Radiation surveillance using an unmanned aerial vehicle

Radiation surveillance equipment was mounted in a small unmanned aerial vehicle. The equipment consists of a commercial CsI detector for count rate measurement and a specially designed sampling unit for airborne radioactive particles. Field and flight tests were performed for the CsI detector in the area where ¹³⁷Cs fallout from the Chernobyl accident is 23–45 kBq m⁻². A 3-GBq ¹³⁷Cs point source could be detected at the altitude of 50 m using a flight speed of 70 km h⁻¹ and data acquisition interval of 1 s. Respective response for ¹⁹²Ir point source is 1 GBq. During the flight, the detector reacts fast to ambient external dose rate rise of 0.1 μSv h⁻¹, which gives for the activity concentration of ¹³¹I less than 1 kBq m⁻³. Operation of the sampler equipped with different type of filters was investigated using wind-tunnel experiments and field tests with the aid of radon progeny. Air flow rate through the sampler is 0.2–0.7 m³ h⁻¹ at a flight speed of 70 km h⁻¹ depending on the filter type in question. The tests showed that the sampler is able to collect airborne radioactive particles. Minimum detectable concentration for transuranium nuclides, such as ²³⁹Pu, is of the order of 0.2 Bq m⁻³ or less when alpha spectrometry with no radiochemical sample processing is used for activity determination immediately after the flight. When a gamma-ray spectrometer is used, minimum detectable concentrations for several fission products such as ¹³⁷Cs and ¹³¹I are of the order of 1 Bq m⁻³.     

A new low-level γ-ray spectrometry system for environmental radioactivity at the underground laboratory Felsenkeller

A low-level γ-ray spectrometry system, based on an HPGe-detector with 92% relative efficiency recently installed in the underground laboratory Felsenkeller at 110 m water equivalent (w.e.) depth, is described. The integral background count rate normalised to the Ge-crystal mass in the energy range from 40 keV until 2.7 MeV of 0.034 s⁻¹ kg⁻¹ has been achieved by careful material selection of the detector construction material, a graded shielding construction and effective radon suppression. The detector is highly suitable for the effective surveillance of water for human consumption with decision thresholds for ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ra in the order of some mBq L⁻¹.     

Presence of a radioactive gas in archaeological excavations,determination and mitigation

During recent archaeological discovery and excavation of a tunnel build approximately 2000 years ago by the Teotihuacans under the feathered serpent temple, in Mexico, abnormal radon concentrations up to 700 Bq m⁻³ were measured at several excavation stages. The tunnel is at 15 m below the earth surface with a vertical rectangular entrance of 4×4 m², a semi cylindrical shape of 3 m in diameter, with a probable length of 100 m.This study supports the assumption that at the opening of the tunnel radon concentration was around 5500 Bq m⁻³; however, although natural convection in the tunnel atmosphere naturally pups radon out, it build up to a maximum concentration of 2000 Bq m⁻³. This paper presents the identification of the radon problem in this archaeological site, dose determination, and the mitigation actions that reduced the radon concentration down to 40 Bq m⁻³ that ensure a negligible radon risk for archaeologist.     

