Los Alamos National Laboratory Research Articles

Does the apple fall far from the tree? A meta-analysis linking parental factors to children's intrinsic and extrinsic goals.

Self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017) has highlighted the differential roles that intrinsic life goals (for personal growth, close relationships, community connections, and physical health) and extrinsic life goals (i.e., for wealth, image, and status) play in supporting well-being. Less is known about how orientations toward these two types of aspirations develop. It is likely that early environmental influences, namely one's parents, impact individuals' aspirations. We address this gap by systematically reviewing the links between relevant parents' characteristics and the intrinsic and extrinsic goals of their children. We identified 49 eligible reports. Children's intrinsic aspirations were higher when parents provided a need-supportive environment (characterized by support for autonomy, relatedness, and competence) and when they endorsed intrinsic aspirations themselves, whereas children's extrinsic aspirations were higher when parents exhibited extrinsic aspirations themselves, promoted the pursuit of extrinsic aspirations, and provided environments characterized by need frustration. Therefore, fostering basic psychological need satisfaction may support children's intrinsic aspiring. In addition, parents should also be mindful of their own extrinsic goals, as they may influence extrinsic aspirations in their children and possibly compromise their well-being over the long term. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Recruitment of a U.S. Nation-Wide Sample of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth

PurposeTransgender and gender diverse youth (TGDY) can be a challenging population to reach because of limitations related to parental/guardian consent and concerns about privacy. This pilot study's purpose was to assess the feasibility of recruiting a US nation-wide longitudinal sample of TGDY through social media, and to compare participants who completed the Wave 1 survey only to TGDY who completed both Wave 1 and Wave 2 surveys. MethodsAdolescents (aged 14–17 years) who identified as TGDY were recruited through social media and invited to complete two online surveys across a 3-month period. Surveys included measures of mental health, substance use, and community connection. ResultsThe Wave 1 sample included 252 TGDY, with 183 (73%) retained at Wave 2. There were few differences (i.e., gender identity; sex assigned at birth) between Wave 1–only participants and those retained at Wave 2. DiscussionFindings demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting a U.S. nation-wide longitudinal sample of TGDY through social media, providing an important platform for conducting research to improve well-being of TGDY.

The HIV Environmental Riskscape: The Roles of HIV Sexual Risk and Resilience Factors among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: Findings from the Real Talk Project.

Black and African American men who have sex with men (Black MSM) experience the greatest proportion of new HIV infections in the United States. To address this challenge, a better understanding of the HIV environment riskscape including both risk and resilience factors is warranted among Black MSM. Research indicates that stress is associated with increased HIV sexual risk behaviors. Further, behavioral factors such as serosorting and community level factors including social support and community connection are resilience factors that protect against risk behaviors. The present study examines whether everyday stress is associated with HIV sexual risk behavior, as well as the role of risk and resilience factors among 125 Black MSM recruited in the Real Talk study. The Real Talk project examined the relationships between resilience, HIV risk behaviors, and HIV prevention strategy among a sample of Black MSM. Using generalized estimating equations, our results indicate a positive association between everyday stress and engaging in condomless anal intercourse only after adjusting for risk, resilience, and correlate variables. Similarly, having multiple sex partners and using substances during sex also show positive associations with condomless anal intercourse. Resilience factors of engaging in serosorting and being connected to both the Black and gay communities were negatively associated with condomless anal intercourse. Future prevention research and programming should focus on both risk and resilience factors to mitigate new HIV infections among Black MSM.

Loss of safe spaces: Ambiguous loss and minority stressors of BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities amidst the covid-19 pandemic

As the world came to a halt in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, oppressed communities were at the forefront of distress from isolation, lack of resources, and connection. A vast amount of literature has emphasized the necessity of safe spaces and impact of minority stressors on Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (BIPOC LGBTQ+) communities. However, few have begun to explore relationships among ambiguous loss of safe spaces and minority stressors from pandemic isolation. This study aimed to explore the experiences of BIPOC LBGTQ+ communities during the Covid-19 pandemic using a convergent mixed methodical approach. Through cross-sectional survey, quantitative data examined relationships between minority stressors, LGBTQ community connection, and family environment and support at home (n = 164). Through 7 focus groups, qualitative data captured themes surrounding loss, online connection, trust, and redefinition of safe spaces (n = 29). An integrated discussion utilizing an integrated theoretical framework of minority stress, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems, and intersectionality is then presented. Lastly, limitations and future directions are discussed.

