Possible shears bands in At204 and Fr206, and identification of excited states in Fr205,207

Neutron-deficient astatine and francium nuclei were produced in the reaction 30Si+181Ta→211Fr* at 152 MeV. The evaporation residues from this very fissile system were selected with the HERCULES-II detector system and residue-gated γ rays were measured with Gammasphere. Excited states were observed for the first time in Fr205,207, as well as sequences of low-energy transitions between high-spin states in At204 and Fr206. These latter structures have properties similar to those associated with magnetic rotation (shears bands) in lead nuclei. Comparisons with established shears bands are presented and prospects for the magnetic-rotation phenomenon near the predicted N=120 "magic" number are explored

Band crossings in Ta166

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus Ta166 are investigated through the 5n channel of the V51+Sn120 reaction. Four new bands are observed and linked into the previous level scheme. Configurations for the bands are proposed, based on measured alignments and B(M1)/B(E2) transition strength ratios

Multi-quasiparticle structures up to spin ~44ħ in the odd-odd nucleus Ta168

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus Ta168 have been populated in the Sn120(V51,3n) reaction. Two multi-quasiparticle structures have been extended significantly from spin ~20 to above 40. As a result, the first rotational alignment has been fully delineated and a second band crossing has been observed for the first time in this nucleus. Configurations for these strongly coupled rotational bands are proposed based on signature splitting, B(M1)/B(E2) ratio information, and observed rotation-alignment behavior. Properties of the observed bands in Ta168 are compared to related structures in the neighboring odd-Z, odd-N, and odd-odd nuclei and are discussed within the framework of the cranked shell model

Rotational structures and the wobbling mode in Ta167

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nucleus Ta167 were studied through the Sn120(V51,4n) reaction. Twelve rotational bands have been observed and the relative excitation energy of each sequence is now known owing to the multiple interband connections. Several quasineutron alignments were observed that aided in the quasiparticle assignments of these bands. The resulting interpretation is in line with observations in neighboring nuclei. Trends in the wobbling phonon energy seen in Lu161,163,165,167 and Ta167 are also discussed and particle-rotor model calculations (assuming constant moments of inertia) are found to be inconsistent with the experimental data

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries