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< BACK Federated Learning Aggregation based on Weight Distribution Analysis Oct 4, 2023 Enhancing Federated Learning: Leveraging Weight Distribution Analysis for Superior Aggregation Federated learning has recently been proposed as a solution to the problem of using private or sensitive data for training a central deep model, without exchanging the local data. In federated learning, local models are trained on the client side using the available data, while a server is responsible for aggregating the weights of these models into a global model. However, the traditional weight averaging approach does not take into consideration the importance of the different weights for the performance of a model. To this end, this work proposes a novel federated learning weight aggregation method that estimates the statistical distance of each client's parameters from the Gaussianity, and weighs the contribution of each client to the global model accordingly so that the most significant information is retained and enhanced. To create an accurate global model, a complex weighted averaging of the parameters of clients' models at the layer level is performed, considering as low quality the parameters following the Gaussian distribution. The proposed method can be employed to both convolutional and linear layers and it is based on the notion that parameters following a Gaussian distribution do not significantly affect the output of a model. Experiments with different network architectures and a comparison with a plethora of state-of-the-art approaches on three well-known image classification datasets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method for federated learning weight aggregation. Read the full publication: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374440973_Federated_Learning_Aggregation_based_on_Weight_Distribution_Analysis 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Ongoing preparation for the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study Mar 4, 2024 iPROLEPSIS-PDPID Study: Advancing Psoriatic Arthritis through Innovative Digital Biomarkers Patients with Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience difficulties in dealing with unpredictable disease activity, which can affect their quality of life. Developing a digital biomarker using a smartphone and smartwatch would allow for unobtrusive monitoring of the disease activity in these patients. Besides, understanding what factors trigger flare would allow for better disease control. The iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study is a multicentre observational cohort study that aims to develop an unobtrusive and affordable digital biomarker capable of detecting changes in disease activity, including flare, and to identify triggers of flare in patients with PsA. The study will be conducted in four countries: the Netherlands, the UK, Portugal and Greece. Ethical approval for initiating the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study in the Netherlands and the UK has been granted. The OpenClinica platform will be used in the collection and storage of data for the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study. Future steps include obtaining ethical approvals for Portugal and Greece as well as local approvals from centres participating in each country, and inclusion of patients from each participating country. The miPROLEPSIS phone app , currently under development, will be used in this study. The app will be installed on the patient smartphone and utilised as a data collector, which will be then used for algorithms development and training. The app will measure physical activity, the length of sleep, self-registered flare, and register daily pain, fatigue, sleep and morning stiffness. The Garmin smartwatch Vivoactive 5 device will be used to collect data on physical activity, heart rate, heart rate variability and sleep quality. The collected data from Garmin will be downloaded from the miPROLEPSIS app by Wellics software (developer in the project), which allows extracting, visualising and exporting collected both company-processed data, as well as raw data. 10.png 13.png 14.png 10.png 1/5 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Understanding Patient Perspectives on Digital Biomarkers for Psoriatic Arthritis Nov 28, 2024 A new study explores opportunities and challenges in using digital biomarkers for Psoriatic Arthritis management A recently published study, Digital biomarkers for psoriatic arthritis: a qualitative focus group study on patient-perceived opportunities and barriers , examines how patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) perceive the use of digital biomarkers (dBMs) in managing their condition. With the increasing use of wearables like smartphones and smartwatches, there is growing interest in utilizing these tools to track physiological and behavioral data in everyday life. This study, involving 27 PsA patients across six focus groups, sheds light on the potential benefits