Public Exposure Research Articles

Methods of investigating hooliganism

The article examines the peculiarities of hooliganism investigation methods at the current stage of the development of criminology. Based on the study of statistical data, a conclusion was formulated about the effectiveness of modern methods of investigation of this offense, since in recent years there has been a tendency to decrease their number. It has been found that the methodology consists of three components: forensic characteristics, typical investigative situations and investigative versions, the algorithm for conducting investigative investigative actions in one or another situation, and each of them is analyzed in the context of the investigation of hooliganism itself. Attention is drawn to the fact that, from the point of view of criminalistic characteristics, hooliganism is in most cases committed by men, during leisure time without prior preparation through cynical body movements combined with obscene swearing, public exposure of body parts, creating noise and disturbing the peace of citizens. It has been found that the set of actions used at the postal stage of the investigation of hooliganism depends on many factors, which in turn make up investigative situations, which are distinguished by four, which depend on the completion of the act, the arrest of the violator and other circumstances. Each of the investigative situations was analyzed and it was emphasized that the most typical investigative search actions, which are carried out in most cases, are the inspection of the scene of the incident and interrogation, and in some cases, presentation for identification, an investigative experiment, and conducting examinations may be carried out. The study of each of them showed that in the process of investigating hooliganism, each of them has its own characteristics, which are related to the specifics of this offense. In view of the predominant perpetration of hooliganism in the evening and night time, it was concluded that currently, in the conditions of martial law, when the curfew has been introduced, the time during which these acts are most often committed has been reduced, which is one of the reasons for the decrease in their number. On the basis of the conducted research, a conclusion was formulated about the importance of conducting further research into the peculiarities of the investigation of certain categories of criminal offenses.

Long-term variations of air pollutants and public exposure in China during 2000–2020

Since 2000, China has faced severe air pollution challenges，prompting the initiation of comprehensive emission control measures post-2013. The subsequent implementation of these measures has led to remarkable enhancements in air quality. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the long-term trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) across China from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, we conducted a nationwide analysis of air quality, systematically quantifying model predictions against observations for pollutants. The CMAQ model effectively captured the trends of air pollutants, meeting recommended performance benchmarks. The findings reveal variations in pollutant concentrations, with initial increases in PM2.5 followed by a decline after 2013. The proportion of the population living in high PM2.5 concentrations (>75 μg/m3) decreased to <5 % after 2015. However, during the period from 2017 to 2020, around 40 % of the population continued to live in regions that did not meet the criteria for Chinese air quality standards (35 μg/m3). From 2000 to 2019, fewer than 20 % of the population met the WHO standard (100 μg/m3) for MDA8 O3. In 2000, 77 % of the population met the NO2 standard (<20 μg/m3), a figure that declined to 60 % between 2005 and 2014, nearly reaching 70 % in 2020. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the changes in pollutants and public exposure in 2000–2020. It serves as a foundational resource for future efforts in air pollution control and health research.

Natural radioactivity in soil and water of Saudi Arabia: A mixed-studies review

Keeping track of radiation levels within human-inhabited areas is imperative to prevent public exposure. The human body is subjected to out-of-control radiation doses of approximately 82%, resulting from radiation sources such as earthly, cosmic, and internal radiation exposure. One public health issue is the radionuclide contamination in water and soil. In this paper, an overview of radionuclides contamination for some selected radionuclides in waters and soils has been conducted in all Saudi regions to better understand the sources and status of contamination. This review shows certain radioactive elements, such as 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K, and 137Cs, in soil and water, which may have originated from natural or human-made sources. However, the available literature covers radionuclide levels in soil and water across all regions of Saudi Arabia, including the northern, southern, eastern, western, and central parts.

Microwave-absorbing building materials: Assessing thickness and antenna separation in fly ash-ladle furnace slag one-part geopolymer

This paper aims to examine the effect of thickness (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mm) and antenna separation (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mm) on microwave absorption ability of fly ash-ladle furnace slag one-part geopolymer. The one-part geopolymers exhibited a dense structure with a good compressive strength of 39.2 MPa, which satisfies the minimum requirement for structural building (>28.0 MPa). The geopolymers had good dielectric properties with a low dielectric constant and increased dielectric loss and loss tangent, subsequently contributing to the microwave absorption properties. The microwave absorption ability increased from 60.0% to >80.0% at an optimal thickness of 100.0 mm and antenna separation of 20.0 mm. The presence of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C–S–H) refined the microstructure and enhanced the microwave absorption performance. This work offered an optimal thickness and antenna separation to maximize the microwave absorption ability, which is crucial for reducing microwave interference and preventing public exposure in regions with widespread deployment of Wi-Fi and 5G networks.

Electromagnetic exposure analysis of the subway passenger under the civil communication system radiation.

In order to assess the electromagnetic exposure safety of passengers under the civil communication system of the subway, the radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic environment of subway carriage is established by using COMSOL Multiphysics software, it includes a 1-1/4 " leaky coaxial cable (LCX1) and a 1-5/8" leaky coaxial cable (LCX2), which are designed to be the exposure sources, and twelve passengers at different position. The electromagnetic environment model has been verified through field measurement. The exposure dose distribution of twelve passengers is compared and analyzed, when LCX1 and LCX2 works respectively. The simulated results show that, to compare with LCX2, the electromagnetic dose absorbed by the passengers is reduced by 9.19% and 22.50% at 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz respectively. The specific absorption rate (SAR) of passengers obtains the maximum value of 1.91×10-4 W/Kg and the temperature rise to 0.214 K when the LCX1 works at 3400 MHz. By comparing with the public exposure limitation of the International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), it demonstrates the electromagnetic exposure safety of the passengers under the civil communication system. More importantly, the proposed LCX1 not only could add the 5G signal cover but also lower the SAR absorbed by the passengers, which indicates that the public electromagnetic exposure dose could be reduced by adjusting the radiation performances of exposure source, which provide a new way for electromagnetic protecting.

Predictors of smoking exposure in non-smoking adolescents in Indonesia

Exposure to secondhand smoke is one of the leading causes of death for non-smokers worldwide. The prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke is higher among adolescents. Research on predictors of secondhand smoke exposure in adolescents is still rarely conducted in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the predictors of exposure to secondhand smoke among non-smoking adolescents in Indonesia. This study used data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) Indonesia 2019 with a cross-sectional design. A total of 7,594 adolescents aged 13 to 15 were selected using purposive sampling. The dependent variables were exposure to secondhand smoke at home and in public. The independent variables included age, gender, smoking parents, smoking friends, and knowledge of the dangers of secondhand smoke. Data were analyzed using STATA with inferential tests, namely chi-square and logistic regression. The prevalence of adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke at home and in public was 49.57% and 71.86%, respectively. At-home exposure was significantly associated with smoking parents [AOR=3.50, 95% CI=2.97 to 4.12], smoking friends [AOR=1.50, 95% CI=1.30 to 1.73], and knowledge of the dangers of secondhand smoke [AOR=2.11, 95% CI=1.52 to 2.93]. Public exposure was associated with ages 13-15 [AOR=1.32, 95% CI=1.10 to 1.58] and older than 15 [AOR=1.77, 95% CI=1.39 to 2.25], male gender [AOR=1.31, 95% CI=1.11 to 1.53], smoking parents [AOR=1.58, 95% CI=1.36 to 1.84], smoking friends [AOR=2.16, 95% CI=1.85 to 2.53], and knowledge of secondhand smoke dangers [AOR=2.84, 95% CI=2.15 to 3.75]. Adolescents’ exposure to secondhand smoke in public spaces is higher in prevalence and has more associated factors compared to exposure at home. Exposure reductions require comprehensive actions from authorities by strictly implementing and expanding non-smoking areas covered by existing regulations. Also, family and school management should be involved in prevention efforts.

