Graphene-based nanocomposites as gamma- and X-ray radiation shield.

Commonly used materials for protection against ionizing radiation (gamma and X-ray energy range) primarily rely on high-density materials, like lead, steel, or tungsten. However, these materials are heavy and often impractical for various applications, especially where weight is a key parameter, like in avionics or space technology. Here, we study the shielding properties of an alternative light material-a graphene-based composite with a relatively low density ~ 1 g/cm3. We demonstrate that the linear attenuation coefficient is energy of radiation dependent, and it is validated by the XCOM model, showing relatively good agreement. We also show that the mass attenuation coefficient for selected radiation energies is at least comparable with other known materials, exceeding the value of 0.2 cm2/g for higher energies. This study proves the usefulness of a commonly used model for predicting the attenuation of gamma and X-ray radiation for new materials. It shows a new potential candidate for shielding application.

Temperature drift during environmental radiation monitoring and its unfolding.

The aim of the presented paper is to examine the temperature drift and its unfolding for an environmental monitor equipped with a LaBr3(Ce) detector. It is known that temperature could influence energy, shape, and efficiency calibration. Consequently, when ambient temperature changes, the full energy absorption peak moves in the resulting spectrum. Research consists of experimental and analytical parts. During research in the climatic chamber, the dependence on temperature of energy, shape, and efficiency calibration was completed. The numerical method allows generating gamma spectra for theoretical so-called binary temperature variation.

Dependence of photon registration efficiency on LaBr3(Ce) detector orientation for in situ radionuclide monitoring.

Knowledge of a radiation detector's numerical characteristics allows its energy efficiency to be calibrated theoretically for any measurement geometry. Here, energy efficiency calibration is discussed for oriented LaBr3(Ce) detectors used for in situ radiation monitoring. Vertical and horizontal detector orientations relative to the ground surface are compared using efficiency calibrations based on the detector's numerical characteristics and are equally effective. Quantitative assessment of the different measurement geometries was performed using a new analytical approach: integrated absolute full energy peak efficiency.

Assessment of sexual dysfunction in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a diverse variety of chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions. Sexuality is often disturbed in patients with IBD, more often affecting women than men. Many factors seem to contribute to intimacy concerns. The most popular questionnaires used in empirical research around the world are the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for women and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men. Sexual satisfaction was negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, sexual problems, and illness perceptions. When analysing the problem of IBD, disorders of sexual function should not be ignored. Patients should be screened for psychological diseases and sexual dysfunction, and necessary treatments should be given as soon as possible. By understanding what factors contribute to poor sexual functioning in patients with IBD, we may try to minimise adverse psychosocial events. Screening for sexual disorders should be a part of daily medical practice.