Respective Average Values Research Articles

J/\u03c8 production as a function of charged-particle multiplicity in p-Pb collisions at sqrt{s_{mathrm{NN}}} = 8.16 TeV

Inclusive J/ψ yields and average transverse momenta in p-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sqrt{s_{mathrm{NN}}} = 8.16 TeV are measured as a function of the charged-particle pseudorapidity density with ALICE. The J/ψ mesons are reconstructed at forward (2.03 < ycms< 3.53) and backward (−4.46 < ycms< −2.96) center-of-mass rapidity in their dimuon decay channel while the charged-particle pseudorapidity density is measured around midrapidity. The J/ψ yields at forward and backward rapidity normalized to their respective average values increase with the normalized charged-particle pseudorapidity density, the former showing a weaker increase than the latter. The normalized average transverse momenta at forward and backward rapidity manifest a steady increase from low to high charged-particle pseudorapidity density with a saturation beyond the average value.

Statistical inferences from measured data on concentrations of naturally occurring radon, thoron, and decay products in Kumaun Himalayan belt.

Regional averages of radon, thoron, and associated decay product concentration are reported to be higher than their respective global averages in recent studies conducted in Indian Himalayan belt. The present study explores another region in Indian Himalayan belt by conducting measurements of radon, thoron, and decay product's activity concentration in 92 dwellings of Bageshwar district. The year-long measurements were performed in all 3 seasons distinguishing dwellings as per their construction material. The average radon and thoron concentration for the study region was measured as 57Bq/m3 and 66Bq/m3, respectively. Analysis of the measured data in terms of seasonal effects and construction material led to well established inferences, i.e., higher concentration for mud houses and for winter season. In addition, the present study focuses on lesser probed statistical inferences. One of them is related to the appropriateness of frequency distribution function for the measured data and other dwells upon the correlation analysis of inter-related factors for high concentration cases. Three distribution functions (Lognormal, Weibull, and Gamma) were found to be following the trend of frequency distribution curve of the measured data. For mud houses in winter season, variations of radon/thoron concentration were attempted to correlate with mass/surface exhalation rate, emanation rate, and source term content. More than 80% of the dwellings of the study region were found to have gas and decay product's concentration levels, higher than the respective global average values. However, these values were mostly within the reference levels for residential environments. Nevertheless, this region requires further studies to pinpoint the causes for elevated levels and suggest simple remedial modifications if required.

Granulometry, heavy mineral and geochemical studies of stream sediments around Bula, Dass District, Northeast Nigeria

Active stream sediments generally consist of broken-down fragments of pre-existing rocks by the action of river (stream) flow. This makes them target materials for routine geochemical surveys and provenance analysis. Fifteen (15) stream sediment samples were collected in some parts of Bula and its environs, northeastern Nigeria, in order to determine their textural characteristics, heavy mineral and elemental composition. The sediments were subjected to granulometric, heavy mineral and elemental analyses. The result of granulometric analysis show that the streamsediments are poorly to moderately well sorted, very platykurtic to leptokurtic, fine to medium grained and positively skewed. Zircon, rutile and tourmaline are the dominant heavy mineral species occurring in the sediments. The computed Zircon-Tourmaline-Rutile (ZTR) index values for the samples range from 59.18 - 83.53, indicating mineralogical maturity. The geochemical data of the stream sediment samples show that the mean contents of the trace elements [Ti (0.73 ± 0.74%), Fe (0.39±0.19%), Cr (816±639ppm), Ni (258±108ppm), Pb (48±12.37ppm) and Zn (502±126ppm)] were higher than their respective average crustal values except for Fe. Computed threshold values indicate possible mineralization containing Fe and Ti. The elements have variable spatial distribution. The study shows that the trace elements composition of the stream sediments is majorly lithogenic. Because mineralization in rocks and sediments are often characterized by considerable variation in their trace elements contents, the metal concentrations in these sediments are large enough for Ilmenite and Rutile mineralization to be suspected within the study area.

