A new privacy framework for the management of chronic diseases via mHealth in a post Covid-19 world

Aim New challenges are being faced by global healthcare systems such as an increase in the elderly population, budget cuts as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As pressures mount on healthcare systems to provide treatment to patients, mHealth is seen as one of the possible solutions to addressing these challenges. Given the sensitivity of health data, the rapid development of the mHealth sector raises privacy concerns. The aims of this research were to investigate privacy threats/concerns in the context of mHealth and the management of chronic diseases and to propose a novel privacy framework to address these concerns. Subject and Method The study adopted a modified version of the engineering design process. After defining the problem, information was gathered through literature reviews, and analyses of existing regulatory (privacy) frameworks and past research on privacy threats/concerns. Requirements for a new framework were then specified leading to its development and comparison with existing frameworks. Results A novel future-proof privacy framework was developed and illustrated. Using existing regulatory frameworks for privacy and privacy threats/concerns from research studies, privacy principles and their resulting requirements were identified. Further, mechanisms and associated technologies needed to implement the privacy principles/requirements into a functional prototype were also identified. A comparison of the proposed framework with existing frameworks, should that it addressed privacy threats/concerns in a more comprehensive manner. Conclusion This research makes a valuable contribution to protecting privacy in mHealth. The novel framework developed is an improvement on existing frameworks. It is also future-proof since its foundations are built on regulatory frameworks and privacy threats/concerns existing at the time of its deployment/revision

Developing an implementation framework for the future internet using the Y-Comm architecture, SDN and NFV

The Future Internet will provide seamless connectivity via heterogeneous networks. The Y-Comm Architecture is a reference model that has been developed to build future mobile systems for heterogeneous environments. However, the emergence of Software Defined Networking and Network Functional Virtualization will allow the implementation of advanced mobile architectures such as Y-Comm to be prototyped and explored in more detail. This paper proposes an implementation model for the Y-Comm architecture based on these mechanisms. A key component is the design of the Core Endpoint which connects various peripheral wireless networks to the core network. This paper also proposes the development of a Network Management Control Protocol which allows the management routines running in the Cloud to control the underlying networking infrastructure. The system being proposed is flexible and modular and will allow current and future wireless technologies to be seamlessly integrated into the overall system

Exploring the need for a suitable privacy framework for mHealth when managing chronic diseases

The widespread rises in chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes and high blood pressure) have resulted in the need to find more efficient ways of managing patients with these conditions. One such way is by the use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies that can gather real-time data from patients and monitor them from a distance, removing the need to be at a medical facility. These technologies can be an integral part of intelligent healthcare environments (e.g., smart homes to monitor and assist elderly patients) which are essential to reducing healthcare costs and improving efficiency. The use of mHealth, however, brings various privacy concerns and challenges. This paper reviews and examines the challenges of preserving user privacy in the context of using mHealth to manage chronic diseases. The paper first discusses mHealth, its importance in managing chronic diseases, and the associated privacy concerns. Second, the paper compares the existing privacy frameworks applicable to mHealth. Third, the key principles gathered from the frameworks are analysed in the context of their suitability for enabling adequate privacy when using mHealth for managing chronic diseases. Finally, the paper argues that a new privacy framework is needed for mHealth in the context of managing chronic diseases

Proactive policy management for heterogeneous networks

Context-awareness is a vital requirement of heterogeneous devices which allows them to predict future network conditions with sufficient accuracy. In this paper we present a proactive modelling-based approach for policy management which allows the mobile node to calculate Time Before Vertical Handover for open and closed environments. The paper explains how the knowledge of this component can improve the manner in which multi-class traffic streams are allocated to available network channels. Simulation results confirm the feasibility of the concept

Stream bundle management layer for optimum management of co-existing telemedicine traffic streams under varying channel conditions in heterogeneous networks.

