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: The BSD Socket API for Simulator

authors: Liu, Zhiwei

subjects: BSD Socket API

abstract: BSD Socket API for Simulator is a project to run untouched Real World Application (RWA) binaries on the powerful modern general-purpose network simulators. 

BSD Socket API for Simulator is designed to eliminate most of the drawbacks of previous works. It is simulator independence, so it can make use of the powerful functionality and versatile tools provided by modern general-purpose simulators such as NS-2. It is fully compatible with BSD Socket API, so RWA can be run on it without re-linking and re-compiling. It is transparent to the RWA, so RWAs are run on BSD Socket API for Simulator as they are on normal operating systems. 

BSD Socket API for Simulator is built on the concept of message redirecting. It has two critical parts: shared library and customized simulator application. The shared library is loaded into the address space of RWA. On one hand, messages sent by RWA are captured by the shared library and redirected to the customized simulator application. On the other hand, messages from simulator are redirected by the customized simulator application to the shared library. 

BSD Socket API for Simulator has been intensively tested. The test results show that it functions as expected and it has an acceptable performance.

text: The BSD Socket API for Simulator BSD Socket API for Simulator is a project to run untouched Real World Application (RWA) binaries on the powerful modern general-purpose network simulators. 

BSD Socket API for Simulator is designed to eliminate most of the drawbacks of previous works. It is simulator independence, so it can make use of the powerful functionality and versatile tools provided by modern general-purpose simulators such as NS-2. It is fully compatible with BSD Socket API, so RWA can be run on it without re-linking and re-compiling. It is transparent to the RWA, so RWAs are run on BSD Socket API for Simulator as they are on normal operating systems. 

BSD Socket API for Simulator is built on the concept of message redirecting. It has two critical parts: shared library and customized simulator application. The shared library is loaded into the address space of RWA. On one hand, messages sent by RWA are captured by the shared library and redirected to the customized simulator application. On the other hand, messages from simulator are redirected by the customized simulator application to the shared library. 

BSD Socket API for Simulator has been intensively tested. The test results show that it functions as expected and it has an acceptable performance.

year: 2007

title: What works for midwives supporting māmā through emotional distress?

authors: Roia, Tiaan Mereana Manurangi

abstract: Pregnancy and the postnatal period are particularly vulnerable times for mothers’ mental health, with an increased risk of women experiencing depression and anxiety during this time. Therefore, understanding the level and type of service midwives provide to māmā who experience emotional distress is vital to know what midwives need in order to provide the right care to their clients.
The aim of this study was to find out what tools and resources community-based midwives find most helpful to support the needs of māmā. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted, including four Māori midwives, who were able to provide insight on their experiences caring for mothers with mental health needs. Overall, the interviews reflected a strong sense of care and empathy from midwives during their time caring for mothers. Midwives appeared to rely on their interpersonal skills and intuition about emotional distress, and emphasised the importance of connecting with people and utilising support from their communities. Whilst midwives were interested and engaged with providing appropriate care to mothers, they were unbeknown to some of the clinical resources that could be available to their clients. The complexity of referrals and access to mental health services was central to the midwives’ frustration around caring for mothers, as well as a lack of education relating to kaupapa Māori, cultural competency, and mental health processes.
Recommendations based on this study are to provide midwives with education and training on topics like kaupapa Māori, on social and mental health resources and processes for referral to increase their ability to support and care for mothers who experience emotional distress. Improvements to the pathways for referrals and access to mental health services is essential. Future research should focus on understanding why midwives aren’t using a range of online apps and tools, and increase awareness of the available modes of support available.

text: What works for midwives supporting māmā through emotional distress? Pregnancy and the postnatal period are particularly vulnerable times for mothers’ mental health, with an increased risk of women experiencing depression and anxiety during this time. Therefore, understanding the level and type of service midwives provide to māmā who experience emotional distress is vital to know what midwives need in order to provide the right care to their clients.
The aim of this study was to find out what tools and resources community-based midwives find most helpful to support the needs of māmā. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted, including four Māori midwives, who were able to provide insight on their experiences caring for mothers with mental health needs. Overall, the interviews reflected a strong sense of care and empathy from midwives during their time caring for mothers. Midwives appeared to rely on their interpersonal skills and intuition about emotional distress, and emphasised the importance of connecting with people and utilising support from their communities. Whilst midwives were interested and engaged with providing appropriate care to mothers, they were unbeknown to some of the clinical resources that could be available to their clients. The complexity of referrals and access to mental health services was central to the midwives’ frustration around caring for mothers, as well as a lack of education relating to kaupapa Māori, cultural competency, and mental health processes.
Recommendations based on this study are to provide midwives with education and training on topics like kaupapa Māori, on social and mental health resources and processes for referral to increase their ability to support and care for mothers who experience emotional distress. Improvements to the pathways for referrals and access to mental health services is essential. Future research should focus on understanding why midwives aren’t using a range of online apps and tools, and increase awareness of the available modes of support available.

year: 2023