Comparison of LaBr3:Ce and NaI(Tl) Scintillators for Radio-Isotope Identification Devices

Lanthanum halide (LaBr3:Ce) scintillators offer significantly better resolution (<3 percent at 662 kilo-electron volt [keV]) relative to sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) and have recently become commercially available in sizes large enough for the hand-held radio-isotope identification device (RIID) market. There are drawbacks to lanthanum halide detectors, however. These include internal radioactivity that contributes to spectral counts and a low-energy response that can cause detector resolution to be lower than that of NaI(Tl) below 100 keV. To study the potential of this new material for RIIDs, we performed a series of measurements comparing a 1.5?1.5 inch LaBr?3:Ce detector with an Exploranium GR 135 RIID, which contains a 1.5-2.2 inch NaI(Tl) detector. Measurements were taken for short time frames, as typifies RIID usage. Measurements included examples of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), typically found in cargo, and special nuclear materials. Some measurements were noncontact, involving short distances or cargo shielding scenarios. To facilitate direct comparison, spectra from the different detectors were analyzed with the same isotope identification software (ORTEC ScintiVision TM). In general, the LaBr3:Ce detector was able to find more peaks and find them faster than the NaI(Tl) detector. To the same level of significance, the LaBr3:Ce detector was usually two to three times faster. The notable exception was for 40K containing NORM where interfering internal contamination in the LaBr3:Ce detector exist. NaI(Tl) consistently outperformed LaBr3:Ce for this important isotope. LaBr3:Ce currently costs much more than NaI(Tl), though this cost-difference is expected to diminish (but not completely) with time. As is true of all detectors, LaBr3:Ce will need to be gain-stabilized for RIID applications. This could possibly be done using the internal contaminants themselves. It is the experience of the authors that peak finding software in RIIDs needs to be improved, regardless of the detector material

Girls\u27 and Women\u27s Wellness: Contemporary Counseling Issues and Interventions

Comprehensive in scope and practical in execution, this guide includes strategies, examples, assessment methods, workshop outlines, and handouts for clients. Choate (counselor education, Louisiana State U.) and her contributors focus on both short-term and long-term solutions as they address body image, managing conflict and anger, cognitive models to improve self-esteem, women\u27s college experiences, life balance for working women, intervention against sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. Especially interesting is their approach to counseling women about spirituality. Unlike many counselors, they allow for the positive influence of organized faith and for individual perceptions and choices within a range of faiths or combinations of faiths. They also give online and print resources for every topic

Adolescent Girls in Distress: A Guide for Mental Health Treatment and Prevention

Cultural stressors are affecting girls at increasingly younger ages, resulting in mental health issues such as depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-injury, and even suicide. This guide offers mental health professionals evidence-based treatment approaches and strengths-based prevention strategies that promote successful navigation of childhood and adolescence. Grounded in ecological systems theory, the book focuses on the socialization processes that begin in early childhood and contribute to the development of problems that are increasing in today\u27s adolescent girls. The book describes how the confluence of societal, family, peer, school, and individual developmental influences can negatively affect adolescents. It considers the pressure on young girls to be sexualized and to look and act older than they are, the effects of consumerism and materialism, the pervasive use of social media, and the pressure to excel in all areas√\u3e =stressors that can impede the development of an authentic self during this critical period of physical and emotional growth. Practical and detailed treatment interventions are provided for issues such as depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-injury, relationship violence, and sexual victimization. In addition, the book emphasizes the importance of early intervention to prevent problems, and the promotion of girls\u27 resilience to cultural pressures so they can successfully cope with complex life demands. Case studies, discussion questions, skill development activities, recommended readings, and online resources reinforce content. Key Features: Includes detailed treatment interventions including strengths-based approaches and best-practice guidelines Focuses on socialization processes that begin in early childhood and contribute to the development of mental health problems Contains case studies, discussion questions, skill development activities, recommended readings, and online resourceshttps://repository.lsu.edu/facultybooks/1201/thumbnail.jp