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The noble radioactive gas radon and its isotope thoron dominate terrestrial radiation in the indoor environment. These gases eventually disintegrate generating radioactive ions that readily adhere to aerosol particles. This study was conducted in a tectonically active location with significant radon concentrations. The obtained average values of radon mass exhalation and thoron surface exhalation rate from this study are higher than the global average values of 56 mBq kg−1 h−1 and 1000 mBq m−2 s−1, respectively. As the exhalation rates are higher, naturally the average radon and thoron concentrations are also greater than the worldwide average values of 40 and 10 Bq m−3, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between 222Rn and 220Rn exhalation rate and indoor 222Rn/220Rn concentration. The exposure dose due to 222Rn, 220Rn and their progenies shows no significant health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas gangrene is a rare, severe gas-producing infection that can be related to colorectal cancer. Gas gangrene can be confirmed by radiologic findings and crepitation on touch. Spontaneous gas gangrene can be associated with colorectal cancer. An 80-year-old female complaint about a sudden abdominal pain, accompanied with progressive swelling pain in thigh and fever. Diagnosis based on assessment findings were gas gangrene and descending colonic cancer perforation. Emergency surgery was performed for debridement and drainage, followed by vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) with polyurethane (PU). Two more surgical interventions were given before the colonic tumor surgery. The patient recovered well in the long-term follow-up. This report demonstrates the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a successful case of gas gangrene caused by perforation of descending colonic cancer. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and reasonable use of VSD (PU) material played an important role in the treatment of this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate the administered dosage of 81mKr noble gas as calculated by the radioactivity of 81Rb-rubidium hydroxide (81RbOH). The administered dosage was regarded as the total amount of 81mKr noble gas. The radioactivity of 81mKr was calculated using the radioactivity of 81RbOH at the examination, the beginning of inhalation, the inhalation duration and the attenuation volume from the generator to the patient for 81mKr noble gas. In addition, we created an Internet survey and asked National University Hospital in Japan to respond to questions regarding the parameters of concern. Survey responses were provided by 38 hospitals (response rate was 90.5%). Twenty-seven hospitals (64.3%) examined lung ventilation scintigraphy using 81mKr noble gas. The mean administered dosage and the effective dose of lung ventilation scintigraphy using 81mKr noble gas were 35.8 ± 22.1 GBq and 0.97 ± 0.60 mSv, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is the reference tracer gas in many international standards for characterizing respiratory protective devices (RPD), fume cupboards, building ventilations, and other installations. However, due to its significant impact on global warming, its use is becoming increasingly restrictive. Krypton 84 (Kr) was chosen to be a possible replacement based on theoretical and practical criteria for the properties that a substitute gas should possess. While compliance with these criteria is generally sufficient to guarantee the reliability of the choice, it is essential in the case of widespread use such as a standard to validate experimentally that this tracer has the same behavior as SF6. In this regard, numerous tests have been carried out to characterize the face leakage of RPD and the rupture of containment of fume cupboards performance tests under different operating conditions. The results obtained are identical with both tracers and lead us to propose the use of Kr as a new reference gas in standards for which SF6 was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radioactive noble gas radon-222 (⁠|$\mathrm{^{222}Rn}$|⁠) produced in the uranium series is a crucial background source in many underground experiments. We have estimated the adsorption property of Rn with activated carbon fibers (ACFs) in air, argon, and xenon gas. We evaluated six ACFs, named A-7, A-10, A-15, A-20, A-25, and S-25, provided by Unitika Ltd. We measured the intrinsic radioactivity of these ACF samples, and found A-20's radioactivity of the uranium series to be |$<5.5$|   |$\mathrm{mBq/kg}$| with |$90\%$| confidence level. In air and Ar gas, we found that ACF A-15 has an adsorption efficiency of |$1/10000$| reduction at maximum before saturation of Rn adsorption, and more than |$97\%$| adsorption efficiency after the saturation. In Xe gas, we found that ACF A-20 has the best Rn adsorption ability among the tested ACFs. We also found that S-25, A-25, and A-15 have similar Rn adsorption performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helium and methane are major components of giant icy planets and are abundant in the universe. However, helium is the most inert element in the periodic table and methane is one of the most hydrophobic molecules, thus whether they can react with each other is of fundamental importance. Here, our crystal structure searches and first-principles calculations predict that a He3CH4 compound is stable over a wide range of pressures from 55 to 155 GPa and a HeCH4 compound becomes stable around 105 GPa. As nice examples of pure van der Waals crystals, the insertion of helium atoms changes the original packing of pure methane molecules and also largely hinders the polymerization of methane at higher pressures. After analyzing the diffusive properties during the melting of He3CH4 at high pressure and high temperature, in addition to a plastic methane phase, we have discovered an unusual phase which exhibits coexistence of diffusive helium and plastic methane. In addition, the range of the diffusive behavior within the helium-methane phase diagram is found to be much narrower compared to that of previously predicted helium-water compounds. This may be due to the weaker van der Waals interactions between methane molecules compared to those in helium-water compounds, and that the helium-methane compound melts more easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction to a previously published article titled "Administered dosage and effective dose estimated from 81Rb-rubidium hydroxide for lung ventilation scintigraphy using 81mKr noble gas." The correction addresses an error in equation 7 of the original manuscript and provides the correct form of the equation. The correction has been made online. