Design and Operation of the Combined Technology Automated Waste Characterization System

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Mason ◽  
M. R. Looman ◽  
R. A. Price
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Fission Products ◽  
Monte Carlo Analysis ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Neutron Measurement ◽  
Bar Code ◽  
Counting Data ◽  
Radio Nuclide ◽  
Reading Technology

This paper describes the design and operation of the Combined Technology Automated Waste Characterisation System (CTA-WCS) at JRC Ispra. The WCS was designed for the measurement of fission products and uranium and plutonium containing waste arising from nuclear fuel and nuclear materials processing and reactor operations. The WCS covers a range of activity including Low and Intermediate Level Waste (LLW and ILW). The system is designed to measure the waste in 200 and 400 (440) litre drums with a maximum drum weight of 1500 kg. Gamma-ray measurements of radio-nuclide content are performed by a gamma ray measurement station which functions as either a Segmented Gamma Scanner (SGS) or Tomographic Segmented Gamma-ray Scanner (TSGS). Either of these two techniques may be employed to perform the functions of drum screening, non-destructive examination (NDE) and, where appropriate, final drum assay. Coupled to the gamma ray station is a surface dose-rate measurement station, which employs 6-shielded Geiger-Muller detectors. Active and passive neutron measurements are performed by an advanced, graphite lined Differential Die-away (DDA) system, which comprises the neutron measurement station. The DDA performs conventional passive neutron totals, coincidence, and multiplicity counting and active DDA total neutron counting. Data analysis is based on the use of a range of matrix calibrations, some determined by Monte Carlo analysis. Linking the gamma ray and neutron measurement stations is an automated roller conveyor with a 20 drum buffer capability and a weight measurement station. Drums are identified by bar code reading technology. Once loaded, the system performs automatic assay of up to 20 drums and then returns the drums to the buffer position on the conveyor. The first WCS of this type was supplied to the European Commission at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) Ispra in northern Italy and it was commissioned at the end of 2007. It is now in a phase of pilot operation. Results will be presented from the first drum measurement campaign.

scholarly journals 243Am certified reference material for mass spectrometry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rožle Jakopič ◽  
Adelheid Fankhauser ◽  
Yetunde Aregbe ◽  
Stephan Richter ◽  
Marielle Crozet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Reference Material ◽  
Alpha Particle ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Test Sample ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Certified Value

AbstractThe Joint Research Centre, in cooperation with the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, produced a novel 243Am spike reference material for mass spectrometry. Americium solution with an isotopic composition of 88% 243Am and 12% 241Am was used as the source for the preparation of the spike material. The certified value of 5.696 (11) nmol g−1 for the amount content of 243Am and 0.136138 (54) for the n(241Am)/n(243Am) amount ratio were assigned. The assigned values from mass spectrometry were confirmed by alpha-particle spectrometry, alpha-particle counting at a defined solid angle, and high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Furthermore, an external validation of the certified values was obtained from the results of an interlaboratory comparison exercise, using this americium reference solution as the test sample.

scholarly journals Profiling of Sub-Lethal in Vitro Effects of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Reveals Changes in Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Keshavan ◽  
Fernando Torres Andón ◽  
Audrey Gallud ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
Knut Reinert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Chemokine Receptors ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Chemokine Signaling ◽  
Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Downstream Analysis ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Engineered nanomaterials are potentially very useful for a variety of applications, but studies are needed to ascertain whether these materials pose a risk to human health. Here, we studied three benchmark nanomaterials (Ag nanoparticles, TiO2 nanoparticles, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, MWCNTs) procured from the nanomaterial repository at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. Having established a sub-lethal concentration of these materials using two human cell lines representative of the immune system and the lungs, respectively, we performed RNA sequencing of the macrophage-like cell line after exposure for 6, 12, and 24 h. Downstream analysis of the transcriptomics data revealed significant effects on chemokine signaling pathways. CCR2 was identified as the most significantly upregulated gene in MWCNT-exposed cells. Using multiplex assays to evaluate cytokine and chemokine secretion, we could show significant effects of MWCNTs on several chemokines, including CCL2, a ligand of CCR2. The results demonstrate the importance of evaluating sub-lethal concentrations of nanomaterials in relevant target cells.

