• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.318-325
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• 2022

In this study, composites containing undoped and barium-doped Bi₂WO₆:Ba²⁺were investigated for their shielding against diagnostic X-ray. At first, Bi₂WO₆ and barium-doped Bi₂WO₆ were synthesized with different weight percentages of barium oxide through a hydrothermal process. The as-synthesized nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). After that, some shields were generated with undoped and barium-doped Bi₂WO₆:Ba²⁺ nanostructure particles incorporated into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer with different thicknesses and 15% weight of the nanostructure. Finally, the prepared samples were exposed to an X-ray tube at 40, 80, and 120 kV voltages, 10 mAs and, 44.5 cm SID (i.e. the distance from the X-ray beam source to the specimen). Linear and mass attenuation coefficients were also calculated for different samples. The results indicated that, among the samples, the one with 7.5 mmol barium-doped Bi₂WO₆ had the most attenuation at the voltage of 40kV, and the attenuation coefficients would increase with an increase in the amount of barium. The samples with 15 and 17.5 mmol barium-doped Bi₂WO₆ had higher attenuation than the others at 80 and 120 kV. Moreover, the half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL) and 0.25 mm lead equivalent thickness were calculated for all the samples. The lowest HVL value was for the sample with 7.5 mmol barium-doped Bi₂WO₆. As the result clearly show, an increment in the barium-doping content leads to a decrease in both HVL and TVL. In every three voltages, 0.25 mm lead equivalent thickness of the barium-doped composites (7.5 mmol and 15 mmol) had less than the other composites. The lowest value of 0.25 mm lead equivalent thickness was 7.5 barium-doped in 40 kV voltage and 15 mmol barium-doped in 80 kV and 120 kV voltages. These results were obtained only for 15% weight of the nanostructure.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.65-75
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• 1971

The gamma-ray shielding effects of magnetite concretes have been measured using a broad beam Co-60 gamma-ray source. Mathematical formulae for a trans-mission ratio-to-shield thickness relation were derived from the attenuation curve obtained experimentally and are I (x) = I (ο) exp(-$\mu$X) exp(1.03$\times$10$^{-1}$ X-3.38$\times$10$^{-3}$ X$^2$＋5.29$\times$10$^{-5}$ X$^3$) when X< 20 cm, I (x) =I (ο) exp(-$\mu$X) exp(4.66$\times$10$^{-2}$ X＋2.12$\times$10$^{-1}$ ) when X＞20 cm. Here I (x) is radiation intensity after passing through a thickness X of absorber, I(o) is the initial radiation intensity, $\mu$ is the linear attenuation coefficient of magnetite concrete and is given by (0.0532$\rho$＋ 0.0083)$^{4)}$ $cm^{-1}$ / in accordance with an earlier study, and X is the thickness of absorber. In addition, a model shield which is a rectangular magnetite concrete box with walls of 8cm thickness walls and internal demensions of 40$\times$40$\times$40 cm was constructed and its shielding effect has been measured. The emergent radiation flux appears to be greater with this configuration than with a slab shield of equal thickness.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.949-959
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• 2021

The current study aims to explore the shielding properties of multi-component borate-based glass series. Seven glass-samples with composition of (80-y)H₃BO₃-10ZnO-10Na₂O-yBaO where (y = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mol.%) were synthesized by melt-quench method. Various shielding features for photons, neutrons, and protons were determined for all prepared samples. XCOM, Phy-X program, and SRIM code were performed to determine and explain several shielding properties such as equivalent atomic number, exposure build-up factor, specific gamma-ray constants, effective removal cross-section (Σ_R), neutron scattering and absorption, Mass Stopping Power (MSP) and projected range. The energy ranges for photons and protons were 0.015-15 MeV and 0.01-10 MeV, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) was also determined experimentally by utilizing two radioactive sources (¹⁶⁶Ho and ¹³⁷Cs). Consistent results were obtained between experimental and XCOM values in determining μ/ρ of the new glasses. The addition of BaO to the glass matrix led to enhance the μ/ρ and specific gamma-ray constants of glasses. Whereas the remarkable reductions in Σ_R, MSP, and projected range values were reported with increasing BaO concentrations. The acquired results nominate the use of these glasses in different radiation shielding purposes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.367-373
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• 2020

Most of the spatial scattered dose caused by the scattered rays generated by the collision between the object and X-rays is relatively easily absorbed by the human body as electromagnetic waves in the low energy region, thereby increasing the degree of radiation exposure. Such spatial scattering dose is also used as an indicator of the degree of radiation exposure of radiation workers and patients, and there is a need for a method to reduce exposure by reducing the spatial scattered dose that occurs indirectly. Therefore, in this study, a lead-free radiation shielding sheet was proposed as a way to reduce the spatial scattering dose, and a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was performed based on a chest X-ray examination. The absorbed dose was calculated and the measured value and the shielding rate were compared and evaluated.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.690-696
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop a zirconium-based alloy with low modulus and magnetic susceptibility to prevent the stress-shielding effect and the generation of artifacts. Zr-7Cu-xSn (x = 1, 5, 10, 15 mass%) alloys are prepared by an arc melting process. Microstructure characterization is performed by microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties are evaluated using micro Vickers hardness and compression test. The magnetic susceptibility is evaluated using a SQUID-VSM. The average magnetic susceptibility value of the Zr-7Cu-xSn alloy is 1.176 × 10^-8 cm³g^-1. Corrosion tests of zirconium-based alloys are conducted through polarization test. The average Icorr value of the Zr-7Cu-xSn alloy is 0.1912 ㎂/cm². The elastic modulus value of 14 ~ 18 GPa of the zirconium-based alloy is very similar to the elastic modulus value of 15 ~ 30 GPa of the human bone. Consequently, the Sn added zirconium alloy, Zr-7Cu-xSn, is very interesting and attractive as a biomaterial that reduces the stress-shielding effect caused by differences of elastic modulus between human bone and metallic implants. In addition, this material has the potential to be used in metallic dental implants to effectively eliminate artifacts in MRI images due to low magnetic susceptibility.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.429-434
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• 2019

