Adipocyte-derived apelin protects against radiation-induced enteropathy through Wnt/β-catenin-mediated intestinal regeneration.

Survey results of radiation detector for the Israeli first responders.

Detection of special nuclear materials (SNMs) is of vitalimportancein the prevention of nuclear terrorism and to secure states’national security. Neutron detection is a particularly useful toolto identify SNM, and neutron-sensitive scintillators have many promisingproperties, such as ease of use, good time resolution, and high detectionefficiency. In this work, we develop highly stable, self-oriented,ultrafast 1D ZnO:Li (and codoped with Al, Ga, and In) nanorods (NRs)as thermal neutron-sensitive scintillators. Lithium-6 has high thermalneutron cross section for the (n, α) reactionin ZnO:Li scintillators which have a vertical nano array design greatlyincreasing the effective surface area and scintillation efficiency.Cost-effective low-temperature (95 °C) hydrothermal growth isused to obtain highly crystalline ZnO:Li nano scintillators by combiningnuclear range data and electron transport mechanisms. Among the studiesusing low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis and a relatively lowannealing temperature (≈350 °C) along with optimized NRs(length ≈ 5–8 μm, mean diameter ≈ 700 nm)for thermal neutron detection, this study reports the shortest scintillationdecay time (≈ 470 ps) so far to the best of our knowledge.This nano array scintillator combines the advantages of a low-costgrowth technique with environmentally friendly and widely availablematerials.

The war in Ukraine raises concerns for potential hazards of radiological incidents and their impact on humans, especially families. Preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear incidents necessitates familiarity with pharmaceutical countermeasures, including antidotes and cytokines. Searches found no published study comparing adult indications and dosing among standard references. This study addresses this gap by collecting, tabulating, and disseminating information to health care professionals. Expert consensus chose the following references to compare adult indications and dosing of medical countermeasures for radiation exposure and internal contamination with radioactive materials: Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS) for Radiological Incidents & Terrorism, DailyMed, Internal Contamination Clinical Reference, Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents, Medical Management of Radiological Casualties, Micromedex, National Stockpiles for Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies: Policy Advice, POISINDEX, and Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM). This is the first study comparing adult indications and dosing for medical countermeasures among common references for radiological and nuclear incidents.

The development of nuclear science presents multifaceted benefits across diverse sectors, including energy, health, construction, agriculture, and food production. However, the proliferation of nuclear technology introduces the complex challenge of dual-use, encompassing both constructive applications and potential misuse for nefarious purposes such as terrorism. Indonesia, like many nations, faces this dual-use dilemma, necessitating robust defense mechanisms to safeguard against nuclear terrorism threats. This study aims to investigate and enhance Indonesia's defense system against nuclear terrorism by emphasizing integration and strategic intelligence within its defense components. The primary objective is to analyze the integration and coordination mechanisms among the main, supporting, and reserve components of Indonesia's defense system to strengthen strategic analysis and intelligence efforts in combating nuclear terrorism threats. Through a qualitative research methodology employing an analytical approach, data collection encompasses expert interviews, observations, and an extensive literature review. The study identifies various threat risks and potential initiators of nuclear terrorism attacks, highlighting the critical role of integrated defense components in addressing these threats effectively. Findings reveal the indispensable roles of the main, supporting, and reserve components in executing intelligence functions, including investigation, security, and information gathering, to mitigate the threat of nuclear terrorism. Despite their distinct roles, these components require seamless integration and coordination to maximize strategic analysis efforts and intelligence sharing. The research identifies several constraints hindering the effective implementation of integration and strategic intelligence within Indonesia's defense components. These constraints necessitate targeted improvements to enhance the nation's capability to mitigate the threat of nuclear terrorism effectively. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of integration and strategic intelligence within Indonesia's defense system to confront the evolving threat landscape of nuclear terrorism. By addressing research gaps and proposing actionable recommendations, this research contributes to strengthening Indonesia's defense posture against nuclear terrorism, thereby ensuring national security and global stability.

Radioprotective agents against the ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell injury; Foundation review.

The modern world is facing a double energy crisis: on the one hand, fossil fuel reserves are being depleted, and on the other hand, the level of environmental pollution is growing. In countries where coal and oil remain the main sources of energy, this problem is particularly acute, as dependence on traditional energy resources limits economic development and threatens environmental safety. The dual energy crisis is a serious challenge for the modern world, but it can be overcome through the active development of renewable energy. Investing in clean technologies, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and international cooperation in environmental security will help create a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system of the future. For example, the metallurgical plants of the Brazilian mining company Vale S.A. located in Indonesia are fully powered by hydropower; the mining multinational Rio Tinto Group plans to invest an additional $600 million in the construction of two 100 MW solar power plants in Pilbara by 2026. The situation in Ukraine's mining and metals sector is currently extremely difficult. The sector, which until February 24, 2022 accounted for the majority of the country's exports, is on the brink of survival. With the loss of Azovstal and Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol, the economy simultaneously lost more than 40% of its metal production. Other metallurgical enterprises reduced production due to the fighting, operating at only 20%. Inhulets, Pivdennyi and Pivdennyi mining and processing plants (MPPs) in Kryvyi Rih periodically suspend their operations, and production of MPPs of the Ferrexpo group, which includes Poltava, Bilanivske and Yeristovo MPPs, decreased by 47% [1]. Blocked seaports, logistical restrictions, and a 70% increase in Ukrzaliznytsia's freight tariffs have worsened the already difficult situation of the industry. Along with the extractive industry, the energy sector of Ukraine has been under terrorist attacks for three years. World Bank experts estimate the country's losses at over UAH 4.4 trillion. 80% of thermal generation, almost 100% of hydropower, most wind power plants, and half of photovoltaic power plants have been destroyed [2]. The minimum safety margin is provided by the nuclear power industry, which also suffered a significant loss - the seizure of the largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine and Europe, the Enerhodar NPP, by nuclear terrorists. In such critical conditions for the country, the issue of further development of nuclear generation, dispersal (decentralization) of electricity generation and protection against destruction of energy infrastructure facilities is more acute than ever. The main sources of raw materials for the Ukrainian iron ore industry are three basins: Bilozersky Iron Ore District (Zaporizhzhia region); Kerch Iron Ore Basin; and Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin. The latter includes not only the iron ore mines of Kryvyi Rih. Kryvyi Rih, as well as a number of GOKs located in Horishni Plavni (producing ore within the Kryvyi Rih-Kremenchuk structural and metallogenic zone). Taking into account the fact that the contribution of the enterprises of the Bilozersky and Kerch basins to the total ore production is less than 10%, and that the enterprises of Kryvyi Rih and Horishni Plavni operate, in fact, within the same basin, the general analysis in this paper is based on the production data of the Ferrexpo Poltava Mining Group. This will allow us to formalize the conclusions for all iron ore enterprises with an open-pit mining method with sufficient reliability. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the potential of renewable energy sources in the context of PJSC Poltava Mining and Processing Plant based on the calculations performed. It is established that the most promising direction for the development of distributed generation is wind and solar power plants. Taking into account the peculiarities of operation, it is recommended to focus on the construction of photovoltaic stations in the considered conditions

This article explores the complex and multifaceted impact of nuclear-armed states on contemporary international security. Particular emphasis is placed on the destabilizing role of nuclear weapons, especially in the context of threats posed by nuclear proliferation, arms races, and the potential outbreak of nuclear conflict. Through an analysis of classical international relations theories – realism, liberalism, and constructivism – the study examines how the possession of nuclear arsenals influences the foreign policy behavior of states and the global balance of power. The ambivalent nature of nuclear deterrence is discussed: while it may reduce the likelihood of large-scale wars between major powers, it also contributes to heightened tensions and instability in the international system. The article focuses on the issue of nuclear terrorism, the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, and the growing risks posed by dual-use technologies. It analyzes the role of international agreements such as the NPT, arms reduction treaties, and nuclear disarmament initiatives aimed at mitigating global threats. The importance of international cooperation, technology control, and political accountability is emphasized. The article argues for the formation of a comprehensive, multidimensional approach to achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world, combining political will, scientific innovation, and the strengthening of international legal norms. This study represents a timely contribution to the academic discourse on the prospects for nuclear disarmament in an era of escalating geopolitical tension.

