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Oboo M, Nytak VB, Bulelwa N, Kim J. Consequence assessment of hypothetical urban radiological dispersal device incident in Korea. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2024; 272:107332. [PMID: 37984219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) are designed to disperse radioactive material over a wide area, leading to significant consequences to the environment and public health. This paper discusses the radiological effects of a potential RDD detonation containing 137Cs and 241Am in the commercial area of Busan, South Korea. The assessment, conducted with HotSpot Health Physics and RESRAD-RDD codes, found that summer had the most significant impact, with a maximum total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) of 280 mSv at 100 m and this decreased to 1 mSv at 4.5 km from the detonation point within the time interval of 35 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Oboo
- Department of NPP Engineering, KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, Republic of Korea
| | - Victor Bakut Nytak
- Department of NPP Engineering, KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, Republic of Korea
| | - Ngwenya Bulelwa
- Department of NPP Engineering, KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoul Kim
- Department of NPP Engineering, KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, Republic of Korea.
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Sydes M, Hine L, Higginson A, McEwan J, Dugan L, Mazerolle L. Criminal justice interventions for preventing radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism: An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1366. [PMID: 38024779 PMCID: PMC10644945 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Criminal justice agencies are well positioned to help prevent the radicalisation of individuals and groups, stop those radicalised from engaging in violence, and reduce the likelihood of terrorist attacks. This Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) presents the existing evidence and gaps in the evaluation research. Objectives To identify the existing evidence that considers the effectiveness of criminal justice interventions in preventing radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism. Search Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of the academic and grey literature to locate relevant studies for the EGM. Our search locations included the Global Policing Database (GPD), eight electronic platforms encompassing over 20 academic databases, five trial registries and over 30 government and non-government websites. The systematic search was carried out between 8 June 2022 and 1 August 2022. Selection Criteria We captured criminal justice interventions published between January 2002 and December 2021 that aimed to prevent radicalisation, violent extremism, and/or terrorism. Criminal justice agencies were broadly defined to include police, courts, and corrections (both custodial and community). Eligible populations included criminal justice practitioners, places, communities or family members, victims, or individuals/groups who are radicalised or at risk of becoming radicalised. Our map includes systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, and strong quasi-experimental studies. We placed no limits on study outcomes, language, or geographic location. Data Collection and Analysis Our screening approach differed slightly for the different sources, but all documents were assessed in the systematic review software program DistillerSR on the same final eligibility criteria. Once included, we extracted information from studies using a standardised form that allowed us to collect key data for our EGM. Eligible systematic reviews were assessed for risk of bias using the AMSTAR 2 critical appraisal tool. Main Results The systematic search identified 63,763 unique records. After screening, there were 70 studies eligible for the EGM (from 71 documents), of which two were systematic reviews (assessed as moderate quality), 16 were randomised controlled trials, and 52 were strong quasi-experimental studies. The majority of studies (n = 58) reported on policing interventions. Limited evidence was found related to courts or corrections interventions. The impact of these interventions was measured by a wide variety of outcomes (n = 50). These measures were thematically grouped under nine broad categories including (1) terrorism, (2) extremism or radicalisation, (3) non-terror related crime and recidivism, (4) citizen perceptions/intentions toward the criminal justice system and government, (5) psychosocial, (6) criminal justice practitioner behaviours/attitudes/beliefs, (7) racially targeted criminal justice practices, (8) investigation efficacy, and (9) organisational factors. The most commonly assessed outcomes included measures of terrorism, investigation efficacy, and organisational factors. Very limited research assessed intervention effectiveness against measures of extremism and/or radicalisation. Authors’ Conclusions Conducting high-quality evaluation research on rare and hidden problems presents a challenge for criminal justice research. The map reveals a number of significant gaps in studies evaluating criminal justice responses to terrorism and radicalisation. We conclude that future research should focus attention on studies that consolidate sound measurement of terrorism-related outcomes to better capture the potential benefits and harms of counter-terrorism programs, policies and practices which involve criminal justice agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Sydes
- Griffith Criminology InstituteGriffith UniversityBrisbaneAustralia
- School of Criminology and Criminal JusticeGriffith UniversityBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Lorelei Hine
- School of Social ScienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Angela Higginson
