scholarly journals Sensitivity and Adjustment Model of Electrocardiographic Signal Distortion Based on the Electrodes’ Location and Motion Artifacts Reduction for Wearable Monitoring Applications

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4822
Author(s):  
Fabian Andres Castaño ◽  
Alher Mauricio Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Motion Artifacts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Signal Acquisition ◽  
Signal Distortion ◽  
Electrocardiographic Signal ◽  
Vital Signs Monitoring ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Organization

Wearable vital signs monitoring and specially the electrocardiogram have taken important role due to the information that provide about high-risk diseases, it has been evidenced by the needed to increase the health service coverage in home care as has been encouraged by World Health Organization. Some wearables devices have been developed to monitor the Electrocardiographic in which the location of the measurement electrodes is modified respect to the Einthoven model. However, mislocation of the electrodes on the torso can lead to the modification of acquired signals, diagnostic mistakes and misinterpretation of the information in the signal. This work presents a volume conductor evaluation and an Electrocardiographic signal waveform comparison when the location of electrodes is changed, to find a electrodes’ location that reduces distortion of interest signals. In addition, effects of motion artifacts and electrodes’ location on the signal acquisition are evaluated. A group of volunteers was recorded to obtain Electrocardiographic signals, the result was compared with a computational model of the heart behavior through the Ensemble Average Electrocardiographic, Dynamic Time Warping and Signal-to-Noise Ratio methods to quantitatively determine the signal distortion. It was found that while the Einthoven method is followed, it is possible to acquire the Electrocardiographic signal from the patient’s torso or back without a significant difference, and the electrodes position can be moved 6 cm at most from the suggested location by the Einthoven triangle in Mason–Likar’s method.

scholarly journals Sensitivity and Adjustment Model of Electrocardiographic Signal Distortion Based on the Electrodes’ Location and Motion Artifacts Reduction for Wearable Monitoring Applications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Castaño ◽  
Alher Mauricio Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Vital Signs ◽  
Motion Artifacts ◽  
Signal Acquisition ◽  
Ecg Signal ◽  
Signal Distortion ◽  
Ecg Signals ◽  
Vital Signs Monitoring ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Monitoring Applications ◽  
Artifacts Reduction

Wearable vital signs monitoring and specially the electrocardiogram have taken important role due to the information that provide about high-risk diseases, it has been evidenced by the needed to increase the health service coverage in home care as has been encouraged by WHO. Some wearables devices have been developed to monitor the ECG in which the location of the measurement electrodes is modified respect to the Einthoven model. However, mislocation of the electrodes on the torso can lead to the modification of acquired signals, diagnostic mistakes and misinterpretation of the information in the signal. This work presents a volume conductor evaluation and an ECG signal waveform comparison when the location of electrodes is changed, to find a electrodes’ location that reduces distortion of interest signals. In addition, effect of motion artifacts and electrodes’ location on the signal acquisition are evaluated. A group of volunteers was recorded to obtain ECG signals, the result was compared with a computational model of the heart behavior through the EA ECG, DTW and SNR methods to quantitatively determine the signal distortion. It was found that while the Einthoven method is followed, it is possible to acquire the ECG signal from the patient’s torso or back without a significant difference, and the electrodes position can be moved 6cm at most from the suggested location by the Einthoven triangle in Mason-Likar’s method.

Household and Population-Level Behavioural Changes Due to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Smart Thermostat Based Comparative Data Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kirti Sundar Sahu ◽  
Arlene Oetomo ◽  
Niloofar Jalali ◽  
Plinio P. Morita
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Population Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Motion Sensors ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Smart Thermostat ◽  
The Impact

The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. To inhibit the spread of COVID-19, governments around the globe, including Canada, have implemented physical distancing and lockdown measures, including a work-from-home policy. Canada in 2020 has developed a 24-Hour Movement Guideline for all ages laying guidance on the ideal amount of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep (PASS) for an individual in a day. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes on the household and population-level in lifestyle behaviours (PASS) and time spent indoors at the household level, following the implementation of physical distancing protocols and stay-at-home guidelines. For this study, we used 2019 and 2020 data from ecobee, a Canadian smart Wi-Fi thermostat company, through the Donate Your Data (DYD) program. Using motion sensors data, we quantified the amount of sleep by using the absence of movement, and similarly, increased sensor activation to show a longer duration of household occupancy. The key findings of this study were; during the COVID-19 pandemic, overall household-level activity increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic times, there was no significant difference between household-level behaviours between weekdays and weekends during the pandemic, average sleep duration has not changed, but the pattern of sleep behaviour significantly changed, specifically, bedtime and wake up time delayed, indoor time spent has been increased and outdoor time significantly reduced. Our data analysis shows the feasibility of using big data to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the household and population-level behaviours and patterns of change.

