A Case Study Assessing The Integration Of Nuclear Safety And Security In Facilities Using A Monte Carlo Simulation Aided Analytical Hierarchy Process, 2024 Purdue University - Main Campus
A Case Study Assessing The Integration Of Nuclear Safety And Security In Facilities Using A Monte Carlo Simulation Aided Analytical Hierarchy Process, Theodore A. Thomas, Shraddha Rane, Jason Timothy Harris
International Journal of Nuclear Security
Nuclear safety and security are essential in all operations using nuclear and radioactive materials. Even though both elements are important, the evolution of these programs has not developed at the same rate. As such, their integration has been met with challenges. This study analyzed the potential for synergy across different criteria and settings when integrating nuclear safety and security. The criteria included eight points where overlap could be identified between nuclear safety and security. Three work settings—industrial, medical, and research—were evaluated. Responses were collected from nine individuals who worked with nuclear materials in various capacities and different nuclear work settings. …
Patient Specific Normalized Glandular Dose Range Estimate For Mammography, 2023 Louisiana State University
Patient Specific Normalized Glandular Dose Range Estimate For Mammography, Lacey Medlock
LSU Master's Theses
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of death by cancer among women in the United States. Early detection is key to preventing fatalities. There are over 39 million mammography screening procedures performed yearly [3]. We know that exposure to radiation, including in routine mammography, may induce secondary cancers [4]. Thus, it is important to be able to accurately estimate the dose delivered to a patient during breast cancer screening. The dose delivered to a patient is regulated in the US and in many other …
Association Of Fall-Related Injuries And Different Diagnoses In Older Adults Of Ontario: A Machine Learning Approach, 2023 Western University
Association Of Fall-Related Injuries And Different Diagnoses In Older Adults Of Ontario: A Machine Learning Approach, Sorour Rostampour
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults in Canada. This study aimed to identify the most informative diagnostic categories associated with fall-related injuries (FRIs) using three machine learning algorithms: decision tree, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting tree (XGBoost). Secondary data from two Ontario health administrative databases (NACRS, DAD) covering the period 2006-2015 were analyzed. Older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) who sought treatment for FRIs in emergency departments (ED) or hospitals, as indicated by Canadian version of the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10-CA) codes for falls …
Treatment Planning Automation For Rectal Cancer Radiotherapy, 2023 The Texas Medical Center Library
Treatment Planning Automation For Rectal Cancer Radiotherapy, Kai Huang
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Background
Rectal cancer is a common type of cancer. There is an acute health disparity across the globe where a significant population of the world lack adequate access to radiotherapy treatments which is a part of the standard of care for rectal cancers. Safe radiotherapy treatments require specialized planning expertise and are time-consuming and labor-intensive to produce.
Purpose:
To alleviate the health disparity and promote the safe and quality use of radiotherapy in treating rectal cancers, the entire treatment planning process needs to be automated. The purpose of this project is to develop automated solutions for the treatment planning process …
Development Of A Qa Plan For A 3.0t Cannon Galan Mr-Sim, 2023 Virginia Commonwealth University
Development Of A Qa Plan For A 3.0t Cannon Galan Mr-Sim, Nathaniel D. Teague
Theses and Dissertations
Purpose: To develop and incorporate a QA (quality assurance) program for a Canon Galan 3 tesla MR Simulator for applications in radiation therapy.