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, a new model based on electric circuit theory has been introduced to simulate the dynamics of radioactive chemically inert gases in the human body. For this manner, it is assumed that inert gas is transported through the body to various organs via the blood stream. In this simulation, a voltage source is equivalent to gas generation in the atmosphere, the conductivity is equivalent to the cardiac output of the organ, the capacitor capacitance is equivalent to the volume of blood or tissue and voltage across a capacitor is equivalent to the gas concentration in air or blood or a tissue. This simulation can be used to study the dynamics of any inert gas whose partition coefficients are known. We use this simulation to study the dynamics of radon in human body. The physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model that describes the fate of radon in systemic tissue has been used for this simulation. Using this simulation, the effective dose equivalent resulting from inhalation of radon has been estimated. The calculated values agree with the previously reported value. Also, using the model, it has been shown that after inhalation of radon gas, absorbed dose has been decreased in different tissues by increasing the inhalation rate without radon. So that, by doubling the inhalation rate and the rate of cardiac output, the value of the absorbed dose has been decreased 11.88% in the adipose tissue, 25.49% in the red marrow tissue and 20.3% in the liver organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon is a water-soluble radioactive noble gas produced from the alpha decay of 226Ra in uranium series. Its presence in drinking water and open air increases the risk of lung and intestinal cancers in human beings. In view of this, radon concentration in groundwater and its dose due to inhalation and ingestion to the population of Magadi taluk of Ramanagara district in Karnataka state, India was studied. The groundwater samples were analyzed for radon concentration using emanometry technique. The study showed that the radon concentration in this area varied from 27.4 ± 1.0 to 167.5 ± 3.9 Bq/L and the effective dose ranged from 104.2 ± 2.7 to 636.2 ± 11.0 μSv/a. The study also revealed that 95% of the 37 samples studied showed higher radon concentration compared to the UNSCEAR recommendation (40 Bq/L) and all the samples showed higher than the USEPA recommendation (11.1 Bq/L). Ten samples have concentration above the maximum permissible level prescribed by WHO (100 Bq/L). The groundwater samples are found to be slightly alkaline within the permissible limit of Indian Standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central drop of ICM Fe abundance has been observed in several cool-core clusters. It has been proposed that this abundance drop may be due, at least partially, to the depletion of Fe into dust grains in the central, high-density regions. According to this scenario, noble gas elements such as Ar and Ne are not expected to be depleted into dust, and therefore should not show any drop, but follow the general increase of metal abundance towards the centre. In this work, we test this scenario by measuring with Chandra data the radial profiles of Ar and Ne in a sample of 12 groups and clusters where a central drop in Fe abundance has been detected. We confirm the presence of the Fe drop in 10 out of 12 clusters at more than 2σ c.l. and 4 Ar drops with similar significance. We also find 4 Ne drops, with the caveat that Ne abundance measurement from CCD spectra suffers from systematics not completely under control. Our results are consistent with an abundance drop common to the three elements. When comparing the profiles, we find that, on average, the abundance profiles of Ar and Ne are significantly higher than Fe and steeper towards the centre, while they all gradually become consistent with solar composition at r ≥ 0.05 r 500. We also check that Si and S profiles are mostly consistent with Fe. This result confirms a scenario in which some fraction of Fe is depleted into dust grains in the inner regions, although the global central abundance drop is mostly due to mechanical processes, like the displacement of metal-rich ICM from the very centre to larger radii by AGN-driven feedback. Finally, we report the detection of an Fe drop in the cluster MACSJ1423.8+2404 at |$z$|  = 0.543, showing that this feature appears early on in cool-core clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article seeks to determine the annual effective doses of 222Rn exposure, effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in some building materials from the local market of Ibb province, Yemen. A total of 33 samples of building materials were collected from the target area. The radon exhalation rate and effective radium content in these samples were measured using solid-state nuclear track detector, which has become an important tool in every investigation of the radon levels in the surrounding environment. Surface exhalation rate has been found to vary from 178.90 to 1267.6 mBq m−2 h−1, whereas mass exhalation rate has been found to vary from 5.51 to 33.25 mBq kg−1 h−1. All the values of effective radium content in all samples under test were found to be quite lower than the permissible value of 370 Bq kg−1 recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Annual effective doses have also been estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual effective radon doses for residents of 92 dwellings in Jazan city located in Northern Saudi Arabia are calculated from the radon concentration and equilibrium factor F, measured using passive technique. The overall average (±1 SD) of radon concentration, equilibrium factor and annual effective dose are 118 ± 12 Bq m−3, 0.3 ± 0.02 and 2.32 ± 0.17 mSv, respectively. Although 93% of the dwellings have radon concentrations below the reference level, about 24% of the dwellings have annual effective radon doses within the range of recommended action level of 3–10 mSv. The exhalation rate of radon from different environmental samples was measured and used in theoretical calculations to estimate the annual effective dose of radon at different conditions of ventilation and dwelling size. The correlation between the experimental measurements and theoretical estimation of radon doses is good at high ventilation rate (low F) and shows some deviation at low ventilation rate (high F). The theory gives lower radon doses than those measured especially at low ventilation and is likely attributed to the influence of building design and the variety of living style at the homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Anaesthesia for medical purposes was introduced in the 19th century. However, the physiological mode of anaesthetic drug actions on the nervous system remains unclear. One of the remaining questions is how these different compounds, with no structural similarities and even chemically inert elements such as the noble gas xenon, act as anaesthetic agents inducing loss of consciousness. The main goal here was to determine if anaesthetics affect the same or similar processes in plants as in animals and humans. Methods A single-lens reflex camera was used to follow organ movements in plants before, during and after recovery from exposure to diverse anaesthetics. Confocal microscopy was used to analyse endocytic vesicle trafficking. Electrical signals were recorded using a surface AgCl electrode. Key Results Mimosa leaves, pea tendrils, Venus flytraps and sundew traps all lost both their autonomous and touch-induced movements after exposure to anaesthetics. In Venus flytrap, this was shown to be due to the loss of action potentials under diethyl ether anaesthesia. The same concentration of diethyl ether immobilized pea tendrils. Anaesthetics also impeded seed germination and chlorophyll accumulation in cress seedlings. Endocytic vesicle recycling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance, as observed in intact Arabidopsis root apex cells, were also affected by all anaesthetics tested. Conclusions Plants are sensitive to several anaesthetics that have no structural similarities. As in animals and humans, anaesthetics used at appropriate concentrations block action potentials and immobilize organs via effects on action potentials, endocytic vesicle recycling and ROS homeostasis. Plants emerge as ideal model objects to study general questions related to anaesthesia, as well as to serve as a suitable test system for human anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primordial helium abundance Y P is calculated using sulphur as metallicity tracer in the classical methodology (with Y P as an extrapolation of Y to zero metals). The calculated value, Y P,   S = 0.244 ± 0.006, is in good agreement with the estimate from the Planck experiment, as well as, determinations in the literature using oxygen as the metallicity tracer. The chemical analysis includes the substraction of the nebular continuum and of the stellar continuum computed from simple stellar population synthesis grids. The S +2 content is measured from the near-infrared $$\left[\mathrm{ S}\,\mathrm{ III}\right]\lambda \lambda 9069,9532$$ lines, while an ICF(S 3 +) is proposed based on the Ar 3 +/ Ar 2 + fraction. Finally, we apply a multivariable linear regression using simultaneously oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur abundances for the same sample to determine the primordial helium abundance resulting in Y P  −  O,   N,   S  = 0.245 ± 0.007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two main models have been developed to explain the mechanisms of release, heating, and acceleration of the nascent solar wind, the wave-turbulence-driven (WTD) models and reconnection-loop-opening (RLO) models, in which the plasma release processes are fundamentally different. Given that the statistical observational properties of helium ions produced in magnetically diverse solar regions could provide valuable information for the solar wind modelling, we examine the statistical properties of the helium abundance (AHe) and the speed difference between helium ions and protons (vαp) for coronal holes (CHs), active regions (ARs), and the quiet Sun (QS). We find bimodal distributions in the space of AHe and vαp/vA (where vA is the local Alfvén speed) for the solar wind as a whole. The CH wind measurements are concentrated at higher AHe and vαp/vA values with a smaller AHe distribution range, while the AR and QS wind is associated with lower AHe and vαp/vA, and a larger AHe distribution range. The magnetic diversity of the source regions and the physical processes related to it are possibly responsible for the different properties of AHe and vαp/vA. The statistical results suggest that the two solar wind generation mechanisms, WTD and RLO, work in parallel in all solar wind source regions. In CH regions WTD plays a major role, whereas the RLO mechanism is more important in AR and QS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) has been primarily studied in chromate production. Here, we measured personal exposure to respirable Cr(VI) together with airborne and urinary Cr and Ni in welders to explore levels and associations between various measures of exposure. Methods: Shift concentrations of Cr(VI), Cr, and Ni were measured in respirable welding fumes in 50 men who used either gas metal arc welding (GMAW) (n = 24) or tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) (n = 19) as their major technique. Cr and Ni were determined in pre- and post-shift urine samples. Concentrations below the limit of quantification (LOQ) were multiply imputed. Spearman correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to explore associations between the exposure variables, and regression models were applied to estimate the effect of the parent metal on the urinary concentration. Results: Regarding the respirable Cr(VI), 62% of the measurements were below the LOQ, the 75th percentile was 0.50 µg m-3, and 8 out of 50 (16%) welders exceeded 1 µg m-3. The highest shift concentration that occurred as a result of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) was 180 µg m-3. The Cr(VI) content in total Cr ranged from 4 to 82% (median 20%), although the concentration correlated with total Cr (rs 0.55, 95% CI 0.46; 0.64). The correlation between Cr(VI) and Ni was weaker (rs 0.42, 95% CI 0.34; 0.51) than that between total Cr and Ni in welding fumes (rs 0.83, 95% CI 0.74; 0.92). Both Cr(VI) and total Cr influenced the urinary Cr concentrations in post-shift samples (P = 0.0008 and P ≤ 0.0001, respectively). The airborne shift exposure was a weaker determinant than the Cr content in pre-shift urine samples, which strongly correlated with post-shift urinary Cr (rs 0.78, 95% CI 0.69; 0.87). Conclusions: The Cr(VI) content in total Cr varied considerably in welding fumes. The majority of welders using GMAW or TIG presented with shift concentrations of respirable Cr(VI) below 1 µg m-3. However, very high Cr(VI) concentrations may occur, for example in SMAW. The urinary concentration of total Cr, cannot be used to precisely determine the shift concentration of respirable Cr(VI) in welders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlphaGUARD is a low-effective volume detector and one of the most popular portable radon monitors which is currently