Image quality comparison of AirDoc portable retina camera versus eyer in a diabetic retinopathy screening program.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) stands as the foremost cause of preventable blindness in adults. Despite efforts to expand DR screening coverage in the Brazilian public healthcare system, challenges persist due to various factors including social, medical, and financial constraints. Our objective was to evaluate the quality of images obtained with the AirDoc, a novel device, compared to Eyer portable camera which has already been clinically validated. METHODS: Images were captured by two portable retinal devices: AirDoc and Eyer. The included patients had their fundus images obtained in a screening program conducted in Blumenau, Santa Catarina. Two retina specialists independently assessed image's quality. A comparison was performed between both devices regarding image quality and the presence of artifacts. RESULTS: The analysis included 129 patients (mean age of 61 years), with 29 (43.28%) male and an average disease duration of 11.1 ± 8 years. In Ardoc, 21 (16.28%) images were classified as poor quality, with 88 (68%) presenting artifacts; in Eyer, 4 (3.1%) images were classified as poor quality, with 94 (72.87%) presenting artifacts. CONCLUSIONS: Although both Eyer and AirDoc devices show potential as screening tools, the AirDoc images displayed higher rates of ungradable and low-quality images, that may directly affect the DR and DME grading. We must acknowledge the limitations of our study, including the relatively small sample size. Therefore, the interpretations of our analyses should be approached with caution, and further investigations with larger patient cohorts are warranted to validate our findings.

Development and Validation of a Method of Body Volume and Fat Mass Estimation Using Three-Dimensional Image Processing with a Mexican Sample.

Body composition assessment using instruments such as dual X-ray densitometry (DXA) can be complex and their use is often limited to research. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop and validate a densitometric method for fat mass (FM) estimation using 3D cameras. Using two such cameras, stereographic images, and a mesh reconstruction algorithm, 3D models were obtained. The FM estimations were compared using DXA as a reference. In total, 28 adults, with a mean BMI of 24.5 (±3.7) kg/m2 and mean FM (by DXA) of 19.6 (±5.8) kg, were enrolled. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for body volume (BV) was 0.98-0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-0.99) for intra-observer and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99) for inter-observer reliability. The coefficient of variation for kinetic BV was 0.20 and the mean difference (bias) for BV (liter) between Bod Pod and Kinect was 0.16 (95% CI, -1.2 to 1.6), while the limits of agreement (LoA) were 7.1 to -7.5 L. The mean bias for FM (kg) between DXA and Kinect was -0.29 (95% CI, -2.7 to 2.1), and the LoA was 12.1 to -12.7 kg. The adjusted R2 obtained using an FM regression model was 0.86. The measurements of this 3D camera-based system aligned with the reference measurements, showing the system's feasibility as a simpler, more economical screening tool than current systems.

Performance of a Mobile 3D Camera to Evaluate Simulated Pathological Gait in Practical Scenarios.

Three-dimensional (3D) cameras used for gait assessment obviate the need for bodily markers or sensors, making them particularly interesting for clinical applications. Due to their limited field of view, their application has predominantly focused on evaluating gait patterns within short walking distances. However, assessment of gait consistency requires testing over a longer walking distance. The aim of this study is to validate the accuracy for gait assessment of a previously developed method that determines walking spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics measured with a 3D camera mounted on a mobile robot base (ROBOGait). Walking parameters measured with this system were compared with measurements with Xsens IMUs. The experiments were performed on a non-linear corridor of approximately 50 m, resembling the environment of a conventional rehabilitation facility. Eleven individuals exhibiting normal motor function were recruited to walk and to simulate gait patterns representative of common neurological conditions: Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Cerebellar Ataxia. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine statistical differences between the measurement systems and between walking conditions. When comparing walking parameters between paired measures of the systems, significant differences were found for eight out of 18 descriptors: range of motion (ROM) of trunk and pelvis tilt, maximum knee flexion in loading response, knee position at toe-off, stride length, step time, cadence; and stance duration. When analyzing how ROBOGait can distinguish simulated pathological gait from physiological gait, a mean accuracy of 70.4%, a sensitivity of 49.3%, and a specificity of 74.4% were found when compared with the Xsens system. The most important gait abnormalities related to the clinical conditions were successfully detected by ROBOGait. The descriptors that best distinguished simulated pathological walking from normal walking in both systems were step width and stride length. This study underscores the promising potential of 3D cameras and encourages exploring their use in clinical gait analysis.

IRimage: open source software for processing images from infrared thermal cameras.

