scholarly journals Good and bad boundaries in ultrasound compounding: preserving anatomic boundaries while suppressing artifacts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Ling Yu Hung ◽  
John Galeotti
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
3D Ultrasound ◽  
The Other ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Ultrasound Probe ◽  
Single Image ◽  
Volume Reconstruction ◽  
View Reconstruction ◽  
Ultrasound Compounding ◽  
Future Utility

Abstract Purpose Ultrasound compounding is to combine sonographic information captured from different angles and produce a single image. It is important for multi-view reconstruction, but as of yet there is no consensus on best practices for compounding. Current popular methods inevitably suppress or altogether leave out bright or dark regions that are useful and potentially introduce new artifacts. In this work, we establish a new algorithm to compound the overlapping pixels from different viewpoints in ultrasound. Methods Inspired by image fusion algorithms and ultrasound confidence, we uniquely leverage Laplacian and Gaussian pyramids to preserve the maximum boundary contrast without overemphasizing noise, speckles, and other artifacts in the compounded image, while taking the direction of the ultrasound probe into account. Besides, we designed an algorithm that detects the useful boundaries in ultrasound images to further improve the boundary contrast. Results We evaluate our algorithm by comparing it with previous algorithms both qualitatively and quantitatively, and we show that our approach not only preserves both light and dark details, but also somewhat suppresses noise and artifacts, rather than amplifying them. We also show that our algorithm can improve the performance of downstream tasks like segmentation. Conclusion Our proposed method that is based on confidence, contrast, and both Gaussian and Laplacian pyramids appears to be better at preserving contrast at anatomic boundaries while suppressing artifacts than any of the other approaches we tested. This algorithm may have future utility with downstream tasks such as 3D ultrasound volume reconstruction and segmentation.

scholarly journals A Standard Mammography Unit – Standard 3D Ultrasound Probe Fusion Prototype: First Results

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (06) ◽  
pp. 679-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rüdiger Schulz-Wendtland ◽  
Sebastian Jud ◽  
Peter Fasching ◽  
Arndt Hartmann ◽  
Marcus Radicke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Modality ◽  
3D Ultrasound ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Digital Mammogram ◽  
Ultrasound Probe ◽  
Breast Compression ◽  
Compression Plate ◽  
First Results ◽  
Conventional Mammography ◽  
Breast Diagnostics

Abstract Aim The combination of different imaging modalities through the use of fusion devices promises significant diagnostic improvement for breast pathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate image quality and clinical feasibility of a prototype fusion device (fusion prototype) constructed from a standard tomosynthesis mammography unit and a standard 3D ultrasound probe using a new method of breast compression. Materials and Methods Imaging was performed on 5 mastectomy specimens from patients with confirmed DCIS or invasive carcinoma (BI-RADS™ 6). For the preclinical fusion prototype an ABVS system ultrasound probe from an Acuson S2000 was integrated into a MAMMOMAT Inspiration (both Siemens Healthcare Ltd) and, with the aid of a newly developed compression plate, digital mammogram and automated 3D ultrasound images were obtained. Results The quality of digital mammogram images produced by the fusion prototype was comparable to those produced using conventional compression. The newly developed compression plate did not influence the applied x-ray dose. The method was not more labour intensive or time-consuming than conventional mammography. From the technical perspective, fusion of the two modalities was achievable. Conclusion In this study, using only a few mastectomy specimens, the fusion of an automated 3D ultrasound machine with a standard mammography unit delivered images of comparable quality to conventional mammography. The device allows simultaneous ultrasound – the second important imaging modality in complementary breast diagnostics – without increasing examination time or requiring additional staff.

scholarly journals Versatile Low-Cost Volumetric 3D Ultrasound Imaging Using Gimbal-Assisted Distance Sensors and an Inertial Measurement Unit

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (22) ◽  
pp. 6613
Author(s):  
Taehyung Kim ◽  
Dong-Hyun Kang ◽  
Shinyong Shim ◽  
Maesoon Im ◽  
Bo Kyoung Seo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inertial Measurement Unit ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ultrasound Image ◽  
3D Ultrasound ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Ultrasound Probe ◽  
Inertial Measurement ◽  
Position Data ◽  
2D Ultrasound

