One of two project reports. Part B can be found at: / Track-etch imaging is investigated as a recording method for neutron radiographic purposes. A theoretical model is formulated and evaluated together with experimental data which is analyzed in an attempt to explore the possibility of maximizing optical contrast. A central converter system with Lithium-6 as the converter and cellulose-nitrate as the recorders is used. It is found that the maximum contrast is achieved by using a clear cellulose-nitrate recorder at least 10 µm thick and a Lithium-6 converter of approximately 140 µm thickness. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

There is a need for an improved bone mineral density measurement procedure for neonates. Currently, measurements are made using single photon absorptiometry (SPA). The poor reproducibility of this method means that it has little direct clinical diagnostic application and is therefore not suitable for diagnosing disease in individual patients. A technique using digital radiography has been developed to measure bone mineral density. Digital images of phantoms and chicken bones were acquired at two kvp settings of a digital angiographic unit. Digital information from water, aluminum and lucite phantoms were used to calculate effective mass attenuation coefficients of the phantom materials. These values were subsequently used in bone mineral density calculations of sections of the chicken bones. The bone mineral densities of the chicken bones obtained from the digital radiography method were compared to SPA measurements. The digital radiography method gave consistently higher bone mineral densities for the bones than SPA. This could be due to the differences in measurement technique as SPA scans a single slice whereas digital radiography images a large area of the bone. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

No / This paper will outline the status and basic principles of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiography along with some thoughts and suggestions on what the future might hold. While the authors are not always able to separate the current status from future developments in this field, given the speed of innovation in AI, every effort has been made to give a view to the present with projections to the future. AI is increasingly being integrated within radiography and radiographers will increasingly be working with AI based tools in the future. As new AI tools are developed it is essential that robust validation is undertaken in unseen data, supported by more prospective interdisciplinary research. A framework of stronger, more comprehensive approvals are recommended and the involvement of service users, including practitioners, patients and their carers in the design and implementation of AI tools is essential. Clearer accountability and medicolegal frameworks are required in cases of erroneous results from the use of AI-powered software and hardware. Clearer career pathways and role extension provision for healthcare practitioners, including radiographers, are required along with education in this field where AI will be central. With the current growth rate of AI tools it is expected that many of the applications in medical imaging will continue to develop to more accurate, less expensive and more readily available versions moving from the bench to the bedside. The hope is that, alongside efficiency and increased patient throughput, patient centred care and precision medicine will find their way in, so we will not only deliver a faster, safer, seamless clinical service but also one that will have the patients at its heart. AI is already reaching clinical practice in many forms and its presence will continue to increase over the short and long-term future. Radiographers must learn to work with AI, embracing it and maximising the positive outcomes from this new technology.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1939 F72 / Master of Science

Thesis (M.Tech.: Radiography) - Dept. of Radiography, Durban University of Technology, 2006 xxiv, 214 leaves, Annexures A-L / The aim of this research was to determine normal bone mineral density (BMD) reference ranges (means and standard deviations) for the lumbar spine, total hip and distal forearm, for Indian women of varying age groups in KwaZulu-Natal. The aim also included a comparison of the study population reference ranges with those provided by the manufacturer in order to evaluate any diagnostic implications.

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The aim of this project was to develop robust interactive computer methods for measuring the shape and movement of the lumbar spine vertebrae from lateral radiographs of the spine. In order to achieve this aim, two software packages were written - the Aberdeen Vertebral Morphometry System (AVMS) and the Aberdeen Spinal Videofluoroscopy System (ASVS). AVMS was designed to analyse static images from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) imaging densitometers. Comparative precision tests of the ability of AVMS software and Lunar EXPERT-XL software to measure vertebral height were undertaken using four vertebrae from the same lateral spine image (male, 67 years). Two of the vertebrae in this image were abnormal and two were normal. It was concluded that AVMS had higher precision when measuring abnormal and normal vertebrae. The effects of axial rotation and lateral bending, which lead to movement out of the sagittal plane, were investigated by generating a three-dimensional computer model of two adjacent vertebrae and projecting it on to the sagittal plane. The projected model was measured as if it were a radiograph, allowing the effects of out-of-plane movement and errors in reference point placement to be calculated. ASVS was used to acquire and analyse a sequence of images of the spine in motion obtained using videofluoroscopy and incorporated the findings of the computer modelling work. A clinical study for the measurement of intervertebral motion using ASVS during flexion-extension was organised and seven subjects suffering from severe lower back pain were recruited. Analysis of the image sequences using the computerised measurement system in ASVS revealed the apparent effect of analgesia/sedative on the shape and size of centroidal trajectories of vertebrae, and the differences in trajectory shape between subjects. It was concluded that ASVS was able to quantify spinal motion at a minimal radiation dose to the subject.

Introduction To measure the radiation exposure to the surgeon during axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy using the radioactive isotope technetium-99m. Method A prospective analysis of 36 patients undergoing axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy using technetium-99m, between 15th January 2013 to the 20th February 2013.. Results The exposure to the surgeon during axillary sentinel lymph node dissection was measured in 36 patients by placing a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) on the surgeon’s finger. The TLDs recorded the total radiation exposure to the surgeon. The recommended occupational dose limit for non radiation workers extremity exposure is less than 500 μSv. The analysed and extrapolated data showed an average exposure dose to the surgeon per patient of 2.7 μSv. Conclusion One surgeon would need to perform more than 85 such procedures per year in order to exceed the advised annual extremity dose limit. The data also suggests that regular measurements of radiation exposure and radiation protective measures need not be undertaken in theatres where surgeons are working with radioactive isotope for axillary sentinel lymph node biopsies.

The purpose of this modified replication study is to examine the relationship between the stress levels and the wellness practices of U.S. radiologic technology program directors and to determine if correlations exist between wellness practices and stress levels of the group. Additionally, relaxation activities and the feelings, characteristics, and symptoms associated with stress were considered. The design of the study was ex post facto correlational. The population of the study was U.S. radiologic technology program directors working in JRCERT accredited programs. The electronic instrument was distributed to 635 program directors through e-mail, with 424 (66.7%) usable returns. Significant associations were found between the management of stress and the balance of wellness practices for the RT program directors. It was concluded that while program directors showed significant control in stressful events and issues, continued efforts are needed to promote wellness practices into their busy lives.