IRimage aims at increasing throughput, accuracy and reproducibility of results obtained from thermal images, especially those produced with affordable, consumer-oriented cameras. IRimage processes thermal images, extracting raw data and calculating temperature values with an open and fully documented algorithm, making this data available for further processing using image analysis software. It also allows the making of reproducible measurements of the temperature of objects in a series of images, and produce visual outputs (images and videos) suitable for scientific reporting. IRimage is implemented in a scripting language of the scientific image analysis software ImageJ, allowing its use through a graphical user interface and also allowing for an easy modification or expansion of its functionality. IRimage's results were consistent with those of standard software for 15 camera models of the most widely used brand. An example use case is also presented, in which IRimage was used to efficiently process hundreds of thermal images to reveal subtle differences in the daily pattern of leaf temperature of plants subjected to different soil water contents. IRimage's functionalities make it better suited for research purposes than many currently available alternatives, and could contribute to making affordable consumer-grade thermal cameras useful for reproducible research.

Dosimetry and Calorimetry Performance of a Scientific CMOS Camera for Environmental Monitoring.

This paper explores the prospect of CMOS devices to assay lead in drinking water, using calorimetry. Lead occurs together with traces of radioisotopes, e.g., 210Pb, producing g-emissions with energies ranging from 10 keV to several 100 keV when they decay; this range is detectable in silicon sensors. In this paper we test a CMOS camera (OXFORD INSTRUMENTS Neo 5.5) for its general performance as a detector of X-rays and low energy g-rays and assess its sensitivity relative to the World Health Organization upper limit on lead in drinking water. Energies from 6 keV to 60 keV are examined. The CMOS camera has a linear energy response over this range and its energy resolution is for the most part slightly better than 2%. The Neo sCMOS is not sensitive to X-rays with energies below ~10 keV. The smallest detectable rate is 40 ± 3 mHz, corresponding to an incident activity on the chip of 7 ± 4 Bq. The estimation of the incident activity sensitivity from the detected activity relies on geometric acceptance and the measured efficiency vs. energy. We report the efficiency measurement, which is 0.08(2)% (0.0011(2)%) at 26.3 keV (59.5 keV). Taking calorimetric information into account we measure a minimal detectable rate of 4 ± 1 mHz (1.5 ± 0.1 mHz) for 26.3 keV (59.5 keV) g-rays, which corresponds to an incident activity of 1.0 ± 0.6 Bq (57 ± 33 Bq). Toy Monte Carlo and Geant4 simulations agree with these results. These results show this CMOS sensor is well-suited as a g- and X-ray detector with sensitivity at the few to 100 ppb level for 210Pb in a sample.

First records of the seven-gilled Notorynchus cepedianus and six-gilled Hexanchus griseus sharks (Chondrichthyes: Hexanchiformes: Hexanchidae) found in the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

This study reports the first records of cowsharks (Hexanchidae) in the Galápagos Islands, in particular Notorynchus cepedianus and Hexanchus griseus, observed between depths of 210 and 418 m on footage from free-falling autonomous deep-ocean cameras. These sightings provide new information on the habitat preferences and range distribution for N. cepedianus and the first records of H. griseus in Ecuadorian waters. The findings support the formulation of regional conservation strategies for these large apex predator species and highlight the limited biological knowledge of Galápagos' deep-water ecosystems.

Relative abundances of medium and large mammals in the Cueva de Los Guácharos National Park (Huila, Colombia) / Abundância relativa dos mamíferos de médio e grande porte no Parque Nacional Cueva de Los Guácharos (Huila, Colômbia)

Abstract: Medium and large mammals are greatly affected by human activities, such as, habitat loss and hunting. In Colombia, these pressures have been most extensive in the dry and Andean forests. However, there is scare information available on the presence or abundance of these organisms for monitoring purposes. This study used photo-trapping cameras to determine the relative abundances of medium and large mammals in a mountain forest in the National Natural Park "Cueva de los Guacharos", Huila (Colombia). Additionally, we examined whether trail use by humans could affect the distribution of these organisms. The cameras were located every 500 meters along the trails in strategic locations. We obtained the relative abundance of 11 species, being medium-sized mammals the most frequent (Cuniculus paca, Dasyprocta punctata and Mazama rufina). We recorded the presence of mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), dwarf red brocket (Mazama rufina) and oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), which are found in a high threat category according to the IUCN. Activity patterns were reported for 4 different species including daytime, nocturnal and cathemeral activities. Finally, we concluded that large mammals avoided trails of frequent use, and although the relative abundance of mammals is not very high, this National Park is still supporting relevant biodiversity.

