Explore Design Considerations Research Articles

Intelligent Environment using Extended Reality and Machine Learning to Improve Healthcare

Intelligent Environments (IEs) represent a paradigm shift in the way we interact with our surroundings, leveraging Ambient Intelligence (AmI) to create responsive and adaptive spaces that seamlessly integrate technology into the built environment. By harnessing sensors, actuators, and artificial intelligence, IEs have the potential to enhance human experience, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability across various domains, including smart homes, workplaces, cities, and healthcare facilities. This paper provides an overview of IE concepts, discusses key technologies and applications, explores design considerations, and outlines future directions for research and development in this dynamic field. This paper focuses on the study of the potential use of Extended Reality technologies in order to promote Green Health as well as their use in Smart Hospitals, one of the variants of Smart Environments, incorporating Machine Learning and Computer Vision, as a tool to support and improve healthcare, both from the point of view of the health professional and the patient, through a literature review and analysis of the current situation. Resulting in the elaboration of a conceptual model with the suggestion of technologies that can be used to achieve this scenario selected for their potential, and then the development of prototypes of parts of the conceptual model for Extended Reality Headsets as concept validation.

Advances in hydrogen storage materials: harnessing innovative technology, from machine learning to computational chemistry, for energy storage solutions

The demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions is escalating as the global population grows and economies develop. Fossil fuels, which currently dominate the energy sector, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. In response to these challenges, hydrogen storage technologies have emerged as a promising avenue for achieving energy sustainability. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in hydrogen storage materials and technologies, emphasizing the importance of efficient storage for maximizing hydrogen's potential. The review highlights physical storage methods such as compressed hydrogen (reaching pressures of up to 70 MPa) and material-based approaches utilizing metal hydrides and carbon-containing substances. It also explores design considerations, computational chemistry, high-throughput screening, and machine-learning techniques employed in developing efficient hydrogen storage materials. This comprehensive analysis showcases the potential of hydrogen storage in addressing energy demands, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and driving clean energy innovation.

SAT133 A Case Study Of UX/UI Design Diabetes Medication Discharge Orderset: An Initiative To Reduce Discharge Prescribing Error

Abstract Disclosure: E. Yunasan: None. J. Park: None. R. Reddy: None. M. Pennant: None. Prescribing errors involving diabetes medications on discharge are common. The complexity of prescribing insulin, especially due to multiple insulin preparations and supplies contributes to these errors. For example, In our teaching hospital between 01/2021-06/2021, among 40 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) that were discharged home with insulin, 22 patients (55 %) were discharged without or with incorrect insulin supplies. Well-designed order -set has the potential to reduce the potential of medication errors. Here we present a case study of utilizing FIGMA prototyping software to design a new insulin discharge order set. FIGMA is a web-based user interface design tool, that enables multiple parties to collaborate and work on user experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) prototyping. The aim of this case study is to explore design considerations using FIGMA software for establishing a patient-centered, and user-friendly insulin discharge order set involving multiple stakeholders in the hospital including residents, diabetes educators, attendings, pharmacists, and endocrinologists. We conducted multiple prototyping sessions using FIGMA software. Each participant is able to work simultaneously on the discharge order set together in real-time. The prototyping sessions result in a new discharge order set, which focused on simplicity and provider efficiency in the hope to reduce prescribing errors. Here we outline the advancement in order set design. The previous order set presents 20 different types of insulin pens/syringes that are listed together with a blood glucose meter, testing strips, lancets, alcohol pads, and a lancet device. After that, providers have to manually enter the order for insulin separately. In the new order set, providers will only see 2 options, “Patient uses insulin pen”, and “Patient uses vial and syringe”. When providers choose, “Patient uses insulin pen”, the new order set would automatically pre-selected the options for insulin pen, pen needle, glucometer, testing strips, lancets, and alcohol swabs. Testing supplies options come with default instructions and prefilled quantities. Options for endocrinology, diabetes educator and transitional care referrals are also automatically pre-selected. Additional orders such as metformin, GLP-1 agonist, and SGLT-2 inhibitors are presented as options. Alternatively, if providers choose the insulin syringe option, the order set would look similar, except the order set would present pre-selected options for insulin vials that are already linked with the correct syringe size. In conclusion, creating an insulin discharge order set using FIGMA is a great way to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. This platform can also be potentially utilized in developing other order sets. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Design Considerations for a Socially Assistive Robots in the Home to Support Older Adults

