13 research outputs found

    Tracking human face features in thermal images for respiration monitoring

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    A method has been developed to track a region related to respiration process in thermal images. The respiration region of interest (ROI) consisted of the skin area around the tip of the nose. The method was then used as part of a non-contact respiration rate monitoring that determined the skin temperature changes caused by respiration. The ROI was located by the first determining the relevant salient features of the human face physiology. These features were the warmest and coldest facial points. The tracking method was tested on thermal video images containing no head movements, small random and regular head movements. The method proved valuable for tracking the ROI in all these head movement types. It was also possible to use this tracking method to monitor respiration rate involving a number of head movement types. Currently, more investigations are underway to improve the tracking method so that it can track the ROI in cases larger head movements

    Use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents in stable outpatients with coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation. International CLARIFY registry

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    Facial tracking method for noncontact respiration rate monitoring

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    A non-contact method of monitoring respiration rate is developed. The approach involved tracking a facial region of interest (ROI) associated with respiration in thermal images. Image processing techniques were used to enhance the recorded thermal images and to remove unwanted noise. The skin surface area centered on the tip of the nose was specified by a circle that covered the region affected by respiration process. Feature extraction and signal processing methods were applied to this region to compute the respiration rate. It was demonstrated that the method could successfully track the ROI for both regular and random head movement types and could determine respiration rate in a noncontact manner. Further work is in progress to enhance the algorithm so that it can cope with very large head movements

    Challenges in thermal imaging based respiration rate monitoring

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    Respiration rate is an important physiological measure. Current respiration rate monitoring methods are contact based, i.e. the sensing device is attached to the subject's body. These methods create discomfort and in some cases affect the value of the respiration rate

    Consensus and Diversity in the Management of Varicocele for Male Infertility: Results of a Global Practice Survey and Comparison with Guidelines and Recommendations

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    Purpose: Varicocele is a common problem among infertile men. Varicocele repair (VR) is frequently performed to improve semen parameters and the chances of pregnancy. However, there is a lack of consensus about the diagnosis, indications for VR and its outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore global practice patterns on the management of varicocele in the context of male infertility. Materials and Methods: Sixty practicing urologists/andrologists from 23 countries contributed 382 multiple-choice-questions pertaining to varicocele management. These were condensed into an online questionnaire that was forwarded to clinicians involved in male infertility management through direct invitation. The results were analyzed for disagreement and agreement in practice patterns and, compared with the latest guidelines of international professional societies (American Urological As-sociation [AUA], American Society for Reproductive Medicine [ASRM], and European Association of Urology [EAU]), and with evidence emerging from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Additionally, an expert opinion on each topic was provided based on the consensus of 16 experts in the field. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 574 clinicians from 59 countries. The majority of respondents were urologists/ uro-andrologists. A wide diversity of opinion was seen in every aspect of varicocele diagnosis, indications for repair, choice of technique, management of sub-clinical varicocele and the role of VR in azoospermia. A significant proportion of the re-sponses were at odds with the recommendations of AUA, ASRM, and EAU. A large number of clinical situations were identi-fied where no guidelines are available. Conclusions: This study is the largest global survey performed to date on the clinical management of varicocele for male in-fertility. It demonstrates: 1) a wide disagreement in the approach to varicocele management, 2) large gaps in the clinical prac-tice guidelines from professional societies, and 3) the need for further studies on several aspects of varicocele management in infertile men
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