Resumo: Os mamíferos de porte médio e grande são fortemente afetados por atividades humanas, tais como a perda do seu habitat e a caça. Na Colômbia, essas pressões foram mais extensas em florestas secas e andinas. No entanto, há pouca informação disponível sobre a presença ou abundancia destes organismos para os processos de monitoramento. Este estudo usou câmeras com mecanismos remotos de "armadilhas-fotográficas" (photo-trapping) para determinar a abundância relativa de mamíferos de porte médio e grande numa floresta de montanha no Parque Nacional Natural "Cueva de los Guacharos", Huila Colômbia. Adicionalmente, examinamos se o uso das trilhas pelos humanos poderia afetar a distribuição destes organismos. As câmeras foram localizadas a cada 500 metros ao longo das trilhas e em locais estratégicos. Obtivemos a abundância relativa de 11 espécies, sendo os mamíferos de médio porte os mais frequentes (Cuniculus paca, Dasyprocta punctata and Mazama rufina). Se registrou a presença do tapir da montanha (Tapirus pinchaque), do veado vermelho (Mazama rufina) e do gato-do-mato (Leopardus tigrinus), que fazem parte da categoria de espécies em ameaça de acordo com a IUCN. Os padrões de atividade das 4 espécies diferentes foram relatados, incluindo atividades diurnas, noturnas e atividades cathemeral. Por fim, concluiu-se que os grandes mamíferos evitam as trilhas de uso frequente, e embora a abundância relativa de mamíferos não seja muito alta, este parque nacional ainda tem uma biodiversidade proeminente.

Design of a preamplifier card for the photomultiplier tubes of a gamma camera / Diseño de una tarjeta preamplificadora para los tubos fotomultiplicadores de una cámara gamma

Abstract The service provided by Gamma Cameras (GC) in Nuclear Medicine departments fails because of their breakdown, generally due to the associated electronics and not to the physical detection components. Therefore, it was decided to develop an electronic system that allows the recovery and optimization of disused GC, starting with the design of the preamplifier for each photomultiplier tube (PMT). The circuit was designed and simulated and the list of components necessary for the construction of the preamplifier was generated, as well as the printed circuit board was designed for its assembly. By simulating the preamplifier, this worked in linear mode. This determines that the amplitude of the output signal is proportional to the amount of charge delivered by the detector. This card allows an automatic adjustment of the signals of the PMTs as modern GC do. Besides, the circuit was designed and simulated for 37 and 75 PMTs, and the printed circuit board was designed for both cases.

Resumen El servicio que prestan las Cámaras Gamma (CG) en los departamentos de Medicina Nuclear falla por roturas de las mismas, generalmente debido a la electrónica asociada y no a los componentes físicos de detección. Por tal razón, se decidió desarrollar un sistema electrónico que permita la recuperación y optimización de las CG en desuso, comenzando con el diseño del preamplificador para cada tubo fotomultiplicador (TFM). Se diseñó y simuló el circuito y se generó la lista de componentes necesarios para la construcción del preamplificador, así como se diseñó la placa de circuitos impresos para su montaje. Al simular el preamplificador este trabajó en modo lineal. Esto determina que la amplitud de la señal de salida sea proporcional a la cantidad de carga entregada por el detector. Esta tarjeta permite un ajuste automático de las señales de los TFMs como lo hacen las CG modernas. Además, se diseñó y simuló el circuito para 37 y 75 TFMs, así como se diseñó la placa de circuitos impreso para ambos casos.

Mammals recorded in isolated remnants of Atlantic Forest in southern Goiás, Brazil / Mamíferos registrados em áreas isoladas de Mata Atlântica no sudoeste de Goiás

Abstract: Habitat fragmentation is one of the principal causes of the decline of species worldwide, and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado savanna biomes are among the most severely affected by this process. While highly fragmented, remnants of Atlantic Forest can still be found within the Cerrado domain of southern Goiás, where previous studies have revealed high levels of biodiversity. To inventory the mammalian species that occur in the region, two fragments of semideciduous Atlantic Forest were sampled between 2011 and 2016, using line transect surveys and camera trapping. A total of 1016 records were obtained of 30 mammal species, of which eleven are under some threat of extinction. The species richness recorded on this study was similar to or higher than the values reported from other areas of Goiás, which reinforces the importance of the maintenance of these remnants, located in private properties, for the conservation of the region's mammals.

Resumo: A fragmentação de hábitat é uma das principais causas do declínio das espécies e tanto a Mata Atlântica quanto o Cerrado são considerados um dos biomas mais afetados do mundo. As regiões sul e sudoeste de Goiás são intensamente fragmentadas, mas ainda abrigam alguns dos últimos remanescentes relictuais de Mata Atlântica dentro do domínio do Cerrado e estudos prévios revelaram uma alta biodiversidade. Com o objetivo de elaborar a lista de espécies de mamíferos que ocorrem para a região, dois fragmentos de florestas semideciduais da Mata Atlântica foram amostrados entre 2011 a 2016, através de transecções lineares e armadilhas fotográficas. Foram obtidos um total de 1.016 registros de 30 espécies de mamíferos, das quais onze estão ameaçadas de extinção. A alta riqueza registrada foi similar ou maior ao de outras áreas no Estado e reforça a importância da manutenção desses remanescentes localizados em propriedades particulares para a conservação das espécies.

