bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reclaiming Communication
Authors: Brown Stephen G.
Published: April 2020

This article focuses on the history of the ecumenical discussion on communication, as reflected in the assemblies of the World Council of Churches (WCC). It examines, in particular, the communication statements that emerged from the WCC assemblies in Uppsala in 1968 and in Vancouver in 1983, as well as the more tentative moves at the Harare assembly of 1998 to develop an understanding of communication as an integral part of an “ecumenical space.” The article goes on to argue that the changing perspectives manifested at these assemblies, each 15 years apart, were linked to changing paradigms of social and theological reflection that were themselves the product of economic and political transformation. Finally, the article considers how the insights gained can be brought to bear on the challenges presented by digital transformation.
Birth without raising: Impact of labor migration on the medical benefits for migrant children in China
Authors: Luo Xiang , Zhang Zuo , Xu Xun , Li Chongming , Zhang Lu
Published: April 2020

The relationship between labor migration and the medical benefits of migrant children (MC) has long been a focus of empirical research. Based on the dynamic monitoring data of the migrant population in Hubei Province by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China in 2014 and the characteristic data of prefecture‐level cities, this paper studies the impact of labor migration on the medical benefits of MC. The major findings of this paper are that in China, due to the huge spatial differences in medical services, the migration of labor to urban areas with better public services helps to improve the medical benefits of women during pregnancy and lying‐in period, and at the same time significantly enhances the medical benefits of the MC. In contrast, due to the relative lag of the reform in social security system such as household registration and medical care, in the long run, labor migration is not conducive to the improvement of the medical benefits of MC. Based on the above findings, this paper suggests that in the short‐term, more public resources should be allocated to the urban medical supply, especially at the primary level, and in the long‐term, the adjustment of public policies should be aimed at eliminating urban‐rural differences.
Impact of regular professional toothbrushing on oral health, related quality of life, and nutritional and cognitive status in nursing home residents
Authors: Barbe Anna Greta , Küpeli Lydia Suzan , Hamacher Stefanie , Noack Michael Johannes
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The oral hygiene of nursing home residents is poor. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of professional brushing using a specialized brush every three weeks and its impact on geriatric outcomes.

Methods

Nursing home residents received professional brushing with a three‐headed brush by a dental nurse every three weeks for three months. Controls comprised subjects from an earlier investigation. Their general clinical, geriatric and oral health (number of teeth, periodontitis, Gingivitis Index, Plaque Index, Root Caries Index, Volpe‐Manhold Index [VMI]) were investigated, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was obtained before and after three months.

Results

Forty nursing home residents were included. Seventy‐six percent of participants suffered from periodontitis, while 48% had partial and 20% total dentures. After three months, VMI had decreased vs baseline (P < .001). An improvement in nutritional status (P = .012) was found in residents with dementia after the intervention, as well as an improvement in the GOHAI (P = .031) in all participants. Gingivitis and plaque indices did not improve.

Conclusions

The oral health of nursing home residents is poor for various reasons, and nursing home staff cannot fully address the increased oral hygiene risk with increasing multimorbidity. Professional brushing performed regularly by a dental nurse is an efficient method to improve oral hygiene in nursing home residents and may contribute to better nutritional status and quality of life. However, brushing every three weeks with a three‐headed brush was not effective at improving gingivitis or plaque and was inferior to the two‐week brushing interval with a manual toothbrush.
Prebiotic emulsions stabilised by whey protein and kefiran
Authors: Piermaria Judith , López‐Castejón María Luisa , Bengoechea Carlos , Guerrero Antonio , Abraham Analía Graciela
Published: April 2020

The goal of this work has been to assess the influence of a health‐promoting hydrocolloid, such as kefiran, in oil‐in‐water emulsions (O/W: 50/50) containing whey protein isolate (1.0% wt.). Different kefiran concentration levels (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% wt.) were studied, observing a shift from a fluid‐like to a solid‐like behaviour and higher viscosities when kefiran content increased. A pseudoplastic behaviour was detected for all systems studied. The observed evolution is attributed to the thickening effect exerted by kefiran, which promoted stability, in spite of observing a certain flocculation degree within the emulsion systems, demonstrated through the addition of sodium dodecyl sulphate (1% wt.). Furthermore, short‐term stability of these pseudoplastic emulsions has been verified by laser‐scattering techniques. Thus, a Sauter diameter around 1 µm remained unaltered up to 7 days since preparation. The addition of kefiran in the formulation would benefit from their well‐known health‐promoting effects.
Dietary whole Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) intake improves colonic barrier function by altering gut microbiota composition in mice
Authors: Tian Baoming , Zhang Ziqi , Zhao Jianhua , Ma Qingyu , Liu Huicui , Nie Chenxi , Ma Zhiyuan , An Wei , Li Juxiu
Published: April 2020