Comparison of Floating Chamber and Diffusion Model Methods for Measuring Methane Emissions from Inland Fish-Aquaculture Ponds

Freshwater aquaculture ponds collectively cover a large area in southeast China. They are an important anthropogenic source of CH4 emissions, however current knowledge of CH4 emissions from aquaculture ponds is limited. During September 2017 and August 2018, two independent sampling campaigns of CH4 flux measurements over annual cycles were carried out in a fish-aquaculture pond in southeast China using a floating chamber and diffusion model methods for comparison. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variation of CH4 fluxes obtained from the fish-aquaculture pond, analyze the emission mechanisms, and amplify the CH4 emissions inventory. The diffusion model method can further quantify the contribution of diffusion transmission to CH4 emissions. The seasonal variations of CH4 fluxes measured by the two methods were similar, with higher CH4 fluxes appearing in summer and fall and lower CH4 fluxes appearing in spring and winter. CH4 fluxes measured by the floating chamber method and diffusion model method ranged from 0.14-3.13 mg·(m2·h)-1 and 0.04-1.41 mg·(m2·h)-1, respectively, and the respective average values were (0.86±0.30) mg·(m2·h)-1and (0.45±0.08) mg·(m2·h)-1. The CH4 fluxes were positively related to water temperature, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), but negatively related to the water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the fish-aquaculture pond. CH4 fluxes calculated by diffusion model methods were 45% lower than those determined by the floating chamber methods over annual cycles. The result suggested that the floating chamber method is more suitable than the diffusion model method for measurements of CH4 fluxes in freshwater aquaculture ecosystems.

Comparisons of air kerma and absorbed dose to water standards in Co-60 radiation beams for radiotherapy

The air kerma and absorbed dose to water standards for 60Co radiotherapy beams of 6 EURAMET NMIs were compared by circulating 2 transfer standards. The schedule for the measurements lasted from March 2013 to February 2015. The participants determined the calibration coefficients for the 2 transfer standards in both radiation quantities mentioned above. The comparison results are given in terms of air kerma and absorbed dose to water for both transfer standards as the ratio of the participants' calibration coefficients to the respective average values over all participants. Two participating NMIs, BEV and METAS, measured the transfer standards twice and three times, respectively. Hence, submeans were calculated and propagated as their respective repeated measurements are correlated.The results are also linked to the BIPM.RI(I)-K1 and BIPM.RI(I)-K4 key comparisons through the linking laboratories BEV, LNE-LNHB and VSL for the air kerma and BEV, LNE-LNHB and METAS for the absorbed dose to water standards.Main textTo reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Natural radiation exposure to the public in the uranium bearing region of Poli, Cameroon: From radioactivity measurements to external and inhalation dose assessment

The present work reports measurements of activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil, 222Rn and 220Rn in dwellings, and air kerma rates followed by external and inhalation dose assessment to the public in the uranium bearing region of Poli. These measurements were carried out using a 3-in × 3-in NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer for radioactivity in soil, car-borne survey method for air kerma rates, and Passive integrated radon–thoron discriminative detectors (RADUET) and thoron progeny monitors for radon, thoron, and thoron progeny indoors respectively. In-situ activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K range between 13–52 Bq kg−1, 10–67 Bq kg−1, and 242–777 Bq kg−1 respectively with respective average values of 32 Bq kg−1, 31 Bq kg−1, and 510 Bq kg−1. Air kerma rates range between 25 and 102 nGy h−1 with the mean value of 57 nGy h−1. The annual effective doses due to public external exposure range between 0.20 and 0.83 mSv y−1 with the mean value of 0.46 mSv y−1. Taking into account of the number of inhabitants and the level of external dose, some inhabited areas were selected for radon, thoron and thoron progeny measurements in 100 houses. Radon and thoron concentrations range between 46–137 Bq.m−3 and 24–238 Bq.m−3 with the arithmetic mean values of 82 Bq m−3 and 94 Bq m−3 respectively. The equilibrium equivalent thoron concentrations (EETC) and the equilibrium factor for thoron range respectively between 4–29.6 Bq m−3 and 0.008–0.3 with the average values of 8.3 Bq m−3 and 0.08. The equilibrium factor found to be higher than the world average value of 0.02 given by the United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The inhalation doses due to radon progeny and thoron progeny range between 0.87–2.6 mSv y−1 and 0.34–6.2 mSv y−1 respectively. The contribution of thoron to the total inhalation dose ranges between 12–67% with the average value of 49%, showing that thoron cannot be neglected in dose assessment as done in the past.