Depth from a Motion Algorithm and a Hardware Architecture for Smart Cameras.

Applications such as autonomous navigation, robot vision, and autonomous flying require depth map information of a scene. Depth can be estimated by using a single moving camera (depth from motion). However, the traditional depth from motion algorithms have low processing speeds and high hardware requirements that limit the embedded capabilities. In this work, we propose a hardware architecture for depth from motion that consists of a flow/depth transformation and a new optical flow algorithm. Our optical flow formulation consists in an extension of the stereo matching problem. A pixel-parallel/window-parallel approach where a correlation function based on the sum of absolute difference (SAD) computes the optical flow is proposed. Further, in order to improve the SAD, the curl of the intensity gradient as a preprocessing step is proposed. Experimental results demonstrated that it is possible to reach higher accuracy (90% of accuracy) compared with previous Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based optical flow algorithms. For the depth estimation, our algorithm delivers dense maps with motion and depth information on all image pixels, with a processing speed up to 128 times faster than that of previous work, making it possible to achieve high performance in the context of embedded applications.

Orthogonal cameras system for tracking of laparoscopic instruments in training environments.

INTRODUCTION: Motion analysis is a valuable tool for assessment of psychomotor skills in laparoscopy. Nonetheless, it requires technologies for tracking the activity of the laparoscopic instruments during training. This paper presents a sensor-free system to track the movements of laparoscopic instruments based on an orthogonal camera system and video image processing. METHODS: The movements of the laparoscopic instruments are tracked with two webcams placed in an orthogonal configuration. The position and orientation in the three-dimensional workspace are obtained using color markers placed on the tip of the instruments. RESULTS: Accuracy tests show a resolution of 0.14 mm for displacement, with 1694 cm3 of total workspace, and 0.54° in the angular movements. Mean relative errors of the tracking system were <1%. The orthogonal cameras show high precision, linearity, and repeatability of motion recording of the laparoscopic instruments. CONCLUSION: The proposed system offers unconstrained manipulation of the instruments and a low-cost alternative for traditional tracking technologies.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El análisis del movimiento es una valiosa herramienta para la evaluación de las habilidades psicomotrices en la laparoscopia. Sin embargo, requiere tecnologías para el seguimiento de la actividad de los instrumentos laparoscópicos durante el entrenamiento. En este artículo presentamos una técnica sin sensores para realizar el seguimiento de los movimientos de los instrumentos laparoscópicos basado en un sistema de cámara ortogonal y procesamiento de imágenes de video. MÉTODO: Los movimientos de los instrumentos laparoscópicos son capturados con dos cámaras web colocadas en configuración ortogonal. La posición y la orientación en el espacio de trabajo tridimensional se obtienen utilizando marcadores de color colocados en la punta de los instrumentos. RESULTADOS: Las pruebas de precisión mostraron una resolución de 0.14 mm para el desplazamiento, con 1694 cm3 de espacio de trabajo total y 0.54° en los movimientos angulares. Los errores relativos medios del sistema de seguimiento fueron <1%. Las cámaras ortogonales demostraron alta precisión, linealidad y repetibilidad de la captura de movimiento de los instrumentos laparoscópicos. CONCLUSIONES: El sistema propuesto ofrece una manipulación sin restricciones de los instrumentos laparoscópicos y una alternativa de bajo costo para las tecnologías tradicionales de captura de movimiento.

Computed tomography-guided preoperative localization of musculoskeletal lesions using the ROLL technique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the preoperative localization of musculoskeletal lesions with the radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all cases, computed tomography-guided injection of technetium-99m sulfur colloid was performed, directly into or near the suspicious lesion, up to 36 hours before the surgical procedure. Lesions were detected intraoperatively with a gamma probe. RESULTS: We report the cases of six patients submitted to radioguided surgery, including three patients with bone lesions suspicious for metastasis, two patients suspected of recurrent sarcoma, and one patient with no previous diagnosis who had a nodular lesion on the left leg. Patients tolerated the procedure well, and no complications were associated with the puncture. All marked lesions were easily identified intraoperatively and were excised with clear margins. CONCLUSION: The ROLL technique was effective in the intraoperative localization of occult musculoskeletal lesions, demonstrating that it is a feasible and promising technique for the surgical exploration of selected cases.

