Desenvolvimento de algoritmos para a avaliação quantitativa de imagens de fantomas mamográficos

There are many advantages when using a phantom for the evaluation of the mammographic images, one of them is to test the visibility of the distribution of objects that constitute it, and then, set the best image in order to obtain a diagnostic medical insurance, trying to reach the best risk - benefit ratio for the patient. Typically, the quality of the mammographic image is performed by subjective and quantitative assessments. This study developed algorithms that can quantitatively evaluate digital images (DICOM), obtained from mammographic phantom consisting of test objects. The results were adjusted by the response of the subjective evaluation performed by experts in radiology. This procedure aims to create an independence of the experts in radiology in daily tests of quality control in routine clinical diagnostic radiology

Avaliação das condições de uso de um equipamento de tomografia computadorizada e otimização de protocolos de crânio empregados na rotina do HCFMB-UNESP

Almost forty years computed tomography (CT) has been one of the most powerful tools in diagnostic imaging. However, this modality delivers relatively high doses to their patients. It is known that the inappropriate use and unnecessary radiation may be associated with a significant risk of cancer, especially in pediatric patients. Moreover, the quality assurance in CT, provided and required by Portaria 453/98 and the guide of the RE 1016/05, ensures that the images generated by computer tomography provide reliable diagnostic information with doses as low as reasonably achievable. This research aimed to make the quality control (QC) of CT equipment; establish a better relationship between dose and noise on the image to protocols of skull CT according to the study of optimization proposed in 2005 by Daros; and assess the dose distribution in different cranial organs for protocols of adult and pediatric use in the routine of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging of HCFMB-UNESP. The equipment used for testing QC, optimization and dosimetry was a third generation tomograph GE Sytec 3000i

Estudo de um método automatizado para o cálculo da profundidade de visualização dos equipamentos de ultrassonografia

Ultrasound is the term that describes the sound waves with higher frequencies than human hearing. Ultrasound used in medical diagnosis is a modality based on the use of sound energy and the acoustic properties of the various parts of the body to produce images of stationary and moving tissues. However, despite the ease of use and security that this modality offers for not using ionizing radiation, one should ensure the accuracy and optimum performance of the equipment, which results in precise diagnoses. To accomplish that, periodic quality control tests must be performed, which include: physical and mechanical inspection of the equipment, image uniformity, depth of penetration/visualization, accuracy of distances, axial and lateral resolution, dead zone and doppler sensitivity. This work intends to study a computerized method for calculating the depth of penetration of ultrasound, comparing it to the observerdependent method currently used. The images were collected during the quality control tests of ultrasound equipment. The results of the comparison between the visual and computerized methods were not conclusive for selecting the safest methodology for obtaining the depth of visualization

Lean six sigma como estratégia para o aumento de eficiência em laminação de alumínio

This study aims to assess the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in the preparation of plates and hot lamination process for a company of aluminum rolled products, to improve the quality, productivity and process efficiency. As a basis for achieving these goals, the DMAIC methodology and various quality tools such as Cause Effect Diagram, Process Flow, SIPOC, Pareto, FMEA and Control Chart were used, trying to propose improvements to processes and increase their efficiency. The results were significant and were the basis for the continuation of a continuous improvement project throughout the factory

Avaliação do uso de fantomas antropomórficos na análise experimental dos fatores que afetam o contraste de imagens radiográficas

This experimental study aimed the evaluation of the use of anthropomorphic phantoms in the analysis of the influence of the acquisition parameters in the contrast of radiographic images. The analyzed factors were the variation of the peak kilovoltage (kVp) and the product of the filament circuit by the time of exposition (mAs). The influence of these factors was verified for different anthropomorphic phantoms: foot, knee and chest. The image contrast behavior with the simulators was compared to values obtained with the use of an aluminum ladder being the behavior of this reference for analysis and discussion. To assure the reproducibility of images, quality control tests were made and evaluation of procedure conditions before the experiments. The results obtained are shown in a scale of images where it was possible to evaluate the impact in the darkness of images. Regions with different compositions were analyzed which were different in image, this way the values of optical density and contrast are represented as charts and graphics. We conclude that the use of anthropomorphic phantoms in the evaluation of the influence of tension of the tube and time of exposition in the contrast of the radiographic images is not indicated for a quantitative analysis through optical density, once they present incompatible results with the data as reference as the aluminum ladder even so these simulators present a great property in qualitative analysis regarding the differentiation of structures and subjective evaluations