- School of Justice, Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social JusticeQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneAustralia
| | - James McEwan
- School of Social ScienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Laura Dugan
- Department of SociologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
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Rother FC, Rebello WF, Healy MJF, Silva MM, Cabral PAM, Vital HC, Andrade ER. Radiological Risk Assessment by Convergence Methodology Model in RDD Scenarios. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2016; 36:2039-2046. [PMID: 26895431 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A radiological dispersal device (RDD) is a simple weapon capable of causing human harm, environmental contamination, disruption, area denial, and economic cost. It can affect small, large, or long areas depending on atmospheric stability. The risk of developing a radio-induced cancer depends on exposure, and an effective response depends upon available timely guidance. This article proposes and demonstrates a convergence of three different capabilities to assess risk and support rapid safe resource efficient response. The three capabilities that are integrated are Hotspot for dispersion, RERF for epidemiological risk, and RESRAD-RDD for response guidance. The combined methodology supports decisions on risk reduction and resource allocation through work schedules, the designation and composition of response teams, and siting for operations. In the illustrative RDD scenario, the contamination area for sheltering, evacuation, and long-term public concern was greatest for calm atmospheric conditions, whilst close-quarter responders faced highest dose rates for neutral atmospheric conditions. Generally, the risks to women responders were found to be significantly greater than for men, and the risks to 20-year-old responders were three times that of their 60-year-old counterparts for similar exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fagner C Rother
- Institute of Radioprotection and Dosimetry (CNEN/IRD), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson F Rebello
- Nuclear Engineering Graduate Program, Military Institute of Engineering, (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matthew J F Healy
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, UK
| | - Mauricio M Silva
- Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Defense Division (CBRN), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo A M Cabral
- Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Defense Division (CBRN), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hélio C Vital
- Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Defense Division (CBRN), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edson R Andrade
- Institute of Radioprotection and Dosimetry (CNEN/IRD), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Nuclear Engineering Graduate Program, Military Institute of Engineering, (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Defense Division (CBRN), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Parikh N, Hayatnagarkar HG, Beckman RJ, Marathe MV, Swarup S. A comparison of multiple behavior models in a simulation of the aftermath of an improvised nuclear detonation. AUTONOMOUS AGENTS AND MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS 2016; 30:1148-1174. [PMID: 27909393 PMCID: PMC5127398 DOI: 10.1007/s10458-016-9331-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We describe a large-scale simulation of the aftermath of a hypothetical 10kT improvised nuclear detonation at ground level, near the White House in Washington DC. We take a synthetic information approach, where multiple data sets are combined to construct a synthesized representation of the population of the region with accurate demographics, as well as four infrastructures: transportation, healthcare, communication, and power. In this article, we focus on the model of agents and their behavior, which is represented using the options framework. Six different behavioral options are modeled: household reconstitution, evacuation, healthcare-seeking, worry, shelter-seeking, and aiding & assisting others. Agent decision-making takes into account their health status, information about family members, information about the event, and their local environment. We combine these behavioral options into five different behavior models of increasing complexity and do a number of simulations to compare the models.
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Dickson ED, Hamby DM. Experimental shielding evaluation of the radiation protection provided by the structurally significant components of residential structures. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2014; 34:201-221. [PMID: 24487195 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/34/1/201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The human health and environmental effects following a postulated accidental release of radioactive material to the environment have been a public and regulatory concern since the early development of nuclear technology. These postulated releases have been researched extensively to better understand the potential risks for accident mitigation and emergency planning purposes. The objective of this investigation is to provide an updated technical basis for contemporary building shielding factors for the US housing stock. Building shielding factors quantify the protection from ionising radiation provided by a certain building type. Much of the current data used to determine the quality of shielding around nuclear facilities and urban environments is based on simplistic point-kernel calculations for 1950s era suburbia and is no longer applicable to the densely populated urban environments realised today. To analyse a building's radiation shielding properties, the ideal approach would be to subject a variety of building types to various radioactive sources and measure the radiation levels in and around the building. While this is not entirely practicable, this research analyses the shielding effectiveness of ten structurally significant US housing-stock models (walls and roofs) important for shielding against ionising radiation. The experimental data are used to benchmark computational models to calculate the shielding effectiveness of various building configurations under investigation from two types of realistic environmental source terms. Various combinations of these ten shielding models can be used to develop full-scale computational housing-unit models for building shielding factor calculations representing 69.6 million housing units (61.3%) in the United States. Results produced in this investigation provide a comparison between theory and experiment behind building shielding factor methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Dickson
