Types Of Radiation Research Articles

Numerical simulation of radiotherapy beam interaction with soft tissues and PLA plastic for 3D printing of dosimetric phantoms

Introduction. In the development of new methods of radiotherapy, studies of the biological effects of sparsely (photons, electrons) and densely (protons, ions) ionizing radiation are relevant. Reproducibility is a challenge in preclinical studies. Dosimetric phantoms of laboratory animals are an effective tool for dose assessment, facilitating standardization of tests conducted under different conditions. existing phantoms often fail to address radiobiological issues like placing of biological samples or dosimetry detectors. A method for manufacturing dosimetric phantoms must be developed to accurately manufacturing products and modify their design in accordance with the task. Aim. This study develops a numerical model to simulate the interaction of photon, electron and proton therapeutic beams with 3D-printed PLA plastic samples and to determine the optimal 3D printing parameters for imitating soft tissues. Material and Methods. Fused filament fabrication proposed as effective means of creating such devices, given that the majority of polymers exhibit properties closely aligned with those of biological tissues, are employed in the manufacture of standard phantoms. A major advantage of 3D printing is the ability to make items with different specifications. Numerical simulation was employed to investigate the interaction of PLA plastic with an ionizing radiation used in radiotherapy. Results. the calculated depth dose distributions of different types of radiation in soft tissues and PLA plastic of varying densities were obtained. It was demonstrated that for adipose imitation using photons and electrons, it is necessary to utilise PLA plastic 3D-printed samples with a density of 0.91 g/cm³ (fill factor of 75 %); for muscle – 1.06 g/ cm³ (fill factor of 88 %). For proton and carbon ion, the density of PLA plastic samples for adipose imitation was determined to be 0.97 g/cm³ (fill factor of 80 %); for muscle – 1.11 g/cm³ (fill factor of 93 %). Conclusion. The study demonstrates that the interaction of PLA plastic with rarely and densely ionizing radiation may be differed. This is a crucial consideration when planning experiments using solid-state dosimetric phantoms.

Study of the uncertainty of measurements of gamma radiation from Cesium-137 and Cobalt-60 sources

Radiation dosimetry is a key element in medical, industrial, and scientific activities involving the use of ionizing radiation. Accurate measurements of radiation doses ensure the safety and effectiveness of radiological practices, which is critically important for protecting patients during medical procedures, adhering to industrial safety standards, and conducting scientific research. International studies are carried out to achieve this high measurement accuracy. The National Scientific Centre “Institute of Metrology” (NSC “Institute of Metrology”) actively participates in international projects aimed at improving the accuracy and consistency of radiation dosimetry. These projects unite National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) to standardize measurement and calibration methods, thereby enhancing the systems of ionizing radiation dosimetry. The relevance of such projects is driven by the widespread use of ionizing radiation in medicine and industry. In medicine, particularly in radiotherapy, accurate dosimetry ensures effective treatment with minimal impact on healthy tissues. In industrial radiography, high-precision dosimetry guarantees compliance with safety standards, reducing the risk of excessive exposure to the radiation for workers. Within the framework of this international project, involving the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and the Central Office of Measures (GUM), new calibration protocols for various types of radiation are being developed, traceability chains to ensure measurement accuracy are being established, and best practices are being shared among participants. To achieve these objectives, preliminary comparisons were conducted among NMIs, with two Institutes acting as reference laboratories. This approach allowed the participants to compare their results with control data and make all necessary adjustments. Such collaboration has fostered knowledge exchange and stimulated the development of new dosimetry techniques, which, in the long term, will enhance the precision and reliability of measurements. The NSC “Institute of Metrology” participated in the project as Ukraine’s leading institution in the field of ionizing radiation. The results of this collaboration are presented in the paper, specifically focusing on comparisons of ionizing radiation using the 137Cs and 60Co sources. Additionally, within the framework of the project, the comparisons of X-ray beams with radiation qualities N-40, N-100, and N-200 were conducted.