Ensaios não destrutivos: metrologia e calibração

To perform the quality control of various industries like: petrochemical, nuclear, aerospace, steel, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, and inspection of welded products, castings, forgings, rolled products, among others, used the method of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). The method is based on the physical properties of the material, so selecting a procedure more appropriate. The company Inter-Metro Serviços Especiais Ltda., with its cutting-edge laboratory, dedicated to the implementation of calibration services and measurement equipment for industrial, medical, occupational safety and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). It has a trained team, providing guidance and providing support for improving procedures for testing and measuring

Monitoramento de processos multivariados autocorrelacionados

Technological advances and the availability of computational resources have been facilitating the collection and processing of data. Thus, the natural tendency of the monitoring processes is the simultaneous control of various quality characteristics. In automated processes, observations are generally autocorrelated. Studies with univariate graph for processes have shown that the autocorrelation reduces the ability of this signal changes in the process. In this paper, we study the multivariate autocorrelated processes. Through simulations are obtained properties of graphs, monitoring the mean vector, the properties of graphs VMAX, in monitoring the covariance matrix, and the properties of graphs MCMAX, the simultaneous monitoring of mean vector and covariance matrix. Conclude that increasing the autocorrelation and the number of variables being monitored, reduces the power of the graphics in signal of a special cause

Aplicação do DMAIC em uma indústria farmacêutica

In an industry, being a big one or small one, the process improvement is always a focus for it to increase in the market. The improvement, if searched in a simple meaning, brings the unique meaning of change to better. However the meaning of process improvement can take much more than a superficial point of view. Kaizen, Process improvement, Continuous improvement, they are some denotations much more comprehensive of a such a term carried of so many meanings. A good concept of improvement if to search inside processes a more appropriate way, a more succinct, a more economic way to realize it. The idea is to make the process in a better way. In this graduation thesis, there will be presented a process improvement realized in a Vale do Paraíba company. For that, it was used the DMAIC to obtain, measure and control the process improvement. It should be noted that the goal is to present and discuss a process improvement

Comparação da razão sinal-ruído e da uniformidade da imagem entre aquisições com bobina de quadratura e com bobina de corpo

The signal-to-noise ratio and image uniformity analysis parameters are very important in quality control of an MRI scanner. They are measured in regular tests with phantoms. In these tests, however, used to quadrature coil, which has been most widely used clinically, and, therefore, was replaced in the procedures for body coil. In order to understand the difference between these two parameters in these coils, the study aimed to analyze the images acquired from four different phantoms in the same equipment under the same conditions for comparison purposes. With these results, it can be concluded that the body coil signal-to-noise ratio has always smaller than the quadrature in any projection, whereas the image uniformity is larger

Lean Six sigma aplicado a uma empresa do setor de embalagens

With the advent of a global economy, Lean Six Sigma meets the demand of new production process that creates products within the customer’s specification without any wastage. The objectives of this work is to use the concepts Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma parallel to minimize costs, increase the customer base, reduce the delivery time which implies an increase in the turnover of products on the shelves in a packaging company. We used the DMAIC method to continue working. The method DMAIC indicated the main failure modes that were fixed in the step improve. At this stage the tools of Lean Manufacturing gain tremendous value by optimizing processes with defects. The conclusion involves an increase in monthly billing, a corporate restructuring and, finally, a renewal in how to conduct the work of management

Consultoria em física médica e radioproteção

The Quality Control services for diagnostic imaging is essential to ensure that their activities occur as planned. Procedures are aimed at a positive cost-benefit to the institution and risk-benefit to the patients. And this requires trained and skilled professionals working with high technology equipment. The company PhyMED Consultores em Física Médica e Radioproteção Ltda., a Pioneer in the field of Medica Physics in Rio Grande do Sul, is dedicated to providing consulting services in healthcare. Physicists are experienced working in many areas of diagnostic imaging

Melhoria do processo de reparo por meio da redução de Lead Time em uma empresa de som automotivo

The constant search for improvement and survival of the companies makes essential the utilization of cost reduction strategies and resources optimization. This study had as its objective the utilization of Lean Manufacturing tools for the repair process lead time reduction, in a car audio manufacturer. Performing an action research, the major problems were studied, such as the potential causes and the possible improvement activities, using the DMAIC methodology. An action plan was developed for all involved processes and, as a result, the objective was reached by making a direct impact on the customers’ satisfaction and adding a competitive differential for the company

Análise das possibilidades de integração entre programas ambientais de usinas hidrelétricas e sistemas de gestão ambiental

