The strength and frequency of uterine contraction (UC) is important in monitoring dysfunction in pregnancy and labour, e.g., preterm birth and dystocia. External tocodynamometry (TOCO) is the only clinical device currently available for routine UC detection, which measures changes of the abdominal shape during UCs via a single pressure sensor. However, it suffers from several drawbacks, including restriction by belt, intolerance of movement and limited clinical information. Electrohysterography (EHG), measured by abdominal electrodes, is a potential alternative of TOCO for UC assessment, which avoids the drawbacks of TOCO. Nevertheless, EHG has not been adopted in clinical use due to the unfamiliarity of clinicians with the raw EHG signals.

This project aims to develop advanced algorithms to convert EHG to TOCO-like waveforms to assist clinicians for fast adoption of EHG in clinical practice. Further, clinically useful features will be extracted from the derived waveforms to develop a Diagnostic Decision Support System (DDSS), which helps reducing the training requirements for clinicians, enabling wide pregnancy monitoring for low-resource settings.

This project builds on previously funded international collaborative research and brings together a supervisory team with interdisciplinary expertise in engineering, electrophysiology, maternity care and usability testing.

Funding details

This is a fully-funded studentship, including tuition fees, bursary and additional allowances.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and Deakin University for entry to the cotutelle programme.

This includes:

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.
The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

For further information visit the making an application page.

Additional requirements

Degree in the relevant specialist subject area such as Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or Computer Science
Background in electrophysiology or similar
Coding/ programming (e.g. Matlab) skills in bio-signal processing
Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques
Knowledge of software development (desired)
Ability to think innovatively and critically analyse data and results
Good written and oral communication skills
A record of presenting papers at conferences and of publishing peer reviewed research papers (desired)
Ability to meet deadlines, sometimes under pressure
Ability to work independently and also as part of a local and international multidisciplinary team
Willingness to take on roles to enhance research team activities and profile

How to apply

To find out more about the project please contact Dr Yuhang Xu.

All applications require full supporting documentation, and a covering letter – plus one of the following:

For pre-determined (named) projects a 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
For thematic opportunities a research proposal based within the selected theme/area of 3,000 words is required.

Apply to Coventry University