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics, Oregon State University, USA
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Pietrofesa R, Turowski J, Tyagi S, Dukes F, Arguiri E, Busch TM, Gallagher-Colombo SM, Solomides CC, Cengel KA, Christofidou-Solomidou M. Radiation mitigating properties of the lignan component in flaxseed. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:179. [PMID: 23557217 PMCID: PMC3636021 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wholegrain flaxseed (FS), and its lignan component (FLC) consisting mainly of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), have potent lung radioprotective properties while not abrogating the efficacy of radiotherapy. However, while the whole grain was recently shown to also have potent mitigating properties in a thoracic radiation pneumonopathy model, the bioactive component in the grain responsible for the mitigation of lung damage was never identified. Lungs may be exposed to radiation therapeutically for thoracic malignancies or incidentally following detonation of a radiological dispersion device. This could potentially lead to pulmonary inflammation, oxidative tissue injury, and fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the radiation mitigating effects of FLC in a mouse model of radiation pneumonopathy. METHODS We evaluated FLC-supplemented diets containing SDG lignan levels comparable to those in 10% and 20% whole grain diets. 10% or 20% FLC diets as compared to an isocaloric control diet (0% FLC) were given to mice (C57/BL6) (n=15-30 mice/group) at 24, 48, or 72-hours after single-dose (13.5 Gy) thoracic x-ray treatment (XRT). Mice were evaluated 4 months post-XRT for blood oxygenation, lung inflammation, fibrosis, cytokine and oxidative damage levels, and survival. RESULTS FLC significantly mitigated radiation-related animal death. Specifically, mice fed 0% FLC demonstrated 36.7% survival 4 months post-XRT compared to 60-73.3% survival in mice fed 10%-20% FLC initiated 24-72 hours post-XRT. FLC also mitigated radiation-induced lung fibrosis whereby 10% FLC initiated 24-hours post-XRT significantly decreased fibrosis as compared to mice fed control diet while the corresponding TGF-beta1 levels detected immunohistochemically were also decreased. Additionally, 10-20% FLC initiated at any time point post radiation exposure, mitigated radiation-induced lung injury evidenced by decreased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) protein and inflammatory cytokine/chemokine release at 16 weeks post-XRT. Importantly, neutrophilic and overall inflammatory cell infiltrate in airways and levels of nitrotyrosine and malondialdehyde (protein and lipid oxidation, respectively) were also mitigated by the lignan diet. CONCLUSIONS Dietary FLC given early post-XRT mitigated radiation effects by decreasing inflammation, lung injury and eventual fibrosis while improving survival. FLC may be a useful agent, mitigating adverse effects of radiation in individuals exposed to incidental radiation, inhaled radioisotopes or even after the initiation of radiation therapy to treat malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Pietrofesa
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Abramson Research Building, Suite 1016C, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Jonsson L, Plamboeck AH, Johansson E, Waldenvik M. Various consequences regarding hypothetical dispersion of airborne radioactivity in a city center. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 116:99-113. [PMID: 23103582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In case of dispersion of airborne radioactive material in a city center a number of questions will prompt for an answer. While many questions can get their answers in due course of time based on results of tests and sampling, a good understanding of the quantitative effect of dispersion will be very helpful to rescue staff, in particular in the early stage. In the following dose and dose rate estimates are presented for three scenarios including dispersion of radioactivity in a city center. In one case the activity is released in an open place, in another from a roof and in the third case from a source on a street where the wind is blowing along the street. In each case, at specific positions, estimates are made of dose from inhalation, and dose rates for contamination on skin as well as from radioactive particles deposited onto ground, walls and roofs (external exposure) in the city center. It should be noted that the deposition pattern in urban areas varies greatly which means that the consequences are difficult to predict. The dispersion is influenced by recirculation behind tall buildings and diverted flow close to street-ends, which have significant effects on the deposit pattern. Regarding the relative importance of contributions to total dose it is found that inhalation could play a major role for long term effects while dose to skin might dominate acute effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lage Jonsson
- FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Cementvägen 20, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden.
