Dosimetric model of human lung and associated computer program

The dosimetric human respiratory tract model given in ICRP Publication 66 and ICRPVol. 32 is briefly described in this paper. The associated home-written computer programs for calculations of radiation dose from radon and its short-lived progeny are presented, together with some representative results.Author Affiliation: D Nikezic and K N Yu 1.University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, Kragujevac, Serbia 2.City University of Hong Kong, Department of Physics and Materials Science, Hong Kong, P. R. China E-mail : [email protected] of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, Kragujevac, Serbia 2City University of Hong Kong, Department of Physics and Materials Science, Hong Kong, P. R. Chin

Energy window of Makrofol for alpha particle detection

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. Detection energy window of Makrofol detector irradiated with alpha particles and chemically treated by PEW (potassium hydroxide, ethanol, water) solution was investigated. Detectors were exposed to 241Am source through the cylindrical collimators in order to control incident alpha particle energies and angles. Alpha particles were detected in the wide energy range from 0.4 MeV to above 5 MeV. The dependence of track diameter on particle incident energy was also examined. Changes of etchant concentration and bulk etch rate (Vb) during two-hour etching were investigated. A slight increase of etchant concentration was observed while Vb was nearly constant during the whole etching process. Alpha particle passage through collimators with various dimensions and the corresponding energy distribution were also simulated theoretically using Monte Carlo Method and computer program written in Fortran90

A short note on the joint entropy of n/2-wise independence

In this note, we prove a tight lower bound on the joint entropy of $n$ unbiased Bernoulli random variables which are $n/2$-wise independent. For general $k$-wise independence, we give new lower bounds by adapting Navon and Samorodnitsky's Fourier proof of the `LP bound' on error correcting codes. This counts as partial progress on a problem asked by Gavinsky and Pudl\'ak.Comment: 6 pages, some errors fixe

Influence of electron motion in target atom on stopping power for low-energetic Ions

In this paper the stopping power was calculated, representing the electrons of the target atom as an assembly of quantum oscillators. It was considered that the electrons in the atoms have some velocity before interaction with the projectile, which is the main contribution of this paper. The influence of electron velocity on stopping power for different projectiles and targets was investigated. It was found that the velocity of the electron stopping power has the greatest influence at low energies of the projectile

Multiple stressor effects of radon and phthalates in children: background information and future research

The present paper reviews available background information for studying multiple stressor effects of radon (222Rn) and phthalates in children and provides insights on future directions. In realistic situations, living organisms are collectively subjected to many environmental stressors, with the resultant effects being referred to as multiple stressor effects. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can lead to lung cancers. On the other hand, phthalates are semi-volatile organic compounds widely applied as plasticizers to provide flexibility to plastic in consumer products. Links of phthalates to various health effects have been reported, including allergy and asthma. In the present review, the focus on indoor contaminants was due to their higher concentrations and to the higher indoor occupancy factor, while the focus on the pediatric population was due to their inherent sensitivity and their spending more time close to the floor. Two main future directions in studying multiple stressor effects of radon and phthalates in children were proposed. The first one was on computational modeling and micro-dosimetric studies, and the second one was on biological studies. In particular, dose-response relationship and effect-specific models for combined exposures to radon and phthalates would be necessary. The ideas and methodology behind such proposed research work are also applicable to studies on multiple stressor effects of collective exposures to other significant airborne contaminants, and to population groups other than children

