Aleksey Shaporev

Bio: Aleksey Shaporev is an academic researcher from Clemson University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Plantar fasciitis & mHealth. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 7 publications receiving 219 citations.

Development and validation of a smartphone heart rate acquisition application for health promotion and wellness telehealth applications

Abstract: Objective. Current generation smartphones' video camera technologies enable photoplethysmographic (PPG) acquisition and heart rate (HR) measurement. The study objective was to develop an Android application and compare HRs derived from a Motorola Droid to electrocardiograph (ECG) and Nonin 9560BT pulse oximeter readings during various movement-free tasks. Materials and Methods. HRs were collected simultaneously from 14 subjects, ages 20 to 58, healthy or with clinical conditions, using the 3 devices during 5-minute periods while at rest, reading aloud under observation, and playing a video game. Correlation between the 3 devices was determined, and Bland-Altman plots for all possible pairs of devices across all conditions assessed agreement. Results. Across conditions, all device pairs showed high correlations. Bland-Altman plots further revealed the Droid as a valid measure for HR acquisition. Across all conditions, the Droid compared to ECG, 95% of the data points (differences between devices) fell within the limits of agreement. Conclusion. The Android application provides valid HRs at varying levels of movement free mentalperceptual motor exertion. Lack of electrode patches or wireless sensor telemetric straps make it advantageous for use in mobile-cell-phone-delivered health promotion and wellness programs. Further validation is needed to determine its applicability while engaging in physical movement-related activities.

Tension Tamer: Delivering Meditation With Objective Heart Rate Acquisition for Adherence Monitoring Using a Smart Phone Platform

Abstract: Objectives: This brief report demonstrates the proof of concept of the Tension Tamer (TT) smartphone application, which integrates photoplethysmograph capabilities with breathing awareness meditation (BAM), to reduce stress and measure heart rate and adherence. Design: Methods for objectively measuring heart rate and adherence to BAM were developed as part of a future randomized controlled trial. Setting/Location: The study was conducted at Jerry Zucker Middle School of Science and the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Subjects: The subjects were three prehypertensive male teachers. Intervention: The method used was smartphone delivered BAM. Outcome measures: Objective measures included heart rate, adherence, and ambulatory blood pressure (BP). Results: Adherence data was successfully collected by the TT application. Increased adherence to TT coincided with increased improvements in ambulatory BP over a 3-month period. Conclusions: TT shows promise as a simple inexpensive program ...

Development of a Portable Near Infrared Camera for Early Detection of Diabetic Ulcers

Abstract: Venous blood accumulation, or high levels of deoxygenated blood within a tissue, can indicate poor blood circulation and increased risk of ulceration. This condition is associated with Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease, or diabetic foot ulceration, which is classified as the most common cause for lower extremity amputation in the modern, industrialized world. Neuropathy, associated with lack of protective sensation allows patient to apply repetitive stress leading to the formation of ulcers without their knowledge. Regular inspection of the afflicted area by a physician is the best prevention method for this condition. This process requires increased scrutiny by physicians and more frequent visits by the patients. To simplify and reduce the costs of the process of examination, a low cost system for skin self-monitoring by patients was developed. A near infrared camera was built utilizing a Raspberry Pi 2.0 System in conjunction with optical filters, and image analysis tools to detect venous blood in tissues using differences in optical spectra of oxygenated versus deoxygenated blood in the near infrared (NIR) region. Tests to optimize the best wavelength of light and the best imaging conditions are being conducted to determine the optimal settings for the device. Image analysis will be used to more accurately measure the amounts of inflammation. Further development also includes the development of an interface to allow for data sharing between patients and physicians of the images and the results.

BluetoothTM Enabled Acceleration Tracking (BEAT) mHealth System: Validation and Proof of Concept for Real-Time Monitoring of Physical Activity

Abstract: Physical activity is critical to improve the condition of patients with chronic leg and foot ulcers, especially those who are obese and experienced multiple co-morbid conditions. Unfortunately, these individuals are unable to engage in guideline based physical activity (PA) programs. A prototype of BluetoothTM enabled acceleration tracking (BEAT) mHealth system was developed and manufactured for remote monitoring and stimulation of adherence to PA in deconditioned patients. The system consists of a miniature accelerometer-based sensor, smartphone application, and a network service. Validation testing showed high reliability and reproducibility of the BEAT sensors. Pilot study with human subjects demonstrated high accuracy of the BEAT system in recognition of different exercises and calculating overall outcomes of PA. Taken together, these results indicate that BEAT system could become a valuable tool for realtime monitoring of PA in deconditioned patients.

