Personalised Thermal Comfort and Cardiovascular Health Model in Smart Homes Using Internet of Things and Deep Learning

Summary

The effects of global warming have impacted people’s daily lives around the world with more frequency in the last 20 years. The heatwave of 2003 in Europe evidenced that overheated houses could increase the excess deaths of people in vulnerable conditions (due to illness and/or advanced age) at a large scale. According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), 2024 has been the year with the highest temperatures recorded around the world on record. It is estimated that by 2050 the global temperature will increase by 3˚C with respect to 2020. These increases in temperature have been noticeable in recent years with heatwaves, extreme temperatures, and draughts.

Rising temperatures from climate change create added challenges, which are often fatal due to the increased load on cardiovascular systems. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of deaths in the UK, and hence attention should be given to monitoring and enhancing the spaces inhabitated by its occupants, in particular vulnerable ones.

This PhD project focuses on developing an IoT-based cardiovascular-responsive personalised Thermal Comfort model in Smart Homes. By integrating real-time biofeedback, IoT sensors (ambient and wearable), and advanced Deep Learning algorithms, this model would dynamically adjust indoor environmental conditions to support cardiovascular health of its occupants, and considering the ones who are more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and their effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and overall vascular stability.

The PhD project would yield a personalized indoor environmental control system for Smart Homes that minimizes cardiovascular risks associated with indoor temperature and humidity variations. By linking thermal comfort with cardiovascular stability, this model would redefine thermal comfort standards for Smart Homes, providing a pioneering tool that not only enhances comfort but also actively promotes cardiovascular health in general and in vulnerable users. This could lead to a new standard for health-focused environmental control systems.

The School of Computing at Ulster University holds Athena Swan Bronze Award since 2016 and is committed to promote and advance gender equality in Higher Education. We particularly welcome female applicants, as they are under-represented within the School.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.