title: Monte Carlo evaluation of a Compton camera in breast and brain imaging

authors: Uche, Chibueze Zimuzo

subjects: brain imaging

abstract: Background: The Compton camera is increasingly becoming the subject of investigation for possible implementa- tion in nuclear medical imaging. It is likely to have advantages over Anger camera in medical imaging. However, very little has been done to characterize its performance for specific medical imaging techniques. There is therefore a need to fill in the gaps in knowledge relating to realistic evaluation of the viability of the camera for nuclear medical imaging. Objective: The present study has sought to explore the viability of a prototype Compton camera in breast and brain imaging. Methods: The GEANT4 simulation software was used to model the radiation transport and interactions with matter. Simulations were carried out of a Si/CZT Compton camera being used in breast and brain imaging. In order to study a challenging detection case, the volumes of two simulated breast tumours were chosen to be 0.65 mL, and embedded in the medial region of the breast. For the brain imaging, a multitracing approach was used, and imaging was done parallel to the orbitomeatal line of the brain. Results: The results suggest that the Compton camera would visualize small breast tumours of about 0.65 mL volume, placed at the medial region of an average compressed human breast. Although brain imaging using the Compton camera seems to be promising, analyses suggest however that beyond a distance difference of 2 cm between two brain tumours, there may be a need to rotate the camera around the human head for efficient brain imaging. Conclusions: It is envisioned that with further work, the Compton camera could replace the Anger camera in breast and brain imaging.

text: Monte Carlo evaluation of a Compton camera in breast and brain imaging Background: The Compton camera is increasingly becoming the subject of investigation for possible implementa- tion in nuclear medical imaging. It is likely to have advantages over Anger camera in medical imaging. However, very little has been done to characterize its performance for specific medical imaging techniques. There is therefore a need to fill in the gaps in knowledge relating to realistic evaluation of the viability of the camera for nuclear medical imaging. Objective: The present study has sought to explore the viability of a prototype Compton camera in breast and brain imaging. Methods: The GEANT4 simulation software was used to model the radiation transport and interactions with matter. Simulations were carried out of a Si/CZT Compton camera being used in breast and brain imaging. In order to study a challenging detection case, the volumes of two simulated breast tumours were chosen to be 0.65 mL, and embedded in the medial region of the breast. For the brain imaging, a multitracing approach was used, and imaging was done parallel to the orbitomeatal line of the brain. Results: The results suggest that the Compton camera would visualize small breast tumours of about 0.65 mL volume, placed at the medial region of an average compressed human breast. Although brain imaging using the Compton camera seems to be promising, analyses suggest however that beyond a distance difference of 2 cm between two brain tumours, there may be a need to rotate the camera around the human head for efficient brain imaging. Conclusions: It is envisioned that with further work, the Compton camera could replace the Anger camera in breast and brain imaging.

year: 2013

title: Designing for Inaccessible People and Places

authors: Bowen, Judy

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: New Zealand forestry has the highest number of accidents and fatalities than any other NZ industry. Worker fatigue, work environment, and worker demographics all contribute to these high numbers. We have been investigating ways of tackling these problems using wearable and sensor-based technology. Two of the challenges faced by this project are: the personal nature of data collected by wearable technology and the lack of regular access to workers to take part in user-centered design activities. In this paper, we describe the use of Lean UX methods with proxy participants and proxy technology to explore key aspects of a proposed technical solution. We show that from these experimental studies, we were able to draw appropriate conclusions on which to base the development of a prototype designed to support forestry worker safety.

text: Designing for Inaccessible People and Places New Zealand forestry has the highest number of accidents and fatalities than any other NZ industry. Worker fatigue, work environment, and worker demographics all contribute to these high numbers. We have been investigating ways of tackling these problems using wearable and sensor-based technology. Two of the challenges faced by this project are: the personal nature of data collected by wearable technology and the lack of regular access to workers to take part in user-centered design activities. In this paper, we describe the use of Lean UX methods with proxy participants and proxy technology to explore key aspects of a proposed technical solution. We show that from these experimental studies, we were able to draw appropriate conclusions on which to base the development of a prototype designed to support forestry worker safety.

year: 2021-01-01

title: From mainstream to manaaki: Indigenising our approach to immigration

authors: Kukutai, Tahu

abstract: In recent years, discontent with migration and migrants in the wealthy global north has manifested in disturbing ways: cue Brexit, xenophobia, border paranoia, far-right nationalism and its bedfellow white supremacy. On the surface, Aotearoa New Zealand appears to have escaped the uglier aspects of this nativism. Despite the grumblings of the New Zealand First Party, no serious popular or political anti-immigration movement has appeared, and racially motivated attacks against migrants are relatively rare. This is despite the fact that Aotearoa has a much higher relative foreign-born population share than the United States or United Kingdom,1 and ‘superdiverse’ Auckland – which comprises at least 40 per cent migrants – now has the ignominious claim to being the fourthleast affordable city in the world, far outstripping London and New York.

text: From mainstream to manaaki: Indigenising our approach to immigration In recent years, discontent with migration and migrants in the wealthy global north has manifested in disturbing ways: cue Brexit, xenophobia, border paranoia, far-right nationalism and its bedfellow white supremacy. On the surface, Aotearoa New Zealand appears to have escaped the uglier aspects of this nativism. Despite the grumblings of the New Zealand First Party, no serious popular or political anti-immigration movement has appeared, and racially motivated attacks against migrants are relatively rare. This is despite the fact that Aotearoa has a much higher relative foreign-born population share than the United States or United Kingdom,1 and ‘superdiverse’ Auckland – which comprises at least 40 per cent migrants – now has the ignominious claim to being the fourthleast affordable city in the world, far outstripping London and New York.

year: 2017