Currently there is a global component shortage, we are sharing this short clip about a new deal between Intel & the Pentagon to bolster domestic chip manufacturing in the US. As an Australian organization investing in R&D to bring new technology to Australia and the world, we are following this one with interest…
The world’s top semiconductor maker has been tapped by the U.S. Department of Defense to help develop next-generation electronic components for both commercial and national security purposes.
Intel announced that it was named to lead the first phase of the Pentagon’s Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes-Commercial, or RAMP-C, program, which aims to establish a domestic manufacturing ecosystem for vital electronics.
Under the award, the Silicon Valley chip giant will work with IBM, Cadence, Synopsys, and other companies on the capabilities needed to develop and fabricate chips using Intel’s most advanced process technology.
The RAMP program, launched in late 2020, follows years of concerns about global chip production shifting from Western nations to contract manufacturers in Asia. The latest announcement, however, also comes amid a highly publicized shortage of semiconductors that has particularly hammered the auto industry. The White House is seeking more than $2 billion in Pentagon funding to bolster the U.S. microelectronics sector, and the Wall Street Journal reported that Intel discussed its efforts with administration officials last month.
Intel formed a standalone chip foundry subsidiary earlier this year amid plans to invest $20 billion in two new semiconductor factories in Arizona.
The company reportedly hopes to begin planning and construction on those facilities before the end of the year.
Credit: (Szal, 2021)
Bibliography
Szal, A., 2021. Thomas Net. [Online] Available at: https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/intel-to-bolster-domestic-chip-manufacturing-with-pentagon-deal/?ecms_id=8a1411f9-12ab-4b01-8057-a44f7c59934d&ecms_short=ART5743&doc_type=ted_video_article&parent_id=c3757a3c-a56c-4bfe-bb65-cae47bb78e68&utm_content=featu [Accessed 4th October 2021].
A world leader in fluid control systems, Bürkerts dedication to optimization of processes across multiple sectors made them ideal candidates for Gammasonics to partner with. The organizations pneumatic knowledge and dedication to mechanics has helped to minimise size and with affecting the operation of our EnviroRad System.
Here is an article recently published by Bürkert about their relationship about Gammasonics and our Enviro Rad system...
Gammasonics is an Australian company and research organisation recognised worldwide for its innovative research and design of radiation, protection, detection and measurement equipment.
Established in 1977, in its first decade of business the company developed the first nuclear medicine radiation detector, and also the first environmental radiation detectors to be installed in European airports to monitor the nuclear accident in Chernobyl. Following the Fukushima accident, Gammasonics contributed by providing radiation food contamination measurement equipment manufactured in Australia. The company now designs and manufactures a range of radiation-safety related technologies, one of which is widely used by hospitals to process radio-waste before disposing. One of the number of radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine for the treatment of hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid) is Iodine-131. I-131 has a long radioactive decay half-life of 8.02 days compared with the average radioisotopes injected into patients, which have a half-life of a few minutes or hours. The time that radioisotopes are active is referred to as ‘half-life’, which means that every eight days the isotope will be at half of the initial activity. As a result, environmental authorities across the world have created regulations that any iodine-131 isotope discharged into the environment should be withheld for a minimum of 90 days (approximately 11 times the half-life).
The technology utilised in the Gammasonics EnviroRad system cuts down the time of discharge to the environment to 33 days. It not only allows monitoring, but control of the process of dilution by adding oxygen into the effluent. The aeration accelerates aerobics, destroying solids, breaking down chemicals and diluting all the toxins that are introduced to the system. This minimises the ‘cocktail’ of toxins that occurred in previous retention tank systems that can include antibiotics, heavy metals, detergents and bacteria, as well as the radiation.
During treatment, patients need to be isolated in a special patient suite for 3-4 days to comply with the requirements for safe levels of radioactivity and to minimise exposure to members of the public. Radiological decay is one of the constant measurements that needs to be monitored, along with the biological decay constant. The majority of the iodine-131 isotope is depleted up to 60% in the first two days from the body of the patient. The EnviroRad system is directly connected to the patient’s suite to minimise exposure to operating staff. Gammasonics has also developed radiation detectors to measure the residuals of radioactivity in the patients before discharge from the hospital to minimise radioactive contamination and exposure to members of the public. “The main objective of EnviroRAD is to reduce the impact to the environment of products containing radiation, heavy metals, bacteria and antibiotics – all of which are very damaging to our environment,” said Professor Carl Munoz-Ferrada, Director of Medical and Scientific Research at Gammasonics. “Fertilisers, human waste, nitrates, and phosphates from sewage over-stimulate the growth of aquatic plants and algae,” he added. “We are causing mutation to flora and fauna by adding pharmaceuticals, chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and residual radiation to our waterways. “EnviroRad reduces the damage by limiting the radionuclide discharge from hospitals and facilities utilising Iodine-131 and other isotopes, thereby creating almost clear water.”