Older adults are one of the fastest-growing segments of the world population. However, many of the communities in which older adults live lack the infrastructure, resources, and services needed to support their diverse needs. Assistive technologies, such as socially assistive robots, present unique opportunities to support individuals with everyday activities and remain connected to the community. To understand the potential of socially assistive robots, we deployed a mixed methods exploratory study that evaluated perceptions of older adults toward socially assistive robots for home use. Furthermore, we engaged the older adults in a participatory design exercise to explore design considerations for applying socially assistive robots. Our findings provide meaningful insights for the implementation and design of socially assistive robots for home use by older adults.

User-Centered System Design for Communicating Clinical Laboratory Test Results: Design and Evaluation Study.

BackgroundPersonal clinical data, such as laboratory test results, are increasingly being made available to patients via patient portals. However, laboratory test results are presented in a way that is difficult for patients to interpret and use. Furthermore, the indications of laboratory test results may vary among patients with different characteristics and from different medical contexts. To date, little is known about how to design patient-centered technology to facilitate the interpretation of laboratory test results.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to explore design considerations for supporting patient-centered communication and comprehension of laboratory test results, as well as discussions between patients and health care providers.MethodsWe conducted a user-centered, multicomponent design research consisting of user studies, an iterative prototype design, and pilot user evaluations, to explore design concepts and considerations that are useful for supporting patients in not only viewing but also interpreting and acting upon laboratory test results.ResultsThe user study results informed the iterative design of a system prototype, which had several interactive features: using graphical representations and clear takeaway messages to convey the concerning nature of the results; enabling users to annotate laboratory test reports; clarifying medical jargon using nontechnical verbiage and allowing users to interact with the medical terms (eg, saving, favoriting, or sorting); and providing pertinent and reliable information to help patients comprehend test results within their medical context. The results of a pilot user evaluation with 8 patients showed that the new patient-facing system was perceived as useful in not only presenting laboratory test results to patients in a meaningful way but also facilitating in situ patient-provider interactions.ConclusionsWe draw on our findings to discuss design implications for supporting patient-centered communication of laboratory test results and how to make technology support informative, trustworthy, and empathetic.

Exploring Co-Construction of Learning Environments at the Boundary of School and Work Through the Lens of Vocational Practice

Educational institutions and vocational practices need to collaborate to design learning environments that meet current-day societal demands and support the development of learners’ vocational competence. Integration of learning experiences across contexts can be facilitated by intentionally structured learning environments at the boundary of school and work. Such learning environments are co-constructed by educational institutions and vocational practices. However, co-construction is challenged by differences between the practices of school and work, which can lead to discontinuities across the school–work boundary. More understanding is needed about the nature of these discontinuities and about design considerations to counterbalance these discontinuities. Studies on the co-construction of learning environments are scarce, especially studies from the perspective of representatives of work practice. Therefore, the present study explores design considerations for co-construction through the lens of vocational practice. The study reveals a variety of discontinuities related to the designable elements of learning environments (i.e. epistemic, spatial, instrumental, temporal, and social elements). The findings help to improve understanding of design strategies for counterbalancing discontinuities at the interpersonal and institutional levels of the learning environment. The findings confirm that work practice has a different orientation than school practice since there is a stronger focus on productivity and on the quality of the services provided. However, various strategies for co-construction also seem to take into account the mutually beneficial learning potential of the school–work boundary.

An online intervention for increasing physical activity in individuals with mood disorders at risk for cardiovascular disease: Design considerations

BackgroundPhysical activity can mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, but the presence of mood disorders makes it challenging to follow or develop a regular exercise habit. We conducted an online comparative effectiveness study (Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds) to evaluate whether an online psychosocial intervention adjunctive to an activity monitor (Fitbit) can improve adherence to physical activity among individuals with mood disorders who have or are at-risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). MethodsIn this paper, we explore design considerations (including both procedural challenges and achievements) of relevance to our study. ResultsChallenges of this study included navigating a complex IRB review process, integrating two study platforms, automating study procedures, and optimizing participant engagement. Achievements of this study included building trust with collaborators, leveraging existing online communities, generating daily data reports, and conducting patient-centered research. LimitationsThese design considerations are based on a single online comparative effectiveness study, and other online intervention studies may be presented with other unique challenges that are specific to their study format or aims. Consistent with some of the generalizability challenges facing other online studies, participants in this study were overall highly educated (most had at least a college degree). ConclusionsWe successfully conducted a large-scale virtual online intervention to increase physical activity of participants with comorbid mood and cardiovascular disorders by overcoming substantial operational and technical challenges. We hope that this exploration of design considerations in the context of our online study can inform upcoming online intervention studies.

