Specific Formula Research Articles

Assessment of maximum and minimum hanger forces in a triple-cable suspension bridge under live load: Analytical algorithm with manta ray foraging optimization

Triple-cable suspension bridges (TCSBs) are widely used in sea-crossing, island-linking projects with extra-long spans and ultra-wide decks. Their safe operation requires sufficient resistance of all bridge components (towers, cables, girders, and hangers) to static/dead and cyclic/live loads. Therefore, reliable assessment of maximum and minimum axial forces acting on each hanger is topical. This study proposes an analytical algorithm for assessing the internal forces and deformations of a TCSB. Specific steps and formulae for solving the coefficients are described by taking the estimation of girder response under random eccentric line loading as an example. Parameters of the suspension bridge under dead load are treated as known quantities. Actual engineering scenarios, including girder displacements along the bridge, are analyzed and discussed in detail. Basic unknown quantities are determined via governing equations under conditions of elevation differences’ closure and conservation of main cables’ unstressed lengths, yielding direct solutions for deformations of the main cables, girder, towers, and hangers. The proposed analytical model’s feasibility is verified via the finite element method. Optimal solutions to the above equations are derived by the manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) algorithm to find the most unfavorable load distributions for all vehicle lanes of the bridge and the maximum and minimum axial forces of random hangers. Finally, the proposed method is successfully applied to a TCSB with a 1600 m main span under two operating conditions. The most unfavorable load distributions and the maximum and minimum axial forces of hangers at the mid-span and at the quarter-span point are estimated. The calculation results are compared against those obtained by the influence surface method, showing their good correlation and superiority of the proposed method in computation workload.

A novel equivalent model of radionuclide migration in three-dimensional rough shear fractures

Accurate prediction of radionuclide distribution in fractured rock mass is a key problem in high-level radioactive waste disposal engineering. However, it is inappropriate to directly regard rough fractures as smooth fractures when predicting radionuclide migration in real fractured rock masses. In this study, the characteristics of radionuclide migration in three-dimensional rough shear fractures are numerically analyzed considering the influence of fracture roughness, aperture distribution, contact ratios, and adsorption. Different fracture contact ratios and aperture distributions are realized by shearing two rough fracture surfaces. Based on the study, we found that the influence of surface contact is greater than that of surface roughness and aperture distribution on radionuclide migration in rough fractures with the same initial fracture aperture under laminar flow. The phenomena of dominant migration channels and low-velocity dispersion zones are observed for radionuclide dispersion in rough fractures containing contact areas. The higher the contact ratio, the more obvious this phenomenon. The breakthrough and steady state times of radionuclide are also significantly affected by the contact ratio. The higher the contact ratio, the shorter the breakthrough time, and the longer the duration from the breakthrough time to the steady state time. Adsorption delays the overall process of the radionuclide migration and prolongs the duration between the breakthrough time and the steady state time. A novel equivalent method of the radionuclide migration in rough shear fractures is proposed based on the study of radionuclide transport in rough fractures. In the proposed equivalent method, an adjustment coefficient for the transport velocity and a longitudinal dispersion coefficient for the rough fracture are defined to connect rough fractures and the corresponding smooth fractures with the same fracture aperture. The influence regularity of fracture contact and adsorption on the two defined coefficients is obtained based on over 400 numerical simulations. The specific formulas of the two coefficients are given based on the form of the analytical solution for the radionuclide transport in a smooth fracture. The dispersion coefficient and transport velocity in a rough fracture are equivalent to the dispersion coefficient and transport velocity in a smooth fracture and the fluctuation term affected by fracture surface contact and adsorption, respectively. It was verified that the equivalent model has higher accuracy, which can help characterize radionuclide migration in 3D rough fractures efficiently and precisely.

