Two-proton radioactivity from excited states of proton-rich nuclei within Coulomb and Proximity Potential Model

In the present work,we extend the Coulomb and Proximity Potential Model(CPPM)to study two-proton(2p)radioactivity from excited states while the proximity potential is chosen as AW95 proposed by Aage Withner in 1995.Demonstration reveals that the theoretical results acquired by CPPM exhibit a high level of consistency with prior theoretical models such as the unified fission model(UFM),generalized liquid-drop model(GLDM)and effective liquid-drop model(ELDM).Furthermore,within the CPPM,we predicted the half-lives of potential 2p radioactive nuclei for which experimental data are currently unavailable.The predicted results were then assessed,compared with UFM,ELDM and GLDM models,and examined in detail.

Systematic study on the proton radioactivity of spherical proton emitters

In this study, based on a two-potential approach, we systematically investigated the proton radioactivity half-lives of spherical proton emitters with 69≤Z≤81 from the ground and/or isomeric state, choosing the nuclear potential to be a modified Woods–Saxon potential that contains the isospin effect of the daughter nucleus. It was found that the calculated half-lives could reproduce the experimental data well. Furthermore, we extended this model to predict the half-lives of 17 protonemitting candidates whose radioactivity is energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified in NUBASE2020. For comparison, the unified fission model, Coulomb potential and proximity potential model, universal decay law for proton emission, and new Geiger–Nuttall law were also used. All the predicted results are consistent with each other.

Systematic study of proton radioactivity half‑lives

In the present study,on the basis of the screened electrostatic effect of the Coulomb potential,we propose an improved Gamow model within the centrifugal potential in which there are only two adjustable parameters,i.e.,the screened parameters t and g,which represent the combined effect of the interaction potential and reduced mass of the emitted proton-daughter nucleus on the half-life of proton radioactivity in the overlapping region.Using this model,we systematically calculated the proton radioactivity half-lives of 31 spherical nuclei and 13 deformed nuclei and obtained corresponding root-mean-square deviations of 0.274 and 0.367,respectively.The relationship between the proton radioactivity half-life of 177Tlm and the corresponding angular momentum l removed by the emitted proton is also discussed.In addition,we used the proposed model to predict the proton radioactivity half-lives of 18 nuclei whose proton radioactivity is energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified in NUBASE2020.For comparison,we used the universal decay law of proton radioactivity proposed by Qi et al.(Phys Rev C 85:011303,2012.https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysR evC.85.011303),and the new Geiger–Nuttall law of proton radioactivity proposed by Chen et al.(Eur Phys J 55:214,2019.https://doi.org/10.1140/epja/i2019-12927-7).

Possibility of reaching the predicted center of the“island of stability”via the radioactive beam-induced fusion reactions

Based on the dinuclear system model,the synthesis of the predicted double-magic nuclei^(298)Fl and 304120 was investigated via neutron-rich radioactive beam-induced fusion reactions.The reaction^(58)Ca+^(244)Pu is predicted to be favorable for producing^(298)Fl with a maximal ER cross section of 0.301 pb.Investigations of the entrance channel effect reveal that the^(244)Pu target is more promising for synthesizing^(298)Fl than the neutron-rich targets^(248)Cm and^(249)Bk,because of the influence of the Coulomb barrier.For the synthesis of 304120,the maximal ER cross section of 0.046 fb emerges in the reaction^(58)V+^(249)Bk,indicating the need for further advancements in both experimental facilities and reaction mechanisms.

