Interpretation Of Thermograms Research Articles

The use of thermal imaging studies in the diagnosis of railroad infrastructure elements

The article presents selected results of thermovision measurements of EOR elements used for heating railway turnouts under the BRIK2/0036/2022 project. The tests were carried out for various types of railway turnouts (ordinary). The results made it possible to observe the temperature distribution for different con-struction solutions of turnouts. Further work is focused on preparing assumptions and criteria for developing an application supporting the interpretation of thermo-grams, which can be a tool supporting the diagnostics of EOR devices. The creation of a simple diagnostic tool that allows the evaluation and interpretation of the obtained thermogram may enable maintenance services to make the right decisions in the field of operation.

Assessing thermal properties of enclosing structures of construction facilities by analysis of thermograms

Objective. One of the most effective ways to assess thermal protection of construction facilities of various applications is thermal control. Methods. According to the national standard “Method for thermal imaging quality control of thermal insulation of enclosing structures” in force on the Russian Federation territory, the results of thermal imaging monitoring of capital and completed construction facilities are divided into qualitative and quantitative depending on set goals and objectives. Qualitative assessment involves computer processing and visual interpretation of thermograms using specialized software. Quantitative analysis of thermograms involves determining and numerically comparing parameters of reference areas and characteristics of defects detected in an object being under thermal control. Results. The paper describes particular characteristics and results of qualitative and quantitative analysis of thermograms (thermal images) obtained via thermography of fragments of external enclosing structures of a completed construction facility—an apartment building. The paper analyses existing methods of a quantitative assessment of thermograms described in regulatory documents and methodological recommendations, and presents specific examples of their application. Conclusion. Thermal imaging diagnostics makes it possible to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the level of thermal protection of the outer shell of an object under control by “decoding” thermograms and comparing calculated parameters with standard indicators.

Thermal Grading Scale for Classification of Breast Thermograms

Thermography is a physiological look and pictorial recording of the skin temperature which has significant contribution in detecting breast cancer, since 1957. Thermography is a potential tool to reduce breast cancer mortality by detecting at an early stage. The biggest advantage of this technique is non-invasive and innocuous. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved (in the year 1982) thermography as an adjuvant screening tool for breast cancer. Accuracy of the screening to detect cancer early highly depends on interpretation of the thermograms. Progression of this technique as diagnostic tool is very less due to lack of standardization in imaging protocol worldwide and interpretation system. Interpreting the image is the key to know the quality of subject’s health. Interpretation of thermograms for differentiating benign and malignant neoplasm is crucial in identifying features in the image towards the diagnosis. To address the lack of standardization in interpretation of breast images taken from thermography and to ensure uniformity of the report, classification or grading or scoring system is necessary. In this paper authors have proposed a new innovative Indian thermal grading/scoring scale based on quantitative and qualitative parameters including feature analysis, temperature difference and risk factors. The grading/scoring scale has been successfully applied to 75 cases and validated using concurrent sonography and mammography reports. This paper also provide statistically analyzes of the thermal grading/scoring scale for breast thermograms to classify normal, fibroadenoma and cancer subjects for the above mentioned cases.

Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders Using Thermovision Imaging

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a chronic disease of various etiologies. Correct TMD diagnosis enables to apply effective treatment and significantly improves the quality of patients' lives. One of the diagnostic methods subjected to evaluation in recent years is thermography, which enables safe, noninvasive, and quick imaging of the temperature distribution of temporomandibular joint-associated tissues. This paper, based on Medline, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, Academic Search Ultimate, Medline Complete databases, presents basic information related to thermovision imaging and outlines the direction of research conducted in recent years which fight with difficulties in the interpretation of thermograms that require specialized, dedicated analysis and processing of the obtained images. The problem concerns also no standardized protocol for measuring masticatory muscle temperature.

Automatic detection of perforator vessels using infrared thermography in reconstructive surgery.

Knowing the location of the blood vessels supplying the skin and subcutaneous tissue is a requirement during the planning of tissue transfer in reconstructive surgery. Commonly used imaging techniques such as computed tomography angiography and indocyanine green angiography expose the patient to radiation or a contrast agent, respectively. Infrared thermal imaging was evaluated with success as a non-invasive alternative. To support the interpretation of thermograms, a method to automatically detect the perforators was developed and evaluated. A system consisting of a thermal camera, a PC and custom software was developed. The temperature variations of the skin surface were analysed to extract the perforator locations. A study was conducted to assess the performance of the algorithm by comparing the detection results of the algorithm with manually labelled thermal images by two clinicians of the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap of 20 healthy volunteers. The F measure, precision and recall were used to evaluate the system performance. The median F measure is 0.833, the median precision is 0.80, and the median recall is 0.907. The results of this study showed that it is possible to automatically and reliably detect the skin perforators in thermograms despite their weak temperature signature. Infrared thermal imaging is a non-invasive and contactless approach suitable for intraoperative use. Combined with a computer-assisted tool for the automatic detection of perforator vessels, it is a relevant alternative intraoperative imaging method to the standard indocyanine green angiography.

THERMAL IMAGING AS AN ADJUNCT TOOL FOR IDENTIFYING FETAL GROWTH – A PILOT STUDY

Monitoring the fetal growth and diagnosing any possible abnormality plays a vital role in ensuring the healthy growth of a fetus. Certain health issues like Hyperthermia, Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) has to be diagnosed early. A pilot study comprising of 27 pregnant and 2 non-pregnant subjects was conducted to check the effectiveness of Thermal imaging in predicting the fetal growth. The heat dissipated by the fetus to the maternal abdominal wall is acquired as a surface thermal distribution. These images were processed qualitatively and quantitatively for better understanding. There was a consistent higher thermal pattern for pregnant women. A more pronounced temperature pattern is notable in the umbilical region that correlates with gestation age. However, as thermal pattern varies with age, gestation period and BMI, it is advisable to track the same person and compare the images for better assessment. This pilot study justifies the need for more elaborate study in building a database for classification and interpretation of thermogram to detect fetal abnormality with reduced human interpretation.

DETERMINATION TYPE OF ALLOPHANE ON ANDISOL IN DOLAT RAKYAT VILLAGE TIGA PANAH DISTRICT, REGENCY OF KARO

The aim of the research was to determinate the type of Allophane minerals by means of Thermogram and to know the type of Allophane minerals with Allophane–Organic Matter relations. The research was done in Dolat Rakyat villages, District of Tiga Panah Karo Regency, In Soil Fertility Laboratory University of North Sumatera, and College of Chemical Industry (PTKI), Medan in June - October 2014. Soil type is Andisol. The result of the research in Dolat Rakyat Village Tiga Panah District, Regency of Karo Thermogram interpretation showed that type of Allophane minerals Andisol that is Allophane B. Allophane-Organic Matter relations showed that type of Allophane minerals is Allophane B with positive relations between Allophane-Humic Acid; negative relations between Allophane-Fulvic Acid, and Allophane-Humic Acid+Fulvic Acid.

The influence of environmental thermal radiation on the results of thermographic investigation of buildings

Thermal diagnostics of building objects, mainly of residential buildings is currently realized with the standard method of thermographic examinations which enables the search the state of the thermal insulation of building envelope, the location of thermal bridges, defects in installations of different types, places of the moisture of barriers and the excessive infiltration of air. However, the operator of the IR-camera must have the solid knowledge in the range of thermograms interpretation. Thermal radiation of the outside environment is one of many factors affecting the results of thermal imaging measurements. The article presents a general description of the thermal radiation influence of the outside environment on buildings, the importance of radiative cooling of building envelope and the influence of this radiation on thermal imaging inspections of buildings and on interpretation of thermograms.

Interpretation of thermograms of oxytetracycline-excipient mixtures.

Interpretation of thermograms of oxytetracycline-excipient mixtures.

A novel cognitive interpretation of breast cancer thermography with complementary learning fuzzy neural memory structure.

Early detection of breast cancer is the key to improve survival rate. Thermogram is a promising front-line screening tool as it is able to warn women of breast cancer up to 10 years in advance. However, analysis and interpretation of thermogram are heavily dependent on the analysts, which may be inconsistent and error-prone. In order to boost the accuracy of preliminary screening using thermogram without incurring additional financial burden, Complementary Learning Fuzzy Neural Network (CLFNN), FALCON-AART is proposed as the Computer-Assisted Intervention (CAI) tool for thermogram analysis. CLFNN is a neuroscience-inspired technique that provides intuitive fuzzy rules, human-like reasoning, and good classification performance. Confluence of thermogram and CLFNN offers a promising tool for fighting breast cancer.