IoT-Enabled Water Quality Monitoring and Alum Dose Determining System

The water treatment process involves a series of physical, chemical, and biological techniques and methods designed to remove contaminants, impurities, and undesirable substances from raw or untreated water to make it safe, clean, and usable. Adverse weather conditions, such as rainy seasons and floods, present significant challenges, and difficulties to the water treatment process. Alum is mainly used for reducing the turbidity of the water in the treatment process. In Sri Lanka, all water treatment plants use the Jar Test to determine the Alum dosage manually. They conduct Jar Tests to measure raw water quality in their laboratories. The Alum addition valve is set to a pre-determined quantity and the value is decided based on the experience of the technicians. Since there is no specific formula, the presence of an experienced technician is required to determine alum dosage using the Jar test. Thus, this study intends to propose an automated system for determining the optimum Alum quantity to be added to a given raw water sample. This is achieved by designing an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensing device for measuring the water quality, which feeds data to a Machine Learning Model trained to predict the Alum quantity to be added. The task of the Machine learning model is to identify the pattern of raw water parameters and Alum dosage. By doing this, a could be provided a guideline for determining alum dosage instead of a manual Jar test and removed the necessity of experienced technician support always. A user-friendly web interface will allow the operators to customize the parameters according to the requirement and display a detailed analysis report. The predetermined quantity of Alum is transmitted to the output Alum adding value, to enhance its performance as an automated control rather than doing the addition process manually. This is a conceptual study on how to determine the Alum dosage using Raw water parameters and past experiment results.

Re-evaluation of guar gum (E 412) as a food additive in foods for infants below 16 weeks of age and follow-up of its re-evaluation as food additive for uses in foods for all population groups.

Guar gum (E 412) was re-evaluated in 2017 by the former EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient sources added to Food (ANS). As a follow-up to this assessment, the Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) was requested to assess the safety of guar gum (E 412) for its uses as food additive in food for infants below 16 weeks of age belonging to food categories 13.1.1 (Infant formulae) and 13.1.5.1 (Dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants). In addition, the FAF Panel was requested to address the issues already identified during the re-evaluation of the food additive when used in food for the general population. The process involved the publication of a call for data to allow the interested business operators to provide the requested information to complete the risk assessment. In the response to EFSA requests, one IBO stated that E 412 is not used in food categories 13.1.1 and 13.1.5.1, but it is present in products under food category 13.1.5.2. The Panel concluded that the submitted data are not sufficient to support the safe use of guar gum (E 412) in food for infants (below and above 16 weeks of age) and young children under FC 13.1.1, 13.1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2. Additionally, the Panel concluded that the technical data provided by the IBO support further amendments of the specifications for E 412 laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

Abstract 3021: An Examination Of Emerging Techniques Forquantification Of Systemic-to-pulmonary Collateral Vessel Burden Using Imaging Modalities

Introduction: The quantification of systemic-to-pulmonary collateral vessels (SPCs) and their effects on hemodynamics is a subjective standard that has been intriguing for physicians due to the implications they could have; in cases where there is significant collateral burden, occlusion of these SPCs may be desirable, though this can present with a risk of stroke due to errant embolization particles. No benchmark method of SPC flow assessment has been established. Quantitative analysis of systemic and pulmonary flow values is possible through the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). CFD models can provide advanced and accurate analysis of cardiovascular hemodynamics providing more information beyond routine imaging. Hypothesis: Current methods for quantifying SPC burden are inadequate and could be improved through the use of additional CFD analysis. Methods: A PubMed and Science Direct search was performed. Select inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to search results. Results: The search resulted in a total of 155 unique articles. Of these, 94 articles were found to meet inclusion criteria, and 54 articles were settled on after reviewing articles for further exclusion criteria. Seven articles discussed the use of CT and catheterization for quantifying collateral burden while 43 described using MRI to provide flow values. Eight articles mentioned the use of CFD to quantify hemodynamics in patients with SPCs, and 25 articles provided specific formulas for collateral flow. Conclusions: Using cardiac magnetic resonance velocity mapping is currently regarded as the best method for quantifying SPC burden. The incorporation of CFD analysis with flow data acquired with CMR may be useful in simulating the effects of SPC burden prior to any intervention as well as in predicting the effects of SPC occlusion on patient hemodynamics.