Surface roughness effect on droplet impact characterization: Experimental and theoretical study

In this paper, the effect of surface roughness on the both normal and inclined droplet impact is investigated experimentally by image processing. The impingement of water droplets with 2.9 mm diameter and 1m/s velocity impacting on three types of stainless steel surfaces with respective arithmetic average surface roughness values of 2.24 μm (Smooth), 6.04 (Medium) and 30.2 (Rough) is examined using a high-speed camera. The dynamic behavior of the impact including droplet deformation, the maximum spreading diameter and length, contact angle and the number of fingers are studied. Experimental results demonstrate that rough surfaces not only prevent secondary droplet formation but also decrease the number of fingers formed around the droplet in the normal droplet impact. Considering the inclined droplet impact scenarios, the asymmetric spreading of droplet on inclined surfaces avoids the secondary droplet formation by decreasing the fluid kinetic energy. In the inclined impact, fingers are formed around the droplet perimeter like the normal impact. The only difference between impacts onto the inclined surfaces is a gradual decrease of the number of fingers by increasing the incline angle. The experimental results are compared with those of the analytics available in the literature for the normal droplet impacts. Next, a simple analytical model for droplet impact on an inclined surface is developed; the predictions from this model was also compared to those of measurements. Calculated values from the analytical models agreed well with experimental data for both normal and inclined impact scenarios.

Total Phenolic, Anthocyanin, Catechins, DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity, and Toxicity of Lepisanthes alata (Blume) Leenh.

Anthocyanins and catechin are natural antioxidants presented in many plants. Lepisanthes alata (Blume) Leenh is a plant with fruit that ripens to an intense red. This coloring suggests a high polyphenol content. However, limited information is available regarding the polyphenol or other antioxidant content in this fruit or its suitability as a food additive. The purpose of this research was to determine the total phenolic, total monomeric anthocyanin, catechin, epicatechin and epigallocatechin gallate content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and toxicity in rind, flesh, seed, and whole fruit of L. alata. This research was conducted using an exploratory method with four analyses; samples from six parts of the plant were analyzed for polyphenols (rind, fruit pulp, seeds, whole fruit, bark, and leaves), four for anthocyanins (rind, fruit pulp, seeds, and whole fruit), and six parts of the plant for DPPH radical scavenging activity in water, methanol, and ethanol (rind, fruit pulp, seeds, whole fruit, bark, and leaves) and toxicity. This plant was found to contain high levels of polyphenol; the lowest level was measured in the flesh (0.64 mg GAE/g of DW) and the highest in the whole fruit (2.87 mg GAE/g of DW). The lowest anthocyanin content is found in the flesh and the highest in the rind with the respective average values of 672.27 mg/100 g FW and 1462.82 mg/100 g FW. Epicatechin is the major catechin in whole fruit and bark of L. alata. L. alata DPPH radical scavenging activity was in the range of 21.23 to 92.5% depending on the solvent, and the highest activity was recorded in bark in ethanol extract. No toxins were found in any part of the plant indicating that an extract from it could be safely used as a natural antioxidant supplement in processed foods to protect against free radicals.

Radioactivity in coral skeletons and marine sediments collected from the St. Martin’s Island of Bangladesh

Although the coral island ‘St. Martin’s’ serves as the most attractive place for leisure and tourism, but no data on radioactivity in coral skeleton is reported elsewhere. The mean activity concentrations (Bq/kg) for natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the sediment and coral reefs collected from the coastal waters of the Island were found to be 30.7 ± 2.1, 36.8 ± 2.8 and 388 ± 30, and 16.5 ± 1.3, 28.7 ± 1.9 and 334 ± 26, respectively; all lie within the respective world average values of 35, 35 and 450 Bq/kg except 232Th in sediment sample. Thus, the environment of coral reefs ecosystem of St. Martin’s Island pose an insignificant radiological threats to the local dwellers and tourists.

Determination of specific activity of&lt;sup&gt;238&lt;/sup&gt;U, &lt;sup&gt;232&lt;/sup&gt;Th and &lt;sup&gt;40&lt;/sup&gt;K and radiological hazard assessment of Tuomo River Sediments in Burutu, Delta State, Nigeria

The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in sediments samples from Tuomo river in Burutu, Delta State, Nigeria have been determined using gamma spectrometry NaI(TI) detector. The concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the sediments range from 18.69±1.88−77.99±4.35 Bqkg−1, 59.67 ± 11.85 −149.03 ±23.97 Bqkg−1 and 580.19±3.89−873.04±4.86 Bqkg−1 respectively. The mean values were found to be above their respective world average values. Radiological risk assessments were carried out to ascertain the possible radiological effects associated with the use of the sediments. The results for the radiological hazard parameters revealed that the sediments are in tandem with recommended safe limits. Therefore, the use of Tuomo river sediment for purpose of building and other human needs is generally of negligible radiological concern for human health.Keywords: Natural radionuclides; Activity concentration; Radiological hazards; Sediments

