JOURNAL of NUCLEAR and Related TECHNOLOGIES

IMPROVEMENT IN RADIATION PROTECTION INFRASTRUCTURE FOR X-RAY FACILITIES IN BANGLADESH: THE ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Md. Kabir Ahamed — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

ABSTRACT
The national regulatory body in the state regulates the source of ionizing radiation, to optimize exposure for occupational radiation workers and public. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority covers all radiological regulatory aspects of ionizing radiation, such as diagnostic X-ray facilities for all practices and intervention requirements. The study presents an assessment and analyses the degree of technical radiation protection requirements and the status of improvement in the national regulatory standards for 230 different facilities in the four particular districts in Bangladesh. The main objective is to ensure all the regulatory requirements are being fulfilled by analyzing data on radiation protection matters. In the cases of public and radiation workers, approximately 77% and 56% of dose rates in the examined facilities, respectively, were following the radiological protection technical regulation. However, significant progress has been observed in the facilities in the last few years since the authority initiated the regulatory program.

ABSTRAK
Badan kawal selia kebangsaan di negeri ini mengawal sumber sinaran mengion, untuk mengoptimumkan pendedahan untuk pekerja sinaran pekerjaan dan orang ramai. Pihak Berkuasa Pengawalseliaan Tenaga Atom Bangladesh meliputi semua aspek pengawalseliaan radiologi sinaran mengion, seperti kemudahan X-ray diagnostik untuk semua amalan dan keperluan intervensi. Kajian ini membentangkan penilaian dan menganalisis tahap keperluan perlindungan sinaran teknikal dan status penambahbaikan dalam piawaian kawal selia kebangsaan untuk 230 kemudahan berbeza di empat daerah tertentu di Bangladesh. Objektif utama adalah untuk memastikan semua keperluan pengawalseliaan dipenuhi dengan menganalisis data mengenai perkara perlindungan sinaran. Dalam kes pekerja awam dan sinaran, kira-kira 77% dan 56% daripada kadar dos di kemudahan yang diperiksa, masing-masing, mengikut peraturan teknikal perlindungan radiologi. Walau bagaimanapun, kemajuan ketara telah diperhatikan dalam kemudahan dalam beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini sejak pihak berkuasa memulakan program pengawalseliaan.

STUDY OF EXISTING SHIELDING CHARATERISTICS OF MALAYSIAN NUCLEAR AGENCY - DENSE PLASMA FOCUS (MNA-PF) USING MONTE CARLO PHITS

Puteri Nuraliah Husna Binti Mohd Tajuddin — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

ABSTRACT
This study employs modelling tools to evaluate the effectiveness of existing shielding for the Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) neutron source at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency using the Monte Carlo simulation capabilities of the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport Code System (PHITS). Simulating the current shielding configuration, we assess its ability to attenuate neutron flux and radiation doses. The simulation results provide insights into the spatial distribution of radiation within the facility. This analysis focuses on verifying the adequacy of the existing shielding to ensure personnel safety during experiments conducted inside the room while also serving as a reference for future shielding assessments.

ABSTRAK
Kajian ini menilai keberkesanan perisai sedia ada untuk sumber neutron Fokus Plasma Padat (DPF) di Agensi Nuklear Malaysia menggunakan keupayaan simulasi Monte Carlo bagi Sistem Kod Pengangkutan Zarah dan Ion Berat (PHITS). Dengan memodelkan konfigurasi perisai semasa, kami menilai prestasinya dalam mengurangkan bilangan neutron dan dos radiasi. Hasil simulasi memberikan pandangan mengenai taburan radiasi. Analisis ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji penggunaan perisai semasa untuk memastikan keselamatan kakitangan semasa menjalankan eksperimen di dalam bilik dan digunakan sebagai rujukan untuk penilaian perisai pada masa hadapan.

ASSESSMENT OF ELEMENTS IN SOIL AND STINGLESS BEE HONEY AND ITS CORRELATION USING NAA AND ICP-MS

Siti Aminah Omar — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyse the elemental concentration of two different environmental compartments namely stingless bee honey and its corresponding soil sample collected from the northern and central zone of Peninsular Malaysia that is Baling, Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Pinang, Perlis and Sepang using neutron activation analysis (NAA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). 17 elements were analysed which include Al, As, Ba, Ce, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hf, Fe, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Sb, Th, V and Zn of various concentrations. Soil-honey elemental correlation studies were determined using Pearson’s correlation analysis which resulted in mostly weak and moderate correlation of the concentrations of the seventeen elements among the soil and honey samples. Only Cs was found to be highly correlated between stingless bee honey and the soils. Bioaccumulation from soil to honey was found to be relatively low with Na, K, Mg, Mn and Zn showed greater bioaccumulation than all the other elements.