available. This study investigated whether AlphaGUARD can accurately measure the variable indoor radon levels. The consistency of the radon-concentration data obtained by AlphaGUARD is evaluated against simultaneous measurements by two other monitors (each ~10 times more sensitive than AlphaGUARD). When accurately measuring radon concentration with AlphaGUARD, we found that the net counts of the AlphaGUARD were required of at least 500 counts, <25% of the relative percent difference. AlphaGUARD can provide accurate measurements of radon concentration for the world average level (~50 Bq m−3) and the reference level of workplace (1000 Bq m−3), using integrated data over at least 3 h and 10 min, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radioactive noble gas radon is identified as the highest risk factor for lung cancer after smoking. The exhalation of radon from building materials can contribute to the radon indoor activity concentration. Therefore, the emanation of radon might be a crucial factor. It is defined as the release of radon from the solid soil matter into the pore space of the material. This article describes a new on-site measurement method for the emanation of radon from building materials at industrial sites. Therefore, a closed vessel with sample material and a passive radon detector inside is used to measure the integrated build-upcurve of the activity concentration. Additionally, a brief overview on existing radon emanation measurement methods is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Vale of Pickering in Yorkshire, England has been identified as a potential area for shale gas extraction. Public Health England joined a collaboration led by the British Geological Survey for environmental baseline monitoring near the potential shale gas extraction site following a grant award from UK Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The analysis of results for the first 6 months of indoor monitoring indicated that the results followed a log-normal distribution. The numbers of homes found to be at or above the Action Level followed the numbers predicted by the radon potential maps. The results from the measurements of outdoor air in this study indicated that the radon concentrations are slightly higher than previously measured but close to the detection limit of the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential energy surface is computed at the explicitly correlated coupled cluster with simple, second and perturbative triple excitation method (CCSD(T)–F12) in connection with the augmented–correlation consistent–polarized valence triple zeta (aug–cc–pVTZ) Gaussian basis set for the NeH+ −He system. The calculations were performed by first taking into account the vibration of the molecule and then averaging the so-obtained three-dimensional potential. From this average interaction potential, cross-sections among the 11 first rotational levels of NeH+ induced by collision with He are calculated for energies up to 4000 cm−1 using the quantum mechanical close coupling (CC) approach. Collisional rate coefficients are obtained by thermally averaging these cross-sections at low temperature (T ≤ 300 K). The propensity rules of the rotational transitions obtained in this paper are discussed and compared with those of HeH+ and ArH+ in collision with electron. This work may be helpful for the eventual investigations, both theoretical and experimental, focused to detect the key cationic noble gas hydride NeH+ in the interstellar and circumstellar media as well as in laboratory experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we focus on the determination of the rotational excitation rate coefficients of the first observed molecule containing noble gas 36ArH+ isotope by He. Hence, we present the first potential energy surface (PES) of ArH+ --He van der Waals system. The interaction PES of the ArH+ (X¹ Σ)+-He(¹S) complex is calculated by the ab initio explicitly correlated coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitation (CCSD(T)-F12) method in connection with the augmented correlation consistent triple zeta Gaussian basis (aug-cc-pVTZ). The interaction potential presents two global minima of 708.00 and 172.98 cm-1 below the ArH+ (X¹ Σ +)-He(¹S) dissociation limit. Using the PES obtained, we have computed integral inelastic cross-sections in the close-coupling approach among the first 11 rotational levels of ArH+ for energies up to 2500 cm-1. Downward rate coefficients were determined at low temperature (T ≤ 300 K). It is expected that the data worked out in this study may be beneficial for further astrophysical investigations as well as laboratory experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated hot subdwarfs might be formed by the merging of two helium-core white dwarfs. Before merging, helium-core white dwarfs have hydrogen-rich envelopes and some of this hydrogen may survive the merger. We calculate the mass of hydrogen that is present at the start of such mergers and, with the assumption that hydrogen is mixed throughout the disrupted white dwarf in the merger process, estimate how much can survive. We find a hydrogen mass of up to about 2×10-3M☉ in merger remnants.We make model merger remnants that include the hydrogen mass appropriate to their total mass and compare their atmospheric parameters with a sample of apparently isolated hot subdwarfs, hydrogen-rich sdBs. The majority of these stars can be explained as the remnants of double helium white dwarf mergers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the interaction of the early spherical GC wind powered by Type II supernovae (SNe II) with the surrounding ambient medium consisting of the gaseous disc of a star-forming galaxy at redshift z≳2. The bubble formed by the wind eventually breaks out of the disc, and most of the wind moves directly out of the galaxy and is definitively lost. The fraction of the wind moving nearly parallel to the galactic plane carves a hole in the disc which will contract after the end of the SN activity. During the interval of time between the end of the SN explosions and the 'closure' of the hole, very O-poor stars (the Extreme population) can form out of the super-AGB (asymptotic giant branch) ejecta collected in the GC centre. Once the hole contracts, the AGB ejecta mix with the pristine gas, allowing the formation of stars with an oxygen abundance intermediate between that of the very O-poor stars and that of the pristine gas. We show that this mechanism may explain why Extreme populations are present only in massive clusters, and can also produce a correlation between the spread in helium and the cluster mass. Finally, we also explore the possibility that our proposed mechanism can be extended