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- Easy-Programming: towards a web collaborating algorithmic and programming aid for early apprenticesPublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPS; TERESO, MARCO; Bento, Fernando; Martinho, DomingosScience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) under graduate students must develop problem solving skills through algorithmic and programming learning. There are several tools available to aid them in this pro cess but none in a web collaborative environment that can be used for e learning accommodating the three methods available for that development: code, flowchart, and pseudocode. It is aim of this research to outline the exist ing tools and their features, and to propose a new web based collaborative tool accommodating the main features found. An architecture, technological infra structure, database structure, requirements definition, UML use case and class diagrams and a user interface were proposed. New STEM undergraduate stu dents can develop a solid foundation in algorithmic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others, establishing the foundations for their success in specific fields.
- Use of Infrared Thermography for Abdominoplasty Procedures in Patients with Extensive Subcostal Scars: A Preliminary AnalysisPublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSSubcostal scars may increase the risk of healing complications in abdominoplasty. The authors evaluated the use of thermography as a potential tool for patient selection and surgery planning to avoid complications and improve abdominoplasty outcomes. Two candidates for abdominoplasty procedures who presented with extensive subcostal scars were submitted to an infrared thermog raphy protocol at all phases of the procedure: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative at 1 and 6 months. The preoperative thermography for both patients revealed near-normal abdominal wall perfusion. The thermograms captured intra operatively during flap elevation did not show perfusion deficits on the upper abdominal flap. At 1 month and 6 months postoperative, dynamic thermography for both patients showed normal to near-normal perfusion. The procedures had a complication-free course with a good aesthetic result. Plastic surgeons may be reluctant to perform a full abdominoplasty in patients with a previous subcostal incision. In this preliminary analysis, we raise the potential usefulness of thermog raphy for patients with recent subcostal scars and/or important comorbidities as a strategy for adequate patient and technique selection, avoiding possible com plications. Future studies, with an increased number of patients and adequate statistical analysis, may allow us to validate the utility of thermography in these cases and reassure that the presence of previous extensive subcostal scars may not be a contraindication for a full abdominoplasty, especially if they are not recent.
- Classic Versus Scarpa-sparing abdominoplasty: An infrared thermographic comparative analysisPublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSScarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty has been shown to have several clinical advantages. The mechanisms behind its efficiency have been the subject of several studies. Three theories have been proposed, relating to mechanical factors, lym phatic preservation, and improved vascularization. This study aimed to further investigate the possible vascular impact of Scarpa fascia preservation by using a thermographic analysis. Methods: A single-center prospective study was conducted, involving 12 female patients ran domly and equally assigned to one of two surgical procedures: classic (Group A) and Scarpa sparing abdominoplasty (Group B). Dynamic thermography was applied before and after surgery (one and six months), and two regions of interest (ROIs) were considered. The latter had the same location on every sample, and corresponded to areas where different surgical planes had been used. Static thermography was applied intraoperatively, and four ROIs were considered, located over Scarpa and over the deep fascia. The respective thermal data were analyzed. Results: The general characteristics of both groups were identical. Preoperative thermography demonstrated no differences between groups. Intraoperative higher thermal gradients be tween lateral and medial ROIs were observed in Group B (P = 0.037, right side). Dynamic thermography at one month demonstrated a trend for better thermal recovery and better thermal symmetry (P = 0.035, 1-min mark) in Group B. No other differences were found. Conclusion: Dynamic thermography presented a better response when Scarpa fascia was pre served: stronger, faster, and more symmetric. Based on these results, improved vascularization may have a role in explaining the clinical efficiency of a Scarpa-sparing abdominoplasty. © 2023 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
- Physical properties of Scarpa's fasciaPublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSPreservation of Scarpa's fascia has improved clinical outcomes in abdominoplasty procedures and in other body contour surgeries. However, the physical properties of Scarpa's fascia have not yet been described, and grafts are still underexplored. Fresh surgical specimens from five female patients subjected to classical abdominoplasty were dissected and analyzed. A grid was drawn on the fascia surface, dividing it into equal upper and lower halves; four Scarpa's fascia samples (30 10 mm) were col lected from each half, 40 mm apart. The thickness was measured with a caliper. A strain/stress universal testing machine was used for mechanical tests. Twenty-five samples were obtained (nine from the upper half, 16 from the lower). The average thickness was 0.56 ± 0.11 mm. The average values for stretch, stress, strain, and Young's Modulus were, respectively, 1.436, 4.198 MPa, 43.6%, and 23.14 MPa. The upper half showed significantly greater thickness and strain values (p = 0.020 and p = 0.048; Student's t-test). The physical and biomechanical properties of Scarpa's fascia can make it a donor area for fascial grafts as an alternative to fascia lata, as it is always available and has minimal donor-site morbidity. Further studies are needed to validate this statement. It seems advantageous to use the lower half of the abdomen instead of the upper part as a donor site
- Literature Review of Accreditation Systems in Higher EducationPublication . Duarte, Nelson; Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSThis study investigates the accreditation processes in higher education across various countries, focusing on the time and bureaucratic burden associated with accrediting new courses. The aim is to identify strategies to accelerate the accreditation process for new courses in higher education institutions. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to achieve this objective, examining the accreditation processes in Portugal, Spain, the United States, France, China, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, India, and Germany. The study’s key findings revealed that the accreditation process is generally efficient in most countries, with courses receiving accreditation within a reasonable timeframe. However, the process can be more complex and time-consuming for institutions seeking accreditation for the first time or offering new or innovative courses. Institutions must meet all established criteria and promptly provide all required documentation to expedite the accreditation process. The implications of these findings suggest that higher education institutions should collaborate closely with relevant accrediting agencies to ensure a streamlined accreditation process. Institutions should also consider agency requirements and course specialization when developing new courses. Furthermore, governments play a crucial role in promoting transparency and competition among higher education institutions, which can lead to enhanced quality assurance and increased customer satisfaction in the education sector.
