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The study assesses environmental background radiation from radon, thoron, and thoron decay products across distinct geological settings in the Garhwal Himalaya region by using RADUET, CR-39 plastic track detectors, and deposition-based thoron (220Rn)progeny detectors. The measurements were conducted indoors throughout the winter, summer, and rainfall seasons during the year 2013. The annual inhalation doses from 220Rn progenies ranged between 0.83 and 2.99 mSv y−1, averaging 1.94 mSv y−1. The annual effective dose (AED), reflecting biological radiation impact, varied from 0.58 to 2.78 mSv y−1, with an average of 1.75 mSv y−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural Gas as a fossil fuel has been an emerging source of renewable energy in the last decade. It is converted to liquefied form (LNG) by keeping in a cryogenic state and transported via pressure vessels. We have considered the use of shell and tube heat exchanger which is appropriate for high pressure applications. Turbulent heat transfer conditions are utilised in the design calculations. The design of TEMA (BJ21M) type heat exchanger was modelled with the consideration that, tube side fluid is LNG and two different shell side fluids are ethylene and propylene glycol water. Design and comparison was carried out in relevance to cases of with and without twisted tape turbulators. Heat Transfer Research Inc. (HTRI) software was used to perform the thermal design. It was found that heat exchangers with twisted tape turbulators operating with L/D ratio of 18 gave better heat transfer co-efficient on both shell and tube side compared to heat exchangers without turbulators. Further with optimization of tube side parameters and tube length, it was noted that the heat transfer rate increased in both shell and tube side considerably for both the cases of ethylene and propylene glycol water on shell side. For the given design constraints, it was seen that the working of the vaporiser with ethylene glycol water and turbulators in shell side was efficient and better compared to propylene glycol water and turbulators in shell side. The authors have aimed at reducing the space and cost constraints of regasification equipment. The software results are in good agreement with analytical and numerical outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chhatrapur placer deposit is found in a high background radiation area which has been recently identified on the southeastern coast of India. Previously, some geochemical studies of this area were carried out to assess external dose from radionuclides-bearing heavy mineral sands. In this study, radon, thoron and thoron progeny concentrations were measured in about 100 dwellings during three seasons (autumn-winter, summer, and rainy) in a 10- to 12-month period and annual doses due to inhalation of them were evaluated. The measurements were made by passive-type radon-thoron discriminative detectors and thoron progeny detectors in which solid state nuclear track detectors were deployed. The results show that radon and thoron concentrations differ by one order of magnitude depending on exposure periods, while thoron progeny concentration is nearly constant throughout the year. Since thorium-rich sand is distributed in the studied area, exposure to thoron is equal to, or exceeds, exposure to radon and is not negligible for dose evaluation. Based on the measurements, doses due to inhalation of radon and thoron are evaluated as 0.1–1.6 mSv y −1 and 0.2–3.8 mSv y −1 , respectively. The total dose is 0.8–4.6 mSv y −1 , which is the same order of magnitude as the worldwide value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The indoor radon concentration was estimated based on the radon flux in soil and groundwater. The indoor radon concentration in Budhakedar area of Garhwal Himalaya, India is estimated to be 3.0–131.4Bq/m3 in summer and 4.6–92.4Bq/m3 in winter. Based on the available data from study area, the calculated value of diffusion coefficient for the soil ranges from 0.1×10−2 to 3.0×10−2 cm2 s−1 in the summer season and 0.1×10−2 to 0.4×10−2 cm2 s−1 in the winter season. The calculated value of diffusion flux in the study area is found to vary from 0.1×10−2 to 16.1×10−2 Bqm−2 s−1 in summer season and 0.1×10−2–12.2×10−2 Bqm−2 s−1 in winter season. The formulation was tested by comparing the results of radon values from two different seasons of a year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The assessment of radiological risk related to inhalation of radon and radon progeny is based mainly on the integrated measurement of radon in both indoor and outdoor environments. The exhalation of radon from the earth crust and building materials forms the main source of radon in indoor environment. In this comparative study, the indoor radon level was measured using twin cup dosimeter in different dwellings of Garhwal Himalayas. Soil samples were collected simultaneously from different geological formations of the same area for laboratory measurement of radon exhalations rate. The radon exhalation rate was measured in the laboratory using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. The indoor radon concentrations in this study area were found to vary from 13±3Bq/m3 to 178±8Bq/m3 with an average of 61±5Bq/m3 while thoron concentration was found to vary 9±2Bq/m3 to 94±6Bq/m3 with an average of 33±3Bq/m3. The radon exhalation rate was found to vary from (0.43±0.05)×10−5 Bqkg−1 h−1 to (20.10±0.11)×10−5 Bqkg−1 h−1 with an average of (1.95±0.10)×10−5 Bqkg−1 h−1. The detail significance of this study is discussed in radiation protection point of view. