Analysis of Wireless Body-Centric Medical Sensors for Remote Healthcare

Aquesta tesi aborda el problema de trobar solucions confortables, de baixa potència i sense fils per aplicacions mèdiques. La tesi tracta els avantatges i les limitacions de tres tecnologies de comunicació diferents per la mesura de paràmetres del cos i mètodes per redissenyar sensors per avaluacions òptimes centrades en el cos. La tecnologia RFID es considera una de les solucions més influents per superar el problema del consum d'energia limitat, a causa de la presència de molts sensors connectats. També s'ha estudiat la tecnologia Bluetooth de baixa energia per resoldre els problemes de seguretat i la distància de lectura que, en general, representen el coll d'ampolla de RFID pels sensors de cos. Els dispositius analògics poden reduir dràsticament les necessitats d'energia a causa dels sensors i les comunicacions, considerant pocs elements i un mètode de transmissió simple. S'estudia un mètode de comunicació completament passiu, basat en FSS, que permet una distància de lectura raonable amb capacitats de detecció precises i confiables, que s'ha discutit en aquesta tesi. L'objectiu d'aquesta tesi és investigar múltiples tecnologies sense fils per dispositius portàtils per identificar solucions adequades per aplicacions particulars en el camp mèdic. El primer objectiu és demostrar la facilitat d'ús de les tecnologies econòmiques sense bateria com un indicador útil de paràmetres fisiopatològics mitjançant la investigació de les propietats de les etiquetes RFID. A més a més, s'ha abordat un aspecte més complex respecte a l'ús de petits components passius com sensors sense fils per trastorns del son. Per últim, un altre objectiu de la tesi és el desenvolupament d'un sistema completament autònom que utilitzi tecnologia BLE per obtenir propietats avançades mantenint baix tant el consum com el preuEsta tesis aborda el problema de encontrar soluciones confortables, inalámbricas y de baja potencia para aplicaciones médicas. La tesis discute las ventajas y limitaciones de tres tecnologías de comunicación diferentes para la medición en el cuerpo y los métodos para elegir y remodelar los sensores para evaluaciones óptimas centradas en el cuerpo. La tecnología RFID se considera una de las soluciones más influyentes para superar el consumo de energía limitado debido a la presencia de muchos sensores conectados. Además, la baja energía de Bluetooth se ha estudiado se ha estudiado la tecnologia Bluetooth de baja energia para resolver los problemas de seguridad y la distancia de lectura que, en general, representan el cuello de botella de la RFID para los sensores de cuerpo. Los dispositivos analógicos pueden reducir drásticamente las necesidades de energía debido a los sensores y las comunicaciones, considerando pocos elementos y un método de transmisión simple. Se estudia un método de comunicación completamente pasivo, basado en FSS, que permite una distancia de lectura razonable con capacidades de detección precisas y confiables, que se ha discutido en esta tesis. El objetivo de esta tesis es investigar múltiples tecnologías inalámbricas para dispositivos portátiles para identificar soluciones adecuadas para aplicaciones particulares en campos médicos. El primer objetivo es demostrar la facilidad de uso de las tecnologías económicas sin batería como un indicador útil de dichos parámetros fisiopatológicos mediante la investigación de las propiedades de las etiquetas RFID. Además, se ha abordado un aspecto más complejo con respecto al uso de pequeños componentes pasivos como sensores inalámbricos para enfermedades del sueño. Por último, un resultado de la tesis es desarrollar un sistema completamente autónomo que utilice la tecnología BLE para obtener propiedades avanzadas que mantengan la baja potencia y un precio bajo.This thesis addresses the problem of comfortable, low powered and, wireless solutions for specific body-worn sensing. The thesis discusses advantages and limitations of three different communication technologies for on body measurement and investigate methods to reshape sensors for optimum body-centric assessments. The RFID technology is considered one of the most influential solutions to overcome the limitated power consumption due to the presence of many sensors connected. Further, the Bluetooth low energy has been studied to solve security problems and reading distance that overall represent the bottleneck of the RFID for the body-worn sensors. Analog devices can drastically reduce the energy needs due to the sensors and the communications, considering few elements and a simple transmitting method. An entirely passive communication method, based on FSS is studied, enabling a reasonable reading distance with precise and reliable sensing capabilities, which has been discussed in this thesis. The objective of this thesis is to investigate multiple wireless technologies for wearable devices to identify suitable solutions for particular applications in medical fields. The first objective is to demonstrate the usability of the inexpensive battery-less technologies as a useful indicator of such a physio-pathological parameters by investigating the properties of the RFID tags. Furthermore, a more complex aspect regards the use of small passive components as wireless sensors for sleep diseases has been addressed. Lastly, an outcome of the thesis is to develop an entirely autonomous system using the BLE technology to obtain advanced properties keeping low power and a low price

