The Signal & Images Laboratory (SI-Lab) is an interdisciplinary research group in computer vision, signal analysis, intelligent vision systems and multimedia data understanding. It is part of the Institute of Information Science and Technologies (ISTI) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR). This report accounts for the research activities of the Signal and Images Laboratory of the Institute of Information Science and Technologies during the year 2021

Point-of-care Test (POCT) is the delivery of medical care at or near the patient’s bedside. Primarily employed in emergencies, where rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical, POCT is now being used in domestic telehealth solutions, as in the TiAssisto project, thanks to technological advances such as the development of portable and affordable devices, high-speed Internet connections, video conferencing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ultrasound (US) images of internal organs and structures are valuable tools in POCT medicine since this examination is portable, quick, and cost-effective. USs can help diagnose different conditions, including heart problems, abdominal pain, and pneumonia. Deep learning algorithms have proven to be highly effective in image recognition, enabling physicians to make informed decisions on-site. This article presents a pipeline approach providing remarkable and reliable results to handle point-of-care ultrasound examinations, making use of methods for: a) automating text cleaning for privacy based on an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) algorithm; b) scrolling through the video frames and annotating them using an ad hoc implemented tool; c) classifying various signs in US using a state of the art deep learning algorithm, that is an adaptive efficient method ensembling two EfficientNet-b0 weak models; d) benchmarking medical plausibility to address transparency and human in the loop setting using a post hoc explanation visual explanation method, i.e. Grad-CAM.The involved physician’s feedback remarks that this system can detect important signs in pulmonary US imaging. However, the dataset is not yet the final one since the TiAssisto project is still ongoing, with a planned conclusion in February 2024. Our ultimate goal is not merely to develop a classification system but to create an effective healthcare support system that can be used beyond primary healthcare facilities.

The combination of pervasive sensing and multimedia understanding with the advances in communications makes it possible to conceive platforms of services for providing telehealth solutions responding to the current needs of society. The recent outbreak has indeed posed several concerns on the management of patients at home, urging to devise complex pathways to address the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in combination with the usual diseases of an increasingly elder population. In this paper, we present TiAssisto, a project aiming to design, develop, and validate an innovative and intelligent platform of services, having as its main objective to assist both Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) multi-pathological patients and healthcare professionals. This is achieved by researching and validating new methods to improve their lives and reduce avoidable hospitalisations. TiAssisto features telehealth and telemedicine solutions to enable high-quality standards treatments based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Three hundred patients are involved in our study: one half using our telehealth platform, while the other half participate as a control group for a correct validation. The developed AI models and the Decision Support System assist General Practitioners (GPs) and other healthcare professionals in order to help them in their diagnosis, by providing suggestions and pointing out possible presence or absence of signs that can be related to pathologies. Deep learning techniques are also used to detect the absence or presence of specific signs in lung ultrasound images.

Obesity is recognized as a major public health issue, as it is linked to the increased risk of severe pathological conditions. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the relations between adiposity (and biophysical characteristics) and temperature profiles under thermoneutral conditions in normal and overweight females, investigating the potential role of heat production/dissipation alteration in obesity. We used Infrared Thermography (IRT) to evaluate the thermogenic response to a metabolic stimulus performed with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Thermographic images of the right hand and of the central abdomen (regions of interests) were obtained basally and during the oral glucose tolerance test (3 h OGTT with the ingestion of 75 g of oral glucose) in normal and overweight females. Regional temperature vs BMI, % of body fat and abdominal skinfold were statistically compared between two groups. The study showed that mean abdominal temperature was significantly greater in lean than overweight participants (34.11 ± 0.70 °C compared with 32.92 ± 1.24 °C, p < 0.05). Mean hand temperature was significantly greater in overweight than lean subjects (31.87 ± 3.06 °C compared with 28.22 ± 3.11 °C, p < 0.05). We observed differences in temperature profiles during OGTT between lean and overweight subjects: The overweight individuals depict a flat response as compared to the physiological rise observed in lean individuals. This observed difference in thermal pattern suggests an energy rate imbalance towards nutrients storage of the overweight subjects.

Architectural heritage preservation and dissemination is a very important topic in Cultural Heritage. Since ancient structures may present areas which are dangerous or di cult to access, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles may be a smart solution for the safe and fast data acquisition. In this paper we propose a method for the long term monitoring of cracking patterns, based on image processing and marker-based technique. Also the paper includes the description of a pipeline for the reconstruction of interactive 3D scene of the historic structure to disseminate the acquired data, to provide the general public with info regarding the structural health of the structure, and possibly to support the drone pilot during the survey. The Introduction provides a state of the art about the crack monitoring from visible images; it follows a description of the proposed method, and the results of the experimentation carried out in a real case study (the Ancient Fortress in Livorno, Italy). A specific section is devoted to the description of the front-end of augmented reality designed for heritage dissemination and to support the drone usage. Details about the future works conclude the paper.