Gamma‐ray and neutron attenuation of carbon fiber/epoxy composites with carbon nanotubes and boron nitride nanoparticles for passive shielding applications in space

AbstractComposite materials have made far‐reaching changes in the space industry since they have been adopted into the structural and thermal control subsystems of space vehicles because of their several multi‐functions, including being lightweight as well as having advanced mechanical and thermal properties. The use of composites as space radiation shielding materials is also one of the most crucial applications because space radiation is a major impediment for current and future deep‐space missions. Investigation of carbon fiber composites with a diverse array of element and nanoparticle reinforcements has revealed their potential as an alternative to conventional radiation shielding materials in space. This study focused on the alleviation of gamma‐ray and neutron radiation by carbon fiber/epoxy composites incorporated with various weight ratios of carbon nanotube (CNT) and boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles. A narrow beam geometry setup was used for gamma radiation tests with a Cs‐137 gamma‐ray source, while neutron radiation experiments were conducted in a neutron howitzer with a 239Pu‐Be neutron source. Six groups of specimens, namely, pure carbon fiber/epoxy, 0.5 wt% CNT, 0.5 wt% BN, 0.5 wt% CNT + 0.5 wt% BN, 1 wt% CNT + 1 wt% BN, and 2 wt% BN, were examined against these two types of radiation. Results have indicated that the 2 wt% BN specimen showed the best attenuation properties against both gamma‐ray and neutron radiation among all tested specimens; furthermore, it was almost three times more effective against neutron radiation than against gamma‐ray radiation.Highlights Varying weight ratios of CNT and BN nanoparticles used for radiation shielding. A Cs‐137 gamma‐ray source used in narrow beam geometry. Neutron radiation studies were conducted in a 239Pu‐Be neutron howitzer. The 2 wt% BN sample showed the best attenuation against gamma‐ray and neutron radiation. It resulted in an HVL of 6.86 cm for gamma‐ray radiation and 2.13 cm for neutron radiation.

Morphological and Photosynthetic Pigment Screening of Four Microgreens Species Exposed to Heavy Ions.

Numerous challenges are posed by the extra-terrestrial environment for space farming and various technological growth systems are being developed to allow for microgreens' cultivation in space. Microgreens, with their unique nutrient profiles, may well integrate the diet of crew members, being a natural substitute for chemical food supplements. However, the space radiation environment may alter plant properties, and there is still a knowledge gap concerning the effects of various types of radiation on plants and specifically on the application of efficient and rapid methods for selecting new species for space farming, based on their radio-resistance. Thus, the hypotheses behind this study were to explore the following: (i) the pattern (if any) of radio-sensitivity/resistance; and (ii) if the morphological parameters in relation with pigment content may be a feasible way to perform a screening of radiation responses among species. To perform this, we irradiated dry seeds of basil, rocket, radish, and cress with iron (56Fe; 1550 MeV/(g/cm²)) and carbon (12C; 290 MeV/u, 13 keV/µm) heavy ions at the doses of 0.3, 1, 10, 20, and 25 Gy to investigate the growth responses of microgreens to acute radiation exposure in terms of morphological traits and photosynthetic pigment content. Results indicate that the microgreens' reaction to ionizing radiation is highly species-specific and that radiation is often sensed by microgreens as a mild stress, stimulating the same morphological and biochemical acclimation pathways usually activated by other mild environmental stresses, alongside the occurrence of eustress phenomena. Over extended periods, this stimulus could foster adaptive changes, enabling plants to thrive in space.

SMP30 Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Regulates Ca2+-ATPase Activity in UVR-B-Induced Cataracts in Rats

