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The term "commercial ornamental stones" comprises different natural stones with different mineralogical components and the distribution and amount of natural radionuclides depended on the mineralogy. Few studies on natural radioactivity in ornamental stones carried out in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and the present work were carried out in order to analyze the distribution of activity concentration in these materials. The activity concentration of 238U, 235U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in Ornamental Stones measured using γ-ray spectrometry to estimate the radiation hazard as well as establishing a database for radioactivity levels. Samples were collected in stores in Rio de Janeiro, carefully transported, weighed, packed with PVC film and left to rest for at least 45 days to reach secular equilibrium. Samples analyzed by gamma spectrometry using a hyper pure germanium detector (HPGE). Detection efficiency for each sample was obtained using LabSOCS software. The activity concentrations for samples were within the ranges (0.83 ± 0.15 to 39.96 ± 1.19, 8.04 ± 2.54 to 111.36 ± 13.33, 0.43 ± 0.03 to 264.58 ± 0.98, BDL to 8.17± 0.65 and 1.30 ± 0.57 to 1567.01 ± 65.08) Bq⋅kg-1 for 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 235U and 40K, respectively. The world average for building materials is 50 Bq⋅kg-1 for 238U, 50 Bq.kg-1 for 232Th and 500 Bq⋅kg-1 for 40K. In the present work, the average for granite was 19.43 ± 0.39 Bq⋅kg-1 for 238U, 56.70 ± 1.13 Bq⋅kg-1 for 232Th and 1113.28 ± 20.27 Bq⋅kg-1 for 40K, thus the values for 232Th and 238U are above the world average. Analyzing for the granite that showed the highest concentrations of activity the average values of Transport Rate was 3.12 ± 0.04 Bq⋅m-2⋅s-1, Emanation Rate was 0.16 ± 0.00 Bq⋅kg-1⋅s-1, Exhalation Flow was 530.26 ± 6.05 Bq⋅m-3, Effective Equivalent Dose Due to Radon Exposure was 0.78 ± 0.01 WLM⋅year-1 and Annual Effective Dose Due to Radon and Thoron was 7.02 ± 0.10 mSv⋅year-1. Annual Effective Dose Due to Radon and Thoron it is above the annual limit for public individuals which is 1 mSv⋅year-1 and below the occupationally exposed individual, which is 20 mSv⋅year-1 in an average of 5 years, it does not exceed the maximum level recommended by ICRP-60.

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This paper describes the use of gamma ray spectrometry in the study of rock samples from the Irati Formation, Paraná sedimentary basin, São Paulo State, Brazil. This technique allowed to measure the natural radiation emitted by 40K, as well the radionuclides belonging to the decay series of 238U (eU = 226Ra = 214Bi) and 232Th (eTh = 228Th = 208Tl) which occur in the analyzed samples. Four gamma ray spectrometers have been utilized for comparing the results obtained: a portable sodium iodide [NaI(Tl)] scintillation detector (Digidart), a handheld bismuth germanate oxide (BGO) detector and two bench NaI(Tl) crystals, differing in their geometry (Planar and Well types). This study involved the calibration of the spectrometers, except in the case of the BGO that is factory calibrated. Afterwards, gamma ray analysis was done for 122 rock samples colleted at Partecal Quarry located at Assistência District, Rio Claro city, which have been of interest for the oil and gas sector. For comparison purposes, the obtained datasets were subjected to different statistical tests, including the analysis of variance (ANOVA) that proved to be of great value for checking the differences of the mean concentration values of eU, eTh and K. The results pointed out several factors that affect the gamma ray analysis for the natural radioelements uranium, thorium, and potassium such as the samples size, shape and geometry, detector type, shielding and counting time. These factors are of difficult control in order to get reliable radiometric measurements by this technique.

