A narrative review on radiation risk from imaging for COVID-19: Breaking the myths and the mithya

Radiotherapy-induced secondary malignancy is a well-known occurrence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have undergone serial computed tomography (CT) imaging, and concerns have been raised regarding radiation-induced malignancies due to frequent scanning. Accordingly, various low and ultra-low-dose CT (LDCT) thorax protocols have been developed to reduce the dose of radiation. Major governing bodies worldwide have established guidelines regarding the indications for CT scans and chest X-rays during the pandemic. We, therefore, aimed to provide facts about the effects of radiation (both diagnostic and therapeutic). Through this article, we intend to break the myths and 'mithya' (misbeliefs) regarding diagnostic radiation and its association with cancer in this COVID-19 era. For this review, we performed a search in Google using specific keywords pertaining to imaging during COVID-19 and radiation risk. We also included the names of various global governing bodies in the Google search. We included only full text articles and guidelines from authentic websites. From this review, we conclude that if we follow the recommendations of various global governing bodies and use CT scan only in cases of moderate to severe COVID-related symptoms, adhere to the principle of 'as low as reasonably achievable' for radiation protection, and use LDCT scan protocols, we can significantly reduce the mean effective radiation dose delivered and the estimated cancer risk.Copyright © 2023 Cancer Research, Statistics, and Treatment. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the Radiographer's adherence and compliance with radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography.

Radiological staff, especially radiographers, work as front liners against the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aims to assess compliance with radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography procedures. This cross-sectional study included 234 radiographers (females, 56%, n = 131; males, 44%, n = 103) who were asked to complete an online questionnaire consisting of demographic data, radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 portable cases, and knowledge and awareness. After informed consent was completed, SPSS statistical software was used for the data analysis. The most common age group of participants ranged from 18 to 25 years old (30.3%, n = 71). Bachelor's degree holders were 74.4% (n = 174). Most radiographers (39.7%, n = 93) had a working experience of 1-5 years, followed by 27.8% (n = 65) with more than 16 years of experience. Most respondents (62.4%, n = 146) handled approximately 1-5 cases daily, the majority of them (56%, n = 131) stated affirmatively they had obtained special training to handle COVID-19, and when inquired if they had received any special allowances for handling COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases most of them stated negative (73.9%, n = 173). Most participants stated that they always wear a TLD during portable cases (67.1%, n = 157) and a lead apron (51.7%, n = 121). Around 73% (n = 171) knew the latest information on COVID-19 and attended the COVID-19 awareness course. A significant association was found between the work experience of the radiographers and their responses to following the best practices (p = 0.018, α = 0.05). Radiographers who had COVID-19 training (µ = 48.78) tend to adhere more to best practices than those who have not (p = 0.04, α = 0.05). Further, respondents who handled more than 16/more COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases followed the best practices more (µ = 50.38) than those who handled less (p = 0.04, α = 0.05). This study revealed detailed information on radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography. It has been observed that the participants/radiographers have good knowledge and awareness of radiation protection and infection-control practices. The present results may be used to plan future requirements regarding resources and training to ensure patient safety.

Consensus of Chinese experts on protection of skin and mucous membrane barrier for health professions fighting against coronavirus disease 2019.

Health professions preventing and controlling coronavirus disease 2019 are prone to skin and mucous membrane injuries, which may cause acute and chronic dermatitis, secondary infections and aggravation of underlying skin diseases. This is a consensus of Chinese experts on measures and advice on hand cleaning- and medical glove-related hand protection, mask-and goggles-related face protection, ultraviolet-related protection, as well as eye, nasal and oral mucosa, outer ear and hair protection. It is necessary to strictly follow standards on wearing protective equipment and specifications on sterilizing and cleaning. Both insufficient and excessive protection will adversely affect the skin and mucous membrane barrier. At the same time, using moisturizing products is highly recommended to achieve better protection.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

