The five-day online Faculty Development Program (FDP) on “Early Detection of Cancer: Bridging Academia and Clinical Practice” commenced with a warm welcome and a series of insightful addresses, hosted by the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at St. Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru, in collaboration with the Centre for Training and Learning (CTL) at NIT Warangal. The FDP is designed to explore and enhance the integration of cutting-edge academic research with practical clinical applications to improve cancer detection. Seventy-four participants participated in the FDP. The FDP was coordinated by Dr Dayakshini, Professor and HOD, ECE Dept. and Ms Shama B N, Assistant Professor ECE Dept. SJEC.
The event commenced with an invocation prayer led by Dr Jennifer Saldanha Assistant Professor, ECE Department. Dr Jennifer also briefed about the SJEC ECE Department to the august gathering. Ms Aswathi T, Assistant Professor -SJEC, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants, emphasizing the critical importance of merging academic innovations with clinical practices to advance early cancer detection techniques Dr. Dayakshini, HOD- ECE and the FDP Coordinator, provided an insightful overview of the program, detailing its’ objectives and structure. Dr. Rio D'Souza Principal-SJEC, shared his vision for the integration of research and practice in cancer detection. Rev. Fr. Wilfred Prakash D'Souza Director-SJEC also offered his blessings and insights, emphasizing the importance of such collaborative initiatives.
Ms Shama B N Assistant Professor -ECE and Co-Coordinator of the Program introduced the Resource Person Dr. Kishore Kumar T, Head of CTL at NIT Warangal to the participants. Dr Kishore Kumar shared his insights on these collaborative initiatives and its’ importance.
The event included a group photo session, where participants were encouraged to switch on their videos. Ms Aswathi T anchored the program. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ms. Deepthi S. R., Assistant Professor- SJEC, who expressed gratitude to all those involved in making the event a success.
Day 1: 10/09/2024
The first session was on the topic AI in translational medicine by Prof. Kishore Kumar T, Professor, NIT Warangal
Prof. Kishore Kumar T discussed different Imaging modalities. He gave insights on different types of AI and the importance of Machine learning in Medical Imaging Analysis. He detailed about Image Processing analysis and Classification on different types of Cancer using Flowcharts. He also shared his expertise on AI based real time skin Cancer Detection.
The Second session was on the topic: PBS Image Analysis for Enhanced Leukemia Diagnosis using ML by Dr Roopa B Hegde, Associate Professor , Dept. of ECE N.M.A.M.I.T, Nitte
Dr Roopa B Hegde shared her insights on PBS evaluation and different image processing methods for leukemia diagnosis. She emphasized the machine learning models used for classifying leukemia images. Ethical implications and regulatory considerations of using machine learning in healthcare were focused.
Day 2: 11/09/2024
Session No: 3
Topic: Brain Tumor segmentation using Adaptive Non convex and super pixel motion detection
Resource Person: Prof. K. V. Sridhar, Dept. of ECE, NIT - Warangal
Brain tumor segmentation using adaptive non-convex methods combined with super pixel motion detection were focused. This method aims to improve the precision and accuracy of tumor boundary identification by leveraging the adaptive nature of non-convex optimization to handle complex shapes, and integrating super pixel motion detection to distinguish tumor regions from surrounding tissue with greater clarity.
Session No: 4
Topic: AI Approaches for Cervical Cancer Detection
Resource Person: Dr Vidya Kudva, Associate Professor, Dept. of ECE, N.M.A.M.I.T, Nitte
Dr Vidya Kudva focused on the basics of cervical cancer detection. AI systems for image classification, screening and predictive models were explained. She briefed on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer. She highlighted various AI techniques, their applications in screening, and the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating AI into clinical practice.
Topic: Clinical Practices in Cervical Cancer Detection
Resource Person: Dr Keerthana Prasad, Professor & Director, School of Information Sciences, MAHE, Manipal
Dr Keerthana Prasad focused on bridging the gap between academia and clinical practice with respect to cervical cancer detection. Robust AI models which can predict Cervical Cancer was discussed. Human Papillomavirus test details were covered. Manipal Sakhi Program which initiates women preventive health was discussed. She also focused on challenges faced, work done and scope of research for participants.
Day 3: 12/09/2024
Session No: 5
Topic: Advanced Image Analysis with Wireless Capsule Endoscopy: Transforming GI Tract Cancer Detection
Resource Person: Dr Aparna P, Associate Professor, Dept. of ECE, NITK - Surathkal
Dr. Aparna delivered an insightful session on wireless capsule endoscopy, exploring a range of exciting research areas. She highlighted key challenges in image processing, wireless endoscopy compression, and potential advancements that could transform the field, addressing this will lead to significant breakthroughs in the near future.