How It Works
Starting with the first project for St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney in 2001, today the EnviroRAD system has become the standard worldwide for hospitals aiming to achieve a completely safe environment, including the flagship hospital in Western Australian, Fiona Stanley Hospital in Murdoch. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been one of our greatest supporters, with our partners Abdullah Fouad, in the Middle East. Presently installations of the EnviroRad with Burket components are found in hospitals such as the National Guard Hospital, King Khalid & IMC, just to mention a few. The system automatically delays, decays and dilutes the discharge of radioactive substances into the waterways through monitoring and controlling the radioactive emissions from the waste until the substance reaches the activity level permitted by regulatory authorities. “The key element in the EnviroRAD process is the injection of air (containing 21% oxygen), which assists in the homogenisation and pasteurisation of the waste: killing bacteria that would otherwise build up when utilising the traditional method of storing the waste in a septic tank until the radioactivity has decayed below the regulatory level,” said Professor Ferrada.
How Bürkert helped
While Gammasonics has detailed expertise in the research and engineering associated with radiation technology and its maintenance, they relied on Bürkert to build the required control and automation panels for the EnviroRAD system. The company therefore worked with Bürkert to provide the technology, experience and expertise to build the control and pneumatic panels. Bürkert supplied control valves for this specialised application, and was able to offer a complete package for the field and control components, partnering with Gammasonics to bring it all together. “Bürkert supply the components to be utilised in the hydraulic and pneumatic systems that are central to the process functionality,” said Professor Ferrada. “They have given us technical support in the area of hydraulics and pneumatics, thus reinforcing the components they supply, which have simplified our system.”
The Technology
Bürkert supplied all the field sensing and actuation components, with the hardware being fully compatible with the Rockwell Point I/O control system. This included the AirLINE Type 8644 Remote Process Actuation Control System, which integrates high performance solenoid pilot valves, remote electronic I/O and fieldbus communication into a process actuation and control system that is compact and flexible. Its modular design allowed it to be customised for the needs of the EnviroRAD application, with direct integration into the Rockwell control system.
For aggressive media control, the actuation system used Bürkert’s Type 8805 quarter turn control valves complete with pneumatic rotary actuators, complimented with Type 1061 limit switches to provide position feedback.
For fluid control, the Type 6281 servo-assisted diaphragm valve was chosen, for which various diaphragm material combinations and methods of operation are available depending on the application, along with housings in brass or stainless steel satisfying the NEMA 4X standard.
“One of the problems previously encountered in building the EnviroRAD system has been the space restrictions we often encounter when installing large systems,” said Professor Ferrada. “By introducing pneumatic control into the system, Bürkert has enabled us to make it more compact.
“They have also increased our knowledge in the area of hydraulics and pneumatics, and provided the technical support we needed in relation to the control technology that has simplified the system.”
A Long-Standing Partnership
Today, Bürkert and Gammasonics share a very long and successful history of working together.
“Over the years Bürkert has demonstrated the necessary expertise to provide solutions to any problem that has arisen,” said Professor Ferrada. “They communicate with our engineers regularly, stay educated on what we do, and keep informed about our upcoming projects. It has been proven more than once that Bürkert are an invaluable partner and ally to Gammasonics by advising and providing the right equipment for our projects”.
We learn from you every day Including when we think outside the box
When it comes to dealing with liquids and gases, Bürkert is a sought-after partner all over the world. Why? Probably because we have been learning for, and from, our customers for more than 70 years. This enables us to always think that crucial step ahead – or even sideways.
After the successful 2019 Annual conference of the Australian & New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine in Adelaide, Gammasonics is looking forward to being part of the 50th Annual Scientific Meeting which will take place in Sydney from the 24th to 26th of April 2020 at the International Convention Centre (ICC)
This year Gammasonics comes with innovative developments that will push the boundaries even further, focusing on medical staff safety, and efficiency.