Non-Invasive Data Acquisition and IoT Solution for Human Vital Signs Monitoring: Applications, Limitations and Future Prospects

The rapid development of technology has brought about a revolution in healthcare stimulating a wide range of smart and autonomous applications in homes, clinics, surgeries and hospitals. Smart healthcare opens the opportunity for a qualitative advance in the relations between healthcare providers and end-users for the provision of healthcare such as enabling doctors to diagnose remotely while optimizing the accuracy of the diagnosis and maximizing the benefits of treatment by enabling close patient monitoring. This paper presents a comprehensive review of non-invasive vital data acquisition and the Internet of Things in healthcare informatics and thus reports the challenges in healthcare informatics and suggests future work that would lead to solutions to address the open challenges in IoT and non-invasive vital data acquisition. In particular, the conducted review has revealed that there has been a daunting challenge in the development of multi-frequency vital IoT systems, and addressing this issue will help enable the vital IoT node to be reachable by the broker in multiple area ranges. Furthermore, the utilization of multi-camera systems has proven its high potential to increase the accuracy of vital data acquisition, but the implementation of such systems has not been fully developed with unfilled gaps to be bridged. Moreover, the application of deep learning to the real-time analysis of vital data on the node/edge side will enable optimal, instant offline decision making. Finally, the synergistic integration of reliable power management and energy harvesting systems into non-invasive data acquisition has been omitted so far, and the successful implementation of such systems will lead to a smart, robust, sustainable and self-powered healthcare system

Physiological and behavior monitoring systems for smart healthcare environments: a review

Healthcare optimization has become increasingly important in the current era, where numerous challenges are posed by population ageing phenomena and the demand for higher quality of the healthcare services. The implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) in the healthcare ecosystem has been one of the best solutions to address these challenges and therefore to prevent and diagnose possible health impairments in people. The remote monitoring of environmental parameters and how they can cause or mediate any disease, and the monitoring of human daily activities and physiological parameters are among the vast applications of IoT in healthcare, which has brought extensive attention of academia and industry. Assisted and smart tailored environments are possible with the implementation of such technologies that bring personal healthcare to any individual, while living in their preferred environments. In this paper we address several requirements for the development of such environments, namely the deployment of physiological signs monitoring systems, daily activity recognition techniques, as well as indoor air quality monitoring solutions. The machine learning methods that are most used in the literature for activity recognition and body motion analysis are also referred. Furthermore, the importance of physical and cognitive training of the elderly population through the implementation of exergames and immersive environments is also addressedinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Harnessing energy for wearables: a review of radio frequency energy harvesting technologies

Wireless energy harvesting enables the conversion of ambient energy into electrical power for small wireless electronic devices. This technology offers numerous advantages, including availability, ease of implementation, wireless functionality, and cost-effectiveness. Radio frequency energy harvesting (RFEH) is a specific type of wireless energy harvesting that enables wireless power transfer by utilizing RF signals. RFEH holds immense potential for extending the lifespan of wireless sensors and wearable electronics that require low-power operation. However, despite significant advancements in RFEH technology for self-sustainable wearable devices, numerous challenges persist. This literature review focuses on three key areas: materials, antenna design, and power management, to delve into the research challenges of RFEH comprehensively. By providing an up-to-date review of research findings on RFEH, this review aims to shed light on the critical challenges, potential opportunities, and existing limitations. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of further research and development in RFEH to advance its state-of-the-art and offer a vision for future trends in this technology