Distribution of blood lead and cadmium levels in healthy children aged 0 to 18 years and analysis of related influencing factors in Henan, China: data findings from 2017 to 2022

BackgroundThere is still a lack of data on blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood lead levels (BLLs) in healthy children of all ages from 0 to 18 years in China. This study was performed to analyze the BLLs and BCLs in healthy children aged 0-18 years from 2017 to 2022 in urban and rural areas of Henan Province, Central China, as well as their relationships with socio-demographic variables and certain relevant exposure factors. To provide a basis for evaluating public health policy development and exposure risk management.MethodsThis was an observational study containing data from 17 prefecture-level cities in Henan, China. Blood Pb and Cd levels were determined using a triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer equipped with an autosampler. We first calculated the concentrations of Pb and Cd elements in participants of different genders, ages and years, and then created visual graphs depicting the distribution of each element in terms of gender, age and year (2017-2022). The rates between different groups were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test (if applicable). The means were compared by one-way ANOVA, medians were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test. Generalized linear models (GLM) were performed to estimate the effects of various factors on blood Pb and Cd concentrations in children.ResultsWe recruited a total of 25,920 children (16,142 boys and 9,778 girls) aged 0.01 to 18.00 years (2.58 (1.00,6.25)). The median of BLLs was 23.48µg/L, around 9.39% of studied children had elevated BLLs. The median of BCLs was 0.66µg/L, around 1.84% of studied children had elevated BCLs. The median blood Pb concentration was higher in boys (23.90µg/L) than in girls (22.75µg/L) (P<0.001). The median blood Pb concentration was highest in the 3-7 years group (24.51µg/L) and the median blood Cd concentration was highest in the 1-3 years group (0.66µg/L) among all age groups. Both BLLs and BCLs were substantially higher in children in 2020-2022 compared to 2017-2019. Rural children had lower BLLs and higher BCLs. The results of the generalized linear model showed that children in households using Oil, coal, pellet or other wood as a fuel for heating, children with higher frequency of exposure to tobacco smoke and beverage intake had significantly increased chances of elevated BLLs and BCLs.ConclusionsPb and Cd exposure of children in this area is relatively low, but associated risk factors continue to exist in vulnerable populations. This study is the first big data analysis of Pb and Cd in children in Henan, China, and provides baseline information for future research.

Risk-Informing Nuclear Reactor Safety: The Prediction of the Probability of Core Damage Due to Loss of Power and Cooling

Abstract The modern idea of risk-informed decision-making (RIDM) is here critically examined for all existing, advanced and, generation-IV nuclear reactor systems. Motivated by the predictive difficulties of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) in regard to occurred accidents, it is evident that the real (not hypothetical) consequences of nuclear core damage accidents that must be considered and quantified are the financial losses, infrastructure damages, societal disruptions, and adverse political policies, and not solely the traditional exceedance of regulated radiation release or public exposure limits. With this perspective, a new dynamic analysis is presented for estimating the probability of core damage due to extended loss of power and cooling in a modern nuclear reactor, giving results different from current standardized PRA/PSA analyses. Using existing data, we approach the multitude of different events in a new way: whatever the initial event in the finite event set {external flood, fire, hurricane, ice storm, typhoon, earthquake, cyber attack…}, the fundamental concerns are the consequent loss and nonrestoration of power, and the inadequate cooling of the core. The present proposed quantitative evaluation uses applicable and fully “exchangeable” severe event data for nuclear and nonnuclear systems, including active and passive emergency back-up systems for a wide range of power losses that lead to widespread damage and societal disruption. While not design-specific, this new independent “order-of-magnitude” estimate for the probability of core damage is some two to two hundred times larger than that shown or reported in recent modern and formal PSA/PRA for licensing submissions using generic failure rate data rather than actual severe event data. This new finding suggests greater uncertainties exist than presently assumed for risk-informed decision-making (RIDM), and points to the need for a major reconsideration and updating of risk assessment and regulatory risk-informed approaches for nuclear plant safety evaluation.