to the case of multiple populations showing bimodality in the iron content, with the presence of two populations characterized by a small difference in [Fe/H]. Such a result can be obtained taking into account the contribution of delayed SN II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of radon, thoron and their progeny inside the working place depend on the activity of radionuclides in the soil, building materials, atmospheric conditions, construction of the building, type of work and ventilation condition. Radon is a radioactive noble gas, and it is emanated from 226Ra present in earth crest and building material. Based on the type of work, construction of the building and ventilation condition, concentrations of radon, thoron and their progeny have been measured in 60 workplaces at 10 locations of Mysuru, Bengaluru and Kolar districts of Karnataka state using Solid-State Nuclear Track Detector technique. From the study, variations of radon, thoron and their progeny have been observed with the nature of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) represents one of the most widely used metal joining processes in industry. Its propensity to generate a greater portion of welding fume particles at the nanoscale poses a potential occupational health hazard for workers. However, current literature lacks comprehensive characterization of TIG welding fume particles. Even less is known about welding fumes generated by welding apprentices with little experience in welding. We characterized TIG welding fume generated by apprentice welders (N = 20) in a ventilated exposure cabin. Exposure assessment was conducted for each apprentice welder at the breathing zone (BZ) inside of the welding helmet and at a near-field (NF) location, 60 cm away from the welding task. We characterized particulate matter (PM4), particle number concentration and particle size, particle morphology, chemical composition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production potential, and gaseous components. The mean particle number concentration at the BZ was 1.69E+06 particles cm-3, with a mean geometric mean diameter of 45 nm. On average across all subjects, 92% of the particle counts at the BZ were below 100 nm. We observed elevated concentrations of tungsten, which was most likely due to electrode consumption. Mean ROS production potential of TIG welding fumes at the BZ exceeded average concentrations previously found in traffic-polluted air. Furthermore, ROS production potential was significantly higher for apprentices that burned their metal during their welding task. We recommend that future exposure assessments take into consideration welding performance as a potential exposure modifier for apprentice welders or welders with minimal training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In thiswork,we present the results of an experimental study of the Stark shifts of atomic helium lines at 706.519, 728.135, 471.315, 501.568, 667.815 and 447.148 nm in the electron density range (0.6-7)× 1023 m-3. Stark shift is always presented together with the corresponding electron density and electron temperature. Best-fitting formulas of experimental data enable plasma electron density diagnostics with an accuracy of (15-20 per cent) in the temperature range (10 000-30 000) K. The influence of Debye shielding on the Stark shifts is carefully examined and the experimental results are compared with other experimental and theoretical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-accuracy calculations of the forbidden transition amplitudes for the np 2P½ → np 2P3/2; transitions with the ground-state principal quantum number n in singly charged inert gas atoms, which are of astrophysical interest, have been carried out using sophisticated relativistic many-body methods. Using these amplitudes, the line strengths, oscillator strengths and transition probabilities of the above transitions and lifetimes of the np 2P½ states are estimated precisely. Most of these transition wavelengths lie in the infrared region, while the corresponding Rn II line is the optical one, and they can be observed in the stellar and interstellar media, where the abundances of these ions have already been identified. The above forbidden transitions can also be very useful for astrophysical plasma diagnostics and can guide experiments to measure the lifetimes of the above np 2P½ states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor radon concentrations are subject to seasonal variation, which directly depends on weather conditions. The seasonal indoor radon concentrations were measured and the annual effective dose was estimated for the city centre of Eskisehir, Turkey. In order to reflect annual averages measurements were performed over all seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn) including also the entire year. Measurements were carried out using Kodak-Pathe LR 115 Type II passive alpha track detectors in 220 different houses. A total of 534 measurements including measurements of different seasons were taken between 2010 and 2011. The radon concentrations for winter ranged from 34 to 531 Bq m−3, for spring ranged from 22 to 424 Bq m−3, for summer ranged from 25 to 320 Bq m−3, and for autumn ranged from 19 to 412 Bq m−3. Yearly measurements ranged from 19 to 338 Bq m−3. In this study the average annual effective total dose from radon and its decay products was calculated to be 3.398 mSv y−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the individual activity concentrations of attached short-lived radon decay products (218Po, 214Pb and 214Po) in aerosol particles were measured in ten poorly ventilated realistic living rooms. Using standard methodologies, the samples were collected using a filter holder technique connected with alpha-spectrometric. The mean value of air activity concentration of these radionuclides was found to be 5.3±0.8, 4.5±0.5 and 3.9±0.4 Bq m−3, respectively. Based on the physical properties of the attached decay products and physiological parameters of light work activity for an adult human male recommended by ICRP 66 and considering the parameters of activity size distribution (AMD = 0.25 μm and σg = 2.5) given by NRC, the total and regional deposition fractions in each airway generation could be evaluated. Moreover, the total and regional equivalent doses in the human respiratory tract could be estimated. In addition, the surface activity distribution per generation is calculated for the bronchial region (BB) and the bronchiolar region (bb) of the respiratory system. The maximum values of these activities were found in the upper bronchial airway generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors developed a model for determining