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The radon content in groundwater sources depends on the radium concentration in the rock of the aquifer. Radon was measured in water in many parts of the world, mostly for the risk assessment due to consumption of drinking water. The exposure to radon through drinking water is largely by inhalation and ingestion. Airborne radon can be released during normal household activities and can pose a greater potential health risk than radon ingested with water. Transport of radon through soil and bedrock by water depends mainly on the percolation of water through the pores and along fractured planes of bedrock. In this study, radon concentration in springs and hand pumps of Kumaun and Garhwal Himalaya, India was measured using radon emanometry technique. The study shows that radon concentration in springs and hand pumps is controlled by geohydrological characteristics, which in turn is also governed by tectonic processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The measurements of radon concentrations in drinking water sources in and around the Main Central Thrust (MCT) region in Garhwal Himalaya, India, were carried out using the scintillation detector-based SMART RnDuo technique for radiation protection purposes. Radon values in the analyzed samples were observed between 1.1 and 183.9 Bq L−1 (AM = 19.7 Bq L−1). Radon values in 94% of the samples were found well below the World Health Organization (WHO) reference limit. The estimated radiation doses for different age groups were found higher than the WHO safe limit of 100 µSv y−1 (from all sources including radon) except for the age groups of 0–12 months infants and 1–3 years children. The results of this study may be useful for future studies on epidemiology, examining hidden faults, uranium exploration etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of discal cysts is controversial, with different surgical options described in the literature. We present an interesting case of spontaneous resolution of a symptomatic discal cyst. Based on our case report, we recommend non-operative management in the first instance and an up-to-date MRI scan before contemplating surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary Osteomyelitis of the pubis is a rare condition. Localised trauma appears to be the main predisposing factor and the presentation can be associated with localised abscess formation. We report a case of Osteomyelitis of the pubis with multiple intrapelvic abscesses arising from a primary infective focus with subsequent Staphylococcus Aureus septicaemia. The pathology was confirmed by early MRI scan and blood cultures and successfully treated with antibiotics. This is a rare mode of presentation and does not appear to have been described in the English literature previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractures of the posterior process of the talus are very important because they involve the articular surfaces of the ankle and subtalar joints. Involvement of these weight bearing joints would lead to significant disability because of the risk of mal-union and degenerative arthritis. These fractures are rare but need to be aware of as they can be easily missed. Outcome of these are shown to be poor. We present a patient who sustained a displaced fracture of the posterior process of the talus and managed appropriately by internal fixation. Follow-up revealed that the fracture united successfully with good functional outcome and the patient resumed his former job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless energy harvesting (EH) communication has long been considered a sustainable networking solution. However, it has been limited in efficiency, which has been a major obstacle. Recently, strategies such as energy relaying and borrowing have been explored to overcome these difficulties and provide long-range wireless sensor connectivity. In this article, we examine the reliability of a wireless-powered communication network by maximizing the net bit rate. To accomplish our goal, we focus on enhancing the performance of hybrid access points and information sources by optimizing their transmit power. Additionally, we aim to maximize the use of harvested energy, by using energy-harvesting relays for both information transmission and energy relaying. However, this optimization problem is complex, as it involves non-convex variables and requires combinatorial relay selection indicator optimization for decode and forward (DF) relaying. To simplify this problem, we utilize the Markov decision process and deep reinforcement learning framework based on the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm. This approach enables us to tackle this non-tractable problem, which conventional convex optimization techniques would have difficulty solving in complex problem environments. The proposed algorithm significantly improved the end-to-end net bit rate of the smart energy borrowing and relaying EH system by 13.22 % ,   27.57 % , and 14.12 % compared to the benchmark algorithm based on borrowing energy with an adaptive reward for Quadrature Phase Shift Keying, 8-PSK, and 16-Quadrature amplitude modulation schemes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More and more samples are received by the laboratories each day for the simultaneous measurement of serum amylase and lipase in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Objectives: This study is an effort to find which of the two analytes, serum amylase or lipase, is a better