Dose-response between frequency of breaks in sedentary time and glucose control in type 2 diabetes: A proof of concept study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate dose-response between frequency of breaks in sedentary time and glucose control.DesignRandomised three-treatment, two-period balanced incomplete block trial.MethodsTwelve adults with type 2 diabetes (age, 60 ± 11 years; body mass index, 30.2 ± 4.7 kg/m²) participated in two of the following treatment conditions: sitting for 7 h interrupted by 3 min light-intensity walking breaks every (1) 60 min (Condition 1), (2) 30 min (Condition 2), and (3) 15 min (Condition 3). Postprandial glucose incremental area under the curves (iAUCs) and 21-h glucose total area under the curve (AUC) were measured using continuous glucose monitoring. Standardised meals were provided.ResultsCompared with Condition 1 (6.7 ± 0.8 mmol L⁻¹ × 3.5 h⁻¹), post-breakfast glucose iAUC was reduced for Condition 3 (3.5 ± 0.9 mmol L⁻¹ × 3.5 h⁻¹, p ˂ 0.04). Post-lunch glucose iAUC was lower in Condition 3 (1.3 ± 0.9 mmol L⁻¹ × 3.5 h⁻¹, p ˂ 0.03) and Condition 2 (2.1 ± 0.7 mmol L⁻¹ × 3.5 h⁻¹, p ˂ 0.05) relative to Condition 1 (4.6 ± 0.8 mmol L⁻¹ × 3.5 h⁻¹). Condition 3 (1.0 ± 0.7 mmol L⁻¹ × 3.5 h⁻¹, p = 0.02) and Condition 2 (1.6 ± 0.6 mmol L⁻¹ × 3.5 h⁻¹, p ˂ 0.04) attenuated post-dinner glucose iAUC compared with Condition 1 (4.0 ± 0.7 mmol L⁻¹ × 3.5 h⁻¹). Cumulative 10.5-h postprandial glucose iAUC was lower in Condition 3 than Condition 1 (p = 0.02). Condition 3 reduced 21-h glucose AUC compared with Condition 1 (p < 0.001) and Condition 2 (p = 0.002). However, post-breakfast glucose iAUC, cumulative 10.5-h postprandial glucose iAUC and 21-h glucose AUC were not different between Condition 2 and Condition 1 (p ˃ 0.05).ConclusionsThere could be dose-response between frequency of breaks in sedentary time and glucose. Interrupting sedentary time every 15 min could produce better glucose control.     

Large-area low-level gross alpha ZnS scintillation counting

An efficiency of (44±2)% is achieved for samples placed directly on a 5 in diameter ZnS scintillator plate, placed on top of a 5 in photomultiplier in a light-tight pot. Background count rate is as low as (9±3) h⁻¹, equivalent to (5±2) mBq on 95 cm² for a second scintillator face to face or for a high-purity copper disk. Results are displayed continuously and printed on-line. An automatic repetition of measurements permits a measurement of activity as a function of time. From such a function radionuclides such as radon and its decay products may be distinguished from other radionuclides by their half-life in a technically simpler way than by their energy.     

External dose rate in Unirea salt mine,Slanic-Prahova,Romania

The distribution of the external dose rate within the former Unirea salt mine, host of the Low-Level Background Laboratory was determined and compared with calculated values based on the experimentally determined content of natural radioactive elements in the mine walls. The average external dose rate was found to be 1.3±0.3 nSv h⁻¹, close to calculated one of 1.4±0.2 nSv h⁻¹.     

Mitigation of the effective dose of radon decay products through the use of an air cleaner in a dwelling in Okinawa,Japan

Field measurements were conducted to assess the effects of an air cleaner on radon mitigation in a dwelling with a high radon concentration in Okinawa, Japan. The measurements included indoor radon concentration, individual radon progeny concentration, equilibrium equivalent concentration of radon (EECRn), unattached fraction, and size distribution of aerosol-attached radon progeny. These measurements were conducted in a 74 m³ room with/without the use of an air cleaner. The results showed that the mean radon concentration during the measurement was quite high (301 Bq m⁻³). The operation of air cleaner decreased the radon progeny activity concentration, EECRn and equilibrium factor by 33%, 57% and 71%, respectively, whereas the unattached fraction increased by 174%. In addition, the activity concentration of attached radon progeny in the accumulation mode (50–2000 nm) was obviously deceased by 42%, when the air cleaner was operated. According to dosimetric calculations, the operation of air cleaner reduced the effective dose due to radon progeny by about 50%.     

Radium-226 concentration in spring water sampled in high radon regions

Water ²²⁶Ra concentration in springs was measured in regions with high indoor radon: Ural, North Caucasus (Russia), Niska Banja (Serbia), Piestany (Slovakia), and Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan). This paper presents the results for ²²⁶Ra concentration above 0.03 Bq l^–1. Radium in water could indicate indoor radon problem in the region and water investigation is useful at the initial stage of radon survey. Even low ²²⁶Ra concentration in water (0.1–0.6 Bq l^–1) caused high ²²⁶Ra activity in travertine (up to 1500 Bq kg^?1), which resulted in indoor radon concentration above 2000 Bq m^?3 (Niska Banja).     

