[en] The setting up of timing parameters in the experimental research of nuclear data and structures using SACP (Summation of Amplitudes Coincident Pulses) or Anticoin is very important, especially for gamma spectrometers used large volume HPGe detectors. If those parameters are not properly determined or incorrect, the related experiments may lose of much significant signals. In this work, a new method for fast setup of timing parameters for SACP has been developed and applied at NRI (Nuclear Research Institute). (author)

[en] The effects of low-energy X-ray irradiation were investigated as an intervention strategy for the disinfection of fungi-contaminated woodblocks. Fungi were isolated from the woodblocks of the Nguyen dynasty of Vietnam and Cladosporium sp. was identified as the most radiation-resistant strain in the woodblock. The dose rates of the F1 (1-mm-aluminum filtered) and F0 (non-filtered) X-rays at the surface of the woodblock were 1.14 and 4.64 kGy/h, respectively. At the middle (8.5 mm from the surface) of the woodblock, the doses of the F1 and F0 X-rays decreased to 76% and 20% of the surface doses, respectively. The F1 X-rays were useful for irradiating the inside of the woodblock; the concentration of the fungi at the middle decreased by more than 4 log fractions at 6.2 kGy and the fungi were eliminated with a surface dose of 8.3 kGy. Furthermore, the contaminated fungi in the woodblock were disinfected by both-side irradiation with F1 X-rays delivering a dose of 10 kGy at a dose uniformity of 1.04. (author)

[en] Low-dose radiation stimulates plant growth, particularly in mosses, thereby enhancing their ability to absorb airborne elements using the moss bag technique. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of low-energy X-ray radiation (1-20 Gy, with a 1 Gy interval) on the growth of Babular indica moss. The results revealed that doses ranging from 2 Gy to 16 Gy improved moss growth compared to the non-irradiated control. The optimum stimulatory effect was observed at 14 Gy, as indicated by morphological characteristics, moss weight, and chlorophyll content. Consequently, 14 Gy was selected as the irradiation dose for moss in the monitoring environment. Analysis of element concentrations using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) demonstrated that the irradiated moss exhibited significantly improved element absorption compared to the non-irradiated moss, although still lower than that of natural moss. This study emphasizes that low-dose (14 Gy) radiation treatment of mosses holds promise as a solution for achieving more accurate results and a closer reflection of real air conditions in environmental monitoring using the moss bag technique. (author)

[en] Highlights: • The study was conducted on nail samples collected from 62 men dividing into healthy and colon cancel groups. • Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) technique was successfully used for elemental analysis in nail sample. • The elements, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, and Br, were detected and analysed. • The elements Ca, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, and Se were found to have good correlation with colon cancer. Sixty-two subjects (31 men with colon cancer) participated in this study. The analysis of elements in the nails was performed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) technique. The results showed that fifteen elements were quantified, including the following: S, P, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, and Br. We have found that there were significant differences in the concentrations of elements Ca, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, and Se between normal subjects and men with colon cancer (p < 0.05). We conclude that TXRF is a technique suitable for elemental analysis in human nail samples. The concentration of elements Ca, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, and Se could be among the factors used for the diagnosis of colon cancer risk in men.