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A reliable and well-characterized dosimetry system which is traceable to the international measurement system, is the key element to quality assurance in radiation processing with cobalt-60 gamma rays, X-rays, and electron beam. This is specifically the case for health-regulated processes, such as the radiation sterilization of single use medical devices and food irradiation for preservation and disinfestation. Polyethylene is considered to possess a lot of interesting dosimetric characteristics. In this work, a detailed study has been performed to determine the dosimetric characteristics of a commercialized high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film using Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Correlations have been established between the absorbed dose and radiation induced infrared absorption in polyethylene having a maximum at 965 cm−1 (transvinylene band) and 1716 cm −1 (ketone-carbonyl band). We have found that polyethylene dose-response is linear with dose for both bands up to1000 kGy. For transvinylene band, the dose-response is more sensitive if irradiations are made in helium. While, for ketone-carbonyl band, the dose-response is more sensitive when irradiations are carried out in air. The dose-rate effect has been found to be negligible when polyethylene samples are irradiated with electron beam high dose rates. The irradiated polyethylene is relatively stable for several weeks after irradiation.

The European industry is the largest water consuming sector after agriculture, with a significantly larger water footprint than residential/urban areas. They also face a fierce competition worldwide, with limited domestic resources. Moving to a circular economy (CE) paradigm that valorises a wide range of water-embedded resources: water, energy, nutrients and high added-value compounds, will future-proof European industries, climate-proof European society and safeguard the environment. Water Smart Industrial Symbiosis (WSIS) as a particular form of CE applicable to industrial contexts promises a new potential by systematically looking to reuse wastes between industries as raw materials. WSIS promises benefits from lower costs as well as new types of revenues, exploiting ‘waste’ management not only as a legal obligation but as a new business opportunity. WSIS is a novel approach with as of yet limited applications. In ULTIMATE, WSIS between the industrial sector and service providers of the water sector are demonstrated at significant scales thus creating an evidence-based approach for successful WSIS implementation anchored on real-world cases. Therefore, at nine case studies distributed across Europe and Israel, the ULTIMATE consortium has established so called WSISs. They develop and demonstrate 21 pilot plants, which recover water, materials and/or energy. Deliverable D1.2 is a demonstrator type deliverable and shall show, that the ULTIMATE pilot plants are operational. Therefore, presentations showing the operational pilot plants will be accessible on the ULTIMATE webpage at the case study section (https://ultimatewater.eu/demonstration-cases/). This document accompanies the presentations which are meant to be the main evidence for D1.2 and shows the progress until M24. Prior to the pilot plant implementation, eight WSISs conduct laboratory experiments. In total, 15 different laboratory experiments and/or investigations of already existing facilities are accomplished to better understand the circumstances of the real environment and to learn more about the type of technology before it is up-scaled from laboratory to pilot scale. Seven of the 15 investigations are already completed and seven are close to be completed (75-90%). Until M24, five pilot plants or (parts of) treatment trains were operational. Three of them are related to water recovery at the case studies in Nafplio (CS4), Lleida (CS5) and Kalundborg (CS9). One of them is related to material recovery in Lleida (CS5) and the last one is related to energy recovery in Karmiel (CS6). Until M27, ten additional plants are expected to be operational. Most of them are quite close to be constructed with a progress between 70% and 100% such as the material recovery unit in Rosignano (CS3), final parts of the water recovery treatment train in Lleida (CS5), two energy recovery units in Lleida (CS5) and one energy recovery unit in Shafdan (CS6). Even though the progress is only at 25% in Tarragona (CS1), the case study leader expects the two pilot plants for water recovery to be operational until M27 as for the pilot plants in Tain (CS7) dealing with water, nutrient and energy recovery and reuse. Until M30, the last six pilot plants shall be operational according to the case study leaders. One of the six pilot plants recovers water, one recovers energy and the other four recovery different materials. Especially for those six pilot plants, the contingency plan is to extend and intensify the laboratory and preparatory experiments to gain more important data and experience in depth that suggest to accelerate and to shorten the start-up and optimisation phase of the pilot plants. Even though all case study leaders still expect to complete their pilot test within the project life time of 48 months, time is becoming a critical factor as sufficient time is required to gain experience from the pilots and translate this into best practices for WSIS implementation. Until all pilot plants will be operational, a very close monitoring of the case studies will be done by the WP1 management team with the case study leaders and the risk officer via regularly meetings. In addition, the presentations referring to D1.2 will be updated every three months until every pilot plant will be operational. D1.2 is the basis for the demonstration of the ULTIMATE solutions and for the generation of valuable data. Those data will be needed for the technology evidence base (D1.7), for the best practice guidelines (D1.3, D1.4, and D1.5) and also for the assessments of our circular economy solutions (D2.3 and D2.5). Those results will contribute to find suitable strategies for the replication of our concepts and thus, be the basis for the overall exploitation strategy (D5.9). Hence, the EU-added value of this deliverable is its contribution to crucial deliverables that will foster and boost circular economy solutions in the European industry and the water sector. The collection and open access presentation of the technologies in the technology evidence base (D1.7) will support decision makers and investors to gain a fast overview of the opportunities and proven concepts of circular economy. Together with the Marketplace (D5.5), the technology evidence base can significantly contribute to the transition from a linear to a circular economy in Europe. ULTIMATE promotes circular economy solutions that are in line with the ambitions of the European Green Deal (European Commission 2019) its Action Plan for Circular Economy (European Commission 2020) to reduce strongly our greenhouse gas emissions, to provide clean water, to maintain healthy soil, make industry resilient and produce cleaner energy. This deliverable (D1.2) presents technologies that can be applied in the frame of the Regulation (EU) 2020/741 on minimum requirements for water reuse, the Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 laying down rules on the making available on the market of EU fertilising products and the Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources.