Identifying the effect of thickness on crack width in one-way reinforced concrete slab structures

This paper presents an evaluation study of crack limit states according to design codes and previous research. It aims primarily to relate research findings to design code similarities. Cracks in reinforced concrete structures are still a challenging problem for researchers, especially in one-way plate structures where there is still a lot of damage and corrosion in the reinforcement due to cracks. Finding the right formula will make it easier for practitioners to design these structures, and the problem of durability in reinforced concrete plates can be overcome. From this research, an approach is proposed on how to predict the maximum crack width formula in one-way reinforced concrete slabs with different thicknesses. Plates use a variety of thicknesses, including 125 mm, 150 mm, 175 mm, and 200 mm. The test specimens have the same dimensions and steel reinforcement, a slab width of 0.6 m and a length of 2 m. From a literature study of prediction formulas from previous research works and codes, namely wmax(prop)=7.5*10-3 fsh-0.333, it was found that thickness (h) has little influence on maximum crack width. The results from both approaches in this analysis are overall in accordance with the observed experimental tests and the proposed formula. Based on these observations, increasing the thickness of the reinforced concrete slab has significantly reduced the maximum crack width so that the experimental formula is obtained, namely wmax(exp)=0.32*fsh-1.113. Therefore, a constant is needed to evaluate the influence of thickness parameters for slabs with a thickness less than 200 mm on the maximum crack width formula for reinforced concrete slabs, and a special approximation formula has been obtained. In practical use, the crack width formula can only be used for one-way slabs

Rainfall-Runoff Parameter Estimation from Ungauged Flat Afforested Catchments Using the NRCS-CN Method

Of the numerous methods applied in rainfall-runoff models, the most common is the NRCS-CN method that is applied to calculate raised-water runoffs and compare them with the runoff values measured for 12 selected rainfall-runoff events. This study was conducted on three experimental forest catchments with an area ranging from 67.6 to 747 ha. Total rainfall values ranging from 22.2 to 84.1 mm were analysed. Relatively low effective rainfall values were obtained for the lowest average for catchment 1 (Pe = 0.23 mm) and the runoff coefficient (α = 0.40%) and for the highest average for catchment 3 (Pe = 1.35 mm) and an average runoff coefficient (α = 3.12%). The maximum potential retention Si value, corresponding to each pair of P-Pe events, was the effect of the catchment’s moisture and absorptive capacity conditions. The lowest retention S value was calculated for catchment 3. The highest average retention value was calculated for catchment 1, in which the lightest soils were found. The best fit of the initial loss coefficient for the majority of rainfall-runoff events occurred for the λ coefficient values of 0.05 and 0.075. At higher λ, the effective rainfall Pe was not generated. LAG times calculated using 10 methods yielded diverse values. The fit of a specific formula was largely influenced by the size of the catchment, as well as the number and type of parameters considered during model calibration. The method based on catchment width demonstrated the best fit for all catchments, with R2 ranging from 0.77 to 0.78 and RMSE from 0.52 for catchment 2 to 1.11 for catchment 1.

A soft ground micro TBM’s specific energy prediction using an eXplainable neural network through Shapley additive explanation and Optuna

In tunnel construction, efficiently predicting the energy usage of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) is critical for optimizing operations and reducing costs. This research proposes a novel method for predicting the specific energy of micro slurry tunnel boring machines (MSTBMs) using an explainable neural network (xNN) that leverages operator-monitored data. The xNN model provides transparency and interpretability by integrating the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) technique, enabling tunneling engineers and operators to gain valuable insights into the prediction process. Extensive data from MSTBM umbrella pipe support excavation are the foundation for training, testing, and unseen data in the xNN model. The specific energy formula derived from the operational parameters of the MSTBM defines the dependent variable for the xNN model. The test dataset evaluates the model’s performance with an R² of 98.7%, an MSE of 2.40, and an MAE of 0.003, demonstrating its accuracy and reliability. Ten percent of the dataset was reserved as unseen data to assess the model’s generalization capabilities. Upon evaluation, the model achieved an R2 value of 89%, an MAE of 0.01, and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.01. The xNN empowers operators to optimize operational parameters and promote more efficient and sustainable tunneling practices by identifying influential factors affecting energy consumption through its interpretable nature. This research has significant implications for the future of underground construction, paving the way for improved resource management.

A METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING RISKS BASED ON THE ANALYSIS OF INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES

The article aims to analyse the causes of occupational injuries, identify risk factors for employees, and improve workplace safety and accident prevention standards. To achieve the stated aim, the authors applied a comprehensive approach, which included an in-depth study of recent injury trends, identification of the main causal factors, and a thorough examination of the risks affecting working conditions and leading to injuries. The research methodology included a variety of tools, such as a deep analysis of statistical data on injuries in the context of an industrial enterprise, a review of internal documentation, and an evaluation of risk factors. The study results provided a detailed picture of the changing trajectory of injuries among industrial workers, which is closely related to their length of service and experience at the enterprise. Based on this understanding, we derived a specific risk assessment formula that synthesised the relationship between injuries and length of service. In addition, a thorough analysis of the structure of injuries during different shifts revealed a pronounced tendency for accidents to occur in the evening and at night, partly due to the psychological and physiological stress experienced by employees during these periods and the impact of microclimatic working conditions. To enhance the effectiveness of the risk assessment methodology, we proposed to integrate a comfort factor coefficient that shows the microclimatic factors’ impact on occupational safety and injury rates. These efforts have resulted in an improved risk assessment formula that can provide a more accurate prognosis of injury incidents and help optimise occupational health and safety protocols for employees at industrial enterprises. In addition, using statistical data, the study determined the cause-effect relation between risks to industrial workers, shown through the visual representation of an Ishikawa diagram, thus providing a further perspective for risk assessment in the enterprise. Keywords: injuries, risks, injury analysis, mining and processing plant, industry.

A methodology to estimate the volume and stem taper based on solids of revolutions

The knowledge and identification of stem forms allow more accurate quantification of timber resources as the volume and knowledge of aspects related to species genetics and environmental factors on tree growth. Therefore, the objective of this study was the development of methodology based on concepts of solids of revolution to identify the different forms along the tree stems; define the most appropriate formulas to compute the volume of each part of the stem; and estimate diameters along the stems (stem taper). For this, data from 27 felled sample trees of Eucalyptus grandis, separated equally into nine diameter classes, with 60 months of age, planted under 3 × 3 meters spacing were used to establish the relationships between the variables and develop the methodology. For the set of sample trees, the basal part of the stems resembled a neiloid, a cone at the center, and a paraboloid at the top. The differences between stem volumes obtained by applying specific formulas for each stem section and those obtained by a single formula for all sections were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). The proposed methodology provided accurate estimates of diameters outside the bark compared to the diameters estimated by the taper models for most sample trees, showing the potential of using the methodology as an alternative to traditional methods.

INVESTIGATION OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY AND MOTIVATION IN THE COMPANY "INNOVATOR"

Nino Lazviashvili E-mail: lazviashvilinino11@gtu.ge Professor, Georgian Technical University Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1251-4475 Zurab Gegenava E-mail: gege@innovator.ge PhD student, Georgian Technical University Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7855-5987 Abstract: In the article - "Investigation of the correlation between employee productivity and motivation in the company "Innovator"" - in the period of 2018-2022 (number of observations n=5), the density of the correlation between productivity (y) and economic motivation (x) in the company "Innovator" is calculated and evaluated. The calculation is made both in terms of the entire number of employees and on average per employee. In any organization there is a resultative event and its cause (or causes). In this particular case, in the company "Innovator" the effective indicator is productivity, i.e. turnover (y), and the causal indicator is labor remuneration (x). The correlation is one-factor, i.e. pairwise, and also linear. In the paper, the density of the correlation connection is calculated by a special formula (Ч_yx ), which is perceived as positively functional if its value is placed in the norm of the numerical connection between the x and y values [-1; 1]. The research established that the correlation coefficient between productivity and motivation in the company "Innovator" is: for the total number of employees - 0.8075 (ie 80.7%) per employee on average - 0.7959 (ie 79.5%) Both these coefficients are placed in the interval between -1 and +1, which indicates the essentiality of this connection. The essentiality (significance) of these coefficients in the paper is substantiated using the student's distribution table. The paper concludes that more than 80% of overall productivity in the company "Innovator" is influenced by external motivation, i.e. the amount of remuneration, and the rest by the internal human factor, i.e. "motivation 3.0". Keywords: correlation; correlational connection; connection density; pairwise correlation; successful event; causal event; correlation coefficient; Student criteria. JEL classification: A2; M12;

PRICING OF EQUITY INVESTMENT - AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF INDIAN CAPITAL MARKET

The investment is stock market is an art as well as science. The objective of stock market investment is to achieve superior returns comparing other investment options. The investment cost is one of the variable contributing towards the performance of the stock. The justified price of the stock is always a matter of discussion but no specific formula or theory exist to recognize the correct price. This paper is an attempt to decompose the market price of the stock listed on Indian exchanges. Using the data for 10 years, explanatory variables are identified which explain market price of the stock. The model identify the significant factors explaining 62 per cent changes in the market price. The findings of the study are useful to all academicians, researchers and market participants to understand the complex dynamics of market price of the stock and its explanatory factors.