Abstrak

Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk menganalisis kepekatan unsur dua petak alam sekitar yang berbeza iaitu madu lebah tanpa sengat dan sampel tanah yang sepadan yang dikumpul dari zon utara dan tengah Semenanjung Malaysia iaitu Baling, Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Pinang, Perlis dan Sepang menggunakan analisis pengaktifan neutron (NAA) dan spektrometri jisim plasma gandingan induktif (ICP-MS). 17 elemen telah dianalisis yang merangkumi Al, As, Ba, Ce, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hf, Fe, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Sb, Th, V dan Zn pelbagai kepekatan. Kajian korelasi unsur tanah-madu ditentukan menggunakan analisis korelasi Pearson yang menghasilkan korelasi kebanyakannya lemah dan sederhana bagi kepekatan tujuh belas unsur antara sampel tanah dan madu. Hanya Cs didapati sangat berkorelasi antara madu lebah tanpa sengat dan tanah. Bioakumulasi dari tanah kepada madu didapati agak rendah dengan Na, K, Mg, Mn dan Zn menunjukkan bioakumulasi yang lebih besar daripada semua unsur lain.

HARNESSING 68GA-NOTA-RITUXIMAB IN RADIOIMMUNOTHERAPY (RIT) : REVOLUTIONIZING CANCER TREATMENT

Siti Aminah Muhamad — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

ABSTRACT
Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) represents a ground-breaking approach in cancer treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), combining the specificity of monoclonal antibody with radioactive nucleotide. Rituximab, is a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against B-lymphocyte specific antigen CD20, which is used for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. However, the effectiveness of rituximab is limited partly due to treatment resistance. The aim of this study is to develop the radiolabelled of rituximab to enhance the activity. Rituximab was conjugated with p-SCN-Bn-NOTA (1:10 and 1:50) and the pure conjugated rituximab was collected by using the preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The conjugated was radiolabelled with 68Ga and purified by using PD-10 column. The quality control parameters such as pH, radiochemical purity (RCP), stability against time and serum challenge of 68Ga-NOTA-Rituximab were determined and the conditions were optimized. The RCP of ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-Rituximab at 1:10 ratio was 97.34 ± 0.16% before purification and increased to 99.63 ± 0.16 % after purification. Likewise, the RCP of rituximab labelled at a 1:50 ratio was 89.02 ± 2.24% before purification and improved to 99.06 ± 0.01% post-purification. Additionally, the labelled rituximab remained stable for up to five hours under both serum and non-serum conditions, maintaining RCP of over 95%. From this study, we conclude that the rituximab was successfully conjugated with the p-SCN-Bn-NOTA and subsequently purified by using preparative HPLC, later radiolabelled with 68Ga. In vitro stability studies with 68Ga-NOTA-Rituximab with and without serum of up to 5 hours exhibited greater than 95% RCP. Further studies in pre-treated animal of NHL would confirm the potential of this 68Ga-NOTA-Rituximab for PET imaging of NHL.

ABSTRAK
Radioimunoterapi (RIT) mewakili pendekatan terobosan dalam rawatan kanser limfoma bukan Hodgkin (NHL), menggabungkan kekhususan antibodi monoklonal dengan nukleotida radioaktif. Rituximab, adalah antibodi monoklonal chimeric yang ditujukan terhadap antigen spesifik B-limfosit CD20, yang digunakan untuk rawatan keganasan sel B. Walau bagaimanapun, keberkesanan rituximab adalah terhad sebahagiannya disebabkan oleh rintangan rawatan. Matlamat kajian ini adalah untuk membangunkan radiolabelled rituximab untuk meningkatkan aktiviti. Rituximab telah dikonjugasikan dengan p-SCN-Bn-NOTA (1:10 dan 1:50) dan rituximab konjugasi tulen dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan kromatografi cecair prestasi tinggi persediaan (HPLC). Terkonjugasi telah dilabel radio dengan 68Ga dan disucikan dengan menggunakan lajur PD-10. Parameter kawalan kualiti seperti pH, ketulenan radiokimia (RCP), kestabilan melawan masa dan cabaran serum 68Ga-NOTA-Rituximab telah ditentukan dan keadaan telah dioptimumkan. RCP ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-Rituximab pada nisbah 1:10 ialah 97.34 ± 0.16% sebelum penulenan dan meningkat kepada 99.63 ± 0.16 % selepas penulenan. Begitu juga, RCP rituximab yang dilabelkan pada nisbah 1:50 ialah 89.02 ± 2.24% sebelum penulenan dan bertambah baik kepada 99.06 ± 0.01% selepas penulenan. Selain itu, rituximab berlabel kekal stabil sehingga lima jam di bawah kedua-dua keadaan serum dan bukan serum, mengekalkan RCP melebihi 95%. Daripada kajian ini, kami menyimpulkan bahawa rituximab berjaya dikonjugasikan dengan p-SCN-Bn-NOTA dan kemudiannya disucikan dengan menggunakan HPLC persediaan, kemudian dilabel radio dengan 68Ga. Kajian kestabilan in vitro dengan 68Ga-NOTA-Rituximab dengan dan tanpa serum sehingga 5 jam menunjukkan lebih daripada 95% RCP. Kajian lanjut dalam haiwan pra-rawatan NHL akan mengesahkan potensi 68Ga-NOTA-Rituximab ini untuk pengimejan PET NHL.

QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) AND QUALITY CONTROL (QC) IN RADIATION TREATMENT- A SHORT REVIEW

Siti Amira Othman — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

ABSTRACT
An overview of quality control in radiotherapy equipment was given in this work. Complex processes and tests are necessary when buying new radiotherapy equipment, and they fall within a quality assurance program. The processes for monitoring (or testing) and maintaining the technical components of the equipment are crucial elements in the quality assurance (QA) program, and they are both included in the quality control (QC) program. In addition, this paper examines the procedure for buying new equipment, which is then put through a series of tests before an institution accepts it. Additionally, clinical consistently applies quality assurance to create a clear organisational framework regarding accountability for duties.

ABSTRAK
Gambaran keseluruhan kawalan kualiti dalam peralatan radioterapi telah diberikan dalam kerja ini. Proses dan ujian yang kompleks diperlukan apabila membeli peralatan radioterapi baharu, dan ia termasuk dalam program jaminan kualiti. Proses untuk memantau (atau menguji) dan menyelenggara komponen teknikal peralatan adalah elemen penting dalam program jaminan kualiti (QA), dan kedua-duanya termasuk dalam program kawalan kualiti (QC). Di samping itu, kertas kerja ini mengkaji prosedur untuk membeli peralatan baharu, yang kemudiannya melalui beberapa siri ujian sebelum institusi menerimanya. Selain itu, klinikal secara konsisten menggunakan jaminan kualiti untuk mewujudkan rangka kerja organisasi yang jelas mengenai akauntabiliti untuk tugas.

OPTIMIZING EDXRF METHODS FOR ACCURATE GOLD ALLOY PURITY ASSESSMENT

Adlan Akram Mohamad Mazuki — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

ABSTRACT
The need for quicker and more effective methods for using gold in transactions is increasing. Gold has always been a valuable investment and carries cultural importance. Accurately assessing the purity of gold in items such as jewelry is crucial. Conventional techniques, like fire assay and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), are precise but are often slow and costly. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) offers a non-destructive approach that can easily analyze gold purity without destroying the sample. However, various factors can influence its accuracy. This research explores methods to enhance the accuracy of EDXRF in measuring gold purity. It involves tweaking the machine settings, using specific calibration materials, and understanding how the presence of other metals mixed with gold can impact the results. The study indicated that EDXRF can achieve accuracy comparable to traditional techniques for measuring gold purity with appropriate adjustments and calibration. The findings showed regression results (R2) of about 0.9999 for the targeted gold calibration curve across all metals, indicating a strong correlation between certified values and EDXRF measurements. Furthermore, the relative error of the measured gold value was less than 0.1 rel % across all matrices. The relative standard deviation was minimized to less than 0.11 % rsd for pure Au, 0.16 % rsd for Au-Ag, and Au-Cu alloys, and below 0.20 % rsd for Au-Ag-Cu alloys with matrix correction. This enhanced technique could accelerate and reduce the cost of analysing gold alloys, benefiting the precious metals sector and encouraging fair trade.

ABSTRAK
Keperluan untuk kaedah yang lebih cepat dan berkesan untuk menggunakan emas dalam urus niaga semakin meningkat. Emas sentiasa menjadi pelaburan yang bernilai dan membawa kepentingan budaya. Menilai ketulenan emas dengan tepat dalam barangan seperti perhiasan adalah penting. Teknik konvensional, seperti ujian kebakaran dan Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), adalah tepat tetapi selalunya lambat dan mahal. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) menawarkan pendekatan tidak merosakkan yang boleh menganalisis ketulenan emas dengan mudah tanpa memusnahkan sampel. Walau bagaimanapun, pelbagai faktor boleh mempengaruhi ketepatannya. Penyelidikan ini meneroka kaedah untuk meningkatkan ketepatan EDXRF dalam mengukur ketulenan emas. Ia melibatkan pengubahsuaian tetapan mesin, menggunakan bahan penentukuran khusus, dan memahami bagaimana kehadiran logam lain yang dicampur dengan emas boleh memberi kesan kepada keputusan. Kajian menunjukkan bahawa EDXRF boleh mencapai ketepatan setanding dengan teknik tradisional untuk mengukur ketulenan emas dengan pelarasan dan penentukuran yang sesuai. Penemuan menunjukkan keputusan regresi (R2) kira-kira 0.9999 untuk keluk penentukuran emas yang disasarkan merentas semua logam, menunjukkan korelasi yang kuat antara nilai yang diperakui dan pengukuran EDXRF. Tambahan pula, ralat relatif bagi nilai emas yang diukur adalah kurang daripada 0.1 rel% merentas semua matriks. Sisihan piawai relatif telah diminimumkan kepada kurang daripada 0.11 % rsd untuk Au tulen, 0.16 % rsd untuk aloi Au-Ag, dan Au-Cu, dan di bawah 0.20 % rsd untuk aloi Au-Ag-Cu dengan pembetulan matriks. Teknik yang dipertingkatkan ini boleh mempercepatkan dan mengurangkan kos menganalisis aloi emas, memanfaatkan sektor logam berharga dan menggalakkan perdagangan yang adil.