The Smartphone in Medicine: A Review of Current and Potential Use Among Physicians and Students

Abstract: Background: Advancements in technology have always had major impacts in medicine. The smartphone is one of the most ubiquitous and dynamic trends in communication, in which one’s mobile phone can also be used for communicating via email, performing Internet searches, and using specific applications. The smartphone is one of the fastest growing sectors in the technology industry, and its impact in medicine has already been significant. Objective: To provide a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the role of the smartphone in medicine by highlighting the ways in which it can enhance continuing medical education, patient care, and communication. We also examine the evidence base for this technology. Methods: We conducted a review of all published uses of the smartphone that could be applicable to the field of medicine and medical education with the exclusion of only surgical-related uses. Results: In the 60 studies that were identified, we found many uses for the smartphone in medicine; however, we also found that very few high-quality studies exist to help us understand how best to use this technology. Conclusions: While the smartphone’s role in medicine and education appears promising and exciting, more high-quality studies are needed to better understand the role it will have in this field. We recommend popular smartphone applications for physicians that are lacking in evidence and discuss future studies to support their use. [J Med Internet Res 2012;14(5):e128]

A Survey on Ambient Intelligence in Healthcare

Abstract: Ambient Intelligence (AmI) is a new paradigm in information technology aimed at empowering people's capabilities by means of digital environments that are sensitive, adaptive, and responsive to human needs, habits, gestures, and emotions. This futuristic vision of daily environment will enable innovative human-machine interactions characterized by pervasive, unobtrusive, and anticipatory communications. Such innovative interaction paradigms make AmI technology a suitable candidate for developing various real life solutions, including in the healthcare domain. This survey will discuss the emergence of AmI techniques in the healthcare domain, in order to provide the research community with the necessary background. We will examine the infrastructure and technology required for achieving the vision of AmI, such as smart environments and wearable medical devices. We will summarize the state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies used for developing AmI system in the healthcare domain, including various learning techniques (for learning from user interaction), reasoning techniques (for reasoning about users' goals and intensions), and planning techniques (for planning activities and interactions). We will also discuss how AmI technology might support people affected by various physical or mental disabilities or chronic disease. Finally, we will point to some of the successful case studies in the area and we will look at the current and future challenges to draw upon the possible future research paths.

Photoplethysmography Revisited: From Contact to Noncontact, From Point to Imaging

Abstract: Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a noninvasive optical technique for detecting microvascular blood volume changes in tissues. Its ease of use, low cost and convenience make it an attractive area of research in the biomedical and clinical communities. Nevertheless, its single spot monitoring and the need to apply a PPG sensor directly to the skin limit its practicality in situations such as perfusion mapping and healing assessments or when free movement is required. The introduction of fast digital cameras into clinical imaging monitoring and diagnosis systems, the desire to reduce the physical restrictions, and the possible new insights that might come from perfusion imaging and mapping inspired the evolution of the conventional PPG technology to imaging PPG (IPPG). IPPG is a noncontact method that can detect heart-generated pulse waves by means of peripheral blood perfusion measurements. Since its inception, IPPG has attracted significant public interest and provided opportunities to improve personal healthcare. This study presents an overview of the wide range of IPPG systems currently being introduced along with examples of their application in various physiological assessments. We believe that the widespread acceptance of IPPG is happening, and it will dramatically accelerate the promotion of this healthcare model in the near future.

Development of Smart Healthcare Monitoring System in IoT Environment.

Abstract: Healthcare monitoring system in hospitals and many other health centers has experienced significant growth, and portable healthcare monitoring systems with emerging technologies are becoming of great concern to many countries worldwide nowadays. The advent of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies facilitates the progress of healthcare from face-to-face consulting to telemedicine. This paper proposes a smart healthcare system in IoT environment that can monitor a patient’s basic health signs as well as the room condition where the patients are now in real-time. In this system, five sensors are used to capture the data from hospital environment named heart beat sensor, body temperature sensor, room temperature sensor, CO sensor, and CO2 sensor. The error percentage of the developed scheme is within a certain limit (< 5%) for each case. The condition of the patients is conveyed via a portal to medical staff, where they can process and analyze the current situation of the patients. The developed prototype is well suited for healthcare monitoring that is proved by the effectiveness of the system.