Biometrics beyond the visible spectrum: Imaging technologies and applications

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04391-8_20Proceedings of Joint COST 2101 and 2102 International Conference, BioID_MultiComm 2009, Madrid (Spain)Human body images acquired at visible spectrum have inherent restrictions that hinder the performance of person recognition systems built using that kind of information (e.g. scene artefacts under varying illumination conditions). One promising approach for dealing with those limitations is using images acquired beyond the visible spectrum. This paper reviews some of the existing human body imaging technologies working beyond the visible spectrum (X-ray, Infrared, Millimeter and Submillimeter Wave imaging technologies). The benefits and drawbacks of each technology and their biometric applications are presented.This work has been supported by Terasense (CSD2008-00068) Consolider project of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

A European survey on the aetiology, investigation and management of the "Sportsman's Groin"

INTRODUCTION: A sportsman's groin has no accepted definition or consensus on treatment. The aim of this study was to assess current opinion among a large body of European surgeons using an online survey.METHODS: An online questionnaire comprising 16 multiple-choice questions was sent by email to general surgeons in Europe. The survey was live from the 6th to 30th September 2011.RESULTS: In total 143 responses were received. One hundred and six respondents (74\ua0%) expressed experience in managing this condition. The majority (91\ua0%) managed <26 cases per year. Posterior wall weakness (53\ua0%), pubic tendinitis (43\ua0%), nerve entrapment (37\ua0%) and conjoint tendon injury (36\ua0%) were the commonest aetiological factors described. Preferred diagnostic investigations were ultrasound of the groin (44\ua0%) and MRI of the pelvis (29\ua0%). The most common initial treatment (91\ua0% of respondents) was conservative measures (rest and analgesia) for a maximum of 6-month period. When surgery was undertaken, Lichtenstein repair (29\ua0%), TEP (27\ua0%), TAPP (20\ua0%), and posterior wall repair (21\ua0%) were the commonest procedures. The majority (95\ua0%) of respondents would not offer bilateral surgery for those presenting with unilateral groin pain.CONCLUSIONS: Most European surgeons see <26 cases of "sportsman's groin" per year, which is in keeping with the low incidence of this condition. There remains wide variation in its investigation and management, which reflects the differences in opinion on its aetiology. The majority of surgeons agree that surgery is not the only treatment option available, but there is little consensus on the optimal management