Radiological Survey Research Articles

Ionizing radiation monitoring requirements at the Divertor Tokamak Test facility

Abstarct The Divertor Tokamak Test facility (DTT) will operate with d -D plasmas producing pulses lasting about 60 s and producing a neutron yield up to 1.5 × 1017 n/s. Due to the high neutron yield, a significant activation of the structures and residual radioactivity after shut-down will be present. Consequently, DTT will need a robust radiation protection system to prevent undue worker and population exposure. The objectives of this system must be met during normal operation, maintenance, decommissioning and in emergency situations, thus several safety features must be routinely guarantee, among which the radiation monitoring system is probably the most crucial. This paper presents the general requirements of this monitoring system, giving some details about the preferred characteristics for the involved devices and monitors. The monitoring system shall be composed by portable instruments, passive ambient dosimeters and a limited number of fixed active measuring stations, suitable to detect and record the appropriate dosimetric quantities both for neutrons and photons. The active measuring stations and the passive dosimeters will constitute two monitoring networks designed in such a way to cover the area of interest to radiological survey around DTT.

Bone Scintigraphy After a Negative Radiological Skeletal Survey Improves the Detection Rate of Inflicted Skeletal Injury in Children.

Background: Timely diagnosis of child physical abuse is of paramount importance. The added value of bone scintigraphy (BS) after a negative radiological skeletal survey (RSS) in children with suspected physical abuse has never been evaluated.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which BS could improve the detection rate of skeletal injury in children with suspected physical abuse with an initial negative RSS.Methods: We used discharge codes to retrospectively identify children evaluated for suspected physical abuse in a university hospital (Nantes, France). We included all consecutive children younger than 3 years old who underwent both RSS and BS, with an interval of ≤96 h between tests, from 2013 to 2019. BS and RSS results were interpreted independently during the study period. We specifically analyzed BS results for children with a negative RSS to assess the value of BS as an add-on test.Results: Among the 268 children ≤3 years old with suspected physical abuse who underwent RSS, 140 (52%) also underwent BS within 96 h and were included in the analysis. The median age was 6 months old (interquartile range: 3–8). The detection rate of ≥1 skeletal injury with RSS alone was 49% (n = 69/140, 95% CI: 41–58%) vs. 58% (n = 81/140, 50–66%) with RSS followed by add-on BS, for an absolute increase in the detection rate of 9% points (95% CI: 4–14%). The number of children with a negative RSS who would need to undergo BS to detect one additional child with ≥1 skeletal injury was 6 (95% CI: 4–11).Conclusion: In young children with suspected physical abuse with a negative RSS, add-on BS would allow for a clinically significant improvement in the detection rate of skeletal injuries for a limited number of BS procedures required. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings.

MD and DO: Differing Medical Degrees and the Associated Perceptions

PurposeTo highlight perspectives about differing medical degrees and graduate medical education amongst current allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) radiology residents. Materials and MethodTwo hundred sixty-eight radiology residents were interviewed using an approved Association of Program Coordinators in Radiology (APCR) survey designed to evaluate perceptions of allopathic and osteopathic radiology residents regarding type of medical degree and their career development. The surveys were kept anonymous with no identifiable information. Residents in their first through fourth years of training replied with an approximate equal distribution amongst the different years. ResultsBased on the 268 respondents, DOs’ more so than MDs’, reported that their degree type altered their medical careers (P < 0.0001) and that they were advised to not pursue a radiology residency based on degree type (P< 0.0001). In addition, a large majority of both DOs’ and MDs’ felt that residency selection is favored towards the allopathic degree (P= 0.0451). ConclusionThis survey-based study does reveal perceived differences in the residency recruitment process based on degree type. Future discussions to bridge this perceived gap will be important, especially in light of the recent ACGME merger between the 2 educational pathways.

Survey of radiologists and emergency department providers after implementation of a global radiology report categorization system.