Recent studies using single-cell RNA-seq have revealed cellular heterogeneity in the developing mammalian cerebellum, yet the regulatory logic underlying this cellular diversity remains to be elucidated. Using integrated single-cell RNA and ATAC analyses, we resolved developmental trajectories of cerebellar progenitors and identified putative trans- and cis- elements that control cell state transition. We reverse-engineered gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of each cerebellar cell type. Through in silico simulations and in vivo experiments, we validated the efficacy of GRN analyses and uncovered the molecular control of a newly identified stem zone, the posterior transitory zone (PTZ), which contains multipotent progenitors for granule neurons, Bergmann glia, and choroid plexus epithelium. Importantly, we showed that perturbing cell fate specification of PTZ progenitors causes posterior cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, the most common cerebellar birth defect in humans. Our study provides a foundation for comprehensive studies of developmental programs of the mammalian cerebellum.

Perubahan gaya hidup dan pola konsumsi masyarakat telah menyebabkan peningkatan penggunaan suplemen makanan. Suplemen pada dasarnya dikonsumsi untuk melengkapi nutrisi, bukan untuk menggantikannya. Usia diketahui memiliki pengaruh pada pengetahuan dan perilaku konsumsi suplemen. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan usia dengan pengetahuan dan perilaku penggunaan suplemen pada mahasiswa Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember. Pengumpulan data dilakukan pada tanggal 11 September 2019 dengan menggunakan accidental non random sampling untuk 161 responden yang dianalisis menggunakan uji chi-square. Responden dikategorikan menjadi 3 kelompok berdasarkan usia yaitu kurang dari 19 tahun, 19-21 tahun dan diatas 21 tahun. Berdasarkan penelitian ini didapatkan responden terbanyak terdapat pada rentang usia 19-21 (67,7%), diikuti dengan usia kurang dari 19 tahun (28,0%) dan usia diatas 21 tahun (4,3%). Vitamin C (46,58%) merupakan suplemen yang paling banyak dikonsumsi, sebagian besar responden tidak dapat menjelaskan cara mendapatkan suplemen yang asli (37,27%), responden paling banyak membeli suplemen di apotek (42,24%), dan sebanyak 49,07% responden merasakan efek lebih bugar dan sehat setelah mengonsumsi suplemen. Berdasarkan analisis data, didapatkan hasil bahwa perbedaan usia tidak memengaruhi tingkat pengetahuan dan ketepatan perilaku responden terhadap penggunaan suplemen.

Background Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improvement of child health, stronger immune systems, and lower risk of non-communicable diseases. Objectives the study aimed to describe knowledge, attitude and practice of sixth grade, primary school students about healthy eating habits and healthy diet and to implement and assess a nutrition education program for healthy eating habits and healthy diet. Participants and Tools An interventional study was conducted in one governmental primary school in Giza governorate and included 120 sixth grade students. The health education program was divided into three stages: Pre-intervention stage in which the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of students about healthy and unhealthy dietary habits was assessed. Then educational program was implemented and (KAP) of students was re-assessed again twice after the education session immediately and then two months later. Results Most of the children (69.6%) had fair nutrition knowledge, (23.2%) had good knowledge, while (7.2%) had poor knowledge. After the intervention, there was an improvement in nutrition knowledge score of participated students (p Conclusion School nutrition intervention programs can have a great impact on knowledge and behavior of primary school students especially if various methods of teaching and learning were applied.

4-{(4-Methylphenyl)glycyl}-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-one (QIN) was prepared from 4-(2-chloroacetyl)- 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-1(1H)-one). 125I-QIN was prepared by electrophilic substitution using Chloramine- T as an oxidizing agent. The highest labeling yield, 94%, was obtained under the following conditions: pH 7, 15 min, 100 μg of QIN, 50 μg of Chloramine-T, and carrier-free Na125I. The labeled compound was stable for up to 12 h post labeling. A biodistribution study of 125I-QIN in mice showed that its brain uptake was about 5.1% at 30 min post injection and remained on this level up to 1 h. As compared to commercially used radiopharmaceuticals for brain imaging, 125I-QIN is more stable and shows higher brain uptake.

Nickel-doped poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) films were developed for potential application in industrial sectors like radiation processing. We report in this paper the results of an experimental investigation of 60Co source γ-radiation effect on colorimetric, structural and morphological properties of PVA films doped with 0.5% Ni2+ ions (PVA/Ni2+). The PVA/Ni2+ films were irradiated by different gamma-radiation doses varying from 5 to 100 kGy. Color modification of films were studied using L∗, a∗ and b∗ color space measurements as function of the γ-dose and post-irradiation time. The visual change in all samples was verified by microstructure analysis, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-Rays diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The color space exhibited a linear dose response at a dose ranging from 5 to 50 kGy, and then it reached saturation for higher γ-doses. The calculated color changes (ΔE) show a linear dose response relationship from 9.90 to 115.02 in the dose range from 0 to 50 kGy. It showed also the activation of stable color centers. The variability of the color change did not exceed 3% during 80 h (h) post-irradiation. Furthermore, the microstructure analysis evidenced that the color modification due to the optical activation of nickel-oxide (NiO) color center were obtained by complexing Ni2+ ions in irradiated PVA films. The obtained results inspire the possibility to use PVA films for the control process in industrial radiation facilities in dose range 5–50 kGy.

International centers based on research reactors (ICERR) project supported by IAEA, offers training and research in the application of advanced nuclear reactor technology. In this context of the project, alanine dosimeters were irradiated under mixed neutron/gamma irradiation in the core of the MINERVE research reactor at the CEA Cadarache. The integrated dose of the alanine was measured by electron spin resonance spectrometry with reference to an absorbed dose in water from a 60Co gamma-ray beam. Neutron and gamma dose components were calculated using the MCNP code. The neutron dose and relative effectiveness ( R E n ) for neutrons was evaluated using FLUKA code and Track Structure Theory (TST) formulations of alanine response towards irradiations with ions produced by neutron interactions with alanine. R E n values were found to be between 0.516 and 0.538. The measured dose was compared to the calculation results. The best agreement between the alanine integral measurements and model predictions (0.4%) was obtained by using the Cucinotta alanine detector response model.

A new hybrid monolithic silica xerogel containing sucrose has been synthesized via the sol–gel method. The resulting sucrose silica xerogels were exposed to gamma radiation with a dose in the range of 10–100 kGy. The effect of gamma rays on the physical and structural properties of sucrose silica xerogels was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV visible spectroscopy. The results of FTIR spectroscopy show that the irradiation process causes changes in the network's structure by inducing defects. The UV visible spectra present three main band defects; E′ center, Non-Bridging Oxygen Hole center (NBOHC) and carbonyl radicals in irradiated sucrose silica xerogel samples. Additionally, the results show that the values of optical band gap energy depend on irradiation. Therefore, generated defects suggest that the behavior of sucrose silica xerogels was modified from an insulator (Eg=5.82 eV) to a semiconductor (Eg=3.16 eV) under gamma irradiation.

In this paper, we develop a three-dimensional configuration of the Tunisian Gamma Irradiation Facility (TGIF) to determine the spatial distribution of gamma absorbed dose rates in the irradiation area at the 60Co source rack. The results are obtained by using the MCNP6 code. Experimental measurements of the gamma absorbed dose rate are performed in order to be compared with the calculated results. Two dosimetry systems are employed to perform measurements: red and amber perpex and cellulose triacetate (CTA). The results of MCNP6 simulations are compared to the absorbed dose measurements for the following experiments: (1) estimation of the 60Co source rack position, (2) isotropy verification of gamma-ray emission, (3) isodose curves of the absorbed dose rate inside the irradiation room, (4) absorbed dose rate distribution in air on four vertical planes, (5) absorbed dose rate distribution in air on four horizontal planes versus increasing distance from the source axis. The root mean square error (RMSE) is employed to check the discrepancy between MCNP6 simulation and dose measurements. The values of RMSE for all experiments vary from 0.5 to 2.6%, showing good agreements between the measured and calculated results. This agreement reveals that the developed model of the TGIF is accurate. It inspires the possibility to use the model on an irradiation processing and a reload of the facility.

Samples of commercial silicate glass have been subjected to ion exchange by silver ions. The ion exchange was performed at 320 °C for periods from two minutes to one hour, in a molten mixture of AgNO3 and NaNO3 with a molar ratio of 1:99, 5:95 and 10:90. The ion exchange process was followed by different treatments: thermal annealing, gamma irradiation and their combined role in order to initiate the synthesis and control of silver aggregates in the surface of the glass matrix. UV-Visible absorption spectrometry results indicated that various states of silver existing in these glasses depend on heat treatment conditions. The silver ions (Ag+) exist in almost all conditions, neutral silver atoms (Ag0) exist only in samples subjected to heat treatment in the range of 250–450 °C, neutral silver aggregates (Ag0) produced by thermal annealing at 550 °C were responsible for the absorption bands observed from 305, 350 and 450 nm, respectively. The effect of gamma irradiation in doses from 10 to 100 kGy and thermal annealing on glass samples was also investigated. The main modification induced by gamma rays on the structure of silicate glass was the creation of colour centres, Non-Bridging Oxygen Hole Centres (NBOHCs) and trapped electrons. The (NBOHCs) defects caused the absorption of light. The Ag+ ions trapped electrons to form neutral silver Ag0. The first step of silver aggregation was observed, following the irradiation by gamma rays, as well as after thermal annealing. After annealing at 550 °C, silver atoms spread out over glass surface to form silver aggregates. An absorption band at 430 nm was observed characterizing the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of silver aggregates. The calculated average radius increases from 0.9 to 1.35 nm as the annealing time increased from 10 to 490 min. The average radius of nanoparticles varied as a function of absorbed dose. Unexpectedly, 10 kGy was found to be the optimally absorbed dose corresponding to the maximum of the nanoparticle’s average radius. The average radius of nanoparticles was decreased at a higher dose.