Computed tomography-guided preoperative localization of musculoskeletal lesions using the ROLL technique / Localização pré-operatória guiada por tomografia computadorizada de lesões musculoesqueléticas utilizando a técnica ROLL

Abstract Objective: To describe the preoperative localization of musculoskeletal lesions with the radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique. Materials and Methods: In all cases, computed tomography-guided injection of technetium-99m sulfur colloid was performed, directly into or near the suspicious lesion, up to 36 hours before the surgical procedure. Lesions were detected intraoperatively with a gamma probe. Results: We report the cases of six patients submitted to radioguided surgery, including three patients with bone lesions suspicious for metastasis, two patients suspected of recurrent sarcoma, and one patient with no previous diagnosis who had a nodular lesion on the left leg. Patients tolerated the procedure well, and no complications were associated with the puncture. All marked lesions were easily identified intraoperatively and were excised with clear margins. Conclusion: The ROLL technique was effective in the intraoperative localization of occult musculoskeletal lesions, demonstrating that it is a feasible and promising technique for the surgical exploration of selected cases.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a localização pré-operatória de lesões musculoesqueléticas utilizando a técnica radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL). Materiais e Métodos: Em todos os casos foi realizada administração guiada por tomografia computadorizada de enxofre coloidal marcado com tecnécio-99m, diretamente no interior ou adjacente à lesão suspeita, até 36 horas antes do procedimento cirúrgico. As lesões foram localizadas no intraoperatório utilizando um gama-probe. Resultados: São descritos seis casos de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia radioguiada, sendo três pacientes com lesões ósseas suspeitas para metástase, dois pacientes com sarcoma recidivado e um paciente com lesão nodular na perna esquerda sem diagnóstico prévio. Os pacientes toleraram bem o procedimento e não ocorreram complicações. Todas as lesões foram identificadas adequadamente no intraoperatório e ressecadas com margens livres. Conclusão: A técnica ROLL foi efetiva na localização intraoperatória de lesões musculoesqueléticas ocultas, demonstrando que este procedimento é factível e promissor para facilitar a exploração cirúrgica em casos selecionados.

A Backpack-Mounted Omnidirectional Camera with Off-the-Shelf Navigation Sensors for Mobile Terrestrial Mapping: Development and Forest Application.

The use of Personal Mobile Terrestrial System (PMTS) has increased considerably for mobile mapping applications because these systems offer dynamic data acquisition with ground perspective in places where the use of wheeled platforms is unfeasible, such as forests and indoor buildings. PMTS has become more popular with emerging technologies, such as miniaturized navigation sensors and off-the-shelf omnidirectional cameras, which enable low-cost mobile mapping approaches. However, most of these sensors have not been developed for high-accuracy metric purposes and therefore require rigorous methods of data acquisition and data processing to obtain satisfactory results for some mapping applications. To contribute to the development of light, low-cost PMTS and potential applications of these off-the-shelf sensors for forest mapping, this paper presents a low-cost PMTS approach comprising an omnidirectional camera with off-the-shelf navigation systems and its evaluation in a forest environment. Experimental assessments showed that the integrated sensor orientation approach using navigation data as the initial information can increase the trajectory accuracy, especially in covered areas. The point cloud generated with the PMTS data had accuracy consistent with the Ground Sample Distance (GSD) range of omnidirectional images (3.5-7 cm). These results are consistent with those obtained for other PMTS approaches.

Agroforestry system as a buffer zone in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest conservation unit: an artificial nest predation perspective / Sistema Agroflorestal como zona de amortecimento em uma Unidade de Conservação da Mata Atlântica brasileira: uma perspectiva de predação de ninho artificial

Abstract Here we inferred about the effectiveness of a buffer zone composed by an Agroforestry System (AS) for providing reproductive conditions for Atlantic Forest birds by comparing artificial nest predation rates between a buffer zone, a primary forest area, and a set of small and isolated Atlantic Forest fragments. We have used 237 nests throughout the three areas, of which 100 (42.2%) were depredated. Predation frequencies were 28.6% in the continuous forest, 100% in the AS, and 51.9% in the fragments, differing significantly. We could detect nest predators in 48 of the 100 depredated nests (48%) using camera traps. Differences between areas may be attributed to changes in nest predator species. We support previous evidences that the conservation of bird communities may not rely on buffer zones as an extension of their breeding habitats.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a efetividade de uma zona tampão composta por um sistema agroflorestal (SA) para a reprodução de aves da Mata Atlântica. Para isto, as porcentagens de predação em ninhos artificiais foram comparadas entre as zonas tampão, uma área de floresta primária e em um conjunto de fragmentos de Mata Atlântica pequenos e isolados. Um total de 237 ninhos foi utilizado nas três áreas e 100 deles (42,2%) foram predados. As porcentagens de predação foram 28,6% na área de floresta primária, 100% no SA e 51,9% nos fragmentos, havendo diferença significativa. Os predadores puderam ser identificados em 48 das 100 predações (48%) com o uso de câmeras trap, o que gerou evidências de que as diferenças possam ser atribuídas a mudanças na composição de espécies de predadores entre as áreas. Esta análise dá suporte a estudos prévios de que as zonas tampão não devam ser consideradas como extensão dos hábitats naturais para a conservação de comunidades de aves.