Purpose Oxidative stress, ultraviolet radiation, and calcium imbalance are key components in the onset and advancement of cataract, which continue to be the leading cause of blindness globally. An important newly discovered aging maker, Senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) regulates calcium and participates in mitigating oxidative stress damage. Here, we examined the beneficial role of SMP30 in protecting against ultraviolet radiation type B (UVR-B)-induced cataract in rats. Methods Wistar rats (2 months) were arbitrarily assigned into 4 groups of 10 rats. These groups included the Control group, UVR-B group, adeno-associated virus 2 vectors negative control (AAV2-NC) group, and adeno-associated virus 2-mediated overexpression of SMP30 (AAV2-SMP30) group. The control group received Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) via injection, while the AAV2-NC group and AAV-SMP30 group were separately injected with AAV2-NC and AAV2-SMP30 vectors. In addition to the control group, the remaining three experimental groups were subjected to ultraviolet light exposure 4 weeks post-injection. The lens opacity was examined by stereoscopic microscope, and the lenses were separated to measure oxidative damage parameters particularly superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and Ca2+-ATPase activity. The localization and expression of SMP30 and Ca2+-ATPase in the lenses were determined using immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. Results After UVR-B irradiation, the AAV2-SMP30 group exhibited a substantial decrease in lens opacity compared to the UVR-B group. The results revealed a notable downregulation of SMP30 expression and the activities of SOD, GPX, and Ca2+-ATPase of rat lens following exposure to UVR-B radiation. However, SMP30 overexpression partially reversed these effects. In vivo experiments demonstrated SMP30 overexpression attenuated the UVR-B-induced decline in SOD, GPX, and Ca2+-ATPase activities. Conclusion This study demonstrates that SMP30 has the potential to reduce lens opacity caused by UVR-B by increasing antioxidant stress and regulating Ca2+-ATPase activity. SMP30 might be a cutting-edge target for the treatment of cataracts.

Interferon signaling is enhanced by ATR inhibition in glioblastoma cells irradiated with X-rays, protons or carbon ions.

Interferon (IFN) signaling plays an important role in antitumor immune responses. Inhibitors of the DNA damage response, such as ATR inhibitors, can increase IFN signaling upon conventional radiotherapy with X-rays. However, it is not known whether such inhibitors also enhance IFN signaling after irradiation with high linear energy transfer (LET) particles. Human glioblastoma U-251 and T98G cells were irradiated with X-rays, protons (LET: 4.8 and 41.9keV/µm) and carbon ions (LET: 28 and 73keV/µm), with and without ATR inhibitor (VE-822) or ATM inhibitor (AZD1390). DNA damage signaling and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by immunoblotting and flow cytometry, and radiosensitivity was assessed by clonogenic survival assay. IFN-β secretion was measured by ELISA, and STAT1 activation was examined by immunoblotting. High-LET protons and carbon ions caused stronger activation of the DNA damage response compared to low-LET protons and X-rays at similar radiation doses. G2 checkpoint arrest was abrogated by the ATR inhibitor and prolonged by the ATM inhibitor after all radiation types. The inhibitors increased radiosensitivity, as measured after X- and carbon ion irradiation. ATR inhibition increased IFN signaling following both low-LET and high-LET irradiation. ATM inhibition also increased IFN signaling, but to a lesser extent. Notably, both cell lines secreted significantly more IFN-β when the inhibitors were combined with high-LET compared to low-LET irradiation. These findings indicate that DNA damage response inhibitors can enhance IFN signaling following X-, proton and carbon ion irradiation, with a strong positive dependency on LET.

Validation of the generalized stochastic microdosimetric model (GSM2) over a broad range of LET and particle beam type: a unique model for accurate description of (therapy relevant) radiation qualities.

The present work shows the first extensive validation of theGeneralized Stochastic Microdosimetric Model(GSM2). This mechanistic and probabilistic model is trained and tested over cell survival experiments conducted with two cell lines (H460 and H1437), three different types of radiation (protons, helium, and carbon ions), spanning a very broad LET range from 1 keV/μm up to more than 300 keV/μm.

Currently, the existing mechanistic radiation biophysical models show some limitations in describing cell killing without the addition of ad hoc corrections, especially in the high-LET regime, where the overkill effect is observed.

The experimental irradiation conditions have been accurately reproduced with Monte Carlo simulations using the GEANT4-based TOPAS computational toolkit. We show the main and unique features of GSM2, i.e., how it can accurately predict the biological response by considering the full information on the stochasticity of radiation through the microdosimetric spectrum, which is supposed to be the best descriptor of radiation quality. 