Silver nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity, but not cell transformation or genotoxicity on Balb3T3 mouse fibroblasts

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 49-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Broggi ◽  
Jessica Ponti ◽  
Guido Giudetti ◽  
Fabio Franchini ◽  
Vicki Stone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Cell Transformation ◽  
Micronucleus Test ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Neoplastic Transformation ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Ag Nps ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Average Size

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are one of the most common nanomaterials present in nanotechnology-based products. Here, the physical chemical properties of Ag NPs suspensions of 44 nm, 84 nm and 100 nm sizes synthesized in our laboratory were characterized. The NM-300 material (average size of 17 nm), supplied by the Joint Research Centre Nanomaterials Repository was also included in the present study. The Ag NPs potential cytotoxicity was tested on the Balb3T3 cell line by the Colony Forming Efficiency assay, while their potential morphological neoplastic transformation and genotoxicity were tested by the Cell Transformation Assay and the micronucleus test, respectively. After 24 h of exposure, NM-300 showed cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 8 µM (corresponding to 0.88 µg/mL) while for the other nanomaterials tested, values of IC50 were higher than 10 µM (1.10 µg/mL). After 72 h of exposure, Ag NPs showed size-dependent cytotoxic effect with IC50 values of 1.5 µM (1.16 µg/mL) for NM-300, 1.7 µM (1.19 µg/mL) for Ag 44 nm, 1.9 µM (0.21 µg/mL) for Ag 84 nm and 3.2 µM (0.35 µg/mL) for Ag 100 nm. None of the Ag NPs tested was able to induce either morphological neoplastic transformation or micronuclei formation.

PLACE AND ROLE OF COMPETENT INFORMATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Naukovedenie ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 123-138
Author(s):  
Sergei Pyastolov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Joint Research Centre ◽  
Science Activity ◽  
Scientific Organizations ◽  
Special Space ◽  
Scientific And Technological Development

VUCA world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity), according to experts of JRC (European Commission's Joint Research Centre), is now a special space that corrupts the integrity of science activity, limits thinking and vision of the situation by politicians. In fact, under such conditions, the only reliable resource for scientific organizations is a commercialization, and the payback is a condition of activity. These factors already pose a threat to global security. The mission orientation proposed by European Union experts is still seen as a rather weak alternative.

scholarly journals Analysing inter-relationships among water, governance, human development variables in developing countries

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 3791-3816 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Dondeynaz ◽  
C. Carmona Moreno ◽  
J. J. Céspedes Lorente
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Development Aid ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Discussion Section

Abstract. The "Integrated Water Resources Management" principle was formally laid down at the International Conference on Water and Sustainable development in Dublin 1992. One of the main results of this conference is that improving Water and Sanitation Services (WSS), being a complex and interdisciplinary issue, passes through collaboration and coordination of different sectors (environment, health, economic activities, governance, and international cooperation). These sectors influence or are influenced by the access to WSS. The understanding of these interrelations appears as crucial for decision makers in the water sector. In this framework, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (EC) has developed a new database (WatSan4Dev database) containing 42 indicators (called variables in this paper) from environmental, socio-economic, governance and financial aid flows data in developing countries. This paper describes the development of the WatSan4Dev dataset, the statistical processes needed to improve the data quality, and finally, the analysis to verify the database coherence is presented. Based on 25 relevant variables, the relationships between variables are described and organised into five factors (HDP – Human Development against Poverty, AP – Human Activity Pressure on water resources, WR – Water Resources, ODA – Official Development Aid, CEC – Country Environmental Concern). Linear regression methods are used to identify key variables having influence on water supply and sanitation. First analysis indicates that the informal urbanisation development is an important factor negatively influencing the percentage of the population having access to WSS. Health, and in particular children's health, benefits from the improvement of WSS. Irrigation is also enhancing Water Supply service thanks to multi-purpose infrastructure. Five country profiles are also created to deeper understand and synthetize the amount of information gathered. This new classification of countries is useful in identifying countries with a less advanced position and weaknesses to be tackled. The relevance of indicators gathered to represent environmental and water resources state is questioned in the discussion section. The paper concludes with the necessity to increase the reliability of current indicators and calls for further research on specific indicators, in particular on water quality at national scale, in order to better include environmental state in analysis to WSS.

