• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.4699-4704
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• 2015

Medical diagnostic X-ray workers are one occupational group that expose to the long-term low-dose external radiation over their working lifetime, and they may under risk of different cancers. This study aims to determine the relationship between the occupational X-ray radiation exposure and cancer risk among these workers in Jiangsu, China. We conducted Nested case-control study to investigate the occupational X-ray radiation exposure and cancer risk. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire, which includes but not limits to demographic data, personal behaviors and family history of cancer. Retrospective dose reconstruction was conducted to estimate the cumulative doses of the x-ray workers. Inferential statistics, t-test and 2 tests were used to compare the differences between each group. We used the logistic regression model to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of cancer by adjusting the age, gender. All 34 breast cancer cases and 45 esophageal cancer cases that detected in a cohort conducted among health workers between 1950~2011 were included in this presented study, and 158 cancer-free controls were selected by frequency-matched (1:2). Our study found that the occupational radiation exposure was associated with a significantly increased cancer risk compared with the control, especially in breast cancer and esophageal cancer (adjusted OR=2.90, 95% CI: 1.19-7.04 for breast cancer; OR=4.19, 95% CI: 1.87-9.38 for esophageal cancer, and OR=3.43, 95% CI: 1.92-6.12 for total cancer, respectively). The occupational X-ray radiation exposure was associated with increasing cancer risk, which indicates that proper intervention and prevention strategies may be needed in order to bring down the occupational cancer risk.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 2023

A Study on the Introduction of Dose Constraints for Occupational Exposures: Focusing on Experts' Opinions by Field of Radiation Industry. The International Commission on Radiological Protection suggests Justification, Optimization, and Dose Limits as the three principles of radiological protection, among which, as a means of protection optimization, ICRP 103 recommends to set dose constraints. In this study, opinions are collected from experts in each category of radiation industries for stakeholder participation to qualify dose constraints. A guidance and questionnaire for analyzing the dose constraints have been developed for their collection, and opinions were collected from radiation protection experts in selected categories. 20 out of 22 experts, consisted with 91%, have assessed the dose constraints setting is necessary, and 2 experts, consisted with 9%, assessed it is unnecessary. The average of dose constraint presented by experts for RI production institutions is to be the highest level of 15.3 mSv, and light-water reactors (14.6 mSv), non-destructive inspection (14.4 mSv), heavy-water reactor and medical institutes (13.9mSv) is to be above the overall average dose constraint. In case of public institutions, the average dose constraint is to be 8.6mSv, and research institutions (8.8mSv), educational institutions (9.6 mSv), waste disposal sites (9.7 mSv), and general industries (10.6 mSv) are resulted to below the overall average dose constraint. As for the means of setting dose constraints, 8 experts out of 22 suggested setting dose constraints for each specific industry or task. And, 5 experts especially suggest setting dose constraints for the specific groups with relatively high exposure, such as workers with above the record levels. As a countermeasure for workers who exceed the dose constraints, 15 experts out of 22 expressed that the cause analyses for them and preparation for a plan of reducing them are necessary.

• Aerospace Engineering and Technology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.173-181
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• 2007

Radiated emission / susceptibility performance of the KSLV-I 2nd stage which are controlled from the unit level to the system level should be examined and managed all over the frequency ranges in order to ensure the normal operation of the SC, the 1st stage of the KSLV-I, ground support equipments which are installed at the space center, and other wireless communication networks. Not only unintentional electric field emissions from the KSLV-I system and its subsystems should be restricted to the levels less than the limits specified in the EMC requirements, but also proper test and evaluation method should be established, respectively. In this paper, radiated emission/susceptibility test limits, method, and test results of the KSLV-I 2nd stage engineering model are presented.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.317-322
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• 2005

The purposes of this study were to assess the microbiological contamination level of various disposable kitchen utensils and evaluate the effectiveness of gamma irradiation as a sterilization process for the utensils. The 51 kinds in 17 groups of disposable kitchen utensils were tested for the enumeration of total aerobic plate count, coliforms, fungi and Salmonella. Generally, cell density of microorganisms in disposable kitchen utensils were lower than that of cooking utensils currently using in kitchen. The survivals of total aerobic plate counts, putrefactive bacteria, on the surface of the disposable utensils were ranged up to $10^3\;CFU/100\;cm^2$. Filamentous fungi were detected in 13 samples. Coliform bacteria were detected in two kinds of samples but Salmonella spp. was detected below detection limits in all the samples. The microorganisms survived on the surface of utensils were effectively eliminated by gamma irradiation process at 3 kGy.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.13 no.4 s.21
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• pp.245-249
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• 1974