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Lambert JH, Parlak AI, Zhou Q, Miller JS, Fontaine MD, Guterbock TM, Clements JL, Thekdi SA. Understanding and managing disaster evacuation on a transportation network. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2013; 50:645-658. [PMID: 22789430 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Uncertain population behaviors in a regional emergency could potentially harm the performance of the region's transportation system and subsequent evacuation effort. The integration of behavioral survey data with travel demand modeling enables an assessment of transportation system performance and the identification of operational and public health countermeasures. This paper analyzes transportation system demand and system performance for emergency management in three disaster scenarios. A two-step methodology first estimates the number of trips evacuating the region, thereby capturing behavioral aspects in a scientifically defensible manner based on survey results, and second, assigns these trips to a regional highway network, using geographic information systems software, thereby making the methodology transferable to other locations. Performance measures are generated for each scenario including maps of volume-to-capacity ratios, geographic contours of evacuation time from the center of the region, and link-specific metrics such as weighted average speed and traffic volume. The methods are demonstrated on a 600 segment transportation network in Washington, DC (USA) and are applied to three scenarios involving attacks from radiological dispersion devices (e.g., dirty bombs). The results suggests that: (1) a single detonation would degrade transportation system performance two to three times more than that which occurs during a typical weekday afternoon peak hour, (2) volume on several critical arterials within the network would exceed capacity in the represented scenarios, and (3) resulting travel times to reach intended destinations imply that un-aided evacuation is impractical. These results assist decisions made by two categories of emergency responders: (1) transportation managers who provide traveler information and who make operational adjustments to improve the network (e.g., signal retiming) and (2) public health officials who maintain shelters, food and water stations, or first aid centers along evacuation routes. This approach may also interest decisionmakers who are in a position to influence the allocation of emergency resources, including healthcare providers, infrastructure owners, transit providers, and regional or local planning staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Lambert
- Center for Risk Management of Engineering Systems, Department of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
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Parlak AI, Lambert JH, Guterbock TM, Clements JL. Population behavioral scenarios influencing radiological disaster preparedness and planning. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2012; 48:353-362. [PMID: 22664701 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2012.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Considerable attention is focused on plans for sheltering or evacuating the population of the US national capital region in response to a regional emergency such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster. Such planning engages multiple disciplines spanning infrastructure engineering, emergency management, health care, mass communication, water and food supply, logistics, and others. Knowledge of population behaviors should influence the many dimensions of protection, prevention, response, and recovery. Of particular interest are the behaviors and needs of the resident and non-resident populations in the aftermath of a regional disaster, including those at home, at work, and traveling. The authors deployed a 30-min telephone survey to 2700 residents of the region to gain knowledge of their intended behaviors in the event of a variety of potential dirty bomb attacks. The survey provides a unique foundation for the current paper. The paper will identify and model the assumptions of population behaviors that most affect agency priorities for emergency planning including regional sheltering and evacuation following a radiological disaster such as a dirty bomb. The technical approach assessed several planning initiatives across performance criteria derived from strategic plans and applied combinations of behavioral assumptions to vary the relative importance of each criterion. The results reveal the behavioral scenarios that are most significant to the prioritization of planning initiatives and identify the highest and lowest priority initiatives across the criteria used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse I Parlak
- Department of Systems and Information Engineering, and Center for Risk Management of Engineering Systems, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Christofidou-Solomidou M, Tyagi S, Tan KS, Hagan S, Pietrofesa R, Dukes F, Arguiri E, Heitjan DF, Solomides CC, Cengel KA. Dietary flaxseed administered post thoracic radiation treatment improves survival and mitigates radiation-induced pneumonopathy in mice. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:269. [PMID: 21702963 PMCID: PMC3146937 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Flaxseed (FS) is a dietary supplement known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Radiation exposure of lung tissues occurs either when given therapeutically to treat intrathoracic malignancies or incidentally, such as in the case of exposure from inhaled radioisotopes released after the detonation of a radiological dispersion devise (RDD). Such exposure is associated with pulmonary inflammation, oxidative tissue damage and irreversible lung fibrosis. We previously reported that dietary FS prevents pneumonopathy in a rodent model of thoracic X-ray radiation therapy (XRT). However, flaxseed's therapeutic usefulness in mitigating radiation effects post-exposure has never been evaluated. Methods We evaluated the effects of a 10%FS or isocaloric control diet given to mice (C57/BL6) in 2 separate experiments (n = 15-25 mice/group) on 0, 2, 4, 6 weeks post a single dose 13.5 Gy thoracic XRT and compared it to an established radiation-protective diet given preventively, starting at 3 weeks prior to XRT. Lungs were evaluated four months post-XRT for blood oxygenation levels, inflammation and fibrosis. Results Irradiated mice fed a 0%FS diet had a 4-month survival rate of 40% as compared to 70-88% survival in irradiated FS-fed mouse groups. Additionally, all