Public Exposure Research Articles

Estimates and measurements of radiofrequency exposures in smart-connected homes.

The aim of this research was to quantify the levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (RF-EME) in a residential home/apartment equipped with a range of wireless devices, often referred to as internet of things (IoT) devices or smart devices and subsequently develop a tool that could be useful for estimating the levels of RF-EME in a domestic environment. Over the course of 3 years measurements were performed in peoples' homes on a total of 43 devices across 16 device categories. Another 12 devices were measured in detail in a laboratory setup. In all a total of 55 individual devices across 23 device categories were measured. Based on this measurement data we developed predictive software that showed that even with a single device in 23 device categories operating near maximum they would, in total, produce exposures at a distance of 1 m of 0.17% of the ICNIRP (2020) public exposure limits. Measurements were also made in two separate smart apartments-one contained over 50 IoT devices and a second with over 100 IoT devices with the devices driven as hard as could reasonably be achieved. The respective 6-min average exposure level recorded were 0.0077% and 0.44% of the ICNIRP (2020) 30-min average public exposure limit.

Semi-autonomous sensor fusion-based strategy for unmanned aerial atmospheric surveillance system in open field environments

<p>This paper explores the convergence of semi-autonomous systems and sensor fusion for monitoring hazardous atmospheric substances in open and semi-confined environments such as open-pit mines. As the heart of this system, a universal and flexible device leveraging wireless technologies to collect and analyze large volumes of data, designed by the authors, is proposed. The article outlines the key components of the platform, emphasizing its potential for increasing personnel safety levels as stipulated by the international public exposure guidelines. In modern mines, it becomes crucial to monitor elevated concentrations of nitrogen and carbon oxides, as well as other pollutants after blasting and the toxic gas emissions produced by the heavy transportation equipment such as mining trucks and excavators. In this paper, industrial-grade electrochemical sensors are compared with price-affordable but less precise microelectrochemical ones. The performed experiments for lowering computational requirements show promising results. The integration of an ultrasonic anemometer enhances the system’s capabilities, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric conditions. In parallel, the research discusses the role of computer vision in autonomous control systems, with a focus on the architecture and processing pipeline of the state-of-the-art system-on-module Kria by AMD. Advocating the potential of adaptive computing for enhanced efficiency in dynamic environments, the paper underlines the importance of the integrated approach in developing a semi-autonomous atmospheric surveillance system and highlights the impact of adaptive computing in dynamic scenarios. The main part of the measuring equipment and methods has been experimented with in real conditions in open-pit mines in Bulgaria. This is an initial phase of ongoing research aimed at serving as a foundation for future improvements and the elaboration of a fully autonomous prototype for hazardous substances evaluation in the atmosphere of open-pit mines.<strong></strong></p>

Computational analysis of electromagnetic field exposure in passengers near high- current contact wire environments.

The electromagnetic environment of a railway station is composed of electrical, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields, which are generated by various sources such as traction current, voltage, pantograph-catenary arc, locomotive braking, wheel-rail rolling arc, and communication systems. However, there is public growing concern among the public about the potential negative human health effects of this electromagnetic environment. To analyze the distribution of electromagnetic fields in human tissues, electromagnetic simulation software is used to create a model that includes six track contact wires and four waiting passengers on three platforms. This model is used to analyze the magnetic field environment created by high currents in the contact wires of a multi-track high-speed railway station. By varying the loads on different contact wires, the distribution of electric field and magnetic flux density within human tissues of waiting passengers on different platforms is studied using this model. When the track is unoccupied, the calculation results show that the maximum values of the electric field and magnetic flux density of the passenger's human body tissue at the blind way on the platform and 1m of the blind way are 17.6mVm-1 and 52.7 μT, respectively. These values increase by 9.28mVm-1 and 16.4 μT compared to when the track is occupied. When more contact wires are loaded with currents, the electric field mode and magnetic flux density mode of human tissues increase at the same position on the platform. Specifically, when the contact wires of six tracks are loaded with current at the same time, the maximum values of the electric field mode and magnetic flux density mode of the waiting passengers' human tissues at the blind way on different platforms are 29.6mVm-1 and 88.1 μT, respectively. These maximum values are lower than the public electromagnetic exposure limits that are designated by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines. The research results demonstrate that the magnetic field environment generated by the current in the contact wires of a railway station with six tracks does not pose a health risk to human tissues of passengers waiting at the blind way and 1m of the blind way on the platform. These findings can provide valuable data reference for the formulation of relevant standards for the design of electrified rail transit, as well as the suppression of electromagnetic interference and protection of human bioelectromagnetism.

