Simulation of Cross Section for the Production of Copper-64

The radionuclide 64Cu (T1/2 = 12.7 h) is an important positron emitter, suitable for combining PET imaging and therapy. We evaluated four reactions, namely 64Ni( p, n)64Cu, 64Ni(d, 2n)64Cu, 68Zn( p, αn)64Cu and 64Zn(d, 2 p)64Cu.  Data analysis was generally limited up to about 30MeV using the nuclear model code TALYS-1.6. The result compared favourably with experimental as well as other theoretical works in literature. The integral yields calculated from those data are also given.  A critical comparison of the various production routes of 64Cu is presented. The   64Ni (p, n) 64Cu reaction, utilizing a highly enriched target, is the method of choice. Keywords: 6464Cu Production, Excitation Functions, Calculate Thick Target Yiel

Household Willingness-to-Pay for Improved Solid Waste Management Services in Four Major Metropolitan Cities in Ghana

Introduction. Waste management is an important developmental issue globally, especially in developing countries like Ghana. A key challenge of waste management in developing countries is sustainable financing. This study assesses the willingness-to-pay, an integral attribute of sustainable financing mechanism for improved solid waste management (SWM) services in Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in Ghana from January to August 2017 among 1560 households in four regional capitals in Ghana; Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi, and Tamale. Data were collected by using a structured interview questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to determine the predictors of willingness-to-pay for SWM services in Ghana. Results. Overall, 53.7% of the households were willing to make additional payment for improved services, with difference across study sites: 54.5%, 53.1%, 61.7%, and 46.6% in Takoradi, Tamale, Accra, and Kumasi, respectively. Willingness-to-pay for improved SWM was predicted by educational level, marital status, type of employment, and region of residence. Compared to women who had no formal education, those having senior high school (aOR (adjusted odds ratio): 2.53; 95% CI: 1.48, 4.30), postsecondary (aOR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.60), and tertiary education (aOR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.91, 5.69) were associated with higher odds of willingness-to-pay for improved SWM services. Conclusion. This study provides important evidence on important attribute of financing mechanism, willingness-to-pay for improved SWM services. Findings would contribute to efforts at finding sustainable financing mechanism for waste management services in Ghana