Effect of drying cracks on swelling and self-healing of bentonite-sand blocks used as engineered barriers for radioactive waste disposal

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the healing of drying cracks in air-dried bentonite-sand blocks after hydration and swelling in groundwater,providing justifications to simplify the protection of blocks prior to installation in a high-level radioactive waste repository.Synthetic groundwater was prepared to represent the geochemistry of Beishan groundwater,and was used to hydrate the blocks during the swelling pressure and swelling strain measurements,as Beishan is the most promising site for China's repository.Healing of the surface cracks was recorded by photography,and healing of the internal cracks was visualized by CT images and hydraulic conductivity of air-dried blocks.The results indicate that the maximum swelling pressure and swelling strain are primarily affected by the geochemistry of Beishan groundwater,but not affected by the drying cracks.The maximum swelling pressure and swelling strain of air-dried blocks are comparable to or even higher than the pressure and strain of fresh blocks.The maximum swelling pressure measured in strong(i.e.high ion strength)Beishan groundwater was 44%of the pressure measured in deionized(DI)water,and the maximum swelling strain was reduced to 23%of the strain measured in DI water.Nevertheless,the remained swelling of the blocks hydrated in strong Beishan groundwater was sufficient to heal the surface and internal drying cracks,as demonstrated by the pictures of surface cracks and CT images.The hydraulic conductivity of the air-dried block permeated with strong groundwater was comparable(3.7×higher)to the hydraulic conductivity of the fresh block,indicating the self-healing of drying cracks after hydration and swelling in groundwater.A simplified method of protecting the block with plastic wraps before installation is recommended,since the remained swelling of the block hydrated in Beishan groundwater is sufficient to heal the drying cracks.

Application of radioactive iodine-125 microparticles in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein embolus

BACKGROUND Radioactive iodine-125(125I)microparticle therapy is a new type of internal radiation therapy that has shown unique advantages in the treatment of malignant tumors,especially hepatocellular carcinoma.Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma frequently experience portal vein embolism,which exacerbates the difficulty and complexity of treatment.125I particles,used in local radiotherapy,can directly act on tumor tissue and reduce damage to surrounding healthy tissue.Through retrospective analysis,this study discussed the efficacy and safety of radioactive 125I particles in portal vein embolization patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in order to provide more powerful evidence supporting clinical treatment.AIM To investigate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with portal vein 125I particle implantation in the treatment of primary liver cancer patients with portal vein tumor thrombus and its influence on liver function.METHODS The clinical data of 96 patients with primary liver cancer combined with portal vein tumor thrombus admitted to our hospital between January 2020 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Fifty-two patients received treatment with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and implantation of 125I particles in the portal vein(combination group),while 44 patients received treatment with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization alone(control group).The therapeutic effects on tumor lesions,primary liver cancer,and portal vein tumor embolisms were compared between the two groups.Changes in relevant laboratory indexes before and after treatment were evaluated.The t test was used to compare the measurement data between the two groups,and the χ^(2) test was used to compare the counting data between groups.RESULTS The tumor lesion response rate in the combination group(59.62%vs 38.64%)and the response rate of patients with primary liver cancer complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus(80.77%vs 59.09%)were significantly greater than those in the control group(χ^(2)=4.196,5.421;P=0.041,0.020).At 8 wk after surgery,the serum alpha-fetoprotein,portal vein main diameter,and platelet of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the control group,and the serum alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and total bilirubin were significantly greater than those of the control group(t=3.891,3.291,2.330,3.729,3.582,4.126;P<0.05).The serum aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,and total bilirubin levels of the two groups were significantly greater than those of the same group 8 wk after surgery(P<0.05),and the peripheral blood platelet,alphafetoprotein,and main portal vein diameter were significantly less than those of the same group before surgery(P<0.05).CONCLUSION In patients with primary liver cancer and a thrombus in the portal vein,transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus portal vein 125I implantation is more effective than transcatheter arterial chemoembolization alone.However,during treatment it is crucial to pay attention to liver function injury caused by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Recent progress in two-proton radioactivity