Analysis of data on levels of public exposure to natural sources of radiation in the Ivanovo region

The paper presents the results of analysis of the Ivanovo Regional databank of radiation doses to the pub-lic from exposure to natural and technologically enhanced radiation background for 2008–2022. Despite the fact that the average individual annual effective dose of public exposure due to natural sources of radiation in the Ivanovo region calculated for the whole 15-year period (4.63 mSv/year) does not qualify as increased (i.e. does not exceed the level of 5 mSv/year), in some years of the period under review the average dose repeatedly exceeded this level, reaching 7.50 mSv/year. The analysis of the structure of the doses of public exposure due to natural sources of radiation in the Ivanovo region showed that the contribution of the dose from internal exposure to radon, thoron and progenies according to measurement results from 2008–2022 ranged from 65.98 to 81.47%. The paper provides examples of buildings of different types in settlements of the Ivanovo region, in which the indoor radon isotopes equilibrium equivalent concentrations are more than 1.5 times higher than the established action level for existing dwellings and public buildings (200 Bq/m3). Despite the significant amount of measurement data in the Regional databank, it is necessary to obtain additional information on the indoor radon levels in existing wooden and other low-rise dwellings and public buildings in the most radon-prone areas of the region. For this purpose, a radon survey is planned for 2024-2026 in the cities of Ivanovo and Kohma, Privolzhsky, Gavrilovo-Posadsky, Teykovsky and Zavolzhsky districts of the Ivanovo region within the framework of a joint project of Saint-Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Professor P.V. Ramzaev, the Directorate of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing in the Ivanovo region, and the Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Ivanovo region.

An experience of the Conservation of Historic Buildings’ Facades in Old Saida City

This article delves into the nuanced experience and challenges involved in conserving historic building facades within an old Saida city neighborhood marked by neglect and limited restoration efforts due to class dynamics and discrimination by heritage curators. Nevertheless, its buildings have been subjected to lack of maintenance and repair which led to processes of degradation with time and loss of some cultural heritage [6]. Focusing on a deprived area, the paper examines the challenges and opportunities encountered in conserving architectural heritage amidst socioeconomic constraints. Damage related to the collapse of building elements necessitates an investigation into the underlying causes to prevent such occurrences. This involves identifying a set of parameters to assess the hazards of façades and public exposure. Through a blend of community involvement in close coordination between the author who drives innovative conservation techniques, UNDP and the Municipality of Saida, the project sheds light on the potential for safeguarding the historical character to the damaged historic Musalkhiyyeh street arcades and façades, Kaniset el-amercani, Musallabiyyeh old market streets amongst with a specific square called “Furn el Saha” in old Saida historic city. The project falls under the UNDP project “Improving Living Conditions in Gatherings Host Communities”. The conservation project aimed to conserve those buildings, and promoted histories of places and people’s memories connected to the selected heritage sites. The project rehabilitated internally and externally for the three selected areas. It addressed both the physical deterioration and build the knowledge about the importance of the sites. By documenting this journey, valuable lessons emerge for policymakers, urban planners, and conservationists seeking to address heritage preservation in marginalized communities. Historic structures design and construction tell us much about the cultures and the history of a community that created them and about the traditions and events from which our society grew.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN APPLICATION FOR ASSESSING PUBLIC RADIATION EXPOSURE WHEN LIVING AND CARRYING OUT ANY ACTIVITIES AT THE SEMIPALATINSK TEST SITE

The article presents an overview of capabilities of developed software ‘Assessment of public radiation exposure when living and carrying out any activities at the Semipalatinsk Test Site’ and quoted the algorithm to calculate public individual annual effective exposure doses from the major dose-forming man-made radionuclides at the test site (137Cs, 90Sr, 239+240Pu, 241Am, 3H). The software developed takes into account such behavior scenario as a farmer engaged in subsistence farming and living in the study area together with his family members. The software was developed for Windows operating system and implemented in the development framework of cross-platform applications Embarcadero Delphi XE7 Professional in the object-oriented programming language Object Pascal.

