scholarly journals A Preliminary Study on the Adaptive SNR Threshold Method for Depth of Penetration Measurements in Diagnostic Ultrasounds

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 6533
Author(s):  
Giorgia Fiori ◽  
Fabio Fuiano ◽  
Andrea Scorza ◽  
Jan Galo ◽  
Silvia Conforto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Threshold Method ◽  
Depth Of Penetration ◽  
Naked Eye ◽  
Measurement Results ◽  
Automatic Methods ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Adaptive Signal

Maximum depth of penetration (DOP) is among the most relevant parameters in quality assurance programs for Ultrasound (US) scanners. Nowadays, a generally-accepted protocol for DOP estimation is still awaited and, in common practice, DOP is visually assessed despite the low accuracy. To overcome the eye-based assessment subjectivity, automatic image analysis methods have been proposed in literature. The present work focuses on a novel automatic method, namely the adaptive Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) threshold method (AdSTM), developed in the MATLAB environment, by comparing it with an existing automatic approach, namely the tangent threshold method (TTM), and the mean judgment of eight observers (naked eye method). The three investigated methods were applied on data acquired from four US scanners for general purpose imaging, equipped with linear, convex, and vector array probes. Tests were carried out in two different configuration settings (raw scanner and default preset working conditions). AdSTM outcomes were tested by means of Monte Carlo Simulations. Most of measurement results were compatible despite the fact that the AdSTM seemed to be more sensitive and faster than the TTM. The results analysis confirms the higher dispersion of the naked eye method in DOP assessment with respect to the proposed automatic methods.

scholarly journals A preliminary study on an image analysis based method for lowest detectable signal measurements in Pulsed Wave Doppler ultrasounds

ACTA IMEKO ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Giorgia Fiori ◽  
Fabio Fuiano ◽  
Andrea Scorza ◽  
Jan Galo ◽  
Silvia Conforto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Diagnostic Systems ◽  
Sensitivity Measurement ◽  
Test Parameters ◽  
Flow Phantom ◽  
Pulsed Wave Doppler ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Sensitivity Method

<span lang="EN-GB">Nowadays, Doppler system performance evaluation is a widespread issue because a shared worldwide standard is still awaited. Among the recommended Doppler test parameters, the lowest detectable signal could be considered mandatory in Quality Control (QC) protocols for Pulsed Wave (PW) Doppler. Such parameter is defined as the minimum signal level that can be clearly distinguished from noise and therefore, it is considered as related to PW Doppler sensitivity. The present study focuses on proposing and validating a novel image analysis based method for the estimation of the Lowest Detectable Signal in the spectrogram image (LDS<sub>IMG</sub>), namely Automatic Doppler Sensitivity Measurement Method (ADSMM), as well as to compare its results with the outcomes retrieved from the Naked Eye Doppler Sensitivity Method (NEDSM), based on the mean judgment of three independent observers. Data have been collected from a Doppler flow phantom, through three ultrasound systems for general purpose imaging, equipped with two linear array probes each and with two configuration settings. Results are globally compatible among the proposed methods, US systems and settings. Further studies could be carried out on a higher number of US diagnostic systems, Doppler frequencies and observers, as well as with different probe and phantom models.</span>

scholarly journals Optimization of SPECT/CT imaging protocols for quantitative and qualitative 99mTc SPECT

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Kupitz ◽  
Heiko Wissel ◽  
Jan Wuestemann ◽  
Stephanie Bluemel ◽  
Maciej Pech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Quantitative Imaging ◽  
Scatter Correction ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithm ◽  
Weighting Factor ◽  
Quantitative Spect ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
Spect Acquisition ◽  
The Mean ◽  
A Minor

Abstract Background The introduction of hybrid SPECT/CT devices enables quantitative imaging in SPECT, providing a methodological setup for quantitation using SPECT tracers comparable to PET/CT. We evaluated a specific quantitative reconstruction algorithm for SPECT data using a 99mTc-filled NEMA phantom. Quantitative and qualitative image parameters were evaluated for different parametrizations of the acquisition and reconstruction protocol to identify an optimized quantitative protocol. Results The reconstructed activity concentration (ACrec) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of all examined protocols (n = 16) were significantly affected by the parametrization of the weighting factor k used in scatter correction, the total number of iterations and the sphere volume (all, p < 0.0001). The two examined SPECT acquisition protocols (with 60 or 120 projections) had a minor impact on the ACrec and no significant impact on the SNR. In comparison to the known AC, the use of default scatter correction (k = 0.47) or object-specific scatter correction (k = 0.18) resulted in an underestimation of ACrec in the largest sphere volume (26.5 ml) by − 13.9 kBq/ml (− 16.3%) and − 7.1 kBq/ml (− 8.4%), respectively. An increase in total iterations leads to an increase in estimated AC and a decrease in SNR. The mean difference between ACrec and known AC decreased with an increasing number of total iterations (e.g., for 20 iterations (2 iterations/10 subsets) = − 14.6 kBq/ml (− 17.1%), 240 iterations (24i/10s) = − 8.0 kBq/ml (− 9.4%), p < 0.0001). In parallel, the mean SNR decreased significantly from 2i/10s to 24i/10s by 76% (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Quantitative SPECT imaging is feasible with the used reconstruction algorithm and hybrid SPECT/CT, and its consistent implementation in diagnostics may provide perspectives for quantification in routine clinical practice (e.g., assessment of bone metabolism). When combining quantitative analysis and diagnostic imaging, we recommend using two different reconstruction protocols with task-specific optimized setups (quantitative vs. qualitative reconstruction). Furthermore, individual scatter correction significantly improves both quantitative and qualitative results.