Breakdown in communication of important imaging results threatens patient safety and risks malpractice claims. To facilitate closed-loop communication, our institution developed a unique radiology report categorization (RADCAT) system employing automated alert notification systems. This study aimed to understand users' initial experiences with the RADCAT system and obtain feedback. Web-based surveys were distributed to radiologists and emergency department (ED) providers at our hospital system within 1year of institution-wide RADCAT implementation. Survey designs differed based on clinical setting. Most prompts utilized declarative statements with 5-point agreement Likert scales. Closed-response data was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Response rates among radiologists and ED providers were 59.4% (63/106) and 38.4% (69/211), respectively. 78.0% (46/59) of radiologists and 60.9% (42/69) of ED providers agreed that RADCAT improves patient care. Of radiologists, 84.1% (53/63) agreed that RADCAT design is intuitive, and 57.6% (34/59) agreed that RADCAT improves efficiency. Of ED providers, 69.6% (48/69) agreed that RADCAT appropriately differentiates urgent and non-urgent findings, and 65.2% (45/69) agreed that auto-population of discharge documents with imaging results containing follow-up recommendations protects them from liability. Only 35.6% (21/59) of radiologists and 21.7% (15/69) of ED providers agreed that RADCAT implementation decreased reading room visits by ordering providers. Open-response feedback showed that some ED providers find RADCAT too complex while some radiologists desire improved transparency regarding imaging study communication status. Since its implementation, RADCAT has been well received among radiologists and ED providers with agreement that it improves patient care and effectively distinguishes and communicates important imaging findings.

Dialogue, radiation measurements and other collaborative practices by experts and residents in the former evacuation areas of Fukushima: A case study in Yamakiya District, Kawamata Town

This paper describes the involvement of the residents of the Yamakiya district of the Kawamata town, a former evacuation area after the accident of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), in the on-going research activities of the authors on the behaviour of radioactive caesium in the environment. By relying on dialogue, measuring radiation, and other collaborative practices, this involvement enabled a series of actions to be taken to resolve the challenges related to the recovery after the lifting of the evacuation order that were appreciated by the residents. The paper also discusses the effects of the interactive program led by the Yamakiya School organized by the authors in cooperation with the residents including among others lectures, voluntary works and radiological surveys on local issues. Based on the above, the authors make recommendations on the desirable form of relationship between residents and experts after an event of large-scale environmental pollution including radiological contamination. Through these activities the authors have also gradually changed their research approach.

Levels of ionizing radiations in selected quarries in Nyamira County, Kenya

It has been shown through a survey by World Health Organization and International Commission on Radiological Protection that certain materials (stones) sourced from quarries and used for the building are radioactive. In Kenya, underground stones which are sourced from embedded rocks are used in construction of most of the permanent buildings, yet Kenya has not adequately radio-profiled sources of building materials to determine whether the construction materials contain radionuclides that emit ionizing radiations yet are used for building. Consequently, Kenyans could be at risk of exposure to high levels of ionizing radiations by living in stone houses that are not radio-profiled. Health problems arise due to subjection to ionizing radiations. The study determined the levels of ionizing radiations in sampled quarries in Nyamira County by using Radiological survey dosimeters to show the radiation readings in milliRoentgen/hr then converted to milliSievert per year and the Global Positioning System device took note of the quarries' geographical positions. The study used Minitab version 17.0 software to establish the statistical differences of degree of exposure in sampled quarries. The sample size for the study was 40 quarries. It was revealed that Q-073 and Q-075 both had the lowest radiation readings of 0.64mSv while Q-079 had the highest reading of 3.46mSv equal to a deviation from WHO approved threshold of -35.71%,-36.29% and 245.7%, respectively. The results indicated that 89% of the sampled quarries had radiation emissions above the ICRP and WHO standard. However, within Borabu Sub County, only 5 and within Manga Sub-County 4 of the sampled quarries had radiation readings below ICRP and WHO recommended standards of 1mSv/yr. It was exhibited from the study results that there are higher levels of ionizing radiations in quarries going past recommended standards per year hence causing health risk to quarry workers and general public. Therefore, these results could guide in formation of the national construction policies by including regular surveying for the levels of ionizing radiation in building materials as well as in practicing appropriate mitigation strategies.