Gammasonics, is a uniquely Australian research and development group, who value the input from the end user.
We look forward to seeing you there and getting your feedback on any current challenges you may be facing.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy of domestic cats. It is usually the result of thyroid adenoma(s) or multiple hyperplasic nodules which may be unilateral or bilateral. Not all nodules are palpable. Functional thyroid tissue may elaborate increased amounts of thyroxine (T4) and T3, producing clinical signs including (i) a loud and fast heart, (ii) a prominent precordial impulse, (iii) a strong pulse and (iv) weight loss with good appetite. Heat intolerance, behavioural changes and polydipsia/polyuria can also be evident. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism damages a variety of end organs, particularly the heart and kidneys. The resulting catabolic state likely foreshortens life expectancy.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy of domestic cats. It is usually the result of thyroid adenoma(s) or multiple hyperplasic nodules which may be unilateral or bilateral. Not all nodules are palpable. Functional thyroid tissue may elaborate increased amounts of thyroxine (T4) and T3, producing clinical signs including (i) a loud and fast heart, (ii) a prominent precordial impulse, (iii) a strong pulse and (iv) weight loss with good appetite. Heat intolerance, behavioural changes and polydipsia/polyuria can also be evident. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism damages a variety of end organs, particularly the heart and kidneys. The resulting catabolic state likely foreshortens life expectancy. Hyperparathyroidism is reported to be rare in geriatric cats but, in my opinion, it is likely under-diagnosed. A functional parathyroid tumour secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), causing hypercalcaemia, which results in azotaemia, polyuria, incessant polydipsia, sporadic vomiting, twitching and reduced appetite. These signs also occur with chronic renal insufficiency which can confuse the issue, as many elderly cats have some degree of kidney dysfunction. To confuse matters further, some cats have concurrent thyroid and parathyroid lesions. Experienced veterinarians with sensitive palpation skills can detect ventral cervical nodule(s) in many old cats – some are thyroid in origin, others are parathyroid. Some are functional; some are non-functional or ‘pre-functional’. Indeed, the presence of an incidental mass in the cervical/(para) thyroid area is an enigma in feline medicine because the only unequivocal way to distinguish thyroid from parathyroid masses is excisional biopsy.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy of domestic cats. It is usually the result of thyroid adenoma(s) or multiple hyperplasic nodules which may be unilateral or bilateral. Not all nodules are palpable. Functional thyroid tissue may elaborate increased amounts of thyroxine (T4) and T3, producing clinical signs including (i) a loud and fast heart, (ii) a prominent precordial impulse, (iii) a strong pulse and (iv) weight loss with good appetite. Heat intolerance, behavioural changes and polydipsia/polyuria can also be evident. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism damages a variety of end organs, particularly the heart and kidneys. The resulting catabolic state likely foreshortens life expectancy. Hyperparathyroidism is reported to be rare in geriatric cats but, in my opinion, it is likely under-diagnosed. A functional parathyroid tumour secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), causing hypercalcaemia, which results in azotaemia, polyuria, incessant polydipsia, sporadic vomiting, twitching and reduced appetite. These signs also occur with chronic renal insufficiency which can confuse the issue, as many elderly cats have some degree of kidney dysfunction. To confuse matters further, some cats have concurrent thyroid and parathyroid lesions. Experienced veterinarians with sensitive palpation skills can detect ventral cervical nodule(s) in many old cats – some are thyroid in origin, others are parathyroid. Some are functional; some are non-functional or ‘pre-functional’. Indeed, the presence of an incidental mass in the cervical/(para) thyroid area is an enigma in feline medicine because the only unequivocal way to distinguish thyroid from parathyroid masses is excisional biopsy.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy of domestic cats. It is usually the result of thyroid adenoma(s) or multiple hyperplasic nodules which may be unilateral or bilateral. Not all nodules are palpable. Functional thyroid tissue may elaborate increased amounts of thyroxine (T4) and T3, producing clinical signs including (i) a loud and fast heart, (ii) a prominent precordial impulse, (iii) a strong pulse and (iv) weight loss with good appetite. Heat intolerance, behavioural changes and polydipsia/polyuria can also be evident. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism damages a variety of end organs, particularly the heart and kidneys. The resulting catabolic state likely foreshortens life expectancy. Hyperparathyroidism is reported to be rare in geriatric cats but, in my opinion, it is likely under-diagnosed. A functional parathyroid tumour secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), causing hypercalcaemia, which results in azotaemia, polyuria, incessant polydipsia, sporadic vomiting, twitching and reduced appetite. These signs also occur with chronic renal insufficiency which can confuse the issue, as many elderly cats have some degree of kidney dysfunction. To confuse matters further, some cats have concurrent thyroid and parathyroid lesions. Experienced veterinarians with sensitive palpation skills can detect ventral cervical nodule(s) in many old cats – some are thyroid in origin, others are parathyroid. Some are functional; some are non-functional or ‘pre-functional’. Indeed, the presence of an incidental mass in the cervical/(para) thyroid area is an enigma in feline medicine because the only unequivocal way to distinguish thyroid from parathyroid masses is excisional biopsy.
