In the event that a radiological dispersal device (RDD) is detonated in the U.S. or near U.S. interests overseas, it will be crucial that the actors involved in the event can be identified quickly. If irradiated nuclear fuel is used as the dispersion material for the RDD, it will be beneficial for law enforcement officials to quickly identify where the irradiated nuclear fuel originated. One signature which may lead to the identification of the spent fuel origin is the isotopic composition of the RDD debris. The objective of this research was to benchmark a forward model methodology for predicting isotopic composition of spent nuclear fuel used in an RDD while at the same time optimizing the fidelity of the model to reduce computational time. The code used in this study was Monteburns-2.0. Monteburns is a Monte Carlo based neutronic code utilizing both MCNP and ORIGEN. The size of the burnup step used in Monteburns was tested and found to converge at a value of 3,000 MWd/MTU per step. To ensure a conservative answer, 2,500 MWd/MTU per step was used for the benchmarking process. The model fidelity ranged from the following: 2-dimensional pin cell, multiple radial-region pin cell, modified pin cell, 2D assembly, and 3D assembly. The results showed that while the multi-region pin cell gave the highest level of accuracy, the difference in uncertainty between it and the 2D pin cell (0.07% for 235U) did not warrant the additional computational time required. The computational time for the multiple radial-region pin cell was 7 times that of the 2D pin cell. For this reason, the 2D pin cell was used to benchmark the isotopics with data from other reactors. The reactors from which the methodology was benchmarked were Calvert Cliffs Unit #1, Takahama Unit #3, and Trino Vercelles. Calvert Cliffs is a pressurized water reactor (PWR) using Combustion Engineering 14??14 assemblies. Takahama is a PWR using Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 17??17 assemblies. Trino Vercelles is a PWR using non-standard lattice assemblies. The measured isotopic concentrations from all three of the reactors showed good agreement with the calculated values.

After a radiation dispersion device (RDD) event, there may be internally and/or externally contaminated victims. After the RDD event, victims may require immediate medical assistance prior to decontamination. The dose rates to which a healthcare provider is exposed due to the internal and external contamination of the victim were computed using Monte Carlo simulations and five anthropomorphic phantoms. The dose rates to which the victim is exposed due to his/her own external contamination were also computed. For the external contamination modeling, the contamination is assumed to be distributed over the entire exterior of the victimâ s body. The geometrical models of the human body were based on the MIRD stylized phantom. The specific isotopes considered were 60Co, 137Cs, 131I, 192Ir, and 241Am. The surface contamination was generated by creating a 2-mm thick layer adjacent to the outside of the skin of the victim and uniformly sampling the emissions of the radioactive sources throughout this volume. The attending healthcare provider was assumed to be standing 20 cm from mid-torso of the victim. The organ absorbed doses in both the contaminated individual and a healthcare professional were computed. The effective dose to the victim and the attending healthcare professional were computed using the tissue weighting factors in ICRP Publication 60. For example, the dose rate to a reference male healthcare provider from the victim six hours after the inhalation of one ALI by an adipose male victim will be 0.277 mSv/hr. In addition, the air kerma was computed at different distances from the surfaces of the victim phantom and ratios were generated for the air kerma and the effective dose due to the victim from the surface contamination on the victim.

Thesis (M. S.)--Nuclear and Radiological Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009. / Committee Chair: Hertel, Nolan; Committee Member: Ansari, Armin; Committee Member: Wang, C.K. Chris