Unforeseen Impulses of Modernism: The Case of New Belgrade Blocks

Obsolescence and urban decay are usual attributes of the Modern Movement buildings and areas worldwide, especially of the post-war large-scale housing settlements. Therefore, the question of reuse and improvement guidelines for these settlements is becoming increasingly important. The paper addresses this issue, taking New Belgrade housing blocks as a case study. The current condition of the New Belgrade blocks that, indeed, can be characterised as obsolete and not adequately maintained, even degraded, is nevertheless a perfect platform for reading of the architecture and the space values, and how it was changing during the time. The study aim was reading the unforeseen impulses of modernism: identification and mapping of socio-spatial relations in environment (reactions on and interventions in space that were generated during the time), reading and interpreting them as impulses of the user behaviours and lifestyles, and further proposing future transformation tactics using the mapped elements and principles. The research framework was a workshop-seminar organized by the authors at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade. Using this research tactic, the particular elements and spaces within the blocks were mapped, identified, classified and systematized according to their flexibility to react and accept contemporary impulses of life. The study reveals common spaces of the New Belgrade blocks, or spaces between private and public, as the key elements in managing the urban decay and prompting adaptation, and hence investigates on the potential of their adaptive reuse initiating transformation of the whole area, and further achieving its attractiveness, openness and better accessibility

Unforeseen Impulses of Modernism: The Case of New Belgrade Blocks

Obsolescence and urban decay are usual attributes of the Modern Movement buildings and areas worldwide, especially of the post-war large-scale housing settlements. Therefore, the question of reuse and improvement guidelines for these settlements is becoming increasingly important. The paper addresses this issue, taking New Belgrade housing blocks as a case study. The current condition of the New Belgrade blocks that, indeed, can be characterised as obsolete and not adequately maintained, even degraded, is nevertheless a perfect platform for reading of the architecture and the space values, and how it was changing during the time. The study aim was reading the unforeseen impulses of modernism: identification and mapping of socio-spatial relations in environment (reactions on and interventions in space that were generated during the time), reading and interpreting them as impulses of the user behaviours and lifestyles, and further proposing future transformation tactics using the mapped elements and principles. The research framework was a workshop-seminar organized by the authors at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade. Using this research tactic, the particular elements and spaces within the blocks were mapped, identified, classified and systematized according to their flexibility to react and accept contemporary impulses of life. The study reveals common spaces of the New Belgrade blocks, or spaces between private and public, as the key elements in managing the urban decay and prompting adaptation, and hence investigates on the potential of their adaptive reuse initiating transformation of the whole area, and further achieving its attractiveness, openness and better accessibility

Active and passive radon concentration measurements and first-step mapping in schools of Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska

Radon concentration measurements were performed in all 25 primary schools in Banja Luka city, the capital of Republika Srpska, during 2011 and 2012, using both active RAD7 continual radon measuring instruments and CR-39 passive (commercially known as Gamma) detectors. The two complimentary methods were employed not only to obtain annual averages, but also to study the dynamics of radon concentration changes during the week. For each school, average and temporal variations of radon concentrations were analysed, taking into consideration local geology, building materials and meteorological conditions. The influence of forced ventilation, caused by frequent opening of doors and windows during working hours, with typical dawn and weekend peaks is evident in most but not all schools. Elevated levels of radon concentration (>400 Bq m-3) were found in a few schools using both methods. Although high correlation factor of 0.8 between passive and active methods was found, still short-time (one-week) measurements cannot be used for annual estimation of radon activity but screening one. Thus, the conclusion concerns only long time measurements as valid indicator of annual radon activity.JRC.E.8-Nuclear securit

Biophilic architecture: nature-based design solutions for health and well-being in living spaces

This research focuses on improving the well-being and health of citizens in terms of the design and development of living spaces in harmony with nature. In the contemporary moment, most cities suffer from health and environmental problems. Also, the growing awareness of climate change issues makes it even more apparent and essential to bring nature into our living spaces. Scientific studies have pointed out on a multiplicity of benefits of nature for people, especially for children and older populations. Bringing nature indoor causes increased participation in physical activities, improved mental health and cognitive function and an increase in social interaction between people. Nature and its elements have great power on the human body. The concept of biophilia advocates that there is an innate connection between humans and nature and that people tend to show a positive response when they experience a connection with nature. Accordingly, biophilic design is the design of spaces that promotes and encourages the interaction of humans with nature and natural systems. This paper researches different design methodologies, strategies, principles, scales, and concepts according to patterns of biophilic design and with a focus on their influence on the health and well-being of users. The research also opens further discussions about the potentials of sensitive and responsive biophilic design to improve the health and environmental problems of contemporary urban areas