Comparison on molecular transformation of dissolved organic matter during Fenton and activated carbon adsorption processes for chemical cleaning wastewater treatment

This study employed Fenton oxidation and powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption processes for the removal of recalcitrant dissolved organic matter (DOM) in chemical cleaning wastewater (CCW) to meet discharge standards. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) was used to identify resistant compounds and investigate the transformation characteristics of DOM. CCW mainly contained surfactant exhibiting heteroatom-rich characteristics, and both processes exhibited effective DOM removal but distinct selectivity towards different subclasses of formulas. PAC adsorption significantly decreased the number of DOM compounds and more effective in aromatic compounds than Fenton oxidation. The aliphatic compounds (AImod ≤ 0.5, 1.5 ≤ H/C ≤ 2.0) predominantly with saturated and reduced states were resistant to PAC adsorption, and particularly a specific CHONSP formula was the predominant contributor to residual DOM in the effluent. In contrast, Fenton oxidation degraded most substances in the CCW except for a few saturated and reduced compounds primarily consisting of CHO, resulting in an increase in DOM number. Two unsaturated subclasses, carboxylic-rich alicyclic molecules/lignin-like structures (primarily CHON) and carbohydrates (primarily CHONP and CHONSP), were prominently produced after Fenton oxidation. The major mechanisms governing Fenton oxidation of surfactant in CCW primarily involved dealkylation (25.2 %), oxygen addition (21.2 %), and decarboxylation (19.8 %). Given the unique removal preferences and resistance observed in Fenton and PAC processes, a combination approach could be explored in the future to achieve advanced overall performance.

New approach to determining the economic efficiency of investments in mineral resources deposits development

The purpose of the study is to develop methodological support for assessing the economic efficiency of investment when implementing projects for mineral deposits development, including investments in coal deposits development. Specific features of the content of these projects implementation process have been considered both in terms of investment result and its components, and in terms of composition and investment structure, which affect the methodology used and the corresponding methods of efficiency indicators calculation. The author’s approach and specific formulas for assessing the economic efficiency of investment when implementing projects for mineral deposits development have been outlined and substantiated. The projects are based on the use of newly created value indicator such as internal income of enterprises and organizations as a result of investment and investment activity. In its economic content it corresponds to the country’s internal national income indicator, which is the financial basis for the functioning and existence of the state. The formulas for calculating the indicators of economic efficiency of investments and capital investments in development and exploitation of mineral deposits of specific investors without considering the costs of production and social infrastructure have been given.

On the Two-Variable Analogue Matrix of Bessel Polynomials and Their Properties

In this paper, we explore a study focused on a two-variable extension of matrix Bessel polynomials. We initiate the discussion by introducing the matrix Bessel polynomials involving two variables and derive specific differential formulas and recurrence relations associated with them. Additionally, we present a segment detailing integral formulas for the extended matrix Bessel polynomials. Lastly, we introduce the Laplace–Carson transform for the two-variable matrix Bessel polynomial analogue.

Discrete-time zeroing neural network with quintic error mode for time-dependent nonlinear equation and its application to robot arms

Time-dependent nonlinear equation (TDNE) arises in numerous engineering applications. Recently, zeroing neural network (ZNN) has been proven to be an effective alternative for solving the TDNE. In this paper, we present a new solution to the TDNE by using the discrete-time ZNN (DTZNN). Specifically, a special difference formula is first constructed via Taylor series expansion. Then, by utilizing such a formula to discretize the existing continuous-time ZNN model, the new DTZNN model is proposed to determine the TDNE solution. Theoretical analysis and numerical results further indicate the validity and superiority of the proposed DTZNN model in comparison with the previous models. Finally, the DTZNN practicality is presented by the simulation and experiment on the DOBOT arm using the proposed model.

Impact of the 2022 national formula shortage on clinical decision-making of healthcare providers in switching amino acid formulas for infants with cow's milk protein allergy: a survey-based study.

