Energy-efficient task scheduling and physiological assessment in disaster management using UAV-assisted networks

Internet of Things (IoT) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) together can significantly enhance the performance of disaster management systems. UAVs can collect massive heterogeneous data from disaster-affected areas using fifth-generation (5G)/beyond 5G networks and this data can be analyzed to get the information required by the first responders such as marking the boundary of the affected area, identifying the infrastructure damaged and the roads blocked, and the health situation of people living in that area. This paper presents an overview of different platforms (UAVs-based, IoT-based, and IoT, coupled with UAVs) for disaster management. We propose an energy-efficient task scheduling scheme for data collection by UAVs from the ground IoT network. The focus is to optimize the path taken by the UAVs to minimize energy consumption. We also analyze the vital signs data collected by UAVs for people in disaster-affected areas and apply the decision tree classification algorithm to determine their health risk status. The risk status will enable the first responders to decide the areas which need the most immediate help Simulation results compare the effectiveness of our proposed scheduling scheme with the traditional approach used for data collection. Also, we present the results of our predicted risk status compared with the risk status calculated through the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) method

Evaluation of a perineal access device for MRI-guided prostate interventions

This paper describes a perineal access tool for MRI-guided prostate interventions and evaluates it using a phantom study. The development of this device has been driven by the clinical need and a close collaboration effort. The device seamlessly fits into the workflow of MRI-guided prostate procedures such as cryoablation and biopsies. It promises a significant cut in the procedure time, accurate needle placement, lower number of insertions, and a potential for better patient outcomes. The current embodiment includes a frame which is placed next to the perineum and incorporates both visual and MRI-visible markers. These markers are automatically detected both in MRI and by a pair of stereo cameras (optical head) allowing for automatic optical registration. The optical head illuminates the procedure area and can track instruments and ultrasound probes. The frame has a window to access the perineum. Multiple swappable grids may be placed in this window depending on the application. It is also possible to entirely remove the grid for freehand procedures. All the components are designed to be used inside the MRI suite. To test this system, we built a custom phantom with MRI visible targets and planned 21 needle insertions with three grid types using the SCENERGY software. With an average insertion depth of about 85 mm, the average error of needle tip placement was 2.74 mm. We estimated the error by manually segmenting the needle tip in post-insertion MRIs of the phantom and comparing that to the plan

Vaginal stenosis treatment using computed tomography and fluoroscopy guidance

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal stenosis is a common complication following construction of a neovagina with vascularized myocutaneous flaps. This is primarily because of inconsistent or inappropriate vaginal dilator use. Image-guided recanalization, especially for obstructed genitourinary tracts, is an emerging idea in interventional radiology. Although multiple surgical techniques have been reported to treat vaginal agenesis or obstruction, the idea of image-guided recanalization of vaginal stenosis is a relatively new management strategy for vaginal stenosis. CASE: We present a challenging case of a patient who initially presented with the complaint of increasing pelvic pressure after the creation of a neovagina via vaginoplasty. She had a distal neovagina created after extensive surgical resection for a large infiltrating pelvic rectal adenocarcinoma. A computed tomography scan revealed a fluid-filled neovaginal abscess. Examination under anesthesia revealed complete stenosis of the neovagina with no identifiable tract for dilation. INTERVENTION: A computed tomography scan and fluoroscopy-guided sharp recanalization of the stenosed neovagina was performed, followed by serial fluoroscopic balloon angioplasty to dilate the stenosed neovagina. Finally, the patient underwent a gynecologic surgery for the excision of remaining granulation tissue to produce a more permanent patent neovagina, followed by regular and proper use of vaginal dilators to ensure patency. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates that image-guided techniques can be used to aid in vaginal recanalization in the postoperative setting