and limitations of integrating dBMs into PsA care. Key Insights The study identified three main areas of interest: Opportunities: Patients saw value in using digital biomarkers to track early signs of disease flare-ups and monitor symptoms over time. Disease Activity Mapping: Participants highlighted the importance of using a broad range of data points to reflect the complexity of PsA symptoms. Barriers: Concerns about privacy, data security, and maintaining strong connections with healthcare providers were key considerations for patients. Relevance to iPROLEPSIS The findings align with iPROLEPSIS’s goal of integrating patient-centered digital health tools into chronic disease management. This study offers important guidance on ensuring digital health innovations address real-world patient needs while maintaining trust and usability. e004699.full .pdf Download PDF • 1.55MB 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Highlights from IFPA 2024 Jun 28, 2024 iPROLEPSIS at IFPA 2024 The 7th World Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Conference, held on June 27-29, 2024, brought together leading experts and researchers to discuss the latest advancements in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Dr Laura Coates from the University of Oxford discussed the potential to prevent psoriatic arthritis, including the work being done in iPROLEPSIS and HIPPOCRATES IMI. 1/6 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK iPROLEPSIS Games Presented at the Pitch Competition during PhD Open Days Nov 7, 2024 Showcasing iPROLEPSIS Games at the PhD Open Days Pitch Competition On November 5th, Bárbara Ramalho from FMH/IST-ULisboa had the opportunity to present the iPROLEPSIS Games at the Pitch Competition during the PhD Open Days event at the Técnico Innovation Center . In her pitch, Bárbara highlighted the role of serious games in the iPROLEPSIS project, which aims to improve the care and management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) through a personalised, game-based digital ecosystem. The PhD Open Days gave over a thousand students the chance to connect, network, and showcase their research to the academic community, industry professionals, and alumni. The Pitch Competition was a great opportunity for researchers to present their work and meet potential collaborators. 1/5 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK British Society for Rheumatology Annual Conference 2024 Apr 26, 2024 Dr. Laura Coates Addresses Psoriasis to Psoriatic Arthritis Transition British Society for Rheumatology Annual Conference, the UK’s leading rheumatology event, took place on 24-26 April 2024. Dr Laura Coates discussed preventing the transition of psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis, including the evidence so far and studies underway with iPROLEPSIS and HIPPOCRATES IMI . Laura Coates_BRC 2024.jfif Laura Coates_BRC 2024.jfif 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK iPROLEPSIS 3rd Plenary Meeting Nov 30, 2023 iPROLEPSIS 3rd Plenary Meeting in Rotterdam: 12-13 December 2023 On 12-13 December 2023, iPROLEPSIS partners will meet in Rotterdam for the third plenary meeting. The agenda includes workshops on the PDPID study, digital biomarkers, technical ecosystem development, serious games co-creation, an External Advisory Board session, and more. Stay tuned for updates on our progress! iPROLEPSIS 3rd Plenary meeting (1).png iPROLEPSIS 3rd Plenary meeting (1).png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Unveiling the Future of Psoriatic Arthritis Care: Insights from Dr Laura Coates Mar 19, 2024 Exploring the iPROLEPSIS Project and Innovations in Digital Health Technologies for Enhanced Patient Care Dr Laura Coates , a researcher and clinician from the University of Oxford , guides through the research and clinical studies of the iPROLEPSIS project. In her own words: "It’s my pleasure to be leading all of the clinical studies within the iPROLEPSIS Consortium. We're focused on developing and testing apps and digital health technologies to enhance the care for patients with psoriatic arthritis ." Discover how these innovative tools aim to predict and manage psoriatic arthritis flares, identify at-risk individuals, and empower patients to take control of their health. Dr Coates elaborates on the various aspects of the research, including the development of apps that could foresee a flare, identify triggers, and even provide support for stress management and activity. Screenshot 2024-03-19 123331.png Screenshot 2024-03-19 123331.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Digital Innovation for Psoriatic Arthritis Prevention Sep 11, 2025 An interview with iPROLEPSIS coordinators in Thessalonikeon Polis on how digital tools, wearables, and AI can help prevent psoriatic arthritis In a recent interview with Thessalonikeon Polis , Vasilis Charisis and Project Coordinator Prof. Leontios Hadjileontiadis from the Signal Processing & Biomedical Technology Unit – AUTH shared insights on the iPROLEPSIS project. The interview highlights the iPROLEPSIS project, showing how smartphones and wearables can assist in early detection and prevention of psoriatic arthritis through digital tools such as wearables, educational games, and personalised apps. It also touches on AI in healthcare, stressing its role in supporting – not replacing – healthcare professionals. Read the full article (in Greek): https://thessalonikeonpolis.gr/machi-kata-tou-parkinson-tehniti-noimosini/ iPROLEPSIS_interview.png iPROLEPSIS_interview.