Yearly Radiation Research Articles

Working in interventional cardiology laboratories: The perceived impact of radiation exposure as a health and gender hazard. A NEXT generation ANMCO initiative

BackgroundGender-related discrepancies in personal and professional life have been reported among radio-exposed workers. We assessed this topic among cardiac catheterization workers in Italy, with a focus on gender and working position. MethodsRadio-exposed workers affiliated with the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists were invited to answer an online survey, which included 41 questions formatted as multiple choice. Results: Overall, 237 workers responded. The proportion of males was significantly higher than that of females in the population aged >50 years. A greater portion of females than males perceived female-gender discrimination regarding career advancement (77.2% vs 30.9%, p < 0.001) and work compensation (49.1% vs. 17.1%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in perceived gender- discrimination in terms of career advancement opportunities between physician and non-physicians. A larger portion of females than males experienced workplace discrimination (51.8% of females vs. 8.1% of males, p < 0.0001). Non-physician responders made up 38.8% of all respondents and reported a lower yearly radiation exposure than physicians. Non-physicians were more aware of the laws regulating lab access during pregnancy than physicians (93.5% vs. 48.3%, p < 0.0001). A greater percentage of female nurses than physicians communicate without hesitation the pregnancy status to their employers (45.6% vs 20%, p < 0.001). ConclusionsGender-based career disparities were perceived among physicians and non-physician staff of cardiology interventional laboratories. Strategies should be implemented to ensure gender equality in career opportunities and to increase knowledge of radioprotection and the laws regulating access to laboratories during pregnancy.

Uranium dissolution and uranyl peroxide formation by immersion of simulated fuel debris in aqueous H2O2 solution

ABSTRACT The fuel debris generated in the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station has been subject to water and ionizing radiation for years and will be until retrieval. Therefore, we investigated the potential degradation of this fuel debris caused by H2O2, which is the oxidant of major impact from water radiolysis. We performed leaching experiments on different kinds of simulated debris comprising U, Fe, Cr, Ni, and Zr in an aqueous H2O2 solution. Chemical analysis of the leaching solution showed that U dissolution was induced by H2O2. Raman analysis after the leaching revealed that uranyl peroxides were formed on the surface of the simulated debris. The U dissolution and uranyl peroxide formation were observed in most of the simulated debris. These results demonstrate that uranyl peroxides are possible alteration products of fuel debris from H2O2 reaction. However, the sample in which the main U-containing phase was a U-Zr oxide solid solution showed much less U dissolution and no Raman signal of uranyl peroxides. Comparison of these results indicates that formation of an oxide solid solution of Zr with UO2 improves the stability of fuel debris against H2O2 reaction.

Heat capacity of the climate system derived from planetary radiation budget measurements

The new edition of the satellite measured radiation budget data have the smallest ever random and systematic error. From them, mean yearly cycle of the planetary heat capacity has been calculated for the period of 2000–2014. The radiation budget data measured before 2000 have serious systematic error. Using the new radiation budget data as well as the total solar irradiance data, the old yearly radiation budget values have been corrected. From the corrected data, the average heat capacity of the climate system has been calculated for the 1964–2014 half century.

Dosimetric Analysis for Predicting Secondary Lymphedema After Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer

Secondary lymphedema (SL) following radiation (RT) for head and neck (H&N) cancer occurs commonly with multiple adverse consequences1. Primary location, RT dose, months since treatment, and increasing treatment modalities are associated with SL1. We sought to define structures within anatomically relevant compartments and correlate dosimetric parameters of these structures with SL. We hypothesized that SL patients would have received different doses to these structures as compared to patients without SL.This single-institution retrospective study was IRB approved. We identified 23 H&N patients referred to Occupational Therapy (OT) for SL management from 2017 - 2019 after completing H&N RT (SL patients). These patients were matched 1:2 to patients having received H&N RT without OT referral (non-SL patients). Matching was based on primary site, treatment paradigm, RT dose, unilateral vs bilateral neck RT, and RT year. For all 69 patients, we contoured 3 structures: anterior neck soft tissue superficial to larynx from the caudal mandible or cranial hyoid inferiorly to C7, soft tissue superficial to the spinous processes from C1-C7, and subcutaneous tissue superficial to bilateral trapezius muscles. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare the following dosimetric parameters of Anterior Neck, Spinous Process, and Trapezius structures between SL (n = 23) vs non-SL (n = 46) patients: mean dose, D0.1 cc [Gy], D100% [Gy], and V15 Gy [%] to V50 Gy [%] in 5 Gy increments. Given this exploratory analysis, we did not adjust for multiple comparisons.SL and non-SL patients were balanced for age, BMI, smoking, steroid use during RT, primary site, disease stage, treatment paradigm, bilateral vs unilateral neck dissection, radiation dose and unilateral vs bilateral neck RT (all P > 0.2). Vascular comorbidities were imbalanced with SL patients more commonly having both diabetes and hypertension (17%) vs non-SL patients (2%), and non-SL patients more commonly having HTN (41% vs 17%, P = 0.03). Oropharynx was the most common site (61%) followed by oral cavity (20%), larynx (13%), salivary (4%), and cutaneous (1%). Anterior Neck, mean dose (P = 0.03), V15 Gy [%] (P = 0.01), V20 Gy [%] (P < 0.01), V25 Gy [%] (P < 0.01), V30 Gy [%] (P = 0.02), V35 Gy [%] (P = 0.02), and V40 Gy [%] (P = 0.04) were significantly higher in patients with SL. Anterior Neck D100% [Gy] (P = 0.07), Spinous Process D100% [Gy] (P = 0.052), and Trapezius V15 Gy [%] (P = 0.06) trended towards significance.To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of dosimetric parameters associated with SL following H&N RT. Our findings suggest that higher volume of low-mid RT dose within the anterior neck is associated with developing SL. This may be related to circumferential neck dose and/or the role of superficial lymphatics within level VI after H&N RT. These findings warrant prospective validation in a larger cohort, but may be considered in the context of RT treatment planning to minimize SL after RT. (HUM00176639).