The reduction in dapped end beams depth nearby the supports tends to produce stress concentration and hence results in shear cracks, if it does not have an adequate reinforcement detailing. This study investigates numerically the efficiency of applying different external strengthening techniques to the dapped end of such beams. A two-dimensional finite element model was built to predict the structural behavior of dapped ends strengthened with different techniques. The techniques included external bonding of the steel angle at the re-entrant corner, un-bounded bolt anchoring, external steel plate jacketing, exterior carbon fiber wrapping and/or stripping and external inclined steel plates. The FE analysis results are then presented in terms of the ultimate load capacities, load-deflection and crack pattern at failure. The results showed that the FE model, at various stages, was found to be comparable to the available test data. Moreover, it enabled the capture of the failure progress, with acceptable accuracy, which is very difficult in a laboratory test.

The Tunisian Beta irradiation facility (LINAC, CIRCE III) has been put into operation at the end of 2009. Such facility is designed essentially for sterilization of medical devices and conservation of foodstuff. The delivery and validation of a specified dose are key concerns of operators of electron beam irradiation facilities. In order to adjust the treatment conditions and to control the optimal operation of the accelerator, it is necessary to evaluate the absorbed dose and its distribution within material in the radiation field. Consequently, aspects from installation qualification to operation qualification are described together with the associated process variables. Technical parameters that directly influence the absorbed dose distribution in the product were examined by dosimetric measurements and compared to the data specified by the facility manufacturer. Two dosimeter types were used for measurements: radiochromic B3 and cellulose triacetate films.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease having a regressive nature. Commonly used diagnostic methods have the disadvantage to be invasive, time-consuming, and expensive. Therefore, a new sensitive method for the detection and monitoring of disease activity is urgently needed in clinical practice. In the current investigation, radio complexation of olsalazine with technetium-99m, its characterization, and optimization of the labeling conditions were explored. Optimum radiochemical yield of (99m) Tc-olsalazine (97.6% ± 1.8%) was obtained via direct complexation with technetium-99m (~200 MBq) in the presence of stannous chloride dihydrate (100 µg) as reducing agent at pH 6. It was observed that the complex showed significant in vitro stability in serum at 37°C for more than 11 h. The computer-generated optimized geometries of the (99m) Tc-olsalazine were reported, and biodistribution studies were carried out using chemically and microbiologically mice-induced ulcerative colitis models. The tracer showed a good localization in both models and was excreted mainly via liver and to some extent via kidney. Imaging can be performed at 1-2 h post-injection; at that time, the background activity has cleared, and the activity is concentrated in the target site. All the gathered biological data supported the usefulness of (99m) Tc-olsalazine as a potential imaging agent for ulcerative colitis.

In the current investigation nemonoxacin (NMX) was radiolabeled with 99mTc in the presence of stannous chloride dihydrate as reducing agent. Factors affecting the percent labeling yield of 99mTc-Nemonoxacin (99mTc-NMX) complex were studied in details. The labeled compound was radiochemically characterized and was stable for a time up to 4 h. The complex showed in vitro saturated binding with living multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and penicillin-resistant Streptococci (PRSC). Biodistribution and imaging studies were performed. All results showed that 99mTc-NMX complex is a promising agent for MRSA and PRSC infection imaging and can differentiate between infected and sterile inflammations.

The case under review is a 60-year-old patient with a vertebral plasmocytoma treated by cervico-thoracic fusion 2 years previously. He presented a thoracic spinal septic non-union complicated by esophagospinal fistula. We performed vascularized fibula transplant with cutaneous pad to fill the esophageal fistula. Control CT at day 5 confirmed vascular anastomosis permeability and bone transplant position. Osseointegration was achieved at 18 months postoperatively. The patient was alive 3 years after the last procedure (5 years after tumorectomy). A systematic review of the literature on spinal reconstruction by vascularized fibula transplant showed the diversity of surgical techniques available. In view of the multiplicity of possible organ and soft tissue defects involving the spine, reminders are provided of the different approaches and recipient vessels in this type of reconstruction depending on location.

During routine dosimetry for radiation processing applications, process interruption is widely encountered; in this case dosimeters may receive their target dose in two or more absorbed-dose increments. Some interruptions may be planned, for example double side irradiations may be used to improve dose distribution. Other interruptions may be the result of unplanned irradiator shutdowns. In this case, dosimeters may be exposed to outside factors, such as temperature, without exposure to ionizing radiation. The responses of these dosimeters are usually influenced because the conditions in irradiation facilities may differ considerably from the conditions in which the dosimeters were calibrated. These differences may lead to expected systematic errors in dose estimation. An original approach is proposed in this work in order to simulate a process interruption within limits and quantify the effects of a combination of factors on dosimeter response using complete factorial design 2 n . We present an in-depth experimental study on the response of dosimeters that have been irradiated, stored for a fixed period of time at several temperatures, and then re-irradiated. This study was performed using Harwell Red Perspex dosimeter type 4035.