Possible risks of using radioactive materials are a highly discussed topic nowadays. This work is dealing with this problem and it is focused on possible risks of using radioactive materials from the ex-treatment plant of uranium ores MAPE Mydlovary. In introductory chapters I am describing the current state of ex-treatment plant of uranium ores. I am dealing with the history of operation of MAPE, information about sludge lagoons and about stored sediments in them and other characteristics concerning this operation. For years, sediments in which radionuclides are contained have been stored in treatment plants and that is why I am dealing with ionizing radiation. Because the topic is the using of radioactive materials which can be used mainly by terrorists, I am also describing this worldwide phenomenon of recent years where I first of all focused on super-terrorism using radioactive weapons, namely so-called ?dirty bombs?. The target of this work is to find out possibilities of using radioactive materials from the ex-treatment plant. Therefore I measured values of radioactivity and exposition of radiation at some places with the help of exploratory research. That meant sampling of soils and water and also measurement of power of dose equivalent of radiation gamma. After gathering information of needed radiation values I carried out simulation of possible using of radioactive materials from the premises MAPE. By means of dirty bomb I used the programme TerEx at using radioactive material. Then I carried out several calculations which were focused on inhalation, ingestion or outdoor radiation from radioactive materials and also calculation how much it is necessary to gain a significant source of ionizing radiation. From these sources I have deduced impacts for individuals, society or environment. Based on analysis and evaluation of given problems, my set hypothesis ?By using radioactive materials from the ex-treatment plant of uranium ores MAPE Mydlovary a serious threat to people will not occur? was confirmed. Results of my work can be used as a study material for completing and broadening knowledge about risks resulting from using radioactive materials. Further an increase of foreknowledge and explanation of certain consequences of ionizing radiation on humans from materials from the ex-treatment plant of uranium ores MAPE Mydlovary, for inhabitants of Mydlovary and surrounding areas and also useful information for lay and professional society which is interested in these problems.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A tese analisa a obra de Rubem Fonseca e Pedro Juan Gutiérrez sob o ponto de vista da abjeção, do nojo, do choque e do trauma, suas aproximações e diferenças, partindo das várias noções de realismo até chegar ao realismo sujo, termo cunhado para designar toda uma a geração de jovens escritores americanos e latino-americanos, surgidos a partir dos anos 80. Aborda ainda as estratégias utilizadas por Fonseca (nas décadas de 60, 70 e 80) e Gutiérrez (nos anos 90 e 00) para lidar com a ditadura, respectivamente no Brasil e em Cuba, traçando um breve panorama do cenário literário cubano contemporâneo. Por fim, o trabalho discute o realismo vazio, que se caracteriza pela perda da fé nas utopias. O trabalho se apóia nas categorias teóricas utilizadas por Hal Foster, Julia Kristeva e Mário Perniola. / The thesis analyses Rubem Fonsecas and Pedro Juan Gutiérrezs fiction under the point of view of abjection, disgust, shock and trauma, their similarities and differences, starting with the different notions of Realism and reaching dirty realism expression used to identify a generation of young American and Latinamerican writers that started to publish in the 1980s. It also broaches the strategies to deal with dictatorship in Brazil and in Cuba, drawing a brief map of the contemporary Cuban literary scenario. Finally, the work discusses the empty realism, which is marked by the loss of the faith in the Utopia. The project is supported by the theoretical categories used by Hal Foster, Julia Kristeva and Mário Perniola.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A tese analisa a obra de Rubem Fonseca e Pedro Juan Gutiérrez sob o ponto de vista da abjeção, do nojo, do choque e do trauma, suas aproximações e diferenças, partindo das várias noções de realismo até chegar ao realismo sujo, termo cunhado para designar toda uma a geração de jovens escritores americanos e latino-americanos, surgidos a partir dos anos 80. Aborda ainda as estratégias utilizadas por Fonseca (nas décadas de 60, 70 e 80) e Gutiérrez (nos anos 90 e 00) para lidar com a ditadura, respectivamente no Brasil e em Cuba, traçando um breve panorama do cenário literário cubano contemporâneo. Por fim, o trabalho discute o realismo vazio, que se caracteriza pela perda da fé nas utopias. O trabalho se apóia nas categorias teóricas utilizadas por Hal Foster, Julia Kristeva e Mário Perniola. / The thesis analyses Rubem Fonsecas and Pedro Juan Gutiérrezs fiction under the point of view of abjection, disgust, shock and trauma, their similarities and differences, starting with the different notions of Realism and reaching dirty realism expression used to identify a generation of young American and Latinamerican writers that started to publish in the 1980s. It also broaches the strategies to deal with dictatorship in Brazil and in Cuba, drawing a brief map of the contemporary Cuban literary scenario. Finally, the work discusses the empty realism, which is marked by the loss of the faith in the Utopia. The project is supported by the theoretical categories used by Hal Foster, Julia Kristeva and Mário Perniola.

