Vol. 10, 2025

Radon and Thoron

THE RADON EYE MONITOR: A REVIEW OF BENEFITS AND PROBLEMS

Peter Bossew

Pages: 1-5

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.01

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

The RadonEye is an active radon gas monitor that has become increasingly popular for some years. Among consumer grade active radon monitors it is the most sensitive one. It is sold for a fair price and it is easy to operate via a Smartphone app through Bluetooth connection. This makes it useful for individual radon monitoring and for research in the framework of Citizen Science, for example in the context identifying radon priority areas, recording radon time series or measuring radon exhalation. If limitations are considered, it can be used in scientific research. In this paper its benefits and problems are reviewed and examples of its usage given.
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Biotechnology

STUDY OF CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMULA VULGARIS USING RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Evi Llaka, Arjana Ylli, Ramadan Firanj, Eugena Dedushaj

Pages: 6-10

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.02

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

Primrose, or Primula vulgaris, is a perennial herb that has long been prized for its therapeutic qualities. The entire plant is used for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and healing-promoting properties. P. vulgaris is effective in treating rheumatic disorders, gout, insomnia, anxiety, respiratory tract infections, and bronchitis. This study examines the ecological variation of Primula vulgaris from two locations: Dajti Mountain, which is 1023 meters above sea level, and the Tirana Hills, 217 meters above sea level. These locations provide different environmental conditions, making it possible to investigate how these ecological variations might affect the traits of plants. Leaf dimensions (length and width), chlorophyll content were measured, and statistical analysis were performed using Mann-Whitney U test. The findings showed that there was a statistically significant variation in leaf size, with Dajti Mountain plants having shorter leaves. For this study, Raman spectroscopy measurements were performed using a B&W Tek i-Raman Ex Raman spectrometer. We have encountered the presence of Rutin and Tangerine essential oil, from the characteristic peaks present in the Raman spectra. These findings provide insights into how altitude and light exposure shape the morphological, physiological, and chemical traits of Primula vulgaris, revealing that plants in sunnier, low-altitude habitats develop broader leaves and higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, while those at higher elevations exhibit greater chlorophyll content and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency.
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Radon and Thoron

INDOOR RADON SURVEY IN TIRANA CITY, ALBANIA

Blerim Rrakaqi, Gerti Xhixha, Kozeta Tushe, Merita Xhixha (Kaçeli), Njomza Elezaj, Ylli Kaçiu, Nazim Gashi

Pages: 11-15

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.03

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

Indoor radon concentration is investigated in the urban area of Tirana city, the capital of Albania. CR-39 Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs) are used to survey 147 dwellings and 78 workplaces during 3-month measurements. In dwellings, the arithmetic mean and geometric mean value of radon concentration are found to be 97 and 71 Bq/m3, while in workplaces 131 and 98 Bq/m3, respectively. Radon concentration on the ground floor in dwellings is higher than that of other floors, while for workplaces no significant difference is found among floors. Radon concentrations in dwellings and workplaces are found to be higher than the reference level of 300 Bq/m3 for approximately 6% and 9% of cases, respectively. The results are spatially distributed using a grid of 1×1 km2 realizing the indoor radon map showing the number of measurements and the arithmetic mean values. This information is used to assess the radiation health risk due to residential exposure to radon indoors.
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Radiation Measurements

OPTIMAL GEOMETRIC DESIGN OF THE DIAPHRAGM OF A FREE-AIR IONIZATION CHAMBER FOR LOW-ENERGY X-RAYS

Jessica Gschweng, Stefan Pojtinger

Pages: 16-20

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.04

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

For reliable and comparable measurements of the dose quantity air kerma, dosimeter measurements must be traceable to a primary standard. Primary standard laboratories use free-air ionization chambers (FACs) for the primary realization of the unit of the air kerma free-in-air. Correction factors must be applied to convert measured charge to air kerma. One such correction factor is the correction factor for diaphragm effects (kdia). This study investigated the impact of the geometry of the diaphragm on kdia, as established FACs from different metrology institutes use different diaphragm geometries. The aim was to find the optimal diaphragm thickness and aperture shape to minimize the required diaphragm correction for the new PTB primary standard. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine kdia for various diaphragm geometries of a low-energy x-ray FAC. The influence of the diaphragm thickness and the aperture shape were investigated. The results showed that the diaphragm needs to be sufficiently thick to prevent transmission yet as thin as possible to reduce scattering at the inner surface of the aperture. The optimal diaphragm thickness, which depends on the air path length of the FAC, ranges from 0.8 mm to 1 mm. Using a diaphragm geometry with a more complex geometry than a simple 1 mm thick diaphragm with a cylindrical aperture is not advantageous.
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Medical Physics