Development of an Ictal Spect Service for Irish Epilepsy Patients

Purpose: Beaumont Hospital (Dublin) is a large academic teaching hospital and specialist centre for complex epilepsy and epilepsy surgery. Ictal SPECT is a unique Nuclear Medicine examination that can be used as a tool in pre-surgical localisation of an epileptic focus. During a seizure there is hyper perfusion in the epileptogenic focus. While the patient is being EEG monitored in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), rapid injection of a brain perfusion radiopharmaceutical at seizure onset followed by ictal SPECT imaging can provide the epilepsy surgical team with more specific localisation information to aid presurgical planning. In view of the potential benefits to epilepsy patients an Ictal SPECT service has been established in Beaumont Hospital. There are many challenges and complex issues to address when developing a routine Ictal SPECT service in order to provide a quality and safe service to patients and staff. A multi-disciplinary approach was taken when planning and developing this new service in Beaumont Hospital. Material(s) and Method(s): This procedure is carried out between the following departments: Nuclear Medicine Department, Neurology, the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and Neuro Physics. The following areas required careful development and planning for the project: (1) Patient Selection and Preparation: (2) Radiopharmaceutical Selection, Preparation and Dispensing: (3) Nuclear Medicine Radiation Protection Issues: (4) Patient monitoring and administration of Radiopharmaceutical on the EMU: (5) Nuclear Medicine Patient Scanning: (6) Data Post Processing (SISCOM): A site visit to UZ Leuven hospital Belgium occurred early in the project, this provided invaluable information and support from an experienced centre with a long established Ictal SPECT service. Result(s): There have been many unexpected challenges during the establishment of this service: - Supply issues of the Radiopharmaceutical tracer - The impact of Covid-19 - An issue with absorption of the radiopharmaceutical within the Delivery tubing system To date two patients have successfully undergone Ictal SPECT exams, both were administered the radiopharmaceutical within seconds of the onset of a seizure. The results of the Ictal SPECT exam were discussed at a multi-discipline meeting and were used in the patient pre-surgical planning. Conclusion(s): Ictal SPECT is an intricate procedure that requires extensive planning and co-operation between the multi-disciplinary team in order to provide a quality and safe service to the patient. Beaumont Hospital hopes to continue and expand this service.Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.

Effectiveness of protective thyroid shield in chest X-ray imaging.

Chest X-ray imaging is the most common X-ray imaging method for diagnosing coronavirus disease. The thyroid gland is one of the most radiation-sensitive organs of the body, particularly in infants and children. Therefore, it must be protected during chest X-ray imaging. Yet, because it has benefits and drawbacks, using a thyroid shield as protection during chest X-ray imaging is still up for debate.Therefore, this study aims to clarify the need for using a protective thyroid shield during chest X-ray imaging. This study was performed using different dosimeters (silica beads as a thermoluminescent dosimeter and an optically stimulated luminance dosimeter) embedded in an adult male ATOM dosimetric phantom. The phantom was irradiated using a portable X-ray machine with and without thyroid shielding. The dosimeter readings indicated that a thyroid shield reduced the radiation dose to the thyroid gland by 69% ± 18% without degrading the obtained radiograph. The use of a protective thyroid shield during chest X-ray imaging is recommended because its benefits outweigh the risks.

Management scheme for infection control and radiological protection in diagnostic radiology examination of novel coronavirus pneumonia.

Since the epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia broke out, diagnostic imaging was providing valuable radiological support for disease diagnosis and progress evaluation. Radiological staff, especially radiographers were staying at the front line of epidemic prevention and control. They were facing the patients directly with dual responsibility and pressure of infection control and radiation protection. A number of relevant professional experts established the consensus which clarified three parts of detailed implementing rules including infection control and protection of the radiological staff, disinfection of diagnostic radiology equipment and place, as well as radiological protection. The aim was to further standardize the clinical procedures of radiological staff, reduce the infection risk and the radiation risk of medical staff and patients.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

Monitoring of CT dose and analysis of radiological protection in CT modules applied for COVID-19.

Objective: To investigate the safety and protection level of radiological treatment in the CT modules in the makeshift hosptials in Wuhan during the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 cases. Method(s): The layout of the CT modules in makeshift hospitals, radiological protection facilities and personal protective equipment were investigated. Based on the national standards, the CT dose index was estimated and the radiological protection level at the CT modules were measured. Result(s): The layout of the CT modules in makeshift hospitals is reasonable, with well-equipped radiological protection facilities. Of 23 CT modules, 20 were up to standards with acceptability of 87.0%. The other three were unqualified each with 1 detection points having values in excess of the national standards. Which, after being modified immediately reached the national standards. In addition, CT dose index for 7 CT modules were estimated, with CTDIW within +/-7.5%. Conclusion(s): The CT modules in Wuhan meet the requirements of radiological safety and protection during the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 cases.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

Investigation and analysis on the infection control and radiation safety of radiodiagnostic workplace for COVID-19.