Contribution of Thoron and Its Progeny to the Effective Dose by Inhalation in the Uranium-Thorium Bearing Regions of Mayo Kebbi and Guéra in Chad

Abstract In recent years, technological developments and hypotheses made by some researchers have revealed that the effective inhalation dose from thoron and its progeny was underestimated. This study uses direct measurements to show the significant contribution of thoron progeny to the effective inhalation dose. To achieve this, radon-thoron discriminative detectors (RADUET) and thoron progeny monitors were used for the simultaneous measurement of radon, thoron, and thoron progeny in 150 selected houses in the townships of Bitkine, Mongo, Léré, and Pala in southern Chad. By solid-state detection, concentrations of radon, thoron, and thoron progeny were measured and associated effective doses evaluated. The mean concentrations of radon, thoron, and thoron progeny were 62 (1), 60 (2), and 7.6 (2.1) Bq m−3, respectively. These concentrations are above the corresponding global average values. The equilibrium factor of the thoron varied considerably from one municipality to another. The average total annual effective dose by inhalation was estimated to be 4.23 mSv. The contribution of thoron and its progeny to the total inhalation dose ranged from 5% to 86% with an average of 62%. Considering the above, public exposure to thoron and its associated progeny is a public health concern in a similar way to radon.

Exposure to radon gas in groundwater in southwest Angola (Lubango-Huíla): Implications of geology and climate change

In southern African countries most of the population uses groundwater collected in dug wells for domestic consumption instead of water from public distribution systems. To investigate the impact of natural and human factors on urban groundwater quality, 276 samples were collected in the Lubango region (Angola) in water distribution systems and dug wells ranging from a few meters to almost one hundred meters in depth. Radon concentrations (RC) were determined by liquid scintillation counting according to ISO 13164–4:2015.Geology is the main source of the variability of RC, with median values higher than 100 Bq/L in granitoid units and lower values in mafic and sedimentary units (ranging from 5 to 38 Bq/L). On average, RC was higher in dug wells compared to public water distribution systems. The annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon in water is, on average, ten times lower in the later compared to dug wells. Therefore, from a public exposure perspective, water distribution systems are preferred as means for water distribution. A severe multi-year meteorological drought over the past decade affecting 76–94 % of the population in southern Angola has been linked with climate change. Consequently, a regional lowering of the water table was observed, as well as a reduction in the productivity of shallower wells, leading to a search for water at greater depths. This work demonstrates an increase in median RC from 66 Bq/L in wells shallower than 30 m to values over 100 Bq/L with increasing depth of water extraction and for the same geological unit. The highest RC observed were also observed at the deepest wells. The dose ingested is proportional to RC, being also higher at deeper water extraction depths. The increase in public radiation exposure from radon ingestion due to water extraction at greater depths is attributed to the underlying issue of climate change. Monitoring water quality in terms of radionuclide concentration is advised to ensure the exposure to ionizing radiation remains at acceptable levels in the future.

Risk Factors of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Sindh Province, Pakistan

ObjectivesIn Sindh Province, Pakistan, confirmed Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) increased from zero in 2008 to 16 in 2015-2016. To counter this increase, in 2016, we initiated structured CCHF surveillance to improve estimates of risk factors for CCHF in Sindh and to identify potential interventions. MethodsBeginning in 2016, all referral hospitals in Sindh reported all CCHF cases to surveillance agents. We used laboratory-confirmed cases from CCHF surveillance from 2016 to 2020 to compute incidence rates and in a case–control study to quantify risk factors for CCHF. ResultsFor the 5 years, CCHF incidence was 4.2 per million for the Sindh capital, Karachi, (68 cases) and 0.4 per million elsewhere. Each year, the onset of new cases peaked during the 13 days during and after the 3-day Eid-al-Adha festival, when Muslims sacrificed livestock, accounting for 38% of cases. In Karachi, livestock for Eid were purchased at a seasonal livestock market that concentrated up to 700,000 livestock. CCHF cases were most common (44%) among the general population that had visited livestock markets (odds ratio = 102). ConclusionsUrban CCHF in Sindh province is associated with the general public's exposure to livestock markets in addition to high-risk occupations.

High throughput and sensitive quantitation of tobacco-specific alkaloids and nitrosamines in wastewater