The study presents a general perspective on the evolution of the weapons of mass destruction. The atomic bomb, which emerged in the context of the Second World War, ceased to be, shortly, the monopoly of a single power. There are two known cases of atomic bombings – on Hiroshima and Nagasaki –, which resulted in Japan’s exiting the second world conflagration. Nuclear bombs have never been used since then, which is explained by the fact that the great powers have realized that the implementation of these weapons would lead to a planetary disaster in which they would have no strength to gain. The tendency of a terrorist organization to seize nuclear bombs further jeopardizes international security. In the context of the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war in February 2022, a unique situation in history occurred, when foreign armed forces occupied a nuclear power plant, thus threatening the entire global security system.

Modern problems of the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials pose a serious threat to global security, ecology and human health. The article provides number of events dealt with the prevention of the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials as in Ukraine so in other countries. Reasons of the occurrence of radioactive materials out of regulatory control are considered. Having analyzed the key aspects of the problem, it is possible to apply the reasons for its occurrence, in particular, insufficient control over radioactive materials, the weakness of regulatory mechanisms in a number of countries, as well as the growth of terrorist and criminal threats. The article examines the consequences of the illegal circulation of radioactive materials for society, such as the risks of radiation contamination, an increase in the level of terrorist activity, and economic losses. Special attention is paid to the analysis of international efforts to combat the illicit circulation of radioactive materials, including the activities of such organizations as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Global Initiative to Combat Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The role of modern monitoring technologies, integrated surveillance systems and automation of control processes is highlighted. Ways to increase the effectiveness of countermeasures are proposed, including improving international legislation, creating a global database of radioactive materials, increasing the level of professional training of personnel responsible for control of radioactive materials, as well as strengthening information interaction between states. The article is a contribution to the scientific discussion of the problem and offers specific practical measures aimed at reducing the risks associated with the illegal circulation of radioactive materials.

Accurately detecting nuclear materials concealed within the bulk of cargo containers is essential for establishing a robust defense against nuclear terrorism. Identifying such hidden materials can be achieved through imaging techniques that are ideally non-intrusive—meaning the container does not need to be manually opened—and capable of providing quick and precise identification of the contents. Muon tomography is one such effective imaging technique, utilized across various fields. This technique reconstructs cargo images using cosmic-ray muons, highly penetrative particles that reach the Earth's surface from the upper atmosphere and interact with materials primarily through Coulomb scattering. This study conducts a simulated examination of cosmic-ray muon tomography to detect special nuclear materials, specifically focusing on identifying uranium isotopes U-235 and U-238, as well as plutonium (Pu-239), hidden within large liquid freight containers. A series of muon simulations is performed using the Geant4 software platform to explore the potential for imaging small amounts of concealed nuclear materials within large-scale containers filled individually with water or oil. The results confirm the accurate detection and localization of illicit nuclear content within the substantial volume of liquid freight containers.

Abstract In this article I examine why Vietnam, a state possessing neither nuclear weapons nor nuclear power plants, adopted nuclear security purely as a preventive measure against nuclear terrorism. Although nuclear security emerged as a norm specifically related to countering nuclear terrorism following 9/11, it has received diverse responses from states. Nuclear weapon states, and states that possess nuclear materials (encompassing the United States, Japan and Canada) have actively advanced nuclear security as they face the threat of nuclear terrorism. In contrast, states without nuclear power plants have been unwilling to do so as they do not identify nuclear terrorism as a national threat. However, among these states, Vietnam began to adhere to the norm in 2012, and by 2014 was even recognized as one of the most progressive states in the nuclear security field. Drawing on Vietnamese regulations, elite statements and interviews conducted with Vietnamese officials, I endeavour to show that Vietnam actively changed its stance after nuclear security began to be diffused as an independent norm, in isolation from the other nuclear norms it had previously been grafted onto. Further, I discuss the merits of these strategies as barriers and facilitators for norm adoption in the case of Vietnam.