marker. Methods: This is a retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital in which radiologically diagnosed patients of acute pancreatitis, in whom blood samples for the estimation of serum amylase and lipase were collected within 12–72 h after the onset of abdominal pain were taken up for the study. All the relevant data and imaging details were collected. Results: We analyzed 100 such cases and in our study we found that 74 out of 100 patients had raised serum amylase and 93 out of 100 had raised serum lipase levels. Conclusion: In rural health care centers, in smaller hospitals, or in set ups where resources are limited and in situations where patients cannot afford, serum lipase will be a better choice over serum amylase in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Divergent dislocation of the elbow is a severe injury leading to a significant amount of soft tissue stripping. Achieving a good functional outcome following this injury remains a challenge. We present a case report which was managed conservatively in a cast brace and achieved satisfactory functional results. To our knowledge, this method of treatment has not been described in the English literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon diffusion through soil is strongly affected by the degree of water saturation of the soil pores. Methods have been developed by many researchers to measure radon diffusion coefficient. We developed an updated experimental system to estimate radon diffusion coefficients for typical types of soil in Japan and applied it to a typical loam with different water saturation levels (0-0.82). The system consists of a passive-type scintillation cell, soil column, accumulation tank, and radon source. The radon concentration in the accumulation tank is kept stable, and radon diffused through the soil column is continuously measured with the passive-type scintillation cell. We found the radon diffusion coefficients vary from 9.60 × 10-6 m2 s-1 to 1.27 × 10-7 m2 s-1 for the loam samples. Generally, the diffusion coefficients are almost constant for a water saturation range of 0-0.4 and decrease with increasing water saturation from 0.4 to 0.82. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ionizing radiation exposure experienced by the general population is mainly due to the indoor radon. Major part of radon comes from the top layer of the earth. The radon emanation is associated with radon in soil and sleepy back radium in the soil. Both field and laboratory measurements were carried out for the instantaneous and integrated radon concentration in soil-gas. The radon exhalation rate from collected soil samples was measured using LR-115 Type II plastic track detector. The soil-gas radon concentration was measured with the help of radon Emanometry method. The effective radium content of the soil samples was also calculated. The correlation coefficient between radium contents in collected soil samples and soil-gas radon from the same locations was calculated as 0.1, while it is 0.2 between radon exhalation rate and soil-gas radon concentration. The results show weak positive correlation due to the geological disturbance in the equilibrium conditions and high mobility of radon in the same geological medium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Environmental radiation exists as a consequence of cosmic, terrestrial and man made sources. Terrestrial radiation are emitted from natural radionuclide present in varying amounts in all types of soils, rocks, air, water and other environmental materials; radon is emitted from the soil surface, although secondary contributors include the oceans, natural gas, geothermal fluids, volcanic gases, ventilation from caves and mines, and combustion of coal. Radon and thoron levels were measured in soil-gas, ground water and indoor air in Budhakedar area of Tehri Garhwal, India. Radon concentrations in soil and groundwater of the Budhakedar area were found to vary from to with an average value and to with mean value , respectively. Measurement of indoor radon, thoron and their daughter products were also measured in the houses of the same area for four different seasons (autumn, winter, summer and rainy) using LR–115 plastic track detectors. The detector is fixed in a twin chamber radon dosimeter, which can record the values of radon, thoron and their decay products separately. The film fixed in bare mode holder gives the concentrations of radon, thoron and their progeny while the films fixed inside the cup with filter and membrane modes give the concentrations of radon/thoron gases and of pure radon gas, respectively. Detailed analysis of the effects of seasonal variation on radon, thoron and their decay products inside the houses are reported in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The activity concentrations of Ra and Ac in weathered Japanese soils from two selected prefectures have been measured using a γ-ray spectroscopy system with high purity germanium detector. The uranium, thorium, and rare earth elements (REEs) concentrations were determined from the same soil samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For example, granitic rocks contain higher amounts of U, Th, and light REEs compared to other igneous rocks such as basalt and andesites. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the interaction between REEs and nature of soils since soils are complex heterogeneous mixture of organic and inorganic solids, water, and gases. In this paper, we will discuss about distribution pattern of U and Th along with REEs in soil samples of weathered acid rock (granite) collected from two prefectures of Japan: Hiroshima and Miyagi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental release of low levels of radioactivity can occur as a consequence of normal radionuclides present in the earth's crust. We present here the results of a survey undertaken in 2003 on the radionuclide concentration in different rock formations in the eastern part of Kumaun Himalaya. The activity concentration and gamma-absorbed dose rates of the terrestrial radionuclides caused by 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were determined in the soil samples collected from the eastern part of Kumaun Himalaya. The mean concentration of 238U and 232Th in the earth's crust varied from 0.5 to 5 ppm (6 to 60 Bq/kg) and 2 to 20 ppm (8 to 80 Bq/kg) respectively. The reported activity concentration for the different rock formations varied from 32.6 to 1305.5 Bq/kg for 238U, 16.3 to 136.3 Bq/kg for 232Th and 124.6 to 1758.0 Bq/kg for 40K. The distribution of the radionuclides varied with rock type due to different chemical properties of the measured radionuclides and the rocks. The result shows that high activity levels were found in Saryu Formation consisting of augen-gneiss, granite interbedded with schists and flaggy quartzite. The total air-absorbed dose rate in air above 1 m height was calculated from the three radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K), which varied from 39.1 to 226.8 nGy h-1. The internal and external health-hazard indices were calculated based on the concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. Strong positive correlations were observed between 235U and 226Ra, 232Th and 226Ra, 40K and 232Th as well as 40K and 226Ra. However, no significant correlation was observed between 238U and 226Ra because of radioactive disequilibrium between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most of the epidemiological studies contemporary radon measurements have been used as surrogates for radon concentrations in past decades even though changes in radon levels and residence may have occurred. Short-lived radon progeny may deposit on available surfaces in dwellings thus giving rise over time to a build up of long-lived progeny. Airborne radon decay products can be deposited and implanted through alpha recoil into the glass surfaces. On glass surface, activities of 210Po may arise as a result of the decay of recoil implanted activity following the alpha decay of surface deposited 218Po or 214Po. Measurement of 210Po implanted on a household glass is a method that can be employed to retrospectively determine the historic level of radon in dwellings. This method is based on the assumption that levels of recoil implanted 210Po in the glass provide a measure of time integrated radon concentration in the environment in which the glass has been located. The surface deposited activity of the radon progenies, which then become implanted in the glass by alpha recoil, is believed to reflect past exposure to airborne activity. Such retrospective measurements on glass are valuable in estimating the human dose derived from radon during the time of exposure. In this paper an account is given of the principles and some field applications of a retrospective technique, using the alpha track detectors, CR-39 and LR-115, to measure 210Po implanted in glass surfaces (surface traps). By using this CR–LR difference technique, the cumulative radon exposure in a dwelling in past decades may be estimated. This method provides reliable radon exposure data as a support to epidemiological studies concerning the health effects of radon exposure in the living environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Research on earthquake-related radon monitoring has received enormous attention recently. Anomalous behaviour of radon in soil and groundwater can be used as a reliable precursor for an impending earthquake. While earthquake prediction may not yet be possible, earthquake prediction research has greatly increased our understanding of earthquake source mechanisms, the structural complexities of fault zones, and the earthquake recurrence interval, expected at a given location. This paper presents some results of continuous monitoring of radon in soil-gas in Garhwal Himalaya, India. Daily soil-gas radon monitoring with seismic activity and meteorological parameters were performed in the same laboratory system, located at H.N.B. Garhwal University Campus, Tehri Garhwal, India. Radon anomalies along with meteorological parameters were found to be statistically significant for the seismic events within the magnitudes M2.0-M6.0 and epicentral distances of 16–250km from the monitoring station. The frequent positive and negative anomalies with constant environmental perturbation indicate the opening and closing of micro cracks within the volume of dilatancy by strain energy. The spike-like and sharp peak anomalies were recorded before, during and after earthquakes occurred in the area. The variations in radon concentrations in soil-gas are found to be correlated with seismic activities in the Garhwal Himalaya. The correlation between radon level and meteorological parameters is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For the efficient user scheduling (US) and interference mitigation, channel state information (CSI) is mandatory at the base station (BS), particularly for the frequency division duplexing (FDD) systems where the users need to provide some CSI back to the BS for performing the scheduling process. As the feedback overhead increases drastically with increase of antennas as well