The Boltzmann–Gibbs and Tsallis entropies are essential concepts in statistical physics, which have found multiple applications in many engineering and science areas. In particular, we focus our interest on their applications to image processing through information theory. We present in this article a novel numeric method to calculate the Tsallis entropic index q characteristic to a given image, considering the image as a non-extensive system. The entropic index q is calculated through q-redundancy maximization, which is a methodology that comes from information theory. We find better results in the image processing in the grayscale by using the Tsallis entropy and thresholding q instead of the Shannon entropy.

Theranostic agents enable the simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and they are particularly useful in fluorescent imaging and cancer therapies. In this study, carbon quantum dots were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method using citric acid and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as precursors. The resulting CQDs exhibited spherical morphology, an average size of 4 nm, and an amorphous graphitic structure. FT-IR characterization revealed the presence of amide bonds and oxygenated functional groups. At the same time, optical analysis showed excitation at 320 nm and emission between 360 and 400 nm, with fluorescent stability maintained for one month. Furthermore, the CQDs demonstrated good thermal stability and photothermal efficiency, reaching temperatures above 41 °C within 15 min under NIR irradiation, with a mass loss of less than 1%. Their stability was evaluated in media with different pH levels, simulating physiological and tumor environments. While their behavior was affected under acidic conditions, their excellent photothermal conversion capacity and overall stability in triple-distilled water positioned them as promising candidates for theranostic applications in cancer, effectively combining diagnostic imaging and thermal therapy.

Digital X-ray detectors are required in different sciences and applications, however many high quality devices are expensive although high-resolution images are not always required. We present an easy way to build a detector capable of forming X-ray digital images and video with a very large area (18×18 cm2). The detector is formed by three main components: scintillator, optics lenses and CCD sensor. Basically, the device converts the X-rays into visible light which is then collected by the CCD sensor. The scintillator is Gadox type, from Carestream®, 18×18 cm2, regular type, lambda 547 nm. The optics lenses are generic, with manual focus and widely visual field. The CCD sensor has a size of 1/3″, 752 × 582 pixels, monochrome, 20 FPS, 12 bits ADC and pixel size of 3.8 μm. With the built detector and an X-ray source, we formed an X-ray imaging detection system to generate digital radiographs of biological or inert objects-examples are given-, as well as real-time X-ray video. Additionally, the spatial resolution limit was measured in terms of Modulation Transfer Function by the method of opaque edge from a lead sheet with a result of 1.1 Lp/mm. Finally using a filter, the focal spot of the X-ray source is measured, resulting in a diameter of 0.9 mm (FWHM).

The objective was to analyze image quality, average glandular dose (AGD) and overall performance of analog and digital mammography systems operating in Mexico between 2000 and 2016, by applying quality control tests to 17 screen film (SF), 23 computed radiography (CR) and 13 digital radiography (DR) systems. The following were evaluated: overall equipment performance, X-ray source, automatic exposure control (AEC), image receptor, image quality, AGD and display. For SF, the results were acceptable, although mechanical and image quality problems were found. For CR, the malfunctioning of the AEC and the poor image quality were severe. For DR, the results were acceptable, except for the performance of the AEC. Some systems produced artifacts and noise beyond acceptance criteria. The average AGD were 1.4 mGy for SF, 2.2 mGy for CR, and 1.4 mGy for DR. CR showed the most problems, and the most severe. From the analysis carried out, the need to implement maintenance and quality control programs to ensure the quality of mammographic images is identified, as well as update national regulations and monitor their compliance.