Here we describe the implementation of the first prototype of the Wize Sniffer 1.x (WS 1.x), a low cost, portable electronic device for breath analysis. The device is being developed in the framework of the Collaborative European Project SEMEOTICONS (SEMEiotic Oriented Technology for Individuals CardiOmetabolic risk self-assessmeNt and Self-monitoring). In the frame of SEMEOTICONS project, the Wize Sniffer will help the user monitor his/her state of health, in particular giving feedbacks about those noxious habits for cardio-metabolic risk, such as alcohol intake and smoking. The low cost and compactness of the device allows for a daily screening that, even if without a real diagnostic meaning, could represent a pre-monitoring, useful for an optimal selection of more sophisticated and standard medical analysis.

Computed tomography as well as magnetic resonance or positron electron tomography is currently the most commonly used medical imaging modalities for the analysis of human body complex structures and organs, where diseases must be recognized and identified. The image reconstruction process used in these tomography techniques is usually based on the Radon transform (RT). In this paper, an algorithm based on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for reconstruction of 2D–3D structures is introduced, including correction of noise directly from the RT sinograms. The 3D reconstruction is independent by the instrumental technique and can be applied to any RT-based medical imaging technologies.

Here we discuss the first implementation of Wize Sniffer 1.x (WS 1.x), a portable electronic device for breath analysis in home care. The device is still a prototype which is being developed in the framework of the Collaborative European Project SEMEOTICONS (SEMEiotic Oriented Technology for Individuals CardiOmetabolic risk self-assessmeNt and Self-monitoring). Some of the detected breath molecules are associated with cell metabolism, thus WS 1.x can give useful information about the state of health of an individual. WS 1.x can also give feedbacks about those noxious habits for cardio-metabolic risk, such as alcohol intake and smoking habit. The low cost and compactness of the device allows for a daily screening of the general state of health of an individual that, even if without a real diagnostic meaning, could represent a sort of pre-monitoring that could be used for an optimal selection of more sophisticated and standard medical analysis.

Digital semeiotics is one of the newest recent challenges for assessing a number of computational descriptors to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases that are leading causes of mortality worldwide. These descriptors can be expressed involving (i) morphometric, biometrics and colorimetric of the face; (ii) spectroscopic analysis of skin and iris, of sub-cutaneous substances and the function of subcutaneous tissues, and (iii) compositional analysis of breath and exhaled. In this paper, we describe the design and functionality of the Wize Sniffer (WS), a new portable device for breath analysis limited to an effective number of substances. Within the SEMEOTICON Project by the WS, we intend a hardware/software tool for both the analysis of volatile organic compounds of breath and a platform for data mining and data integration. The WS should be able to provide useful information about the “breathprint”, i.e., the analog of fingerprint for the state of health of an individual.

Computed Tomography as well as Magnetic Resonance or Positron Electron Tomography are currently the most commonly used medical imaging modalities for the analysis of human body complex structures and organs, where diseases must be recognized and identified. The image reconstruction process used in these tomography techniques is usually based on the Radon Transform (RT). In this paper, an algorithm including correction of noise and of some instrumental artifacts directly from the RT sinograms is presented. The innovative contribution of our algorithm is based on the fact that it is not necessary a priori information on instrumental artifacts or noise sources. In addition, the algorithm can be applied to any RT-based medical imaging technologies.

This paper discusses the problem of fostering lifestyle changes towards healthier habits via tailored user guidance. We present a novel multisensory device, the Wize Mirror, which will be able to detect semeiotic face signs related to cardio-metabolic risk, and encourage users to reduce their risk by improving their lifestyle. Offering a proper user guidance requires solving three main issues: user profiling, definition of a wellness index based on biophysical data, and personalized guidance by means of coaching and supportive messages. For each of these issues, the solutions proposed in the EU FP7 Project SEMEOTICONS are presented, highlighting their advantages with respect to the state-of-the-art.

INTRODUCTION:The magnitude of the oxygen-sparing effect induced by the diving response in humans is still under debate. We wished to compare cardiovascular changes during maximal breath-holding (BH) in air and during whole-body immersion at the surface in a group of BH divers.METHODS:Twenty-one divers performed a maximal static apnea in air or during whole-body immersion. Dopplerechocardiography, arterial blood pressure and haemoglobin saturation (SaO₂) were obtained at the beginning of, and at 1/3, 2/3 and maximal BH time.RESULTS:BH time was on the average 3.6 ± 0.4 min, with no differences between the two conditions. SaO₂ significantly decreased during BH in both conditions, but was significantly higher during immersion as compared to the dry (P = 0.04). In both conditions, BH induced a significant linear increase in right ventricular diameter (P < 0.001), left ventricular (LV) volumes (P < 0.001) and LV stroke volume (P < 0.001) but a significant linear decrease in LV ejection fraction (P = 0.033). In both conditions, Doppler diastolic parameters showed changes suggesting a constrictive/restrictive left ventricular filling pattern (i.e., an increase of early diastolic left ventricular filling velocity, P = 0.005, and a decrease in the deceleration time of early diastolic left ventricular filling. P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:BH induces progressive LV enlargement both in air and whole-body immersion, associated with reduced LV ejection fraction and progressive hindrance to diastolic filling. For a similar apnea duration, SaO₂ decreased less during immersed BH, indicating an O₂-sparing effect of diving, suggesting that interruption of apnea was not triggered by a threshold critical value of blood O₂ desaturation.