Diet strongly affects human health by modulating gut microbiota (GM) composition. Lycium barbarum (LB), which contains polysaccharides and polyphenols, can alter the GM and intestinal barrier function, thereby reducing and preventing the occurrence of intestinal diseases. To investigate how LB improves colonic barrier function, male C57BL/6J mice were fed diets containing 1.5% or 3% LB for 10 weeks. Results of HiSeq 16S rDNA analysis showed that LB markedly altered microbial profile by supporting the growth of Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidales_S24‐7_group, Anaerotruncus, Coprococcus_1, Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014 and Akkermansia, while suppressing Firmicutes, Helicobacter, Bacteroides and Mucispirillum. LB supported the short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐producing bacteria, and the SCFA concentrations increased, while the ammonia concentrations and pH values in faeces decreased, thereby increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and mucin, subsequently improving intestinal function and histomorphology. Dietary LB, as a functional dietary component, enhanced colonic barrier function and improved gut health by altering GM composition.
Variable neighborhood search to solve the generalized orienteering problem
Authors: Urrutia‐Zambrana Adolfo , Tirado Gregorio , Mateos Alfonso
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a variable neighborhood search (VNS) algorithm to solve the extension of the orienteering problem known as the generalized orienteering problem (GOP). Our algorithm aims to use a reduced number of neighborhoods without compromising the quality of the results. This reduced number of neighborhoods, together with the precalculation of scores associated with points of interest, allows us, in most cases, to outperform all previous metaheuristics proposed for this problem. This is the first time a VNS is being applied to the GOP, and it provides promising computational results. In particular, in the case studies considered in the paper, we were able to find 35 new best solutions, all of which were found using a shorter computational time. Furthermore, the information regarding other best‐known solutions provided in the literature has also been improved, with corrections to some previously published errors regarding scores and distances. In addition, the benchmark has been extended with the incorporation of new case studies based on real data from three of the most popular tourist cities in Spain.
The Politicization of Immigration in Portugal between 1995 and 2014: A European Exception?
Authors: Carvalho João , Duarte Mariana Carmo
Published: April 2020

Immigration is envisaged as part of an ‘emergent cultural cleavage’ across Western Europe. Within this context, this article explores the politicization of immigration in Portugal between 1995 and 2014. Politicization is interpreted as being formed by two distinct dimensions: salience and polarization of the political claims found within news articles extracted from newspapers. Notwithstanding the doubling of the foreign population settled in the country in the early 2000s, the diminished salience and the absence of significant political conflict suggest that immigration failed to become politicized in Portugal. Drawing on a comparative analysis with seven other European states between 1995 and 2009, Portugal observed the lowest rate of politicization. Rather than being related with socio‐economic factors, the lack of politicization of immigration was associated with the strategies of the mainstream parties, which successfully prevented the emergence of this topic as a significant political cleavage.
Longitudinal Associations of Religiosity and Physical Function in Older Irish Adults
Authors: Orr Joanna , Kenny Rose Anne , McGarrigle Christine Ann
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

Research into the link between religion and physical function has shown inconsistent results. Most studies have used self‐reported measures of physical function, and many have excluded those who are not religious and only compared levels of religious engagement within those groups that are religious. We aimed to assess the longitudinal associations of religious affiliation and religious attendance on two objective measures of physical function.

DESIGN

Longitudinal study using five waves of data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

SETTING

Community‐dwelling adults in Ireland.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 50 and over who participated in two or more waves of TILDA (n = 6,122),and a supplementary analysis of a sub‐sample aged 65 and over (n = 2,359).

MEASUREMENTS

Timed Up and Go (TUG) and grip strength were measured on at least two occasions. Data were collected approximately every 2 years over 10 years. Longitudinal linear mixed effects models were estimated to calculate the effect of religious affiliation and attendance on TUG and grip strength over time.

RESULTS

TUG scores increased by an average of .1 seconds with each year of age, which increased to .3 seconds by age 72 years. Grip strength scores decreased by .2 kg with each year of age and increased to −.3 kg per year by age 72. No overall differences were observed between religious affiliations in scores of TUG or grip strength.

CONCLUSION

Religious affiliation does not predict performance on objective physical function measures. Results are discussed with reference to the changing religious characteristics of the Irish population.
Genetic variants of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A genes are associated with disease presentation and outcome in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Weismüller Tobias J. , Zhou Taotao , Kalthoff Sandra , Lenzen Henrike , Manns Michael P. , Strassburg Christian P.
Published: April 2020

Background and aims

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease without a curative medical therapy. The human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases 1A play a major role in the detoxification and elimination of bilirubin, bile acids and xenobiotics. Whether genetic UGT1A variants determine course and outcome of PSC has not yet been described.

Methods

A large cohort of German PSC patients with a long‐term‐follow‐up was genotyped for UGT1A variants including UGT1A1*28, UGT1A3‐66 T>C and UGT1A7 p.N129K/p.R131K using TaqMan 5'‐nuclease assays. Results were correlated with clinical characteristics and transplant‐free survival.

Results

About 331 patients with PSC were included in the study (69.9% male, mean age at diagnosis 32.6 years). Median transplant‐free survival was 14.9 years. Patients with wild‐type alleles of all three UGT1A genes had a longer transplant‐free survival (17.2 vs. 14.4 years, P = .048) than patients carrying a homozygous or heterozygous SNP variant in at least one of the UGT1A1, UGT1A3 or UGT1A7 genes. Additionally, we found that patients carrying wild‐type alleles of all three UGT1A genes had lower serum bilirubin (25 vs. 38 µmol/L, P = .02) and serum cholesterol (195 vs. 223 mg/dL), P = .035) at first presentation. Furthermore, inflammatory bowel disease was found to be associated with wild‐type UGT1A alleles (82.2% vs. 68.4%, P = .046).