Standardization of oxidation induction time testing used in life assessment of polymeric electric cables

Oxidation induction time (OIT) has been proven to be a useful diagnostic tool in assessing the extent of degradation in the polymer insulation of electric cable in nuclear power plants. Factors that influence OIT include test temperature, sample preparation, sample geometry, sample mass, particle size, thermogram interpretation, and shelf life. The effects of these parameters were investigated for ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) polymer cable insulations, which were aged in radiation and thermal environments. The results were then used to recommend standards for an OIT methodology suited for practical use in the nuclear power industry. Techniques to estimate error in thermogram interpretation and reproducibility were also developed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1691–1702, 1997

Standardization of oxidation induction time testing used in life assessment of polymeric electric cables

Oxidation induction time (OIT) has been proven to be a useful diagnostic tool in assessing the extent of degradation in the polymer insulation of electric cable in nuclear power plants. Factors that influence OIT include test temperature, sample preparation, sample geometry, sample mass, particle size, thermogram interpretation, and shelf life. The effects of these parameters were investigated for ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) polymer cable insulations, which were aged in radiation and thermal environments. The results were then used to recommend standards for an OIT methodology suited for practical use in the nuclear power industry. Techniques to estimate error in thermogram interpretation and reproducibility were also developed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1691–1702, 1997

A computer-aided algorithm for evaluating thermograms of the hand

The incidences of musculoskeletal cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremities have been increasing for the past several years. Among the most prevalent of these disorders has been carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Early identification of CTS symptoms can significantly decrease the chances of injuries that are costly to the individual and to industry. One CTS diagnostic method that has gained interest is thermography. However, the interpretation of thermograms has been distinctly clinical and subjective. The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate an algorithm that could run on a personal computer at an industrial site and objectively screen and evaluate thermograms of the hands. The algorithm worked in conjunction with a gray-scale scanner. The scanner digitized the thermal information from a Polaroid ® photograph, and the algorithm constructed histograms based on the temperature distributions of the digitized thermographic data. Thermograms from the palm side of the hands of 10 female patients were made and evaluated by a physician as asymptomatic (having no symptoms) of median nerve injuries. After the algorithm calculated the temperature histograms and temperature means of the thermographic data, it then compared them statistically. Although this technique appears to hold significant promise for objectively evaluating thermograms of the hands, using color rather than gray-scale scanning technology would upgrade it substantially.

Thermal imaging assessment of the colon in patients with acute dysentery

Thermal imaging has been widely used in recent years in various fields of clinical medicine. It allows obtaining an image created by the body's own thermal radiation. According to the size and intensity of this radiation it is possible to judge about pathological processes taking place in internal organs. Diagnostic value of thermal imaging in diseases of large intestine was studied by many researchers. In spite of difficulties of thermogram interpretation not only at various pathological processes, but also at healthy people, this method finds more and more wide application in diagnostics of inflammatory processes of abdominal cavity organs. Its advantage over other methods of investigation of large intestine is the possibility to determine the state of the intestine along its whole length. Besides, all authors note visibility, harmlessness of the method and quickness of obtaining information.

Amputation of the ischemic limb: selection of the optimum site by thermography.

This report describes the value of infrared thermography in assessing the optimum level of amputation of an ischemic limb. Interpretation of thermograms and the factors that can significantly alter the thermal image of the lower limbs are detailed. Results from 104 patients demonstrate that the thermographic method is a reliable indicator of the level of a major limb amputation. A rationale for the inadequacy of the method when attempting to determine the outcome of a partial foot amputation is considered.

Computer image processing techniques for automated breast thermogram interpretation

The development of an inexpensive technique for automated interpretation of breast thermograms by computer has important implications for the mass screening of breast carcinoma. Success in disclosing the thermographic abnormality is demonstrated using three computer image processing techniques: (1) spatial signature analysis; (2) symmetry measurement using thermal density distributions; and (3) image coding by contour map data structure.

Liquid crystal thermographic placental location.

A liquid crystal thermographic technic was developed and tested for placental location. The procedure was rapid, inexpensive, and noninvasive. Sixty-four women were examined during the late stages of pregnancy for placental location. Implantation sites for 46 women were observed at delivery and 39 were correctly identified by thermography for an overall accuracy of 85%. Placental location accuracy varied significantly with the implantation site. Thermographic location of anterior, frontal and lateral implantation sites was highly accurate. Posterior implantation identification with thermography was most difficult. Location of low-lying placenta implantation was difficult in the initial stages of the study but improved upon the establishment of thermographic criteria for thermogram interpretation. Continued investigation should improve the accuracy of liquid crystal thermographic placental location as the criteria for thermogram interpretation would be further elucidated and established.