Tobacco-specific alkaloids and nitrosamines are important biomarkers for the estimation of tobacco use and human exposure to tobacco-specific nitrosamines that can be monitored by wastewater analysis. Thus far their analysis has used solid phase extraction, which is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we developed a direct injection liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of two tobacco-specific alkaloids and five nitrosamines in wastewater. The method achieved excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99) for all analytes, with calibration ranging from 0.10 to 800 ng/L. Method limits of detection and quantification were 0.17 ng/L (N-nitrosonornicotine, NNN) and 1.0 ng/L (N-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and NNN), with acceptable accuracy (100 % ± 20 %) and precision (± 15 %). Analyte loss during filtration was < 15 %, and the relative matrix effect was < 10 %. The method was applied to 43 pooled wastewater samples collected from three wastewater treatment plants in Australia between 2017 and 2021. Anabasine and anatabine were detected in all samples at concentrations of 5.0 – 33 ng/L and 12 – 41 ng/L, respectively. Three of the five tobacco-specific nitrosamines (NAT, NNN, and (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) (NNAL)) were detected, in < 50 % of the wastewater samples, with concentrations nearly ten times lower than the tobacco alkaloids (< 1.0 – 6.2 ng/L). In-sewer stability of the nitrosamines was also assessed in this study, with four (NAT, NNAL, NNN, and N-nitrosoanabasine (NAB)) being stable (i.e. < 20 % transformation over 12 h in both control reactor (CR) and rising main reactor (RM) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) being moderately stable (< 40 % loss over 12 h in RM). This direct injection method provides a high-throughput approach in simultaneous investigation of tobacco use and assessment of public exposure to tobacco-specific nitrosamines.

KEY CHALLENGES AND THREATS FOR OPERATORS OF THE 112 EMERGENCY NUMBER DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE MAZOWIECKIE VOIVODESHIP

The article attempts to analyze emergency calls to the 112 number and demonstrate the challengesand threats faced by the 112 operators in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship during the COVID-19pandemic, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The research focuses on changes inthe type of calls, the increase in the number of calls and other difficulties that operators have hadto face. The analysis is based on data from the period of 2017 to 2022, particularly highlighting thenew challenges caused by the pandemic, such as handling requests connected with COVID-19.The authors draw attention to the important role of operators in public health protection andtheir exposure to stress in difficult working conditions. The study aims to understand the burdenon the emergency notification system in the context of the pandemic and to highlight the role ofoperators in this process.

Bi-objective optimization for last-mile routing of garbage trucks: Aesthetics and Public exposure.

In the area of Solid Waste Management, transportation of the collected waste is a critical aspect considering the substantial time spent by garbage trucks on public roads. Studies have reported that transporting garbage has challenges related to public exposure and aesthetics. This study presents a generalised bi-objective formulation for the optimal routing of garbage trucks from transfer stations to recycling sites/landfills considering the trade-off between public exposure and aesthetic loss and constraining the operating cost. The formulation uses the novel link capacity function to account for the delay at traffic signals and the mix of trucks and cars on link performance. The proposed formulation is solved using the weighted sum and ε-constraint methods and applied to a realistic case study of the City of Chicago, USA. The Pareto Front obtained for the bi-objective formulation offers diverse trade-off solutions catering to distinct performance metrics. The results highlight the disparity across the solutions; the solution (P0.95 on Pareto Front) for minimum operating cost (or travel time or distance travelled) is very different from the solution (P0.4 on Pareto Front) for aesthetic cost and public exposure. The parametric study indicated that a modest operating budget may suffice for achieving aesthetic benefits, but minimising public exposure requires a higher operating budget. Finally, the proposed framework is adaptable to address various challenges pertaining to waste transportation, thereby serving as a valuable tool for evaluating policies and practices geared towards sustainability objectives.

Data-driven approach for air pollutant concentrations forecasting: A window-based multi-output GBRT approach

Air pollutant concentrations forecasting is essential for detrimental public exposure prevention, air quality enhancement, and effective environmental policy shaping. Recently, air pollutant concentrations forecasting based on machine learning has been considerably advanced with the development of data-driven approaches. However, multi-source data constraints and architectural complexity in machine learning approaches limit the use of machine learning in actual scenarios. Herein we present a window-based multi-output gradient boosting regression tree (WM-GBRT) approach to predict air pollutant concentrations for the next 48 h at each monitoring station, considering air pollutant monitoring data, meteorological monitoring data, NECP-GFS data, and GEOS-CF data. The key innovation of our approach lies in the flexible input window configuration and the implementation of an multi-step independent strategy. The experiments were conducted in China and compared to existing data-driven baselines, we show that our approach achieved the superior performance in forecasting concentrations of six air pollutants, with a considerable improvement of 6.94 % (PM2.5), 12.3 % (PM10), 3.84 % (O3), 30.6 % (SO2), 9.84 % (NO2), and 93.9 % (CO) when compared to the second-best baselines. This simple yet efficient approach can be easily applied, providing a reliable technical method for predicting air pollutant concentrations.

Study of the Correlation between Streaming Video Platform Content on Food Production Processes and the Behavioral Intentions of Generation Z.