In order to establish a dose limits for subsequent induced mutation research itl Pyricularia oryzae, X-ray sensitivity of the conidia and the vegetative hypae of the fungus, race N-1, was investigated. Conidia of the fungus irradiated with X-rays reduced significantly in spore germination inversely with radiation doses. A severe suppression of conidia germination in about $80\%$ was found at the dose of 120kR, and the rests of the conidia produce very short and lysed germ tubes. A stimulated effect was observed in the elongation of hyphae from the conidia of 10 kR irradiation at initial stage of the growth. The radiosensitivity of hyphae was exremely higher than that of conidia with the increase of radiation doses. It was also recognized that the frequency of X-ray induced mutation in pathogenicity was directly proportional to radiation doses.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.84-89
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• 2023

Background: Food consumption is one of the most important routes for radionuclide intake for the public; therefore, there is the need to have a comprehensive understanding of the amount of radioactivity in food products. Consumption of radionuclide-contaminated food could increase potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation such as cancers. The present study aims to determine radioactivity levels in some food products (milk, rice, sugar, and wheat flour) consumed in Mali and to evaluate the radiological effect on the public health from these radionuclides. Materials and Methods: The health impact due to ingestion of radionuclides from these foods was evaluated by the determination of activity concentration of radionuclides ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs using gamma spectrometry system with high-purity germanium detector and radiological hazards index in 16 samples collected in some markets, mall, and shops of Bamako-Mali. Results and Discussion: The average activity concentrations were 9.8±0.6 Bq/kg for ²³⁸U, 8.7±0.5 Bq/kg for ²³²Th, 162.9±7.9 Bq/kg for ⁴⁰K, and 0.0035±0.0005 Bq/kg for ¹³⁷Cs. The mean values of radiological hazard parameters such as annual committed effective dose, internal hazard index, and risk assessment from this work were within the dose criteria limits given by international organizations (International Commission on Radiological Protection and United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation) and national standards. Conclusion: The results show low public exposure to radioactivity and associated radiological impact on public health. Nevertheless, this study stipulates vital data for future research and regulatory authorities in Mali.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.181-194
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• 2022

Internal dosimetry is a discipline which brings together a set of knowledge, tools and procedures for calculating the dose received after incorporation of radionuclides into the body. Several steps are necessary to calculate the committed effective dose (CED) for workers or members of the public. Each step uses the best available knowledge in the field of radionuclide biokinetics, energy deposition in organs and tissues, the efficiency of radiation to cause a stochastic effect, or in the contributions of individual organs and tissues to overall detriment from radiation. In all these fields, knowledge is abundant and supported by many works initiated several decades ago. That makes the CED a very robust quantity, representing exposure for reference persons in reference situation of exposure and to be used for optimization and assessment of compliance with dose limits. However, the CED suffers from certain limitations, accepted by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for reasons of simplification. Some of its limitations deserve to be overcome and the ICRP is continuously working on this. Beyond the efforts to make the CED an even more reliable and precise tool, there is an increasing demand for personalized dosimetry, particularly in the medical field. To respond to this demand, currently available tools in dosimetry can be adjusted. However, this would require coupling these efforts with a better assessment of the individual risk, which would then have to consider the physiology of the persons concerned but also their lifestyle and medical history. Dosimetry and risk assessment are closely linked and can only be developed in parallel. This paper presents the state of the art of internal dosimetry knowledge and the limitations to be overcome both to make the CED more precise and to develop other dosimetric quantities, which would make it possible to better approximate the individual dose.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.296-313
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• 1982

