Could your {gamma}-ray spectrum analysis reports survive an audit? Part 2

Accurate characterization of radioactive waste is required by serious concerns for the health of present and future generations as well as for the environment. This is the second paper on the inadequacies of commercially available {gamma}-ray spectrum analysis software for radioactive waste characterization. A detailed examination of the spectra and of the reports produced by this software has been performed to help understand the reasons for some of the failures. Fundamental assumptions utilized in formulating basic algorithms for this software can lead to identification of radioisotopes not actually present in the spectral data; they can also lead to misidentification of peaks and isotopes; and they can lead to identification of {open_quotes}peaks{close_quotes} not discernable to the naked eye. In this paper, the case of predetermined peak widths is examined. The effect of exceptionally wide peaks and identification of imaginary peaks is discussed. Incorrect results and problems will be illustrated with examples. The result of these peak width related software problems is that radioisotopes present in the waste may not be reported at all and that what is reported may be incorrect. Suggestions for improving performance of this software are given

Renewal equations for option pricing

89.65.Gh Economics; econophysics, financial markets, business and management, 05.40.Fb Random walks and Levy flights, 02.50.Ey Stochastic processes,