the alpha- and beta-activities per unit volume of air due to radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their decay products attached and unattached to the aerosol in the outdoor air at the workplace in natural conditions at different locations in Morocco by using both CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid-state nuclear track detectors. In addition, the percentage of 218Po, 214Pb and 214Po radionuclides attached to the aerosols and the unattached fraction fj for different values of the attachment rate were evaluated. Radon and thoron concentrations in outdoor air of the studied different locations were found to vary from 9.20±0.8 to 16.30±1.50 Bq m−3 and 0.22±0.02 to 1.80±0.20 Bq m−3, respectively. The committed equivalent doses due to the radon short-lived progeny 218Po and 214Po attached and unattached to the aerosol air were evaluated in different tissues of the respiratory tract of the members of the public from the inhalation of outdoor air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An original optical method for track counting and film thickness determination of etched LR115 radon detectors was developed. The method offers several advantages compared with standard techniques. In particular, it is non-destructive, very simple and rather inexpensive, since it uses a commercial scanner and a free software. The complete analysis and the calibration procedure carried out for the determination of radon specific activity are reported. A comparison with the results of spark counting defines the accuracy and the precision of the new technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the size distribution of radioactive aerosols in nanometre range is essential for the purposes of air contamination monitoring, dose assessment to respiratory tract and planning of protective measures. The diffusion battery, which allows capturing particles in the size range of 0.1–10 nm, has developed. Interpreting data obtained from diffusion battery is very complex. The method of expectation maximisation by Maher and Laird was chosen for indirect inversion data. The experiments were performed in the box with equivalent equilibrium concentration of radon in the range of 7000–10 000 Bq m−3. The three modes of size distribution of radon decay products aerosols were obtained: activity median thermodynamic diameter (AMTD) 0.3, 1.5 and 5 nm. These modes can be identified as: AMTD 0.3 nm—atoms of radon progeny (218Po in general); AMTD 1.5 nm—clusters of radon progeny atoms and non-radioactive atoms in the atmosphere; AMTD 5 nm—particles formed by coagulation of previous mode clusters with existing aerosol particles or nucleation of condensation nuclei containing atoms of radon progeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground miners are internally exposed to radon, thoron and their short-lived decay products during the mineral processing. There is also an external exposure due to the gamma emitters present in the rock and dust of the mine. However, the short-lived radon decay products are recognised as the main radiation health risk. When inhaled, they are deposited in the respiratory system and may cause lung cancer. To address this concern, concentration measurements of radon and its progeny were performed, the equilibrium factor was determined and the effective dose received was estimated in six Brazilian underground mines. The radon concentration was measured by using E-PERM, AlphaGUARD and CR-39 detectors. The radon progeny was determined by using DOSEman. The annual effective dose for the miners was estimated according to United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation methodologies. The mean value of the equilibrium factor was 0.4. The workers’ estimated effective dose ranged from 1 to 21 mSv a−1 (mean 9 mSv a−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 7th European Conference on Protection Against Radon at Home and at Work held in the autumn of 2013 in Prague, the second intercomparison of measuring instruments for radon and its short-lived decay products and the first intercomparison of radon/thoron gas discriminative passive detectors in mix field of radon/thoron were organised by and held at the Natural Radiation Division of the National Radiation Protection Institute (NRPI) in Prague. In total, 14 laboratories from 11 different countries took part in the 2013 NRPI intercomparison. They submitted both continuous monitors for the measurement of radon gas and equivalent equilibrium radon concentration in a big NRPI chamber (48 m3) and sets of passive detectors including radon/thoron discriminative for the measurement of radon gas in the big chamber and thoron gas in a small thoron chamber (150 dm3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurements of radon activity concentration carried out in residential houses of V4 countries (Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) show that radon levels in these countries considerably exceed the world average. Therefore, the new radon data and statistical analysis are required from these four countries. Each partner chose a region in their own country, where radon concentration in residential buildings was expected to be higher. The results of the survey carried out in the period from March 2012 to May 2012 show that radon concentrations are <200 Bq m−3 in ∼87 % of cases. However, dwellings with radon concentration ∼800 Bq m−3 were found in Poland and Slovakia. It was also found that the distribution of radon frequency follows that of houses according to the year of their construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radon concentration in underground workplaces may reach tens of thousands of Bq m−3. A simple MCNPXTM Monte Carlo (MC) model of a cave was developed to estimate the influence of radon on the in situ gamma spectrometry results in various geometries and radon concentrations. The detector total count rate was obtained as the sum of the individual count rates due to 214Bi in the air, radon in the walls and deposition of radon daughters on surfaces. The MC model was then modified and used in the natural conditions of the Mladeč Caves, Czech Republic. The content of 226Ra was calculated from laboratory gamma spectrometry measurements, and the concentrations of unattached and attached 214Bi were measured using the FRITRA4 device (SMM-Prague). We present a comparison of the experimental results with results calculated by the MCNPXTM model of the Gamma Surveyor spectrometry probe (GF Instruments) with a 3″ × 3″ NaI(Tl) detector and a 2″ × 2″ BGO detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Smoking causes 80–90 % of cases of lung cancer. In this study, an attempt was made to assess the impact of