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Nanotechnology is the manipulation or self-assembly of individual atoms, molecules or molecular clusters into structures to create material and devices through an exact control of size and form in the nanometer scale. The immense potential of this field is presenting a challenge for the ICT world.

In a previous study, we obtained histologic documentation of liver gas embolism in the rat model of rapid decompression. The aim of the study was to assess in the same model occurrence and time course of liver embolism using 2-D ultrasound imaging, and to explore by this means putative liver gas embolism in recreational scuba divers. Following 42 min compression at 7 ATA breathing air and 12 min decompression, eight surviving female rats were anesthetized and the liver imaged by ultrasound at 20 min intervals up to 120 min. A significant enhancement of echo signal was recorded from 60 to 120 min as compared to earlier post-decompression times. Enzymatic markers of liver damage (AST, ALT, and GGT) increased significantly at 24 h upon decompression. Twelve healthy experienced divers were studied basally and at 15-min intervals up to 60 min following a 30-min scuba dive at 30 msw depth. At 30 min upon surfacing echo images showed significant signal enhancement that progressed and reached plateau at 45 and 60 min. Total bilirubin at 24 h increased significantly ( p = 0.02) with respect to basal values although within the reference range. In conclusion, 2-D ultrasound liver imaging allowed detection of gas embolism in the rat and defined the time course of gas accumulation. Its application to scuba divers revealed liver gas accumulation in all subjects in the absence of clear-cut evidence of liver damage or of any symptom. The clinical significance of our findings remains to be investigated.

Improving the safety of diving and increasing knowledge about the adaptation of the human body to underwater and hyperbaric environment require specifically developed underwater instrumentation for physiological measurements. In fact, none of the routine clinical devices for health control is suitable for in-water and/or under-pressure operation. The present paper addresses novel technological acquisitions and the development of three dedicated devices: * an underwater data logger for recording O2 saturation (reflective pulsoxymetry), two-channel ECG, depth and temperature; * an underwater blood pressure meter based on the oscillometric method; and * an underwater echography system. Moreover, examples of recordings are presented and discussed.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) calculation in Magnetic Resonance (MR) experiments requires the knowledge of biological sample-induced resistance value. Many authors studied sample-coil interaction by using quasi-static approach, with very simple coil and sample geometries; such method fails at high-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In this paper, we propose a theoretical algorithm for sample-induced resistance estimation, which uses a numerical solver based on Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method for simulating MR systems. Comparison with experimental data demonstrated the great accuracy of the developed algorithm. The proposed method can be used as a tool to estimate sample-induced resistance values for more complex geometries.

PURPOSE:To study by ultrasounds cardiac morphology and function early after breath-hold diving in deep water in elite athletes.METHODS:Fifteen healthy male divers (age 28 +/- 3 years) were studied using Doppler-echocardiography, immediately before (basal condition, BC) and two minutes after breath-hold diving (40 meters, acute post-apnea condition, APAC). Each subject performed a series of three consecutive breath-hold dives (20-30 and 40 m depth).RESULTS:End-diastolic left ventricular (LV) diameter (EDD) and end-diastolic LV volume (EDV) increased significantly (p < 0.01). Stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), septal and posterior systolic wall-thickening (SWT) also significantly increased after diving (p < 0.01). No wall motion abnormalities were detected, and wall motion score index was unchanged between BC and APAC. Doppler mitral E wave increased significantly (p < 0.01), whereas the A wave was unchanged. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased significantly after diving (p < 0.05). In the factor analysis, filtering out the absolute values smaller than 0.7 in the loading matrix, it resulted that factor I consists of EDV, posterior SWT, SV and CI, factor II of diastolic blood pressure, waves A and E and factor III of heart rate and SVR.CONCLUSIONS:Systo-diastolic functions were improved in the early period after deep breath-hold diving due to favorable changes in loading conditions relative to pre-diving, namely the recruitment of left ventricular preload reserve and the reduction in afterload.

At the end of the 1990s, the SPERIGEST project, supported by the Italian Health Ministry, and fully developed at the Institute of Clinical Physiology, established an operative integrated clinical and healthcare information system. Continuously evolving and dynamically optimising procedures and protocols solve problems of: harmonisation of instrumentation of different brands; management of multimedia data provided by different medical imaging labs; satisfaction of both clinical and research needs; legal and economical requirements; user-friendship of the system. A ten years experience shows positive approach by medical and healthcare operators, coordinated activity, higher efficiency, simplified procedures, major concentration on medical decision-making.