scholarly journals Secular Trends of Underweight, Overweight, and Obesity in Children and Adolescents from Ukraine

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3302
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Dereń ◽  
Justyna Wyszyńska ◽  
Serhiy Nyankovskyy ◽  
Olena Nyankovska ◽  
Marta Yatsula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
The Body ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Obesity In Children

Overweight and obesity, as well as underweight in children and adolescents, pose a significant public health issue. This study aimed to investigate the secular trend of the incidence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in children from Ukraine in 2013/2014 and 2018/2019. The studies were conducted in randomly selected primary and secondary schools in Ukraine. In total, 13,447 children (6468 boys and 6979 girls) participated in the study in 2013/2014 and 18,144 children (8717 boys and 9427 girls) participated in 2018/2019. Measurements of body weight and height were performed in triplicate. Underweight, overweight, and obesity were diagnosed according to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). In the group of girls, a significant difference between 2013/2014 and 2018/2019 measurements was found only among 7-year-olds. The percentage of girls at this age exceeding the body mass index (BMI) norm was lower in the 2018/2019 study. In boys, a significant difference was also found in 7-year-olds, and, as in girls, a lower share of overweight and obesity was found in 2018/2019. But for the ages of 12, 13, and 15, the significant differences had a different character—more overweight or obese boys were found in the 2018/2019 study. The proportion of underweight children was similar for the majority of age groups in both genders and did not differ in a statistically significant way.

scholarly journals Water Quality of the Trstionica River (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 371-376
Author(s):  
Šuhreta Delibašić ◽  
Jasna Huremović ◽  
Sabina Žero ◽  
Sabina Gojak-Salimović
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Ion Exchange Resin ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Organization

The present study was conducted to investigate the water quality of the Trstionica River, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The physicochemical properties (temperature, pH, conductivity, total solids after evaporation at 105 °C), content of metals (calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)), and anions (chloride (Cl–), and phosphate (PO43–)) were determined in water samples collected at seven locations during two sampling periods: unstable weather conditions (precipitation), and stable weather conditions (without precipitation). There was a significant difference in the content of individual parameters in the river water depending on the sampling time. For determination of metals concentrations, which were below the limit of detection, a preconcentration method using an ion-exchange resin was applied. The metals concentrations during the rainy day were in the order Ca > Mg > Na > Fe > Cu > Zn > Pb > Mn with mean values of 343, 6.03, 1.94, 0.18, 0.20, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01 mg dm–3, respectively, and during stable weather conditions: Ca > Mg > Na > Cu > Fe > Mn > Zn with mean values of 288, 7.62, 2.38, 0.11, 0.10, 0.01, 0.01 mg dm–3, respectively. Cd, Cr, and Ni concentrations were below limit of detection in both cases. Obtained values were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) regulations. The results showed that the Trstionica River in the investigated part of the stream meets most of the parameters required by the regulations. The correlation between analysed parameters was assessed, as well. Based on the calculated water quality index values, the water of Trstionica River falls into the category of excellent water.

scholarly journals Evaluating Visual Photoplethysmography Method

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Felipe de Deus ◽  
Nikhil Sehgal ◽  
Debjyoti Talukdar
Keyword(s):  
Pulse Signal ◽  
Motion Artifacts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Accuracy Score ◽  
State Recognition ◽  
Unstressed State ◽  
Physiological Information ◽  
Contact Devices ◽  
Stress States ◽  
Health Organization