irradiated FS-fed mice had decreased fibrosis compared to those fed 0%FS. Lung OH-Proline content ranged from 96.5 ± 7.1 to 110.2 ± 7.7 μg/ml (Mean ± SEM) in all irradiated FS-fed mouse groups, as compared to 138 ± 10.8 μg/ml for mice on 0%FS. Concomitantly, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) protein and weight loss associated with radiation cachexia was significantly decreased in all FS-fed groups. Inflammatory cell influx to lungs also decreased significantly except when FS diet was delayed by 4 and 6 weeks post XRT. All FS-fed mice (irradiated or not), maintained a higher blood oxygenation level as compared to mice on 0%FS. Similarly, multiplex cytokine analysis in the BAL fluid revealed a significant decrease of specific inflammatory cytokines in FS-fed mice. Conclusions Dietary FS given post-XRT mitigates radiation effects by decreasing pulmonary fibrosis, inflammation, cytokine secretion and lung damage while enhancing mouse survival. Dietary supplementation of FS may be a useful adjuvant treatment mitigating adverse effects of radiation in individuals exposed to inhaled radioisotopes or incidental radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melpo Christofidou-Solomidou
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Division, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Williams G, O'Malley M. Surgical considerations in the management of combined radiation blast injury casualties caused by a radiological dirty bomb. Injury 2010; 41:943-7. [PMID: 20149372 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2010.01.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The capacity for surgical teams to respond appropriately to the consequences caused by the detonation of a radiological dirty bomb will be determined by prior knowledge, familiarity and training for this type unique terrorist event. This paper will focus on the surgical aspects of this scenario with particular emphasis on the management of combined trauma-radiological injury. The paper also describes some of the more serious explosion-contamination incidents from nuclear industrial sources, summarises learning points and parallels taken from these scenarios in relation to subject of a radiological dirty bomb and describes the likely radioactive substances involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraint Williams
- University Hospital (Walsgrave Site), Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom.
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Wein LM, Choi Y, Denuit S. Analyzing evacuation versus shelter-in-place strategies after a terrorist nuclear detonation. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2010; 30:1315-1327. [PMID: 20840487 DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2010.01430.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We superimpose a radiation fallout model onto a traffic flow model to assess the evacuation versus shelter-in-place decisions after the daytime ground-level detonation of a 10-kt improvised nuclear device in Washington, DC. In our model, ≈ 80k people are killed by the prompt effects of blast, burn, and radiation. Of the ≈ 360k survivors without access to a vehicle, 42.6k would die if they immediately self-evacuated on foot. Sheltering above ground would save several thousand of these lives and sheltering in a basement (or near the middle of a large building) would save of them. Among survivors of the prompt effects with access to a vehicle, the number of deaths depends on the fraction of people who shelter in a basement rather than self-evacuate in their vehicle: 23.1k people die if 90% shelter in a basement and 54.6k die if 10% shelter. Sheltering above ground saves approximately half as many lives as sheltering in a basement. The details related to delayed (i.e., organized) evacuation, search and rescue, decontamination, and situational awareness (via, e.g., telecommunications) have very little impact on the number of casualties. Although antibiotics and transfusion support have the potential to save ≈ 10k lives (and the number of lives saved from medical care increases with the fraction of people who shelter in basements), the logistical challenge appears to be well beyond current response capabilities. Taken together, our results suggest that the government should initiate an aggressive outreach program to educate citizens and the private sector about the importance of sheltering in place in a basement for at least 12 hours after a terrorist nuclear detonation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence M Wein
- Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Kailiponi P. Analyzing evacuation decisions using multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2010.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Scott BR. Calculating hematopoietic-mode-lethality risk avoidance associated with radionuclide decorporation countermeasures related to a radiological terrorism incident. Dose Response 2009; 7:332-57. [PMID: 20011652 DOI: 10.2203/dose-response.09-022.scott] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper provides theoretical health-risk-assessment tools that are designed to facilitate planning for and managing radiological terrorism incidents that involve ingestion exposure to bone-seeking radionuclides (e.g., radiostrontium nuclides). The focus is on evaluating lethality risk avoidance (RAV; i.e., the decrease in risk) that is associated with radionuclide decorporation countermeasures employed to remove ingested bone-seeking beta and/or gamma-emitting radionuclides from the body. To illustrate the application of tools presented, hypothetical radiostrontium decorporation scenarios were considered that involved evaluating the hematopoietic-mode-lethality RAV. For evaluating the efficacy of specific decorporation countermeasures, the lethality risk avoidance proportion (RAP; which is the RAV divided by the total lethality risk in the absence of protective countermeasures) is introduced. The lethality RAP is expected to be a useful tool for designing optimal radionuclide decorporation schemes and for identifying green, yellow and red dose-rate zones. For the green zone, essentially all of the lethality risk is expected to be avoided (RAP = 1) as a consequence of the radionuclide decorporation scheme used. For the yellow zone, some but not all of the lethality risk is expected to be avoided. For the red zone, none of the lethality risk (which equals 1) is expected to be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby R Scott
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, 2425 Ridgecrest Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA.