At a time when world population and food supply are in a delicate balance, it is essential that we look at factors to improve this balance. We can alter the environment to better fit the plant's needs, or we can alter the plant to better fit the environment. Improved technology has allowed us to increase the yield level. For moderately detrimental weather events technology has generally decreased the yield variation, yet for major weather disasters the variation has increased. We have raised the upper level, but zero is still the bottom level. As we concentrate the production of particular crops into limited areas where the environment is closest to optimum, we may be increasing the risk of a major weather related disaster. We need to evaluate the degree of variability of different crops, and how weather and technology can interact to affect it. The natural limits of crop production are imposed by important ecological factors. Production is a function of the climate, the soil, and the crop and all activities related to them. In looking at the environment of a crop we must recognize these are individuals, populations and ecosystems. Under intensive agriculture we try to limit the competition to one desired species. The environment is made up of a complex of factors; radiation, moisture, temperature and wind, among others. Plant response to the environment is due to the interaction of all of these factors, yet in attempting to understand them we often examine each factor individually. Variation in crop yields is primarily a function of limiting environmental parameters. Various weather parameters will be discussed, with emphasis placed on how they impact on crop production. Although solar radiation is a driving force in crop production, it often shows little relationship to yield variation. Water may enter into crop production as both a limiting and excessive factor. The effects of moisture deficiency have received much more attention than moisture excess. In many areas of the world, a very significant portion of yield variation is due to variation in the moisture factor. Temperature imposes limits on where crops can be grown, and the type of crop that can be grown in an area. High temperature effects are often combined with deficient moisture effects. Cool temperatures determine the limits in which crops can be grown. Growing degree units, or heat accumulations, have often been used as a means of explaining many temperature effects. Methods for explaining chilling effects are more limited.

• Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.313-323
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• 2015

Active galactic nuclei (AGN) are known for irregular variability on all time scales, down to intra-day variability with relative variations of a few percent within minutes to hours. On such short timescales, unexplored territory, such as the possible existence of a shortest characteristic time scale of activity and the shape of the high frequency end of AGN power spectra, still exists. We present the results of AGN single-dish fast photometry performed with the Korean VLBI Network (KVN). Observations were done in a “anti-correlated” mode using two antennas, with always at least one antenna pointing at the target. This results in an effective time resolution of less than three minutes. We used all four KVN frequencies, 22, 43, 86, and 129 GHz, in order to trace spectral variability, if any. We were able to derive high-quality light curves for 3C 111, 3C 454.3, and BL Lacertae at 22 and 43 GHz, and for 3C 279 at 86 GHz, between May 2012 and April 2013. We performed a detailed statistical analysis in order to assess the levels of variability and the corresponding upper limits. We found upper limits on flux variability ranging from ~1.6% to ~7.6%. The upper limits on the derived brightness temperatures exceed the inverse Compton limit by three to six orders of magnitude. From our results, plus comparison with data obtained by the University of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory, we conclude that we have not detected source-intrinsic variability which would have to occur at sub-per cent levels.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.1781-1795
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• 2024

This study investigated the levels of radioactivity in soil surrounding a phosphate fertilizer factory in Egypt, aiming to assess potential risks to the population exposed to radiation. Concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were measured in soil samples collected from two subsites: one near the factory (subsite 1) and another further away (subsite 2). Two different systems were used for measuring radioactivity, a high-purity gamma ray spectroscopy system with an HPGe detector for gamma-emitting isotopes and a CR-39 solid nuclear track detector for alpha-emitting radon gas. Subsite 1, located close to the factory, displayed significantly elevated levels of ²²⁶Ra compared to global background levels (514 and 456 Bq/kg vs. 35 Bq/kg). Additionally, the concentrations of ²³⁸U (241.06 Bq/kg vs. global average 35 Bq/kg), ²³²Th (16.15 Bq/kg vs. global average 30 Bq/kg), and ⁴⁰K (146.36 Bq/kg vs. global average 400 Bq/kg) were all above global averages. Furthermore, a high concentration of radon gas (337.06 μSv/y) was measured at subsite 1. The strong positive correlation observed between ²²⁶Ra and ²³⁸U (0.96256) provides further evidence of potentially elevated radioactivity levels near the factory. In contrast, subsite 2, situated farther from the factory, exhibited natural radioactive background levels within international limits. Quantitative analysis revealed that gamma ray absorbed doses for ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th exceeded global averages in some samples. Specifically, ²²⁶Ra doses ranged from 7.8 to 46.26 ppm (exceeding the 20 ppm global average in some cases), and ²³²Th doses ranged from 1.98 to 9.14 ppm (exceeding the 10 ppm global average in some cases). The concentration of ⁴⁰K, however, remained within the global range (0.07%-0.69 %). The observed imbalances in the ratios of Th/U (0.17-0.24 Bq/kg and 0.73-0.24 ppm) and U/Ra (0.81-0.73 Bq/kg and 0.73-0.17 ppm), both of which are significantly lower than their respective global averages of 4 and 2.4, point towards the presence of fertilizer-derived contamination. This conclusion is further supported by the high phosphate concentrations detected in the samples. Overall, this study suggests that radioactive contamination near the phosphate fertilizer factory significantly exceeds global background levels and international limits in some cases. This raises concerns about potential risks posed to surrounding agricultural land and crops.