Characterization of digital medical images utilizing support vector machines

BACKGROUND: In this paper we discuss an efficient methodology for the image analysis and characterization of digital images containing skin lesions using Support Vector Machines and present the results of a preliminary study. METHODS: The methodology is based on the support vector machines algorithm for data classification and it has been applied to the problem of the recognition of malignant melanoma versus dysplastic naevus. Border and colour based features were extracted from digital images of skin lesions acquired under reproducible conditions, using basic image processing techniques. Two alternative classification methods, the statistical discriminant analysis and the application of neural networks were also applied to the same problem and the results are compared. RESULTS: The SVM (Support Vector Machines) algorithm performed quite well achieving 94.1% correct classification, which is better than the performance of the other two classification methodologies. The method of discriminant analysis classified correctly 88% of cases (71% of Malignant Melanoma and 100% of Dysplastic Naevi), while the neural networks performed approximately the same. CONCLUSION: The use of a computer-based system, like the one described in this paper, is intended to avoid human subjectivity and to perform specific tasks according to a number of criteria. However the presence of an expert dermatologist is considered necessary for the overall visual assessment of the skin lesion and the final diagnosis

Photoluminescence and electroluminescence by gallium(III) complexes of N-salicylidene-o-aminophenol and its derivatives

a b s t r a c t N-salicylidene-o-aminophenol and two of its derivatives bearing either an electron-donating methyl group or an electron-withdrawing Br group were used as ligands for the synthesis of three Ga(III) complexes. The complexes involved the participation of one acetylacetonate and one ethanol or methanol molecule. The geometry of the dianion of the Schiff base in the complexes is planar while photoluminescence data showed that photoluminescence intensity was extensively increased upon complex formation. Complexes emitted ligand-centered luminescence by ligand-centered excitation. Substituent groups broadly modified emission maximum. These substitutions can be exploited to tune light emission by the complex. All three complexes were used for the construction of electroluminescence devices and all emitted electroluminescence. Both photoluminescence and electroluminescence emission was enhanced in the case of substituted Schiff bases

Photoluminescence and electroluminescence by gallium(III) complexes of N-salicylidene-o-aminophenol and its derivatives

N-salicylidene-o-aminophenol and two of its derivatives bearing either an electron-donating methyl group or an electron-withdrawing Br group were used as ligands for the synthesis of three Ga(III) complexes. The complexes involved the participation of one acetylacetonate and one ethanol or methanol molecule. The geometry of the dianion of the Schiff base in the complexes is planar while photoluminescence data showed that photoluminescence intensity was extensively increased upon complex formation. Complexes emitted ligand-centered luminescence by ligand-centered excitation. Substituent groups broadly modified emission maximum. These substitutions can be exploited to tune light emission by the complex. All three complexes were used for the construction of electroluminescence devices and all emitted electroluminescence. Both photoluminescence and electroluminescence emission was enhanced in the case of substituted Schiff bases. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved