Raytheon Technologies (Australia)

Study Design Surgeon survey.Objective To evaluate the reliability of bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) versus bone SPECT images co-registered with computed tomography (bone SPECT-CT) by analyzing interobserver agreement for identification of the anatomical location of technetium99m-labeled oxidronate uptake in the lumbar disk and/or facet joint.Methods Seven spine surgeons interpreted 20 bone scans: 10 conventional black-and-white tomograms (bone SPECT) and 10 color-graded bone SPECT-CT scans. Each surgeon was asked to identify the location of any diagnostically relevant uptake in the disk and/or facet joint between L1 and S1. Reliability was evaluated using the free-marginal kappa statistic, and the level of agreement was assessed using the Landis and Koch interpretation.Results Conventional bone SPECT scans and bone SPECT-CT scans were reliable for the identification of diagnostically relevant uptake, with bone SPECT-CT having higher reliability (kappa = 0.72) than bone SPECT alone (0.59). Bone SPECT and bone SPECT-CT were also reliable in identifying disk pathology, with kappa values of 0.72 and 0.81, respectively. However, bone SPECT-CT was more reliable (0.81) than bone SPECT (0.60) when identifying facet disease.Conclusions For the identification of disk pathology, it is reasonable to use either conventional bone SPECT or bone SPECT-CT; however, bone SPECT-CT is more reliable for facet joint pathology.

This paper describes the Microcosm programme established by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and University of South Australia that seeks to provide a facility to explore systems integration issues, accelerate the formation of systems engineering competencies, and conduct research into model-based systems engineering. Firstly, the paper outlines the design drivers and long term goals of the programme. This is followed by a description of the Stage One implementation that covers the high-level architecture, system design, and implementation. The utility of the Microcosm Sandpit has been successfully demonstrated through a real-time intruder detection and engagement scenario using real and simulated autonomous robot vehicles.

Objective: To describe a model of remote area service provision in Australia. Methods: Figures from the author's practice are compared with national figures provided by the Health Insurance Commission (HIC). Costs are compared with other practitioners providing similar services. Results: An economic and efficient model of practice is readily available. Conclusion: It is argued that without dramatically higher levels of support from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the Health Department, isolated practice is non-viable.

In consultations with older women, doctors should ask about sexual problems. A holistic approach is needed to examine the many different factors that can affect sexuality. Hormonal changes associated with ageing have an impact on women's sexuality. Doctors need to have a clear idea of the place of hormonal treatment for different sexual problems. Physical changes associated with ageing, including illness and disability, may interfere with sexual expression. Diseases of the endocrine, vascular and nervous systems will most commonly affect sexual function. A broad range of psychosocial factors associated with ageing may influence sexuality.