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A computational simulation of alpha-particle expansion, emitted by 222Rn naturally diluted in the water of a spring located in the state of Puebla Mexico, is presented. This simulation provided information on the volume of expansion of the alpha particles in the vicinity of the spring and thus awareness if there was a radiological risk for the users or the population that lived near to it. Before performing the simulation, several measurements were made to water samples with a dynamic measurement system. This in order to know the level of radon concentration and compare the results obtained with the levels recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, to know if there was a radiological risk due to the presence of gamma emitting radionuclides, complementary water analyses were carried out using gamma-ray spectrometry techniques. The simulation was developed using the scientific software of particle interaction with matter, Geant4. The different variables declared for the software parameters are presented in this document. The results of the radon measurements in the water and the computational simulation, determined that there was no radiological risk due to alpha radiation. Furthermore, the results from the gamma-ray spectrometer showed that there was no presence of other hazardous radionuclides in the water.

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This work consists of an experimental determination of k0 and Q0 for 121Sb, 123Sb and 130Ba targets. Covariance analysis has been introduced to supply not only the overall uncertainties in these parameters but also their correlations. The irradiations were performed near the core of the IEA-R1 4.5 MW swimming-pool nuclear research reactor of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN/SP), in São Paulo, Brazil. The epithermal neutron flux shape parameter, alpha, at the irradiation position is very close to zero, which favors to obtain Q0 values more accurately. Two irradiations were carried out in sequence, using two sets of samples: the first with bare samples and the second inside a Cd cover. The activity measurements were carried out in a previously calibrated HPGe gamma-ray spectrometer. The measurements were corrected for: saturation, decay time, cascade summing, geometry, self-attenuation, measuring time and mass. Standard sources of 152Eu, 133Ba, 60Co and 137Cs traceable to a 4πß-γ primary system were used to obtain the HPGe gamma-ray peak efficiency as a function of the energy. The experimental efficiency curve was performed by a fourth-degree polynomial fit, in the energy range of the standard sources, 121-1408 keV, it contains all correlations between points. For energies above 1408 keV, the efficiencies were obtained by the Monte Carlo Method. The covariance matrix methodology was applied to all uncertainties involved. The final values for k0 and Q0 were compared with the literature.

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The probabilities of locating peaks with a high relative peak-area uncertainty were determined empirically with nine types of peak-location software used in laboratories engaged in gamma-ray spectrometry measurements. It was found that it is not possible to locate peaks with a probability of 0.95, when they have a relative peak-area uncertainty in excess of 50%. Locating peaks at these relatively high peak-area uncertainties with a probability greater than 0.95 is only possible in the library-driven mode, where the peak positions are supposed a-priori. The deficiencies of the library-driven mode and the possibilities to improve the probabilities of locating peaks are briefly discussed.

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Measuring the radioactive content of environmental samples requires the use of appropriate reference materials with the same composition and density as the matrices to be measured. If they are not available, ad hoc artificially spiked reference materials are an alternative. Spiking in layers requires a detailed study of the drop distribution, as energy and decay scheme of the component radionuclides must be taken into account to produce a reference material that represents, in efficiency terms, a real sample. A method based on Monte Carlo simulation has been developed to find the optimal distribution of drops in layers for the combination of two typical soil samples and four radionuclides. Results have been validated by comparison with samples prepared by two techniques: methanol bath and spiking in layers.

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In the present work, the determinations of k0 and Q0 for 74Se, 113In, 186W and 191Ir targets were performed. The irradiations were conducted near the core of the IEA-R1 4.5 MW swimming-pool nuclear research reactor of the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/SP - Nuclear and Energy Research Institute), in São Paulo, Brazil. The irradiation position was chosen where the neutron spectrum shape parameter α is very close to zero. For this reason, the correction to be applied for the determination of Q0 is very close to one, thus improving the accuracy of the results. For each experiment, two irradiations were carried out in sequence: the first one with bare samples and the second with a cadmium cover around the samples. All partial uncertainties were considered, applying the covariance matrix methodology. The final results were compared with the literature.

