Environmental Domains Research Articles

Bio-nanocomposites: Innovative solutions for addressing issues in health, agriculture, energy and environmental domains

The extensive industrial use of plastics causes serious environmental problems. In order to solve this, scientists have concentrated on developing composites that are environmentally sustainable through the integration of nanofillers with bio-based components. These bio-nanocomposites, with significant potential in health, agriculture, energy, and environmental applications, offer a viable alternative to conventional plastics. In the field of medicine, bio-nanocomposites, owing to their unique properties and functionalities, find extensive applications in tissue culture, wound healing, and drug delivery. Also, bio-nanocomposites have the ability to support sustainable agriculture while enhancing crop yields. Additionally, due to their enhanced conductivity and environmentally beneficial components, bio-nanocomposites stimulate innovations in energy storage and renewable energy technology. Furthermore, the bio-nanocomposites provide environmentally friendly options for remediation and pollution management. This review explores the diverse applications of nanocomposite and bio-nanocomposite materials across healthcare, agriculture, energy storage and environment sectors and discusses strategies for enhancing their features to suit specific applications.

Quality of life and work-life balance among Nurse Educators in the Schools of Nursing in Sri Lanka

Objective: The study aimed to assess the quality of life and work-life balance (WLB) among Nurse Educators in the Schools of Nursing in Sri Lanka. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 Nurse educators in all schools of Nursing in Sri Lanka. Data were collected by using validated and pretested self-administered questionnaires which include Socio-demographic details, a validated quality of life questionnaire (WHO QOL – BREF), and a Work Life Balance assessment scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The overall mean perceived QOL and health of the participants were 3.82 (±0.66) and 3.82 (±0.69) respectively. Participants obtained a high score for the social relationship domain (98.83/100) and a low score for the environmental domain (19.96/100) of the QOL. Findings of the work=life balance revealed an overall mean of 2.87 (SD=1.5) which indicates neither agree nor disagree with work-life interference with personal life and an overall mean of 2.53 (SD=0.96) which indicates neither agree nor disagree with personal life interference with work (PLIW). Conclusions: Nurse educators perceive a moderate level of personal life interference with work, but overall, they acknowledge work/personal life enhancement. These results highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of work-life balance among nurse educators.

Including Marine-Related Items in the ISSP Environment Module is Important for a More Holistic Measure of Public Environmental Perceptions

In this study, we examine public perceptions of the importance of addressing marine ecosystem problems by including an item (which we treated as a dependent variable) in the Environment IV module of the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) in New Zealand. Overall importance perception was high (mean rating of 4.44 on a 5-point scale). However, our hypotheses that ratings on ISSP items, which implicitly represent marine stressors (e.g., air pollution, nuclear waste), would be consistently associated with high-importance ratings for addressing marine ecosystem problems were not supported. This observation suggests that perceptions of marine issues are not necessarily underpinned by an understanding of multiple marine stressors. Including compulsory marine-related items in the ISSP could provide a clearer understanding of public perceptions of marine ecosystems and assist in informing public education and communication. This inclusion would offer a valuable global perspective, given that the ISSP is implemented in Western and non-Western countries. The ISSP offers questions on multiple environmental domains, including attitudinal, behavioral, and political and unique demographic questions that would enable in-depth country-comparative analyses of marine-related perceptions not possible in existing international environmental perception surveys.

Assessment of bovine welfare: Evolution towards the approach from the 5 Domains

Positive animal welfare (PAW) is a relatively recent idea that emphasizes the good experiences to improve the mental state. The objective of this review was, describe the indicators used in bovine welfare protocols, identify the domains considered, and establish a proposal focused on indicators to assess positive welfare. It was identified that the protocols require excessive evaluation times, qualify by granting a single score and do not allow regional adaptations according to the critical conditions that may exist in different countries. Furthermore, the main focus of the existing protocols is on the first 3 domains (nutrition, physical environment and health), leaving the recording of the behavior and the mental state of the animals to a lesser degree of importance. A series of indicators were specified, which would promote positive well-being, related to the domains of physical environment and behavioral interactions, emphasizing comfort, environmental, social, sensory, and nutritional enrichment. In conclusion including the diagnosis of the mental state of animals in a comprehensive way is necessary to identify shortcomings and propose improvements that contribute to improving the quality of life of animals.

