Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring

A special issue of Information (ISSN 2078-2489). This special issue belongs to the section "Information Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 July 2020) | Viewed by 28453

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Nypro, a JABIL Company, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Interests: sensors; embedded systems; antennas; optics; medical imaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Large volumes of information are generated on the basis of smaller, faster, and more pervasive sensing integrated within our current health monitoring systems. Such information holds the potential to yield proportionally large bioinformatics data sets for transformation into actionable medical knowledge. This knowledge aids in tracking and diagnosis of physiological issues, clinical decision making, early detection of infectious diseases, prevention, and ultimately, the swift analysis of health hazards.

In an effort to promote the proliferation of the aforementioned tasks, it is invaluable to explore ever advancing topics such as the design and development of ubiquitous and unobtrusive health monitoring systems, the types of sensors deployed within such systems, biosensing trends and developments, sensor networks, data modeling, algorithm developments, and more. This Special Issue aims to address these topics by focusing on novel solutions in this vast realm. Contributions that include but are not limited to the following topics are welcome:

  • Pervasive and unobtrusive physiological monitoring solutions;
  • Wearable health monitoring technologies;
  • Implantable biosensors;
  • Textiles and clothing;
  • Internet of Healthcare Things (IoHT);
  • Connected health solutions;
  • Wireless sensing;
  • Unconventional healthcare sensing;
  • Multimodal sensing and analysis solutions;
  • Body sensor networks;
  • Longitudinal sensor data synthesis;
  • Data modeling and mining techniques;
  • Signal processing and deep learning in sensor systems;
  • Data fusion and multivariate algorithm development.

Submitted manuscripts should present novel contributions highlighting innovative technologies and applications. Relevant topical reviews are also encouraged for submission.

Dr. Yusuf A. Bhagat
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Information is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Ubiquitous and pervasive health sensing
  • Wearable sensors
  • Smart health monitoring
  • Internet of Healthcare Things (IoHT)
  • Multimodal sensing
  • Data fusion
  • Algorithm developments

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 169 KiB  
Editorial
Introducing the Special Issue on “Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring”
by Yusuf A. Bhagat
Information 2021, 12(2), 74; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/info12020074 - 09 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1618
Abstract
Sensors continue to pervade our surroundings in undiminished ways [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring)

Research

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10 pages, 1312 KiB  
Article
Validity of a Smart-Glasses-Based Step-Count Measure during Simulated Free-Living Conditions
by Alessia Cristiano, Alberto Sanna and Diana Trojaniello
Information 2020, 11(9), 404; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/info11090404 - 21 Aug 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2290
Abstract
Step counting represents a valuable approach to monitor the amount of daily physical activity. The feet, wrist and trunk have been demonstrated as the ideal locations to automatically detect the number of steps through body-worn devices (i.e., step counters). Key features of such [...] Read more.
Step counting represents a valuable approach to monitor the amount of daily physical activity. The feet, wrist and trunk have been demonstrated as the ideal locations to automatically detect the number of steps through body-worn devices (i.e., step counters). Key features of such devices are high usability, practicality and unobtrusiveness. Therefore, the opportunity to integrate step-counting functions in daily worn accessories represents one of the recent and most important challenges. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the validity of a smart-glasses-based step-counter measure by comparing their performances against the most popular commercial step counters. To this purpose, smart glasses data from 26 healthy subjects performing simulated free-living walking conditions along a predefined path were collected. Reference measures from inertial sensors mounted on the subjects’ ankles and data from commercial (waist- and wrists-worn) step counters were acquired during the tests. The results showed an overall percentage error of 1%. In conclusion, the proposed smart glasses could be considered an accurate step counter, showing performances comparable to the most common commercial step counters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring)
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12 pages, 2148 KiB  
Article
An Internet of Things Approach to Contact Tracing—The BubbleBox System
by Andrea Polenta, Pietro Rignanese, Paolo Sernani, Nicola Falcionelli, Dagmawi Neway Mekuria, Selene Tomassini and Aldo Franco Dragoni
Information 2020, 11(7), 347; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/info11070347 - 03 Jul 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5972
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exploded at the beginning of 2020, with over four million cases in five months, overwhelming the healthcare sector. Several national governments decided to adopt containment measures, such as lockdowns, social distancing, and quarantine. Among these measures, contact tracing can contribute [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic exploded at the beginning of 2020, with over four million cases in five months, overwhelming the healthcare sector. Several national governments decided to adopt containment measures, such as lockdowns, social distancing, and quarantine. Among these measures, contact tracing can contribute in bringing under control the outbreak, as quickly identifying contacts to isolate suspected cases can limit the number of infected people. In this paper we present BubbleBox, a system relying on a dedicated device to perform contact tracing. BubbleBox integrates Internet of Things and software technologies into different components to achieve its goal—providing a tool to quickly react to further outbreaks, by allowing health operators to rapidly reach and test possible infected people. This paper describes the BubbleBox architecture, presents its prototype implementation, and discusses its pros and cons, also dealing with privacy concerns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring)
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17 pages, 8533 KiB  
Article
Non-Contact Driver Respiration Rate Detection Technology Based on Suppression of Multipath Interference with Directional Antenna
by Fan Yang, Zhiming He, Shisheng Guo, Yuanhua Fu, Liang Li, Junfeng Lu and Kui Jiang
Information 2020, 11(4), 192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/info11040192 - 04 Apr 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3213
Abstract
Non-contact driver respiration rate detection is a challenging problem in the Internet of Vehicles, because the automobile environment is much narrower, and thus the multipath effect is greater. To overcome these challenges, a 2.4 GHz continuous wave forward-scattering radar respiratory detection system is [...] Read more.
Non-contact driver respiration rate detection is a challenging problem in the Internet of Vehicles, because the automobile environment is much narrower, and thus the multipath effect is greater. To overcome these challenges, a 2.4 GHz continuous wave forward-scattering radar respiratory detection system is proposed based on the theory that the radar cross-section (RCS) of the human body changes with human breathing. We also analyze the impact of the multipath effect in the vehicle on the received radar signal and compare the output signal captured by a directional antenna with that captured by an omnidirectional antenna in the proposed system. In addition, the mean value of the received signal’s envelope is used to judge whether the driver’s posture is reasonable. Finally, compared with the existing contact respiratory detection system, the actual test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FSR system, and the driver respiration rates obtained by the proposed system are consistent with those obtained by the contact respiratory detection system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring)
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14 pages, 4400 KiB  
Communication
Paper-Based Flexible Electrode Using Chemically-Modified Graphene and Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites for Electrophysiological Signal Sensing
by Md Faruk Hossain, Jae Sang Heo, John Nelson and Insoo Kim
Information 2019, 10(10), 325; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/info10100325 - 22 Oct 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4241
Abstract
Flexible paper-based physiological sensor electrodes were developed using chemically-modified graphene (CG) and carboxylic-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube composites (f@MWCNTs). A solvothermal process with additional treatment was conducted to synthesize CG and f@MWCNTs to make CG-f@MWCNT composites. The composite was sonicated in an appropriate solvent [...] Read more.
Flexible paper-based physiological sensor electrodes were developed using chemically-modified graphene (CG) and carboxylic-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube composites (f@MWCNTs). A solvothermal process with additional treatment was conducted to synthesize CG and f@MWCNTs to make CG-f@MWCNT composites. The composite was sonicated in an appropriate solvent to make a uniform suspension, and then it was drop cast on a nylon membrane in a vacuum filter. A number of batches (0%~35% f@MWCNTs) were prepared to investigate the performance of the physical characteristics. The 25% f@MWCNT-loaded composite showed the best adhesion on the paper substrate. The surface topography and chemical bonding of the proposed CG-f@MWCNT electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The average sheet resistance of the 25% CG-f@MWCNT electrode was determined to be 75 Ω/□, and it showed a skin contact impedance of 45.12 kΩ at 100 Hz. Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were recorded from the chest and fingertips of healthy adults using the proposed electrodes. The CG-f@MWCNT electrodes demonstrated comfortability and a high sensitivity for electrocardiogram signal detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring)
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Review