Characterization and Correlation Analysis of Physical and Physico-Chemical Properties of Cambucá Fruits (Plinia edulis)

Aims: This study was to characterize and correlate physical and physico-chemical properties of cambucá fruits (Plinia edulis).&#x0D; Study Design: Experimental design was completely randomized with fifteen samples of five fruits each.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Experimental orchard of the Department of Plant Science, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), located in the municipality of Viçosa, Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais during the month of February 2015.&#x0D; Methodology: Fruits were sampled when 100% of peels presented yellow-orange color. The following characteristics were evaluated: longitudinal and transverse diameter, total mass of both pulp and seed, pulp color, soluble solids, titratable acidity, soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, ascorbic acid and carotenoids contents. To verify the degree of correlation between two physico-chemical variables, a Pearson analysis was performed.&#x0D; Results: Cambucá fruits showed average values of longitudinal and transverse diameter of 37.76 and 44.36 mm, respectively. Fruits’ average mass were 44.12 g and the percentage of pulp was 82.15%. Both soluble solids and titratable acidity presented the respective average values: 10.53 ºBrix, 1.34 mg of citric acid and 100 mL-1 of pulp. Larger cambucá fruits presented higher pulp yield and lower acidity. The increase in ascorbic acid was positively correlated with the contents of soluble solids and carotenoids.&#x0D; Conclusion: Fruits of cambucá have potential for commercialization, their characteristics are similar to those found in other fruit species native to the Myrtaceae family and already found in the fruit market.

Evaluation of satellite-based products for extreme rainfall estimations in the eastern coastal areas of China

ABSTRACTRemotely sensed rainfall plays an important role in providing efficient approaches for global or regional rainfall analysis. However, the accuracy of satellite-based products is mainly affected by the errors in sensor observation and retrieval algorithms, particularly with respect to extreme rainfall estimates. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of satellite-based products in capturing rainfall extremes. The eastern coastal areas of China were chosen as the case study area to compare the accuracy of three mainstream satellite-based products with respect to extreme rainfall estimates during 2003–2015 period. This included the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) rainfall product 3B42V7, the Climate Prediction Centre Morphing technique RAW (CMORPH-RAW), and the CMORPH bias-corrected product (CMORPH-CRT). In general, all satellite-based products demonstrated numerous errors in extreme rainfall estimates. Based on three different indices of extreme rainfall, it was observed that the satellite-based products underestimated the amounts of rainfall extremes and their respective average values. It was noted that CMORPH-RAW demonstrated the largest relative bias (RB) and underestimated the average extreme rainfall by −31% to −35%. Additionally, all satellite-based products exhibited poor capabilities in capturing the variations in hourly extreme rainfall processes. Finally, a simple potential flood index was developed to simulate the potential flood areas in the eastern coastal areas of China. We found that the potential flood areas can be simulated by combining the potential flood index with the amounts of rainfall derived by satellite-based products.

Evaluation of the adaptability, productivity, and leaf powder quality of eight Moringa oleifera cultivars introduced to a dry-hot climate of Southwest China

Although Moringa oleifera is a globally recognized multipurpose plant, and its seed-oil has been identified as an industrial source for the manufacture of cosmetic emollient, there is however lack of conclusive data on its performance in China, which is the most northerly latitude of moringa distribution in the world today. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the adaptability, and (ii) evaluate the yield potential of seed-oil and quality characteristics of leaf powder from eight M. oleifera cultivars (‘Mali’ [ML], ‘Kenya’ [KE], ‘USA’ [US], ‘Cuba’ [CU], ‘Bangalore’ [BL], ‘Calcutta’ [CT], ‘Taiwan’ [TW], and ‘Myanmar’ [PO]) in the dry-hot regions of southwest China from 2014 to 2015. Evaluated cultivars showed variations in the studied vegetative and reproductive growth traits i.e. tree height, canopy diameter, and the number of branches producing fruit (NBF), etc. The results showed that the PO cultivar had the highest total number of ripe fruit loads (NRF). Although the plants from the US cultivar had the maximum number of fruit settings (NTF), they produced the smallest NRF/NTF ratio, suggesting that plants from different geographical provenances differed in their adapting to varied environments and a severe physiological fruit drop in the US cultivar. Also, the evaluated cultivars showed differences in the studied fruiting traits and yield components i.e. the number of seeds per fruit pod (NSF), seed weight, seed yield, and seed oil content. Among the plants assessed, M. oleifera from the PO produced significantly higher (P < 0.05) seed and oil yields per hectare, with respective average values of 1025 kg·ha−1 and 321 kg·ha−1 throughout the two evaluation years. In addition, nutrient variability in leaf powder as a fodder resource was analyzed for crude lipid, crude protein, and fibre components contents. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between the eight cultivars in the crude fiber, crude lipid, ash or dry matter (DM) contents, but the CT and BL cultivars exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher crude protein levels and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) concentrations. These findings suggested that the best varieties regarding seed oil yield and leaf powder quality may be the PO cultivar from Myanmar, and CT and BL cultivars from India, respectively.