scholarly journals Impact of a Smart-Ring-Based Feedback System on the Quality of Chest Compressions in Adult Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Preliminary Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5408
Author(s):  
Chiwon Ahn ◽  
Seungjae Lee ◽  
Jongshill Lee ◽  
Jaehoon Oh ◽  
Yeongtak Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Feedback System ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Feedback Group ◽  
Compression Depth ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
The Ideal

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a novel chest compression (CC) smart-ring-based feedback system in a manikin simulation. In this randomized, crossover, controlled study, we evaluated the effect of smart-ring CC feedback on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The learnability and usability of the tool were evaluated with the System Usability Scale (SUS). Participants were divided into two groups and each performed CCs with and without feedback 2 weeks apart, using different orders. The primary outcome was compression depth; the proportion of accurate-depth (5–6 cm) CCs, CC rate, and the proportion of complete CCs (≤1 cm of residual leaning) were assessed additionally. The feedback group and the non-feedback group showed significant differences in compression depth (52.1 (46.3–54.8) vs. 47.1 (40.5–49.9) mm, p = 0.021). The proportion of accurate-depth CCs was significantly higher in the interventional than in the control condition (88.7 (30.0–99.1) vs. 22.6 (0.0–58.5%), p = 0.033). The mean SUS score was 83.9 ± 8.7 points. The acceptability ranges were ‘acceptable’, and the adjective rating was ‘excellent’. CCs with smart-ring feedback could help achieve the ideal range of depth during CPR. The smart-ring may be a valuable source of CPR feedback.

scholarly journals How Does the Cause of Infantile Hemiparesis Influence Other Conditioning Factors? A Preliminary Study in a Spanish Population

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Rocío Palomo-Carrión ◽  
Rita Pilar Romero-Galisteo ◽  
Helena Romay-Barrero ◽  
Inés Martínez-Galán ◽  
Cristina Lirio-Romero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Speech Impairments ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conditioning Factors ◽  
Age Of Diagnosis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Preliminary Study

Infantile hemiparesis may be associated with significant morbidity and may have a profound impact on a child’s physical and social development. Infantile hemiparesis is associated with motor dysfunction as well as additional neurologic impairments, including sensory loss, mental retardation, epilepsy, and vision, hearing, or speech impairments. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between the cause of infantile hemiparesis and birth (gestational age), age of diagnosis, and associated disorders present in children with infantile hemiparesis aged 0 to 3 years. An observational and cross-sectional study was performed. A simple and anonymous questionnaire was created ad hoc for parents of children diagnosed with infantile hemiparesis aged between 0 and 3 years about the situation regarding the diagnosis of hemiparesis, birth, cause of hemiparesis, and presence of other associated disorders. Perinatal stroke (60.1%) was the most common cause of hemiparesis, and the most typical associated disorder was epilepsy (34.2%), with the second largest percentage in this dimension corresponding to an absence of associated disorders (20.7%). The most frequent birth was “no premature” (74.1%). The mean age of diagnosis of infantile hemiparesis was registered at 8 months (IQR: 0–36). Knowing the possible association between different conditioning factors and the cause of infantile hemiparesis facilitates the prevention of severe sequelae in children and family, implementing an early comprehensive therapeutic approach in children with infantile hemiparesis.

scholarly journals Feasibility of balloon-based endobiliary radiofrequency ablation under cholangioscopy guidance in a swine model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadahisa Inoue ◽  
Hiromu Kutsumi ◽  
Mayu Ibusuki ◽  
Masashi Yoneda
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Swine Model ◽  
Biliary Strictures ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Ablation Area ◽  
Mucosal Changes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Preliminary Study

AbstractAlthough endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has demonstrated considerable potential for the treatment of biliary strictures, conventional catheter RFA has several limitations. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel cholangioscopy (CS)-guided balloon-based RFA procedure in vivo using a swine model. CS-guided balloon-RFA was performed under endoscopic retrograde cholangiography guidance at target temperatures of 60 ℃ or 70 ℃, which were maintained for 60 s. We evaluated the technical feasibility, adverse events, and histological effects associated with the procedure. Twelve sites were ablated in seven miniature pigs. The CS-guided balloon-RFA procedure was technically successful in all cases without any hindrance. Mucosal changes could be detected during RFA, and the ablation area was identified on CS. Necropsy was performed in four pigs on the same day as the procedure: the tissue samples showed coagulative necrosis, and the entire internal circumference of the bile duct was uniformly ablated. The mean lengths of the ablation area in the samples ablated at 60 °C and 70 °C were 20.64 and 22.18 mm, respectively, while the mean depths were 3.46 and 5.07 mm, respectively. The other three pigs were reared and euthanized and autopsied 35 days after the procedure. The site to be ablated had replaced the granulation tissue and fibrotic changes. No adverse events were observed in any case. CS-guided balloon-RFA appears to be a promising option for treating biliary strictures. This preliminary study could pave the way for the evaluation of this procedure in future human clinical trials.