Life Satisfaction and Gender Congruence in Transgender Individuals: A Role for Occupational Therapy.

Societal restrictions impact transgender individuals' ability to engage in occupations that match their internal gender identity preventing gender affirmation. The aim was to explore transgender individuals' perceived levels of gender congruence and life satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey with a nonprobability sample of transgender adults was used to provide a preliminary exploration of transgender individuals' gender congruence and life satisfaction using the Gender Congruence and Life Satisfaction and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. When comparing the means of the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains to the population norm, the respondents demonstrated statistically lower scores in all four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. In both the WHOQOL-BREF and GCLS, the mean score in psychological health and life satisfaction were the lowest. Transgender individuals prioritize self-care activities, such as hairstyling, and body image to affirm internal gender identity. Occupational therapy can assist with supporting gender transition in several occupational contexts.

Correlation of self-management and social support with quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis: A cross-sectional study from Kerala, India

IntroductionChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that impacts the quality of life (QOL) of individuals worldwide. However, the role of self-management and social support among CKD patients on their QOL remains understudied in India. Therefore, this study aims to find the correlation of self-management and social support on the QOL of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. MethodsThis hospital-based cross-sectional study involved 110 adult CKD patients (mean (SD) age of 56 (±13.9) years, 73 % men) undergoing hemodialysis in two tertiary care hospitals in Ernakulam district. Face-to-face interviews with questionnaires, including World Health Organisation Quality of Life- Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Medical Outcome Survey – Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), and Hemodialysis Self-Management Instrument-18 (HDSMI-18) were used. Pearson correlation and simple linear regression analysis were done to find the correlation between self-management and social support with QOL. FindingsThe mean (SD) QOL score was 56.27 (11.62), with the environment domain rating highest [62.47 (14.02)] and social relations lowest [52.12 (18.52)]. Mean (SD) self-management score was 41.12 (5.66) and mean (SD) social support score was 65.28 (18.21). Self-management (r = 0.382, p = 0.001) and social support (r = 0.309, p = 0.001) showed a moderate positive correlation with QOL. DiscussionSelf-management and social support were moderately correlated with QOL. Strengthening self-management programs and social support networks are likely to improve the QOL of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Meditation modalities for ADHD in minority pediatric populations in the USA: a scoping review.

Roughly 10% of children aged 3 -17 in the USA are diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and minorities are less likely to initiate common pharmacologic treatment. We conducted a review of the literature to examine meditation as a safe, effective, and low-cost alternative. We searched PubMed and other journals using "meditation," "mindfulness," "minority," related keywords, and relevant MeSH terms. Eligible studies involved racial/ethnic minorities in the USA, reported quantitative psychosocial outcomes, and were published in a peer-reviewed, English-language journal. Out of 119 "hits," 111 were eliminated as duplicates or were not relevant. A full-text review of the remaining eight revealed that none fully met our eligibility criteria. Besides the obvious lack of studies, those reviewed reported incomplete demographic and clinical data. They also employed different and inconsistent research methodologies, interventions and modalities, and statistical analyses. This hindered understanding exactly which populations may benefit from meditation, and for which specific symptoms. We recommend a socio-ecological model in examining intervention modalities, especially in the context of intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, environmental, and policy domains. We also suggest the possible inclusion of research older than 10 years, conducted outside of the USA, on minority and non-minority populations, for supplementary and confirmatory data. We advocate for consistency in study design and data collection, which would help align research conducted in different countries. Searches should also include variations of meditation such as "mindfulness" and "guided imagery," and associated symptoms and comorbidities of ADHD, including "learning disorder" and "behavioral problems."