Fatores intervenientes na proteção radiológica ocupacional no controle de qualidade em câmaras gama / Intervening Factors in Occupational Radiological Protection in Quality Control in the Gamma Cameras

Introdução: a proteção radiológica é campo do conhecimento que permeia os ambientes radiológicos. Sua aplicação envolve benefícios aos serviços, profissionais e usuários. Objetivo: identificar fatores intervenientes, bem como, dispositivos de proteção radiológica disponíveis em um serviço de medicina nuclear (MN), envolvidos nos testes de Controle de Qualidade em Câmaras Gama (CQCG). Metodologia: realizou-se um estudo observacional, do tipo exploratório e descritivo, em um serviço de MN conveniado com o Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA), com ênfase na proteção radiológica em testes de CQCG. A coleta de dados foi realizada em janeiro de 2016. Foram acompanhados testes diários de inspeção visual da integridade física, radiação de fundo da sala de exames, uniformidade intrínseca e centralização da largura da janela energética para cada radionuclídeo. Para os testes semanais, acompanharam-se os de resolução espacial e linearidade. Os dados foram analisados à luz da legislação/normativas vigentes para serviços de MN no Brasil. Resultados: referente à proteção radiológica em testes de CQCG, o serviço dispunha de três aventais plumbíferos e três protetores de tireóide com equivalência de 0,5mm de chumbo, além de pinças utilizadas para manipulação de fontes radioativas. Foi observada a presença de óculos de proteção, entretanto, os mesmos não eram plumbíferos. Os profissionais eram monitorados por dosímetros termoluminescentes de uso individual. Conclusão: de maneira geral, eram observados os fatores de proteção radiológica: tempo, distância e blindagem. O CQCG requer planejamento prévio com protocolo devidamente seguido que poderá minimizar a exposição ocupacional.

Introduction: radiation protection is a field of knowledge that permeates radiological environments. Its application involves benefits to services, professionals and patients. Objective: To identify intervening factors, as well as the radiological protection devices available in a nuclear medicine service (MN) involved in the Quality Control tests in Gamma Camera (CQCG). Methodology: an observational, exploratory and descriptive study was carried out at the MN service in partnership with Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA), with emphasis on radiological protection in CQCG tests. Data collection was performed in January 2016. Daily tests were conducted to visually inspect the physical integrity of the system, to test the background radiation of the examination room, and intrinsic uniformity and centralization of the energetic window width for each radionuclide were monitored. For the weekly tests, those of spatial resolution and linearity were monitored. The data was analyzed in accordance with the legislation/regulations for MN services in Brazil. Results: with regard to the radiological protection during CQCG tests, the service had three lead aprons and three thyroid protectors with a 0.5mm equivalence of lead, in addition, tweezers used to manipulate radioactive sources. The presence of protective goggles was observed, however, they did not contain lead. The professionals were monitored by thermoluminescent dosimeters for individual use. Conclusion: in general, the principles of radiation protection of time, distance and shielding were adopted. CQCG requires prior planning with a properly followed protocol that can minimize occupational exposure.

Abundância relativa de mamíferos de médio e grande porte na região do Parque Nacional das Emas-GO / Species richness and relative abundance of large mammals in Emas National Park region

Due the advancement of human population growth, there is an increase in the areas of agricultural production. This increase leads to landscape fragmentation and habitat reduction for wild animals. The aim of this work was to verify which species of mammals occur in the region of the Emas National Park (ENP). The data were collected through a camera trap, which are activated by a motion and heat sensor when an animal passes in front of the camera, recording the species, date and time of registration. The survey of mammals of the ENP region was carried out in 10 samplings between the years of 2001 and 2012. Relative abundance values are the ratio between the number of records of each species and the total hours of operation of the cameras. The results show that 33 species occur in the region and it can be concluded that the Emas National Park plays a fundamental role in the conservation of mammals threatened by extinction in the region. The fragments of native vegetation represented by the Legal Reserves and Permanent Preservation Areas of the rural properties required by the Brazilian Forest Code are important for the species studied and the negative impacts present in the agricultural production areas in the surroundings can be reduced with the appropriate management, mainly with the fulfillment of the requirements of the new forest code in order to provide higher quality of the agricultural production area.