The instafamous translator

Abstract This article investigates how translator and content creator Francesca Crescentini (@tegamini) uses social media to make herself and her translatorship visible in a digital context. Boasting an Instagram following of over 210,000 users, Crescentini is understood here as a unique example of an ‘instafamous’ translator and macro-influencer, which gives her and her translatorship an unprecedented level of public exposure – particularly in the Italian context in which she works, where translator visibility is typically low. The analysis of Crescentini’s case presents new insights into how literary translators can leverage their online and social media presence to enhance both their own visibility and that of literary translation more broadly.

5G NR launching in Greece: Preliminary in situ and monitoring network measurements of electromagnetic fields exposure levels at rooftops.

In Greece, 5G New Radio (NR) has started launching in the end of 2020, at the 3400-3800 MHz (FR1) frequency band. Focusing on 117 Base Stations (BSs) which were already equipped with 5G NR antennas, in situ broadband and frequency selective measurements have been conducted at minimum three points of interest, at adjacent rooftops (when accessible). The points have been selected according to the sweeping method and the electric field strength (E) value has been stored on the selected worst-case scenario point. Spectrum analysis was conducted in the FR1, for the allocated spectrum that corresponds to each mobile communication provider, in order to get preliminary results concerning the contribution of the 5G NR emissions in the general public exposure levels. The vast majority of the in situ measurements has been conducted in urban environments from the beginning of 2021 until the mid of 2022, since in Greece 5G NR services launching started from the big cities. Additionally, a 5G NR BS, installed in a suburban environment (in the city of Kalamata) is thoroughly investigated during its pilot and regular operation, based on broadband and frequency selective measurements data derived by the National Observatory of Electromagnetic Fields (NOEF) monitoring sensor network. Insitu measurement data within the 5G NR frequency range are verified via the NOEF's output. The 5G NR contribution to the total E-field levels is assessed in time, from pilot to regular operation of the BS. In all cases, compliance with the reference levels for general public exposure is affirmed.

First implementation of quality control procedures on selected X-ray machines in South of Benin

Abstract Introduction: The use of X-ray equipment for medical diagnostic radiography procedures has increased due to advances and complexity of radiological procedures. Achieving good image quality while keeping exposure of workers, public and patient exposure to an acceptable level has become a prerequisite for the radiology department in order to comply with best international practices. The aim of this study was to undertake quality control measurement of seven (7) diagnostic radiography equipment in the south of Benin, the first of its kind. Material and methods: Multifunction detector (Piranha) and beam alignment test tool were used to perform quality control tests on seven (7) X-ray units. The method used as well as the interpretation of the results was based on the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP), Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Canadian Safety code 35 (S.C 35) recommendations. Results: The quality control results showed that all X-ray equipment investigated were within standard limits for accuracy of exposure time below 10 ms; reproducibility of kVp, exposure time and dose output; specific dose-kVp2 linearity; and specific dose-mAs linearity. Five (5) out of seven (7) diagnostic X-ray machines passed quality control tests such as X-ray beam alignment, exposure time above 10 ms and kVp accuracy. One (1) X-ray machine failed the quality control test of beam filtration at 70 kVp and above. Conclusions: The findings of this study have provided baseline data for other radiology departments to embark on similar QA/QC activities, and also explore options for optimization of patient dose. However, there is a need to extend the study to cover more diagnostic X-ray machines throughout the country. It is anticipated that this would ultimately assist in improving radiation protection and safety during medical diagnostic radiological procedures.

Economic priorities over population health: A political dilemma in addressing noncommunicable diseases in developing countries.