Evaluating the microbiological dynamics and physicochemical characteristics of the soil on slopes and flats in alpine mining regions with different reclamation times

AbstractEcological restoration in alpine open‐pit mines significantly impacts microbial communities and soil characteristics, yet early adaptive responses in mine dump slopes and flats are not well understood. Thus, using high‐throughput sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA amplicon study, our study uses spatial sequence rather than time successional sequence to investigate early‐stage changes in soil microbe and physicochemical properties in alpine mining land reclamation in Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The pH range of the treatment location was neutral to alkaline from 7.5 to 8.0. In 2021, conductivity is higher on slopes than on flats; however, by 2019 or before, conductivity is higher on flats than on slopes after soil reclamation. The CEC is lower for slopes and flats in 2021, but it rises for both as reclamation time lengthens. Gradual increase in soil organic matter and other nutrients and higher overall nutrient content on the flat than on the slope. The bacterial community connections during mine reclamation and restoration are as follows: Proteobacteria > Acidobacteriota > Bacteroideta > Actinobacteria > Firmicutes. Their abundance varies throughout the bacterial community. Important bacteria such as Sphingomonas, Bacillus, Lysobacter, norank‐f‐norank‐o‐Vicinamibacterales and Ferruginibacter also appeared in the reclamation process. Fertilization of side slopes can result in notable changes to the qualities of the soil, according to data from the Qinghai West Copper Mining Area. Through appropriate approaches and regular monitoring, better reclamation outcomes can be reached in the first year with more plentiful soil microorganisms on slopes.

The subjective wellbeing of people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Australia: insights from the Personal Wellbeing Index

ObjectivesSubjective wellbeing has been defined as an individual’s personal appraisal of their quality of life. Subjective wellbeing is associated with positive health behaviours and improved coping abilities. This study aimed to investigate the subjective wellbeing of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), using the novel Personal Wellbeing Index, and make comparisons with the general population.MethodsCross-sectional data was obtained from the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study and the How Is Your Life Australian general population study in August-October 2020. Subjective wellbeing was measured as life satisfaction using the Personal Wellbeing Index. This instrument measures life satisfaction globally and in seven life domains, allowing the importance of domain-specific life satisfaction to be explored. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.ResultsOne thousand six hundred eighty-three MS and 1,021 general population participants entered the study (mean age 52.4 and 58.6; female 79.9% and 52.4%, respectively). For people living with MS the most important life domains were standard of living and achieving in life. The domain of personal health was more influential for people living with MS (p < 0.01) than the general population. The life domains most susceptible to MS-related disability were personal health, achieving in life, and community connectedness (p < 0.01 for these domains).ConclusionPersonal health and achieving in life are key domains through which the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS is modified. This study recommends the development of interventions to support healthy perceptions of illness and continued employment as paramount in improving the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS.

Supplemental Material for Gender Minority Stressors and Psychological Distress Among Chinese Transgender and Gender-Diverse People: Pride as a Protector and Community Connectedness as a Compensator

Supplemental Material for Gender Minority Stressors and Psychological Distress Among Chinese Transgender and Gender-Diverse People: Pride as a Protector and Community Connectedness as a Compensator

Community Connector Pilot – Review Of A Non-Clinical Programme Within An Integrated Care Programme For Older Persons Team