The gonads are directly affected by radiation exposure during radiography of the pelvis, abdomen, and spine. Exposure of the gonads to radiation can cause genetic mutations and can result in the occurrence of malignant tumors. In this study, we created three types of shielding material shapes for shielding of the ovaries, which are the gonads of female during radiography of the pelvis, and comparative evaluations using shadow shielding methods. The source surface distance(SSD) was 100 cm and the field size was 42 cm × 43 cm. The three types of shielding material shapes(type 1, 2 and 3) were assessed and the entrance surface dose in the ovaries were measured. The thickness of the shielding material was expanded from 0.3 mm to 2.4 mm and after five repetitions, radiation values were measured and mean values were calculated. The mean dose were 3.09 mGy for type 1, 3.54 mGy for type 2, and 3.19 mGy for type 3, indicating that the measurements were the lowest for type 1. When an additional filter of 0.2 Cu + 1 Al was used, the dose were 3.72 mGy for type 1, 5.43 mGy for type 2, and 4.05 mGy for type 3, indicating that the measurements were the lowest for type 1. The results show that, even if the shielding material is not thick, in other words, even with a thickness of 2.94 mGy for the SN 3(0.9 mm) of type 1, shielding can be achieved, with a patient dose lower than the diagnostic reference level(3.42 mGy). Additionally, among the three types of shielding material, the type 1 appeared to be the most appropriate shielding material. It is thought that the use of shielding material could reduce the risk factors for stochastic effects or critical effects of ionizing radiation during pelvic or lumbar radiography.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2020

This study investigated the effectiveness of radiation safety rules in animal hospital and the awareness and behavior of veterinary radiation workers. With the questionnaires, the data was collected from randomly selected veterinarians in animal hospitals and animal medical imaging centers. Collected data were about radiation device, shielding device, regulations, safety management, education, knowledge, behavior and awareness. Frequency, correlation and multiple regression analysis were performed. The medical devices related with radiation in animal hospital were X-ray (59%), CT (15%), fluoroscopy (12%), mobile X-ray (12%) and others (2%). The number of people using radiation shielding device is high. The answers were low on knowing radiation related regulation and receiving radiation protection education. The group with higher knowledge and awareness shows positive correlation with safety behavior. The increase of use of the radiation related medical devices in veterinary hospital causes the increase of radiation exposure risk. This study suggests that radiation safety management system and policies need to be developed to protect radiation workers and give them correct information and consciousness.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.1822-1829
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• 2024

The search for materials that serve as good shields for radiation has become very important in light of the increasing exposure to ionizing radiation in various vital sectors. The aim is to search for novel materials with better radiation shielding properties that are stable, nontoxic, and abundant and environment friendly. The solidstate reaction approach has been used to synthesize a few ceramics, including BaZr_XTi_1-XO₃, Ba_1-XLa_XTiO₃ and Ba_1-XLa_XZr_XTi_1-XO₃ (with x = 0.10) i.eBaZr_0.10Ti_0.90O₃ (BZT), Ba_0.90La_0.10TiO₃ (BLT), and Ba_0.90La_0.10Zr_0.10Ti_0.90O₃ (BLZT). The density of the prepared samples varies from 6.3471 to 11.6003 g/cm³. The X-ray diffraction technique, shows strong peaks to confirm the crystalline structure of prepared ceramic samples. Using the G-P fitting approach, the advanced radiation shielding parameters (build-up factor) have been evaluated in the photon energy region of 1.5 keV-15 MeV. It is observed from the results that exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) are maximum for BLZT and has the minimum value for BZT in the entire photon energy regime. The results of this work should be useful in radiation shielding applications such as in industry, medicine, and nuclear engineering.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.429-437
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• 2023

In veterinary medicine, most radiographic images are obtained by restraining patients, inevitably exposing the restrainer to secondary scattered radiation. Radiation exposure can result in stochastic reactions such as cancer and genetic effects, as well as deterministic reactions such as skin burns, cataracts, and bone marrow suppression. Radiation-shielding equipment, including aprons, thyroid shields, eyewear, and gloves, can reduce radiation exposure. However, the risk of radiation exposure to the upper arms, face, and back remains, and lead aprons and thyroid shields are heavy, restricting movement. We designed a new radiation-shielding system and compared its shielding ability with those of conventional radiation-shielding systems. We hypothesized that the new shielding system would have a wider radiation-shielding range and similar shielding ability. The radiation exposure dose differed significantly between the conventional and new shielding systems in the forehead, chin, and bilateral upper arm areas (p < 0.001). When both systems were used together, the radiation-shielding ability was better than when only one system was used at all anatomical locations (p < 0.01). This study suggests that the new radiation-shielding system is essential and convenient for veterinary radiation workers because it is a step closer to radiation safety in veterinary radiography.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.363-367
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• 2010

In this paper we proposed an easy method to calculate the thickness of primary protective barrier for radiographic equipment. The concrete was selected for the shielding material. The area of protective barrier was divided into a controlled area and a noncontrolled area. For the computation of thickness, the data in NCRP Report 49 and 51 was used. For radiographic equipments whose maximum tubevoltages are 100 and 150 kVp, the thicknesses of concrete were calculated as a function of distance. From the calculated data, four analytical models were acquired by fitting an exponential decay function. From the equations acquired by this study, the thickness of primary protective barrier can be calculated approximately.