This study aims at creating low-cost, three-dimensional (3D), freehand ultrasound image reconstructions from commercial two-dimensional (2D) probes. The low-cost system that can be attached to a commercial 2D ultrasound probe consists of commercial ultrasonic distance sensors, a gimbal, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). To calibrate irregular movements of the probe during scanning, relative position data were collected from the ultrasonic sensors that were attached to a gimbal. The directional information was provided from the IMU. All the data and 2D ultrasound images were combined using a personal computer to reconstruct 3D ultrasound image. The relative position error of the proposed system was less than 0.5%. The overall shape of the cystic mass in the breast phantom was similar to those from 2D and sections of 3D ultrasound images. Additionally, the pressure and deformations of lesions could be obtained and compensated by contacting the probe to the surface of the soft tissue using the acquired position data. The proposed method did not require any initial marks or receivers for the reconstruction of a 3D ultrasound image using a 2D ultrasound probe. Even though our system is less than $500, a valuable volumetric ultrasound image could be provided to the users.

scholarly journals The Analysis of the Artifacts due to the Simultaneous Use of Two Ultrasound Probes with Different/Similar Operating Frequencies

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samreen Amir ◽  
B. S. Chowdhry ◽  
Manzoor Hashmani ◽  
Musarrat Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
3D Ultrasound ◽  
The Other ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
The Third ◽  
Imaging Artifacts ◽  
Simultaneous Use ◽  
Ultrasound Probes

The ultrasound imaging has the potential to become a dominant technique for noninvasive therapies and least invasive surgeries. Few cases may require using multiple probes of different units with different modes of ultrasound on the same patient. It generates imaging artifacts, which makes it complicated to gather information from the acquired image. This study was to identify and analyse the artifacts which are produced by simultaneous use of two probes with different/same operating frequencies. Six imaging studies were performed. First of all, the imaging artifacts of the 3.5 MHz and 6 MHz center frequencies with similar (longitudinal) positions of the probes. Secondly, with similar operating frequencies the 6 MHz probe changed from longitudinal to transverse placement to analyse the resulting artifacts. The third study was done with transverse placement of 3.5 MHz probe. The rest of the three cases were just the repetition with common pulse frequencies. Such artifacts in 3D ultrasound images are more obscure than the other artifacts associated and reported.

scholarly journals Best Practices in Assessment in Journalism Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
Felix Wao ◽  
Angela Romano ◽  
Marie Hardin
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
The Other ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Effective Assessment

Journalism programs face many challenges today as they work to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to enter the ever-changing journalism industry. On one hand, programs need to determine whether students are learning the competencies their program designers have identified as essential to the field. On the other, students need to demonstrate the mastery of those skills before graduation. One of the best ways to measure these achievements is through the development and implementation of effective assessment processes. Syndicate 8 focused on this process.

scholarly journals Development and assessment of a telesonography system for musculoskeletal imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Obaid ◽  
Qianwei Zhang ◽  
Scott J. Adams ◽  
Reza Fotouhi ◽  
Haron Obaid
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Ultrasound Probe ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Significant Delay ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Internet Connection ◽  
Good For ◽  
4 Degrees Of Freedom

Abstract Background Telesonography systems have been developed to overcome barriers to accessing diagnostic ultrasound for patients in rural and remote communities. However, most previous telesonography systems have been designed for performing only abdominal and obstetrical exams. In this paper, we describe the development and assessment of a musculoskeletal (MSK) telesonography system. Methods We developed a 4-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robot to manipulate an ultrasound probe. The robot was remotely controlled by a radiologist operating a joystick at the master site. The telesonography system was used to scan participants’ forearms, and all participants were conventionally scanned for comparison. Participants and radiologists were surveyed regarding their experience. Images from both scanning methods were independently assessed by an MSK radiologist. Results All ten ultrasound exams were successfully performed using our developed MSK telesonography system, with no significant delay in movement. The duration (mean ± standard deviation) of telerobotic and conventional exams was 4.6 ± 0.9 and 1.4 ± 0.5 min, respectively (p = 0.039). An MSK radiologist rated quality of real-time ultrasound images transmitted over an internet connection as “very good” for all telesonography exams, and participants rated communication with the radiologist as “very good” or “good” for all exams. Visualisation of anatomic structures was similar between telerobotic and conventional methods, with no statistically significant differences. Conclusions The MSK telesonography system developed in this study is feasible for performing soft tissue ultrasound exams. The advancement of this system may allow MSK ultrasound exams to be performed over long distances, increasing access to ultrasound for patients in rural and remote communities.