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Unsupported 210Pb (Pbexc) is generated in air and is subsequently deposited on soil surface. The Pbexc can be used for sediment dating, soil erosion/sedimentation and air mass studies. In many cases, 210Pb activity determination (gamma ray 46.5 keV) cannot be performed due to the lack of efficiency calibration curve, especially when radioactive patron source is not available. This work presents an alternative methodology to obtain the 210Pb activity values, based on the activity definition and the attenuation coefficient determinations and assuming that soil samples coming from depth higher than 25 cm only contain 210Pb generated in the soil (Pbexc free, i.e., for those soil layers the 210Pb activity is equal to the 226Ra activity, at secular equilibrium). The proposed methodology was evaluated using soils from La Plata region, Argentina. The same soil samples were also analyzed in a second laboratory by the conventional methodology. The obtained results indicated that the proposed procedure can be used as a good alternative in cases where a calibration sample is not available.

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The procedure followed by the Nuclear Metrology Laboratory (LMN) at the IPEN for the standardization of activity of 64Cu is described. The measurement was carried out in a 4π (PC) ß-γ coincidence system. The activity per unit mass of the solution was determined by the extrapolation technique. The events were registered using a Time to Amplitude Converter (TAC) associated with a Multi-channel Analyzer. The gamma-ray emission probability per decay of the 1345.7keV transition of 64Cu determined with a calibrated REGe gamma-ray spectrometer was (0.472 ± 0.010) %, in agreement with the literature.

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Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare laser with conventional techniques in class V cavity preparation in gamma-irradiated teeth. Methods: Forty extracted human teeth with no carious lesions were used for this study and were divided into two main groups: Group I (n = 20) was not subjected to gamma radiation (control) and Group II (n=20) was subjected to gamma radiation of 60 Gray. Standard class V preparation was performed in buccal and lingual sides of each tooth in both groups. Buccal surfaces were prepared by the Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase iPlus) 2780 nm, using the gold handpiece with MZ10 Tip in non-contact and the "H" mode, following parameters of cavity preparation - power 6 W, frequency 50 Hz, 90% water and 70% air, then shifting to surface treatment laser parameters - power 4.5 W, frequency 50 Hz, 80% water and 50% air. Lingual surfaces were prepared by the conventional high-speed turbine using round diamond bur. Teeth were then sectioned mesio-distally, resulting in 80 specimens: 40 of which were buccal laser-treated (20 control and 20 gamma-irradiated specimens) and 40 were lingual conventional high-speed bur specimens (20 control and 20 gamma-irradiated specimens). Results: Microleakage analysis revealed higher scores in both gamma groups compared with control groups. Chi-square test revealed no significant difference between both control groups and gamma groups (p=1, 0.819, respectively). A significant difference was revealed between all 4 groups (p=0.00018). Conclusion: Both laser and conventional high-speed turbine bur show good bond strength in control (non-gamma) group, while microleakage is evident in gamma group, indicating that gamma radiation had a dramatic negative effect on the bond strength in both laser and bur-treated teeth.

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The Punchuncaví Valley in central Chile, heavily affected by a range of anthropogenic emissions from a localized industrial complex, has been studied as a model environment for evaluating the spatial gradient of human health risk, which are mainly caused by trace elemental pollutants in soil. Soil elemental profiles in 121 samples from five selected locations representing different degrees of impact from the industrial source were used for human risk estimation. Distance to source dependent cumulative non-carcinogenic hazard indexes above 1 for children (max 4.4 - min 1.5) were found in the study area, ingestion being the most relevant risk pathway. The significance of health risk differences within the study area was confirmed by statistical analysis (ANOVA and HCA) of individual hazard index values at the five sampling locations. As was the dominant factor causing unacceptable carcinogenic risk levels for children (<10-4) at the two sampling locations which are closer to the industrial complex, whereas the risk was just in the tolerable range (10-6 - 10-4) for children and adults in the rest of the sampling locations at the study area. Furthermore, we assessed gamma ray radiation external hazard indexes and annual effective dose rate from the natural radioactivity elements (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) levels in the surface soils of the study area. The highest average values for the specific activity of 232Th (31 Bq kg-1), 40K (615 Bq kg- 1), and 226Ra (25 Bq kg-1) are lower than limit recommended by OECD, so no significant radioactive risk was detected within the study area. In addition, no significant variability of radioactive risk was observed among sampling locations.