cigarette smoking on the risk of lung cancer by the so-called threshold-specific energy model. This model allows to analyse the biological effects of radon daughter products on the lung tissue, and is based on the assumption that the biological effect (i.e. cell inactivation) will manifest itself after the threshold-specific energy z0 deposited in the sensitive volume of the cell is exceeded. Cigarette smoking causes, among others, an increase in the synthesis of the survivin protein that protects cells from apoptosis and thereby reduces their radiosensitivity. Based on these facts, an attempt was made to estimate the shape of the curves describing the increase in the oncological effect of radiation as a function of daily cigarette consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterproofing, usually made of bitumen or polymers with various additives, is used to protect buildings mainly against dampness, but also against radon transported from the soil beneath the building. The radon diffusion coefficient is a material property which is considered to be strongly influenced by the inner structure (chemical composition, crystallinity) of a measured sample. We have used this parameter together with measurements of mechanical properties (hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, etc.) and FTIR spectroscopy has been used in order to describe the changes in material properties induced by long-term degradation. This paper summarizes the results of radon diffusion coefficient measurements of waterproof materials exposed to radon, soil bacteria, high temperature and combinations of these factors. We have discovered changes as high as 83 % have been discovered compared to virgin samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stochastic dosimetry model presented here considers the distinctly asymmetric, stochastic branching pattern reported in morphometric measurements. This monopodial structure suggests that an airway diameter is a more appropriate morphometric parameter to classify bronchial dose distributions for inhaled radon progeny than the commonly assigned airway generation numbers. Bronchial doses were calculated for the typical exposure conditions reported for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory rat inhalation studies, yielding an average bronchial dose of 7.75 mGy WLM−1. If plotted as functions of airway generations, the resulting dose distributions are highest in the central bronchial airways, while significantly decreasing towards peripheral generations. However, if plotted as functions of airway diameters, doses are much more uniformly distributed among bronchial airways. The comparison between rat and human lungs indicates that dose conversion coefficients for the rat lung are higher than the corresponding values for the human lung by a factor of 1.34 for the experimental PNNL exposure conditions, and of 1.25 for typical human indoor conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In autumn 2010, an outdoor measuring station for measurement of atmospheric radon, gamma equivalent dose rate in the range of 100 nSv h−1−1 Sv h−1 and proper meteorological parameters such as thermal air gradient, relative air humidity, wind speed and direction and solar radiation intensity was built in the area of the National Radiation Protection Institute vvi. The station was designed to be independent of an electrical network and enables on-line wireless transfer of all data. After introduction of the station, illustrations of its measurement properties and the results of measured diurnal and seasonal variability of atmospheric radon, based on annual continuous measurement using a high-volume scintillation cell at a height of 2.5 m above the ground, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity size distributions of indoor and outdoor radioactive aerosol associated with short-lived radon decay products were observed at Nagoya, Japan, for some periods from 2010 to 2012, following the indoor observation by Mostafa et al. [Mostafa, A. M. A., Tamaki, K., Moriizumi, J., Yamazawa, H. and Iida, T. The weather dependence of particle size distribution of indoor radioactive aerosol associated with radon decay products. Radiat. Prot. Dosim. 146(1–3), 19–22 (2011)]. The tendency of smaller indoor activity median aerodynamic diameter (AMAD) after rainfalls showed in the previous study was not consistently obtained, while the consistent tendency of less indoor radioactive particles with diameters in the accumulation mode was observed again after rainfalls. The indoor aerosols showed activity size distributions similar to the outdoor ones. Non-radioactive aerosol particle concentrations measured with a laser particle counter suggested a somewhat liner relationship with AMAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, international organisations involved in radiation protection and public health have produced new guidance, recommendations and requirements aiming better protection from radon exposure. These organisations have often worked in close collaboration in order to facilitate the establishment of harmonised standards. This paper deals with such standards and specifically with the new European Council Directive of 5 December 2013 on basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation (2013/59/Euratom). This new Directive has established a harmonised framework for the protection against ionising radiations, including protection from radon exposure. Requirements for radon in workplace are much more tightening than in previous Directive, and exposures to radon in dwellings are regulated for the first time in a Directive. Radon-related articles of this Directive are presented and discussed in this paper, along with some comparisons with other relevant international standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Austria a comprehensive study on radiation exposure in waterworks was conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risks for the affected employees. On the basis of geographical, geological and hydrological aspects, 21 waterworks were selected. A total of 85 passive short-term measurements and measurements with active devices for the detection of 222Rn were conducted and compared regarding their applicability to waterworks. Additionally, the results of 47 passive combined 222Rn/220Rn measurements for the detection of 220Rn are part of this paper. 