Objective: To survey and supervise the risk of infection control and radiation safety in the radiological diagnostic workplace for COVID-19, and provide data support for the safety protection of radiographers and related staff. Method(s): 4 emergency hospitals for COVID-19 including 2 makeshift hospitals, module hospital and brick pattern hospital in Hubei province were performed for testing and evaluation of imaging performance and radiological protection for the 8 new installed CT scanners and places according to the national standards of WS 519-2019 and GBZ 130-2013. The infection control safety factors such as the layout of the equipment room were monitored and investigated. Two COVID-19 designated hospitals including general hospital and infectious disease specialized hospital were selected to carry out field investigation and sampling of environmental biological samples for 4 CT rooms. Then the samples were detected for the nucleic acid of novel coronavirus. The results of radiodiagnostic workplace overall arrangement, infection prevention and the nucleic acid testing were analyzed, and the biological safety reliability and risk point were evaluated. Result(s): The indicators of imaging performance and radiation protection for 8 CT scanners in emergency hospitals could meet the requirements of national standards.Each of 2 makeshift hospitals had 3 CT rooms with the area of 38.8 m2 and 4 mm Pb equivalent thickness of protective shielding. The CT rooms in module hospital and brick pattern hospital were 20.0 m2, and 35.8 m2 in areas, with 4 mm Pb equivalent and 3 mm Pb equivalent thickness of protection shielding, respectively. The 8 radiological diagnostic workplaces of the emergency hospitals were designed and constructed based on " three zones with two passage ways". The result of the nucleic acid test indicated that the positive samples were found at the multiple sites such as scanning bed, internal of gantry and ground touched by patients in CT scanning room. The areas such as console panel and ground were risked of pollution by the virus infected hands and feet of radiographers. In addition, the similar positive samples were found in the areas in scanning room with no touch of patients, such as observation window and air outlet. Conclusion(s): 8 CT scanners and rooms in 4 emergency hospitals basically meet the requirements of imaging performance and radiation protection. The disinfection of COVID-19 radiodiagnostic workplace should be standardized.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

Current status of the application of radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy resources in Huai'an City in 2020.

Objective: To investigate the current status of the radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy resources and medical exposure frequencies in Huai'an City. Method(s): According to the monitoring data in the " Radiological Health Information Management Platform of Jiangsu Province" in 2020, a descriptive analysis was conducted on the personnel, equipment, and exposure frequencies in the institutes engaged in radiation-based diagnosis and treatment in Huai'an. Result(s): A total of 181 hospitals were investigated in 2020, including 7 tertiary hospitals(3.9%), 24 secondary hospitals(13.3%), 126 primary hospitals(69.6%), and 24 ungraded hospitals(13.3%). There were 1 397 radiation workers, including 948 males and 449 females, and 459 pieces of radiation equipment, including 420 for radio diagnosis, 13 for radiotherapy, 4 for nuclear medicine, and 22 for interventional radiology. The hospitals of different grades greatly differed in the number of radiation workers and equipment. There were 80.1, 20.9, 2.2, and 2.0 radiation workers and 15.7, 5.5, 1.4, and 1.6 pieces of radiation equipment in the tertiary hospitals, secondary hospitals, primary hospitals, and ungraded hospitals, respectively on average. There were 2 903 246, 27 648, 8 087, and 17 874 receiving radiodiagnosis, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology, respectively in 2020. The medical exposure frequencies in the whole city were calculated to be 599.50 per 1 000 population, including 334.59 treated with conventional X-rays, 239.82 receiving CT scan, 14.18 for breast and dentistry, 3.62 receiving interventional radiology, 5.61 treated with radiotherapy, and 1.69 receiving nuclear medicine. Conclusion(s): The radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy resources are unbalanced in the hospitals of different grades in Huai'an City. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to the reasonable allocation of medical resources. Meanwhile, radiation workers in secondary hospitals may be more prone to job burnout. Facing the normalization of the prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic, the supervision and management of radiological health should be strengthened to ensure the legitimacy of radiological diagnosis and radiotherapy and theoptimization of protection. The frequencies of medical exposure are consistent with the local economic level. To analyze the differences in medical exposure frequencies and predict the developmental trends in different regions, it is necessary to establish a more accurate prediction model.Copyright © 2021 by the Chinese Medical Association.

Spatial Scattering Radiation to the Radiological Technologist during Medical Mobile Radiography.

Mobile radiography allows for the diagnostic imaging of patients who cannot move to the X-ray examination room. Therefore, mobile X-ray equipment is useful for patients who have difficulty with movement. However, staff are exposed to scattered radiation from the patient, and they can receive potentially harmful radiation doses during radiography. We estimated occupational exposure during mobile radiography using phantom measurements. Scattered radiation distribution during mobile radiography was investigated using a radiation survey meter. The efficacy of radiation-reducing methods for mobile radiography was also evaluated. The dose decreased as the distance from the X-ray center increased. When the distance was more than 150 cm, the dose decreased to less than 1 µSv. It is extremely important for radiological technologists (RTs) to maintain a sufficient distance from the patient to reduce radiation exposure. The spatial dose at eye-lens height increases when the bed height is high, and when the RT is short in stature and abdominal imaging is performed. Maintaining sufficient distance from the patient is also particularly effective in limiting radiation exposure of the eye lens. Our results suggest that the doses of radiation received by staff during mobile radiography are not significant when appropriate radiation protection is used. To reduce exposure, it is important to maintain a sufficient distance from the patient. Therefore, RTs should bear this is mind during mobile radiography.

Evaluación de riesgos y mejora de la seguridad biológica y radiológica en la toma de radiografía torácica a pacientes con COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Health workers are at high risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. The objective of the study was to evaluate the risks and improve the biological and radiological safety measures for taking chest X-rays in patients with COVID-19 in a Social Security hospital in Utcubamba (Peru). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Quasi-experimental intervention study type before and after without a control group, carried out between May and September 2020. A process map and an analysis of failure modes and effects (FMEA) of radiological care were prepared. The gravity (G), occurrence (O), and detectability (D) values ??were found and the risk priority number (RPN) was calculated for each failure mode (FM). FM with RPN ≥ 100 and G ≥ 7 were prioritized. Improvement actions were implemented based on the recommendations of recognized institutions and the O and D values ??were re-evaluated. RESULTS: The process map consisted of 6 threads and 30 steps. 54 FM were identified, 37 of whom had RPN ≥ 100 and 48 had G ≥ 7. Most of the errors occurred during the examination 50% (27). After entering the recommendations, 23 FM had RPN ≥ 100. CONCLUSIONS: Although none of the measures applied through the FMEA made the failure mode impossible, they made it more detectable and less frequent and reduced the RPN for each failure mode; however, a periodic update of the process is necessary.

A Brief Review on Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is an essential drug of the Ayurvedic medicine system used in different Ayurvedic formulations to treat a variety of ailments. Guduchi is a member of the Menispermaceae family and is widely produced in tropical and sub-tropical countries such as India, Sri Lanka, China, Myanmar, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Bangladesh, and several south-east Asian continents such as Indonesia, Malaysia. All parts of Guduchi have nutritional value and medicinal importance, including the roots, stem, bark, and leaves. A different class of phytochemicals like alkaloids, glycosides, aliphatic compounds, diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, steroid and polysaccharides, etc., are found in Guduchi. Tinosporaside, tinosporine, magnosporine, berberine, choline, Jatrorrhizine, palmatine, beberine, giloin, giloinsterol, and other beneficial biomarkers are present in this herb. Guduchi is used to treat cold, fever, headache, jaundice, digestive disorder, among other things, and it shows several proven pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory activity, anti-toxic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, cardioprotective activity, radioprotective, antimicrobial, anti-stress, anti-HIV and many more. This review article majorly highlights the phytochemical present in Guduchi, analytical works and pharmacological activities of Guduchi. Copyright © 2022 are reserved by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research.

A phantom study of a protective trolley for neonatal radiographic imaging: new equipment to protect the operator from scatter radiation.

Chest radiography is commonly performed as a diagnostic tool of neonatal diseases. Contact-based radiation personal protective equipment (RPPE) has been widely used for radiation protection, but it does not provide full body protection and it is often shared between users, which has become a major concern during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To address these issues, we developed a novel trolley to protect radiographers against X-ray radiation by reducing scatter radiation during neonatal radiographic examinations. We measured the scatter radiation doses from a standard neonatal chest radiograph to the radiosensitive organs using a phantom operator in three protection scenarios (trolley, radiation personal protective equipment [RPPE], no protection) and at three distances. The results showed that the scatter radiation surface doses were significantly reduced when using the trolley compared with RPPE and with no protection at a short distance (P<0.05 for both scenarios in all radiosensitive organs). The novel protective trolley provides a non-contact protective tool for radiographers against the hazard of scatter radiation during neonatal radiography examinations.