as users, so, US with limited/reduced feedback is essential. Deploying massive multiple-input multiple-output frequency division duplexing (mMIMO FDD) systems remains an open area for research with major difficulties of associated uplink CSI feedback load as the downlink and uplink channels are not reciprocal. Therefore, smart balancing is required between feedback data and achievable throughput while scheduling the users. In order to handle the above mentioned issue, we employed a selective 4-bit quantized CSI feedback based user-antenna paired/joint scheduling scheme for the multi user (MU) FDD mMIMO systems. The key idea involves in this process is that, only a limited set of users qualifying a predefined selection threshold feed back the 4-bit quantized signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) values based on angle-of-departure (AoD) along with the antenna indices for the scheduling process. The BS schedules the users with respective best antenna. Furthermore, using this scheme the multi user diversity gain is also achieved. This dynamic adjustment of antenna/user selection and collision free antenna sharing between the users majorly helps in improving the throughput of the system with this selective 4-bit quantized limited feedback. The mathematical sum rate performance analysis has been demonstrated along with simulation results for different system parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two element multiband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system with low specific absorption rate is proposed for Ka-band space satellite, millimeter-wave (mm-wave), fifth-generation (5G), and future sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication applications. The essential characteristics of both 5G and future 6G communications can be fulfilled by the proposed MIMO antenna design. The proposed MIMO antenna system has significant advantage of covering four relevant and usable frequency bands, i.e., 16 GHz, 25.5 GHz, 28 GHz, and 32 GHz used for the above mentioned applications. The design of the presented antenna looks like a vertical Yagi-Uda antenna with L-shaped ladder. Moreover, two circular slots and a slotted vertical stub are etched in a partially shared ground. The complete electrical dimension of the presented antenna is 6.8 λ 0 × 5. 7 λ 0 × 0. 068 λ 0 , calculated at resonating frequency 25.5 GHz, where λ 0 is wavelength in free space. The geometry of the presented antenna is fabricated using Rogers RO4350TM with dielectric constant (ϵ r) of 3.48, a loss tangent of 0.0025, and the substrate thickness of 0.8 mm. The presented MIMO antenna is excited with a 3 mm wide microstrip feed line having 50 Ω characteristics matched impedance. In terms of performance, the proposed antenna has achieved a reflection coefficient < - 10 dB, and isolation < -15 dB in all the resonating bands, radiation efficiency varies 72%–84%, impedance bandwidth of 4.6 GHz, 1.5 GHz, 1.11 GHz, and 7.5 GHz, and realized gain of 10.18, 12.05, 13.07, & 5.55 dBi is also achieved at frequencies 16 GHz, 25.5 GHz, 28 GHz, and 32 GHz. The achieved values for various MIMO matrices are envelope correlation coefficient > 0.0048, diversity gain of 9.98 dB, channel capacity loss < 0.00023 bits/s/Hz, and mean effective gain < -6 dB. The simulated results obtained by ANSYS I 2022 R2 (HFSS) and the experimental results measured by vector network analyzer (VNA) show a good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly biosynthesized metallic nanoparticle with antimicrobial characteristic attracted its demand in the field of disease management. The present study deals with the synthesis of silver nanoparticle using the extract Aspergillus flavus CR500 under the presence of sunlight. The characterization via scanning and transmission electron microscope revealed their size distribution ranges from 60 to 130 nm with a high content of Ag, confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared analysis exposed the crystalline nature and active functional group availability on silver nanoparticle (AgNPs). Photobiosynthesized AgNPs have high antimicrobial property and completely inhibited the growth of plant pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani GPB and Sclerotium rolfsii at the concentration of 150 and 300 µg/L respectively. AgNPs exposure increases the lipid peroxidation (via reactive oxygen species production) in R. solani and S. rolfsii, might be a primary cause of AgNPs toxicity to fungal cell. However, fungal cell responded to oxidative stress caused by AgNPs by increasing the catalase and peroxidase activity. In order to assess the AgNPs applicability in seed protection and its impact on germination, growth and development of the crop, Cicer arietinum and Vigna radiata seeds were used for growth and germination assay under AgNPs exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates a six-port multiple-input multiple-output antenna which operates in mid-bands with a resonating frequency at 4.8 GHz. The overall dimensions of proposed antenna are 0.60 λ 0 × 1. 32 λ 0 × 0. 