Abstract Background A Community Connector is a specialist Social Prescriber for older individuals who often present with complex medical needs and are referred directly by an Integrated Care team. The programme is a collaborative model between this team and a respective community host organisation. Integrated Care, as part of the Sláintecare Programme, places a stronger emphasis on social supports and person-centredness as key elements in healthcare (Goodwin, 2013). Methods Referrals are received approximately two to three weeks prior to discharge from the Integrated Care team which allows for relevant feedback from the Community Connector to this team. A coaching approach is utilised as a way of exploring each participant’s individual priorities and their expressed interests and goals in order to enhance their awareness of resources and supports in their own community and their subsequent readiness to engage. This process involves co-creating a personalised wellbeing plan with each individual which can act as the basis for a joint learning journey together. Results On referrals received to the programme, ongoing data is recorded regarding the number of individuals participating, the activities undertaken and the outcomes affecting the wellbeing of participants. Social isolation is a key reason for referral among this cohort in addition to cognitive stimulation, reengagement in social outlets and carer stress. Programme participants continue to be referred to a range of community activities, programmes and supports. Preliminary findings show an increase in community connectedness in regard to individuals’ increased knowledge and subsequent participation in local activities. Conclusion Key qualitative and quantitative data are the basis for initial and ongoing evaluation of the programme. These include recording any reflections and challenges which then act as key learning tools in delivering a unique person-centred programme for older individuals.

Speciation and formation constants of aqueous lanthanum (III) chloride complexes from 5 to 80 °C by Raman spectroscopy

Lanthanum chloride solutions were studied both computationally and by polarized Raman spectroscopy to determine the aqueous species present and their equilibrium constants. Four species were predicted from Gaussian 16 computations using density functional theory: La(H2O)9 3+, LaCl(H2O)8 2+, LaCl2(H2O)6 2+, and LaCl3(H2O)4 0. Both LaCl(H2O)8 2+ and LaCl2(H2O)6 + were identified in the reduced isotropic solvent-subtracted Raman spectra from their La–Cl vibrational bands at 234 and 221 cm−1, respectively. The spectra did not change significantly with temperature from 5 to 80 °C, and the Raman bands for each species could not be fitted with sufficient accuracy to determine the scattering coefficients directly from the experimental data. Instead, the computed scattering coefficients from Gaussian 16 (B3LYP with the Los Alamos National Laboratory 2-double-zeta effective core potential and 6-311+G(d,p) basis set) were to be used to obtain the equilibrium concentrations of LaCl(H2O)8 2+ and LaCl2(H2O)6 +, from which the concentration of La(H2O)9 3+ was determined. The concentration dependent formation quotients were fitted with the specific ion interaction (SIT) activity coefficient model to determine the stepwise formation constants K0, 1 and K1, 2, from 5 to 80 °C. Both K0, 1 and K1, 2 showed minor increases with temperature.

Community heals: Lessons from qualitative narratives of first-generation college students

Background: First-generation college students struggle to navigate the college experience. Prior research suggests that social capital plays a critical role in college success such that students benefit from building networks of support within the university. Objective: We investigated whether social capital, in the form of engagement with university services, had positive implications for college students’ mental health and academic performance, particularly for first-generation college students. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with both first- and continuing-generation students attending a Hispanic Serving Institution to gain a qualitative, in-depth understanding of the extent to which students took advantage of university services, and whether such engagement promoted their mental health and academic success. Results: Narratives revealed that first-generation students felt uniquely overwhelmed and could benefit from building connections and seeking support. Students emphasized the positive impact of community connections. Conclusion: University-wide programming focused on community building may improve first-generation students’ college experience.

We are a spider’s web: Friendship in times of mental health crisis

Community responses to those experiencing mental health crisis and distress are important. However, in Australia and many other colonised countries, responses to distress have become highly medicalised, punitive, individual and privatised. Exploring friendship responses to mental health crisis may increase the possibilities for building on community connectedness and local support networks. The work described in this paper aimed to make visible the acts of care, solidarity, friendship and mutuality that friends and members of the community have taken up in response to someone close to them experiencing distress. The work was guided by intentional peer support and narrative practices including re-authoring, collective documentation and outsider witnessing.