Usefulness of the epidemiological survey and RT–PCR test in pre-surgical patients for assessing the risk of COVID-19

Usefulness of the epidemiological survey and RT–PCR test in pre-surgical patients for assessing the risk of COVID-19

Aerosol release fraction by concrete scarifying operations and its implications on the dismantling of nuclear facilities

The sanitation of concrete structures through dismantling of nuclear buildings is complicated by the radiological threat associated with the airborne release of fine dust. This is the reason why the aerosol release fraction (ARF) associated with mechanical removal of concrete structure containing radioactivity needs to be accurately evaluated to implement efficient radiological survey and containment techniques. We characterize experimentally the ARF resulting from milling operations on a standard non-radioactive concrete slab in a confined experimental chamber using an industrial scarifying machine. Our results reveal a significant production of fine aerosol particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter close to 4 μm and which mineralogical composition is dominated by calcium and silica compounds. The ARF measured when a vacuum suction device is used to confine the dust production close to the source is on the order of 5 × 10−4; the maximum ARF estimated when no suction device is used is on the order of 0.5. As the study is focused on non-radioactive concrete, transposition of aerosol characteristics investigated in this study to assess radioactive airborne release is only relevant for in-depth neutron activation on elemental compounds of concrete.

Renal cell carcinoma at the time of presentation: a 5-year radiological survey at a tertiary care cancer hospital

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with highest mortality rates of all the genitourinary tumors with increased incidence in the past few decades. It is heterogenous tumor with several histological types. Main diagnostic approach is radiological imaging followed by histopathology.Methods: It is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care cancer hospital in Pakistan. We reviewed the record of all the RCC patients in terms of age, gender, radiological manifestation of tumor size, polarity, laterality, stage including nodal status, metastasis and histological type.Results: Our study included 149 patients of RCC. Mean age of presentation was 57 years with a male predominance. The most common stage of presentation was stage 3 seen in 41% patients followed by stage 1 in 37% patients. nodal metastasis was observed in around 13% patients and distant metastasis in 8% patients. Also, majority of the patient had histological subtype of clear cell CA (63%) followed by papillary CA (33%).Conclusions: Epidemiological features of renal cell CA are observed over a period of 5 years representing our population. The current trends show variation from those observed in developed countries depicting the struggle of healthcare awareness in developing countries.

Capacity for paediatric radiology in Nigeria: a survey of radiologists.

Children account for nearly half the population of Nigeria yet the capacity for effective imaging of children is unknown. In order to determine clinical resources for and challenges of paediatric radiology in Nigeria, certified radiologists at an exit examination in radiology for resident doctors, and resident doctors in radiology attending an update course, completed a semi-structured questionnaire detailing personal information, radiology training, practice and perceived priorities of paediatric radiology in Nigeria. Of 100 questionnaires, 80 were returned, completed (80%) by 46 (58%) certified radiologists, 14 (18%) senior and 20 (25%) junior radiology residents. Only 1 (2.2%) certified radiologist received dedicated albeit short training in paediatric radiology. Nine (20.0%) certified radiologists and 1 (2.9%) resident doctor target their practice to paediatric imaging. Only 2 (4.4%) certified radiologists devote at least half of their time to paediatric radiology. Forty-two (91%) of the certified radiologists are not aware of any radiologist primarily affiliated with a dedicated children's hospital or who practices in a dedicated paediatric unit of a mixed hospital. Eight (19%) radiologists work in a facility with a consultant who has some training in paediatric radiology. Surgeons (64%), neonatologists (53%) and neurologists (45%) were the other paediatric specialties usually available where the respondent works. Fourteen (4.9%), 4 (2.1%), and 1 (1.3%) ultrasound, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units, respectively, were reserved for paediatric imaging while no fluoroscopy or computed tomography (CT) unit was dedicated to children. Lack of dedicated equipment (44%) and trained paediatric radiologists (24%) were the main challenges to paediatric imaging as perceived by the respondents. Substantial deficits in human and material resources require informed investment in dedicated equipment and training to boost capacity for paediatric radiology in Nigeria.