EXAMINING LESION VISIBILITY OF THICK COMPRESSED BREASTS UNDER DIFFERENT IONIZING RADIATION EXPOSURE CONDITIONS BY USING A MAMMOGRAPHIC MATHEMATICAL PHANTOM

Spyridoula Katsanevaki, Nektarios Kalyvas, Christos Michail, Ioannis Valais, George Fountos, Ioannis Kandarakis

Pages: 21-27

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.05

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

Mammography is an X-ray imaging application used for breast diagnosis. Its high importance is denoted by the routinely mammographic examinations suggested for women above a certain age. In the era of digital mammography, various dedicated detector designs have been considered for possible use in a mammographic system. Despite, the detector characteristics the image of thick or dense breasts is a challenge since the amount of radiation transmitted through the breast and incident at the detector surface is a function of the ionizing radiation energy and exposure. In addition, possible breast lesions may be visible or not depending upon their size and composition. In general, a large size and high atomic number lesion has higher visibility than a small size and low atomic number one. A simple mathematical breast phantom was designed which was comprised from breast tissue as a background material and areas corresponding to a) blood for low atomic number material and b) Ca for a high atomic number material like microcalcifications. The phantom dimensions were 1000×1000 pixels, while the lesions were constructed as squares ranging from 2x2 pixels up to 50×50 pixels and lines. The breast thicknesses considered were 5.2 cm and 6 cm for the phantom. For the Ca the thicknesses ranged from 0.0008 cm up to 0.01 cm and for the blood lesions from 0.08 cm up to 0.5 cm. Simulations of the irradiated with 22 keV and 28 keV X-ray photons for different photon fluences, which after transmission from the phantom they have been assumed to impinge a Dexela mammographic detector, have been performed. It was found that at 22 keV and 6 cm breast thickness the 0.003 cm, 10×10 Ca lesion could be observed as well as the 20×20 blood lesion of 0.2 cm thickness. The increase of photon fluence improved the derived image due to the decrease of the image noise levels. The 5.2 cm thickness irradiation conditions produced less noisy images due to the higher number of photons impinging on the detector surface.
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Radiation Protection

EVALUATION OF TLD-200 SENSITIVITY AND COMPARISON WITH TLD-100 AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Ervis Gega, Elida Bylyku, Elda Spahiu, Klaudia Kaçori

Pages: 28-34

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.06

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

This study aims to evaluate the dosimetric performance of TLD-200 thermoluminescent dosimeters and compare them with TLD-100, evaluating their suitability for radiation monitoring applications. The research relies on key dosimetric features, including linearity, temperature sensitivity, fading, and reproducibility. All experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions, adhering to the ambient temperature and relative humidity specifications provided by the manufacturer. Our work began with the calibration and validation of the Harshaw 6600 TLD reader to ensure accurate dose measurements. A total of 200 dosimeters were used to obtain statistically significant results. Linearity was evaluated for various dose levels provided by the internal Sr-90 beta irradiator, while fading effects were investigated to determine signal attenuation over time. Additionally, temperature sensitivity tests were performed to evaluate the impact of thermal variations on dosimetric response. Advanced statistical techniques were employed to assess measurement repeatability, reproducibility homogeneity etc. The results demonstrate that both TLD-100 and TLD-200 display reliable performance, with notable variations in sensitivity and stability under different dose ranges and environmental conditions. These outcomes confirm the suitability of the TLD-200 dosimeters for accurate dose measurement for research study and other monitoring measurements, but we can’t use those TLDs in the long term as bimonthly individual monitoring.
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Radon and Thoron

OUTDOOR RADIATION BACKGROUND SURVEY DESIGN

Kremena Ivanova, Todor Yordanov, Tsvetelin Tsrunchev, Daniela Draganova, Georgi Apostolov, Jana Djounova, Dimitar Antonov