‘All the dykes I know drink beer’: Sexuality and gender performance through alcohol consumption among lesbian, bisexual, and queer women in Australia

This article explores the relationship between gender, sexuality and alcohol consumption among lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women in Australia. On average, LBQ women consume alcohol at a higher rate than heterosexual women, yet the use of alcohol and its gendered meanings in this population remain under-explored. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 42 cisgender women, 10 transgender women, and 8 non-binary people who identify as lesbian, bisexual, and/or queer. Participants were aged 18–72. Interviews explored participants' experiences with alcohol, gender, and sexuality. Interviews were thematically analysed, informed by a critical alcohol and other drug scholarship lens. While ‘minority stress’ is often cited as a key factor in explaining LBQ women's high rates of alcohol consumption, our findings suggest a more complex relationship between drinking, gender and sexuality. Drinking is gendered for LBQ women, enabling both performance of and resistance to gendered norms. Additionally, alcohol emerged as a tool for navigating gendered vulnerability in public spaces, with some participants shaping their alcohol intake to their environment. Our findings highlight the need for approaches to LBQ women's health that recognise alcohol as a social tool that can facilitate confidence, pleasure, and community connection. Rather than focusing solely on risk and vulnerability, policies and health promotion efforts should consider the diverse ways in which LBQ women use alcohol to navigate their identities and social environments.

Future parenthood ideas among child-free LGBTQ+ adults: The roles of stigma and LGBTQ+ community connections.

Although a growing body of research has documented parenting desires and intentions among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more identities (LGBTQ+) individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals also experience stigmatization and barriers to family formation. The present study examines how experiences of stigmatization are related to thoughts of future parenthood (i.e., parenting desires, parenting intentions, and LGBTQ+ parent socialization self-efficacy) among child-free LGBTQ+ adults. Additionally, we examined the role of connection to the LGBTQ+ community in moderating associations with stigma and in statistically predicting LGBTQ+ parent socialization self-efficacy. Participants (N = 433) reported on their thoughts about future parenthood, experiences of stigmatization, and LGBTQ+ community connection though an online cross-sectional survey. Results from multigroup path analysis showed that greater experiences of stigmatization were associated with greater parenting desires for cisgender women and greater parenting intentions across sexual and gender identity groups. Associations between stigma and parenting intentions were moderated by community connection, such that the positive association between stigma and parenting intentions was only significant at high levels of community connection. Finally, greater community connection was positively associated with LGBTQ+ parent socialization self-efficacy, but socialization self-efficacy was not associated with parenting desires or intentions. These findings suggest that connection to the LGBTQ+ community may play a role in thoughts about future parenthood for child-free LGBTQ+ individuals, especially among those who experience stigmatization. Clinicians and family practitioners can consider facilitating connections to the community as a way of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals who are interested in family formation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Multiphysics analysis of mechanical responses in micro-reactors under varied operating conditions

Micro-reactors are a promising alternative for power production applications where traditional methods may not be feasible (e.g., space missions). Their design requires critical selection of materials, especially for moderator and fuel, to ensure long-term operation and optimal performance. This research focuses on developing computational analysis models for micro-reactors, aiming to explore their structural behavior under thermal and mechanical loadings. The micro-reactor model is based on the Zero Energy Breeder Reactor Assembly (Zebra) Kilowatt (kW) reactor design conceptualized at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This study investigates the thermal and mechanical responses of three distinct reactor models considering factors, such as boundary conditions, material properties, and thermal-mechanical loading. In this study, Beryllium Oxide (BeO), Beryllium (Be), Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), and Magnesium Oxide (MgO) are chosen as materials for the reflector. Yttrium Hydride (YH) and Zirconium Hydride (ZH) are chosen as moderators. Uranium Nitride (UN) and Uranium Molybdenum (UMo) are chosen as reactor fuel materials. The thermal analysis predicts the deformation due to the thermal expansion within the reactor under steady operating conditions at 25 kWth, mimicking the maximum rated power of the Zebra kW design. The mechanical study simulates the system's response to forced vibration loads applied along the cooling channels, matching the natural frequency of the system. The results from both analyses show that Beryllium Oxide, Yttrium Hydride, and Uranium Nitride demonstrate the most optimal stress distribution in the system compared to other configurations investigated here. The results of this study can be developed into datasets to facilitate future machine learning studies, enabling the prediction of mechanical and thermal responses for micro-reactors.