A avaliação de impacto ambiental tem sido muitas vezes, vista apenas como um procedimento burocrático para a obtenção da licença ambiental, desconsiderando os estudos realizados, após a aquisição da licença e contratando outros serviços para orientar a adoção de um sistema de gestão objetivando boas práticas ambientais. Porém sabe-se que a estrutura geral das metodologias de avaliação de impacto ambiental apresenta muitos pontos semelhantes se comparada à identificação dos aspectos e impactos ambientais de um sistema de gestão ambiental, o que indica uma interface entre os dois instrumentos apesar da execução integrada ainda não ser um procedimento comum na gestão ambiental de empreendimentos. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho objetivou analisar as possibilidades do emprego de um sistema de gestão ambiental preconizado pela ISQ 14001 para o gerenciamento de programas ambientais decorrentes de processos de avaliação de impacto ambiental e de licenciamento ambiental de usinas hidrelétricas, através do foco específico naqueles progrmas relacionados diretamente com o monitoramento e o controle da qualidade e da qualidade da água do reservatório, que é um fator essencial para a função de produção de um empreendimento hidrelétrico. Para esta análise, utilizou-se o caso da usina hidrelétrica de Santo Antônio, identificando 9 programas ambientais decorrentes de processos de avaliação de impacto ambiental com grandes possibilidades de serem utilizados na estruturação de sistemas de gestão ambiental de usinas hidrelétricas e cuja adequada execução, corrobora com a integração entre os respectivos instrumentos além de corresponder à necessidade de compatibilização dos instrumentos de política ambiental na busca de um desenvolvimento com adequada proteção ambiental e de uma atuação mais consciente das organizações

Aplicação dos conceitos de RCM e a ferramenta FMEA no aumento de confiabilidade em equipamentos de uma indústria química

The growing demand for quality at competitive prices and fast production process put to the test function in the industrial Maintenance. The need for equipment with high availability to fit this fierce competitiveness makes maintenance becomes essentially reliable. Despite this current context, many companies still have an old view of maintenance, focused only on corrective services, and proposals for change are often neglected due to the sense of urgency day to day. Thus, this study aims to demonstrate through theoretical applicability of simple tool, but of great value in increasing reliability within the maintenance sector of an industry, applying the concepts of Reliability Centered Maintenance – RCM and Analysis tool Failure Modes and Effects – FMEA in equipment of a chemical company directly involved in the manufacturing process of the brake fluid, which this product is used in vehicles around the country. That way, you can identify the types, occurrence and criticality of each failure and evaluate assertively decision making for each device, avoiding unnecessary downtime and potential failures of the same

Estudo de parâmetros radiométricos e legislação sobre radioproteção em equipamentos de radiodiagnóstico

O uso de radiações ionizantes (R.I.), nas mais variadas atividades tem aumentado nas últimas décadas. Com o avanço tecnológico, novos e sofisticados equipamentos emissores de R.I. tem surgido no cenário nacional, o que torna imperativo a difusão do conhecimento sobre os conceitos de proteção radiológica junto à comunidade em geral, e neste sentido, o curso de física médica desenvolve um importante papel, quer seja no aspecto informativo quanto formativo de cidadãos e profissionais críticos e politicamente corretos, que possam contribuir com as Políticas Públicos dos órgãos normatizadores e fiscalizadores das atividades de vigilância sanitária. Conforme a legislação atual (Resolução SS-625 de 14/12/1994, da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, e Portaria 453 de 01/06/1998 da Vigilância Sanitária do Ministério da Saúde), todos os serviços que utilizam radiações ionizantes devem realizar testes de avaliação dos parâmetros radiométricos dos equipamentos emissores de R.I., sendo exigidos as medidas de Levantamento Radiométrico das instalações, o Teste de Radiação de Fuga do cabeçote emissor e a implementação de Programa de Garantia de Qualidade dos equipamentos e dos procedimentos radiológicos. Este procedimento tem como objetivo principal a obtenção de imagens radiográficas com qualidade e a segurança de pacientes e profissionais, evitando a exposição desnecessária à radiação de pacientes e profissionais. A correta realização de procedimentos radiológicos além de reduzir a dose nos pacientes também promove significativa diminuição nos custos, por não haver necessidade da repetição dos exames. No Brasil, conforme dados da Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde SAS/MS, atualmente existem instalados 4.469 mamógrafos, 25.930 aparelhos de raios-x médicos, 39.438 aparelhos de raios-x odontológicos e...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)