In some irradiation facilities, dosimeters may receive their total absorbed dose in two or more absorbed-dose increments. Some interruptions may be planned, for example multiple irradiations may be used to avoid increasing irradiation temperature in electron beam accelerators. Other interruptions may be the result of unplanned irradiator shutdowns. Dose fractionation effects from both planned and unplanned interruptions should be quantified by determining the effect for different dose fractions and interruption times between successive irradiations. This work describes experiments carried out on the response of Gammachrome YR PMMA dosimeters to both single fractions and fractionated doses (two absorbed-dose increments separated by different intervals of time: 0.5, 1, 2, and 24 h). Specific absorbance measurements were carried out as a function of post-irradiation time, following the completion of irradiation in the total doses, from 20 to 250 min. Our work demonstrates that specific absorbance as a function of post-irradiation time depends significantly on total dose and the fractionation time. For measurements taken 2 h after irradiation, it was found that relative response variations due to dose fractionation were between −3% and +2% for dosimeters irradiated to 0.2 kGy and from −1.34% to −4% for those irradiated to 2 kGy.

The aim of this work is to investigate two different delta-doping (silicon and carbon) after gamma irradiation. Delta-doping GaAs/AlGaAs heterojunctions grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (1 0 0) GaAs substrates have been studied by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. A theoretical study was conducted using the resolution of Schrodinger and Poisson equations written within the Hartree approximation. PL measurements as function of the power excitation at 10 K shows a red-shift due to free carriers effect on properties of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well (QW). Its dependence on the density of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the GaAs/AlGaAs interface has been analyzed on the basis of the quantum confined Stark, the band-gap renormalization and Burstein–Moss (BM) effects. It is noted that the gamma radiation has changed the type of the exciton recombination.

The present paper reports the results of the colorimetric study of gamma-irradiated epoxy-resin films. Epoxy-resin samples were irradiated by gamma-rays with doses varying from 1 to 50 kGy. Color changes of epoxy-resin were observed and studied by the measurements of the variation of the L∗, a∗, b∗ as function of dose and post-irradiation time. Where L∗ is a measure of the magnitude of brightness from black to white, parameter a∗ describe the relative amounts of red and green, and parameter b∗ describes the relative amounts of yellow and blue color. Color changes (ΔE) were also calculated. They indicated a marked dependence of the absorbed doses showing the optical activation of the color centers. It was found that color changes (ΔE) due to absorbed dose increase from 6 to 50. Color change showed a low variability which did not exceed 3% for the measurements carried out between 1 and 72 h. The obtained results revealed that epoxy-resin films can be used as a new routine dosimeter or irradiation indicator in dose range 1–50 kGy.

In order to improve the ease of sample handling, the reproducibility of signal detection and quantification, simple methods of incorporating a homogeneous mixture containing sugar powder (30%) with wax (35%) and rubber (35%) into rods has been adopted. The dose response, the time stability of the free radicals produced in table sugar dosimeters (in both rod and powder form) by gamma radiation and the effect of the temperature during irradiation were studied by EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance). The peak-to-peak height (PPH) measurement of the EPR signal is studied as a function of the absorbed gamma dose in the range 0.1–58 kGy. For the two forms, a linear dependency is found between 0.1 and 26 kGy. At higher doses the EPR signal amplitude continues to grow but non-linear up to 58 kGy. The dependence of temperature during irradiation has been investigated in the temperature range 25–40 °C and the calculated correction coefficients were found (2.7 ± 0.2)% °C −1 and (1.5 ± 0.3)% °C −1 , respectively, for powder and rod forms. The time stability of the stored sugar samples was investigated for 34 days at room temperature, a rapid decrease of EPR signal was showed immediately after irradiation followed by slowly decrease.

Reference Standard Dosimeters are used to calibrate radiation environments and routine dosimeters. It can also be used in routine dosimetry applications for radiation processing where higher quality dosimetry measurements are required. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) is a well-established Reference Standard Dosimetry system in industrial applications of ionising radiation, and its use is also proposed in radiation therapy and accident dosimetry. In the present experimental work, PGA solid state dosimeter (SSD) has been investigated using ESR spectroscopy to study the gamma radiation response of this material and to evaluate its dosimetric characteristics: dose response, room temperature fading, heat treatment effect during post-irradiation storage. Results obtained up to now confirm that PGA seems to be suitable material for ESR dosimetry applications.

Eel requires unsaturated fatty acids of linolenic acid for growth. Which can be supplied from earthworms. In this study, addition of earthworm in formulation feed aimsed to improve the fatty acid profile eel meat. This research used experimental method and randomized complete design method with five treatments. Each treatment was repeated four times. The use of earthworms in feeding treatment formulation was done for 21 days with different level i.e: 0 % (P0), 25 % (P1), 50 % (P2), 75 % (P3) and 100 % (P4). The result showed that the addition of eartworm significantly influenced the omega 3 contents (EPA & DHA) of eel meat.