Conclusions

This large cohort shows an association with single nucleotide polymorphisms of the UGT1A1, UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 genes and outcome in PSC. Thus, UGT1A variants may represent a tool for the prognostic stratification of PSC patients and establish a link between disease progression and the regulation of detoxification by glucuronidation in PSC.
Effects of light intensity on Opsin4, Opsin5, and Pax6 expressions of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius
Authors: Yang Mingfang , Yu Yushi , Ding Jingyun , Luo Jia , Sun Jiangnan , Hu Fangyuan , Chang Yaqing , Zhao Chong
Published: April 2020

The detection of light intensity and subsequent phototaxis are essential for the fitness of sea urchins in intertidal and shallow subtidal waters, where light intensity varies in accordance with the depth and other hydrographic conditions. The molecular basis of photoresponse, however, remains largely unknown. We compared the expression of SiOpsin4, SiPax6, and SiOpsin5 among tube feet, coelomocytes, gonads, and gut of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius. All three genes showed the significantly highest expression in tube feet. To test whether r‐opsin genes (for example, Opsin4) and Pax6 in tube feet, rather than chaopsin genes (for example, Opsin5), are involved in the molecular responses to light intensity, we investigated the expression of Opsin4, Pax6, and Opsin5 among four light intensities. Both Opsin4 and Pax6 expressions were significantly higher in the sea urchins at 1,500 lx than at 100, 300, and 700 lx, indicating a co‐upregulation of Opsin4 and Pax6 expressions in sea urchins exposed to the high light intensity (for example, 1,500 lx). However, there was no significant difference of SiOpsin5 expression among the four light intensity groups. Consistent with our hypothesis, there was no significant difference in either Opsin4 or Pax6 expression between the two light intensity environments (low light intensity environment: 50–100 lx; high light intensity environment: 330–1400 lx). This indicates that positive phototaxis and negative phototaxis probably regulate the expression of Opsin4 and Pax6 to a similar level when sea urchins are exposed to the high and low light intensities, respectively. The present study provides new insights into the molecular basis of light intensity detection and subsequent phototaxis of eyeless species.
Copper tolerance in bacteria requires the activation of multiple accessory pathways
Authors: Giachino Andrea , Waldron Kevin J.
Published: April 2020

Copper is a required micronutrient for bacteria and an essential cofactor for redox‐active cuproenzymes. Yet, excess copper is extremely toxic, and is exploited as a bacteriocide in medical and biotechnological applications and also by the mammalian immune system. To evade copper toxicity, bacteria not only control intracellular copper homeostasis, but they must also repair the damage caused by excess copper. In this review, we summarize the bacterial cell‐wide response to copper toxicity in Enterobacteria. Tapping into the abundant research data on two key organisms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, we show that copper resistance requires both the direct copper homeostatic response and also the indirect accessory pathways that deal with copper‐induced damage. Since patterns of copper response are conserved through the Proteobacteria, we propose a cell‐wide view of copper detoxification and copper tolerance that can be used to identify novel targets for copper‐based antibacterial therapeutics.
ESNM/ANMS Review. Diagnosis and management of globus sensation: A clinical challenge
Authors: Zerbib Frank , Rommel Nathalie , Pandolfino John , Gyawali C. Prakash
Published: April 2020

Globus is a non‐painful sensation of a tightness or a lump/foreign body in the throat that is not associated with dysphagia and may actually improve during meals. While several otorhinolaryngologic, thyroid, and esophageal disorders have been linked to globus, cause‐and‐effect relationships are difficult to establish. Consequently, though part of the evaluation, objective otorhinolaryngologic and esophageal testing is often negative. The presence of alarm symptoms, particularly pain, weight loss, dysphagia, or odynophagia is indications for objective testing. A diagnosis of idiopathic globus requires exclusion of pharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal disorders with laryngoscopy, endoscopy, high‐resolution manometry, barium radiography, and/or ambulatory reflux monitoring. A trial of acid‐suppressive therapy may be reasonable in the absence of alarm symptoms, especially if concurrent reflux symptoms are identified. Ablation of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the proximal esophagus has been reported to improve globus symptoms. Beyond these specific approaches, further management of idiopathic globus consists of reassurance, neuromodulators, and complementary approaches. Globus has a benign course with no long‐term consequences, and the overall prognosis is good as the magnitude of symptoms may decline over time.
Leadless left ventricular endocardial pacing in nonresponders to conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Sidhu Baldeep S. , Porter Bradley , Gould Justin , Sieniewicz Benjamin , Elliott Mark , Mehta Vishal , Delnoy Peter P. H. M. , Deharo Jean‐Claude , Butter Christian , Seifert Martin , Boersma Lucas V. A. , Riahi Sam , James Simon , Turley Andrew J. , Auricchio Angelo , Betts Timothy R. , Niederer Steven , Sanders Prashanthan , Rinaldi Christopher A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Endocardial pacing may be beneficial in patients who fail to improve following conventional epicardial cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The potential to pace anywhere inside the left ventricle thus avoiding myocardial scar and targeting the latest activating segments may be particularly important. The WiSE‐CRT system (EBR systems, Sunnyvale, CA) reliably produces wireless, endocardial left ventricular (LV) pacing. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether this system improved symptoms or led to LV remodeling in patients who were nonresponders to conventional CRT.