Well-matching results for different biological endpoints with the natural presence of the overkill effect fully display the predictive power of GSM2.
This study shows the complete generality and flexibility of GSM2and its ability to successfully predict the cell survival probability from very different particle radiation fields. Consequently, we demonstrate the dependence of the relative biological effectiveness on the whole microdosimetric spectrum, which fully includes the stochasticity inherently given by radiation-matter interaction.

Broccoli Byproduct Extracts Attenuate the Expression of UVB-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokines in HaCaT Keratinocytes.

Broccoli byproducts are an important source of bioactive compounds, which provide important benefits for human skin due mainly to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The primary target of UVB radiation is the basal layer of cells in the epidermis, with keratinocytes being the most abundant cell population in this layer. Given the wide range of side effects caused by exposure to UVB radiation, reducing the amount of UV light that penetrates the skin and strengthening the protective mechanisms of the skin are interesting strategies for the prevention of skin disorders. This work aims to evaluate the protective mechanisms triggered by broccoli by-products extract (BBE) on HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation as well as the study of the regenerative effect of these extracts on the barrier of skin keratinocytes damaged by superficial wounds as a strategy to revalorize this agricultural waste. The results obtained revealed that the BBEs exhibited a high cytoprotective effect on the HaCaT exposed to UVB light, allowing it to effectively reduce the intracellular content of ROS, as well as effectively attenuating the increase in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-78, TNF-α) and COX-2 induced by this type of radiation. Furthermore, the BBE could be an excellent regenerative agent for skin wound repair, accelerating the migration capacity of keratinocytes thus contributing to the valorization of this byproduct as a valuable ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

Improving Treatment Quality of Gynecologic Cancers with Online Adaptive Brachytherapy Using Deep Learning-Based CT Imaging

This study proposes a framework for online adaptive three-dimensional (3D) brachytherapy, a type of radiation therapy used to treat gynecological cancers such as cervical and endometrial cancers. Intracavitary brachytherapy is used to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor, while minimizing exposure to the surrounding normal tissue. Maintaining accurate reproducibility of radiation dose delivery during each treatment session is important. The proposed framework uses a C-arm-based integrated online imaging system for computed tomography (CT) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to detect changes in the treatment conditions and improve treatment quality. The C-arm CT system acquires 3D images by obtaining two-dimensional image data at limited rotation angles, which are less than the complete 360° range of rotation. However, images obtained with limited angular rotation have poor image quality and many artifacts. To overcome this limitation, a deep learning technique was applied to eliminate these artifacts and improve image quality. This study evaluated the auto-segmentation performance of ground truth (GT) images, limited-angle C-arm cone-beam CT images, and C-arm CT images corrected using deep learning. We used the Dice similarity coefficient and Hausdorff distance to quantitatively evaluate the auto-segmentation performance of major organs in the pelvic region. Although slight differences were observed in certain areas, the auto-segmentation results demonstrated an overall high performance, similar to that of the GT image. The results showed that the proposed framework can establish an optimal treatment plan by quickly and accurately calculating the patient's internal radiation dose distribution. This study demonstrates the potential of deep learning-based high-quality CT imaging techniques and auto-contouring techniques for major organs within images to improve the treatment quality of intracavitary brachytherapy.

Comparing the improvement of occupant thermal comfort with local heating devices in cold environments

Local heating can improve the thermal comfort of occupants and save energy in buildings in cold environments; however, few studies have investigated the effects of heat-transfer modes. Here, we aimed to evaluate different local heating measurements including five-sided enclosed radiant panel, heating plate, and fan heater using climate chamber experiments with 20 participants in cold environments (14 °C). Skin temperature and thermal perception votes under two radiation types with low and high power, one condition of conduction, and one condition of convection were collected and analyzed (RL, RH, CD, and CV). Under conditions RH, CD, and CV, the investigated parameters significantly improved by three local heating devices, with foot skin temperature rising by 0.46 °C, foot thermal sensation rising by 1.25 scores, and overall thermal comfort increasing by 0.36 score; however, their energy consumption varied greatly. In contrast, no significant improvement was observed in the RL group. Additionally, direct application of heat at sites of palpable cold discomfort was not always the optimal approach, and heating other parts of the body may provide significant alleviation. We recommend that the surface temperature of local heaters based on conduction and radiation for heat transfer should not be lower than 40.38 °C and 52.15 °C, respectively. To maintain thermal comfort, air outlet temperature should not be lower than 34.56 °C for convection type heaters. Our results provide technical and experimental basis for designing energy-saving buildings.