The safety and security of a radiological facility shares a common objective which is to ensure the protection of the population and the environment from an undue radiological hazard. Adapting and extending risk assessment to security applications has been limited because of the adaptive nature of the sub-state actors and the lack of historical data of terrorist attacks on radiological facilities. Currently, no broad risk index exists for radiological facilities, such as healthcare centers and universities. This study develops a quantitative risk-based methodology that radiological facilities can employ to conduct self-assessments and gain better understanding of the threat they face. The computation of the Potential Facility Risk Index (PFRI) is based on the triplet definition (threat, vulnerability, and consequences) of risk. The threat component of the PFRI is devised as a utility function weighing the threat group attributes and asset preference. The principles of probabilistic risk assessment and pathway analysis are implemented to account for radioactive material theft probabilities in different attack scenarios. Locational hazards and nuclear security culture are measured as a function of radiological facility vulnerability. The consequences of loss of life and economic loss are computed, as a result of an attack from the radiological dispersal device (RDD). The methodology is applied to a hypothetical healthcare facility a single radioactive with three material assets (⁶⁰Co, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹⁹²Ir). The representation of the PFRI value on a qualitative scale-ranging from “very low risk” (1) to “very high risk” (10) presents a holistic view of the state of the facility risk to RDD. The PFRI may be used by decision makers to evaluate any security upgrades and justify security investments. The RDD game, developed as an extension to PFRI, provides the healthcare facility (defender) with strategic options to budget scarce security resources and make optimal choices under severe uncertainty about the terrorist adversary (attacker) theat.

This study examines how the administrations of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan responded to the widespread human rights abuses committed by the Argentine military during the country's Dirty War between 1977 and 1982. The objective is to gain a broader understanding of the policies pursued by both administrations. Under Carter, who brought human rights to the forefront of American foreign policy, Argentina was heavily targeted and sanctioned with the anticipation that such measures would enhance the human rights status in Argentina. Ultimately, such policies resulted in open hostility in bilateral relations, culminating in Argentina's refusal to support Carter's proposed grain embargo on the Soviet Union in 1980. Reagan moved to restore relations until Argentina's invasion of the Falklands in April, 1982. The works of many authors were consulted in conjunction with newspapers, journal articles, government proceedings and declassified documents obtained from the National Security Archives.

In five studies (total N = 1300) we developed and validated a Polish version of the Dirty Dozen measure (DTDD-P) that measures the three traits of the Dark Triad, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. We detail the presence and stability of a bifactor structure of the 12 items and present evidence for good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. We examine the nomological network surrounding the Dark Triad and show that both the Dark Triad total score and the subscales have acceptable validity. We also present evidence on the Dark Triad and moral behavior. Dark Triad predicts utilitarian moral choice (e.g., approval for sacrificing somebody's life for the sake of saving others) and this link is mediated by low empathic concern. In total, our results suggest that the Polish Dirty Dozen—Parszywa Dwunastka—is valid, stable, and useful for the study of lingering puzzles in the literature.

Over the last few decades the importance of human rights has increased considerably in international relations. With globalization and democratization, more states and individuals develop concerns about the fundamental rights every human is entitled to; regardless of sex, religion and ethnicity. Latin American countries began obtaining their independence over 200 years ago while progressing into becoming working democracies. Yet, they have been plagued by oscillating authoritarian regimes and social conflicts that constrain and inhibit their hopeful development. The majority of the Latin American states have reached a point where further positive growth was expected; yet human violations have taken a backseat within the government of such countries. The case studies shed light on the three main causes of human right violations in Latin America. These are: the abuse of power by the government and the subsequent changes to the constitution to gain further control and authority; the government's inadequacy in dealing with subversive groups; and the deficiency of subsequent democratic governments to bring past offenders to trial for crimes against humanity while giving pardons to those who did face trial. By understanding why the violation of human rights occurred, future infringements can be avoided and fundamental rights will be awarded to all humans.