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(124)I is a radionuclide used in the diagnosis of tumors. The National Health Agency requires identification and activity measurement of impurities. Using gamma spectrometry with an efficiency calibrated high-purity germanium detector, impurities (125)I and (126)I in an (1)(24)I production sample were identified. Activity ratios of (125)I and (126)I to (124)I were approximately 0.5% and 98%, respectively.

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The aim of this study is to determine the amounts of radionuclides' activity present in samples of feed for young and adult chicken and feed for dairy and beef cattle, as well as in dicalcium phosphate (DCP) (CaHPO4), used as a nutritional supplement for animal feed. Radioactivity in these samples is due to the presence of the 238U and 232Th radioactive series, as well as their daughter. In addition, as it is for environmental samples, the activity of 40K should be an important source of radioactivity in all analyzed samples. Gamma rays were measured using a standard spectroscopy system, with a high-resolution HPGe detector. Measured activities in feed samples ranged from 0.23 to 1.51 Bq.kg-1, 0.67 to 4.21 Bq.kg-1, 0.29 to 1.63 Bq.kg-1 and 236 to 402 Bq.kg-1 for 226Ra, 228 Ra, 228 Th and 40K, respectively. Measured activities in DCP samples were 46.6 Bq.kg-1, 83 Bq.kg-1, 4.20 Bq.kg-1 and 16.61 Bq.kg-1 for 40 K, 226 Ra, 228 Ra and 228 Th, respectively. Although 40K activity has reached hundreds of Becquerel in feed samples, it should not represent a risk to human health, not even to animals, since potassium is an essential mineral to living organisms.

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Os objetivos neste estudo foram avaliar os efeitos da radiação sobre a sobrevivência e desenvolvimento de gemas de segmentos caulinares e germinação de sementes de maracujazeiro-amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) in vitro. Os explantes de segmentos caulinares (2cm) contendo uma gema axilar, obtidos a partir de plântulas provenientes da germinação in vitro de sementes de maracujá, foram tratados com raios em dosagens variando de 10 a 60Gy e subsequentemente transferidos para meio Murashige e Skoog (MS), suplementado com 4,0mg L-1BAP. Para a irradiação das sementes, foram testadas doses que variaram de 75-200Gy e a germinação e sobrevivência das plântulas foram avaliadas após 30 e 60 dias da inoculação em meio MS, respectivamente. Após 30 dias da irradiação de segmentos caulinares, observou-se redução de 50% na sobrevivência dos explantes e no número de brotações formadas in vitro nas doses de 21,31 e 12,20Gy, respectivamente. A DL50 para a germinação de sementes é 160Gy, enquanto que, para sobrevivência das plântulas, é de 125Gy.(AU)

This study had the objective to investigate the effects of gamma ray radiation on survival and proliferation of shoots from stem nodal segments and on the germination seeds passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa). Stem segments explants (2cm) containing one axillary bud obtained from in vitro-propagated seedlings of passion fruit were treated with -rays at dosages ranging from 10 to 60Gy and subsequently transferred to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.0mg L-1 BAP. Seeds of passion fruit were irradiated with gamma rays at dosages ranging from 75 to 200Gy. Germination and survival of seedlings were measured after 30 and 60 days of transfer to MS medium, respectively. After 30 days of irradiation of stem segments it was observed 50% reduction in survival of explants and the number of shoots formed in vitro at 21.31 and 12.20Gy, respectively. The LD50 for seed germination is 160Gy, while for seedling survival is 125Gy.(AU)

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Os objetivos neste estudo foram avaliar os efeitos da radiação γ sobre a sobrevivência e desenvolvimento de gemas de segmentos caulinares e germinação de sementes de maracujazeiro-amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) in vitro. Os explantes de segmentos caulinares (2cm) contendo uma gema axilar, obtidos a partir de plântulas provenientes da germinação in vitro de sementes de maracujá, foram tratados com raios γ em dosagens variando de 10 a 60Gy e subsequentemente transferidos para meio Murashige e Skoog (MS), suplementado com 4,0mg L-1BAP. Para a irradiação das sementes, foram testadas doses que variaram de 75-200Gy e a germinação e sobrevivência das plântulas foram avaliadas após 30 e 60 dias da inoculação em meio MS, respectivamente. Após 30 dias da irradiação de segmentos caulinares, observou-se redução de 50% na sobrevivência dos explantes e no número de brotações formadas in vitro nas doses de 21,31 e 12,20Gy, respectivamente. A DL50 para a germinação de sementes é 160Gy, enquanto que, para sobrevivência das plântulas, é de 125Gy.

This study had the objective to investigate the effects of gamma ray radiation on survival and proliferation of shoots from stem nodal segments and on the germination seeds passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa). Stem segments explants (2cm) containing one axillary bud obtained from in vitro-propagated seedlings of passion fruit were treated with γ-rays at dosages ranging from 10 to 60Gy and subsequently transferred to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.0mg L-1BAP. Seeds of passion fruit were irradiated with gamma rays at dosages ranging from 75 to 200Gy. Germination and survival of seedlings were measured after 30 and 60 days of transfer to MS medium, respectively. After 30 days of irradiation of stem segments it was observed 50% reduction in survival of explants and the number of shoots formed in vitro at 21.31 and 12.20Gy, respectively. The LD50 for seed germination is 160Gy, while for seedling survival is 125Gy.

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Physical and chemical properties of soils play a major role in the evaluation of different geochemical signature, soil quality, discrimination of land use type, soil provenance and soil degradation. The objectives of the present study are the soil elemental characterization and soil differentiation in topographic sequence and depth, using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) as well as gamma-ray spectrometry data combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study area is an agricultural region of Boa Vista catchment which is located at Guamiranga municipality, Brazil. PCA analysis was performed with four different data sets: spectral data from EDXRF, spectral data from gamma-ray spectrometry, concentration values from EDXRF measurements and concentration values from gamma-ray spectrometry. All PCAs showed similar results, confirmed by hierarchical cluster analysis, allowing the data grouping into top, bottom and riparian zone samples, i.e. the samples were separated due to its landscape position. The two hillslopes present the same behavior independent of the land use history. There are distinctive and characteristic patterns in the analyzed soil. The methodologies presented are promising and could be used to infer significant information about the region to be studied.

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Background: The Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is one of the most important protozoan pathogens of farmed and wild fish populations. The vaccination against I. multifiliis can be considered as an alternative to chemical treatments. There are three routes of vaccination; the injection, immersion and oral administration. Oral immunization would be a good candidate since handling fish is not required, it is a not stressful method and it needs less time and labor. In this study a nanoparticle system for protection of radiovaccine and efficient oral vaccine delivery to the intestinal tract against I. multifiliis was tested in rainbow trout.Materials, Methods & Results: Fifty rainbow trout (40 - 50 g) were infected with I. multifiliis via live trophont, trophont were collected with 200-mesh sieve. After collection, dose of gamma ray (170 Gray) was used for irradiation of parasite. Commercial Ergosan was suspended in sterile 0.15 M (pH 7.2) and sonicated. Remaining powder was irradiated by gamma irradiator. The alginate nanoparticle encapsulated radiovaccine was achieved by the addition of PBS (1 mL) to the alginate nanaoparticle solution (4 mL) plus radiovaccine (37˚C, pH 7.5). Fish were distributed equally into 5 groups (60 fish/aquarium). In this study, elevated levels of WBC was found in fish immunized with non-capsulated and encapsulated radiovaccine at 20 days after challenge (P < 0.05). No significant differences in haematocrit and RBC were found among all of groups (P < 0.05). Also, plasma total protein level was found to decrease in vaccinated fish with non-capsulated radiovaccine at 7 and 20 days after challenge. Significant decrease in glucose level was shown in immunized rainbow trout with encapsulated radiovaccine (P < 0.05). A significant increase in plasma glucose level was shown in rainbow trout challenged with live trophonts at 7 days after challenge (P < 0.05).[...](AU)