Radiation and DNA Origami Nanotechnology: Probing Structural Integrity at the Nanoscale.

DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a groundbreaking field, using DNA as a scaffold to create nanostructures with customizable properties. These DNA nanostructures hold potential across various domains, from biomedicine to studying ionizing radiation-matter interactions at the nanoscale. This review explores how the various types of radiation, covering a spectrum from electrons and photons at sub-excitation energies to ion beams with high-linear energy transfer influence the structural integrity of DNA origami nanostructures. We discuss both direct effects and those mediated by secondary species like low-energy electrons (LEEs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further we discuss the possibilities for applying radiation in modulating and controlling structural changes. Based on experimental insights, we identify current challenges in characterizing the responses of DNA nanostructures to radiation and outline further areas for investigation. This review not only clarifies the complex dynamics between ionizing radiation and DNA origami but also suggests new strategies for designing DNA nanostructures optimized for applications exposed to various qualities of ionizing radiation and their resulting byproducts.

Comparative experimental performance research on parameter optimization of foam metal radiators

As a new type of plate fin radiator, foam metal radiators can be widely applied in the automobile and petrochemical industry field. The foam metal fin structure has great influence on the heat exchange performance. In this paper, a parameterized optimization method to optimize the airside heat exchange structure of foam metal has been presented. Comparative experimental performance research on the initial and optimized foam metal radiators have been carried out. Results showed the unit volume heat dissipation rate and airside heat transfer coefficient of the optimized foam metal radiator compared with the initial radiator has a maximum increase of 6.5 % and 1.43 %, respectively, under the airflow rate from 800 m3/h to 2800 m3/h at the ambient pressure of 58 kPa and room temperature. The optimized radiator has the better overall performance at higher airflow rate, where the comprehensive evaluation factor (i.e. JF) of optimized radiator is larger than that of the initial radiator. The optimized radiator has better heat dissipation performance and needs lower fan power consumption under the same gas side resistance. The effectiveness of the parameter optimization method has been validated by experimental results and can be used to optimize the structure of foam metal radiator.

The Transcriptomic Response of Cells of the Thermophilic Bacterium Geobacillus icigianus to Terahertz Irradiation.

As areas of application of terahertz (THz) radiation expand in science and practice, evidence is accumulating that this type of radiation can affect not only biological molecules directly, but also cellular processes as a whole. In this study, the transcriptome in cells of the thermophilic bacterium Geobacillus icigianus was analyzed immediately after THz irradiation (0.23 W/cm2, 130 μm, 15 min) and at 10 min after its completion. THz irradiation does not affect the activity of heat shock protein genes and diminishes the activity of genes whose products are involved in peptidoglycan recycling, participate in redox reactions, and protect DNA and proteins from damage, including genes of chaperone protein ClpB and of DNA repair protein RadA, as well as genes of catalase and kinase McsB. Gene systems responsible for the homeostasis of transition metals (copper, iron, and zinc) proved to be the most sensitive to THz irradiation; downregulation of these systems increased significantly 10 min after the end of the irradiation. It was also hypothesized that some negative effects of THz radiation on metabolism in G. icigianus cells are related to disturbances in activities of gene systems controlled by metal-sensitive transcription factors.

Sonochemical Synthesis of Ti1−x−yFexPbyO2 (with x and y = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.07): Structural Analysis, Influence of Radiation Type on Photocatalytic Activity and Assessment of Antimicrobial Properties

Sonochemical Synthesis of Ti1−x−yFexPbyO2 (with x and y = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.07): Structural Analysis, Influence of Radiation Type on Photocatalytic Activity and Assessment of Antimicrobial Properties

Design and Performance of an InAs Quantum Dot Scintillator with Integrated Photodetector.