Measurement and Analysis of Exposure Dose According to Radiological Survey Films of Dental Hygiene Students in Oral Imaging Practice

Background: The class of oral imaging practice in undergraduate course of the department of dental hygiene is very important to enhance work performance of dental hygienists’ radiologic examination after students graduate.Method: We divided inside and outside of 8 exposure dosimeters into shielded ones and unshielded ones, performed irradiation 1,000 times, 2,000 times and 3,000 times respectively and compared and analyzed depth dose, shallow dose and accumulation dose.Findings: The accumulation dose of shielded ones examined 1,000 times, 2,000 times and 3,000 times was 0.1 msv, which doesn’t exceed 1 msv of normal person’s dose limit and 50 msv of occupational dose per year by International Commission on Radiological Protection Recommendation. All of the examinations were safe results regardless of frequency, and when they were unshielded, it was 1.23 msv at 1,000 times of examination, 29.25 msv at 2,000 times and 40.26 msv at 3,000 times, which indicates the higher the frequency is, the higher the exposure dose, showing the importance of shield.Improvement: We intend to provide a basic resource that in the undergraduate course of the department of dental hygiene, learning radiologic examination technique through actual mutual practice rather than pandom practice in the irradiation practice is more effective and safer.

Magnetic resonance imaging versus radiological skeletal survey of the lumbosacral spine in patients with advanced multiple myeloma: A single-institute experience

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy in the bone marrow (BM), where imaging is an essential tool in its management.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of radiological skeletal survey (RSS) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine (LSS) in advanced MM patients.PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the RSS and MRI of the LSS for 33 patients with a new diagnosis of symptomatic MM. Chi-squire test was used for comparing the results.RESULTS: Of 33 patients, 20 (60%) were male and 13 (40%) female, with a mean age of 61 years. Characteristic findings on RSS were osteopenia (86%), compression fractures (60.5%), multiple lytic lesions (39.5%), solitary focal lesion (6.06%), and normal findings (9.3%), The commonest findings on the MRI were combined diffuse and focal lesions (27.27%), multiple focal lesions of macronodular pattern (18.2%) and variegated (micronodular) pattern (15.15%), The other finding on MRI were diffuse homogeneous infiltration with SI> adjacent disc (12.12%) while SI ≤ adjacent disc (6.06%), solitary focal lesions (6.06%), and normal findings (15.15%). A majority (58.1%) of patients presented with an advanced stage and the pathological compression fracture found in 60% of cases. Focal lesions were detected in five patients (15.15%) whose radiographs were negative, and more lesions were detected in 11 patients (33.33%) with positive radiographs. Diffuse infiltration pattern was found in eight cases (24%) on MRI imaging when radiographs showed only osteopenia and in one patient (3%) in whom radiographs were normal.CONCLUSIONS: MRI had higher sensitivity in the detection of diffuse BM involvement and discovery of focal spinal lesions compared to conventional radiographs with a positive P value.

