Ambient Intelligent Systems for Modelling Distributed Cognition in Dementia Care

The Project
The complex cognitive processes underlying human performance and interaction in dynamic complex medical and care domains suggests a need for effective computational models to support the collective allocation and monitoring of activities, information pathways their interpretation and transference between individuals and artefacts to mitigate errors and optimise processes. Previous work has proposed theoretical and computational frameworks for distributed cognition and collaborative decision-making in critical care and hospital care settings. However, no such frameworks or systems exist for modelling collaborative activities; cognition, information distribution and exchange in dementia care settings which are equally complex. Dementia is a progressive and terminal illness and care needs for dementia suffers have to evolve in response to changes in behaviour and cognitive processes of suffers: gradual loss of memory, difficulty in performing familiar or complex tasks, changes in mood and disorientation, as well as in considering sensitivity, social and emotional factors in working with patients at different stages of the illness. Hence the need for systems supporting collaborative care intervention is even more important due to the growing number of suffers worldwide estimated at 44 million and set to triple by 2050.

The main Objective for this research is that the development of ambient information systems based on computational intelligence approaches can provide a methodology to model collaborative activities; cognition, information distribution and exchange among staff involved in dementia care tasks. These intelligent systems can then be used to automatically identify and mitigate issues related to poor information transference, interpretation (human to human and system to human), process management and cognitive capacity and patient related needs.

Duration: 3 years Fixed Term (Studentships are available to commence during academic year 15/16- start date will be specified to successful candidates)

About the Centre/Department
Computer Science affects everyday life in countless ways, from individual use of technology to pervasive computing systems embedded in our environment. Very few businesses function without significant IT support and the growing number of "born digital" businesses indicate that this trend is not going to change soon. Within The School of Computing, Electronics and Maths we offer expertise and experience in a large range of theoretical and applied aspects of computer science, IT and business information systems. Our key areas of expertise include:
- Computer security and digital forensics
- Games and multimedia
- Intelligent agents
- Artificial intelligence
- Data science

We have a growing portfolio of research and consultancy projects working with small businesses, large multinationals, charities and public sector organisations as well as national and international research funding bodies. Our recent projects include:
- Social and emotive robotics for encouragement of healthy living
- Algorithms for space-efficient packing and loading of goods
- Advanced web analytics for business advantage
- Working with local education authorities in the training of Computer Science teachers

Successful Applicants
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average, or

- A Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%).

- A strong programming background in a general purpose programming language (e.g., C, Java, Python). Please note that all applicants will be required to pass a programming skills test.

- A solid understanding of mathematics and computer science.

- Practical knowledge of computational intelligence techniques such as fuzzy logic systems, neural networks and evolutionary computing approaches will be highly desirable.

- A willingness to travel to Mexico for the purposes of collaborating with project partners and conducting user studies.

- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study.

- Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

- An ability to read, speak and converse in Spanish.

Find out how to apply: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/how-to-apply/

See the website: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/ambient-intelligent-systems-for-modelling-distributed-cognition-in-dementia-care/