Stressor sensor and stress management system

A stressor detection system (100) comprises sensor means (101) arranged for being attached to a person for obtaining a time-varying signal representing a physical quantity relating to an environment of the person, and processing means (102) for deriving a stressor value from the obtained signal representing a degree to which the environment is inducing stress in the person. The processing means is arranged for deriving an amount of complexity comprised in the signal, and for deriving a higher stressor value for a larger amount of information. The processing means is further arranged for performing a spectral frequency analysis of the signal and for deriving the stressor value also in dependence on the spectral frequency analysis. The sensor means comprises a microphone (105), a camera (104), and a tri-axial accelerometer

Method and device for reducing snore annoyances

A method and a device for reducing snore annoyances include determining a snore sound pattern of a snoring person to predict an upcoming snore sound level. A faked snore sound is played to flatten the resulting snore sound level

Bio-derived polymers for coating applications:comparing poly(limonene carbonate) and poly(cyclohexadiene carbonate)

\u3cp\u3eTwo fully bio-based polycarbonates, poly(cyclohexadiene carbonate) (PCHDC) and poly(limonene carbonate) (PLC), are synthesised from carbon dioxide and cyclohexadiene oxide and limonene oxide. The low molecular weight polycarbonates are cross-linked by a photoinitiated reaction with trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate), via thiol-ene reactions. The cross-linking reactions are monitored using Raman spectroscopy and the reaction temperatures and times are optimised. Kinetic analyses of the cross-linking process suggest diffusion-controlled reactions for both polymers, despite the differences in the nature of alkene moieties (terminal vs. internal alkene). The resulting materials are evaluated for coating applications, they show promising solvent resistance and hardness and may be used in the future to prepare scratch-resistant coatings.\u3c/p\u3

Sensor-Based Arm Skill Training in Chronic Stroke Patients: Results on Treatment Outcome, Patient Motivation, and System Usability

As stroke incidence increases, therapists' time is under pressure. Technology-supported rehabilitation may offer new opportunities. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient motivation for and the feasibility and effects of a new technology-supported task-oriented arm training regime (T-TOAT). Nine chronic stroke patients performed T-TOAT (2 × 30 min/day, four days/week) during eight weeks. A system including movement tracking sensors, exercise board, and software-based toolkit was used for skill training. Measures were recorded at baseline, after four and eight weeks of training, and six months posttraining. T-TOAT improved arm-hand performance significantly on Fugl-Meyer, Action Research Arm Test, and Motor Activity Log. Training effects lasted at least six months posttraining. Health-related-quality-of-life had improved significantly after eight weeks of T-TOAT with regard to perceived physical health, but not to perceived mental health (SF-36). None of the EuroQol-5D components showed significant differences before and after training. Participants were intrinsically motivated and felt competent to use the system. Furthermore, system usability was rated very good. However, exercise challenge as perceived by participants decreased significantly over eight weeks of training. The results of this study indicate that T-TOAT is feasible. Despite the small number of stroke patients tested, significant and clinically relevant improvements in skilled arm-hand performance were found

ActiveShare: sharing challenges to increase physical activities

This paper discusses the use of social goal setting as a strategy to achieve persuasion through technology. This approach was applied in the design of ActiveShare a system developed to motivate people with sedentary lifestyles to increase their physical activity. In this system, users obtain and share their goals through challenges, which are posted on a social networking website. The paper describes the iterative design process followed, including concept tests, a focus group, and a field test with a fully functional prototype. Preliminary results are promising, although we found no significant increase on physical activity during the one week test. Suggested improvements to the design and plans for a follow up study are outlined