With an estimated 2.4 million cases of foodborne illnesses recorded annually in the UK alone, food safety has become a paramount concern among stakeholders. Modern technology has positioned streaming platforms as pivotal conduits for disseminating information. Channels such as YouTube offer detailed recordings of the food production process, granting consumers extensive visibility of the food journey from farm to table. This increased transparency not only promotes vigilant monitoring of food safety practices but also solicits consumer feedback regarding the public exposure to food processing videos. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study augments its framework with constructs, such as perceived trust, perceived risk, community experience, and brand identity, to evaluate Taiwan's Generation Z consumer behavioral intentions. With 226 valid responses amassed, structural equation modeling facilitated elucidation of the relationships among the constructs. This analysis yielded three salient insights. First, Generation Z's engagement with food processing videos on streaming platforms is positively correlated with their subsequent purchasing behavior. Second, enriched community experience was correlated with strengthened brand identification. Third, both perceived trust and perceived risk had a constructive impact on behavioral intentions within Gen Z's demographic data. Based on these outcomes, food industry enterprises should proactively develop and bolster community experiential value, thereby encouraging streaming platform users to transform into brand consumers and advocates.

Use and Abuse of Social Media as a Punitive Remedy in Light of Criminal Law: A Tool or a Court? Analysis of the Chilean Regulation

Over the last few years, Chile’s judicial system has witnessed a rise in criminal assumptions generated through social networks, under its hypotheses of funas, doxing, flagging or, in general, the exposure of the personal data of an individual, whether motivated by the performance of conduct of criminal relevance or simply of dubious morality or social appropriateness. Although these conducts originated as a form of digital social empowerment, they have turned into a criminal matter on their own right, posing a series of issues regarding the correct application of the law and casting doubt on the appropriate legal mechanisms to handle these types of accusations, as cases involving these kinds of conducts have been resolved both on a criminal and constitutional level. Thus, the purpose of this article is to determine whether the current Chilean national regulation provides sufficient tools that, with a reasonable interpretation, allow it to correctly handle these sorts of cases. Moreover, this article aims to, through a comprehensive analysis of Germany’s current legislation, determine whether Chile requires a new all-encompassing regulatory approach to these hypotheses similar to the German solution, or if the current rules provide a proper solution to the problem of public personal data exposure on social media as a dangerous behaviour for the person whose data is being exposed.

Absorption of 5G sub-6 GHz electromagnetic radiation from base station to male reproduction system

Background The impact of electromagnetic radiation from communication on the male reproductive system has emerged as a significant concern in public health. A notable distinction of the 5G sub-6 GHz band, compared to traditional 2G, 3G, and 4G frequency bands, is the inclusion of higher frequency bands. This has raised public concerns regarding the potential effects of these higher frequencies on organisms, particularly their reproductive systems. While it is imperative to investigate the biological effects and potential risks associated with these new frequency bands in laboratory settings, comparing and evaluating differences between various frequency bands remain challenging due to the absence of standardized parameters such as exposure conditions and duration. In contrast, dose assessment offers a simpler and more reliable approach. Materials and methods The dose assessment method was employed in this study to investigate the risks associated with sub-6 GHz electromagnetic radiation from 5G base stations on the male reproductive system. A classical human body model (Duke) was utilized, and an electromagnetic simulation environment was established based on the actual polarization direction of the exposed base stations and various body postures. This research explored the effects of field direction, posture, public population, and frequency on the specific absorption rate of the reproductive system. Results and conclusions While maintaining the same level of exposure, a higher frequency results in a reduced dosage on reproductive system. Further analysis reveals that, considering the public exposure threshold, the employment of higher frequency bands in 5G sub-6 GHz does not present a greater dosage on reproductive system compared to lower frequency bands. Consequently, with regard to dosage, there is no need for excessive concern among the general public regarding the impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by 5G base stations operating below 6 GHz on male reproductive health.

Determination of Activity Concentration and Radiological Risks from Gold Mine Tailings around Ilahun-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria

In this study, the activity concentrations and radiological risks associated with exposure to NORMS in soils around the gold mine tailings in Ilahun – Ijesa, Obokun Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria was evaluated. A Sodium Iodide (NaI) gamma spectroscopy was used to determine the activity concentrations of the natural radio nuclides in soil samples that were collected from the gold mine tailings. The mean activity concentration for 238 U, 232 Th and 40K were 14.50±2.40, 10.45±3.20 and 332.70±6.10 Bqkg-1 respectively. The average absorbed dose was calculated to be 26.4 nGy/h and the corresponding average annual effective dose was found to be 0.0031 mSv, which is less than the total annual effective dose of 1 mSv recommended by ICRP for public exposure control. Radiological hazard parameters were evaluated from activity concentrations and the average values were found to be lower than recommended safety limits.