Determinants Affecting Small Business Financially in Nepal: A Structural Equation Modelling Analysis

Background: Small businesses in Kathmandu Valley play a crucial role in local economies by creating jobs, fostering community connections, and driving growth and innovation. However, they face significant financial challenges that can hinder their development. Objective: This study aims to analyze the determinants that affect small businesses financially in Kathmandu Valley, focusing on how these factors influence business growth and sustainability. Method: An exploratory research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for inferential analysis. The study sampled 403 individuals from the Kathmandu Valley to represent the population. Result: The SEM analysis identified four constructs as fitting well with the model out of six. The results reveal that globalization and external factor risk significantly impact financial hurdles faced by small businesses. Additionally, government policy was found to play a moderating role, partially mediating the relationship between the dependent and independent variables and showing a significant impact. Conclusion: The study highlights key determinants that affect the financial aspects of small businesses in Kathmandu Valley. By identifying these factors, the research provides insights into how small enterprises can be better supported financially, contributing to their growth and long-term sustainability. Paper Types: Research Paper Keywords: Financial Hurdles, Small Business, Structural Equation Modeling, Financial Management JEL Classification: M00, F65, G28, E44 and C50

Motivations, Choices, and Constraints of Italian Transgender Travelers: A Study of Tourism Dynamics within the Rainbow

This study explores the motivations, choices, and constraints shaping tourism behavior among transgender individuals living in Italy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research begins with quantitative data collection and analyses, followed by qualitative insights to uncover the multifaceted reasons that drive transgender individuals to engage in tourism. These motivations range from seeking personal authenticity to cultural exploration and community connection. This study also examines the intricate interplay of choice and constraint in shaping transgender travelers’ tourism experiences, highlighting the challenges they face and the strategies they use to cope with the obstacles they face within the tourism context. Given Italy’s persistent stereotypes and prejudices against gender and sexual minorities, this research provides a critical examination of the intersectionality of gender identity and tourism within a challenging cultural and legal landscape. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of transgender travelers’ tourism experiences and offer valuable implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and scholars. By amplifying the voices of Italian transgender travelers, this study aims to foster greater inclusivity and recognition of their diverse needs and experiences within the tourism sector.

Looking out across the front yard: aboriginal peoples’ views of frailty in the community – A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Objective Frailty is one of the most significant challenges to healthy ageing. Aboriginal Australians experience some of the highest levels of frailty worldwide, and despite this, no studies have explored frailty from an Aboriginal perspective. This is important because Aboriginal understandings and priorities in frailty may differ from Western/mainstream frailty frameworks. Furthermore, this lack of research severely hampers healthcare planning and service delivery. As a starting point, this study aims to understand the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions that Aboriginal older adults hold regarding frailty. Design A qualitative study that utilized the Indigenous research method of Yarning for data collection as a culturally appropriate process for engaging Aboriginal peoples. Yarning circles and one-on-one yarns with 22 Aboriginal adults aged 45+ years living in one Australian capital city took place online and over the phone to explore the views that Aboriginal adults hold around frailty. Data were analysed thematically by Aboriginal researchers. Results Seven key thematic areas were identified: (1) Keep in with culture; (2) Physical markers of frailty; (3) Frailty throughout the life course; (4) Social, cultural, and psychological understandings of frailty; (5) We want information about frailty; (6) Appropriate and positive wording; (7) Frailty assessment. Conclusions There was interest and engagement in the concept of frailty by Aboriginal older adults and approaches to frailty that extend beyond the physical to address cognitive, psychosocial, cultural and spiritual domains are likely to be more acceptable to this population. Culture and community connectivity are essential elements in preventing and alleviating frailty and have wider positive implications for Aboriginal health and wellbeing. Existing tools in practice to assess frailty are not aligned with Aboriginal cultural norms. Culturally appropriate frailty assessment methods co-designed with the community which incorporate holistic and multidimensional approaches are urgently needed.