Session No: 6
Topic: AI models for Liver Cancer Detection for Histopathology Images
Resource Person: Dr Shyam Lal, Associate Professor, NITK - Surathkal
Dr. Shyam Lal's comprehensive overview of medical imaging was equally impressive, covering 1D, 2D, and 3D imaging, as well as the intricate study of tissues and histopathology. His emphasis on the critical role of mathematics in developing AI models, particularly for age estimation across various imaging modalities, was both enlightening and thought-provoking. He detailed deep learning (DL) applications, the intricacies of DL architectures, and their pivotal role in grading liver cancer provided invaluable insight into the intersection of technology and medicine.
Day 4: 13/09/2024
Session No: 7
Topic: Lung Cancer Detection - Doctors Perspective
Resource Person: Dr. Harsha D S, Consultant Pulmonologist, A.J. Hospital & Research Centre, Mangalore
Dr. Harsha D S focused on the current methods and challenges associated with detecting lung cancer from the perspective of medical professionals. He gave an insightful session which includes different symptoms of Lung cancer and challenges to detect lung cancer at early stages. It aimed to provide insight into how doctors approach diagnosis, the tools they use, and the emerging trends in the field.
Topic: AI Model- Detection of Lung Nodules
Resource Person and Designation: Dr. Anitha H Professor, MIT, Manipal
Dr Anitha H shared her expertise about Lung Nodules in terms of its characteristics, Detection and Clinical significance which also includes 2D to 3D registration which has applications during surgery. She discussed different funding opportunities and different fellowship and training opportunities at national and International level.
Session No: 8
Topic: Early Cancer Detection
Resource Person: Dr Sudarshan Rao, Surgeon, Gandhi and Mission Hospital Udupi
Dr. Sudarshan delivered a highly significant session on early cancer detection, emphasizing the importance of identifying cancer at an initial stage, even before symptoms manifest, which greatly enhances the chances of successful treatment and survival. He discussed how early detection techniques vary depending on the type of cancer and may involve regular screenings, while advanced methods can include blood tests, imaging technologies, and genetic screening. Early detection enables timely intervention, often resulting in less aggressive treatments and improved outcomes. He also highlighted the importance of regular check-ups and awareness of personal risk factors as essential components in an early detection strategy.
Session No: 9
Topic: Role of Chemometric Analysis for Medical Applications
Resource Person: Prof. Kunal Pal, Professor, NIT Rourkela
Prof. Kunal Pal focused on Basics of Chemometric analysis including different spectroscopic methods. He detailed the role of Chemometric analysis in cancer detection and demonstrated works done at NIT Rourkela in this area. The talk delivered into how chemometric analysis, a field combining chemistry and statistics, is applied to medical diagnostics and research.
Session No: 10
Topic: Breast Cancer Imaging Modalities
Resource Person: Dr Vasudha Devi, Deputy Director (Centre for Doctoral Studies) & Associate Professor Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Dr Vasudha Devi focused on the Breast cancer imaging modalities in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning of breast cancer. She emphasized the importance of regular screenings and consulting with healthcare providers to choose the best imaging method based on individual needs.
The Valedictory Program of the Faculty Development Program started at 3:30 PM on September 14, 2024. Ms. Shama B N, Assistant Professor of ECE at SJEC welcomed Dr. Vasudha Devi, Deputy Director of the Centre for Doctoral Studies and Associate Professor in Pharmacology at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. She also acknowledged Rev. Fr. Kenneth Rayner Crasta, Assistant Director of SJEC, Prof. T. Kishore Kumar, CTL Head at NIT Warangal, and Dr. Dayakshini, HOD of ECE, along with all the participants.
Dr. Dayakshini, the Program Coordinator, provided an overview of the FDP's key activities and outcomes. Participants then shared their feedback, expressing appreciation for the sessions.
Dr. Vasudha Devi, the Chief Guest, inspired the attendees with her insights, encouraging them to apply the knowledge gained during the FDP to their research. Rev. Fr. Kenneth Rayner Crasta spoke about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between the medical and engineering fields. Prof. Kishore T offered his congratulations to the organizing team and participants for their active involvement over the five days. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms. Shama B N, the FDP Co-Coordinator.