The world is observing a rapid shift in the burden of diseases with predominance of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs contribute to 41 million deaths which is equivalent to 74% of all death globally per year. There is ongoing debate on the approaches to reduce public exposure to NCDs' modifiable risk factors which are of economic potential. As the World Health Organizationand the World Bank recommend the implementation of taxation to these factors, still questions arise on the effectiveness, sustainability, and practicality of this strategy. With the ongoing transition globally from consumption of natural to processed foods, it is important to counter-check the best interventions on how to protect people from unhealthy eating behaviors. While taxation on unhealthy food and other products like tobacco has been recommended as one among interventional approaches, its effectiveness on sugar sweetened beverages is not reliable compared to approaches that increase self-control. Despite the perceived economic benefits of tobacco and sugar sweetened products, there is detrimental implication in terms of public health. The introduction of taxation which favors public health faces challenges due to conflict of interest from government authorities and other stakeholders. The intertwined relationship between public health and economic development becomes more obvious during implementation of preventive and control measures against modifiable risk factors for NCDs. It is evident that reaching a balanced rational decision on choosing between economic growth and public health is difficult. Countries should enhance both local and international intersectoral and multisectoral approaches in creating integrative policies which include health component in all non-health policies including economic policies so as to harmonize public health and economic growth during this era of extensive globalization.

Assessing city-wide pharmaceutical emissions to wastewater via modelling and passive sampling

With increasing numbers of chemicals used in modern society, assessing human and environmental exposure to them is becoming increasingly difficult. Recent advances in wastewater-based epidemiology enable valuable insights into public exposure to data-poor compounds. However, measuring all >26,000 chemicals registered under REACH is not just technically unfeasible but would also be incredibly expensive. In this paper, we argue that estimating emissions of chemicals based on usage data could offer a more comprehensive, systematic and efficient approach than repeated monitoring. Emissions of 29 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to wastewater were estimated for a medium-sized city in the Netherlands. Usage data was collected both on national and local scale and included prescription data, usage in health-care institutions and over-the-counter sales. Different routes of administration were considered as well as the excretion and subsequent in-sewer back-transformation of conjugates into respective parent compounds. Results suggest model-based emission estimation on a city-level is feasible and in good agreement with wastewater measurements obtained via passive sampling. Results highlight the need to include excretion fractions in the conceptual framework of emission estimation but suggest that the choice of an appropriate excretion fraction has a substantial impact on the resulting model performance.

Neurotoxic Effects of Nanoparticles and Their Pathogenesis.

A recent study on the deployment of nanoparticles in the consumer and healthcare sectors has shown highly serious safety concerns. This is despite the fact that nanoparticles offer a vast array of applications and great promise. According to studies on how nanoparticles interact with neurons, the central nervous system experiences both negative and positive impacts (CNS). With a maximum concentration of 0.1-1.0 wt.%, nanoparticles can be incorporated into materials to impart antibacterial and antiviral properties. Depending on the host or base materials utilised, this concentration may be transformed into a liquid phase release rate (leaching rate). For instance, nanoparticulate silver (Ag) or copper oxide (CuO)-filled epoxy resin exhibits extremely restricted release of the metal ions (Ag+ or Cu2+) into their surroundings unless they are physically removed or deteriorated. Nanoparticles are able to traverse a variety of barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and skin, and are capable of penetrating biological systems and leaking into internal organs. In these circumstances, it is considered that the maximum drug toxicity test limit (10 g ml 1), as measured in artificial cerebrospinal solution, is far lower than the concentration or dosage. As this is a fast-increasing industry, as the public's exposure to these substances increases, so does their use. Thus, neurologists are inquisitive about how nanoparticles influence human neuronal cells in the central nervous system (CNS) in terms of both their potential benefits and drawbacks. This study will emphasise and address it.

ИТОГИ 70-й СЕССИИ НАУЧНОГО КОМИТЕТА ПО ДЕЙСТВИЮ АТОМНОЙ РАДИАЦИИ (НКДАР) ООН (Вена, 19–23 июня 2023 г.)