Seasonal levels of radon and thoron in the dwellings along southern coastal Orissa,Eastern India

Inhalation of radon (²²²Rn) and thoron (²²⁰Rn) are a major source of natural radiation exposure. Indoor radon–thoron study has been carried out in some dwellings of Ganjam district, southern coastal Orissa, India using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. Seasonal variation of indoor radon and thoron shows high values in winter and low values in both summer and rainy. The inhalation dose lies in the range of 0–0.06 μSv h^?1 and is not high from those found elsewhere in India.     

The effect of uranium migration on radionuclide distributions for soil samples at the El-Gor area,Sinai, Egypt

The concentrations and distributions of the activity of natural radionuclides in soil samples were investigated in fifteen soil samples at El-Gor area representing two profiles (A and B) using a HP–Ge detector and alpha counting by SSNTD (CR-39), respectively. The average concentrations of the radionuclides ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³⁵U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K are 203.4, 177.23, 9.77, 43.33 and 386.22 Bq kg⁻¹ (dry weight), respectively, and profile A and ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³⁵U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K have average concentrations of 232.58, 246, 11.7, 31.7, and 277.07 Bq kg⁻¹ for profile B, respectively. The eTh and eU were estimated to detect the migration process of uranium into or out of an area or uranium to or from the studied profiles. The results indicate a migration of uranium by 29% for profile A and 65.37% for profile B. The activity ratio (²³⁸U/²²⁶Ra) was found to be 0.9 in profile A and 1.15 in profile B. These ratios coincide with the uranium migration processes. The responsible mass corresponding to the measured ²²⁶Ra activity was also calculated. The radon activity concentrations for the two profiles are nearly 300 Bq m⁻³. The emanation coefficient (η) was calculated from the ratio of the expected radon activity to the measured radon for the studied soil samples. The value of η was found to depend only on the radium activity regardless to soil formation.     

Effects of footwear on treadmill running biomechanics in preadolescent children

While recent research debates the topic of natural running in adolescents and adults, little is known about the influence of footwear on running patterns in children. The purpose of this study was to compare shod and barefoot running gait biomechanics in preadolescent children. Kinematic and ground reaction force data of 36 normally developed children aged 6–9 years were collected during running on an instrumented treadmill. Running conditions were randomized for each child in order to compare barefoot running with two different shod conditions: a cushioned and a minimalistic running shoe. Primary outcome was the ankle angle at foot strike. Secondary outcomes were knee angle, maximum and impact ground reaction forces, presence of rear-foot strike, step width, step length and cadence. Ankle angle at foot strike differed with statistical significance (p < 0.001) between conditions. Running barefoot reduced the ankle angle at foot strike by 5.97° [95% CI, 4.19; 7.75] for 8 km h⁻¹ and 6.18° [95% CI, 4.38; 7.97] for 10 km h⁻¹ compared to the cushioned shoe condition. Compared to the minimalistic shoe condition, running barefoot reduced the angle by 1.94° [95% CI, 0.19°; 3.69°] for 8 km h⁻¹ and 1.38° [95% CI, −3.14°; 0.39°] for 10 km h⁻¹. Additionally, using footwear significantly increased maximum and impact ground reaction forces, step length, step width and rate of rear-foot strike. In conclusion, preadolescent running biomechanics are influenced by footwear, especially by cushioned running shoes. Health professionals and parents should keep this in mind when considering footwear for children.     

Thermoluminescence characteristics of Nd-doped SiO2 optical fibers irradiated with the 60Co gamma rays

Thermoluminescence (TL) properties (radiation sensitivity, dose response, signal fading) of Nd-doped SiO₂ optical fibers irradiated with 1.25 MeV photons to 1–50 Gy were studied. The peak of the glow curve is around 190 °C regardless of the dose. The dose response is linear up to 50 Gy. The radiation sensitivity is 219 nC mg⁻¹ Gy⁻¹. The fiber can be a potential candidate for photon radiotherapy dosimetry due to its high radiation sensitivity, linear dose response in a wide range, slow fading, and high spatial resolution due to the small size of the fiber.     