Commercial silicate glass has been investigated as a possible high dose dosimeter using an UV–vis spectrophotometer. Glass samples were irradiated by 60Co γ rays and the results compared with those obtained with 3.4 and 8.4 MeV electron beams. The irradiated samples showed rapid fading at room temperature immediately after irradiation. In order to improve the stability of absorbance, glass samples were submitted to post-irradiation thermal treatments (150 °C for 20 min). The influences of the dose, type and energy of the ionizing radiation on the fading characteristics and on the response of the irradiated and thermally treated glasses were studied. Dependence of the glass response on the temperature during gamma irradiation in the range −3 to 80 °C is reported. The reproducibility to reuse glass dosimeter by thermal bleaching the radiation induced colour centres at 300 °C for 30 min was also investigated. Calibration curves in the range 0.1–17 kGy were obtained by using in-plant calibration techniques against transfer standard alanine dosimeters in the Tunisian semi-industrial gamma irradiation facility.

Table sugar has been studied for a long time as a dosimeter in radiation accident and in high-dose dosimetry by using different analytical techniques especially electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optical absorption spectrometry (OA). In this work, we report the results obtained by pH-metry on gamma-irradiated sugar. Table sugar samples were exposed to gamma radiation with doses of 0.1–58 kGy. Aqueous solutions of sugar were prepared with different concentrations ranged from 1% to 60% (w/w). It was found that sugar solutions showed strong decrease of pH up to concentration of 10% (w/w) followed by a slow decrease for the concentrations between 10 and 60% (w/w). Two possible mechanisms are proposed to explain the acidity increasing of the sugar solutions based on the existence of a carbonyl radical induced by gamma irradiation in solid table sugar with an open ring structure. Results for radiation response, post-irradiation change, reading temperature, dose-rate effect and repeatability are presented in this study. The results showed that pH-metric/sugar solution is an adequate high-dose dosimetric system in the dose range of 0.1–10 kGy.

A commercial glass has been investigated using UV–Vis spectrophotometry to study the gamma radiation response of this material andto evaluate its dosimetric characteristics: dose response, room temperature fading, effect of relative humidity during post-irradiation storage,temperature during irradiation and the dose rate effect. The overall uncertainty was also estimated.The obtained results demonstrate that the influence quantities on the glass response might be very significant and suitable corrections areindispensable.© 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Commercial glass; Gamma rays; Dosimetry; Environment effects 1. Introduction Several kinds of dosimeters are widely used for the processcontrol of the radiation processing applications such as steril-ization of medical devices, food preservation and other appli-cations. Especially dosimeters based on the radiation-inducedcolouration properties are also extensively used for the routinemeasurements of the absorbed dose. Most radiation processesare conducted under a wide variety of surrounding atmosphericconditions and, in fact, the response of dosimeters is signifi-cantly influenced by temperature during irradiation and doserate (McLaughlin et al., 1989). Since environmental conditionsmaydifferbetweencalibrationandpracticaluses,responsevari-ations of routine dosimeters with the surrounding conditionsmust be determined in order to correct such systematic errors.Some investigators have done researches on an availablewindow glass as a high dose dosimeter (Caldas and Teixeira,2002; Rodrigues, 2002). A suitable response has been shownwhen evaluated by spectrophotometer at specified wavelengthsin visible spectrum. The radiation induced colouration inglass can be affected by many environmental factors including

Aqueous solutions of gamma-irradiated solid table sugar were investigated for dosimetric purpose using the electrical conductivity method. It was found that the solution containing 20% (w/w) of sugar was the most sensitive to radiation. The variation of electrical conductivity of the all the solutions was found to increase linearly with absorbed dose in the range 1–300 kGy. Signal reproducibility, radiation dose response, signal stability and some parameters which can influence response have also been studied. This work pointed out that sugar and conductivity meter can be used as a new and easy high-dose dosimetric system.

Lattice mismatch plays a determining role in surface atomic diffusion in epitaxy. One effect is the increasing anisotropy of diffusion along close-packed steps of adsorbed islands on (1 1 1) surfaces with increasing strain in the layer as shown by previous works on homoepitaxy and heteroepitaxy where the adlayer is under compressive strain. In most of these investigations the barrier of diffusion along steps with triangular microfacets (B steps) is greater than the barrier of diffusion along steps with square microfacets (A steps). Through atomistic simulations of a system under tensile strain, Co/Pt(1 1 1), we evidence reversal behaviour with a much smaller barrier obtained for diffusion at B step. Such effect results from a particular diffusion path along B step having a low cost in energy and being specific to tensile strain systems.

A commercial window glass has been investigated as a routine high dose dosimeter for gamma irradiation. The irradiated samples showed rapid fading at room temperature immediately after irradiation. This short-term rapid fading was followed by a slow fading at long-term. This strong initial fading is a problem for dosimetry purposes. However, when the dosimeter is measured at the same time interval after irradiation, it maintains proportionality to dose. Calibration curves have to be used for different time intervals after irradiation. In order to improve post-irradiation stability dosimeters were submitted to different post-irradiation thermal treatments from (−20) up to 150 °C. After that, optical absorbance measurements were carried out up to 2 months at room temperature. The heating at 150 °C for 20 min was found to be the most suitable procedure for the removal of unstable entities responsible for the initial rapid fading. Due to these heat treatments, variation of response was found almost negligible 24 h after irradiation for several months. Calibration curves demonstrated the applicability of this glass as routine dosimeter in the dose range of 0.5–90 kGy.

