Abstract-We define a digital ecosystem (DES) as the dynamic and synergetic complex of digital communities consisting of interconnected, interrelated, and interdependent digital species situated in a digital environment that interact as a functional unit and are linked together through actions, information, and transaction flows. The design of DESs requires the integration of a number of different and complementary technologies, including agent-based and self-organizing systems, ontologies, swarm intelligence, ambient intelligence, data mining, genetic algorithms, etc. The integration of multiple technologies and the resulting synergetic effects contribute to the creation of highly complex, dynamic, and powerful systems. The application of DESs within different domains has the power to transform these domains by giving them a more intelligent and a more dynamic nature. In this paper, we illustrate how a DES design methodology can be used to systematically create a Digital Health Ecosystem (DHES). We address the key steps associated with the DES design and focus specifically on the use of the electronic health records within the DHES. The design methodology framework illustrated in this paper serves as a navigating tool during the design of DHESs.Index Terms-Digital ecosystems (DESs), DESs design methodology, Digital Health Ecosystems (DHESs), digital health environment, digital health species (DHS).

No abstract

Abstract

In order to examine the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression and anxiety subsequent to high-risk pregnancies, 400 postpartum women aged 16–43 years were recruited into two study groups: a high-risk pregnancy group (i.e. with medical problems in the mother or fetus), and a normal term pregnancy group. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Spielberger Standard Test was used to assess symptoms of anxiety. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. Results showed that the prevalence of moderate-to-severe symptoms of depression and anxiety was higher among women who had a high-risk pregnancy; however, anxiety was more prevalent than depression in both groups. The high-risk pregnancy group suffered more problematic pregnancies with more frequent nausea, vomiting, dysuria and headache compared to the normal term pregnancy group. Physical health of mothers was shown to affect the health of newborns. Weight problems, ICU hospitalization and meconium aspiration rates were higher in babies born by mothers with high-risk pregnancy. The high-risk pregnancy was shown to be an important risk factor for postpartum psychological problems in mothers and newborns' health.

No abstract