A hybrid model for the detection of retinal disorders using artificial intelligence techniques.

The prevalence of vision impairment is increasing at an alarming rate. The goal of the study was to create an automated method that uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to classify retinal disorders into four categories: choroidal neovascularization, diabetic macular edema, drusen, and normal cases. This study proposed a new framework that combines machine learning and deep learning-based techniques. The utilized classifiers were support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (K-NN), decision tree (DT), and ensemble model (EM). A feature extractor, the InceptionV3 convolutional neural network, was also employed. The performance of the models was evaluated against nine criteria using a dataset of 18000 OCT images. For the SVM, K-NN, DT, and EM classifiers, the analysis exhibited state-of-the-art performance, with classification accuracies of 99.43%, 99.54%, 97.98%, and 99.31%, respectively. A promising methodology has been introduced for the automatic identification and classification of retinal disorders, leading to reduced human error and saved time.

Computer-aided diagnosis system for retinal disorder classification using optical coherence tomography images.

The incidence of vision impairment is rapidly increasing. Diagnosis and classifying retinal abnormalities in ophthalmological applications is a significant challenge. Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), the study aims to develop a computer aided diagnosis system for detecting and classifying retinal disorders. Choroidal neovascularization, diabetic macular edema, drusen, and normal cases are the investigated groups. Both deep learning and machine learning are combined to build the system. The SqueezeNet neural network was modified to extract features. The Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN), Decision Tree (DT), and Ensemble Model (EM) algorithms were used for disorder classification. The Bayesian optimization technique was also used to determine the best hyperparameters for each model. The model' performance was evaluated through nine criteria using 12,000 OCT images. The results have demonstrated accuracies of 97.39, 97.47, 96.98, and 95.25% for the SVM, K-NN, DT, and EM, respectively. When results are compared to relevant studies in terms of accuracy and tested samples, they show superior performance. As a result, a novel computer-aided diagnosis system for detecting and classifying retinal diseases has been developed, reducing human error while also saving time.

Comprehensive assessment of facial paralysis based on facial animation units.

Quantitative grading and classification of the severity of facial paralysis (FP) are important for selecting the treatment plan and detecting subtle improvement that cannot be detected clinically. To date, none of the available FP grading systems have gained widespread clinical acceptance. The work presented here describes the development and testing of a system for FP grading and assessment which is part of a comprehensive evaluation system for FP. The system is based on the Kinect v2 hardware and the accompanying software SDK 2.0 in extracting the real time facial landmarks and facial animation units (FAUs). The aim of this paper is to describe the development and testing of the FP assessment phase (first phase) of a larger comprehensive evaluation system of FP. The system includes two phases; FP assessment and FP classification. A dataset of 375 records from 13 unilateral FP patients was compiled for this study. The FP assessment includes three separate modules. One module is the symmetry assessment of both facial sides at rest and while performing five voluntary facial movements. Another module is responsible for recognizing the facial movements. The last module assesses the performance of each facial movement for both sides of the face depending on the involved FAUs. The study validates that the FAUs captured using the Kinect sensor can be processed and used to develop an effective tool for the automatic evaluation of FP. The developed FP grading system provides a detailed quantitative report and has significant advantages over the existing grading scales. It is fast, easy to use, user-independent, low cost, quantitative, and automated and hence it is suitable to be used as a clinical tool.

SVM classification of facial functions based on facial landmarks and animation Units.

Quantitative assessment and classification of facial paralysis (FP) are essential for treatment selection and progress evaluation of the condition. As part of a comprehensive framework towards this goal, this study aims to classify five normal facial functions: smiling, eye closure, raising the eyebrows, blowing cheeks, and whistling as well as the rest state. 3D facial landmarks and facial animation units (FAUs) were obtained using the Kinect V2, a fast and cost-effective depth camera. These were used to compute the features used in a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. A dataset of 1650 records from 50 normal subjects was compiled for this study. The performances of different SVM kernel models were tested with different feature groups. The best performance (Accuracy = 96.7%, Sensitivity = 90.2%, and Specificity = 98%) was found when using the RBF kernel model applied on just nine differences in FAUs. This research will be developed and extended to include FP classification.

Automated Risk Control in Medical Imaging Equipment Management Using Cloud Application.

Medical imaging equipment (MIE) is the baseline of providing patient diagnosis in healthcare facilities. However, that type of equipment poses high risk for patients, operators, and environment in terms of technology and application. Considering risk management in MIE management is rarely covered in literature. The study proposes a methodology that controls risks associated with MIE management. The methodology is based on proposing a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that lead to identify a set of undesired events (UDEs), and through a risk matrix, a risk level is evaluated. By using cloud computing software, risks could be controlled to be manageable. The methodology was verified by using a data set of 204 pieces of MIE along 104 hospitals, which belong to Egyptian Ministry of Health. Results point to appropriateness of proposed KPIs and UDEs in risk evaluation and control. Thus, the study reveals that optimizing risks taking into account the costs has an impact on risk control of MIE management.