Tuberculous abdominal cocoon as a rare variant of peritonitis

To study and systematize clinical symptoms of tuberculous perivisceritis, to clarify diagnostic value of laboratory and instrumental survey in these patients and to identify the features of surgical treatment.There were 8 patients with tuberculous perivisceritis. Examination included computed tomography of the abdominal cavity and chest, ultrasound, laparoscopy. All patients underwent surgical treatment with histological, cytological, microbiological and molecular genetic analysis of peritoneal exudate and biopsy of peritoneal specimens.Clinical picture of tuberculous perivisceritis is variable and non-specific. Periods of exacerbation are replaced by periods of prolonged remission. The complex of radiological survey used in verification of perivisceritis does not allow accurate determining the nature of disease. However, peritoneal tuberculosis may be suspected as a rule considering signs of thickening of the peritoneum. Objective confirmation of perivisceritis is possible only during surgical intervention. In this case, etiological factor can be established only after a thorough histological examination of resected fibrous capsule.Clinical picture of tuberculous perivisceritis does not have specific symptoms. The disease is characterized by prolonged and undulating course. Acute peritonitis and acute intestinal obstruction may be suspected during exacerbation of the pathological process. Laparotomy followed by complete excision of fibrous capsule and adhesiolysis is preferred.Изучение и систематизация клинической симптоматики туберкулезного перивисцерита, уточнение диагностической ценности использованных у данной категории больных лабораторных и инструментальных методов исследования и выявление особенностей оказания им оперативных пособий.Проанализированы результаты диагностики и лечения 8 пациентов с осумковывающим туберкулезным перивисцеритом. В комплекс обследования вошли КТ органов брюшной полости и грудной клетки, УЗИ, видеолапароскопия. Всем больным выполнено оперативное лечение с гистологическим, цитологическим, микробиологическим и молекулярно-генетическим анализом перитонеального экссудата и биоптатов брюшины.Клиническая картина туберкулезного перивисцерита вариабельна и неспецифична. Периоды обострения заболевания сменяются периодами длительной ремиссии. Используемый в верификации перивисцерита комплекс лучевых методов диагностики не может дать точного ответа о характере патологического процесса, но, как правило, позволяет заподозрить туберкулез брюшины при наличии признаков ее утолщения и слоистости. Объективно подтвердить диагноз перивисцерита удается только при проведении хирургического вмешательства. При этом этиологический фактор патологического процесса можно установить только после тщательного гистологического исследования удаленной фиброзной капсулы.В клинической картине туберкулезного перивисцерита нет специфических симптомов, заболевание имеет длительный и волнообразный характер и при обострении может соответствовать как острому распространенному перитониту, так и острой кишечной непроходимости. Операцией выбора является лапаротомия с полным иссечением фиброзной капсулы и адгезиолизисом.

Radiological Survey of the Concentration Department in State Company of Phosphate

The purpose of this research is to conduct a radiological survey of the crushing, milling, screening and conveyor unit of raw materials in the al-Qa'im fertilizer plant/General Phosphate Company, in order to calculate the absorbed doses of the workers in these places as well as the work hazards. As the raw materials in the phosphate fertilizer industry are extracted from the ground, Certainly contains radioisotopes such as the series of decay of uranium, thorium and potassium, which is the main cause of radiation activity in raw materials and the results of the dose absorbed to the workers in the unit of grinding, cracking and screening, And the conveyor belt for raw materials is (0.34, 0.38) mSv/y respectively, which is less than the internationally allowed limits (1msv/y) and the risk of working on working persons (1.7×10^-5, 1.9×10^-5) For crushing and crushing unit and belt conveyor unit, respectively, within the limits of internationally licensed 10^-5.