Sustainable practices in the organization of sporting events in protected and unprotected natural areas: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study is to comprehensively understand and analyze the main characteristics of sustainable practices in sporting events organized in protected and unprotected natural areas (PNA and UNA). Methodology: employing the scoping review guidelines outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), this research adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) framework. The search encompassed two major databases, Scopus and Web of Science, alongside a thorough review of gray literature, extending up to the year 2022. A total of 49 records were analyzed considering two dimensions: (i) comprehensive document characteristics and (ii) document attributes by natural area. Results: (i) a preponderance of research papers compared to gray literature (ii) a prevalence of studies within the environmental domain, (iii) European dominance in the literature, (iv) a particular focus on activities such as trail running and mountain biking, and (v) highlights a significant shift in how sustainability is studied, with new study topics emerging in recent years. Practical implications: These findings can be useful for sports event organizers. Research contributions: Our research identifies sustainable management trends in natural areas, outlines gaps, and provides a framework for enhancing sustainability in natural area sports events through future research.

Love of life as a measure of quality of life

Purpose Love of life (LOL) is a new construct in positive psychology. LOL is defined by a generally positive evaluation of one’s own life, positive regard towards life and a pleasurable attachment to life. The purpose of this study is that LOL is associated with quality of life (QOL) and could be predicted by some of its subscales. Design/methodology/approach A sample of Alexandria University undergraduates took part in this study (n = 298). They responded to the WHOQOL Brief and LOL scales. Findings Men obtained significantly higher mean total scores than did women for general health, and the physical and psychological domains of QOL. All the Pearson correlations between LOL and QOL were significant except for two correlations for women. The strongest correlation with LOL is for the psychological QOL domain. Principal components analysis extracted one component for men which was labeled “QOL and LOL.” For women, two components were extracted, which were labeled “QOL and LOL” and “General and physical health.” Predictors of LOL were psychological and social QOL domains (men), and psychological, social and environmental QOL domains (women). It was concluded that LOL is associated with QOL, in particular, the psychological subscale. Furthermore, LOL can predict QOL, in particular, the psychological and social domains. Research limitations/implications This study used nonprobability sampling with a sample of students drawn from only one university. So, it may be difficult to generalize the findings. Originality/value LOL is a comparatively new concept in the field of positive psychology.

Factors associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety in health professionals in high-complexity services

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in health professionals in high-complexity services and the associated factors. Epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical study. The Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories and a questionnaire with sociodemographic and occupational aspects, health conditions, lifestyle and quality of life were used. A total of 490 professionals participated. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was 26.5% and 19.8%, respectively. The prevalence of anxious symptoms was lower among nurses and physicians, was higher among female professionals, who used sleep medications, with altered fasting blood glucose levels, with a good and regular/need to improve lifestyle, and with scores below average in the social relationships domain. The prevalence of depression symptoms was higher in females, who took time off work due to stress, depression, or anxiety, had a good and regular/need to improve lifestyle, and had below-average scores in the psychological and environmental domains. The outcomes investigated were associated with the following variables: gender, professional category, use of sleep medication, fasting glucose, stress leave, depression or anxiety, lifestyle, and quality of life.

Pandemics: past, present, and future: multitasking challenges in need of cross-disciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary collaborative solutions.

The extensive history of pandemics has spanned many centuries, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and public health, and thereby shaping the course of history in various ways. Advances in medicine, science, and public health practices have played a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of pandemics over time. This review explores the scientific landscape of contemporary pandemics, examining their diverse and complex nature. It goes beyond the biological aspects of pandemics to consider socioeconomic, environmental, and technological factors. Through a scientific lens, this study aims to understand the complexities of pandemics and contribute to the expanding knowledge base that helps humanity strengthen its defenses against global health threats. By elucidating the enigmas of pandemics, the study hopes to foster a more resilient and prepared global health environment. Highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and transdisciplinary approach, this exploration emphasizes the critical need to integrate biological, socioeconomic, environmental, and technological domains to develop more robust defenses against these global health challenges.