Wearable, low-power CMOS ISFETs and compensation circuits for on-body sweat analysis

Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology has been a key driver behind the trend of reduced power consumption and increased integration of electronics in consumer devices and sensors. In the late 1990s, the integration of ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) into unmodified CMOS helped to create advancements in lab-on-chip technology through highly parallelised and low-cost designs. Using CMOS techniques to reduce power and size in chemical sensing applications has already aided the realisation of portable, battery-powered analysis platforms, however the possibility of integrating these sensors into wearable devices has until recently remained unexplored. This thesis investigates the use of CMOS ISFETs as wearable electrochemical sensors, specifically for on-body sweat analysis. The investigation begins by evaluating the ISFET sensor for wearable applications, identifying the key advantages and challenges that arise in this pursuit. A key requirement for wearable devices is a low power consumption, to enable a suitable operational life and small form factor. From this perspective, ISFETs are investigated for low power operation, to determine the limitations when trying to push down the consumption of individual sensors. Batteryless ISFET operation is explored through the design and implementation of a 0.35 \si{\micro\metre} CMOS ISFET sensing array, operating in weak-inversion and consuming 6 \si{\micro\watt}. Using this application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the first ISFET array powered by body heat is demonstrated and the feasibility of using near-field communication (NFC) for wireless powering and data transfer is shown. The thesis also presents circuits and systems for combatting three key non-ideal effects experienced by CMOS ISFETs, namely temperature variation, threshold voltage offset and drift. An improvement in temperature sensitivity by a factor of three compared to an uncompensated design is shown through measured results, while adding less than 70 \si{\nano\watt} to the design. A method of automatically biasing the sensors is presented and an approach to using spatial separation of sensors in arrays in applications with flowing fluids is proposed for distinguishing between signal and sensor drift. A wearable device using the ISFET-based system is designed and tested with both artificial and natural sweat, identifying the remaining challenges that exist with both the sensors themselves and accompanying components such as microfluidics and reference electrode. A new ASIC is designed based on the discoveries of this work and aimed at detecting multiple analytes on a single chip. %Removed In the latter half of the thesis, Finally, the future directions of wearable electrochemical sensors is discussed with a look towards embedded machine learning to aid the interpretation of complex fluid with time-domain sensor arrays. The contributions of this thesis aim to form a foundation for the use of ISFETs in wearable devices to enable non-invasive physiological monitoring.Open Acces

The doctoral research abstracts. Vol:11 2017 / Institute of Graduate Studies, UiTM

Foreword: Congratulation to IGS on the continuous effort to publish the 11th issue of the Doctoral Research Abstracts which highlights the research in various disciplines from science and technology, business and administration to social science and humanities. This research abstract issue features the abstracts from 91 PhD doctorates who will receive their scrolls in this 86th UiTM momentous convocation ceremony. This is a special year for the Institute of Graduate Studies where we are celebrating our 20th anniversary. The 20th anniversary is celebrated with pride with an increase in the number of PhD graduates. In this 86th convocation, the number of PhD graduates has increased by 30% compared to the previous convocation. Each research produces an innovation and this year, 91 research innovations have been successfully recognized to have made contributions to the body of knowledge. This is in line with this year UiTM theme that is “Inovasi Melonjak Persaingan Global (Innovation Soars Global Competition)”. Embarking on PhD research may not have been an easy decision for many of you. It often comes at a point in life when the decision to further one’s studies is challenged by the comfort of status quo. I would like it to be known that you have most certainly done UiTM proud by journeying through the scholarly world with its endless challenges and obstacles, and by persevering right till the very end. Again, congratulations to all PhD graduates. As you leave the university as alumni we hope a new relationship will be fostered between you and UiTM to ensure UiTM soars to greater heights. I wish you all the best in your future endeavor. Keep UiTM close to your heart and be our ambassadors wherever you go. / Prof Emeritus Dato’ Dr Hassan Said Vice Chancellor Universiti Teknologi MAR