During the last few decades,rare isotope beam facilities have provided unique data for studying the properties of nuclides located far from the beta-stability line.Such nuclei are often accompanied by exotic structures and radioactive modes,which represent the forefront of nuclear research.Among them,two-proton(2p)radioactivity is a rare decay mode found in a few highly proton-rich isotopes.The 2p decay lifetimes and properties of emitted protons hold invaluable information regarding the nuclear structures in the presence of a low-lying proton continuum;as such,they have attracted considerable research attention.In this review,we present some of the recent experimental and theoretical progress regarding the 2p decay,including technical innovations for measuring nucleon-nucleon correlations and developments in the models that connect their structural aspects with their decay properties.This impressive progress should play a significant role in elucidating the mechanism of these exotic decays,probing the corresponding components inside nuclei,and providing deep insights into the open quantum nature of dripline systems.

Petrology, geochemistry, radioactivity, and M–W type rare earth element tetrads of El Sela altered granites, south eastern desert,Egypt

The southern part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt—about 30 km southwest of Abu-Ramad city—is mainly covered by ophiolitic rocks(Sul Hamed), island arc assemblage, younger granites(muscovite granites of Qash Amer and two mica granites of El Sela), and various acidic and basic dikes. Field, petrological, and geochemical studies indicate that the El Sela shear zone has been subject to hydrothermal and supergene alteration such as kaolinization, albitization, sericitization, and hematitization. It is invaded by quartz ENE–WSW veins associated with hydrothermal alteration accompanied by radioactive mineralization. The investigated younger granitic rocks had very low contents of compatible elements, such as Cr, Ni,and Co; and high contents of incompatible elements, such as Zr, and large ion lithophiles, such as Sr, especially in the El Sela shear zone. Major oxide and trace element analyses revealed calc-alkaline affinity and peraluminous character.These highly differentiated granitic rocks' lower Zr/Hf and higher Y/Ho than the normal ratio are consistent with hydrothermal alteration. Most samples had rare earth element(REE)-patterns with an M-type tetrad effect in the first and fourth segments and a W-type tetrad in the third segment. The average ∑REE in the studied granites was lower than the world granite average; the ratio of light to heavy REEs greater. The main radioactive, uranium-bearing, and uraniferous Fe and Mn minerals are uranothorite,autunite, uranophane and autunite as compounds, kasolite,columbite, xenotime, uranophane-bearing zircon and jarosite, silver-bearing pyrite, hematite, and autunite-bearing pyrolusite.

Natural Radioactivity Measurement and Assessment of Radiological Hazards in Some Building Materials Used in Bangladesh

The radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in 24 samples of natural and manufactured building materials commonly used in Bangladesh were measured using HPGe gamma ray spectrometer. The results in the present study were compared with the world average and also with the reported data available in literature. The radium equivalent activity, the absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose, external and internal hazard indices, gamma index, alpha index, annual gonadal dose equivalent and excess lifetime cancer risk were also evaluated to assess the potential radiation hazards associated with these building materials. All samples under investigation were found to be within the recommended safety limit and do not pose any significant radiation hazards. This study can be used as a reference for more extensive studies of the same subject in future.

Removal of Radioactivity from Sediment Mud and Soil and Use for Cultivation of Safe Vegetables in Fukushima, and Removal of Toxic Metals Using Photosynthetic Bacteria

The immobilized photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodobacter shpaeroides SSI (SSI), cultured on porous 2 cm ceramic beads, effectively removed and recovered 20 mg/L of non-radioactive Cs (almost 100%) and Sr (≌50%), after 3 - 5 days of aerobic treatment. Toxic and heavy metals such as Hg, Cr, Pb and As were also removed, almost 100%, after 6days of aerobic treatment. A practical method of removal of radioactivity of 10 - 30 μSv/h, caused mainly by radioactive Cs released from the accident at the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on 11th March 2011, from sediment mud and soil in Fukushima, Japan, was also carried out. Using immobilized SSI beads, more than 90% and 42% - 73% of radioactive Cs was removed and recovered from sediment mud and soil, respectively, after 3 - 14 days of aerobic treatment in an outdoor 60 L vessel. The weight and mass of the harvested beads could be reduced by more than 97% after desiccation. This technology of removal and recovery had therefore, considerable advantages over other technologies that demanded very large storage facilities in Fukushima. After removal of radioactivity from polluted soil, vegetables like Komatsuna (Turrip leaves) and Chingensai (Green pakchoi) were cultivated on remediated soil. Safe vegetables grown on these treated soils showed a radioactivity content lower than the recommended limit for edible foods in Japan, i.e. less than <100 Bq/kg. Treatment by SSI beads, therefore, appeared to be a compact and suitable technology that could make significant contributions towards agricultural recovery in radioactively polluted areas of Fukushima.

Evaluation of Natural Radioactivity in Marine Sand Deposits from Offshore China

Natural radioactivity is very important for the assessment of the marine sand property and usability. By using gamma spectrometry, the concentration of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K have been measured in marine sand deposits from Liaodong Bay (LDB), North Yellow Sea (NYS), Zhoushan area (ZS), Taiwan Shoal (TS) and Pearl River Mouth (PR), offshore China, which are potential marine sand mining areas. The radiation activity equivalent (Raeq), indoor gamma absorbed dose rate (DR), annual effective dose (HR), alpha index (Ia), gamma index (Ig), external radiation hazard index (Hex), internal radiation hazard index (Hin), representative level index (RLI), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) associated with the natural radionuclides are calculated to assess the radiation hazard of the natural radioactivity in the marine sands offshore China. From the analysis, it is found that these marine sands are safe for the constructions. The Pearson correlation coefficient reveals that the 226Ra distribution in the marine sands offshore China is controlled by the variation of the 40K concentration. Principal component analysis (PCA) yields a two-component representation of the entire data from the marine sands, wherein 98.22% of the total variance is explained. Our results provide good baseline data to expand the database of radioactivity of building materials in China and all over the world.

Two-proton radioactivity of the excited state within the Gamow-like and modified Gamow-like models

In this study,we systematically investigated the two-proton(2p)radioactivity half-lives from the excited state of nuclei near the proton drip line within the Gamowlike model(GLM)and modified Gamow-like model(MGLM).The calculated results were highly consistent with the theoretical values obtained using the unified fission model[Chin.Phys.C 45,124105(2021)],effective liquid drop model,and generalized liquid drop model[Acta Phys.Sin 71,062301(2022)].Furthermore,utilizing the GLM and MGLM,we predicted the 2p radioactivity halflives from the excited state for some nuclei that are not yet available experimentally.Simultaneously,by analyzing the calculated results from these theoretical models,it was found that the half-lives are strongly dependent on Qand l.

A Study on the Radioactivity Level in Raw Materials, Final Products and Wastes of the Phosphate Fertilizer Industries in Bangladesh

A study on the detection of probable radionuclides and their activity concentrations in the raw material (phosphate rock), final product (fertilizer) and waste samples collected from all the phosphate fertilizer factories (total two factories—A Diammonium Phosphate, DAP and a Triple Super Phosphate, TSP factory) in Bangladesh were carried out. A total of seven types of samples (grossly divided into solid and liquid types);liquid waste, waste-mixed river water, normal river water, phosphate rock, phosphate fertilizer, solid waste and normal soil;were analyzed under this study. Raw material samples were collected only from the TSP fertilizer factory. Fertilizer, solid and liquid waste samples were collected from both the factories under study. Moreover, normal soil and natural surface water samples from the suitable areas adjacent to the factories were also collected for the comparison purpose. The samples were analyzed by gamma ray spectrometry technique using a Hyper-Pure Germanium (HPGe) detector of 40% relative efficiency. The analysis of the samples showed that only natural radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were present in the samples and no traces of artificial radioactivity were found in any of the samples. 40K was found below the detection limit in some samples. The analysis of the samples in the case of TSP fertilizer factory showed that the average activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th and 40K in raw materials were 851.27 ± 7.10, 19.63 ± 6.57 and 54.06 ± 5.93 Bq/kg, respectively, in final product 211.90 ± 4.74, 42.48 ± 10.56 Bq/kg and ND (Not Detected), respectively, in solid waste 187.49 ± 4.88, 70.06 ± 11.76 and 289.27 ± 40.24 Bq/kg, respectively and in liquid waste 6.26 ± 0.63, 10.01 ± 1.39 Bq/L and ND, respectively. The measured results in the case of samples collected from DAP fertilizer factory showed that the average activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th and 40K in the final product were 17.31 ± 3.92, 69.74 ± 9.88 and 48.46 ± 17.22 Bq/kg, respectively, in solid waste 24.47 ± 4.15, 164.62 ± 11.08, 191.52 ± 33.74 Bq/kg, respectively and in liquid waste 3.59 ± 1.05, 37.08 ± 3.30 Bq/L and ND, respectively. Considering the stored raw materials and wastes the part of the ambient environment of the factory, radium equivalent activity, radiation hazard index and external annual effective dose to the workers and public due to these materials were also calculated and compared with world average values.

Natural Radioactivity Assessment and Radiological Hazards in Soils from Qarun Lake and Wadi El Rayan in Faiyum, Egypt

The activity concentrations of naturally occurring 238U, 232Th and 40K in surface soils along Qarun Lake and Wadi El Rayan located in Faiyum, Egypt were determined. The measurements were carried out through gamma-ray spectrometry using a coaxial HPGe detector. The results were compared with those reported in the literature. The radiological hazard radium-equivalent activity index, external and internal indices, radioactivity level index, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate and total absorbed dose rate associated with radioactivity in all samples were evaluated and compared with recommended values. Correlation studies between pairs of radionuclides were performed and discussed.

Estimation of Natural Radioactivity of Some Medicinal or Herbal Plants Used in Iraq

Nine medicinal or herbal plants used in Iraq were analyzed to determine natural radioactivity. The radionuclides were determined by Gross alpha, beta and gamma spectrometry Proportional counter + NaI(Tl) detector type(XLB5) and gamma-ray spectroscopy with (HPGe) techniques. The activity concentration of 40K ranged from 124.1 Bq/kg in (Crust sample) to 88.3 Bq/kg in (Chamomile sample), for gross alpha ranged from (N.D.) in (Flax sample) to 0.4 cpm in (Anise sample), while for beta ranged from 5.7 cpm in (Flax sample) to 25.6 cpm in (Latency sample) and for gamma ranged from 0.6 cpm in (Thyme sample) to 5.10 cpm in (Coriander and Flax samples).

Radioactivity in Surface Soils Around the Proposed Sites for Titanium Mining Project in Kenya

Radioactivity measurements were carried out around Maumba and Nguluku villages, two of the proposed sites for titanium mining in the coastal area of Kenya. Samples of surface soils were analyzed using a HPGe gamma spectrometer. The average activity concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 20.9 ±7.6, 27.6 ± 9.1 and 69.5 ± 16.5 Bqkg–1, respectively. The absorbed dose rates in air, calculated on the basis of the measured activity concentrations, range from 9.8 to 50.0 nGyh-1, with an average of 29.2 nGyh-1. These values are below the global population-weighted mean, and they should be considered when planning appropriate monitoring and surveillance programmes during the mining operation, as well as the reclamation and restoration programmes after mining.

Research and implementation of the monitor for in situ radioactivity measurements in the marine environment

As the traditional methods can not meet the requirements of marine radioactivity monitoring,a radioactivity monitoring sensor used in marine field has been proposed.This sensor is based on Nal(TI) scintillation crystal and employs the special shielding method,the anticoincidence design,the spectrum stabilization algorithm of characteristic peaks and the Monte Carlo simulation fitting calibration formula.Through the continuous tests of terminals and the activity test for target nuclide ^(40)K,it is found that the sensor is stable and the error is less than 10%.

The Radioactivity of Nuclei &Solar Oscillations: New Experiments

The experimental detection of the hidden periodicities in the activity of various radioactive sources which were observed by different instruments and which coincided with the period of the free oscillations of the Sun gave an impetus to the further research. The simultaneous recording of gamma rays from two radioactive sources revealed the elements of synchronism and the periods of solar oscillations as well as the phase delay for the different sources in the obtained time series. A neutrino detector has been designed and tested, the advanced schemes for neutrino detection are developed, and the impact of the neutrino source on the radioactive matter is explored. The search for the new principles for creating the emitters of neutrino beams is conducted.

Assessment of Exposure Due to Technologically Enhanced Natural Radioactivity in Various Samples of Moroccan Building Materials

The aim of our present work is to measure the specific activities of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and the exhalation rates in terms of area and mass of 222Rn in some samples of building materials commonly used in Morocco in order to evaluate the radiological risk caused by natural radioactivity. To this end, the analyses were carried out, using two nuclear techniques, namely high resolution gamma spectrometry and alpha dosimetry based on the use of LR115, on 50 samples collected from large commercial suppliers in Morocco. The results of these analyses show that the average specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in these materials vary from 9 to 52 Bq/kg, 3 to 63 Bq/kg and 68 to 705 Bq/kg respectively. These activities remain within the permissible limits of 35 Bq/kg, 30 Bq/kg and 370 Bq/kg respectively, with the exception of a few samples of red brick, gray cement, ceramic and granite. The activity of the radium equivalent (Raeq), the internal (Hin) and external (Hex) hazard indices, the absorbed dose rate, the total annual effective dose , the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) as well as volumic activities, exhalation rates in terms of area (ES) and mass (EM) are calculated for the samples analyzed in this work in order to assess the radiological risks resulting from the use of these materials in various construction activities. It seems that the values of these indices vary from 19 to 196 Bq/kg, 0.08 to 0.67, 0.05 to 0.53, 9 to 91 nGy/h, 0.05 to 0.56 mSv/y, 0.19 × 10&minus;3 to 1.96 × 10&minus;3, 72 to 350 Bq/m3, 56 to 273 mBq&sdot;m&minus;2&sdot;h&minus;1 and 3 to 15 mBq&sdot;kg&minus;1&sdot;h&minus;1 respectively. The lowest values are identified for gypsum, while the highest are attributed to granite. All of the obtained results of these indices respect the permissible limits except for the Raeq in some granite samples, the ELCR index in all samples except gypsum and the radon volumic activity in some gray cement samples, ceramic and granite. As a result, the different types of building materials analyzed in our work do not present a health risk to the public and can be used in various construction activities, with the exception of a few samples of red brick, gray cement, ceramic and granite. The choice of the use of red brick, gray cement and ceramic should be monitored and adapted according to the criteria of the limitation of the doses whereas the use of the granite must be moderate in order to limit over time the health risk which increases with the duration of exposure of humans to these building materials.

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Rivers Sediment and Soil from the Copper Belt Artisanal Mining Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The concentrations and distribution of naturally occurring radionuclides (238U, 235U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, 228Ra, and 40K) were determined by alpha and gamma spectrometry in soil and sediments collected from Luilu and Dilala rivers located in the mining district of Kolwezi (Lualaba Province) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The average concentrations of 238U and 226Ra in the analyzed samples were 5 - 10 times higher than the world average values for soil provided by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. However, the average concentrations of 232Th were found similar to the world average. In both river basins, artisanal mining activities and mineral washing sites displayed the higher concentration values of radionuclides. The mean values of health risk indices calculated for those sites were found significantly higher compared to world average levels. Radiation protection measures seem needed to ensure the radiation safety of local populations. Graphical Abstract