The aim of this paper was to analyse the causal relationships among fan curiosity impact towards attachment and allegiance within the model of psychological continuum model (PCM). The theoretical causal model is integrated by the scale known as sport fan exploratory curiosity scale (SFECS). Then, exploratory curiosity will lead to attachment and allegiance against football fans. Some hypotheses are put forward and tested in a causal-comparative study of 382 football fans who attending matches at National Stadium Bukit Jalil. The data were tested by structural equation modelling (SEM). The results reveal that the attachment was mediator variables to the exploratory curiosity and allegiance. The findings further offer important insights for the future research and sport practices especially focused on football development industry.

The aim of this paper was to test the reliability and validity of the sport fan exploratory curiosity scale (SFECS) and sport fan specific curiosity scale (SFSCS) in order to examine the curiosity dimensions among Malaysian football settings. The variables that involved in these two scales are excitement, new sport events, sport facility, specific information, general information and sport facility information. A total of 382 football fans were surveyed during the match between Malaysia and Singapore at the Bukit Jalil National stadium. The overall evaluation fit was completed using a separate goodness of fit index. All these factors showed good reliability and validity. In order to confirm the construct of sport fan curiosity, a series of confirmatory factor analyses were performed. The final results showed that the SFECS with 10 items and the SFSCS with 11 items were overall reliable and valid structures. The findings further offer important insights for future research and sport practices.

Cobalt-60 irradiation facility has been put into operation at the National Centre of Nuclear Sciences and Technology, Sidi-thabet, Tunisia. Its technical specifications were controlled by dosimetry commissioning experiments and compared to the data specified by the plant manufacturer. Installation qualification has been carried out to measure absorbed dose distribution in the irradiation cell and products. Two dosimeter systems were used for measurements: Red and Amber Perspex and Cellulose Triacetate (CTA). The regions of minimum and maximum absorbed dose within a homogeneous dummy product (sawdust) with a bulk density of 114 kg / m 3 and the dose uniformity ratio were determined. The isodose curves and the three-dimensional views were built using an automatic geostatistical gridding method, the kriging method.

[125I]iodepidepride, (s)-(-)-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-5-[125I]-iodo-2,3-dimethoxybenzamide is the iodine substituted analogue of isoremoxipride, both of which are very potent dopamine D2-antagonists. Epidepride was radioiodinated using different oxidizing agents such as chloramine-T, iodogen, iodogen glass frit and hydrogen peroxide. Chloramine-T is a powerful oxidizing agent compared to both iodogen and hydrogen peroxide so that the side products, especially the chlorinated epidepride, decreases the radiochemical yield. This chlorinated epidepride is minimized in the case of iodogen and iodogen glass frit and are not observed in case of the non-chlorinated oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide. TLC and HPLC were used to analyze the reaction components and to estimate both the radiochemical yield and purity. The reaction parameters such as reaction time, pH, epidepride and oxidizing agent concentrations and the stabilty of the final product were studied to optimize the radiochemical yield and purity. The optimized radiochemical yield was about 90% and the radiochemical purity of the final product was 99.9%.

A simulation study of the Tunisian Gamma Irradiation Facility has been realized using GEANT Monte Carlo code of CERN. Dose rate was calculated and measured in air and in a “dummy” product inside the irradiation cell. Good agreement between experimental and calculation results was obtained and GEANT code is validated as useful tool to study Gamma Irradiation Facilities.

A simple method for labeling ERC9 with radioactive iodine has been carried out via nucleophilic substitution radioiodination. The factors affecting the radiochemical yield of the labeling of ERC9, such as pH of the medium, substrate concentration and temperature were investigated. Chromatographic analysis technique was used to determine the radiochemical yield and purity. Kinetics and thermodynamic parameters indicated a second order reaction. Activation energy for the isotopic exchange reaction between ERC9 and 125I- was calculated to be 24.4 kJ/mol.

Several undyed and dyed polymer films are commercially available for dosimetry in intense radiation fields, especially for radiation processing of food and sterilisation of medical devices. The effects of temperature during irradiation and post-irradiation stability, on the response of these dosimeters are of importance to operators of irradiation facilities. The present study investigates the effects of temperature during irradiation by 2.2 MeV electrons beam accelerator and post irradiation storage on the response of several types of dosimeter films. All dosimeters showed a significant effect of temperature during irradiation and post-irradiation storage.