A new scintillation material composed of InAs quantum dots (QDs) hosted within a GaAs matrix was developed, and its performance with different types of radiation is evaluated. A methodology for designing an integrated photodetector (PD) with a low defect density and that is optically matched to the QD's emission spectrum is introduced, utilizing an engineered epitaxial InAlGaAs metamorphic buffer layer. The photoluminescence (PL) collection efficiency of the integrated PD is examined using two-dimensional scanning laser excitation. The detector response to 5.5 MeV α-particles and 122 keV photons is presented. Yields of 13 electrons/keV for α-particles and 30-60 electrons/keV for photons were observed. The energy resolution of 12% observed with α-particles was mainly limited by noise- and geometry-related optical losses. The radiation hardness of an InAs QDs hosted within GaAs and a wider band gap AlGaAs ternary alloy was studied under a 1 MeV proton implantation up to a 1014 cm-2 dose. The integrated PL responses were compared to evaluate PL quenching due to non-radiative defects. The QDs embedded in the AlGaAs demonstrated improved radiation hardness compared to QDs in the GaAs matrix and in the InGaAs quantum wells.

Photoprotection and its implications for drug safety

Appropriate photoprotection plays a key role in the safety of using medicinal preparations whose active substances may induce photosensitivity reactions. This aspect applies not only to drugs applied topically to the skin, but also systemically. Drug-induced photosensitivity reactions to light depend on the active substance contained in the medicinal product and its dose, which translates into the concentration in the skin, the type of ultraviolet radiation, its intensity and exposure time. The chemical structure of phototoxic drugs contains unsaturated chemical bonds and aromatic groups, which are responsible for the absorption of radiation, the formation of degradation products and/or free radicals and hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, in order to prevent hypersensitivity reactions, it is necessary to use appropriate sun protection and/or avoid exposure to solar radiation during pharmacotherapy with selected groups of drugs. The paper presents the latest research results on the impact of drug-induced photohypersensitivity on the increased likelihood of skin cancer. Drugs with the potential to induce photohypersensitivity reactions are discussed, including information on the relationship between their long-term use and the incidence of skin cancer. Based on the data contained in the Product Characteristics, exemplary indications regarding the appropriate photoprotection method to ensure the safe use of the medicinal product are presented. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):475-484.

Radium levels in Brazil nuts: A review of the literature.

Brazil nuts are well known for their extraordinarily high selenium content. For this reason, they are frequently recommended as a kind of natural selenium 'supplement', particularly for certain population groups such as vegetarians and vegans in regions with low soil selenium levels. Typically, an intake of one or two Brazil nuts per day is recommended. Brazil nuts, however, also stand out from other nuts in terms of their high (albeit highly variable) radium content. The radium isotopes Ra-226 and Ra-228 emit alpha- and beta-radiation, with this type of radiation being particularly harmful when ingested. Consequently, it is important to consider radium levels in Brazil nuts before formulating recommendations for a long-term, daily intake of these nuts. To date, however, no comprehensive overview of radium levels in Brazil nuts has been published. Therefore, a literature review without time or language restrictions was conducted, including unpublished original data from Germany. The literature review (including the German data) indicated mean Ra-226 and Ra-228 levels of 49 (range: 17-205) mBq/g and 67 (range: 12-235) mBq/g, respectively. Assuming a consistent daily intake of one or two Brazil nuts, this would result in an effective dose of ~88-220 μSv/year. This level of exposure appears to be neither clearly harmful nor clearly harmless. As increased radioactivity exposure (at least at higher doses) is associated with increased cancer risk, randomised controlled trials assessing the effect of Brazil nuts on cancer risk biomarkers are needed.