Methods and materials: The QA program was centered around tests performed with three separate levels of frequency. The daily QA procedure consisted of scanning a vendor provided daily QA cube phantom that measures basic performance parameters. Additionally, a series of basic safety check were performed. The monthly QA procedure consisted of several tests, including scanning the ACR MRI large accreditation phantom and manually performing its corresponding image quality tests. Scanning the MagPhan RT for its detailed geometric …
Investigating The Uncertainties In Ct Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Radiomics, 2022 University of Kentucky
Investigating The Uncertainties In Ct Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Radiomics, Gary Ge
Theses and Dissertations--Radiation Medicine
Radiomics is a technique that extracts quantitative features, termed radiomic features, from medical images using data-characterization algorithms. These radiomic features can be used to identify tissue characteristics and radiologic phenotyping that are not observable by clinicians in a non-invasive, low-cost manner, potentially generating image biomarkers for clinical decision. To date, there are still many uncertainties involved in radiomics which limit its clinical implementation. Herein, we propose to explore the impact of each component in the radiomics pipeline on predicting clinical outcomes. In Chapter II, we conduct a thorough review of CT lung cancer radiomics studies to examine the typical feature …
A Game Theoretical Model Of Radiological Terrorism Defense, 2022 Purdue University
A Game Theoretical Model Of Radiological Terrorism Defense, Shraddha Rane, Jason Timothy Harris
International Journal of Nuclear Security
Radiological dispersal devices (RDD) pose a threat to the United States. Healthcare facilities housing high-risk radioactive materials and devices are potentially easy targets for unauthorized access and are vulnerable to malevolent acts of theft or sabotage. The three most attractive candidates for use in RDD considered in this study are: 60Co (radiosurgery devices), 137Cs (blood irradiators) and 192Ir (brachytherapy high dose radiation device). The threat posed by RDDs has led to evaluating the security risk of radioactive materials and defending against attacks. The concepts of risk analysis used in conjunction with game theory lay the foundations of …
A Retrospective Dosimetry Comparison To Define Uncertainties Found In A Novel Intensity Modulated Electron Therapy (Imet) Treatment Technique For Use In Radiation Therapy, 2022 University of Central Florida
A Retrospective Dosimetry Comparison To Define Uncertainties Found In A Novel Intensity Modulated Electron Therapy (Imet) Treatment Technique For Use In Radiation Therapy, Marco A. Masciantonio
Honors Undergraduate Theses
This study will investigate the difference in radiation at different volumes between traditional electron beam therapy and a novel IMET. The difference in dose will be recorded between the novel IMET and the IMET with a slight shift in the target area. The percent difference between this new model treatment and the model treatment with a shift will be calculated. The main goal of this project is to determine if the target area is still sufficiently treated with this slight shift of the patient in different directions. The percent difference is crucial for the success of this project. It will …
Nuclear Security Awareness Survey At A University, 2022 Purdue University - West Lafayette
Nuclear Security Awareness Survey At A University, Marcia P. Robinson, Naomi German, Destiny B. White, Shraddha V. Rane, Jason Timothy Harris
International Journal of Nuclear Security
The concept of assessing safety culture in an organization emerged with its application at the nuclear power industry and has expanded since then. An assessment of nuclear security, on the contrary, is still under-developed, especially at non-nuclear facilities, such as academic institutions and medical facilities. To identify the level of the awareness and understanding of credible nuclear and radiological threats, response preparedness, security culture, and the integrity of nuclear security systems among non-radioactive material users at a university setting; a campus-wide survey was deployed. A total of 3,336 non-radioactive material users, including students, faculty, and staff participated in the survey. …
A Note From The Co-Editors, 2021 Purdue University
A Note From The Co-Editors, Jada C. Johnson
Ideas: Exhibit Catalog for the Honors College Visiting Scholars Series
An introduction to the fifth issue of the third volume of Ideas Magazine, concerning the thoughts, experience, and work of Dr. Marcelo J.S. de Lemos.
Breastfeeding Media Coverage And Beliefs During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Mexico: Implications For Breastfeeding Equity, 2021 Montclair State University
Breastfeeding Media Coverage And Beliefs During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Mexico: Implications For Breastfeeding Equity, Mireya Vilar-Compte, P. Gaitán‐Rossi, E. C. Rhodes, V. Cruz‐Villalba, R. Pérez‐Escamilla
Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works
Background: Because breastfeeding offers short- and long- term health benefits to mothers and children, breastfeeding promotion and support is a public health priority. Evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 is not likely to be transmitted via breastmilk. Moreover, antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are thought to be contained in breastmilk of mothers with history of COVID-19 infection or vaccination. WHO recommends direct breastfeeding as the preferred infant feeding option during the COVID-19 pandemic, even among women with COVID-19; but conflicting practices have been adopted, which could widen existing inequities in breastfeeding. This study aims to describe how information about breastfeeding was communicated in Mexican …
The Yearly Financing Need Of Providing Paid Maternity Leave In The Informal Sector In Indonesia, 2021 Universitas Padjadjaran
The Yearly Financing Need Of Providing Paid Maternity Leave In The Informal Sector In Indonesia, Adiatma Y. M. Siregar, Pipit Pitriyan, Donny Hardiawan, Paul Zambrano, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Graciela Ma Teruel Belismelis, Meztli Moncada, David Tamayo, Grace Carroll, Rafael Perez-Escamilla, Roger Mathisen
Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works