Radiological Survey of Oil and Gas Wastes and its Health Risks in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study is radiometric survey of oil and gas wastes and its health risks in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. &#x0D; Study Design: This study was purely an experimental work which involves collection of samples and laboratory analysis.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: This study was carried out at oil and gas company waste stream facilities and waste pipe market within Niger Delta region between June 2018 and May, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Sixteen samples (4 drill cuttings, 4 pipe scales, 2 sludges and 6 produced water) were randomly collected from four waste streams in six locations within the oil and gas production facilities and used pipe market. These samples were taken to the laboratory, prepared following the ISO procedure and packaged in a porcelain bottle, sealed and kept for twenty eight days in order to ensure secular equilibrium between 238U, 232Th and their progenies and counted with high purity Germanium detector (HPGe). The activity concentration of all the radionuclides were used to determine the radiological health risks using mathematical models.&#x0D; Results: The lowest and highest specific activity concentrations of 226Ra, 238U , 232Th and 40K, in solid wastes are 5.28±1.08 and 25727.75 Bqkg-1, 3.61±0.76 and 23021.73±1041.58 Bqkg-1, 2.40±0.56 and 21468.25±1125.57 Bqkg-1 and 35.31±2.38 and 1527.73 ±86.60 Bqkg-1 respectively. In the liquid waste, the lowest and highest activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K are 0.34±0.15 and 1.11±0.28 Bql-1, 0.63±0.17 and 1.06±0.18 Bql-1 and 9.60±0.66 and 14.20 ±1.04 Bql-1 respectively. 226Ra was below detectable limit in the liquid waste except in one sample (CZI). Downhole pipe scales recorded the highest activity concentration of all the radionuclides. Surface pipe scale also recorded very high activity concentration of all the radionuclides. The radiological health risk parameters assessed from the activity concentration of these radionuclide were all above the safe reference levels in downhole pipe scales and surface pipe scales while they are within the safe values in other samples. The estimated Exposure rate for both solid and liquid wastes were higher than the recommended reference level of 600 µRh-1 and the associated dose rate was also higher than reference level.&#x0D; Conclusion: The result of this work revealed that downhole and surface pipes from oilfield commonly used in the construction of buildings and domestic overhead tank-stands are associated with high levels of ionizing radiation which may be detrimental to human health and the environment.

Prompt Mapping of Radioactively Contaminated Areas

The paper presents a methodology for prompt mapping of radioactively contaminated areas. The efficiency of obtaining cartographic information is achieved by using correlation dependences between the characteristics of radioactive contamination obtained during various radiological surveys of contaminated areas. The method of spatial interpolation based on regression-kriging is used to formalize the data on radioactive contamination. This method allows combining the information resulting from direct measurements of density of territory contamination by radionuclides we are interested in with the information contained in other characteristics of radioactive contamination received at the surveyed area (for example, ER). Such an approach allows more accurate mapping of 137Cs deposition density and concentration of its activity in the root layer of soil, as well as significant reduction of the time and cost to survey the mapped area (sampling, sample preparation and measurement of samples). This, in turn, accelerates and reduces the cost for mapping of radioactively contaminated territories (fields, lands, sites). The methodology has been tested on the fields contaminated by radionuclides resulting from the Chornobyl accident in the Narodychi, Polissia and Ivanivka Districts and has proved its performance and efficiency. Comparison and analysis of the obtained maps of radioactive contamination of the territory show that in the conditions of limited amount of data on direct measurements and time limit, the use of correlation dependences between the characteristics of radioactive contamination of soil is often the only possible way to increase the information content and accuracy of the obtained cartographic information.

The Current State of Teleradiology Across the United States: A National Survey of Radiologists’ Habits, Attitudes, and Perceptions on Teleradiology Practice

PurposeTo explore the current state of teleradiology practice, defined as the interpretation of imaging examinations at a different facility from where the examination was performed. MethodsA national survey addressing radiologists’ habits, attitudes, and perceptions regarding teleradiology was distributed by e-mail to a random sample of ACR members in early 2019. ResultsAmong 731 of 936 respondents who indicated a non-teleradiologist primary work setting, 85.6% reported performing teleradiology within the past 10 years and 25.4% reported that teleradiology represents a majority of their annual imaging volumes; 84.4% performed teleradiology for internal examinations and 45.7% for external examinations; 46.2% performed teleradiology for rural areas and 37.2% for critical access hospitals; 91.3% performed teleradiology during weekday normal business hours and 44.5% to 79.6% over evening, overnight, and weekend hours. In all, 76.9% to 86.2% perceived value from teleradiology for geographic, after-hours, and multispecialty coverage, as well as reduced interpretation turnaround times. The most common challenges for teleradiology were electronic health record access (62.8%), quality assurance (53.8%), and technologist proximity (48.4%). The strategy most commonly considered useful for improving teleradiology was technical interpretation standards (33.3%). Radiologists in smaller practices were less likely to perform teleradiology or performed teleradiology for lower fractions of work, were less likely to experience coverage advantages of teleradiology, and reported larger implementation challenges, particularly relating to electronic health records and prior examination access. ConclusionDespite historic concerns, teleradiology is widespread throughout modern radiology practice, helping practices achieve geographic, after-hours, and multispecialty coverage; reducing turnaround times; and expanding underserved access. Nonetheless, quality assurance of offsite examinations remains necessary. IT integration solutions could help smaller practices achieve teleradiology’s benefits.