Automatic Measurement of Pennation Angle from Ultrasound Images using Resnets

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-87
Author(s):  
Weimin Zheng ◽  
Shangkun Liu ◽  
Qing-Wei Chai ◽  
Jeng-Shyang Pan ◽  
Shu-Chuan Chu
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Fibers ◽  
Ultrasound Image ◽  
Automatic Measurement ◽  
Pennation Angle ◽  
Reference Line ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Single Image ◽  
Angle Measuring ◽  
Sequential Image ◽  
Robust Measurements

In this study, an automatic pennation angle measuring approach based on deep learning is proposed. Firstly, the Local Radon Transform (LRT) is used to detect the superficial and deep aponeuroses on the ultrasound image. Secondly, a reference line are introduced between the deep and superficial aponeuroses to assist the detection of the orientation of muscle fibers. The Deep Residual Networks (Resnets) are used to judge the relative orientation of the reference line and muscle fibers. Then, reference line is revised until the line is parallel to the orientation of the muscle fibers. Finally, the pennation angle is obtained according to the direction of the detected aponeuroses and the muscle fibers. The angle detected by our proposed method differs by about 1° from the angle manually labeled. With a CPU, the average inference time for a single image of the muscle fibers with the proposed method is around 1.6 s, compared to 0.47 s for one of the image of a sequential image sequence. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve accurate and robust measurements of pennation angle.

scholarly journals The Philippines’ and Singapore’s Journeys towards Liberalised Electricity Supply Industries—Takeaways for Malaysia

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 3514
Author(s):  
Hazleen Aris ◽  
Iskandar Shah Mohd Zawawi ◽  
Bo Nørregaard Jørgensen
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
The Other ◽  
Electricity Supply ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Electricity Supply Industry ◽  
The Third ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
Supply Industry ◽  
Asean Countries

Malaysia is in the process of liberalising its electricity supply industry (ESI) further, with the second reform series announced in September 2018. If everything goes as planned, Malaysia would be the third country in the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) to have a fully liberalised ESI after the Philippines and Singapore. A number of initiatives have been in the pipeline to be executed and a lot more will be planned. At this juncture, it is important for Malaysia to look for the best practices and lessons that can be learnt from the experience of other countries that have successfully liberalised their ESIs. Being in the same region, it is believed that there is a lot that Malaysia can learn from the Philippines and Singapore. This paper therefore presents and deliberates on the chronological development of the countries’ progressive journeys in liberalising their ESIs. The aim is to discern the good practices, the challenges as well as the lessons learnt from these transformations. Analysis is being made and discussed from the following four perspectives; legislative framework, implementation phases, market components and impact on renewable energy penetration. Findings from this study would provide useful insight for Malaysia in determining the course of actions to be taken to reform its ESI. Beyond Malaysia, the findings can also serve as the reference for the other ASEAN countries in moving towards liberalising their ESIs.

Sulu-Sulawesi Seas Patrol: Lessons from the Malacca Straits Patrol and Other Similar Cooperative Frameworks

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 799-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadyu Ikrami
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Maritime Security ◽  
The Other ◽  
Similar Form ◽  
Security Cooperation ◽  
Sulu Sea ◽  
Straits Of Malacca ◽  
Maritime Strategy ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract On 19 June 2017, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines launched the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas Patrol (SSSP), a framework of maritime security cooperation aimed at protecting the Sulu Sea and Sulawesi (Celebes) Sea from maritime crimes. The three nations had announced that their cooperation might be modelled on the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP), a similar form of cooperation between Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand to safeguard the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. This article primarily compares both cooperative frameworks, and argues that the SSSP should be modelled on the MSP, subject to certain conditions. Where there are insufficient best practices in the MSP, this article contrasts the SSSP with other similar cooperative frameworks, including the Combined Maritime Forces and the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy. In addition, this article also discusses the relationship between the SSSP and MSP on one hand, and the ASEAN maritime security mechanisms on the other hand.

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