The paper dwells upon the key outcomes of the 70-th Session of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) which took place during 19-23 June 2023. Experts from 30 UNSCEAR Member-states as well as the representatives of international organizations participated in the work of the Session. Within the framework of the meetings of the working group and subgroups the documents on the following projects were discussed: R.757 “Second primary cancer after radiotherapy”, R.758 “Epidemiological studies of radiation and cancer”, R.759 “Evaluation of public exposures to ionizing radiation from natural and other sources”, R.760 “Evaluation of diseases of the circulatory system from radiation exposure” and R.761 “Nervous system effects of ionizing radiation”. The Committee also discussed interim reports: UNSCEAR/70/7 “Implementation of the Strategy to improve collection, analysis and dissemination of data on radiation exposure (including consideration of the Committee’s ad hoc working group on sources and exposure)”, UNSCEAR/70/8 “Implementation of the Committee’s Future Programme of Work and proposals for 2025‒2029 period (including consideration of the Committee’s ad hoc working group on effects and mechanisms)”, working materials for this document “Terms used by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation”, UNSCEAR/70/9 “Implementation of public information and outreach strategy for 2020–2024” and Report to the UN General Assembly.

The role of constraints and information gaps in driving risky medicine purchasing practices in four African countries.

Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products pose a major threat to public health and socioeconomic development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In response, public education campaigns have been developed to alert consumers about the risks of SF medicines and provide guidance on 'safer' practices, along with other demand- and supply-side measures. However, little is currently known about the potential effectiveness of such campaigns while structural constraints to accessing quality-assured medicines persist. This paper analyses survey data on medicine purchasing practices, information and constraints from four African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda; n > 1000 per country). Using multivariate regression and structural equation modelling, we present what we believe to be the first attempt to tease apart, statistically, the effects of an information gap vs structural constraints in driving potential public exposure to SF medicines. The analysis confirms that less privileged groups (including, variously, those in rural settlements, with low levels of formal education, not in paid employment, often women and households with a disability or long-term sickness) are disproportionately potentially exposed to SF medicines; these same demographic groups also tend to have lower levels of awareness and experience greater levels of constraint. Despite the constraints, our models suggest that public health education may have an important role to play in modifying some (but not all) risky practices. Appropriately targeted public messaging can thus be a useful part of the toolbox in the fight against SF medicines, but it can only work effectively in combination with wider-reaching reforms to address higher-level vulnerabilities in pharmaceutical supply chains in Africa and expand access to quality-assured public-sector health services.

Diving into the divide: a systematic review of cognitive bias-based polarization on social media

PurposeThe global prevalence of social media and its potential to cause polarization are highly debated and impactful. The previous literature often assumes that the ideological bias of any media outlet remains static and exogenous to the polarization process. By studying polarization as a whole from an ecosystem approach, the authors aim to identify policies and strategies that can help mitigate the adverse effects of polarization and promote healthier online discourse.Design/methodology/approachTo investigate online polarization, the authors perform a systematic review and analysis of approximately 400 research articles to explore the connection between cognitive bias and polarization, examining both causal and correlational evidence. The authors extensively evaluate and integrate existing research related to the correlation between online polarization and crucial factors such as public engagement, selective exposure and political democracy. From doing so, the authors then develop a PolarSphere ecosystem that captures and illustrates the process of online polarization formation.FindingsThe authors' review uncovers a wide range of associations, including ideological cognition, bias, public participation, misinformation and miscommunication, political democracy, echo chambers and selective exposure, heterogeneity and trust. Although the impact of bias on social media polarization depends on specific environments and internal/external conditions, certain variables exhibit strong associations across multiple contexts. The authors use these observations as a basis from which to construct PolarSphere, an ecosystem of bias-based polarization on social media, to theorize the process of polarization formation.Originality/valueBased on the PolarSphere ecosystem, the authors argue that it is crucial for governments and civil societies to maintain vigilance and invest in further research to gain a deep comprehension of how cognitive bias affects online polarization, which could lead to ways to eliminate polarization.