A Review of Design Considerations for Hemocompatibility within Microfluidic Systems.

The manipulation of blood within in vitro environments presents a persistent challenge, due to the highly reactive nature of blood, and its multifaceted response to material contact, changes in environmental conditions, and stimulation during handling. Microfluidic Lab-on-Chip systems offer the promise of robust point-of-care diagnostic tools and sophisticated research platforms. The capacity for precise control of environmental and experimental conditions afforded by microfluidic technologies presents unique opportunities that are particularly relevant to research and clinical applications requiring the controlled manipulation of blood. A critical bottleneck impeding the translation of existing Lab-on-Chip technology from laboratory bench to the clinic is the ability to reliably handle relatively small blood samples without negatively impacting blood composition or function. This review explores design considerations critical to the development of microfluidic systems intended for use with whole blood from an engineering perspective. Material hemocompatibility is briefly explored, encompassing common microfluidic device materials, as well as surface modification strategies intended to improve hemocompatibility. Operational hemocompatibility, including shear-induced effects, temperature dependence, and gas interactions are explored, microfluidic sample preparation methodologies are introduced, as well as current techniques for on-chip manipulation of the whole blood. Finally, methods of assessing hemocompatibility are briefly introduced, with an emphasis on primary hemostasis and platelet function.

Cost-optimal evaluation of centralized and distributed microgrid topologies considering voltage constraints

Optimal design of hybrid renewable mini-grids requires both economic and power quality considerations. Existing modeling approaches address these considerations via separate or loosely coupled models. Here, we extend REopt—a techno-economic optimization model developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory—to consider both within a single model. REopt formulates the design problem as a mixed-integer linear program that solves for a site's optimal technology mix, sizing, and operation to minimize life cycle cost. REopt has traditionally assumed a single node system. In the work presented here, we expand the REopt platform to consider multiple connected nodes with associated voltage constraints. In order to do this, we model power flow using a fixed-point linear approximation method. We then use the model to explore design considerations of mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, we evaluate under what combinations of transmission line distance and capacity it is technically viable and economically preferable to build multiple isolated mini-grids versus an interconnected, centralized system.

Design considerations for the development of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) exercise in cancer rehabilitation

Aim The aim of this narrative review is to explore design considerations for effective neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise prescription in cancer rehabilitation, with simultaneous consideration for fundamental principles of exercise training and the current state of the art in neuromuscular electrical stimulation technologies and application methodologies. Method Narrative review. Results First, we consider the key neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise design considerations, with a focus on training objectives and individual training requirements and constraints for individuals with cancer. Here, we contend that concurrent, low and high frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise, individually prescribed and progressed may be optimal for enhancing physical function. Second, we review the appropriate literature to identify the most appropriate stimulation parameters (pulse frequency, intensity, duration and duty cycle) to deliver effective neuromuscular electrical stimulation in cancer rehabilitation. Conclusions We propose an informed and innovative neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise intervention design and provide practical information for clinicians and practitioners who may work with and implement neuromuscular electrical stimulation exercise in cancer. Implications for rehabilitation Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is an emerging technology in cancer rehabilitation to help provide an aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise stimulus. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation may help improve aerobic exercise capacity, muscle strength and augment quality of life. Current prescription in cancer lacks adherence to the fundamental principles of exercise training, which may negatively affect adherence.

Towards Sustainable High-Performance Transaction Processing in Cloud-based DBMS

Cloud-based databases often decouple database instances from physical storage to provide reliability and high availability to users. This design can robustly handle a single point of failure but needs substantial effort to attain good performance. In this paper, we analyze the decoupled architecture and present important optimization issues that we found while implementing this design. For implementing the prototyped system, we decouple MariaDB into a database instance and storage managing both transaction log and data pages. We also explore design considerations for transaction processing performance in the front-end side and efficient way of guaranteeing data durability in the back-end side. We evaluate the prototyped system using standard database benchmarks, and experimental results show that adopting the decoupled architecture for cloud-based DBMSs needs to address numerous optimization issues for achieving better performance.