Heterogeneous networks facilitate easy and cost-effective penetration of medical advice in both rural and urban areas. However, disparate characteristics of different wireless networks lead to noticeable variations in network conditions when users roam among them e.g. during vertical handovers. Telemedicine traffic consists of a variety of real-time and non real-time traffic streams, each with a different set of Quality of Service requirements. This paper discusses the challenges and issues involved in the successful adaptation of heterogeneous networks by wireless telemedicine applications. We propose the development of a Smart Bundle Management (SBM) Layer for optimally managing co-existing traffic streams under varying channel conditions in a heterogeneous network. The SBM Layer acts as an interface between the applications and the underlying layers for maintaining a fair sharing of channel resources. Internal priority management algorithms are explained using Coloured Petri nets. This paper lays the foundation for the development of strategies for efficient management of co-existing traffic streams across varying channel conditions

Formalization and analysis of a resource allocation security protocol for secure service migration

The advent of virtual machine technology for example, VMware, and container technology, such as Docker, have made the migration of services between different Cloud Systems possible. This enables the development of mobile services that can ensure low latencies between servers and their mobile clients resulting in better QOS. Though there are many mechanisms in place to support for mobile services, a key component that is missing is the development of security protocols that allow the safe transfer of servers to different Cloud environments. In this paper, we propose a Resource Allocation Security Protocol for secure service migration. We explore two approaches; In the first approach, the protocol is developed and formally verified by Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications tool. The protocol satisfies the security properties of secrecy and authentication. In addition, nonces are used for replay protection and to ensure freshness. In the second approach, a secure symmetrical session key is used to do the safe transfer and an automatic cryptographic protocol verifier ProVerif is employed to verify secrecy, authentication and key exchange

Client-based SBM layer for predictive management of traffic flows in heterogeneous networks

In a heterogeneous networking environment, the knowledge of the time before a vertical handover (TBVH) for any network is vital in correctly assigning connections to available channels. In this paper, we introduce a predictive mathematical model for calculating the estimated TBVH component from available network parameters and discuss the different scenarios that arise based on a mobile host’s trajectory. We then introduce the concept of an intelligent Stream Bundle Management Layer (SBM) which consists of a set of policies for scheduling and mapping prioritised traffic streams on to available channels based on their priority, device mobility pattern and prevailing channel conditions. The layer is also responsible for the maintenance of connections during vertical handovers to avoid their forced termination

Proactive policy management using TBVH mechanism in heterogeneous networks.

In order to achieve seamless interoperability in heterogeneous networking, it is vital to improve the context-awareness of the mobile node (MN) so that it is able to predict future network conditions with sufficient accuracy. In this paper, we introduce a predictive mathematical model for calculating the estimated Time Before Vertical Handover (TBVH) component from available network parameters. The model is practically implemented in OPNET and our simulation results confirm the validity of the concept. We then demonstrate how the knowledge of TBVH along with other network parameters can be applied by downward Quality of Service management policies which bundle multi-class traffic streams on to available network channels based on application QoS, device mobility patterns and prevailing channel conditions

Y-Comm: a global architecture for heterogeneous networking.

In the near future mobile devices with several interfaces will become commonplace. Most of the peripheral networks using the Internet will therefore employ wireless technology. To provide support for these devices, this paper proposes a new framework which encompasses the functions of both peripheral and core networks. The framework is called Y-Comm and is defined in a layered manner like the OSI model

Exploring a new transport protocol for vehicular networks

The Future Internet will be very different from the current Internet. In particular, support for new networks such as vehicular networks, will be a key part of the new environment. Applications running on these networks will require low latency and high bandwidth, which must be provided in a highly mobile environment. The goal of this paper is to look at these issues as they have been addressed in the design and development of the Simple Lightweight Transport Protocol (SLTP) to support vehicular networking. The functions and workings of the protocol are examined in this paper as well as the ecosystem that is needed to provide low latency. A detailed set of preliminary results are presented and compared with a standard TCP implementation. SLTP was also ported to the Roadside Units of a Vehicle Ad-Hoc Network and results are presented for moving data to and from the Roadside Units. This work highlights the need for the Future Internet to place more resources at the edge of the core network to provide support for low latency in vehicular environments