Gross alpha/beta radioactivity and radiation dose in thermal and non-thermal spas groundwaters

Gross alpha and gross beta activities have been determined in thermal and non-thermal spas groundwaters (75) occurring at São Paulo and Minas Gerais states in Brazil as they are ingested in public places, bottled and used for bathing purposes, among other. The samples provided from springs and pumped tubular wells drilled at different aquifer systems inserted in Paraná and Southeastern Shield hydrogeological provinces. The WHO guideline reference value proposed in 2011 for the drinking water quality was never reached for the gross alpha activity (0.5 Bq/L) but it was exceeded in 13 groundwater samples for the gross beta activity (1 Bq/L). Available activity concentration data of the natural radionuclides 40K, 228Ra (232Th-daughter), 238U and descendants (234U, 226Ra, 222Rn, 210Pb, 210Po) allowed calculate the total Committed Effective Dose (CED) based on a drinking water ingestion rate of 2 L/day. The WHO reference level of 0.1 mSv per year for the CED was surpassed in a high number of water sources (62 (83%) or 41 (55%), disregarding radon), denoting the relevance of the radiological surveys detailing as much as possible the dissolved radionuclides present in potable waters, despite the analytical difficulties and costs involved.

Radioactivity content in volcanic rocks and radionuclides transfer from rocks to groundwater at Mt. Etna volcano

The paper presents the results of a radiological survey carried out on the eastern flank of Mt. Etna over an area of approximately 120 km 2 . Activity concentrations of uranium isotopes 238,234 U, thorium isotopes 232,230,228 Th, two radium isotopes 226,228 Ra from 238 U and 232 Th decay chains and potassium 40 K were determined using the a- and g- nuclear spectrometry techniques. All rock samples presented activity concentrations of U, Th and Ra in the range between 20 Bq/kg to about 90 Bq/kg, showing a comparable radioactivity content in the whole investigated area. Based on their respective elemental concentrations, the isotopic ratios between different isotopes were studied to draw conclusions on the presence of radioactive equilibrium or disequilibrium in the decay chains. Moreover, an attempt to calculate radionuclide transfer factors from soil to water was made. On the basis of the evaluated concentrations, the radiological risk resulting from ingestion of these isotopes with drinking water was calculated. The obtained results were compared with the regulations currently in force regarding the quality of drinking water.

Optimizing UAV-based radiation sensor systems for aerial surveys

In this study, we qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based radiation sensor systems suitable for specific survey missions. We examined a variety of UAVs, radiation sensors, and radiological survey missions; after reviewing previous studies that developed and conducted field tests, we categorized them by mission and suggested suitable types of UAVs and radiation sensors for each mission. To quantitatively analyze various system designs previously suggested, we proposed a new figure of merit (FOM) formula that can explain the mutual effects of parameters of both radiation sensors and UAVs on system performance. After targeting a radiological survey mission, we selected UAV and radiation sensor types qualitatively. Then, the quantitative FOM formula can be employed to efficiently assess whether the system achieves the required minimum detectable activity (MDA) without field test, while keeping the error of the MDA values in the order of 100. After defining the constraints including the proposed FOM formula, we replicated a severe nuclear power plant accident scenario. We found that one fixed-wing UAV and multiple rotary-wing UAVs are the minimum number of UAVs, and thus the optimal system for timely achievement of a satisfactory MDA and estimation of the three-dimensional radiation distribution contributed by both ground radiation and an atmospheric radioactive plume.