Method

An international, multicenter registry of patients who were nonresponders to conventional CRT and underwent implantation with the WiSE‐CRT system was collected.

Results

Twenty‐two patients were included; 20 patients underwent successful implantation with confirmation of endocardial biventricular pacing and in 2 patients, there was a failure of electrode capture. Eighteen patients proceeded to 6‐month follow‐up; endocardial pacing resulted in a significant reduction in QRS duration compared with intrinsic QRS duration (26.6 ± 24.4 ms; P = .002) and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (4.7 ± 7.9%; P = .021). The mean reduction in left ventricular end‐diastolic volume was 8.3 ± 42.3 cm3 (P = .458) and left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) was 13.1 ± 44.3 cm3 (P = .271), which were statistically nonsignificant. Overall, 55.6% of patients had improvement in their clinical composite score and 66.7% had a reduction in LVESV ≥15% and/or absolute improvement in LVEF ≥5%.

Conclusion

Nonresponders to conventional CRT have few remaining treatment options. We have shown in this high‐risk patient group that the WiSE‐CRT system results in improvement in their clinical composite scores and leads to LV remodeling.
On the Connection between Law and Morality: Some Doubts about Robert Alexy’s View
Authors: Koller Peter
Published: April 2020

The paper aims at a critical discussion of Alexy’s conception of the relationship between law and morality, which is known to insist on their necessary connection. After a brief recapitulation of this conception, the author scrutinizes three of its essential elements: the thesis of the dual nature of law, the argument from law’s claim to moral correctness, and the idea of an objective morality. Finally, he sketches his own position which, in some respects, resembles Alexy’s view, but also differs from it in certain relevant points.
Multivariate analysis of variance and change points estimation for high‐dimensional longitudinal data
Authors: Zhong Ping‐Shou , Li Jun , Kokoszka Piotr
Published: April 2020

This article considers the problem of testing temporal homogeneity of p‐dimensional population mean vectors from repeated measurements on n subjects over T times. To cope with the challenges brought about by high‐dimensional longitudinal data, we propose methodology that takes into account not only the “large p, large T, and small n” situation but also the complex temporospatial dependence. We consider both the multivariate analysis of variance problem and the change point problem. The asymptotic distributions of the proposed test statistics are established under mild conditions. In the change point setting, when the null hypothesis of temporal homogeneity is rejected, we further propose a binary segmentation method and show that it is consistent with a rate that explicitly depends on p,T, and n. Simulation studies and an application to fMRI data are provided to demonstrate the performance and applicability of the proposed methods.
Pulmonary acute graft‐versus‐host disease and infections after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric recipients: A comparative study on CT
Authors: Yan Yuchun , Shi Yuzhu , Wang Yao , Yuan Xinyu , He Wen
Published: April 2020

Objective

To compare the chest CT patterns of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) and infections within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) in pediatric recipients to help hematologist make definitive diagnosis as early as possible.

Methods

A total of 143 pediatric recipients from January 2015 to June 2019 who were diagnosed pulmonary aGVHD or infections within 100 days after allo‐HSCT were enrolled in this study. Two observers evaluated the extent and distribution (unilateral, bilateral) of the CT patterns. The patterns were then classified as ground‐glass opacity (GGO) (localized, patchy, diffuse), consolidation (localized, patchy, diffuse), reticulation (localized, patchy, diffuse), nodules (localized, multiple), bronchiectasis, pleural effusion, air trapping, tree‐in‐bud sign, and pneumomediastinum. The onset time and radiological patterns of the two cohorts were statistically compared.

Results

The mean onset time of aGVHD (n = 85) and infections group (viral n = 29, bacterial n = 22, fungal n = 7, total n = 58) was 36.89 ± 24.34 (range, 10‐99 days) and 23.48 ± 20.65 days (range, 4‐94 days) with a significant difference (P = .001). The top three underlying diseases were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n = 49, 57.6%); acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (n = 24, 28.2%); and aplastic anemia (AA) (7.1%) in aGVHD group and hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) (n = 33, 56.9%); AA (n = 9, 15.5%); and ALL (n = 6, 10.3) in infection group. GGO (41.2%) in aGVHD prevailed on CT, whereas GGO (53.4%) and consolidations (43.1%) were more prevalent in infections. The distribution of GGO showed more diffuse in aGVHD (P = .031) and symmetric while patchier GGO prefers infections (P < .001). No differences were found in the reticulation. Nodules were more common in infections (P = .004) while pleural effusion was more common in aGVHD group (P < .035).