The Use of Skeletal Muscle to Amplify Action Potentials in Transected Peripheral Nerves

Upper limb amputees suffer with problems associated with control and attachment of prostheses. Skin-surface electrodes placed over the stump, which detect myoelectric signals, are traditionally used to control hand movements. However, this method is unintuitive, the electrodes lift-off, and signal selectivity can be an issue. One solution to these limitations is to implant electrodes directly on muscles. Another approach is to implant electrodes directly into the nerves that innervate the muscles. A significant challenge with both solutions is the reliable transmission of biosignals across the skin barrier. In this thesis, I investigated the use of implantable muscle electrodes in an ovine model using myoelectrodes in combination with a bone-anchor, acting as a conduit for signal transmission. High-quality readings were obtained which were significantly better than skin-surface electrode readings. I further investigated the effect of electrode configurations to achieve the best signal quality. For direct recording from nerves, I tested the effect of adsorbed endoneural basement membrane proteins on nerve regeneration in vivo using microchannel neural interfaces implanted in rat sciatic nerves. Muscle and nerve signal recordings were obtained and improvements in sciatic nerve function were observed. Direct skeletal fixation of a prosthesis to the amputation stump using a bone-anchor has been proposed as a solution to skin problems associated with traditional socket-type prostheses. However, there remains a concern about the risk of infection between the implant and skin. Achieving a durable seal at this interface is therefore crucial, which formed the final part of the thesis. Bone-anchors were optimised for surface pore size and coatings to facilitate binding of human dermal fibroblasts to optimise skin-implant seal in an ovine model. Implants silanised with Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic Acid experienced significantly increased dermal tissue infiltration. This approach may therefore improve the soft tissue seal, and thus success of bone-anchored implants. By addressing both the way prostheses are attached to the amputation stump, by way of direct skeletal fixation, as well as providing high fidelity biosignals for high-level intuitive prosthetic control, I aim to further the field of limb loss rehabilitation

