Volume 4 Issue 4
Authors: Faria L.; Diogo D.; Moreira R.; Gon?alves G.
Abstract: The endoscopy capsule (EC) is a reliable, secure, and non-invasive tool for diagnosing disorders in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). To aid in early detection diagnostic efficiency for various disorders in difficult-to-reach areas of the GIT, the authors developed the PhotonicPill EC. This EC uses photonics technology to facilitate a more accurate and timely diagnosis of various pathologies. The main objective of this research project was to develop a clinical decision support system that uses EC-acquired data for the early identification of bleeding and polyps, and for the detection of vascularization inside the GIT. The bleeding detection method was based on the evaluation of minimum and maximum values for each RGB (red-green-blue) channel, combined with morphological and local operations. Regarding the polyp detection method, segmentation was accomplished with a marker-controlled watershed transform, using measures related to the typical shape of a polyp for decision purposes. The vascularization detection algorithm used the calculation of maximum values for each channel to select a maximum threshold value for segmentation of the vascularization area. For validation of the developed methods, the EC images with known diagnoses were used as ground truth. The results showed very satisfactory percentages of classification, which fulfilled the objective for bleeding, polyps, and vascularization detection.
Keywords: Endoscopy Capsule; Bleeding; Early Detection; Polyps; Image Processing; Photonic Pill
Authors: Zubair M. Azizkhan
Abstract: The annual performance of Hajj by Muslims from around the globe that takes place in Makkah poses many logistical and preparation challenges to Saudi Authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO). These challenges mainly arise from monitoring old and emerging infectious diseases that may be spread by the large number of pilgrims that can exceed three million, gathering in a small defined area. Different infectious diseases have been reported frequently, during and following the Hajj season. The spread of diseases (communicable diseases) was found to be very high during Hajj. They are mainly caused by respiratory infections such as influenza viruses that become more dangerous each year with the emergance of new kinds such as pandemic influenza A (H1N1), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and avian influenza (H5N1). Recently, there are special concerns to an emerging infectious agent known as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and to the re-emergence of the Ebola virus. Examples of communicable diseases are meningococcal meningitis infections and blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis B, C and HIV that can lead to a high mortality rate among pilgrims and other people around the globe. In this study, a review is performed on the most recent cases of communicable disease infections that occurred during the Hajj in past years and the safety measures taken to prevent these diseases from spreading and ultimately avoid a worldwide epidemic. Finally, some recommendations are highlighted that may contribute to the prevention and control of infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season.
Keywords: Hajj; Disease; Communicable Diseases; Pilgrims; Risk Factors; Saudi Arabia