Conclusion

Imaging patterns of aGVHD on CT differ substantially from that of infections. Physicians and radiologists should be aware of such radiological differences in order to give accurate treatment. Notably, definite diagnosis should be made in combination with clinical manifestations, signs, and laboratory tests.
Comparison of right lateral versus left lateral versus sternal recumbence intra‐abdominal pressure measurements in normal dogs
Authors: Lapa Klayton H. , (Tony) Mann F. A. , Jackson Mary L. , Kerl Marie E.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To determine if there is a difference in intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) among 3 anatomic body positions (right lateral, left lateral, and sternal recumbence) in apparently healthy dogs.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Setting

University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Animals

Fourteen apparently healthy male dogs.

Measurements and Main Results

After mild sedation with dexmedetomidine, a water manometer attached to a Foley urinary catheter was used to measure IAP in 3 different body positions in each dog. There was no significant difference in IAP between right lateral (3.87± 3.16 cm H2O), left lateral (4.45 ± 3.22 cm H2O), and sternal recumbence (4.04 ± 3.57 cm H2O).

Conclusions

Based on data from these 14 apparently healthy dogs, these 3 body positions can be used interchangeably for monitoring an individual dog. However, more research in dogs is needed to see if this conclusion holds true when IAP is abnormal.
Radiographic features of suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi in dogs
Authors: Hickey Jennifer M. , Berent Allyson C. , Fischetti Anthony J. , Le Roux Alexandre B.
Published: April 2020

This retrospective case series describes the radiographic features of suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi in six dogs with a history of at least one or multiple prior cystotomies. One of the dogs presented twice. Suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi were multifocal, short, predominantly linear mineral opacities localized in the center of the urinary bladder on abdominal radiographs. One patient (n = 1) presented with multifocal round, pin point, and linear radiopaque calculi. The calculi were all calcium oxalate in composition. On gross examination, the calculi had a hollow center. Six cystotomies used monofilament absorbable suture material (polydioxanone [n = 4] or poliglecaprone 25 [n = 1]) in prior cystotomies. Suture material in two of the cases was unknown. Suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi are a rare occurrence in veterinary medicine but should be considered in dogs that have a history of prior cystotomy, hollow core on gross analysis, and radiographic evidence of mineral opaque, predominantly linear, cystic calculi.
The Waste Treatment Centre for Low- and Intermediate Waste (BSC - RAO) and Final Disposal of Conditioned Waste in Slovakia in Operation Since March 2000
Authors: Kövér Miroslav , Stich Werner
Published: April 2020

On the site of the Slovak Nuclear Power Plant Bohunice a complete Waste Treatment Center for low and intermediate solid and liquid waste constructed. The facilities for volume reduction and further treatment are the incinerator, the high-force compactor and the evaporator. The facility for conditioning the waste is the cementation where the final product — filled concrete containers as the accepted waste package for long-term storage — is produced. The containers are transported to the Slovak Surface Repository for low and intermediate waste. Since March 2000, both projects are in hot operation. The first storage boxes are filled with the containers. First results gained during the first operation phase of the Waste Treatment Center will be discussed.
Operational Model for the Spent Nuclear Fuel Radionuclides Source Term in Presence of Water
Authors: Poinssot Christophe , Jegou Christophe , Toulhoat Pierre , Gras Jean-Marie
Published: April 2020

Under the geological disposal conditions, spent fuel (SF) is expected to evolve during the 10,000 years while being maintained isolated from the biosphere before water comes in. Under those circumstances, several driving forces would lead to the progressive intrinsic transformations within the rod which would modify the subsequent release of radionuclides: the production of a significant volume of He, the accumulation of irradiation defects, the slow migration of radionuclides (RN) within the pellet. However, the current RN source terms for SF never accounted for these evolutions and was based on the existing knowledge on the fresh SF. Two major mechanisms were considered, the leaching of the readily available fraction (one which was supposed to be instantly accessible to water), and the release of RN through alteration of the UO2 grains. We are now proposing a new RN source term model based on a microscopic description of the system in order to also account for the early evolution of the closed system, the amplitude of which increases with the burnup and is greater for MOX fuels.
Spent Fuel Corrosion Behavior in Salt Solution in the Presence of Hydrogen Overpressure
Authors: Loida Andreas , Grambow Bernd , Geckeis Horst
Published: April 2020

The simultaneous corrosion of spent fuel and Fe-based container material is characterized by the formation of large amounts of hydrogen, which control the composition of the gas phase. Various experimental data indicate that the matrix dissolution rate and the release rates of important radionuclides decrease, if the H2 overpressure increases. To quantify to what extent the hydrogen overpressure may counteract radiolysis enhanced matrix dissolution rates, and to take credit from the effect of hydrogen overpressure in long-term safety assessments of the repository, a detailed experimental investigation has been initiated. High burnup spent fuel is being corroded under anoxic conditions in the absence of carbonate in 5m NaCl solution under an external H2 overpressure of 3.3 bar. This pressure is in the same range as observed in a long-term test using spent fuel and Fe-powder. Results obtained after 117 days of testing show that due to constant or decreasing concentrations of Sr and other matrix bound radionuclides, corrosion rates were not measurable indicating a stop of matrix dissolution or very low long-term rates. Grain boundary release of Cs and fission gases was found to continue under hydrogen overpressure. Compared to tests in the absence of hydrogen solution concentrations decreased by about ca. 1.5 orders of magnitude for U (10−8 M), Am, Eu (10−10 M), whereas the decrease of Np (3×10−10 M), Tc (5×10−9 M) and Pu (4×10−9 M) concentrations was found to be less significant.
Concrete Crushing and Sampling, a Methodology and Technology for the Unconditional Release of Concrete Material From Decommissioning
Authors: Baumann Sven , Teunckens Lucien , Walthéry Robert , Lewandowski Patrick , Millen Danny
Published: April 2020