Climate change, community well-being, and consumption: Reconsidering human-environment relationships in Greenland under global change

We reassess the research on the impact of climate change on society and propose examining the social dimensions of climate change from a perspective of community well-being. We argue that to better understand community dynamics in the Arctic, it is helpful to shift the research focus from the environment and view the environment and climate change as a backdrop to social phenomena. Specifically, we consider the increasing living standards and expanding basic needs that fall under consumption, one of the three domains of economic activity. This represents a shift from the conventional anthropological perspective, which focuses solely on production (food procurement, subsistence) and distribution, to a more balanced consideration of the three economic domains and their intricate relations. This shift also involves moving away from the conventional anthropological theory, which posits that the relationship to the environment influences, organizes, and shapes people's lives, to the reverse: people's increasing needs reshape, rearrange, or alter the human–environment relationship. The perspective of community well-being considers the interplay between the environment, social (local assets), and economic domains (consumption and increasing needs) of community dynamics. To illustrate this perspective in Arctic studies, we draw on two examples from our experience in Greenland: sheep farming in South Greenland and Greenland halibut fisheries in North Greenland.

A rapid review of the barriers and facilitators of mental health service access among Veterans and their families.

Transitioning to civilian life after military service can be challenging for both Veterans and their families. Accessible mental health services are crucial during this period to provide support. The objective of this review was to conduct a rapid review to capture the barriers and identify facilitators that influence access to mental health services for Veterans and their families during the post-service transition period. This review was conducted using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions as a methodological framework and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Rapid Review (PRISMA-RR). A total of 60 articles and 67 independent samples were included in the final data analyses. Across the included articles, this review identified 23 barriers and 14 facilitator themes. Issues navigating the mental health care system was identified as the main challenge among Veterans and their families, and those who received support navigating the system identified this as a significant facilitator. Applying the Theoretical Domains Framework, most of the identified barriers and facilitators were categorized into environmental context and resources domain. The heterogeneity in Veterans' and Veteran families' experiences with mental health care-seeking may suggest that access to mental health care for Veterans and Veteran families cannot be solved by addressing one type of barrier alone. Instead, coordinated efforts to address prioritized systemic, logistical, social, and inter-/intrapersonal obstacles are essential for improving access and optimizing mental health care outcomes. These insights underscore the complexity of considerations for Veterans and families accessing mental health care.

Prevalence of anxiety and depression among cancer patients attending tertiary care hospital in Puducherry – A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Palliative care interventions for cancer patients are usually more effective when they provide them with cues for using the knowledge related to their disease, which helps them adjust and live through the different phases of the illness. The objective of the study is to find the prevalence of anxiety and depression among cancer patients and to assess their quality of life (QOL). Material and Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 oncology patients attending tertiary care hospitals. After obtaining consent, one-to-one interviews were conducted with cancer patients using a standard questionnaire. Depression anxiety stress scale 21 scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) scale were used. Ethical principles were adhered throughout the study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: Out of 226 cancer patients, majority of them 151 (66.8%) were in the age group of 30–59 years and 148 (66.5%) were female. It was found that 62 (27.4%) had stress, 178 (78.8%) had anxiety and 154 (68.1%) were in depression. The mean raw score in overall QOL is 3.27 ± 0.94 standard deviation (SD) and in general health is 3.46 ± 0.81) (SD). Marital status (P = 0.001) and duration since the diagnosis of cancer (P = 0.005) had significant association with the environmental domain of the QOL of patients. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for palliative care for psychosocial support to cancer patient to improve their QOL. Comprehensive management for cancer patients by providing family support and a patient-friendly environment is needed.