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Dash A, Varma RN, Sastry KVS, Patil BN, Ram R, Nikam S, Venkatesh M. Recovery and purification of 4.66 TBq(126Ci) of 137Cs from a 20-year-old spent sealed source. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2009; 168:1126-1133. [PMID: 19339112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.02.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 02/25/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
An attempt to recover and purify 4.66 TBq(126Ci) of (137)Cs as solution from a 20-year-old doubly encapsulated sealed source containing (137)CsCl was made successfully. The primary capsule was first cut open to retrieve the secondary capsule. The top end of the secondary SS capsule was then cut to render it as an open cylinder and the (137)CsCl pellet inside was dissolved in small aliquots of water. Each aliquot of the (137)CsCl solution was dispensed into glass vials, sealed, assayed and stored. Barium formed during the radioactive decay of (137)Cs was removed by carbonate precipitation. Chloride was removed by heating with HNO(3) and evaporation. About 91.8% of the total activity could be recovered and used subsequently for making brachytherapy sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Dash
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
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Brandeau ML, McCoy JH, Hupert N, Holty JE, Bravata DM. Recommendations for modeling disaster responses in public health and medicine: a position paper of the society for medical decision making. Med Decis Making 2009; 29:438-60. [PMID: 19605887 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x09340346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mathematical and simulation models are increasingly used to plan for and evaluate health sector responses to disasters, yet no clear consensus exists regarding best practices for the design, conduct, and reporting of such models. The authors examined a large selection of published health sector disaster response models to generate a set of best practice guidelines for such models. METHODS . The authors reviewed a spectrum of published disaster response models addressing public health or health care delivery, focusing in particular on the type of disaster and response decisions considered, decision makers targeted, choice of outcomes evaluated, modeling methodology, and reporting format. They developed initial recommendations for best practices for creating and reporting such models and refined these guidelines after soliciting feedback from response modeling experts and from members of the Society for Medical Decision Making. RESULTS . The authors propose 6 recommendations for model construction and reporting, inspired by the most exemplary models: health sector disaster response models should address real-world problems, be designed for maximum usability by response planners, strike the appropriate balance between simplicity and complexity, include appropriate outcomes that extend beyond those considered in traditional cost-effectiveness analyses, and be designed to evaluate the many uncertainties inherent in disaster response. Finally, good model reporting is particularly critical for disaster response models. CONCLUSIONS . Quantitative models are critical tools for planning effective health sector responses to disasters. The proposed recommendations can increase the applicability and interpretability of future models, thereby improving strategic, tactical, and operational aspects of preparedness planning and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L Brandeau
- Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Tofani A, Bartolozzi M. Ranking nuclear and radiological terrorism scenarios: the Italian case. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2008; 28:1431-1444. [PMID: 18684161 DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2008.01100.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative criterion for ranking the different scenarios of nuclear and radiological terrorism has been developed. The aim of the model is not to predict terroristic events but only to indicate which scenario has the higher utility from the point of view of a terroristic organization in terms of balance between factors favoring and discouraging the attack, respectively. All these factors were quantified according to a scoring system that takes into account the logarithmic relationship between perceptions and stimuli. The criterion was applied to several scenarios, each of which was modeled in a simple but not trivial way in order to estimate the expected damage in terms of probable life losses from both radiative and nonradiative effects. The outcome from the ranking method indicates that the attractive scenario appears to be the detonation of a low yield improvised nuclear device in the metropolitan area of a major city.