Wireless Data Transmission through Concrete Structures

Chloride ion presence in the concrete pore solution is an important factor in the initiation of rebar corrosion. Therefore, elevated chloride concentration in the pore solution needs to be detected as early as possible. For this early detection to be achieved, it is ideal to deploy sensors inside the concrete structure itself. This allows real time sampling of the pore solution which is closest to the rebar. To achieve this one needs to have a system based on wireless communication which allow the sensors to communicate within the structure. This would avoid wired communications methods, which impart fragility and implementation difficulties. This literature review paper endeavours to look at the various types of radiation which can be harnessed to penetrate through the opaque concrete structure. Potential data transmission methods utilising Radio Frequency Radiation, Ultrasonic Radiation, X-Ray Radiation and Neutron Beam Radiation physics were reviewed and evaluated against a set of parameters. The paper scores each radiation type against System Size, Power Supply Requirements, Transmission Range, Complexity of Circuits and Safety issues. Through these scores, each transmission technology was graded on its potential to act as the basis on which to build a micrometre sized intra-concrete data transmission system. The paper shows that ultrasonic radiation is the most promising radiation technology for use in this application.

Identification of conditions for ultrasonic effect on gas-dispersed medium and creation of radiators to increase the efficiency of coagulation in devices with swirling flow

Relevance. The presence and uncontrolled distribution of aerosols of various substances in the air, which have a negative impact on humans, flora and fauna. This problem is especially acute in the extraction, processing and combustion of georesources. The most effective way to solve the problem is the use of high-intensity ultrasonic vibrations, the effect of which on aerosols causes convergence and agglomeration of small particles into large ones. However, at low concentrations, the particle coagulation efficiency is not sufficient to increase the recovery rate of gas treatment equipment. Therefore, there is a need to find new ways to optimize ultrasonic equipment for coagulation of fine particles in order to increase its efficiency. Aim. To determine the optimal conditions for ultrasonic influence on a swirling gas-dispersed flow, ensuring maximum efficiency of agglomeration of highly dispersed particles. Carrying out comparative studies of coagulation of particles when exposed to ultrasonic fields generated by different types of radiators and their combined effects will make it possible to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonic coagulation and the optimal design scheme of ultrasonic exposure. Objects. Coagulation of particles under ultrasonic impact, formed by various types of radiators. Methods. Computer modeling of the generated ultrasonic field using the finite element method using harmonic acoustic analysis. Finite element modeling and design of disk radiators using modal analysis. To determine the characteristics of the aerosol, a Malvern Spraytec Particle Analyzer was used. Results. The results of calculations and experiments have shown that the use of an extended ultrasonic tubular radiator operating on a bending-diametric mode of vibration and forming a ring standing wave with a sound pressure level of 162–165 dB as the main source of ultrasonic impact for devices with swirling flows may be the most energy efficient. Further increase in the efficiency of coagulation can only be achieved by the combined action of a tubular radiator and a longitudinally oscillating radiator. This significantly modifies the field structure and provides not only an increase in the sound pressure level (up to 167 dB), but also in the number of formed nodal surfaces (up to 44).

Wireless Data Transmission through Concrete Structures

Chloride ion presence in the concrete pore solution is an important factor in the initiation of rebar corrosion. Therefore, elevated chloride concentration in the pore solution needs to be detected as early as possible. For this early detection to be achieved, it is ideal to deploy sensors inside the concrete structure itself. This allows real time sampling of the pore solution which is closest to the rebar. To achieve this one needs to have a system based on wireless communication which allow the sensors to communicate within the structure. This would avoid wired communications methods, which impart fragility and implementation difficulties. This literature review paper endeavours to look at the various types of radiation which can be harnessed to penetrate through the opaque concrete structure. Potential data transmission methods utilising Radio Frequency Radiation, Ultrasonic Radiation, X-Ray Radiation and Neutron Beam Radiation physics were reviewed and evaluated against a set of parameters. The paper scores each radiation type against System Size, Power Supply Requirements, Transmission Range, Complexity of Circuits and Safety issues. Through these scores, each transmission technology was graded on its potential to act as the basis on which to build a micrometre sized intra-concrete data transmission system. The paper shows that ultrasonic radiation is the most promising radiation technology for use in this application.