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31 pages, 517 KiB  
Review
Wearable Sensors for Monitoring and Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases: A Systematic Review
by Annica Kristoffersson and Maria Lindén
Information 2020, 11(11), 521; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/info11110521 - 06 Nov 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4027
Abstract
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting a healthy well-being for all at all ages are listed as some of the goals in Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Considering that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, reducing the mortality of NCDs [...] Read more.
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting a healthy well-being for all at all ages are listed as some of the goals in Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Considering that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, reducing the mortality of NCDs is an important target. To reach this goal, means for detecting and reacting to warning signals are necessary. Here, remote health monitoring in real time has great potential. This article provides a systematic review of the use of wearable sensors for the monitoring and prevention of NCDs. In addition, this article not only provides in-depth information about the retrieved articles, but also discusses examples of studies assessing warning signals that may result in serious health conditions, such as stroke and cardiac arrest, if left untreated. One finding is that even though many good examples of wearable sensor systems for monitoring and controlling NCDs are presented, many issues also remain to be solved. One major issue is the lack of testing on representative people from a sociodemographic perspective. Even though substantial work remains, the use of wearable sensor systems has a great potential to be used in the battle against NCDs by providing the means to diagnose, monitor and prevent NCDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring)
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20 pages, 438 KiB  
Review
Mobile Applications for Training Plan Using Android Devices: A Systematic Review and a Taxonomy Proposal
by Bruno F. Tavares, Ivan Miguel Pires, Gonçalo Marques, Nuno M. Garcia, Eftim Zdravevski, Petre Lameski, Vladimir Trajkovik and Aleksandar Jevremovic
Information 2020, 11(7), 343; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/info11070343 - 02 Jul 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6152
Abstract
Fitness and physical exercise are preferred in the pursuit of healthier and active lifestyles. The number of mobile applications aiming to replace or complement a personal trainer is increasing. However, this also raises questions about the reliability, integrity, and even safety of the [...] Read more.
Fitness and physical exercise are preferred in the pursuit of healthier and active lifestyles. The number of mobile applications aiming to replace or complement a personal trainer is increasing. However, this also raises questions about the reliability, integrity, and even safety of the information provided by such applications. In this study, we review mobile applications that serve as virtual personal trainers. We present a systematic review of 36 related mobile applications, updated between 2017 and 2020, classifying them according to their characteristics. The selection criteria considers the following combination of keywords: “workout”, “personal trainer”, “physical activity”, “fitness”, “gymnasium”, and “daily plan”. Based on the analysis of the identified mobile applications, we propose a new taxonomy and present detailed guidelines on creating mobile applications for personalised workouts. Finally, we investigated how can mobile applications promote health and well-being of users and whether the identified applications are used in any scientific studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ubiquitous Sensing for Smart Health Monitoring)
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