The present paper reports the results of the study on the effect of the fractionation dose on the response of Red-Perspex dosimeter. Several experiments were carried out by combining the two factors: number of fractionation and storage time between fractions. Dosimeters were irradiated by gamma-rays to total doses of 10 and 40 kGy. These doses were delivered as single fraction, as well as in five fractions separated by different intervals of time: 1, 24 h and stored at 10 or 40 °C between successive irradiation. Three batches of Red-Perspex dosimeters (KS, GB, and EB) were used in this study. The relative specific response of dosimeters indicates a marked dependence of the number of fractionation and storage time. It was found that response variations due to dose fractionation can reach 18% in particular at high storage time and high temperatures. The dose fractionation effect has been found to be dependent of the batches. The obtained results allowed us to determine the necessary corrections for estimating doses with high accuracy.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease having a regressive nature. Commonly used diagnostic methods have the disadvantage to be invasive, time-consuming, and expensive. Therefore, a new sensitive method for the detection and monitoring of disease activity is urgently needed in clinical practice. In the current investigation, radio complexation of olsalazine with technetium-99m, its characterization, and optimization of the labeling conditions were explored. Optimum radiochemical yield of (99m) Tc-olsalazine (97.6% ± 1.8%) was obtained via direct complexation with technetium-99m (~200 MBq) in the presence of stannous chloride dihydrate (100 µg) as reducing agent at pH 6. It was observed that the complex showed significant in vitro stability in serum at 37°C for more than 11 h. The computer-generated optimized geometries of the (99m) Tc-olsalazine were reported, and biodistribution studies were carried out using chemically and microbiologically mice-induced ulcerative colitis models. The tracer showed a good localization in both models and was excreted mainly via liver and to some extent via kidney. Imaging can be performed at 1-2 h post-injection; at that time, the background activity has cleared, and the activity is concentrated in the target site. All the gathered biological data supported the usefulness of (99m) Tc-olsalazine as a potential imaging agent for ulcerative colitis.

Lasell College, in Newton, Massachusetts, USA, has the distinction of being the first “age-friendly” intergenerational campus in the state with its recent endorsement of the 10 Age-Friendly University Principles developed by Dublin City University and global partners. Like age-friendly communities, age-friendly universities aim to enable older adults to participate in activities that promote positive and healthy aging. Moreover, age-friendly universities aim to promote greater age-diversity and inclusion across disciplines and departments and a breaking down of age-segregation in the classroom. Age-friendly universities also seek to support aging research by including older adults in research initiatives and by developing research agendas that are informed by the diverse educational needs of an aging society. In this presentation we describe how Lasell College has been working to meet these aims in its intergenerational teaching and learning collaboration with Lasell Village, a university-based independent living community, situated on the Lasell campus.

Preparation of radioidinated L-α-methyl tyrosine by the oxidative radioiodination using chloramine-T (CAT) and iodogen (1,3,4,6-tetrachloro,-3α, 6α-diphenyl glycoluril) to generate electrophilic radioiodine has been carried out. The factors affecting the labeling yield such as pH of the medium, reaction time, substrate and oxidizing agent concentrations have been investigated to optimize the conditions for the preparation of radioiodinated L-α-methyl tyrosine in high radiochemical yields. Side product impurities were observed at long reaction times and high oxidizing agent concentrations. Maximum radiochemical yields of 89.7±1.5% and 87.8±1.6% were obtained in case of CAT and iodogen, respectively. Separation and purification by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulted in radiochemically pure products. Using high specific activity123I, the SPECT brain imaging agent can be prepared.

Radioiodination of meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) by the isotopic exchange technique in the dry state has been performed. Benzoic acid, pivalic acid and acetamide have been used as molten protic media to promote isotopic exchange reactions. Ammonium sulphate, diammonium hydrogen ortho-phosphate and ammonium chloride were used as catalysts which provide acidic media to facilitate exchange reactions. Maximum radiochemical yields of 97.1±1.3% and 84.3±1.6% [131I] MIBG were obtained when ammonium sulphate and benzoic acid were used. High radiochemical yields of 88.3±1.1% and 74.4±1.5% [131I] MIBG were also obtained in case of diammonium hydrogen orthophosphate and pivalic acid which suggests their successful use as reaction media in the radioiodination of MIBG. The activation energy for the exchange reaction in ammonium sulphate was calculated to be 10.8 kcal/mole.

The extraction of Eu3+ from an aqueous perchlorate medium of constant ionic strength (0.1 M NaC1O4) was studied at different temperatures by 8-quinolinol (HQ) in benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform, and by a mixture of 8-quinolinol and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen), allowing for elucidation of the thermodynamic parameters and the mechanism of extraction of the species formed. The results indicated that the extraction is enhanced by adduct formation in the organic phase, and that the main extracted species were EuQ3·2HQ, EuQ3·2HQ·Phen, and EuQ3·2HQ·2Phen.

Two isotopic exchange procedures are described for the labelling of 15-(p-iodophenyl) pentadecanoic acid with radioiodine in the presence of ammonium sulphate and cuprous chloride as catalysts The methods afforded regioselective and high specific activity products with radiochemical yields of 92% and 85% within relatively short reaction times. High pressure liquid chromatographic separation resulted in high radiochemically pure product suitable for medical application Kinetic studies revealed second order iodine-iodine exchange reactions with an activation energy of 13 7 Kcal /mole for the solid state radioiodination with ammonium sulphate and 15.3 Kcal/mole for the copper catalyzed exchange reaction.