Structure of the Public Irradiation Dose During Operation of Experimental-Demonstration Power Complex Enterprises

The structure of the public radiation dose resulting from gas aerosol emissions of the experimental-demonstration energy complex incorporating the BREST-OD-300 reactor and fuel fabrication and reprocessing modules is determined. The yearly radiation dose to humans at the point of maximum ground concentration of radionuclides from design basis emissions of the energy complex is formed primarily by 3H,14C, and fission products (0.73, 1.2 2, and 0.9 μSv, respectively) through the peroral pathway as a result of the fallout during the running year of operation of the enterprises. The largest contribution to the irradiation dose is due to the emissions from the spent fuel reprocessing module – 2.33 μSv/yr – and 50% is due to 14C. The radiation dose from the emissions of the BREST-OD-300 reactor is almost completely due to 3H and 210Po (0.73 and 0.17 μSv/yr, respectively). The emissions from the fuel fabrication module have the smallest effect on the public. The dose from fission products is produced by emissions from the reprocessing module approximately in equal amounts in terms of external and internal pathways (0.47 and 0.43 μSv).

Radiation Exposure to Surgeon and Assistant During Flat Panel Mini C-Arm Fluoroscopy in Hand and Wrist Surgical Procedures.

During mini C-arm fluoroscopy, both the patient and surgical team are exposed to scatter radiation. The objective of this study was to quantify body, thyroid, and hand radiation exposure to surgeon and assistant during intraoperative use of flat panel mini C-arm fluoroscopy in hand and wrist surgical procedures. Over 5 months, the surgeon's and assistant's radiation exposure was recorded during all osseous hand and wrist surgical procedures. Whole-body and thyroid radiation exposure were measured with 2 types of dosimeters: a photon thermoluminescence detector and a RaySafe i2 real-time dosimeter. Ring dosimeters were used to quantify hand radiation exposure. Mini C-arm fluoroscopy was used in 94 surgical procedures. Total fluoroscopy time was 1,996 seconds and varied between surgical procedures (range, 1-152 seconds; median, 11 seconds). No thermoluminescence detector photon dosimeter exceeded the threshold limit of 0.1 mSv. The RaySafe i2 real-time dosimeters recorded a cumulated dose of 0.029 mSv for the body and 0.012 mSv for the thyroid position of the surgeon. The assistant received a cumulated dose of 0.011 mSv for the body and 0.011 mSv for the thyroid position. The ring dosimeters showed a cumulated dosage of 1.28 mSv for the surgeon and 0.20 mSv for the assistant. Our results show that the surgeon's and assistant's body, thyroid, and hands were exposed to acceptable levels of scatter radiation during intraoperative use of the flat panel mini C-arm. The surgeon received the highest radiation exposure: 2.9% of the yearly radiation limits for the body, 0.05% for the thyroid position, and 2.56% for the hands. The assistant was exposed to less scatter radiation: 1.1% for the body, 0.04% for the thyroid, and 0.4% for the hands. This study quantified radiation levels to which surgeon and assistant are exposed during mini C-arm fluoroscopy in hand and wrist surgical procedures.