Differential Pad Placement Design of a Capacitive Coupling-Based Stacked Die Package

Stacked die package using capacitive-based chip-to-chip signaling offers low energy-per-bit costs and high I/O density. Many previously published works on capacitive proximity I/O have focused on mechanical methods for accurate chip alignment. This paper explores design considerations to address stacked die structures with differential signaling chip-to-chip communication based on capacitive coupling. The signal and noise properties of capacitively coupled channels are studied using a 3-D electromagnetic field solver to extract mixed-mode scattering parameters of the differential signal pads. We present side differential and corner differential arrangements and compare their ability to reject noise. We then formulate a functional data analysis approach for assessing the signal transmission quality. Our results indicate that the differential transmitter and receiver pads arrangement and placement can significantly affect the interaction between a channel and its nearest neighbors. The preferred choice for I/O pad placement design depends on the placement arrangements and the overlap ratio of the differential I/O pads.

Theoretical Dimensions Of Digital Houses Architecture(Arbic)

Digital houses have formed an important subject , examined by several architectural studies , which have declared the special effects of the information technology revolution on houses design, especially,its form,function and construction , as well as , special effects on the human activities being practiced in. This paper has discussed the importance of this subject and its theoretical knowledge , in order to determine the research problem , represented by the ambiguous knowledge in the different aspects of digital houses design , in order to explore design considerations in its design , thus its objective has determined by revealing this and its approach has presented by building up a theoretical framework includes two main aspects, the first includes variables concerning the digital house design , whereas the second , includes variables concerning human activities. Conclusions have shown different design considerations which have been employed in digital houses designs of the international experiences, as well as determining the priorities of future design treatments . Keywords: digital houses, information technology revolution, digital Architecture

Football reminiscence for men with dementia: lessons from a realistic evaluation

Football reminiscence for men with dementia: lessons from a realistic evaluation A major challenge of studies of non pharmacological dementia interventions is the likely modest intervention effect size and difficulties collecting data from individuals with behavioural, psychological and communicative symptoms. The reported Realist Evaluation is built around sets of contextually comparable case studies of Football Focussed Reminiscence for men with dementia. The study aim was to evaluate benefits of football related reminiscence for individuals and family carers. Four case studies were constructed; two community groups, one nursing home groups and individual sessions within their family home. Data was collected as field notes from non-participation observation of reminiscence sessions, notes of conversations with people with dementia, audio recorded interviews with family members, facilitators and dementia link workers. The analysis was framed around identification and extraction of data pertaining to Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations within each data set, and patterns and threads were compared across the cases. An important finding was that anticipation of pleasure in tandem with a sense of continuity appeared to be important mechanisms triggering optimal benefit. The paper explores design considerations, project delivery experiences and the contribution that innovative theory driven research adds to the study of complex interventions including those with behavioural and communicative symptoms of dementia.

Radiation level changes at RAM package surfaces

This paper explores design considerations required to meet the regulations that limit radiation level variations at external surfaces of radioactive material (RAM) packages. The radiation level requirements at package surfaces (e.g. TS-R-1 paragraphs 531 and 646) not only invoke maximum radiation levels, but also strict limits on the allowable increase in the radiation level during transport. This paper explores the regulatory requirements by quantifying the amount of near surface movement and/or payload shifting that results in a 20% increase in the radiation level at the package surface. Typical IP-2, IP-3, type A and type B packaging and source geometries are illustrated. Variations in surface radiation levels are typically the result of changes in the geometry of the surface due to an impact, puncture or crush event, or shifting and settling of radioactive contents.

Automating Design of Voltage Interpolation to Address Process Variations

Post-fabrication tuning provides a promising design approach to mitigate the performance and power overheads of process variation in advanced fabrication technologies. This paper explores design considerations and VLSI-CAD support for a recently proposed post-fabrication tuning knob called voltage interpolation. Successful implementation of this technique requires examination of the design tradeoffs between circuit tuning range and static power overheads within the synthesis flow of the design process, in addition to the implications of place and route. Results from the exploration of the scheme for a 64-core chip-multiprocessor machine using industrial-grade design blocks show that the scheme can be used to mitigate overhead arising from random and correlated within-die process variations. A design using voltage interpolation can match the nominal delay target with a 16% power cost, or for the same power budget, incur only a 13% delay overhead after variations.