A new adaptive variable step size natural gradient BSS algorithm

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Junqing Ji ◽  
Xiaojia Kong ◽  
Yajing Zhang ◽  
Tongle Xu ◽  
Jing Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Wavelet Coefficient ◽  
Gradient Algorithm ◽  
Variable Step Size ◽  
Natural Gradient ◽  
Threshold Method ◽  
Step Size ◽  
Morphological Component Analysis ◽  
Variable Step ◽  
Separation Degree

The traditional blind source separation (BSS) algorithm is mainly used to deal with signal separation under the noiseless model, but it does not apply to data with the low signal to noise ratio (SNR). To solve the problem, an adaptive variable step size natural gradient BSS algorithm based on an improved wavelet threshold is proposed in this paper. Firstly, an improved wavelet threshold method is used to reduce the noise of the signal. Secondly, the wavelet coefficient layer with obvious periodicity is denoised using a morphological component analysis (MCA) algorithm, and the processed wavelet coefficients are recombined to obtain the ideal model. Thirdly, the recombined signal is pre-whitened, and a new separation matrix update formula of natural gradient algorithm is constructed by defining a new separation degree estimation function. Finally, the adaptive variable step size natural gradient blind source algorithm is used to separate the noise reduction signal. The results show that the algorithm can not only adaptively adjust the step size according to different signals, but also improve the convergence speed, stability and separation accuracy.

scholarly journals 2D In-Plane Sensitive Hall-Effect Sensor

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (13) ◽  
pp. 711
Author(s):  
Siya Lozanova ◽  
Ivan Kolev ◽  
Avgust Ivanov ◽  
Chavdar Roumenin
Keyword(s):  
Hall Effect ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hall Effect Sensor ◽  
Orthogonal Components ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Cross ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Outer Contact ◽  
Hall Elements ◽  
Ic Technology

A new 2D (two-dimensional) in-plane sensitive Hall-effect sensor comprising two identical n-Si Greek-crosses is presented. Each of the crosses contains one central square contact and, symmetrically to each of their four sides, an outer contact is available. Outer electrode from one configuration is connected with the respective opposite contact from the other configuration, thus forming four parallel three-contact (3C) Hall elements. These original connections provide pairs of opposite supply currents in each of the cross-Hall structure. Also the obligatory load resistors in the outer contacts of 3С Hall elements are replaced by internal resistances of crosses themselves. The samples have been implemented by IC technology, using four masks. The magnetic field is parallel to the structures’ plane. The couples of opposite contacts of each Greek-cross are the outputs for the two orthogonal components of the magnetic vector at sensitivities S ≈ 115 V/AT whereas the cross-talk is very promising, reaching no more than 2.4%. The mean lowest detected magnetic induction B at a supply current Is = 3 mA over the frequency range f ≤ 500 Hz at a signal to noise ratio equal to unity, is Bmin ≈ 14 μT.

Preliminary study of improved median filter using adaptively mask size in light microscopic image

Microscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
Ji-Youn Kim ◽  
Youngjin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Median Filter ◽  
Microscopic Image ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Mask Size ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Noise Ratio ◽  
Image Details

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate an improved median filter (IMF) with an adaptive mask size for light microscope (LM) images. We acquired images of the mouse first molar using a LM at 100× magnification. The images obtained using our proposed IMF were compared with those from a conventional median filter. Several parameters such as the contrast-to-noise ratio, coefficient of variation, no-reference assessments and peak signal-to-noise ratio were employed to evaluate the image quality quantitatively. The results demonstrated that the proposed IMF could effectively de-noise the LM images and preserve the image details, achieving a better performance than the conventional median filter.

scholarly journals Overview of large building testing in Baltic countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 172 ◽  
pp. 05007
Author(s):  
Andrejs Nitijevskis ◽  
Vladislavs Keviss
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Pressure Difference ◽  
Leakage Rate ◽  
Air Leakage ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
Measurement Results ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mandatory Testing ◽  
Air Leakage Rate ◽  
Large Building

The objectives of this paper are to review measurements of airtightness of 2 large building groups – middle size shops, and warehouses/distribution centres. The mean air leakage rate at 50 Pa pressure difference q50 was 1.04 m3/m2h and 1.35 m3/m2h for shops and warehouses respectively. Analysis of measurement results is valuable because it allows to make a conclusion about compliance of national and corporative construction airtightness norms with actual air barrier condition on a comissioning stage. In the concluding part of the study there are suggested ways to improve air barrier such as review of construction norms, implementation of a mandatory testing and quality control of a measurement.

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