Since 1957, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expanded its role in nuclear security. While it was only intended to focus on promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy in line with safeguards implementation to prevent nuclear proliferation, its mandate has, in time, evolved to address the emerging threats to nuclear technology, i.e., nuclear terrorism and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. In this historical perspective, the article analyses the development of the IAEA's nuclear security framework. Over time, there have been key points, such as the need for physical protection in the 1970s and the establishment of comprehensive security measures after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Currently, the IAEA's nuclear security program consists of guidance, training, and international cooperation efforts, which are only available upon the request of Member States. More recently, it has expanded its nuclear security efforts to provide technical assistance and monitor nuclear safety and security in conflict zones. However, this expansion has not been easy for the IAEA as it has challenges such as funding limitations and the tension between national sovereignty and international oversight. Ultimately, the IAEA's nuclear security role as the global platform shows its critical importance in enhancing international efforts to mitigate nuclear security threats. However, while the IAEA has made important progress in nuclear security, structural and political limitations constrain its effectiveness.

The latest edition, the fourth, of Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological and Radiological Terrorism and Other Hazards stands out as a pivotal resource aimed at fortifying the emergency readiness of nursing and healthcare practitioners against disasters. Under the stewardship of Tener Goodwin Veenema, a renowned authority in disaster nursing, this edition broadens the narrative to encompass an extensive array of hazards, spanning natural calamities to acts of terrorism. The structured layout, segmented into clear divisions such as preparedness, response, recovery and specialised topics, streamlines both pedagogical and emergency reference purposes.

Research has revealed that a terror attack in Malaysia, a developing nation, is a cause for alarm as it could create panic among its citizens. To address this, a study was conducted to investigate the dispersion of radionuclides after a hypothetical explosion, considering multiple cities in Malaysia as potential targets, including Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. The primary aim of the research was to analyze the dose concentrations released from the RDD explosion over a 24-hour period and to assess the associated health risks in terms of morbidity and mortality per 100,000 people in these cities. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) software was employed to simulate the trajectory and dispersion of air particles, taking into account parameters such as time, altitude, and potential target cities, based on meteorological data from the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The research focused on the analysis of Cs-137 at 50 TBq and was conducted with simulations on December 22, 2020. Results from the simulations revealed that the dose concentration in the air within 24 hours was 3.3 mSv, 1.8 mSv, and 7.7 mSv for Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu, respectively, while the dose deposited on the ground was 150 mSv, 71 mSv, and 310 mSv for the same cities. Furthermore, it was found that the dose concentration was most significant within the first four hours after the release of Cs-137, peaking between 30 to 90 minutes at altitudes of 60 to 80 meters. In terms of risk assessment, the research indicated that, for individuals located at this altitude during the timeframe of 0045 hours to 0100 hours after the dispersion of Cs-137, there could be 88 fatalities and 128 injuries per 100,000 residents in the city. The simulation offers valuable insights and guidance for governmental efforts to improve radioactive waste management and formulating or enhancing protocols to address such incidents promptly. It is essential to take swift and effective actions in order to protect the lives of the population in the event of a radiological terrorist threat.

The article deals with the issue of legal regulation of the fight against nuclear terrorism. The purpose of the article is to highlight the problems of legal regulation of the fight against nuclear terrorism. The authors of the article conducted a retrospective review and analyzed the state of development of Ukrainian legislation in the field of legal regulation of the fight against nuclear terrorism. As a result of such consideration, it was determined that the last decades of the 20th century, as well as the 21st century, showed that the greatest threat is terrorist organizations that have an international (transnational) character and are connected to organized criminal societies. Terrorist organizations have largely reoriented themselves from single murders or serious explosions of conventional explosives to active attempts to acquire or manufacture means of mass destruction with the subsequent threat of use. The level of risk of using nuclear weapons and radioactive materials can be pre-estimated by threats of committing acts of nuclear terrorism and theft of nuclear materials. The authors of the article provide separate data related to terrorist acts, as well as the most dangerous cases of their abduction. The article analyzes the basis of the provisions of the International Convention on Combating Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The authors concluded that the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism plays a key role in ensuring nuclear security. Before the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, Ukraine was considered to be an example of a consistent and balanced policy in the field of nuclear non-proliferation. The events that have been going on in Ukraine for almost three years have shown that nuclear legislation, both international and domestic, in the sphere related to the use of nuclear energy is imperfect and does not provide adequate answers to many questions. Externally, the political activity of states that possess nuclear weapons is decisive for the future of humanity, for the survival of human civilization. To prevent the unthinkable - the destruction of life on earth, to defend peace - there is no more important task for all peoples of our planet today. According to the authors, it is expedient to develop and adopt an international act on the norms of relations between nuclear states, which would be of great importance.