Synergistic effect of musty odorants on septic odor: Verification in Huangpu River source water

Revealing the main contributors to septic odor is a challenge since diverse compounds are responsible for this odor, and there might exist synergistic effects among different odorants. In this study, based on a reconstitution evaluation, the contribution of eighteen odorants identified in Huangpu River source water to the septic odor was explored. The reconstitution test result showed that the three typical odorants, including bis(2‑chloroisopropyl) ether (BCIE), diethyl disulfide (DEDS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), with respective average odor activity values (OAVs) of 2.35, 1.65 and 0.78, only contributed 61 ± 3% of the FPA intensity for septic odor in Huangpu source water. At a BCIE concentration of 50 ng/L, synergistic effect for the septic odor occurred at 10 ng/L for geosmin and 20 ng/L for 2‑methylisoborneol (MIB), showing that coexisting musty odorants could enhance the septic odor intensity caused by some typical odorants. When both geosmin and MIB, with an average OAV of 4.54 and 1.38, were further included in addition to the three typical odorants, 88 ± 4% of the septic odor in Huangpu River source water could be explained. With addition of the remaining odorants with much lower OAVs (<0.23), 94 ± 2% of the septic odor could be explained. The musty odor was not affected by the presence of the co-existing odorants at the concentration levels of the present study. This study indicated that the overall odor of water contaminated with musty and septic odorants is a combination of both concentrations of individual contaminants and their synergistic effects. This is the first study to reveal the synergistic effects of typical musty odorants on septic odor, and the results of this study demonstrated that the synergistic effects of other odorants should be considered when dealing with the septic odor in drinking water.

Seed yield and azadirachtin content of Azadirachta indica in four ecosystems of southwest China

Azadirachta indica (neem) is a globally recognized plant resource suitable for the development of botanical insecticides, and its seeds have been promoted as an industrial source for the manufacture of biopesticides. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield potential of neem seeds and azadirachtin from four ecosystems of southwest China during the periods of 2008 (Year 1) and 2009 (Year 2). The results showed that each ecosystem in Year 1 had higher neem seed production, while each ecosystem in Year 2 had markedly higher contents of azadirachtin A (azA) and total azadirachtin A and B [az(A + B)]. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the four ecosystems in the mean tree height (H), mean tree basal diameter (BD), and mean tree canopy diameter (CD) during the two consecutive years, but no significant differences were found in the weight of per seed (SW), the length/width ratio of seeds (RLW), or the kernel percentage (KP). The seed yield per hectare was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the trees in the tropical sub-humid region (Yuanyang), with a maximum of 1763.4 kg ha−1 in Year 1 and an average of 1650.3 kg ha−1 for the two years, than those in the subtropical arid (Yuanmou) and semi-arid (Yuanjiang) regions. The content and yield of az(A + B) for the seeds produced in the tropical semi-arid region (Gejiu) were the highest, with respective average values of 8.2 g kg−1 and 5.84 kg ha−1 throughout the two evaluation years. Compared with the other three locales, the trees from the subtropical arid region (Yuanmou) produced significantly (P < 0.05) lower seed yield and az(A + B) yield in the drought year of 2009.

Assessment of radioactivity concentration of natural radionuclides and radiation index parameters in soil samples of East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, India

The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides were measured from the soil samples of East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, India, using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The range of the activity concentrations determined for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in Bq/kg was 96.6–518.0, 27.2–122.1, and 39.2–153.4, respectively, and their respective average values were 221.0, 45.9, and 68.7. The range of outdoor annual effective dose was 53.1–209.3 μSv/y, with an average value of 88.2 μSv/y. The values of radium equivalent activity (Raeq) ranged from 96.5 to 265.4 Bq/kg. Values of Raeq from all the sampling locations were less than the recommended limit of 370 Bq/kg set by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development except in one location, Mylliem village. The study reveals that the soil samples from the selected, sampling villages, except Mylliem village, are safe and do not pose any significant radiological threat to population exposure.