Com o aumento do crescimento populacional humano, observa-se o avanço das áreas de produção agrícola. Esse avanço acarreta a fragmentação da paisagem e a redução do habitat para os animais silvestres. Objetivou-se verificar quais espécies de mamíferos ocorrem na região do Parque Nacional das Emas (PNE). Os dados foram coletados por meio de armadilhas fotográficas (AF), as quais são ativadas por um sensor de movimentoe calor quando algum animal passa em frente à câmera, registrando o animal, data e hora do registro. Foi considerado o intervalo de 1 hora para independência dos registros. O levantamento de mamíferos da regiãodo PNE foi realizado através de 10 amostragens entre os anos de 2001 e 2012. Os valores das abundâncias relativas foram obtidos pela razão entre o número de registros de cada espécie e o total de horas de funciovoadonamentodas câmeras. Os resultados mostram que 33 espécies ocorrem na região e conclui-se que o Parque Nacional das Emas apresenta papel fundamental na conservação de mamíferos ameaçados de extinção na região devido a seus registros em todos os anos de coleta, juntamente com os fragmentos de vegetação nativa, representados pelas Reservas Legais e Áreas de Preservação Permanente das propriedades rurais exigidos no Código Florestal Brasileiro. Os fragmentos são importantes para as espécies estudadas e os impactos negativos presentes nas áreas de produção agrícola no entorno podem ser reduzidos com o manejo apropriado dessas áreas, principalmente com o cumprimento das exigências do novo código florestal de maneira a proporcionar maior qualidade do fragmento de vegetação nativa associado à agricultura.

Abundância relativa de mamíferos de médio e grande porte na região do Parque Nacional das Emas-GO / Species richness and relative abundance of large mammals in Emas National Park region

Due the advancement of human population growth, there is an increase in the areas of agricultural production. This increase leads to landscape fragmentation and habitat reduction for wild animals. The aim of this work was to verify which species of mammals occur in the region of the Emas National Park (ENP). The data were collected through a camera trap, which are activated by a motion and heat sensor when an animal passes in front of the camera, recording the species, date and time of registration. The survey of mammals of the ENP region was carried out in 10 samplings between the years of 2001 and 2012. Relative abundance values are the ratio between the number of records of each species and the total hours of operation of the cameras. The results show that 33 species occur in the region and it can be concluded that the Emas National Park plays a fundamental role in the conservation of mammals threatened by extinction in the region. The fragments of native vegetation represented by the Legal Reserves and Permanent Preservation Areas of the rural properties required by the Brazilian Forest Code are important for the species studied and the negative impacts present in the agricultural production areas in the surroundings can be reduced with the appropriate management, mainly with the fulfillment of the requirements of the new forest code in order to provide higher quality of the agricultural production area.(AU)

Com o aumento do crescimento populacional humano, observa-se o avanço das áreas de produção agrícola. Esse avanço acarreta a fragmentação da paisagem e a redução do habitat para os animais silvestres. Objetivou-se verificar quais espécies de mamíferos ocorrem na região do Parque Nacional das Emas (PNE). Os dados foram coletados por meio de armadilhas fotográficas (AF), as quais são ativadas por um sensor de movimentoe calor quando algum animal passa em frente à câmera, registrando o animal, data e hora do registro. Foi considerado o intervalo de 1 hora para independência dos registros. O levantamento de mamíferos da regiãodo PNE foi realizado através de 10 amostragens entre os anos de 2001 e 2012. Os valores das abundâncias relativas foram obtidos pela razão entre o número de registros de cada espécie e o total de horas de funciovoadonamentodas câmeras. Os resultados mostram que 33 espécies ocorrem na região e conclui-se que o Parque Nacional das Emas apresenta papel fundamental na conservação de mamíferos ameaçados de extinção na região devido a seus registros em todos os anos de coleta, juntamente com os fragmentos de vegetação nativa, representados pelas Reservas Legais e Áreas de Preservação Permanente das propriedades rurais exigidos no Código Florestal Brasileiro. Os fragmentos são importantes para as espécies estudadas e os impactos negativos presentes nas áreas de produção agrícola no entorno podem ser reduzidos com o manejo apropriado dessas áreas, principalmente com o cumprimento das exigências do novo código florestal de maneira a proporcionar maior qualidade do fragmento de vegetação nativa associado à agricultura.(AU)

Monitoring program for mammals in a protected area of Colombia / Programa de monitoreo de mamíferos en un área protegida de colombia / Programa de monitoração de mamíferos em uma área protegida em Colômbia

Abstract Between the second semester of 2009 and the first semester of 2011, camera traps were set up in conserved and disturbed habitats in the Otun Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. From a sampling effort of 2,066 camera-days, 673 photographs of 157 independent events were obtained for eight species of wild mammals and a domestic one. Their activity patterns were mainly nocturnal even for those species reported as diurnal. The impact of human interference and exotic species was evident for two species: Tapiruspinchaque and Cerdocyon thous. The former was observed below its altitudinal range with activity patterns mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. The second was observed in the same habitats where domestic dogs were found, with activity patterns mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. These findings suggest that both species have altered their activity patterns. Actions must be focused on decreasing the interaction of these mammals with humans and domestic dogs.