Source term analysis and impact study during a hypothetical accident in Haiyang nuclear power plant

Since 2018, the use of AP1000 nuclear technology has been growing due to its advantages in terms of nuclear safety and security. Knowing that the occurrence rate of the serious nuclear reactor accidents has increased due to the natural disasters that the world has encountered in recent decades, such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, etc., we propose to carry out an impact study and analyze the consequences of these accidents, with the aim of avoiding exposure of the public and workers to ionizing radiation.This work is divided into two sections: firstly, calculate the source term by using the ORIGEN-JR depletion code, and compare the obtained results with those published in the document AP1000 Design Control. The obtained results are in agreement with the literature. Secondly, starting from the results of the source term calculation, we have evaluated the atmospheric dispersion using health HotSpot code. The Total Effective Doses (TED) is estimated over two meteorological periods: the first period, from April to August, and the second one, from September to March. The simulation results showed that the TED was higher, around 27 Sv at 0.6 km from the source during the April–August period. However, for the second period, the TED is about 8 Sv at 2 km from the source. Generally, the TED of all radionuclide groups exceeds the IAEA annual regulatory limits, which are one millisievert per year (1 mSv/year) for public exposure and twenty millisieverts per year (20 mSv/year) for occupational exposure of workers. Therefore, the probability of risks to workers, the public, and the environment rises. There are generic criteria for acute doses, according to which preventive actions must be taken in all circumstances in order to minimize the serious effects of radionuclides on the population.

Radiological landscape of natural resources and mining: Unveiling the environmental impact of naturally occurring radioactive materials in Ghana's mining areas

This study provides a general observation of the status of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) distribution in mining and industrial areas of Ghana in order to establish regional and national data on NORMs. The study includes data on radioactivity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in soils and for water concentrations of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 from various mining, oil, and gas communities, as well as water sources used for crop farming and farmlands. The average activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in the soil samples were found to be 59 ± 16 Bq/kg, 48 ± 15 Bq/kg, and 286 ± 57 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentration of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 in the water samples were found to be 1.62 ± 0.33 Bq/L, 2.08 ± 0.53 Bq/L, and 22.36 ± 3.44 Bq/L, respectively. The estimated average annual effective doses from external and internal exposure pathways in soil and water samples were 0.09 mSv/y and 0.54 mSv/y, respectively. The total annual effective dose resulting from both exposure pathways was calculated to be 0.63 mSv/y, which is below the 1 mSv/y dose limit recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for controlling public radiation exposure. Based on the radiological hazard indices, the majority of the soil samples were found to be suitable as building materials as their respective indices were below the limits except for two sample locations and the sludge and scale samples. The average Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) value of the water samples was 1.6 times greater than the recommended value of 1.16 × 10−3, presenting a relatively higher risk to the public of developing cancer. No significant regional differences in the levels of radioactive elements. The regression models demonstrate strong interrelationships between the studied elements, with high R-squared values suggesting a predictable nature of one element’s concentration based on others.

Cyber-Bullying at Workplace and its Mental Health Outcomes: A Linguistic Analysis

Background: Cyberbullying is a growing concern in educational settings, but recent evidence indicates that it has become prevalent in professional environments as well. With the advent of digital communication, employees have become vulnerable to cyberbullying not only during work hours but also in their personal time. This study focuses on understanding the psychological impacts of cyberbullying in the workplace. Objective: The primary aim of this research was to investigate the lived experiences of cyberbullying victims in the workplace, to comprehend the depth of its psychological implications, and to identify coping mechanisms employed by victims. The study also aimed to examine the patterns of cyberbullying across different hierarchical levels within an organization. Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with eight employees from a public-sector university in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques, and thematic analysis was utilized to interpret the data. Results: Participants reported experiencing stress, embarrassment, and anger due to cyberbullying, with these emotions stemming from a sense of vulnerability and public exposure. Cyberbullying incidents occurred through emails, social media, and text messages, often leading to a need for self-preservation and coping strategies. The study found that aggressors included not just superiors but also peers and subordinates. Conclusion: The study concluded that workplace cyberbullying is a multifaceted issue that affects individuals across different levels of employment. It causes significant psychological distress, necessitating effective strategies for prevention and intervention. Future research should explore the role of organizational leadership in addressing workplace cyberbullying and aim for more generalizable findings through quantitative research.