Medical students perception of learning environment evidence from Jimma University Medical Centre

This study aims to assess medical students’ perception of the quality of the learning environment at Jimma University Medical Centre (JUMC), Ethiopia using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). A cross-sectional survey design was applied to assess students’ perceptions during their clinical attachment wards in JUMC. The DREEM inventory consisted of five sub-domains such as student perception of learning (SPL), student perception of teacher (SPT), student academic self-perception (SAP), student perception of the atmosphere (SPA), and student social self-perception (SSSP) that administered to 323 undergraduate medical students. Descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA were computed using SPSS 20 to analyse the data. The overall DREEM mean score was found to be 111.35 and SD of 13.67 from the maximum score of 200. In this study, the overall DREEM mean score of female was significantly higher than the mean of their male counterparts. Despite the ANOVA result across years, first year clinical year I students had higher perception of learning environment as compared to senior batches. In general, the overall means score of students on the DREEM scale revealed that they perceive the learning environment more positively. However, some areas need to be revised across all five domains of the learning environment to make improvements.

The associationof quality of life and the functioning in the chronic disease among patients after myocardial infarction

Abstract Background The importance of health-relatedquality of life (HRQoL) and improving functional status in reducing risk factors of myocardial infarction (MI) has also been increasingly recognized. Purpose This study aimed to examine the level of quality of life (QoL) in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) in relation to the degree of functioning in chronic disease. Methods This was a cross-sectional, single-centre study. The study was conducted among 231 patients who were hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL BREF) andthe Chronic Disease Functioning Scale(FCIS) were used. Results The Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant correlation (coefficient value 0.5 < |r/rho| ≤ 0.7) between general functioning in chronic disease and the average QoL (rho = 0.56;p < 0.001)and somatic QoL levels(rho = 0.52;p < 0.001), as well as a moderately strong positive correlation with the QoL level on the psychological domain (rho = 0.50;p < 0.001), social domain (rho = 0.48;p < 0.001) and environmental domain (rho = 0.43;p < 0.001). Conclusion Identifying the chronic disease functioning indicator in post-MI patients in relation to HRQoL allows for targeted counseling and secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease (IHD), which translates into a reduced risk of further cardiovascular events and related rehospitalization.

Quality of Life Assessment Using the WHOQOL-BREF Survey in Hospitalized Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder from Romania.

This cross-sectional analysis aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) among hospitalized patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Romania, utilizing the WHOQOL survey. Conducted from January to December 2023 in the Psychiatry Clinic of the "Pius Brinzeu" Emergency Clinical Hospital in Timisoara, this study engaged 70 participants, adhering to ethical standards outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Employing the WHOQOL-BREF instrument, the research hypothesized that AUD patients would show significantly lower QoL scores across its domains compared to general population norms. The study focused on identifying the QoL domains most impacted by AUD, exploring correlations between QoL scores and AUD background characteristics, and pinpointing intervention areas for patient care improvement. Participants were predominantly males (88.57%) with a middle-aged average of 55.51 years. Educational backgrounds varied, with a notable percentage having attended college (44.29%) or university (17.14%). Regarding marital status, 41.43% were married. Comorbidities were present in 52.86% of the sample, with hypertension being the most common (34.29%). Results showed mean QoL scores in the physical (61.84 ± 16.05), psychological (64.11 ± 17.16), social (60.48 ± 24.85), and environmental (68.44 ± 17.34) domains, revealing a significant diversity in satisfaction levels across these areas. Statistical analyses highlighted marital status as significantly associated with a better QoL in the physical domain, with married, co-habiting, and divorced participants reporting higher scores compared to single ones. In conclusion, while AUD significantly affects the QoL of hospitalized patients in Romania, marital status emerges as a critical factor in mitigating these effects, particularly in the physical domain of QoL. These findings underscore the complexity of AUD's impact on QoL and the importance of considering sociodemographic factors in patient care practices and interventions. The study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between AUD and QoL, proposing a foundation for enhancing care outcomes for AUD patients in Romania.

Evaluation of a football fitness implementation initiative for an older adult population in a small-scale island society.

