Joana Silva

Bio: Joana Silva is an academic researcher from University of Minho. The author has contributed to research in topics: Wearable computer & Fall prevention. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 39 publications receiving 431 citations.

Accelerometer-based fall detection for smartphones

Abstract: Falls are considered the main cause of fear and loss of independence among the elderly population and are also a major cause of morbidity, disability and health care utilization. In the majority of fall events external support is imperative in order to avoid major consequences. Therefore, the ability to automatically detect these fall events could help reducing the response time and significantly improve the prognosis of fall victims. This paper presents a unobtrusive smartphone based fall detection system that uses a combination of information derived from machine learning classification applied in a state machine algorithm. The data from the smartphone built-in accelerometer is continuously screened when the phone is in the user's belt or pocket. Upon the detection of a fall event, the user location is tracked and SMS and email notifications are sent to a set of contacts. The accuracy of the fall detection algorithm here proposed is near 97.5% for both the pocket and belt usage. In conclusion, the proposed solution can reliably detect fall events without disturbing the users with excessive false alarms, presenting also the advantage of not changing the user's routines, since no additional external sensors are required.

Three narrative-based coding systems: Innovative moments, ambivalence and ambivalence resolution.

Abstract: Narrative and dialogical perspectives suggest that personal meaning systems' flexibility is an important resource for change in psychotherapy. Drawn from these theoretical backgrounds, a research program focused on the identification of Innovative Moments (IMs)—exceptions to the inflexible meaning systems present in psychopathological suffering—has been carried out. For this purpose, three process-oriented coding systems were developed: The IMs Coding System, the Ambivalence Coding System, and the Ambivalence Resolution Coding System. They allow, respectively, for the study of change, ambivalence, and ambivalence resolution in therapy. This paper presents these coding systems, the main findings that resulted from their application to different samples and therapeutic models, the main current and future lines of research, as well as the clinical applications of this research program.

Narrative innovations predict symptom improvement: Studying innovative moments in narrative therapy of depression.

Abstract: Objective:Innovative moments (IMs) are moments in the therapeutic dialog that constitute exceptions toward the client's problems. These narrative markers of meaning transformation are associated with change in different models of therapy and diverse diagnoses. Our goal is to test if IMs precede symptoms change, or, on the contrary, are a mere consequence of symptomatic 15 change. Method: For this purpose, IMs and symptomatology (Outcome Questionnaire-10.2) were assessed at every session in a sample of 10 cases of narrative therapy for depression. Hierarchical linear modeling was conducted to explore whether (i) IMs in a given session predict patients' symptoms in the following session and/or (ii) symptoms in a given session predict IMs in the next session. Results: Results suggested that IMs are better predictors of symptoms than the reverse. Conclusions: These results are discussed considering the contribution of meanings and narrative processes' changes to symptomatic improvement.

First report of Cytauxzoon sp. infection in a domestic cat from Portugal.

Abstract: Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging and life-threatening tick-borne feline disease caused by haemoprotozoan parasites of the genus Cytauxzoon. Information regarding epidemiological and clinical presentation of infections by species other than Cytauxzoon felis is scant. A case of Cytauxzoon sp. infection is described in a 2-year-old mixed breed male domestic cat from Portugal, presenting a history of acute lethargy, anorexia and pyrexia. Complete blood count revealed a severe anaemia, leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia. A pleural effusion was noticed on thoracic radiograph, and marked splenomegaly and free abdominal fluid were visualized by ultrasound. A molecular screening for the detection of causative agents of infectious anaemia was performed, and a positive result for Piroplasmorida was obtained. DNA sequencing of a 743 bp amplicon of the 18S rRNA gene (GenBank accession no. KU710344) revealed 99.9 % identity with Cytauxzoon manul. This is the first report of Cytauxzoon sp. (clustering together with C. manul) in a felid from Portugal. Clinical manifestations along with molecular analysis suggest the hypothesis that domestic cats might be infected with and serve as a reservoir host for C. manul.

Monitoring physical activity and energy expenditure with smartphones

Abstract: Monitoring physical activity and energy expenditure is important for maintaining adequate activity levels with an impact in health and well-being. This paper presents a smartphone based method for classification of inactive postures and physical activities including the calculation of energy expenditure. The implemented solution considers two different positions for the smartphone, the user's pocket or belt. The signal from the accelerometer embedded in the smartphone is used to classify the activities resorting to a decision tree classifier. The average accuracy of the classification task for all activities is 99.5% for the pocket usage and 99.4% when the phone is used in the belt. Using the output of the activity classifier we also compute an estimation of the energy expended by the user. The proposed solution is a trustworthy smartphone based activity monitor, classifying the activities of daily living throughout the entire day and allowing to assess the associated energy expenditure without causing any change in user's routines.

Persuasion and Healing: A Comparative Study of Psychotherapy

Abstract: Psychoanalysis, individual psychology, gestalt therapy, client-centered counseling, faith healing, hypnosis, encounter groups, transactional therapy, behavior modification, and existentialist analysis are some of the different treatments available for unhappy, fearful, and anxious sufferers. The proponents of each method offer a theoretical explanation of their rationale and report sizable numbers of successes. Which is the best method? Which is the most correct theory? Are any of them of any value? Or should everyone be treated with pills or diet or surgery? Jerome D. Frank, professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins, believes there is real value in psychotherapy, which he describes as treatment that "relies primarily on the healer's ability to mobilize healing forces in the sufferer by psychological means." However, he believes that the principal value lies not in the postulated theoretical bases but in factors that are common to all the various forms of therapy. He points out that all patients