Development of continuous inflow tritium measurement in water technology using electrolysis and a plastic scintillator

Our goal was to develop a mobile tritium monitor for continuous inflow system for water sample. The system is based on electrolysis and a plastic scintillator detection system. The minimum detectable activity (MDA) of the prototype system is 431 kBq L-1, while the MDA of a commercially available product is 740 kBq L-1. We expected to achieve a 5.73-times lower MDA by optimizing detection geometry using a multi-hydrogen-gas-channel. The system can be applied either as a mobile leakage surveying method or as a fixed-type monitor for detecting tritium in drinking water by adapting conventional background reduction technologies

Mu2e Conceptual Design Report

Mu2e at Fermilab will search for charged lepton flavor violation via the coherent conversion process mu- N --> e- N with a sensitivity approximately four orders of magnitude better than the current world's best limits for this process. The experiment's sensitivity offers discovery potential over a wide array of new physics models and probes mass scales well beyond the reach of the LHC. We describe herein the conceptual design of the proposed Mu2e experiment. This document was created in partial fulfillment of the requirements necessary to obtain DOE CD-1 approval, which was granted July 11, 2012

The role of the intensive care unit in real-time surveillance of emerging pandemics: the Italian GiViTI experience

The prompt availability of reliable epidemiological information on emerging pandemics is crucial for public health policy-makers. Early in 2013, a possible new H1N1 epidemic notified by an intensive care unit (ICU) to GiViTI, the Italian ICU network, prompted the re-activation of the real-time monitoring system developed during the 2009-2010 pandemic. Based on data from 216 ICUs, we were able to detect and monitor an outbreak of severe H1N1 infection, and to compare the situation with previous years. The timely and correct assessment of the severity of an epidemic can be obtained by investigating ICU admissions, especially when historical comparisons can be made