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Background: The Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is one of the most important protozoan pathogens of farmed and wild fish populations. The vaccination against I. multifiliis can be considered as an alternative to chemical treatments. There are three routes of vaccination; the injection, immersion and oral administration. Oral immunization would be a good candidate since handling fish is not required, it is a not stressful method and it needs less time and labor. In this study a nanoparticle system for protection of radiovaccine and efficient oral vaccine delivery to the intestinal tract against I. multifiliis was tested in rainbow trout.Materials, Methods & Results: Fifty rainbow trout (40 - 50 g) were infected with I. multifiliis via live trophont, trophont were collected with 200-mesh sieve. After collection, dose of gamma ray (170 Gray) was used for irradiation of parasite. Commercial Ergosan was suspended in sterile 0.15 M (pH 7.2) and sonicated. Remaining powder was irradiated by gamma irradiator. The alginate nanoparticle encapsulated radiovaccine was achieved by the addition of PBS (1 mL) to the alginate nanaoparticle solution (4 mL) plus radiovaccine (37˚C, pH 7.5). Fish were distributed equally into 5 groups (60 fish/aquarium). In this study, elevated levels of WBC was found in fish immunized with non-capsulated and encapsulated radiovaccine at 20 days after challenge (P < 0.05). No significant differences in haematocrit and RBC were found among all of groups (P < 0.05). Also, plasma total protein level was found to decrease in vaccinated fish with non-capsulated radiovaccine at 7 and 20 days after challenge. Significant decrease in glucose level was shown in immunized rainbow trout with encapsulated radiovaccine (P < 0.05). A significant increase in plasma glucose level was shown in rainbow trout challenged with live trophonts at 7 days after challenge (P < 0.05).[...]

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Fossil bones are often the only materials available for chronological reconstruction of important archeological sites. However, since bone is an open system for uranium, it cannot be dated directly and therefore it is necessary to develop models for the U uptake. Hence, a radial diffusion-adsorption (RDA) model is described. Unlike the classic diffusion-adsorption (D-A) model, RDA uses a cylindrical geometry to describe the U uptake in fossil bones. The model was applied across a transverse section of a tibia of an extinct megamammal Macrauchenia patachonica from the La Paz Local Fauna, Montevideo State, Uruguay. Measurements of spatial distribution of Na, K, Ca, and Mg were also performed by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Gamma-ray spectrometric U-series dating was applied to determine the age of the bone sample. From U concentration profile, it was possible to observe the occurrence of a relatively slow and continuous uranium uptake under constant conditions that had not yet reached equilibrium, since the uranium distribution is a ∪-shaped closed-system. Predictions of the RDA model were obtained for a specific geochemical scenario, indicating that the effective diffusion coefficient D/R in this fossil bone is (2.4 ± 0.6)10(-12) cm(2)s(-1). Mean values of Na, K, Ca, and Mg contents along the radial line of the fossil tibia are consistent with the expected behavior for spatial distributions of these mineral elements across a modern bone section. This result indicates that the fossil tibia may have its mineral structure preserved.

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Geophysical surveys have been widely used for geological mapping, and with appropriate ground calibration the database can be converted to radiometric surveys. Herein we present a case study of a high resolution map of the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, constructed by integrating aerial and in situ (ground) measurements. This allowed assessing the influence of urbanization observed between 1978 and 2009 on radiation external exposure. Radiometric, geological and demographics databases were integrated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) facility. The average absorbed dose rate recorded for the city was 96 ± 0.3 nGy h(-1) and ranged from 22 to 152 nGy h(-1) among districts. The corresponding annual effective dose was determined as 0.09 ± 0.01 mSv. The number of people at risk per year according to the estimated natural radiation levels was 17 ± 1.4, among the 28,000 new cases estimated by the INCA (Brazilian National Cancer Institute) within a population of approximately 6.3 million people.

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