Radiological Implications of Coal-Mining Activities in Maiganga Coalfield of North-Eastern Nigeria

Maiganga coalfield is a newly discovered coal deposit in the north-eastern Nigeria that is currently receiving considerable attention from coal stakeholders. The deposit is also a prime target for power generation by the Nigerian government. Protection of man and the environment from excessive radiation exposures due to anthropogenic activities is, therefore, important. The main objective of this study is the assessment of natural radioactivity in the Maiganga coalfield environment of north-eastern Nigeria, with particular emphasis on their environmental and human health implications. Samples of soil, coal, and mine tailings from Maiganga coalfield were assessed for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th activity concentrations using HPGe γ-ray spectrometry. Mean activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in coal were 17.8 ± 1.2, 7.6 ± 0.5, and 5.5 ± 0.4, Bq kg−1, respectively, which were below world mean values of 50, 20, and 20 Bq kg−1, respectively, for coals. Mean specific activities of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th for mine tailings were 91.2 ± 4.3, 20.2 ± 1.0, and 25.7 ± 1.3 Bq kg−1, respectively, while mean values for soil were, respectively, 83.5 ± 4.0, 17.7 ± 0.9, and 27.3 ± 1.3 Bq kg−1. The mean specific activities were below their respective world mean values of 400, 35, and 30 Bq kg−1. Calculated average gamma dose for soil, coal, and mine tailings were 28.1, 7.6, and 28.7 nGy h−1, respectively, with average annual effective dose equivalent of 0.03, 0.01, and 0.03 mSv year−1 in sequence. These were all below their respective world average values. Computed average values for other radiation hazard indices were lower than the recommended limits set for radiation protection. Radiation load on mine workers, environment, and the public due to coal-mining operations in Maiganga coalfield is insignificant.

The anatomical features of the middle ear exerting the influence on the formation of exudative otitis media in the breast-fed infants of different gestational age

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the anatomical features of the structure of the middle ear and eustachian tube in the breast-fed infants of different gestational age that may be responsible for the formation of exudates (fluids). We have examined 150 temporal bones obtained from the children's cadavers that were allocated to three groups as follows: 50 temporal bones obtained at weeks 26-30 weeks of gestation (group 1), 44 bones 31-36 weeks of gestation (group 2), and 37-40 weeks of gestation (full-term babies, group 3),The analysis of the data obtained on an individual bases revealed either increase or decreases in the selected characteristics of the eustachian tube in comparison with the respective average values as well as the well apparent predominance of a single change or a combination of alteration of several parameters in one case in 26-30 weeks and 31-36 weeks groups. No significant changes were found in group 1. It is concluded that the presence of a single change or a combination of two or three abnormal changes in the parameters of the bone structures of the eustachian tube can affect the development of the secretory process in the middle ear especially in the children born after 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Measurement of natural environmental radioactivity and estimation of population exposure in Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This work presents measurements of activity concentrations and estimation of population exposure from the naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K in various surface soil formations of Bihac city. From the measured gamma-ray spectra, activity concentrations were determined for 238U, 232Th and 40K with respective average values of 54 ± 3 Bq kg−1, 41 ± 1 Bq kg−1 and 367 ± 17 Bq kg−1. Calculation of the absorbed dose rates for soil had average value of 65.10 nGy h−1. The corresponding annual effective dose equivalent indoors had an average value of 0.319 mSv year−1, and outdoors 0.080 mSv year−1.

PERFORMANCE FOOD CONSUMPTION - AN IMPORTANT INDICATOR OF LIVING IN THE SOUTHERN FEDERAL DISTRICT

Goal . In this paper, using the tables described in changes in consumption of basic food products per capita at the level of the Southern Federal District. A comparative analysis. Revealed differences in the consumption of staple food per capita food as a percentage of 2005 separately investigated differences between the respective national average values. Designed rating of consumption of basic foodstuffs per capita in the regions of the Southern Federal District. Methods . We used the methods of descriptive statistics, the author's method of calculating the rating of the region. Results . We justify the relevance of the theme, the dynamics of change in consumption of basic product per capita food at the Southern Federal District. A comparative analysis. Revealed differences in the consumption of staple food per capita food as a percentage of the previous periods. Separately investigated differences between the respective national average values. Designed rating of consumption of basic foodstuffs per capita in the regions of the Southern Federal District. Corresponding conclusions. Conclusion . Calculated rating and identified differences from the average values of the previous periods and allows the management of the regions concerned to make informed decisions to change the consumption of basic foodstuffs.