Nanochips and medical applications

Ο όρος «νανοτσιπ» αναφέρεται σε ένα ολοκληρωμένο κύκλωμα (τσιπ) με νανοϋλικά και δομές στη νανοκλίμακα (1-100nm). Ένα ολοκληρωμένο κύκλωμα είναι μια συλλογή ηλεκτρονικών εξαρτημάτων, όπως τρανζίστορ, δίοδοι, πυκνωτές και αντιστάσεις. Τα σημερινά τρανζίστορ είναι στη νανοκλίμακα, αλλά μπορούν να τροποποιηθούν με νανοδομές για την κατασκευή βιοαισθητήρων που μπορούν να πραγματοποιούν ανίχνευση βιομορίων, όπως ιόντα, μόρια DNA, αντισώματα και αντιγόνα με μεγάλη ευαισθησία. Υλικά και Μέθοδοι: Πραγματοποιήθηκε συστηματική αναζήτηση βιβλιογραφίας με χρήση των ηλεκτρονικών βάσεων δεδομένων PubMed, Google Scholar και Scopus για την ανάπτυξη και χρήση νανοτσίπ σε ιατρικές εφαρμογές. Για τον προσδιορισμό των σχετικών εργασιών, τα κριτήρια συμπερίληψης αναφέρονται σε άρθρα στην αγγλική γλώσσα, άρθρα βιβλιογραφικού περιεχομένου ή/και έρευνών. Τα κριτήρια αποκλεισμού ήταν άρθρα εφημερίδων, περιλήψεις συνεδρίων και επιστολές. Αποτελέσματα: Τεχνικές in-vivo και in-vitro έχουν χρησιμοποιηθεί για την ανίχνευση μορίων DNA, ιόντων, αντισωμάτων, σημαντικών πρωτεϊνών και καρκινικών δεικτών, όχι μόνο από δείγματα αίματος αλλά και από ιδρώτα, σάλιο και άλλα βιολογικά υγρά. Διαγνωστική εφαρμογή των νανοτσίπ αποτελεί και η ανίχνευση πτητικών οργανικών ενώσεων μέσω τεστ εκπνεόμενης αναπνοής. Υπάρχουν και αρκετές θεραπευτικές εφαρμογές αυτών των συσκευών ημιαγωγών όπως τσιπ διασύνδεσης εγκεφάλου-υπολογιστή για παραλυτικές ή επιληπτικές καταστάσεις, κατασκευή «βιονικών» οργάνων όπως τεχνητός αμφιβληστροειδής, τεχνητό δέρμα και ρομποτικά προθετικά άκρα για ακρωτηριασμένους ή ρομποτική χειρουργική. Συμπέρασμα: Η χρήση των νανοτσίπ στην ιατρική είναι ένας αναδυόμενος τομέας με αρκετές θεραπευτικές εφαρμογές όπως η διάγνωση, η παρακολούθηση της υγείας και της φυσικής κατάστασης και η κατασκευή «βιονικών» οργάνων.Background: The term “nanochip” pertains to an integrated circuit (chip) with nanomaterials and components in the nano-dimension (1-100nm). An integrated circuit is essentially a collection of electronic components, like transistors, diodes, capacitors, and resistors. Current transistors are in the nanoscale but can also be modified with nanostructures like nanoribbons and nanowires to manufacture biosensors that can perform label-free, ultrasensitive detection of biomolecules like ions, DNA molecules, antibodies and antigens. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus for the development and use of nanochips in medical applications. For the identification of relevant papers, the inclusion criteria referred to articles in the English language, review and/or research articles. The exclusion criteria were newspaper articles, conference abstracts and letters. Results: In-vivo and In-vitro techniques have been used for detection of DNA molecules, ions, antibodies, important proteins, and tumor markers, not only from blood samples but also from sweat, saliva and other biological fluids. Another diagnostic application of nanochips is detection of volatile organic compounds via a breath test. There are also several therapeutic applications of these semiconductor devices like brain-computer interface chips for paralytic or epileptic conditions, manufacture of “bionic” organs like artificial retinas, artificial skin and robotic prostheses for amputees or robotic surgery. Conclusion: The use of nanochips in medicine is an emerging field with several therapeutic applications like diagnostics, health and fitness monitoring, and manufacture of “bionic” organs

Dense and long-term monitoring of Earth surface processes with passive RFID -- a review

Billions of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) passive tags are produced yearly to identify goods remotely. New research and business applications are continuously arising, including recently localization and sensing to monitor earth surface processes. Indeed, passive tags can cost 10 to 100 times less than wireless sensors networks and require little maintenance, facilitating years-long monitoring with ten's to thousands of tags. This study reviews the existing and potential applications of RFID in geosciences. The most mature application today is the study of coarse sediment transport in rivers or coastal environments, using tags placed into pebbles. More recently, tag localization was used to monitor landslide displacement, with a centimetric accuracy. Sensing tags were used to detect a displacement threshold on unstable rocks, to monitor the soil moisture or temperature, and to monitor the snowpack temperature and snow water equivalent. RFID sensors, available today, could monitor other parameters, such as the vibration of structures, the tilt of unstable boulders, the strain of a material, or the salinity of water. Key challenges for using RFID monitoring more broadly in geosciences include the use of ground and aerial vehicles to collect data or localize tags, the increase in reading range and duration, the ability to use tags placed under ground, snow, water or vegetation, and the optimization of economical and environmental cost. As a pattern, passive RFID could fill a gap between wireless sensor networks and manual measurements, to collect data efficiently over large areas, during several years, at high spatial density and moderate cost.Comment: Invited paper for Earth Science Reviews. 50 pages without references. 31 figures. 8 table