Why we should have a universal air quality index?

Air pollution is known to be one of the major risk factors for premature morbidity and mortality globally, which are preventable. Therefore, the public is informed about air pollution through the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI represents integrated data of selected pollutants and produces a combined overall index for specific locations and time. The AQI algorithm generates a range of numbers and categories of colors that indicate likely health risks from air pollutants and the public's actions to minimize the risks. However, it lacks emerging evidence on chemical toxicity or composition. Hence, policymakers may also consider addinga toxicity matrix of fine particles to refine the algorithm, such as oxidative potential. Further, the risk is commonly communicated in numbers and not in color as dictated by the AQI. The AQI values and categories vary significantly between countries for the same pollution concentration, leading to confusion. Hence, we recommend developing a universal AQI (UAQI) with a consistent relationship between colors, concentrations, and toxicity to communicate air pollution risks to the public. Further, communication media should be encouraged to use universal color-coding rather than AQI values, i.e., numbers. Therefore, a global policy framework for regulatory authorities and policymakers is needed to communicate air pollution risk information consistently and to minimize public health exposure.

Assessment of Outdoor Background Radiation Level and its Radiological Hazards at Jimeta and Yola Towns of Adamawa State, Nigeria

The radiation from different types of radionuclides has both advantages and disadvantages. However, detailed research reveals that the drawbacks of several radionuclides far outweigh their advantages, particularly in regions with high concentrations, posing alarming impacts on human health. The study focuses on assessing outdoor background radiation levels in Jimeta and Yola towns, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Using a well-calibrated portable halogen-quenched Geiger Muller (GM) detector at 20 locations, measurements were taken at an elevation of 1.0m above ground level, with GPS tracking for accurate location. The research evaluates radiological health hazards and radiation effective doses to different body organs based on outdoor background exposure rates. Comparison with recommended permissible limits reveals that mean values for outdoor background exposure levels (0.016 mRh-1) and absorbed dose rates (147.46 nGyh-1) exceed safety limits (0.013 mRh-1, 84.0 nGyh-1) set by UNSCEAR and ICRP. The total excessive lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) ranged from 0.33× 10−3 to 2.61× 10−3 , with a mean value of 0.78 × 10−3 , close to the world average lifetime cancer limit (1.45× 10−3 ). Despite the mean annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) (0.2219mSvy-1) being below the recommended limit of 1.00 mSvy-1 for general public exposure, and effective doses to various body organs remaining below 1.0 mSvy-1, the study indicates potential long-term health hazards such as cancer due to accumulated doses. Generally, the study shows that Jimeta and Yola Metroplis is relatively safe radiologically with little contamination which could be attributed to the geological formation and partly due to human activity such as market and car park for transport system in the area. However, the contamination will not pose any immediate radiological health effect on resident of the area but there is tendency for long –term health hazards in the future such as cancer due to doses accumulated. It is therefore recommended that regular radiation monitoring exercise should be conducted on the area from time to time in order to checkmate both the workers and the members of public from high radiation exposure.

The Influence of Nigeria's Level of Public Debt on the Country's Ability to Sustain Fiscal Stability

This research investigates the impact of public debt exposure on Nigeria's fiscal sustainability through an ex post facto research design. The study utilizes quarterly data from 1986 to 2021, comprising 36 data points sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and World Bank databases. Employing descriptive statistics, unit root analysis, Johansen cointegration, and Vector Error Correction techniques, the analysis maintains a significance level of 5%. The model exhibits a satisfactory fit with an R-squared value of 0.67 and an Adjusted R-squared value of 0.65. Key factors, including the domestic debt to GDP ratio, external debt to GDP ratio, debt servicing to GDP ratio, economic growth, exchange rate, and interest rate, undergo evaluation for their impact on Nigeria's current account balance and budget deficit/surplus. The findings highlight the external debt to GDP ratio, debt servicing to GDP ratio, economic growth, exchange rate, and interest rate as primary determinants of Nigeria's fiscal responsibility. The study recommends several measures based on these findings. These include managing external debt effectively, prioritizing debt servicing, promoting economic growth, monitoring exchange rates and interest rates, strengthening debt management practices, diversifying revenue sources, enhancing budget discipline, and improving governance.