Training of Medical Responders to Nuclear Disaster: Hybrid Program in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The spread of COVID-19 has made it difficult to provide training in medical treatment in a radiation disaster. In this study, we will examine the effects and challenges of using a hybrid approach that combines online and face-to-face components. METHODS: Five face-to face and 25 online medical staff participated in the training program. This program was conducted by using multiple cameras with live coverage, and protective clothing and decontamination kits to the participants in advance were sent so they could experience face-to-face and online learning at the same time. RESULTS: Participants reported a high level of satisfaction and achievement with the style of delivery, as well as problems such as fatigue due to long hours and dissatisfaction with the debriefing. CONCLUSIONS: In designing new online training, it is necessary to consider the quantity and content of the program, and take participant fatigue into consideration.

Determination of scattered radiation dose for radiological staff during portable chest examinations of COVID-19 patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large increase in the number of patients admitted to hospitals. Radiological technologists (RTs) are often required to perform portable chest X-ray radiography on these patients. Normally, when performing a portable X-ray, radiation protection equipment is critical as it reduces the scatter radiation dose to hospital workers. However, during the pandemic, the use of a lead shield caused a heavy weight burden on workers who were responsible for a large number of patients. This study aimed to investigate scatter radiation doses received at various distances, directions, and positions. Radiation measurements were performed using the PBU-60 whole body phantom to determine scatter radiation doses at 100-200 cm and eight different angles around the phantom. The tests were conducted with and without lead shielding. Additionally, the doses were compared using the paired t test (p < 0.005) to determine suitable positions for workers who did not wear lead protection that adhered to radiation safety requirements. Scatter radiation doses of all 40 tests showed a highest and lowest value of 1285.5 nGy at 100 cm in the anteroposterior (AP) semi upright position and 134.7 nGy at 200 cm in the prone position, respectively. Correlation analysis between the dosimeter measurement and calculated inverse square law showed good correlation, with an R2 value of 0.99. Without lead shielding, RTs must stay at a distance greater than 200 cm from patients for both vertical and horizontal beams to minimize scatter exposure. This would allow for an alternative way of performing portable chest radiography for COVID-19 patients without requiring lead shielding.

The Impact of Data Management on the Achievable Dose and Efficiency of Computed Tomography During the COVID-19 Era: A Facility-Based Ambispective Study.

Purpose: This study primarily aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of computational data management and analytical software for establishing departmental diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for computed tomography (CT) scanning in clinical settings, and monitor achievable doses (ADs) for CT imaging, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. Secondarily, it aimed to correlate these standards with national and international benchmarks. Patients and Methods: This ambidirectional cohort study enrolled 4668 patients (6419 CT-based examinations) who visited King Fahd Hospital of the University from May 25, 2021, to November 4, 2021. Participants' demographic data were acquired from their electronic medical charts, in addition to all corresponding CT-dose determinant parameters. The study was divided into two phases (pre- and post-data management) based on the implementation of digital data management software. Results: In both phases of the study, the size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) was the most significant confounder of dose determination compared to the dose-length product (DLP) and computed tomography dose index (CTDI) (P = 0.003). The head was the most frequently imaged body region (pre-implementation, 1051 examinations [35.1%]; post-implementation, 1071 examinations [31.3%]; P = 0.001), followed by the abdominal region (pre-implementation, 616 examinations [20.6%]; post-implementation, 256 examinations [7.48%]; P = 0.001). Based on the SSDE, DLP, and volume CTDI, the average per-section radiation exposure among organ-based scanning type was highest for the lumbar spine during the pre- and post-implementation periods. Conclusion: Data management software enabled the establishment of DRLs and reduction of ADs in CT examinations, which consequently improved key performance indicators, despite the ergonomic complexities of COVID-19. Institutions are encouraged to apply DRLs and ADs via automatic systems that monitor patient dose indices to evaluate aggregate results.

Evaluation of Ultra-Low-Dose Chest Computed Tomography Images in Detecting Lung Lesions Related to COVID-19: A Prospective Study.