Belgoprocess started the industrial decommissioning of the main process building of the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant in 1990, after completion of a pilot project. Two small storage buildings for final products from reprocessing were dismantled to verify the assumptions made in a previous paper study on decommissioning, to demonstrate and develop dismantling techniques and to train personnel. Both buildings were emptied and decontaminated to background levels. They were demolished and the remaining concrete debris was disposed of as industrial waste and green field conditions restored.

Currently, the decommissioning operations carried out at the main building have made substantial progress. They are executed on an industrial scale and will continue till the end of 2005. In view of the final demolition of the building, a clearance methodology has to be proposed. Application of the methodology applied for the storage buildings of the pilot project is complicated for several reasons. Although this methodology is not rejected as such, an alternative has been studied thoroughly. It considers at least one complete measurement of all concrete structures and the removal of all detected residual radioactivity. This monitoring sequence is followed by a controlled demolition of the concrete structures and crushing of the resulting concrete parts to smaller particles. During the crashing operations, metal parts are separated from the concrete and representative concrete samples are taken. The frequency of sampling meets the prevailing standards. In a further step, the concrete samples are milled, homogenised, and a smaller fraction is sent to the laboratory for analyses. The paper describes the developed concrete crushing and sampling methodology.
Finding, Identifying, Localizing, and Quantifying Hidden Radioactivity Using Non-Invasive InSitu Gamma Spectroscopy
Authors: Bronson Frazier L.
Published: April 2020

Radiological characterization in DD & ER projects, when properly applied, can provide much needed information to better plan the project, to guide the progress of the remediation, to know when to stop remediating, and to prove officially that they job is complete. One of the more expensive radiological characterization tasks is the location and quantification of hidden or buried sources. Many samples must normally be taken for laboratory analysis, which is costly and takes much time. With InSitu gamma spectroscopy systems, this can often be done in the field. With Ge detectors and mathematical calibrations, identification and quantification of the contaminants can be done in a minutes. This capability can be further enhanced by taking multiple measurements, or using multiple energy regions from the same nuclide to determine the location of the radioactivity. Examples where this can be useful include measurement of floors, walls, and ceilings; determining the position and activity and identity of sources within a sealed container; and determining the activity vs. depth profile of neutron activation in concrete or radionuclides deposited on the ground or on concrete.
Opening and Operating the WIPP: A Regulator’s Perspective on Policy and Process
Authors: Monroe Scott D.
Published: April 2020

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is the United State’s (U.S.) first deep disposal facility for transuranic radioactive (TRU) waste generated as a result of defense activities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA or “the Agency”) initially certified the WIPP in May 1998, and WIPP received the first shipment of TRU waste on March 26, 1999. Every five years thereafter, USEPA is required by law to recertify whether the WIPP continues to comply with the USEPA’s radioactive waste disposal regulations. USEPA is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), which operates the WIPP, to prepare for the first recertification in 2004. This process involves many interesting technical and policy issues.
Incineration of Spent Ion Exchange Resins in a Triphasic Mixture at Belgoprocess
Authors: Deckers Jan , Luycx Paul
Published: April 2020

Up to 1998, spent ion exchange resins have been fed to the incinerator in combination with various other solid combustible wastes at Belgoprocess. However, thanks to sustained efforts to reduce radioactive waste production in all nuclear facilities in Belgium, the annual production of solid combustible waste is now much too small to allow this practice to be continued. Since the incinerator at Belgoprocess is not capable of treating spent ion exchange resins as such, it was decided to adopt the use of foam as a carrier to feed the resins to the incinerator. The mixture is a pseudohomogeneous charged foam, ensuring easy handling and allowing incineration in the existing furnace, while a number of additives may be included, such as oil to increase the calorific value of the mixture and accelerate combustion. The first incineration campaign of spent ion exchange resins in a triphasic foam mixture, in conjunction with other liquid and solid combustible wastes, will be started in January 2000. The foam, comprising 70% by weight of resins, 29% by weight of water and 1% by weight of surfactant will be pulverized in the incinerator through an injection lance, at a feed rate of 40 to 100 kg/h. The incinerator and associated off-gas treatment system can be operated at standard conditions. Belgoprocess is the subsidiary of the Belgian national agency for the management of radioactive waste, known by its Dutch and French acronyms, NIRAS and ONDRAF respectively. The company ensures the treatment, conditioning and interim storage of nearly all radioactive waste produced in Belgium.
Experience in Upgrading of Novi Han Repository
Authors: Stefanova Ira G. , Mateeva Mayia D.
Published: April 2020