Modelling the relationships between volume,intensity and injury-risk in professional rugby league players

ObjectiveThis study aimed to: (a) identify the association between external-workloads and injury-risk in the subsequent week; and (b) understand the effectiveness of workload variables in establishing injury-risk.DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsWorkload and injury data (soft-tissue) were collected from forty-eight professional male rugby league players. Load variables included duration (min), total distance (m), relative distance (m min⁻¹), high speed distance ([m]>20 km h⁻¹), very-high speed distance ([m]>25 km h⁻¹), acceleration and deceleration efforts (count) and PlayerLoad (Arbitrary Unit: AU). Cumulative two-, three- and four-weekly loads; Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR); Mean-Standard Deviation Workload Ratio (MSWR) and strain values were calculated and divided into three equally-sized bins (low, moderate and high). Generalised Estimating Equations analysed relationships between workload variables and injury probability in the subsequent week.ResultsInjury-risk increased alongside increases in the ACWR for duration, total distance and PlayerLoad. Conversely, injury-risk decreased (Area Under Curve: 0.569–0.585) with increases in the four-weekly duration, total distance, accelerations, decelerations and PlayerLoad. For relative distance, high four-weekly workloads (high: >60 m min⁻¹) demonstrated a positive association with injury-risk, whilst high two-weekly loads (high: >82 m min⁻¹) were negatively associated.ConclusionsA range of external workload metrics and summary statistics demonstrate either positive or negative associations with injury-risk status. Such findings provide the framework for the development of decision-support systems in which external workload metrics (e.g. total or high speed distance) can be uniquely and routinely monitored across a range of summary statistics (i.e. cumulative weekly loads and ACWR) in order to optimise player performance and welfare.     

Design and construction of a thermal neutron beam for BNCT at Tehran Research Reactor

An irradiation facility has been designed and constructed at Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) for the treatment of shallow tumors using Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). TRR has a thermal column which is about 3 m in length with a wide square cross section of 1.2×1.2 m². This facility is filled with removable graphite blocks. The aim of this work is to perform the necessary modifications in the thermal column structure to meet thermal BNCT beam criteria recommended by International Atomic Energy Agency. The main modifications consist of rearranging graphite blocks and reducing the gamma dose rate at the beam exit. Activation foils and TLD700 dosimeter have been used to measure in-air characteristics of the neutron beam. According to the measurements, a thermal flux is 5.6×10⁸ (n cm⁻² s⁻¹), a cadmium ratio is 186 for gold foils and a gamma dose rate is 0.57 Gy h⁻¹.     

Energy cost during walking in association with age and body height in children and young adults with cerebral palsy

AimThis cross-sectional study into children and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) aimed to assess the association of gross energy cost (EC), net EC and net nondimensional (NN) EC during walking with age and body height, compared to typically developing (TD) peers.MethodData was collected in 128 participants with CP (mean age 11y9mo; GMFCS I,n = 48; II,n = 56; III, n = 24) and in 63 TD peers (mean age 12y5mo). Energy cost was assessed by measuring the oxygen consumption during over-ground walking at comfortable speed. Outcome measures derived from the assessment included the gross and net EC, and NN EC. Differences between the groups in the association between gross, net and NN EC with age and body height, were investigated with regression analyses and interaction effects (p < 0.05).ResultsInteraction effects for age and body height by group were not significant, indicating similar associations for gross, net and NN EC with age or body height among groups. The models showed a significant decline for gross, net and NN EC with increasing age per year (respectively −0.201 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹; −0.073 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹; −0.007) and body height per cm (respectively −0.057 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹; −0.021 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹; −0.002).InterpretationDespite higher gross and net EC values for CP compared to TD participants , similar declines in EC outcomes can be expected with growth for participants aged 4–22 years with CP. All energy cost outcomes showed a decline with growth, indicating that correcting for this decline is required when evaluating changes in gross EC, and, to a lesser extent, in net and NN EC in response to treatment or from natural course over time.     