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Fritz BG, Whitaker JD. Evaluation of sprayable fixatives on a sandy soil for potential use in a dirty bomb response. HEALTH PHYSICS 2008; 94:512-518. [PMID: 18469584 DOI: 10.1097/01.hp.0000305822.94646.8e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
After the events of 11 September 2001, the possibility of a dirty bomb being detonated within the United States seems more realistic. Development of tools for use in response to a dirty bomb detonation has become a topic of both discussion and research. While it has been reported that the health risk to the public from such an event would likely be small, it is thought that the psychological impact could be considerable. One response option that has been considered is adapting sprayable solutions for the purpose of fixing contamination in place, thereby limiting the spread of contamination by wind and rain and facilitating subsequent cleanup. This work evaluated two commercially available particle fixatives (IsoFIX-HT and IsoFIX-RC) for their effectiveness in preventing dispersal of simulated contamination. Nonradioactive cesium chloride and cobalt oxide particles were selected as the simulated contamination and applied to the surface of three outdoor test plots. Two test plots were treated with fixatives; the third plot provided a control. Samples were collected over 95 days to observe changes in tracer concentration on the surface of the test plots. One fixative (IsoFIX-RC) effectively held the tracer in place with no net loss of tracer, while the other fixative (IsoFIX-HT) had no impact on the loss of tracer relative to the control. Under the conditions tested, IsoFIX-RC appears capable of fixing surface contamination in place for at least several months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad G Fritz
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.
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Packer AP, Larivière D, Li C, Chen M, Fawcett A, Nielsen K, Mattson K, Chatt A, Scriver C, Erhardt LS. Validation of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for the determination of cerium, strontium, and titanium in ceramic materials used in radiological dispersal devices (RDDs). Anal Chim Acta 2007; 588:166-72. [PMID: 17386806 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2007.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2006] [Revised: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In radiological dispersal device (RDD) studies, sintered ceramics made of CeO2 and SrTiO3 were used to simulate actinide oxides and (90)SrTiO3, respectively. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were investigated as possible analytical techniques for the measurement of SrTiO3 and CeO2 constituents in powder forms, sintered ceramics, and air particulates collected following a detonation. For ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis, new digestion procedures were developed using a closed-vessel microwave apparatus. Acid mixtures (HNO3:H2O2:HF (16:2:1) and HNO3:H2O2 (1:4)) were found to be effective for the digestion of SrTiO3 and CeO2, respectively. The intercomparison study confirmed that the results obtained by ICP-OES/MS are in good agreement with INAA results. This also confirms the efficiency of the digestion procedures for these refractory materials and the inter-exchangeability of the instrumentation tested. Comparison between the ICP-OES and the ICP-MS instrumentation for the determination of air particulates shows, that although the two methods are equivalent, ICP-MS provides better detection limits (0.11, 0.02, and 0.04 microg per filter for Ti, Sr, and Ce, respectively) and the possibility to determine isotopic fractionation as the result of an explosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Packer
- Heath Canada, Radiation Protection Bureau, 775 Brookfield Rd, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 1C1
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Dombroski M, Fischhoff B, Fischbeck P. Predicting emergency evacuation and sheltering behavior: a structured analytical approach. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2006; 26:1675-88. [PMID: 17184405 DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2006.00833.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We offer a general approach to predicting public compliance with emergency recommendations. It begins with a formal risk assessment of an anticipated emergency, whose parameters include factors potentially affecting and affected by behavior, as identified by social science research. Standard procedures are used to elicit scientific experts' judgments regarding these behaviors and dependencies, in the context of an emergency scenario. Their judgments are used to refine the model and scenario, enabling local emergency coordinators to predict the behavior of citizens in their area. The approach is illustrated with a case study involving a radiological dispersion device (RDD) exploded in downtown Pittsburgh, PA. Both groups of experts (national and local) predicted approximately 80-90% compliance with an order to evacuate workplaces and 60-70% compliance with an order to shelter in place at home. They predicted 10% lower compliance for people asked to shelter at the office or to evacuate their homes. They predicted 10% lower compliance should the media be skeptical, rather than supportive. They also identified preparatory policies that could improve public compliance by 20-30%. We consider the implications of these results for improving emergency risk assessment models and for anticipating and improving preparedness for disasters, using Hurricane Katrina as a further case in point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Dombroski
- Carnegie Mellon University, Engineering and Public Policy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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