s condition. Nowadays there are different devices that allow the measurement of the main vital signs, in this article the measurement technologies as well as the main medical devices are reviewed. Many of these devices are not suitable for simultaneous monitoring of several vital signs so the patient is required to handle a multitude of devices. Therefore, a review of new monitoring device concepts that combine more than one vital sign and do not interfere with the day-to-day life of patients is carried out.
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Paper Nr: 16
Title:

4D Printed Surgical Devices: Current Capabilities and Challenges
Authors:

Rodrigo Zapata Martínez, Carlos Aguilar, William Solórzano-Requejo, Oscar Contreras-Almengor, Carlos Polvorinos Fernández, Jon Molina-Aldareguia and Andrés Díaz Lantada
Abstract: The concept of 4D printing refers to the ability of a 3D printed material or device to change shape in a predefined manner controlled from the design stage. Currently, 4D printing research is performed by employing various additive technologies and materials, whose special design features or functional properties allow for these shape transformations or metamorphoses after printing. This smart shape-morphing behaviour is already providing innovative concepts for biomedical engineering and healthcare technologies, although important advances are still needed towards impactful transfer to society. This study presents different polymeric additive manufacturing technologies: stereolithography, digital light processing and selective laser sintering, that can be employed towards shape-morphing or 4D printed medical devices, in some cases at prototyping level, in others for final production. Through the prototyping of different joints and kinematic chains, configured as potential surgical actuators, the potentials and limitations of these resources are studied and good design practices and future applications for 4D printed biodevices are provided. The applicability of polymeric 4D printing to emulate and predict 4D printability with high-performance alloys is discussed.
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Paper Nr: 21
Title:

A Modular BLE-Based Body Area Network Embedded into a Smart Garment for Rescuers Real-Time Monitoring in Emergency Scenarios
Authors:

Giulia Sedda, Giulia Baldazzi, Salvatore Spanu, Antonello Mascia, Andrea Spanu, Piero Cosseddu, Annalisa Bonfiglio and Danilo Pani
Abstract: In this work, we present a prototype of a smart technical underwear for first responders involved in search-and-rescue operations, to be worn under the rescuer’s professional uniform. Polymer-based electrodes able to detect ECG and EMG signals, and organic transistor for joint angles estimation are embedded into the smart garment. The technical underwear implements a body sensor network of BLE nodes able to acquire, process in real-time and transmit electrophysiological and biomechanical data from the sensors to a custom Android app on the rescuer’s smartphone. The app geolocates the data by using the information of the GPS integrated into the smartphone and sends them to the control center for remote monitoring. The system features high modularity, as the rescuer can adopt a subset of sensors depending on the specific operative context, without any app configuration.
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Paper Nr: 28
Title:

Smartphone Sensors to Measure Individual Sleeping Pattern: Experimental Study
Authors:

Doaa Alamoudi, Ian Nabney and Esther Crawley
Abstract: The wide spread of using smartphone sensors to measure several health parameters such as collecting and tracking individual activities, sleeping patterns and data, enables doctors to provide personalised treatment. This paper discussed the use of smartphone sensors to track insomnia. The SleepTracker app was developed to test the ability to track an individual’s day to day sleeping pattern based on screen on/off events, its accuracy evaluated and further improved on.
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