Advancing source reactor-type discrimination using machine learning techniques and SFCOMPO-2.0 experimental database

The global challenge of on-site detection of highly enriched uranium (HEU), a substance with considerable potential for unauthorized use in nuclear security, is a critical concern. Traditional passive nondestructive assay (NDA) techniques, such as gamma-ray spectroscopy with high-purity germanium detectors, face significant challenges in detecting HEU when it is shielded by heavy metals. Addressing this critical security need, we introduce an on-site detection method for lead-shielded HEU employing a transportable NDA system that utilizes the 252Cf rotation method with a water Cherenkov neutron detector. This cost-effective NDA system is capable of detecting 4.17 g of 235U within a 12 min measurement period using a 252Cf source of 3.7 MBq. Integrating this system into border control measures can enhance the prevention of HEU proliferation significantly and offer robust deterrence against nuclear terrorism.

Radioisotope irradiators (using cesium-137 or cobalt-60) are used as sources of ionizing radiation to control quarantine or phytosanitary insect pests in internationally traded fresh commodities and to sterilize insects used in sterile insect release programs. There are institutional initiatives to replace isotopic irradiators (producing γ-rays) with lower-energy X-ray machines due to concerns about radiological terrorism and increasingly stringent regulations on the movement of radioisotopes. Questions remain about whether the biological effects of low-energy X-rays are comparable to those of γ-rays since differences in energy levels and dose rates of X-rays may have different efficacies. We compared adult emergence, flight ability, and adult survival in the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritdae), after irradiation of third instar larvae with 100 kV or 5 MeV (5,000 kV) X-rays at 20 and 40 Gy in replicated studies. At 20 Gy, the adult emergence rate was significantly lower after irradiation with 100 kV compared to 5 MeV X-rays, suggesting higher efficacy at the lower energy level. In a follow-up study using 100 kV X-rays, applying 20 Gy using a slow dose rate (0.24 Gy min-1) resulted in significantly higher adult emergence than did a fast dose rate (3.3 Gy min-1), suggesting lower efficacy. Although our study suggests higher efficacy of low energy 100 kV X-rays, there is uncertainty in measuring the dose from an X-ray tube operating at 100 kV using an ionization chamber; we discuss how this uncertainty may change the interpretation of the results. Using a 100 kV X-ray irradiator to develop a phytosanitary treatment may underestimate the dose required for insect control using commercial high-energy γ-ray or X-ray systems.

Radiation protection contains the key elements of nuclear safety and security. Despite the overlap between nuclear safety and security, their objectives differ fundamentally, focusing on unintentional accidents and intentional malicious events, respectively. As such, the Potential Facility Risk Index (PFRI), originally created for security purposes, has evolved into an approach that combines conventional probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), which is a widely employed method to evaluate the safety risks of nuclear facilities. This research has developed a risk assessment model within the PFRI framework to calculate the probability of nuclear terrorism. Three essential components of the model are integrated: an analysis of historical nuclear terrorism data to determine an initial threat frequency; the target-specific factor using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) target attractiveness analysis; and the adversary motivation factor based on site-specific social influences from the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) dataset. Applied to a hypothetical nuclear facility, the model produces a nuclear terrorism probability of 8.97 × 10 -3 y - 1 . The systematic methodology proposed in the study enables the derivation of nuclear terrorism probability with results in the same risk unit as safety risk assessment. This method allows decision makers to seamlessly incorporate nuclear safety and security risk assessments, offering a comprehensive perspective. Consequently, it enriches comprehension of nuclear facility risks and establishes the groundwork for future advancements.