The proportion of older people increases globally, which calls for sustainable interventions promoting healthy aging. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential of Football Fitness as a sustainable model to promote quality of life, mental health, and physical function for older adult. The study was conducted in collaboration with a municipality, a football club, and a university, and was designed as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 66 people (34 women, 32 men) older than 60 years were randomly assigned (60/40) to a Football Fitness (FOT) (n = 38, 20 women, 18 men) and a control group (CON) (n = 28, 14 women, 14 men). FOT participated in Football Fitness for 12 weeks. Quality of life (QoL) and mental wellbeing were determined pre-and post-intervention. Physical loading and Flow experience were measured in one representative training session. Blood pressure (BP), Yo-Yo Intermittent endurance test level 1 (Yo-Yo IE1), sprint performance, postural balance, and body composition were also performed pre-and post-intervention. An improvement in mental wellbeing was observed for both groups from pre- to post-intervention (p values <0.001) with no between-group differences. Regarding QoL, the environment domain improved in FOT compared to CON (p = 0.02). Mean Flow (M = 5.69; SD = 1.07) and perceived importance (M = 4.20; SD = 1.42) and average experienced difficulty was M = 5.23 (SD = 2.67), perceived skill (M = 5.23; SD = 2.56), and perceived balance (M = 5.64; SD = 1.56). These levels of flow can be characterized as being high. A between-group effect (p = 0.02) existed for systolic BP, which decreased (p < 0.01) by -5% [-8; -1%] in CON and remained unchanged in FOT. Both groups improved the Yo-Yo IE1 to a similar extent, with 28% [11; 44%] (p = 0.001) in FOT and 27% [9; 46%] in CON (p = 0.005). Postural balance improved (p = 0.004) by 38% [13; 63%] in FOT only, resulting in a superior (p = 0.01) balance score in FOT compared to CON post-intervention (p = 0.004). Football Fitness improved the environmental quality of life domain and postural balance in older adults. Additionally, it appears to be a feasible group activity for older adults that promotes high flow and physical loading during training.

Standards of Accessibility to Health, Education, Culture and Leisure and The Association With Quality of Life For People With Disabilities

Objective: To evaluate the association between standards of accessibility to health, education, culture and leisure and the quality of life of people with disabilities. Theoretical Framework: Four fundamental rights play a vital role in human development: health, education, culture and leisure. These components are crucial for the general well-being and quality of life of all people, including those with some type of disability (DOS SANTOS; PEREIRA, 2023; MITRA et al., 2013; BEST et al., 2022). Method: 101 patients from the Specialized Center for Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities (CER IV), Rio Grande do Sul participated in the study. The Two Step Cluster method was used as an analytical procedure, which analyzes data in two stages and means comparisons. Results and Discussion: There are two patterns of accessibility to health, education, culture and leisure, with one group being characterized by having high levels of accessibility and another group being characterized by a group of participants with low levels of accessibility. High levels of accessibility to health, education, culture and leisure are associated with significantly higher levels of quality of life, both in general and in the physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains. Research Implications: The results presented may be useful to professionals who work with people with disabilities. Originality/Value: These results may also be relevant to guide public policies and interventions aimed at improving accessibility to these resources that are fundamental to promoting a higher quality of life in this population.

Decoding Cesium-137: a Deep Learning Approach to Environmental Prediction

The study delves into the significant environmental threat posed by cesium-137, a byproduct of nuclear mishaps, industrial activities, and past weapons tests. The persistence of cesium-137 disrupts ecosystems by contaminating soil and water, which subsequently affects human health through the food chain. Traditional monitoring techniques like gamma spectroscopy and soil sampling face challenges such as variability and the intensive use of resources. The paper introduces deep learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, as a revolutionary method for environmental monitoring. By utilizing extensive datasets, deep learning predicts the spread of cesium-137, thus enhancing our understanding and management of its impact. The application of predictive models based on deep learning in various environmental domains demonstrates their potential for analyzing cesium-137 pollution.