Regular monitoring of common physiological signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, can be an effective way to either prevent or detect many kinds of chronic conditions. In particular, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a worldwide concern. According to the World Health Organization, 32% of all deaths worldwide are from CVDs. In addition, stress-related issues cost $190 billion in healthcare costs per year. Currently, contact devices are required to extract most of an individuals physiological information, which can be uncomfortable for users and can cause discomfort. However, in recent years, remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) technology is gaining growing interest, which enables contactless monitoring of the blood volume pulse signal using a regular camera, and ultimately can provide the same physiological information as a contact device. In this paper, we propose a benchmark comparison using a new multimodal database consisting of 56 subjects where each subject was submitted to three different tasks. Each subject wore a wearable device capable of extracting photoplethysmography signals and was filmed to allow simultaneous rPPG signal extraction. Several experiments were conducted, including a comparison between information from contact and remote signals and stress state recognition. Results have shown that in this dataset, rPPG signals were capable of dealing with motion artifacts better than contact PPG sensors and overall had better quality if compared to the signals from the contact sensor. Moreover, the statistical analysis of the variance method had shown that at least two HRV features, NNi 20 and SAMPEN were capable of differentiating between Stress and Non-Stress states. In addition, three features, IBI, NNi 20, and SAMPEN were capable of differentiating between tasks relating to different levels of difficulty. Furthermore, using machine learning to classify a stressed or unstressed state, the models were able to achieve an accuracy score of 83.11%.

scholarly journals Comparison of Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction Between two Diffractive Trifocal Intraocular Lenses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
asli cetinkaya yaprak ◽  
Mustafa Unal
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Intraocular Lenses ◽  
World Health ◽  
Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prospective Comparative Study ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Clinical Trials Registry

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the clinical outcomes and visual quality of patients undergoing cataract surgery with the implantation of two different models of diffractive trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).MethodsThis randomized prospective comparative study included 60 eyes of 15 patients who scheduled to undergo bilateral cataract surgery with the implantation of two models of diffractive trifocal IOLs (RayOne Trifocal and AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL). Monocular and binocular corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, UDVA), intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA, UIVA) at 60 and 80 cm, near visual acuity (DCNVA, UNVA), and patient satisfaction were compared over a three-month follow-up.ResultsEach group comprised 30 eyes of 15 patients. No statistically significant differences were determined between the groups in terms of CDVA, UDVA, DCNVA and UNVA. The monocular and binocular UIVA values at 60 cm were better in the PanOptix IOL group (p=0.04 and p=0.01, respectively), and the DCIVA and UIVA values at 80 cm were better in the RayOne IOL group (p=0.01, p=0.047, p<0.001, and p=0.042, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in relation to the frequency and severity of visual symptoms evaluated. Regarding discomfort, the RayOne IOL group had more bothersome halos and starbursts (p=0.026 and p=0.01, respectively).ConclusionBoth IOLs provided very good restoration of visual acuity. However, with the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL, the likelihood of patients experiencing bothersome halos and starbursts was less. The RayOne Trifocal IOL might be a better choice for patients who require further intermediate vision.The study was registered under the World Health Organization international clinical trials registry platform: NCT04655274, 30/11/2020, prospectively registered.

Impact of Equine-Assisted Activities on Quality of Life and Relational Skills for Older Adults With Dementia: A Mixed-Methodology Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7512520401p1-7512520401p1
Author(s):  
Charmaine Lim ◽  
Manisha Sheth
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methodology ◽  
World Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Equine Assisted ◽  
Primary Author ◽  
Relational Skills

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. The purpose of this research was to examine the efficacy of a 9-week equine-assisted program named "Horse in the Moment." Mixed-methodology research was conducted to explore the effectiveness of equine-assisted activities on quality of life (QOL) and relational skills for individuals diagnosed with dementia. Pre and post scores on World Health Organization QOL showed significant difference. Families of the participants also reported improvements in communication and socialization. Primary Author and Speaker: Charmaine Lim Additional Authors and Speakers: Manisha Sheth

scholarly journals Adverse reactions to docetaxel: an active survey

2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-559
Author(s):  
Leandro Cabral Pereira ◽  
Thaísa Amorim Nogueira ◽  
Leandro Augusto de Oliveira Barbosa ◽  
Sabrina Calil-Elias ◽  
Selma Rodrigues de Castilho
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Breast Cancer Mortality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
The Third ◽  
Naranjo Algorithm ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Health Organization

The rates of breast cancer mortality remain high in Brazil. Docetaxel is a semi-synthetic taxane used to treat various tumors, particularly tumors of the breast, lung and prostate. In this study ADR that occurred in 45 docetaxel users with breast cancer were surveyed. They were identified by type, causality (Naranjo algorithm and World Health Organization categories) and, if considered probable or defined, rated for severity according to SOBRAFO proposal (2007). A total of 325 ADR were observed: 165 in the first, 137 in the second and 23 in the third cycle. Fifty seven ADR were immediate and the others, late. Fatigue and exhaustion for more than five days, classified as Grade 3 by SOBRAFO (2007), were reported as the primary late RAM. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of immediate and late ADR between cycles (p=1 and p=0.3577, respectively). The presence of a pharmacist gave the patients a better understanding of the occurrence of RAM, especially those that occur outside the hospital, between chemotherapy cycles and are often not reported to the healthcare team, creating institutional demands and reaching the goal to track, observe and correlate the RAM for each user.