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultra-low-dose (ULD) chest computed tomography (CT) in comparison with the routine dose (RD) CT images in detecting lung lesions related to COVID-19. Methods: A prospective study was conducted during April-September 2020 at Shahid Faghihi Hospital affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. In total, 273 volunteers with suspected COVID-19 participated in the study and successively underwent RD-CT and ULD-CT chest scans. Two expert radiologists qualitatively evaluated the images. Dose assessment was performed by determining volume CT dose index, dose length product, and size-specific dose estimate. Data analysis was performed using a ranking test and kappa coefficient (κ). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Lung lesions could be detected with both RD-CT and ULD-CT images in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (κ=1.0, P=0.016). The estimated effective dose for the RD-CT protocol was 22-fold higher than in the ULD-CT protocol. In the case of the ULD-CT protocol, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value for the detection of consolidation were 60%, 83%, 80%, and 20%, respectively. Comparably, in the case of RD-CT, these percentages for the detection of ground-glass opacity (GGO) were 62%, 66%, 66%, and 18%, respectively. Assuming the result of real-time polymerase chain reaction as true-positive, analysis of the receiver-operating characteristic curve for GGO detected using the ULD-CT protocol showed a maximum area under the curve of 0.78. Conclusion: ULD-CT, with 94% dose reduction, can be an alternative to RD-CT to detect lung lesions for COVID-19 diagnosis and follow-up.An earlier preliminary report of a similar work with a lower sample size was submitted to the arXive as a preprint. The preprint is cited as: https://arxiv.org/abs/2005.03347.

IAEA support to the radiation protection of patients in the time of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The IAEA contribution to the radiation protection of patients during the global COVID-19 pandemic included a webinar on the use of CT and optimization for COVID-19 pneumonia, a survey with 137 responses from 84 sites across five continents, and a study on the CT utilization, protocols and patient doses with data from 62 healthcare sites from 34 countries. This paper outlines the main results of these efforts, which have been presented in the scientific literature and in several national trainings and international meetings.

A Solution for Monitoring the Eye's Viewing Distance from Electronical Displays

Recent working environment due to pandemic covid 19 leads to numerous medical ailments for those who sits in front of the Computer Display for a longer duration. This type of activity leads to two types of eye strains such as Radiation Strain and Proximate Strain. Out of the two, proximate strain is the more potent cause of eye defects. There are proximity sensors in many devices, but their function is to turn off the display when kept in proximity to any surface. This has been done to prevent any mis-clicks on the display. There also exist many measures of safety to the eye by the use of blue light filters, dark mode, focus modes, etc. The proposed work focuses on monitoring the proximity of the eyes of the user to display with the use of the inbuilt device camera. The proposed algorithm maps the user's face and prevents them from using their devices too close to their eyes. Built on Python, OpenCV and MediaPipe, this project aims to do this using the camera on a device, it is very affordable and does not require any proprietary sensor or powerful and expensive hardware. Being very light, this algorithm can even run smoothly on a Raspberry Pi4. © 2022 IEEE.

The Feasibility of Low-dose Chest CT Acquisition Protocol for the Imaging of COVID-19 Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of low-dose chest CT acquisition protocol for the imaging of COVID 19 disease or suspects of this disease in adults. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, the study group consisted of 141 patients who were imaged with low dose chest CT acquisition protocol. The control group consisted of 92 patients who were imaged with standard protocol. Anteroposterior and lateral diameters of chest, effective diameter and scan length, qualitative and quantitative noise levels, volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), and size-specific dose estimations were compared between groups. RESULTS: Radiation dose reduction by nearly 90% (CTDIvol and DLP values 1.06 mGy and 40.3 mGy.cm vs. 8.07 mGy and 330 mGy.cm, respectively; p < 0.001) was achieved with the use of low-dose acquisition chest CT protocol. Despite higher image noise with low-dose acquisition protocol, no significant effect on diagnostic confidence was encountered. Cardiac and diaphragm movement-related artifacts were similar in both groups (p=0.275). Interobserver agreement was very good in terms of diagnostic confidence assessment. CONCLUSION: For the imaging of COVID-19 pneumonia or suspects of this disease in adults, lowdose chest CT acquisition protocol provides remarkable radiation dose reduction without adversely affecting image quality and diagnostic confidence.