In 2022, the United States experienced a national shortage of infant formula due to a global supply chain crisis and a large-scale domestic formula recall. The existing literature on healthcare providers' (HCPs) clinical decision-making during formula shortages is limited. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing pediatric HCP clinical decision-making when switching between amino acid formulas (AAF) for managing cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) in infants under 24 months of age during an unprecedented national formula shortage. The study included pediatric HCPs with experience managing CMPA in infants and toddlers under 24 months during the formula shortage from January 2022 to November 2022. A de-identified survey comprising 26 questions examining driving factors used in clinical decision-making was administered to pediatric HCPs using a real-time mobile data collection tool. Among the surveyed pediatric HCPs (n = 75), the factors most frequently considered as "extremely important" when switching to another AAF included safety (85%), tolerability (73%), and efficacy (83%). No statistically significant differences were found in HCP ratings among the listed examined factors of the four AAFs. The availability of specific formulas was the only factor that exhibited a statistically significant difference in perceived performance among pediatric HCPs when comparing the four AAFs (p < 0.05). This study elucidates the crucial aspects that influenced pediatric HCPs' selection of AAFs for CMPA management during the 2022 formula shortage. The findings highlight the significance of safety, tolerability, efficacy, and availability in the pediatric HCP decision-making processes.

Creativity and Innovation in the K‐pop System and a Possible Link with Pansori

ABSTRACTThis study aims to distinguish between creativity and innovation in K‐pop using a conceptual framework of the K‐pop system and to examine if any traces of Korean traditional Pansori are found in K‐pop. Innovation refers to successful implementation of creative ideas, and creative ideas without successful implementation are of no use in the business sector. A conceptual framework of the K‐pop system, developed by the author, consists of enabling people, contents, system processes, and environments. This study identified eight innovative aspects of K‐pop, which include manufacturing K‐pop stars using a specific formula; providing government leadership for K‐pop export; using well‐balanced copyrights to encourage K‐pop fans' social media sharing of their copycat versions; and embracing culturally hybrid K‐pop music styles for global markets. K‐pop's possible links with Pansori are found in K‐pop singers' Grit, similar to Pansori singers' Gongryeok; and female K‐pop idols willing to take personal sacrifices of “no dating” and “curfews,” resembling Pansori singers' “punishing effort.” Confucian influence on K‐pop is traced in South Korea's top‐down approaches by the government and music industries, and gender inequality imposed on female idols as the male gaze.

Vertebral formula and numerical variations in the spine of the Antarctic and southern South American penguins (Aves: Sphenisciformes)

Abstract The vertebral column in tetrapods consists of several constant regions, namely the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal regions. Each of these regions is characterized by a specific number of vertebrae, contributing to the overall vertebral formula. Supernumerary and/or missing vertebrae have only been sporadically mentioned for penguins, and the specific vertebral formula is only determined for some non-passeres orders. Variations in the anatomy and vertebral number of South American and Antarctic penguin species are evaluated here. Sixty-six specimens of Aptenodytes forsteri, Pygoscelis adeliae, P. antarcticus, P. papua, Spheniscus magellanicus, and Eudyptes chrysocome were examined to establish the vertebral formula for six South American and Antarctic species, reporting the type and frequency of the variations found in the generalized configuration. We found no intraspecific variation in respect of the number of cervical as well as cervicothoracic vertebrae in all penguin species studied. Intra- and interspecific variation occur in the thoracic, synsacral, and caudal regions comprising 6–7, 13–14 and 5–8 vertebrae, respectively. Particularly, the variations were found in the transitional zones between one region and another and/or between synsacral segments.

Radioprotection issues in uraniferous minerals collections with reference to an actual case.

Our work investigated the radioprotection implications associated with the possession of a collection of uraniferous minerals. Considering different scenarios, we developed (and applied to an actual collection) specific formulas for radiation doses evaluation. We discussed the shielding necessary to reduce the gamma irradiation down to the required values. A mathematical model was developed to estimate the minimum air flow rate to reduce the radon air concentration below the reference values. The radiation risks associated to the handling of single specimens was also addressed, including hand skin irradiation and shielding capabilities of surgical lead gloves. Finally, we discussed the radiation risks associated to the exhibition of a single specimen. The results, compared to the safety standards of the EU Directive 13/59, show that the exhibition of uraniferous samples with activity of a few MBq do not need specific radioprotection requirements nor for the involved personnel nor for visitors.