scholarly journals Preface

2006 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. viii
Author(s):  
Michael Bickel
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Trace Element ◽  
Trace Element Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Food Contaminants ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Fortified Food ◽  
Animal Metabolism

Trace elements may have different functions in human and animal metabolism: some are toxic (e.g., Hg), others are essential to maintain good health (e.g., Ca), or they can be essential but also toxic, depending on the concentration in the body or in parts thereof (e.g., Se).The importance of various aspects of trace elements in relation to food is steadily increasing in the perception of the consumer and the respective authorities: food contaminants, essential and toxic elements, bioavailability and speciation, nutritional value and fortified food, reliable measurement of contents, etc. In addition, through the many minor and major food-related incidents during recent years the consumer is becoming more concerned about the quality and safety of food. As a result, research and development efforts in this area have also been increased and/or been redirected.TEF-2 was organized in Brussels 7-8 October 2004 by the Institute of Reference Materials and Measurements of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, with the support of the Department of Food Analysis, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology of the University of Warzaw, Poland and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France. It was carried through under the auspices of IUPAC.The objectives laid down for the symposium were- presenting state-of-the-art analytical methods for the enforcement of legal limits of trace elements in food;- disseminating new ideas and findings within the scientific community;- providing a forum for the exchange of new knowledge and experience between R&D, authorities, and industry; and- bringing together experts in the field with newcomers.TEF-2 was attended by 93 participants from 60 different institutions in 23 countries. It consisted of 26 lectures and 56 posters, structured according to the following four main topics:- trace elements in the food chain (from the environment to shelf product) including the effects of processing and of legislation- trace element bioavailability-toxicological and nutritional aspects- fortified food and supplementation legislation, manufacturing and labeling, standards- advances in trace element analysis in food matricesIt was emphasized that the field of trace elements in food is a lively research area, which generates interest and involvement from researchers, authorities, and industry, of course triggered and nurtured by the equally high interest of the consumer. A selection of the invited contributions to TEF-2 is presented in the subsequent seven papers in this issue.The importance of scientific exchange in this field was, again, recognized during TEF-2. Therefore, the continuation of this series of conferences was discussed, and the venue for the subsequent TEF-3 was decided. It will be organized by R. Lobinski of CNRS in Pau, France, at the beginning of October 2008.Michael BickelConference Editor

scholarly journals JRC activities in nuclear safety

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giustino Manna ◽  
Luigi Debarberis ◽  
Andrea Bucalossi ◽  
Roberto May ◽  
Michel Bieth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Nuclear Safety ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Joint Research Centre ◽  
The Public ◽  
Base Load ◽  
Management Issues ◽  
The Eu

Nuclear energy is today the largest single source of carbon free and base-load electricity in Europe. While highlighting its important role in the overall energy mix, it is necessary to address sustainability, safety, and security concerns, in particular nuclear safety and nuclear waste management issues, which influence the public acceptance of nuclear energy. The present paper describes the Joint Research Centre activities in support to the EU nuclear safety policy. It describes the Joint Research Centre role in the EU institutional context, identifies the various customers to which the Joint Research Centre delivers its services, and provides some results of the Joint Research Centre scientific work inherent to nuclear safety.

scholarly journals Np-237 incineration study in various beams in ADS setup QUINTA

Nukleonika ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanisław Kilim ◽  
Elżbieta Strugalska-Gola ◽  
Marcin Szuta ◽  
Marcin Bielewicz ◽  
Sergej I. Tyutyunnikov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fission Product ◽  
Proton Beam ◽  
Neutron Capture ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Fission Products ◽  
Neutron Field ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
Driven System ◽  
Accelerator Driven System

Abstract Neptunium-237 samples were irradiated in a spallation neutron field produced in accelerator-driven system (ADS) setup QUINTA. Five experiments were carried out on the accelerators at the JINR in Dubna - one in carbon (C6+), three in deuteron, and one in a proton beam. The energy in carbon was 24 GeV, in deuteron 2, 4 and 8 GeV, respectively, and 660 MeV in the proton beam. The incineration study method was based on gamma-ray spectrometry. During the analysis of the spectra several fission products and one actinide were identified. Fission product activities yielded the number of fissions. The actinide (Np-238), a result of neutron capture by Np-237, yielded the number of captures. The main goal of this work was to find out if and how the incineration rate depended on parameters of the accelerator beam.

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