The effect of footwear and footfall pattern on running stride interval long-range correlations and distributional variability

The presence of long-range correlations (self-similarity) in the stride-to-stride fluctuations in running stride interval has been used as an indicator of a healthy adaptable system. Changes to footfall patterns when running with minimalist shoes could cause a less adaptable running gait. The purpose of this study was to investigate stride interval variability and the degree of self-similarity of stride interval in runners wearing minimalist and conventional footwear. Twenty-six trained habitual rearfoot footfall runners, unaccustomed to running in minimalist footwear, performed 6-min sub-maximal treadmill running bouts at 11, 13 and 15 km·h⁻¹ in minimalist and conventional shoes. Force sensitive resistors were placed in the shoes to quantify stride interval (time between successive foot contacts). Footfall position, stride interval mean and coefficient of variation (CV), were used to assess performance as a function of shoe type. Long-range correlations of stride interval were assessed using detrended fluctuation analysis (α). Mean stride interval was 1-1.3% shorter (P = 0.02) and 27% of runners adopted a midfoot footfall (MFF) in the minimalist shoe. There was a significant shoe effect on α and shoe*speed*footfall interaction effect on CV (P < 0.05). Runners that adopted a MFF in minimalist shoes, displayed reduced long-range correlations (P < 0.05) and CV (P < 0.06) in their running stride interval at the 15 km·h⁻¹ speed. The reduced variability and self-similarity observed for runners that changed to a MFF in the minimalist shoe may be suggestive of a system that is less flexible and more prone to injury.     

How to assess the sensitivity and related uncertainty of a new solid state passive thoron measuring device

To test the sensitivity of our CR-39 alpha-track detector thoron passive device (ATD-TnPD), a closed-circuit exposure facility, composed by a new thoron source, a small exposure chamber and a new absolute ²²⁰Rn active monitor (TnM), was set up. ²²⁰Rn exposure was evaluated by assessing the TnM response and its combined uncertainty. The ATD-TnPD's sensitivity was determined by three thoron exposures, tested at different etching times. A non-linear relationship on etching conditions was obtained, with values in the range 1.54–1.76 (tracks cm²)(kBq h m⁻³)⁻¹.     

Heart rate-index estimates aerobic metabolism in professional soccer players

ObjectivesThis study aimed at proposing a new heart rate (HR) method to track aerobic metabolism in soccer by: (i) validating a recently developed HR index (HR_index) in professional soccer players, (ii) comparing HR_index vs the most common HR parameters and (iii) testing the agreement between measured and estimated VO₂ values using HR_index.Designcross-sectional.Methods184 professional soccer players performed a step incremental running test on a treadmill while VO₂ and HR were recorded. HR_index was calculated (actual HR/resting HR) and its relationship with VO₂ was compared with the relationships with the metabolism of actual HR, net HR, and % of HR reserve. Finally, HR_index was used to predict VO₂ = ((HR_index · 6) − 5) · 3.5) and measured and estimated VO₂ were compared by 2W RM-ANOVA and Bland–Altman analysis.ResultsHR_index/VO₂ relationship explained 85% of the variability in data, showing a higher performance than actual HR (77%) and similar values to the other parameters. Measured and estimated VO₂ were not significantly different ≤14 km h⁻¹, whereas at speeds ≥14 km h⁻¹ measured VO₂ was higher than estimated VO₂. Finally, measured and estimated VO₂ were highly correlated (R² = 0.85, p = 0.000), and showed no significant bias (bias = −1.03, z = −0.69, precision = 3.75 ml kg min⁻¹).ConclusionsWe validated the HR_index/VO₂ relationship in professional soccer players. HR_index showed better agreement with metabolism than actual HR and similar agreement to the other HR parameters. HR_index allowed to estimate VO₂, but at very high-intensity HR_index underestimated VO₂. Future studies should test this in real game conditions. HR_index could offer a time-efficient and easy-to-use “field” method to monitor aerobic metabolism in soccer.