Resumen La información sobre los mamíferos de mediano y gran tamaño que habitan áreas protegidas en Colombia es cada vez más necesaria para impulsar acciones tendientes a su protección. La identificación completa de estas especies, sus números y sus patrones de actividad son esenciales en programas de monitoreo, especialmente por las relaciones entre estos animales y las dinámicas antropogénicas. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo en el Santuario de Flora y Fauna Otún-Quimbaya (Colombia). Entre el segundo semestre de 2009 y el primer semestre de 2011, se colocaron trampas cámara en áreas conservadas y perturbadas del Santuario de Flora y Fauna Otún-Quimbaya. Con un esfuerzo de muestreo de 2066 días-cámara se obtuvieron 673 fotografías de 157 eventos independientes para 8 especies silvestres y una doméstica. Los patrones de actividad observados fueron principalmente nocturnos, incluso para especies reportadas como diurnas. El impacto de la interferencia humana y de las especies exóticas fue evidente en 2 especies: Tapirus pinchaque y Cerdocyon thous. La primera fue observada por debajo de su rango altitudinal con patrones de actividad principalmente crepusculares y nocturnos. La segunda se observó en los mismos hábitats donde se encontraron los perros domésticos, con patrones de actividad principalmente crepusculares y nocturnos. Estos hallazgos sugieren que ambas especies han alterado sus patrones de actividad. Es necesario enfocar acciones en la disminución de la interacción de estos mamíferos con los humanos y con perros domésticos.

Resumen Entre o segundo semestre de 2009 e o primeiro semestre de 2011, câmeras foram armadas em habitats conservados e perturbados no Santuário de Flora e Fauna Otún Quimbaya. A partir de uma amostragem de 2066 dias de instalação da câmera, foram obtidas 673 fotografias de 157 eventos independentes para oito espécies de mamíferos selvagens e uma espécie doméstica. Os padrões de atividade observados eram principalmente noturnos, inclusive para espécies reportadas como diurnas. O impacto da interferência humana e de espécies exóticas foi observado para duas espécies: Tapirus pinchaque e Cerdocyon thous. A primeira foi observada abaixo de seu intervalo de altitude com padrões de atividade majoritariamente crepuscular e noturno. A segunda espécie foi observada nos mesmos habitats em que espécies de cachorros domésticos foram observados, com padrões de atividade majoritariamente crepuscular e noturno. Estes resultados sugerem que ambas as espécies alteraram seus comportamentos padrão. Ações devem ser focalizadas para reduzir a interação de estes mamíferos com os humanos e cães domésticos.

In-air versus underwater comparison of 3D reconstruction accuracy using action sport cameras.

Action sport cameras (ASC) have achieved a large consensus for recreational purposes due to ongoing cost decrease, image resolution and frame rate increase, along with plug-and-play usability. Consequently, they have been recently considered for sport gesture studies and quantitative athletic performance evaluation. In this paper, we evaluated the potential of two ASCs (GoPro Hero3+) for in-air (laboratory) and underwater (swimming pool) three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis as a function of different camera setups involving the acquisition frequency, image resolution and field of view. This is motivated by the fact that in swimming, movement cycles are characterized by underwater and in-air phases what imposes the technical challenge of having a split volume configuration: an underwater measurement volume observed by underwater cameras and an in-air measurement volume observed by in-air cameras. The reconstruction of whole swimming cycles requires thus merging of simultaneous measurements acquired in both volumes. Characterizing and optimizing the instrumental errors of such a configuration makes mandatory the assessment of the instrumental errors of both volumes. In order to calibrate the camera stereo pair, black spherical markers placed on two calibration tools, used both in-air and underwater, and a two-step nonlinear optimization were exploited. The 3D reconstruction accuracy of testing markers and the repeatability of the estimated camera parameters accounted for system performance. For both environments, statistical tests were focused on the comparison of the different camera configurations. Then, each camera configuration was compared across the two environments. In all assessed resolutions, and in both environments, the reconstruction error (true distance between the two testing markers) was less than 3mm and the error related to the working volume diagonal was in the range of 1:2000 (3×1.3×1.5m3) to 1:7000 (4.5×2.2×1.5m3) in agreement with the literature. Statistically, the 3D accuracy obtained in the in-air environment was poorer (p<10-5) than the one in the underwater environment, across all the tested camera configurations. Related to the repeatability of the camera parameters, we found a very low variability in both environments (1.7% and 2.9%, in-air and underwater). This result encourage the use of ASC technology to perform quantitative reconstruction both in-air and underwater environments.