A demonstration case on the derivation of process-level logical architectures for ambient assisted living ecosystems

When representing the requirements for an intended software solution during the development process, a logical architecture is a model that provides an organized vision of how functionalities behave regardless of the technologies to be implemented. If the logical architecture represents an ambient assisted living (AAL) ecosystem, such representation is a complex task due to the existence of interrelated multidomains, which, most of the time, results in incomplete and incoherent user requirements. In this chap- ter, we present the results obtained when applying process-level modeling techniques to the derivation of the logical architecture for a real industrial AAL project. We adopt a V-Model–based approach that expresses the AAL requirements in a process-level perspec- tive, instead of the traditional product-level view. Additionally, we ensure compliance of the derived logical architecture with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference architecture as nonfunctional requirements to support the implementa- tion of the AAL architecture in cloud contexts.

Promoting independent living and recreation in life through ambient assisted living technology

The increase in life expectancy with a decrease in birth rates is contributing to the ageing of the European population. This phenomenon, coupled with greater awareness of the quality of life, the need to have cost-efficient assistive care, the intention of people to live independently in their homes, and the technological developments in recent decades, have contributed to the emergence of the concept of ambient assisted living (AAL). AAL solutions aim to provide healthy and safe ageing to users through promoting independence in performing daily activities and interacting with technology, taking into consideration the deterioration of the users’ capabilities and the reduced costs of the solutions. In this chapter, AAL developments of monitoring activities of daily living (ADLs) and participation in a virtual community with the selected stakeholders are introduced, their roadmap with the expected technological developments are described, and the expected impact of these solutions on the end users of the developed solutions are discussed. This enables a real user guidance structure that represents the different needs and limitations of each user, presenting a highly structured project based on personas and possible solutions for them. The AAL4ALL Ambient Assisted Living for All (ALL4ALL) project is considered here as a case study to analyze and illustrate the ALL concepts discussed in this chapter.

Evaluating balance, stability and gait symmetry of stroke patients using kinematic and dynamic gait lab data

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Biomédica

Kids Media Lab: Tecnologias e a aprendizagem da programação em idade Pré-escolar

Sabedores da realidade tecnológica que envolve as crianças, sentimos necessidade de conhecer aprofundadamente como é que as crianças aprendem, ou seja, como estruturam e desenvolvem o seu pensamento, nesta relação com as tecnologias e através da programação. A presente investigação revela-se inovadora, quer no contexto em que vai ser implementado, quer nos objetivos da própria investigação. Pretendemos consolidar conhecimento sobre as teorias de aprendizagem, através da introdução da programação de forma lúdica e criativa nas atividades no jardim de infância. Compreender como as crianças reagem na utilização das tecnologias e da programação revela-se importante para conhecer o seu comportamento, o seu estilo de aprendizagem e permitir aos profissionais de educação antecipar ou não esta integração, nos seus contextos educativos. Conhecer como todo este processo de aprendizagem é vivenciado pelas crianças irá permitir avaliar quais os benefícios e riscos da utilização das tecnologias e da aprendizagem da programação em idade pré-escolar.

PDMS encasing system for integrated lab-on-chip Ag/AgCl reference electrodes

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is an organosilicon polymer widely used in the fabrication of microfluidic systems to integrate biochips. In this study, we propose the use of an adapted PDMS mould for the creation of a miniaturized, reusable, reference electrode for in-chip electrochemical measurements. Through its integrated microfluidic system it is possible to replenish internal buffer solutions, unclog critical junctions and treat the electrode’s surface, assuring a long term reuse of the same device. Planar Ag/AgCl reference electrodes were microfabricated over a passivated p-type Silicon Wafer. The PDMS mould, containing an integrated microfluidic system, was fabricated based on patterned SU-8 mould, which includes a lateral horizontal inlet access point. Surface oxidation was used for irreversible permanent bondage between flat surfaces. The final result was planar Ag/AgCl reference electrode with integrated microfluidic that allows for electrochemical analysis in biochips