“They feel shame sometime, but that is why we need to talk to them…we need to tell them how important it is not to feel shame”: Hepatitis B related shame and improving hepatitis B care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Top End of the Northern Territory, according to the Aboriginal health workforce

BackgroundThe Aboriginal health workforce has unique insights given their healthcare experience and interactions with their communities. The aims of this project were to explore their perceptions of hepatitis B related shame and ways to improve hepatitis B care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Northern Territory’s Top End, Australia.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study with guidance from the Menzies School of Health Research Infectious Diseases Indigenous Reference Group. The Aboriginal health workforce was asked to participate in semi-structured interviews exploring hepatitis B related shame and ways to improve hepatitis B care. Qualitative data were evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThere were fifteen semi-structured interviews with participants representing eight different communities. The experience of shame was reported by the Aboriginal health workforce to be common for individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B and comprised feelings of fear related to transmitting the virus, to being isolated, and to being at fault. Shame was mediated by poor health literacy, communication, the lack of culturally safe spaces and was perpetuated by intersecting stereotypes. Improvements in care can be achieved by utilising the Aboriginal health workforce more effectively, improving communication and the availability of culturally safe spaces, emphasising community connection, and reframing hepatitis B as a chronic condition.ConclusionsHepatitis B related shame was an important issue and impactful in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Top End of the Northern Territory. There were many facets to shame in these communities and it was mediated by several factors. The Aboriginal health workforce has emphasised several pathways to improve care and diminish the impact of shame, such as improving communication and the availability of culturally safe spaces.

Prescriptions (Rx) for Prevention: Clinical Tools for Integrating Environmental Health into Pediatric Clinical Care.

The integration of environmental health (EH) into routine clinical care for children is in its early stages. The vision of pediatric EH is that all clinicians caring for children are aware of and able to help connect families to needed resources to reduce harmful environmental exposures and increase health-enhancing ones. Environmental exposures include air pollution, substandard housing, lead, mercury, pesticides, consumer products chemicals, drinking water contaminants, industrial facility emissions and, increasingly, climate change-related extreme weather and heat events. An identified need is to simultaneously educate clinicians while connecting families to evidence-based EH interventions. Here, we describe a multi-decadal effort to create, refine, and disseminate a clinical tool called Prescriptions (Rxs) for Prevention that responds to that identified need. These tools are modeled on a risk communication framework and use a format that support clinicians when they screen their patients for EH concerns, to then counsel on those topics, and refer to EH resources if needed. Rxs for Prevention-tailored with local resources-are now in use at more than a dozen sites in multiple regions of the U.S. supporting the promotion of healthy homes, communities, and the broader environment for children. These Rxs are reducing barriers to EH integration by educating clinicians, linking families to community resources, and strengthening clinic and community connections. On-going evaluation can help further the implementation of the Rxs for Prevention to help achieve the long-term vision of integrating EH into routine clinical care.

Severe Electron Environment for Surface Charging at Geostationary and Medium Earth Orbits

Electron radiation environment with keV energies on medium earth orbit (MEO) is investigated around the times when worst-case severe environments for surface charging were detected at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) satellites on geostationary earth orbit (GEO). The Inner Magnetosphere Particle Transport and Acceleration Model (IMPTAM) is employed to model 1–100 keV electron fluxes in the inner Earth’s magnetosphere (inside 10RE) during four representative events selected out of 400 LANL worst-case severe environment events. Modeled fluxes are compared to the observed ones on GEO, and the peak electron fluxes are then extracted at L=4.6 which is considered as approximate MEO environment following the LANL events. IMPTAM generally reproduces the 10–50 keV electron fluxes on GEO but underestimates (of factor of 2 to 5) at energies above. It is found that the maximum electron flux on MEO is reached in about 1.5–2 h after the worst-case environment for surface charging was detected at GEO. Whereas the magnetic local time (MLT) location of the worst-case severe environments on GEO varies from 23 to 05, the maximum electron flux on MEO is located on 6–7.8 MLT. The maximum electron flux values on MEO can be 2 to 10 times higher than those observed on GEO and those estimated using European Cooperation for Space Standardization and National Aeronautics and Space Administration guidelines, which can be a significant increase of the risks in terms of surface charging.