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK World Psoriasis Day 2025: Advancing Prevention and Care Oct 29, 2025 On World Psoriasis Day, iPROLEPSIS highlights ongoing efforts to improve early detection, prevention, and digital support for people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis October 29 marks World Psoriasis Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness of the impact psoriasis has on millions worldwide. For many, the condition goes beyond the skin: up to 30% develop psoriatic arthritis , an inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue, significantly affecting daily life. This year’s World Psoriasis Day video shares how iPROLEPSIS is working to advance psoriatic arthritis prevention and care. Through clinical studies, digital biomarkers, and co-created digital health tools, the project aims to support early detection , timely monitoring , and personalised care . The ongoing PDPID study is developing and validating predictive models for psoriatic arthritis progression, while the iPROLEPSIS digital ecosystem – including the miPROLEPSIS apps, miDashboard for professionals, and lifestyle interventions – is designed together with patients and clinicians to make technology more supportive of everyday care. Its tools – the miPROLEPSIS and miPROLEPSIS-Lite apps, the miDashboard for professionals, and lifestyle interventions such as serious games and personalised recommendations – are co-created with patients and healthcare providers to ensure they are practical, easy to use, and truly supportive of everyday care. On this World Psoriasis Day, iPROLEPSIS stands with everyone living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Together with clinical and research partners across Europe, the project continues to work toward earlier detection, prevention, and innovative digital solutions to improve lives. Watch the World Psoriasis Day 2025 video here: Screenshot 2025-10-29 083418.png Screenshot 2025-10-29 083418.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK iPROLEPSIS Newsletter No. 7 Jan 28, 2025 Latest News from iPROLEPSIS Welcome to the 7th edition of the iPROLEPSIS newsletter. In this edition, we share the latest updates and progress from our project, including new developments, recent publications, and reflections on key events. iPROLEPSIS project newsletter_Jan 2025_Issue No. 7 .pdf Download PDF • 5.60MB 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Developing Sensorimotor Art Games for Psoriatic Arthritis using Agile Storyboarding and Game Co-Design Processes Jul 31, 2024 Innovative Sensorimotor Art Games for Psoriatic Arthritis: Agile Storyboarding and Co-Design Approaches Serious Games (SGs) have the potential to provide clinical care and enhance patients’ quality of life, while incorporating an element of entertainment. As part of the iPROLEPSIS Horizon Europe project, we introduce two Sensorimotor Art games designed as SGs to assist Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) patients in managing their symptoms. These SGs provide a platform for self-expression and pain relief through engaging in rhythmic puzzle activities. The co-design process for the proposed Sensorimotor Art games followed an agile methodology, involving 14 experts (including clinicians, researchers, and game developers), to gather feedback on game requirements, storyboards, and mechanics. From the thematic analysis of the transcribed discussion, four main themes emerged, namely: Clinical value (Theme 1), Motor skills and adaptation (Theme 2), Creative engagement (Theme 3), and Feedback and future directions (Theme 4). Clinical value underlines the therapeutic benefits of Sensorimotor Art games for pain distraction and emotional well-being. Motor skills and adaptation focus on hand/finger use and adapting games for older patients. Creative engagement emphasizes fostering creativity, a positive environment, and goal achievement. Finally, Feedback and future directions highlight the importance of continuous feedback and occupational therapists’ involvement in coming sessions. The development of Sensorimotor Art games lays the groundwork for digital interventions to alleviate psychological distress and improve fine motor symptoms in PsA patients. At the same time, these SGs can also provide insights to healthcare providers and policymakers for developing future digital solutions tailored to PsA patients. Read the full publication: https://zenodo.org/records/13142606 Ramalho et al_DSAI_2024 .pdf Download PDF • 1.29MB 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT