Enrichment of naturally occurring radionuclides and trace elements in Yatagan and Yenikoy coal-fired thermal power plants, Turkey

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 188
Author(s): Banu Ozden, Erkan Guler, Taavi Vaasma, Maria Horvath, Madis Kiisk, Tibor Kovacs
Coal, residues and waste produced by the combustion of the coal contain naturally occurring radionuclides such as ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K and trace elements such as Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn. In this work, coal and its combustion residues collected from Yatagan and Yenikoy coal fired thermal power plants (CPPs) in Turkey were studied to determine the concentrations of natural radionuclides and trace elements, and their enrichments factors to better understand the radionuclide concentration processes within the combustion system. In addition, the utilization of coal fly ash as a secondary raw material in building industry was also studied in terms of radiological aspects. Fly ash samples were taken at different stages along the emission control system of the thermal power plants. Activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides were determined with Canberra Broad Energy Germanium (BEGe) detector BE3830-P and ORTEC Soloist PIPS type semiconductor detector. The particle size distribution and trace elements contents were determined in various ash fractions by the laser scattering particle size distribution analyzer and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES). From the obtained data, natural radionuclides tend to condense on fly ash with and the activity concentrations increase as the temperature drop in CPPs. Measured ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹⁰Po concentration varied between 186 ± 20–1153 ± 44 Bq kg⁻¹, and 56 ± 5–1174 ± 45 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively. The highest ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹⁰Po activity concentrations were determined in fly ash taken from the temporary storage point as 1153 ± 44 Bq kg⁻¹ and 1174 ± 45 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively. There were significant differences in the activity concentrations of some natural radionuclide and trace elements (Pb and Zn) contents in ash fractions among the sampling point inside both of the plants (ANOVA, p < 0.001). Coal and ash sample analysis showed an increase activity concentration and enrichment factors towards the electrostatic precipitators for both of the power plants. The enrichment factors for Zn follow a similar trend as Pb, increasing in value towards the end of the emission control system. The calculated activity indexes were above 1.0 value for both of the power plants, assuming the utilization of fly ash at 100%. It can be concluded that the reuse of fly ash as a secondary raw material may not be hazardous depending on the percentage of utilization of ash.



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A Comparison of Neuroradiology and Pediatric Radiology Job Boards

Publication date: Available online 19 March 2018
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Cory M Pfeifer




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Variability in the Use of Simulation for Procedural Training in Radiology Residency: Opportunities for Improvement

Publication date: Available online 19 March 2018
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Shanna A. Matalon, Sona A. Chikarmane, Eren D. Yeh, Stacy E. Smith, William W. Mayo-Smith, Catherine S. Giess
ObjectiveIncreased attention to quality and safety has led to a re-evaluation of the classic apprenticeship model for procedural training. Many have proposed simulation as a supplementary teaching tool. The purpose of this study was to assess radiology resident exposure to procedural training and procedural simulation.Materials and MethodsAn IRB-exempt online survey was distributed to current radiology residents in the United States by e-mail. Survey results were summarized using frequency and percentages. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis where appropriate.Results353 current residents completed the survey. Thirty-seven percent (n=129/353) of respondents had never used procedure simulation. Of the residents who had used simulation, most did not do so until after having already performed procedures on patients (59%, n=132/223). The presence of a dedicated simulation center was reported by over half of residents (56%, n=196/353) and was associated with prior simulation experience (P=.007). Residents who had not had procedural simulation were somewhat likely or highly likely (3 and 4 on a 4-point Likert-scale) to participate if it were available (81%, n=104/129). Simulation training was associated with higher comfort levels in performing procedures (P<.001).ConclusionsAlthough procedural simulation training is associated with higher comfort levels when performing procedures, there is variable use in radiology resident training and its use is not currently optimized. Given the increased emphasis on patient safety, these results suggest the need to increase procedural simulation use during residency, including an earlier introduction to simulation prior to patient exposure.



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The Nine Habits of Highly Effective Radiologists

Publication date: Available online 19 March 2018
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Timothy Alves, Monica Kalume-Brigido, Corrie Yablon, Puneet Bhargava, David Fessell
Stephen R. Covey′s landmark work in the field of effectiveness and professional development delineated first seven, then ultimately eight, habits of highly effective people with applicability to all professions.¹ This article describes the eight habits in specific relation to the radiologist, and proposes a ninth habit to help one bring a positive and centered approach during the journey to effectiveness and beyond.



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Radiotherapy induced cavernomas in adult cancer patients

Publication date: Available online 19 March 2018
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Bernardo Cacho-Díaz, Karen Salmerón-Moreno, Nydia Lorenzana-Mendoza, Armando Reyes, Sergio I. Valdés-Ferrer, Gabriela Gómez-Ahumada, Gervith Reyes-Soto, Ángel Herrera-Gómez
Cerebral Cavernomas (CC) are vascular malformations located in the Central Nervous System (CNS) characterized by endothelium-lined vascular channels without parenchyma between them, whose main risk is hemorrhage. The aim of this study is to report adult cancer patients that developed CC after radiotherapy (RT) to the CNS during oncological surveillance.



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MR Imaging of the Prostate

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Radiologic Clinics of North America, Volume 56, Issue 2
Author(s): Aytekin Oto




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Management of Incidental Lung Nodules

Publication date: Available online 7 March 2018
Source:Radiologic Clinics of North America
Author(s): Jeffrey B. Alpert, Jane P. Ko

Teaser

Incidentally detected lung nodules are increasingly common in routine diagnostic computed tomography (CT) imaging. Formal management recommendations for incidental nodules, such as those outlined by the Fleischner Society, must therefore reflect a balance of malignancy risk and the clinical context in which nodules are discovered. Nodule size, attenuation, morphology, and location all influence the likelihood of malignancy and, thus, the necessity and timing of follow-up according to current Fleischner recommendations. As technological advancements in CT imaging continue, there may be greater reliance on advanced computerized analysis of lung nodule features to help determine the risk of clinically significant disease.


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