Pages: 35-39

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.07

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

Combined measurements of outdoor gamma background and radon in populated urban areas have not previously been conducted in Bulgaria. Such outdoor measurements can provide information on natural background concentrations, allowing the identification and quantification of anthropogenic contributions. In addition, local outdoor radon levels influence indoor radon concentrations; therefore, these data could supplement other parameters used to identify radon priority areas. Guided by these goals, an outdoor radiation background survey is planned under project КП-06-Н87/3 of the National Science Fund, Bulgaria. The purpose of this paper is to present the prepared research design. The preparatory activities include: (1) identification of the target population; (2) selection of a representative sample using an appropriate sampling method; and (3) determination of the types of detectors and the integrated system for combined measurements. The article presents the results of the statistical analyses performed for the sampling design using the Complex Samples procedures in IBM SPSS. The target population consists of all urban sites in Bulgaria (218 in total). Simple Random Sampling without replacement was applied, with each unit selected with equal probability. Population size was used for stratifying the urban sites into non-overlapping subgroups. The subgroups are defined as follows: fewer than 5,000 people, 5,001–30,000 people, and more than 30,000 people. The randomly selected sample consists of 96 towns (excluding Sofia city), each of which will be investigated using more than one detector. An integral system will be installed at each selected location, comprising passive radon detectors and TLD dosimeters for gamma background measurement, encased in a protective enclosure.
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Material Science

THE STUDY OF BLACK PIGMENTS USED BY ALBANIAN POST-BYZANTINE PAINTERS JANI AND VASILI IN THE XVIII CENTURY

Ramadan Firanj, Fatos Ylli, Olta Çakaj, Gentian Vokopola, Era Xhaferri, Enkelejda Nesturi

Pages: 40-44

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.08

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

The study of black pigments used in orthodox church frescoes in southern Albania was conducted using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. These frescoes, painted by the atelier of Jani and his son Vasili from Qestorati, represent artistic expressions that have been preserved since the 18th century. The frescoes belong to The Church of the Monastery of Saint Michael in Nivan, near Gjirokastra (1779), and The Church of Saint Nikolla in Dhrovjan village, Saranda district (1796). The techniques used by painters of the post-Byzantine period have been traced through specific research. Over the years, artists have experimented with modern materials and their combinations. The black pigments used by Jani and Vasili’s atelier consist of light elements based on carbon structures, as investigated through Raman and XRF spectroscopy. Their molecular composition corresponds to a graphite structure. Measurements with EDXRF were performed to detect any traces of heavy elements.
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Medical Physics

RESPONSE OF ALANINE DOSIMETER TO ULTRA-HIGH DOSE RATE ELECTRON BEAM

Supaporn Srisuwan, Pradip Deb, Eugene Tan, Tessa Charles, Moshi Geso

Pages: 45-50

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.09

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

The development of ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) platform machines and extensive studies on radiobiological effects have demonstrated a reduction in normal tissue toxicity via FLASH radiotherapy. Very high-energy electrons (VHEE) with energies ranging from 50 to 250 MeV have gained increasing interest to be employed as radiation sources for FLASH radiotherapy due to their ability to penetrate deeply seated targets. The delivery of high doses within sub-seconds (>40 Gy/s), pose significant dosimetric challenges. Conventional detectors suffer from saturation and ion recombination, leading to substantial errors and uncertainties in measurements. Alanine dosimeters can potentially be well suited for such UHDR beams. They are composed of organic crystalline amino acids. Alanine radiation characteristics are similar to those of tissue. Stable free radicals generated in irradiated alanine have unpaired electron which can be measured using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometers. The amplitude of the measured signal is correlated to the energy deposition i.e. dose. Alanine dosimeter is used as a secondary standard dosimeter in radiotherapy by several national metrology laboratories. Alanine is weak energy dependent within the therapeutic energy range (6-25 MeV). Its dose rate independence makes alanine a potential dosimeter for UHDR dosimetry. However, the response of alanine to very high energy electrons has not been reported, which is the chief aim of this research. Alanine pellets calibrated with Co-60 gamma-ray, were irradiated using 100 MeV electron beams from the Pulsed Energetic Electrons for Research (PEER) end station, which serves as the injector for the Australian Synchrotron. The linac can deliver electron pulses with pulse dose rate of 107Gy/s. Six different dose per pulse (DPP) from 6 – 28 Gy per pulse (in single pulse of 200 ns time) were delivered to alanine pellets, with three pallets for each dose. The EPR spectra of irradiated alanine pallets were measured using Bruker EPR spectrometer. The amplitudes of the spectra were converted to absorbed dose to water using a calibration curve for alanine dosimeter irradiated with Co-60 gamma ray. The absorbed dose measurement of the alanine dosimeter irradiated with a 100 MeV VHEE beam is 16 % lower compared to the nominal dose as measured by Faraday cup. The relative response of alanine dosimeter for 100 MeV electron beam was 0.84. This result demonstrates the significant energy dependence of alanine dosimeters when exposed to a 100 MeV VHEE.
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Radon and Thoron

PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN THE BUILDINGS OF UNIVERSITY ALEKSANDËR MOISIU, DURRËS (ALBANIA)

Merita Xhixha (Kaçeli) , Gerti Xhixha, Stela Sefa, Kozeta Tushe, Anisa Liti, Julian Priska, Osman Metalla, Blerim Rrakaqi

Pages: 51-53

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.10

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

Indoor radon concentrations were measured in the main buildings of the two campus sites of the University Aleksandër Moisiu, Durrës. The measurements were performed using the passive method based on solid-state nuclear track detectors (CR-39) in two seasons’ winter and summer, which cover almost the entire period of an academic year. In a few cases, the active method was used to check on diurnal variations of indoor radon concentrations. The average indoor radon concentrations measured in the autumn-winter season (67 measurements in 49 locations) and discussed in this preliminary analysis were found to range from 14 up to 98 Bq m-3. All the measurements were found to be under the reference level of Albanian legislation for indoor radon concentration in workplaces. No significant differences in radon concentrations were found among buildings and between various floors. The preliminary average effective dose was calculated by using ICRP recommendations considering the standard exposure period was found to be 0.6 mSv/year.
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Radiation Protection

A NEW PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DOSIMETER: THE PDOZ

Lucia Salvi, Ali Behcet Alpat, Giovanni Bartolini, Marco Bizzarri, Andrea Papi, Leonello Servoli, Haider Raheem

Pages: 54-58

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.11

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

The PDOZ is a personal electronic dosimeter designed to measure exposure to ionizing radiation in environments such as research laboratories, hospitals, and nuclear facilities. Its aim is to detect, discriminate, and measure the dose and dose rate from beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons in real-time in mixed radiation fields of unknown sources. The device features three scintillators: a thin BC408 for beta particles, a thick BC408 for neutrons, and the CsI(Tl) for gamma rays. At the bottom surface of each scintillator, two silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are attached to a total of six SiPMs. Geant4 simulations were used to optimize the materials and thicknesses of the scintillators. Preliminary experimental measurements with 90Sr, 60Co and 137Cs sources show good agreement with the simulations for the single scintillator PDOZ configuration based on BC408. Further comparisons between simulated and experimental results for 90Sr, 60Co and 137Cs, as well as neutron detection efficiency tests, are ongoing with the complete geometry of the PDOZ.
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Radiation Measurements

ASSESSMENT OF GAMMA DOSE RATE AND POPULATION EXPOSURE IN THE TOWN OF BERAT, ALBANIA

Jurgen Shano, Brunilda Daci, Elida Bylyku

Pages: 59-64

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2025.12

Abstract | References | Full Text (PDF)

This study aims to establish the gamma dose rate and accumulated radiation dose in Berat and compare the exposure of inhabitants in the old town district, which has been under UNESCO protection since 2008, with that of those living in other parts of the city. For this purpose, we utilized the Backpack ATOMTEX device and took measurements at various points, following international guidelines for environmental radiation monitoring. To calculate a per-year population dose estimation, the conversion coefficient from absorbed dose in air to effective dose was used. Data were analyzed and processed using the Kriging method of interpolation to address the spatial distribution of values, as well as MATLAB for numerical data processing. The largest gamma dose rate in the city was 0.134 μGy/h. Because two-thirds of people spend time indoors and one-third outdoors, the residents’ annual effective dose is approximately 0.087 mSv/year, which is lower than the European Union’s limit of 1 mSv/year. The results indicate a uniform and low-level natural background radiation environment across Berat, with no radiological risk for the public. These findings contribute valuable baseline data for environmental radiation monitoring in historically significant urban areas and support future public health planning.
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