Improvements in nuclear medicine in the last 15 years have seen the widespread introduction of new techniques and imaging capabilities, and consequently, manufacturers from the USA, Europe, Japan and Korea are developing and delivering more sophisticated equipment which further demands new techniques in radiation protection.
Radiation protection is driven by the A.L.A.R.A principle (“As Low As Reasonably Achievable”). To satisfy the rules and regulations imposed by legislators, hospital radiation personnel have to be monitored continuously to adhere to these standards. Automated infusion systems for PET were introduced as an attempt to minimise radiation exposure to personnel operating in PET facilities and nuclear medicine departments. We refer to these devices as a “mini hot lab on wheels” including a basic isotope dose calibrator, infusion pump, syringe pump, PC & microprocessing power with a multi-dispensing capability being the basic description of an automatic system (but with some limitations).
Automatic infusion systems are normally loaded in the nuclear medicine department with a multi-dose vial of [F-18]-FDG containing the radioisotope produced at the cyclotron facility. These systems have been designed to deliver only (F-18 = 511 keV), introducing a limitation and inconvenience to the nuclear medicine department in regards to dispensing and administering other isotopes.
Other radioisotopes such as Tc-99m, Ga-67, Ga-68 and Lu-177 still need to be injected manually by the technologist, in a way deviating from the purpose of minimising the radiation dose to the operator and totally disregarding the ALARA principle.
What is permitted today in terms of allowed radiation doses to personnel was totally overlooked 40 years ago and may well be totally different again in another 40 years from today. Therefore, we should strive to take all efforts possible to minimise the radiation exposure to the operators, and not just adhere to the contemporary guidelines.
In conclusion, an automatic injection infusion system only partially addresses the radiation exposure to personnel. It also totally fails to protect the operator after the radiopharmaceutical has been administered to the patient as it has no shielding for the operator included in the design.
Proceeding to deliver the isotope to the patient – the technologist delivers the radioactive dose according to the program of the automated infusion system;
They leave the room to allow this to be conducted automatically (approx. 1 min);
They then return to the room to disconnect the infusion system from the patient. In doing so, the technologist will be exposed to the highest levels of radiation in diagnostic nuclear medicine practice (immediately after injection of a PET radiopharmaceutical) multiple times every day. As radiation protection is not included or provided for with the infusion system, the technologist receives a radiation dose for any procedure such as removing the cannula from the patient, check the patient’s wellbeing, or responding to their call for attention;
As the patient has typically been injected with the radioisotope [F-18]-FDG with an energy level of 511 keV which has a half-life of 110 mins; The automatic system does not offer any protection to the operator. After the injection, we must consider that the patient is now a very highly radioactive and mobile source emanating radiation!
We see in the literature supplied by the manufacturer the automatic system, with patient and personnel having a discussion including physical contact, giving the impression that the unit is safe and radiation exposure after delivery is not a concern.
Automatic infusion systems are expensive to acquire and maintain. When they break down or malfunction, the medical facility is dependent on the manufacturer for service. They are also not cost-effective for smaller PET practices. However, the staff in these practices still need to be afforded the optimal solution for minimising radiation exposure. The world market for automated systems is estimated to be approx. 300 units per year, with an increase of 15-20% increase p.a.
As the systems are capable of only being loaded with a single multi-dose vial, they are limited to only one radiopharmaceutical. For some PET facilities that only use FDG, this may not be a problem, but the current trend is towards offering a wider array of PET radiopharmaceuticals to answer a greater range of clinical questions. In this scenario, the automated system is a “one trick pony”.
Gammasonics participated on the Arab Health exhibition that took place in Dubai on February. During the 4 days of the exhibition there were many visitors from different countries (middle east and Asia).