Novi Han Repository is the only existing repository in Bulgaria for the disposal of radioactive waste from nuclear applications in industry, medicine and research. The repository was constructed in the early sixties according to the existing requirements. It was operated by the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy for more than thirty years without any accident or release of radioactivity to the environment, but without any investment for upgrading. As a consequence, the Bulgarian Nuclear Safety Authority temporarily stopped the operation of the repository in 1994. The measures for upgrading Novi Han Repository, supported by the IAEA with TC Project BUL/4/005 “Increasing Safety of Novi Han Repository”, are presented in this paper. They consist of: assessment of radionuclide inventory and future waste arisings, characterization of disposal vaults, characterization of the site, safety assessment, upgrading of the monitoring system, option study for the selection of treatment and conditioning processes and the development of a conceptual design for low and intermediate level waste processing and storage facility, immediate measures for improvement of the existing disposal vaults and infrastructure, and construction of above-ground temporary storage structures. The outstanding activities for re-opening of the Novi Han Repository and implementation of the measures for reconstruction of the Novi Han Repository are discussed.
Evaluation of Remediation Technologies for Plutonium Contaminated Soil
Authors: Hoeffner Steve L. , Navratil James D. , Smalley Richard
Published: April 2020

This paper provides a summary of the physical and chemical characteristics of plutonium contaminated soils from the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The NTS desires to decrease the amount of plutonium-contaminated soils that must be transported and disposed at the burial site. Volume reduction of these plutonium-contaminated soils has been attempted using various physical, chemical and biological treatment processes. Results of these trials are presented.
Development of Commercial Technology for Remediation of Areas Contaminated With Radionuclides As a Result of Technogenic Activities
Authors: Polyakov Anatoliy S. , Raginskiy Leonid S. , Naumenko Nikolay A. , Lyubimov Vladimir K. , Tsherbatikh Vladimir I.
Published: April 2020

At VNIINM a facility was created to decontaminate soil and ground. The facility was tested using actual ground contaminated as a result of the CHERNOBYL accident that was brought from the BRYANSK region. At the initial ground contaminated with CS-137 to the degree of 1,6 bq/g the decontamination factor was 4–5. The practicability of the technology used in the facility for ground decontamination via hydroclassification has been demonstrated. The project of a commercial area remediation complex was designed having the throughput > 20 t/h contaminated soil.
State-of-the-Art NDA System for the Automated Characterisation of 400 Litre, High Density Waste Packages
Authors: Huhtiniemi Ilpo , Berndt Reinhard , Pedersen Bent , Schillebeeckx Peter , Anselmi Massimo , Vassallo Gary
Published: April 2020

This paper will review a non-destructive assay (NDA) system that represents a fundamental element in the JRC’s strategy to characterise radioactive wastes originating from four decades of nuclear research activities conducted at the Ispra Site. The technical solution selected by JRC-Ispra will be reviewed in detail in the light of special requirements imposed by the qualities of the waste packages, the operational objectives of JRC-Ispra, and the applicable Italian regulations. The intended plant is a state-of-the-art characterisation system that will operate in an industrial environment and therefore be of significant interest to the radioactive waste management community.
Calculation of Inhalation Dose Received due to Work Implementation at “Shelter” Object
Authors: Batiy V. G. , Derengovskiy V. V. , Kouz’menko V. A. , Rud’ko V. M. , Sizov A. A.
Published: April 2020

A method for calculation of internal irradiation due to radioactive dust and aerosols of the ChNPP ‘Shelter’ Object intake into a human body is proposed. It is shown, that despite the fact that alpha active substances bring a little contribution to total aerosol activity, it brings significant contribution into the internal irradiation. All components of the internal dose calculation are considered comprehensively. Resuspension factor on the basis of an experimental data inside ‘Shelter’ Object are given. Recommendations to correct inhalation dose calculation are made.
Self-Sustaining Reactions for the Processing Technologies of Chemically Stable Matrices Incorporating Carbon and Zirconium Wastes
Authors: Ojovan Michael I. , Karlina Olga K. , Klimov Vsevolod L. , Trusov Boris G. , Pavlova Galina Yu. , Sobolev Igor A.
Published: April 2020

During operation of uranium-graphite reactors, waste graphite, containing fragments of nuclear fuel and fission products, as well as radioactive zirconium alloy components from fuel assemblies are produced. A large number of experiments should be carried out for the synthesis of appropriate matrix materials for radioactive nuclides that occur in these wastes. For the choice of processing technologies, an approach was used based on the thermodynamic simulation and application of self-sustaining reactions. A preliminary batch compaction and a hot pressing of the end product were not carried out. The end composite matrix product provides strong retention of the carbon-14 and other radionuclides. The processing technologies proposed are rather simple in implementation, can be realized without complex production equipment and energy supply.
Main Results of Post-Irradiation Examinations of Vibropac Oxide Fuel Pins
Authors: Mayorshin A. A. , Tsykanov V. A. , Golovanov V. N. , Kisly V. A. , Novoselov A. E. , Dvoretsky V. G. , Shishalov O. V.
Published: April 2020