222Rn was determined in row water samples. The influences of water flow rates and of the 222Rn activity concentration in water on the 222Rn activity concentration in indoor air of water supplies were investigated. On the basis of the results of radon measurements at 165 points, the annual effective doses for 74 persons of the staff were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon is considered to be the main contributor to the worldwide population exposure to natural sources of radiation and so a lot of efforts have been made in most countries to assess indoor radon concentrations. Radon exhales from the earth's surface and is part of the radioactive decay series of uranium, which is also present in building materials. In this work, measurements of radon exhalation rates in building materials commonly used in the Iberian Peninsula have been carried out by using two different methods: active and passive techniques. In the first technique, the radon exhalation rate was measured following the radon activity growth as a function of time, by using a continuous radon monitor. The second technique is based on integrated measurements by using solid-state nuclear track detectors and a Spark Counter reading equipment. The results obtained by both measuring methods were found to be consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern energy-efficient architectural solutions and building construction technologies such as monolithic concrete structures in combination with effective insulation reduce air permeability of building envelope. As a result, air exchange rate is significantly reduced and conditions for increased radon accumulation in indoor air are created. Based on radon survey in Ekaterinburg, Russia, remarkable increase in indoor radon concentration level in energy-efficient multi-storey buildings was found in comparison with similar buildings constructed before the-energy-saving era. To investigate the problem of indoor radon in energy-efficient multi-storey buildings, the measurements of radon concentration have been performed in seven modern buildings using radon monitoring method. Values of air exchange rate and other parameters of indoor climate in energy-efficient buildings have been estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the idea of generating radon map of Brazil has emerged. First attempts of coordinating radon surveys—carried out by different groups across the country—and initial discussions on how to proceed on a larger scale were made at the First Brazilian Radon Seminary, Natal, September 2012. Conventionally, it is believed that indoor radon is no major problem in Brazil, because the overall benign climate usually allows high ventilation rates. Nevertheless, scattered measurements have shown that moderately high indoor radon concentrations (up to a few hundred Bq m−³) do occur regionally. Brazilian geology is very diverse and there are regions where an elevated geogenic radon potential exists or is expected to exist. Therefore, a Brazilian Radon Survey is expected to be a challenge, although it appears an important issue, given the rising concern of the public about the quality of its environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After an introduction of Timepix detector, results of these detectors with silicon and cadmium telluride detection layer in assessment of activity of short-lived radon decay products are presented. They were collected on an open-face filter by means of one-grab sampling method from the NRPI radon chamber. Activity of short-lived radon decay products was estimated from measured alpha decays of 218,214Po. The results indicate very good agreement between the use of both Timepix detectors and an NRPI reference instrument, continuous monitor Fritra 4. Low-level detection limit for EEC was estimated to be 41 Bq m−3 for silicon detection layer and 184 Bq m−3 for CdTe detection layer, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are many methods for investigating tectonic structures, many faults remain hidden, and they can endanger the life and property of people living along them. The slopes of volcanoes are covered with such hidden faults, near which strong earthquakes and gas releases can appear. Revealing hidden faults can therefore contribute significantly to the protection of people living in volcanic areas. In the study, seven different techniques were used for making measurements of in-soil radon concentrations in order to search for hidden faults on the SE flank of the Mt. Etna volcano. These reported methods had previously been proved to be useful tools for investigating fault structures. The main aim of the experiment presented here was to evaluate the usability of these methods in the geological conditions of the Mt. Etna region, and to find the best place for continual radon monitoring using a permanent station in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies proved that cumulative exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, the world's most common cancer. The objectives of the present study are (i) to analyse lung cancer risk for chronic, low radon exposures based on the transformation frequency-tissue response (TF-TR) model formulated in terms of alpha particle hits in cell nuclei; (ii) to assess the percentage of attributable lung cancers in six areas of Transylvania where the radon concentration was measured and (iii) to point out the most efficient remediation measures tested on a pilot house in Stei, Romania. Simulations performed with the TF-TR model exhibit a linear dose–effect relationship for chronic, residential radon exposures. The fraction of lung cancer cases attributed to radon ranged from 9 to 28 % for the investigated areas. Model predictions may represent a useful tool to complement epidemiological studies on lung cancer risk and to establish reasonable radiation protection regulations for human safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoron gas and its progeny behave quite differently in room environments, owing to the difference in their half-lives; therefore, it is important to measure simultaneously gas and progeny concentrations to estimate the time-integrated equilibrium factor. Furthermore, thoron concentration strongly depends on the distance from the source, i.e. generally walls in indoor environments. In the present work, therefore, the measurements of both thoron and radon gas and their progeny concentrations were consistently carried out close to the walls, in 43 dwellings located in the Sokobanja municipality, Serbia. Three different types of instruments have been used in the present survey to measure the time-integrated thoron and radon gas and their progeny concentrations simultaneously. The equilibrium factor for thoron measured ‘close to the wall’, FTnW, ranged from 0.001 to 0.077 with a geometric mean (GM) [geometric standard deviation (GSD)] of 0.006 (2.2), whereas the equilibrium factor for radon, FRn, ranged from 0.06 to 0.95 with a GM (GSD) of 0.23 (2.0). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]