Impacts of Tibetan Plateau Snow Cover on the Interannual Variability of the East Asian Summer Monsoon

AbstractThe relationship between Tibetan Plateau (TP) snow cover and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) has long been discussed, but the underlying mechanism remains controversial. In this paper, the snow–albedo and snow–hydrology feedbacks over the TP are investigated based on multiple sources of snow data for the period 1979–2011. The results indicate that winter snow cover plays an important role in cooling local air temperature through the snow–albedo effect; the TP surface net solar radiation in years with above-normal snow cover is approximately 18 W m−2 less than that in below-normal snow cover years. However, data analysis demonstrates that persistent effects of winter snow cover are limited to the period from winter to spring over most parts of the central and eastern TP. Therefore, the preceding snow cover over the central and eastern TP exerts little influence over either the in situ summer atmospheric heat source or the EASM, because of its limited persistence. In contrast, the effects of winter or spring snow cover anomalies over the western TP and the Himalayas can last until summer, and these anomalies further influence the EASM by modulating moisture transport to eastern China and favoring eastward-propagating synoptic disturbances that are generated over the TP. Generally, above-normal snow cover over the western TP and the Himalayas facilitates abundant summer precipitation between the Yangtze and Yellow River basins, which is confirmed by results from a regional Weather Research and Forecasting model simulation.

Mapping Monthly Average Global Solar Radiation over Iraq Using GIS and Heliosat Model

The mapping of global solar radiation is important in designing of solar energy system and renewable energy applications, also the global solar radiation estimation and mapping will facilitate engineers and architect purposes and applications. In present paper measured and estimated global solar radiation data was employed. The estimation of global radiation data can give results with acceptable accuracy to establish solar maps of monthly radiation using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Simple Kriging interpolation was used to derive radiation maps over Iraq. Â Different models were employed, namely Spherical, Circular, and Gaussian. Solar radiation data for the years 1985,1990,1995,2000 and 2005 were used for the production of solar radiation maps over Iraq. On average, Iraq receives (5000) kWh/m2 of global solar radiation in year 2005. The highest global solar radiation is estimated at 6790kWh/m2 in September while the lowest is 1660 kWh/m2in December. Cross validation was used to find the best model by comparing the error criteria, namely MPE, RMS, MSPE, RMSS, and ASE. It was found the Spherical model gives best results according to the cross validation error criteria.Mapping Monthly Average Global Solar Radiation over Iraq Using GIS and Heliosat Model

Role of Decision Support System for Renewable Energy Outreach

E is affected by various natural and manmade phenomena such as natural calamities, disasters, urbanization, and pollution. One such major issue is exhaustive usage of fossil energy and its adverse impact on our social, environmental and economical conditions.The study and the increase in awareness levels of ‘”energy resources and their environmental impact” is essential for the development of a sustainable society. Considering that the society consists of domain experts, policy makers and the general public, it is important for everyone to get familiarized with available renewable energy sources and how to exploit their benefits. Easy access to information on the availability of energy resources and their geographical distribution will help in better planning and determining potential energy investments, development strategies and also increase awareness among the public. In general, decision-making is the process of selecting the best viable option from a set of different options. Study on spatiotemporal characteristics of the energy sources will guide government, experts or even general public in agile decisionmaking. For a renewable energy project or for an individual, it is an important aspect to acquaint and select suitable optimized location considering all factors such as best available energy sources, climate, social and economical conditions. From an investment proposal to complex scientific analysis, decision-making is a key aspect in projects. Decision Support System (DSS) is being used to address various problems like carbon emissions and cost of product designs, impact of pollution on environment, etc. Specifically in the energy field, there are also diverse DSS models such as NREL, and IREL. Nevertheless, a systematic and holistic approach with detailed data structuring, intuitive reporting and integration of other heterogeneous models like demography and climate are missing for local insights and ground realities. DSS should be able to graphically represent the profile of energy sources that includes spatiotemporal patterns, demographics, topography, data history and characteristics of each energy source. This kind of DSS will aid in better planning and enable in finding the resources for governments and experts. As the data presented in an easy and understandable format, it will draw attention from the general public as well. Study on renewable energy requires understanding various data models and lot of broad and in-depth data analysis. The challenge is to extract the data from various sources, store, analyze, and present the information in an easy and intuitive format to all kinds of users. Different sections of users will have different requirements and different level of understanding about the data as shown in Figure 1. Importance and Maturity of DSS in terms of analytical capabilities and data (quality and quantity) varies from profession to profession and situational requirements. For example, from a common user’s perspective, “what is the annual average energy output that this energy source of fers?” an expert may wish to research, “why is there a decline in solar radiation in year 2012 when compared to2000; August versus January?” and governments may ask, “what could have been the change in energy output and savings if this particular energy source was used over the last f ive years?” Hence, DSS should be able to understand the user needs and present the information in engaging and understandable format. The challenges identified from a technical point of view are 2-fold: First, to do a spatiotemporal analysis it is important primarily to analyze huge historical data sets. Second, loading the data with minimal or no latency effects and communicating the processed information in a comprehensive format e.g. drill down chats for when and where analysis. Data warehouse (DW), extract, transfer and load (ETL), and business intelligence (BI) are successful business analytics’ technologies. They are designed to deal with huge, historical data sets by structuring data into multilevels for rapid exploration and analysis to aid decision-makers. Empowering scientific data with these technologies will assist scientists and government in making faster, productive and sustainable decisions. These technologies have the capability to handle and present the data ranging from global to local level scenarios.