scholarly journals Wikipedia and the National Cancer Institute Website Appear to Offer Similar Osteosarcoma Information for Patients

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Kate Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Health Professional ◽  
Patient Information ◽  
National Cancer Institute ◽  
English Language ◽  
World Health ◽  
Language Version ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Professional Information ◽  
Health Organization

A Review of: Leithner, A., Werner, M., Glehr, M., Friesenbichler, J., Keithner, K., & Windhager R. (2010). Wikipedia and osteosarcoma: A trustworthy patients' information? Journal of the Medical Informatics Association, 17(4), 373-374. Objective – To compare the completeness and accuracy of information about osteosarcoma in Wikipedia to information found on the patient and health professional versions of the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) website. Design – Comparative study, test against 20 item questionnaire and expert opinion. Setting – n/a. Subjects – n/a. Methods – The authors developed a 20-item questionnaire to test the completeness and accuracy of information on osteosarcoma in Wikipedia and on the “patient version and the health professional version of the National Cancer Institute’s website as ‘official’ reference websites” (p. 373). Three independent observers, two surgeons specializing in musculoskeletal tumour surgery and a medical student, tested the English language version of Wikipedia and the NCI “websites” on April 3, 2009. Answers to the 20 questions found on the websites were scored from zero to three and were discussed with a member of the “German board for guidelines in musculoskeletal surgery” (p. 373) and verified against international guidelines published by the World Health Organization. Data was analyzed using SPSS and group comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney U test with p-values of less than 0.05 significance. Main Results – The quality of information about osteosarcoma found in the English language version of Wikipedia was good but inferior to the patient information from NCI. Out of a total of 60 points Wikipedia scored 33, NCI patient information 40 and NCI professional information 50. There was no significant difference between the NCI patient information and Wikipedia but a significant difference (p=0.039) between Wikipedia and NCI professional information. Conclusion – Non-peer reviewed websites providing health information, such as Wikipedia, should include links to sites such as NCI and other more definitive sources such as professional and international organizations. Frequent checks should be used to ensure external links are of the highest quality.

scholarly journals Compliance and Treatment Outcomes of Various Regimens for Trichomoniasis in Trinidad and Tobago

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Divakaruni ◽  
Mahabir ◽  
Orrett ◽  
Adidam ◽  
Venkata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Compliance To Treatment ◽  
Health Organization

Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) globally and yet is not a reportable disease. Trichomonas vaginalis is an important source of reproductive morbidity and may increase risk of acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Control Disease Center (CDC) recommend various regimens of nitroimidazole s for treatment. The common nitroimidazoles used for trichomoniasis are metronidazole and tinidazole, which vary in their cost, efficacy, and side effect profile. It is relevant to study these factors for better management of the patients. This study aimed to compare and study the efficacy, compliance of various treatment regimens, their outcomes, and side-effects for trichomoniasis, among STI clinic attendees in Trinidad. A clinical trial study was designed, and after obtaining the informed consent, a routine clinical examination was conducted and the swabs for trichomoniasis tests were collected for diagnosis from the 692 participants. Out of 692 participants, 82 patients with positive diagnosis of Trichomonas infection were treated according to the patient’s choice, using different drug regimens. Compliance to treatment, side effects, and outcome were evaluated. The prevalence of trichomoniasis in the population attending our STI clinic is 11.9% and prevalence of HIV is 9%. Of the total 82 participants for the treatment, 80% were females; nearly 90% of the patients belonged to age group 15–45 years, and over 60% were below 30 years. Among those diagnosed for Trichomonas vaginalis, 14.6% had coexistent HIV infection. The compliance with respect to single dose treatment was significantly better than the long-duration oral regimen and has a significant relation with side effects of the treatment. The outcome is generally better and comparable and shows no significant difference between different treatment regimens used in the study. Metronidazole and tinidazole are commonly used drugs in various regimens. Compliance is better with those treated with tinidazole and metronidazole single dose than with other groups. Outcome is comparable between these regimens, especially when combined with other important factors like abstinence and treatment of the partners. The treatment regimens mainly differed in the compliance side effects profile and duration of therapy, which suggests that to improve the compliance of the drugs with fewer side effects, short course regimen would be a preferred choice.

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