Neurophysiological Signal Processing and Instrument

OVERVIEW

The research focuses on the application of engineering and physical science principles to human biosignals.

The primary aim of the research is to use signal analysis methods as diagnostic indicators of clinical problems by addressing two key issues:

a) understanding the physiology of human cardiovascular and locomotor control in a variety of clinical diagnostic settings and

b) developing innovative physiological measurement techniques by using biosignal processing, computational intelligence and low cost instrumentation technology.

PROJECTS AND GRANTS

1. Novel monitoring technologies for screening foetal abnormalities

Abstract: Human health in the developing foetus is critical to the future well-being of the adult. The intersection of perinatal medicine and Biomedical Engineering is an emerging scientific research area in terms of understanding pathophysiological process of fetal development and then improving the technologies used in perinatal diagnosis and intervention in clinical settings. The major challenges in fetal Doppler, acoustic and Electrical signal processing techniques which are often used in obstetrical instrumentations are poor specificity with high false positive rates and strong non-stationarities in abdominal derived signals. Therefore, more research is needed to explore the untapped potentials of abdominal sensor or lead based fetal signal (Doppler, ECG, Phonogram etc) analyses and modeling. This project will provide domain-trained researchers with cutting edge International academic and Clinical expertise in the UAE

Collaborators:

Dr. Leontios Hadjileontiadis (ECE dept, Khalifa University)
Dr Marimuthu Palaniswami ( Professor of Electrical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Australia)
Dr Yoshitaka Kimura (Professor of Obstetrics, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan)
Dr Shamsa Al Awar (Chair of Ob/Gyn UAE University, UAE)
Dr Farah Asghar (Consultant Obstetrician, Al Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE)

Students:

Mr Saeed Al Nuaimi (Ph.D in ECE), Khalifa University
Ms Thuraia Al Khoori (Msc by Research), Khalifa University

Funding:

Khalifa University Internal Fund Level 2 (KUIRFL2) 2016-2018. PIs: Ahsan Khandoker, Shihab Jimaa UAE University Internal Fund. PI: Shamsa Al Awar

ADEK Award for Research Excellence 2016-2018. PI: Ahsan Khandoker

2. Developing novel models for clinico-biological patterns in depression

Abstract:

Depression is a real biological illness. According to the World Health Organisation, depression affects more than 350 million people of all ages worldwide, and by 2020, it will be the second leading cause of disability throughout the world after cardiovascular disease (CVD). About four to five per cent of the population suffers from clinical depression in the UAE. Mild depression cases account for about 15 per cent. Women in the UAE are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety than those in other countries. Therefore this project addresses an important clinical problem (Major Depressive Disorder) by providing a model for early diagnosis and treatment. This is of particular value to the UAE society where the prevalence of depression is increasing

Collaborators:

Dr Taoufik Al Saadi (Consultant Neurologist and Chief Medical Officer at American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Dr Yousef Abouallaban (Director , American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Dr Khawza Ahmed (UIU University, Bangladesh)

Students:
None

Funding:
Khalifa University Internal Fund Level 1 (2014-2015). PIs: Ahsan Khandoker, Veena Luthra, Yousef Abouallaban

Al Jalila Foundation Grant with American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi, UAE. PI: Leontios Hadjileontiadis, Ahsan Khandoker