- Recent use of medical infrared thermography in skin neoplasmsPublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSBackground: Infrared thermal imaging captures the infrared radiation emitted by the skin surface. The thermograms contain valuable information, since the temperature distribution can be used to characterize physiological anomalies. Thus, the use of infrared thermal imaging (IRT) has been studied as a possible medical tool to aid in the diagnosis of skin oncological lesions. The aim of this review is to assess the current state of the applications of IRT in skin neoplasm identification and characterization. Methods: A literature survey was conducted using the reference bibliographic databases: Scopus, PubMed and ISI Web of Science. Keywords (thermography, infrared imaging, thermal imaging and skin cancer) were combined and its presence was verified at the title and abstract of the article or as a main topic. Only articles published after 2013 were considered during this search. Results: In total, 55 articles were encountered, resulting in 14 publications for revision after applying the exclusion criteria. It was denoted that IRT have been used to characterize and distinguish between malignant and benign neoplasms and different skin cancer types. IRT has also been successfully applied in the treatment evaluation of these types of lesions. Conclusion: Trends and future challenges have been established to improve the application of IRT in this field, disclosing that dynamic thermography is a promising tool for early identification of oncological skin conditions.
- A case study on dynamic thermal imaging evaluation of a thyroid nodulePublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSBACKGROUND:The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck anteriorly to the larynx and trachea, typically extending from the level of C5-T1. It is responsible for the release of hormones that control metabolic rates and thereby modifying obligatory and adaptive thermogenesis. This organ can be affected by nodules and cellular malforma- tions, which can result in malignant neoplasia or benign cysts. Those manifestations may change the normal pattern of skin temperature distribution in the affected area. The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal pattern of a subject presenting a hypervascularized nodule located on the left side of the thyroid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A male with 40 years old presenting a 11x6 mm nodule in the left side of his thyroid, con- firmed by functional doppler imaging, was examined in a controlled environment using a FLIR E60 thermal camera and two aluminium disks to provide a cooling provocation during one minute on the skin, above the thyroid gland location. Thermal images were taken before and until the fifth minute after cooling at an interval of 1 minute. A 26x26 pixel square region of interest (ROI) was drawn in the analysis software to statistically analyze the temperature values, histogram, mean, median and mode temperature, standard deviation, kurtosis and skewness per ROI and side. RESULTS:The ROI presented at baseline a bilateral difference in mean temperature of 0.4 ºC, after cooling this difference was accentuated, the affected side recovered quickly and showed a hot spot in the area of the nodule identified by Doppler imaging. CONCLUSION:This case study showed evidence of the utility on using dynamic infrared thermal imaging when assess ing thyroid nodules, which was confirmed by Doppler imaging to be highly vascularized. However, for diagnostic pur poses the traditional expensive methods such as biopsy and nuclear medicine are still required. Still the application of IRT imaging should be further researched in possible monitoring and documenting the diagnosis and treatment evaluation applied to thyroid conditions.
- Recent application of infrared thermography in work-related musculoskeletal disordersPublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSThe burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is an important problem in the occupational setting. New techniques to quantify the exposure to risk factors are important to understand possible pathophysiological mechanisms that may lead to the development of these disorders. Existing methods have known limitations and new approaches are required. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been associated with blood flow impairments. Skin temperature is influenced by blood flow and might be an interesting parameter in their management. Thermography is a simple way to record skin temperature and produces a thermal map of the evaluated body part. A literature review was conducted in order to analyze the recent applications of thermal imaging in the management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
- Biomedical musculoskeletal applications of infrared thermal imaging on arm and forearm: A systematic reviewPublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSInfrared thermal imaging (IRT) has been a target of research for biomedical musculoskeletal applications, due to the possible association of the physiological data that it provides, through skin temperature measurement, with pathological states. The aim of this systematic review is to acquaint the outcomes of the biomedical application of IRT in arm and forearm evaluation and its future perspectives of research. During the literature review, 926 articles were identified using the search engines PubMed and Scopus, and 10 articles were retrieved from other sources. After screening the abstracts and applying the eligibility criteria on those which were fully accessible, 33 articles were included in the review. It can be observed that IRT has the potential to provide physiological information on the arm and forearm, showing potential to serve as an aid in various pathologies and health situations. Future studies and challenges are identified and proposed, facilitating the improvement and acceptance of the application of IRT in the assessment of arm and forearm’ health status.
- Bilateral comparison of forearm skin temperature during handgrip force exercisePublication . Ricardo Vardasca, PhD, ASIS, FRPSHandgrip force (HGF) test has been used to provide important occupational health information about subject’s nutritional and physiological condition. Handgrip force (average and maximum) and exercise accumulated work can be measured using a dynamometer connected to a computer, other physiological energy spent in the HGF test can be obtained with infrared thermal (IRT) imaging at the anterior forearm region. A protocol has been developed combining both measurements, showing correlations between the measured values and the degrees of similarity between bilateral limbs was assessed, varying at maximum of 1.6 ºC in the considered thermal regions of interest of the forearm. The obtained results on 13 subjects at three different endurance HGF tests showed that the procedure is reproducible and can be applied in both limbs for physiological assessments in occupational, rehabilitation or geriatric contexts.