By the moment SSC RF RIAR has carried out a comprehensive scope of R&D activities to validate vibropac oxide fuel pins serviceability in fast and thermal reactors. In fulfilling the activities physical-mechanical and technologic characteristics of granulated fuel have been studied, in-pile tests and material examinations have been carried out for mock-up, experimental and pilot fuel pins of the BN-type (in the BOR-60, BN-350 and BN-600 reactors) and the VVER type (in the SM-2 and MIR). More than 30 000 fuel pins have been tested up to nowr. The BOR-60 standard fuel assemblies and experimental fuel pins in dismantled FA have achieved peak burnups of 30%h.a. and 32.3%h.a., respectively. UPuO2 vibropac fuel pins have been tested up to the peak burnup of 10.8%h.a. in the BN-600 and up to 43000 MWday/t in the MIR. Besides, experimental fuel pins, using (UO2+Np) fuel composition, have been tested. Burnup of 16.4% has been achieved. Tests are under way.

According to MINATOM Concept on the disposition of plutonium to be released as a result of nuclear weapon dismantling State Scientific Center of Russian Federation Research Institute of Atomic Reactors started practical implementation of the MINATOM Concept on converting weapon grade plutonium into MOX-fuel using pyroelectrochemical processing and vibropacking technology. To date 32 fuel assemblies have been fabricated for the BOR-60 and 3 FA for the BN-600.

The report presents main results of postirradiation examinations for vibropac oxide fuel pins. It is shown, that problems of thermal-mechanical and chemical interactions in fuel pins, using vibropac (UPuO2 + U) fuel, have already been solved and serviceability of fast reactor fuel pins depends on cladding material selection.
Microstructure of Spent MOX Fuel Stored Under Dry Air for 25 Years
Authors: Leenaers A. , Verwerft M. , Boulanger D. , Itagaki N. , Matsumura T.
Published: April 2020

In this paper, some results of microstructure analyses on spent MOX fuel with burnup of about 20 GWd/tM, stored for an extended period, are presented. The samples are taken from fuel that has been stored for 25 years either in intact cladding or exposed to dry air. The results of this investigation are compared to the microstructure observations made in the post-irradiation campaign, conducted on the same or sibling fuel rods shortly after reactor unloading (i.e. about twenty years ago).

The fuel from the long term stored intact rods demonstrated an identical behaviour, compared to its state shortly after reactor unloading. Segments of fuel rods that were exposed to dry air showed an alteration of the grain boundary cohesion of the UO2 grains, while apparently the Pu-rich zones were unaffected. These findings are coherent with the results found in accelerated ageing experiments. On the other hand, the formation of secondary phases with higher oxidation states of uranium, often observed during accelerated ageing experiments, could not be confirmed here.
Physicochemical State of the Spent Fuel Leaving the Reactors
Authors: Dehaudt Philippe
Published: April 2020

This review focuses on the current knowledge, updated at the end of 1999, about the physicochemical state of the fuels leaving light water reactors, and particularly pressurized water reactors in France. Accessible data in the scientific literature, or those acquired at the CEA, are particularly numerous. Their analysis and their synthesis are joined together to constitute a collection of references intended to the specialists in nuclear fuel and for all those which contribute to the studies on the storage or final disposal of the irradiated fuel.
Regulatory Aspects
Authors: Baekelandt L.
Published: April 2020

On the 19th of July 2001, the Belgian government approved a draft royal decree laying down new general regulations for the protection of workers, the public and the environment against the hazards of ionising radiation. The decree was signed by the King on the 20th of July and subsequently published in the Official Journal on the 30th of August 2001. The new regulations entered into force on the first of September 2001. They replace the Royal Decree of the 28th of February 1963.
Acceptance of the Waste by ONDRAF/NIRAS
Authors: Verbeke R.
Published: April 2020

One of the tasks of ONDRAF/NIRAS, National Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Materials, is to manage non-conditioned waste and conditioned waste from the waste producers.
Materials Unconditional Release Practices
Authors: Teunckens Lucien
Published: April 2020

Belgium started its nuclear programme quite early. The first installations were constructed in the fifties, and presently, more than 55% of the Belgian electricity production is provided by nuclear power plants. After 30 years of nuclear experience, Belgium started the decommissioning of nuclear facilities in the eighties with two main projects: the BR3-PWR plant and the Eurochemic reprocessing plant. The BR3-decommissioning project is carried out at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, while the decommissioning of the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant is managed and operated by Belgoprocess n.v., which is also operating the centralised waste treatment facilities and the interim storage for Belgian radioactive waste.
MOX Application Routes
Authors: van Vliet Jean
Published: April 2020

• MOX is the only established technology to dispose of the excess plutonium in compliance with the highest non-proliferation standards

• MOX irradiation for electricity generation allows the valorisation of this excess plutonium in a safe and environmentally sound manner
The Transport of Radioactive Materials
Authors: Herin S.
Published: April 2020

The presentation will be twofold:

1) Evolution of the Regulation for the transport of Radioactive Material;

2) Transport of Radioactive Waste in Belgium.