024 λ 0 , where λ 0 is free space wavelength corresponding to resonating frequency of 4.8 GHz. The proposed geometry consists of six-port electromagnetic wave components along with a plane rectangular patch, slotted partial ring ground, circular cutting ground plane, and inset feeding. For enhancing isolation, I-shaped stubs and slotted ring ground are responsible. Inset feeding, circular cutting ground plane, and partial ground plane are used for enhancing reflection coefficient. The overall −10 dB impedance bandwidth of proposed antenna is ranging from 3.92 GHz to 5.2 GHz. The achieved isolation between all the ports of proposed work is ¿15 dB. The peak values of gain and radiation efficiency provided by this prototype are 6.45 dB & and 86% respectively. The achieved diversity parameters such as envelope correlation coefficients are ¡0.002, diversity gain is 9.98, channel capacity loss is ¡0.014 bits/sec/Hz, and branch power ratio is ¡−1 dB. The proposed antenna can be considered as a suitable candidate for wireless local area network, n77 bands, 5G wireless communications applications, and C-band operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase reactant, has been identified as a saliva-based biomarker of inflammation. The objective of the study was to estimate and compare salivary CRP levels in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Subacute thyroiditis (SAT). The study included 30 HT patients who presented with clinical features of hypothyroidism, 15 SAT patients who presented with clinical features of hyperthyroidism, and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched euthyroid controls. CRP levels in saliva were estimated using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay method with enhanced sensitivity. In HT, the mean salivary CRP levels did not differ significantly from controls. SAT patients had significantly elevated salivary CRP levels compared to HT patients and controls. The rise in salivary CRP levels in SAT patients conceivably reflects the presence of an inflammatory process. Saliva CRP levels appear to serve as inflammatory markers in SAT patients and may aid their clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of investigation of radon levels in the soil–gas and groundwater of Uttarkashi, India within the distance of 5km in vertical and horizontal directions from the landslide of Varunawat hill. Radon release from the soil and groundwater was found higher than the normal values. Radon concentration in groundwater over and around the landslide was found to vary from 0.51 to . The soil–gas radon concentration was found to vary from 219 to along the slope of landslide. Radon exhalation rate in collected soil samples was found to vary from to . Radon values were not found correlated with major and trace element contents in the upper soil of the area, which indicate that the migration of radon from deeper part of the earth along with landslide contribute to the surface radon concentration. Recorded values show a close association with local geology and Varunawat eruptions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Radon concentrations in groundwater and soil–gas along with the terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate have been measured in the different geological formation of Kumaon Himalaya, India. Radon concentrations were found to vary from 1 to 392Bq/l with a mean of 50Bq/l in water and to with a mean value of 5.867kBq/m3 in soil–gas. The radium content in collected groundwater samples from the study area was found to vary from 0.11 to 0.75Bq/l with a mean value 0.35Bq/l. The terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate and uranium content in soil were found to vary from 21.67 to with a mean value of and 0.8 to 15.3ppm with a mean value 3.4ppm, respectively, in different lithotectonic units. The emanation of radon in groundwater and soil–gas are found to be controlled by the geological formation of the area. It was also found to be controlled by the tectonic structure of the area. Radon level was found higher in the area consisting of granite, quartz porphyry, schist, phyllites slates and lowest in the area having sedimentary rocks, predominantly dominated by quartzite rocks. The terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate in the area was found positively correlated with radon concentrations in groundwater and soil–gas. A strong positive correlation was observed between uranium content in soil and terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate. Soil–gas radon concentration was also found positively correlated with the uranium content in the soil. However, a weak correlation was found between uranium content in soil and radon concentrations in groundwater samples from the study area. No correlation was observed between radon concentrations in groundwater and soil–gas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In present investigation, newly designed twin cup pin-hole dosimeter with LR-115 track detector has been used for the integrated measurements of radon and thoron in the environmental air of a high background radiation area in coastal Orissa. The twin cup dosimeters were calibrated before installation in the field. The calibration experiment was made in an inter calibration exercise at NIRS, Chiba, Japan. The resulting calibration factors were used to obtain the values of radon and thoron in the study area. Radon and thoron concentrations in the houses of study area were found to vary from 24 Bq/m3 to 98 Bq/m3 and 46 Bq/m3 to 689 Bq/m3, respectively. The indoor and outdoor gamma dose rates in the study area vary from 0.124 μGy/h to 0.257 μGy/h and 0.109 μGy/h to 0.361 μGy/h, respectively. The annual effective dose due to the exposure to indoor radon and progeny was found to vary from 0.70 mSv to 2.84 mSv with an average value of 1.73 mSv. However, the annual effective dose due to the exposure to thoron and progeny was found to vary from 1.16 mSv to 17.36 mSv with an average value of 7.36 mSv. Thoron concentration and gamma dose rate were found relatively higher in the area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]