Background: The economic cost of not breastfeeding in Indonesia is estimated at US$1.5–9.4 billion annually, the highest in South East Asia. Half of the 33.6 million working women of reproductive age (WRA) in Indonesia (15–49 years) are informal employees, meaning they are working as casual workers or they are self-employed (small scale business) and assisted by unpaid/family worker(s). No specific maternity protection entitlements are currently available for WRA working informally in Indonesia. This study aims to estimate the financing need of providing maternity leave cash transfer (MCT) for WRA working in the informal sector in Indonesia. Method: The costing methodology …
La Migración Como Determinante De La Obesidad Infantil En Estados Unidos Y Latinoamérica, 2021 Montclair State University
La Migración Como Determinante De La Obesidad Infantil En Estados Unidos Y Latinoamérica, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Arturo V. Bustamante, Nancy López-Olmedo, Pablo Gaitán-Ross, Jaqueline Torres, Karen E. Peterson, Graciela Teruel, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works
La migración internacional tiene consecuencias económicas y en la salud. El proceso de aculturación en el país de acogida puede estar relacionado con la obesidad infan-til. Utilizamos el marco conceptual del balance energético comunitario (CEB, por sus siglas en inglés) para analizar la relación entre migración y obesidad infantil en los hogares mexicanos con migrantes internacionales. Utilizando datos longitudinales de la Encuesta Nacional de Niveles de Vida de los Hogares de México (ENNViH), exami-namos cómo influyen las redes de migrantes sobre la obesidad infantil en las comuni-dades de origen. También revisamos programas de salud binacionales que podrían ser eficaces para …
Living Environment Considerations On Obesity Prevention Behaviors And Self-Efficacy Among Chinese Americans, 2021 Montclair State University
Living Environment Considerations On Obesity Prevention Behaviors And Self-Efficacy Among Chinese Americans, Doreen Liou, Jessica A. Karasik
Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works
The aim of this study is to ascertain if the living environment (type of residential neighborhood and number of household members) will elucidate differences in obesity risk reduction behaviors and self-efficacy in Chinese Americans. A cross-sectional survey design was used to recruit participants from Los Angeles County and New York City metropolitan areas. A total of 650 adults were recruited from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Descriptive statistics were measured for 19 behaviors reflecting food intake and portion size control and items measuring self-efficacy and attitudes. T-tests were applied for the two categories of living environment. The mean age of the sample …
Modeling Of Island Block Scatter For Intensity Modulated Bolus Electron Conformal Therapy, 2021 Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Modeling Of Island Block Scatter For Intensity Modulated Bolus Electron Conformal Therapy, Joseph G. Scotto
LSU Master's Theses
Purpose: Bolus electron conformal therapy (BECT) benefits treatment of the post-mastectomy chest wall, head and neck, paraspinal muscles, and extremities. Patient dose heterogeneities caused by bolus can be reduced through intensity modulation (IM) across the incident electron beam. This requires passive radiotherapy intensity modulation for electrons (PRIME) devices, which utilize tungsten pins (island blocks) imbedded in machinable foam. IM-BECT treatment planning requires accurate dose calculation using the pencil beam redefinition dose algorithm (PBRA). Currently, the PBRA models island blocks as perfect collimators. This work explores models to account for electrons scattering into and out of the sides of island blocks. …
Migration As A Determinant Of Childhood Obesity In The United States And Latin America, 2021 Montclair State University
Migration As A Determinant Of Childhood Obesity In The United States And Latin America, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Arturo V. Bustamante, Nancy López-Olmedo, Pablo Gaitán-Rossi, Jaqueline Torres, Karen E. Peterson, Graciela Teruel, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works
International migration has economic and health implications. The acculturation process to the host country may be linked to childhood obesity. We use the Community Energy Balance (CEB) framework to analyze the relationship between migration and childhood obesity in Mexican households with international migrants. Using longitudinal data from the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS), we examine how migrant networks affect childhood obesity in origin communities. We also review binational health programs that could be effective at tackling childhood obesity in migrant households from Mexico. Children embedded in migrant networks are at greater risk of developing overweight or obesity, suggesting a significant …
Implementation Of Childhood Obesity Prevention And Control Policies In The United States And Latin America: Lessons For Cross-Border Research And Practice, 2021 Yale School of Public Health
Implementation Of Childhood Obesity Prevention And Control Policies In The United States And Latin America: Lessons For Cross-Border Research And Practice, Rafael Perez-Escamilla, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Elizabeth Rhodes, Olga L. Sarmiento, Camila Corvalan, Rachel Sturke, Susan Vorkoper
Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works
Progress has been made in the development and widespread implementation of effective interventions to address childhood obesity, yet important challenges remain. To understand how the United States and Latin American countries achieved success in implementing obesity policies and programs (PAPs) and identify improvement opportunities using implementation science principles. We identified three comparative case studies: (1) front-of-food package labeling (Mexico and Chile); (2) Open Streets/play streets (Colombia and the United States); and (3) the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (Brazil and the United States). Information from multiple sources (e.g., scientific and gray literature and key informant interviews) was synthesized to describe barriers, facilitators, …
The Financing Need For Expanding Paid Maternity Leave To Support Breastfeeding In The Informal Sector In The Philippines, 2021 Philippine Institute for Development Studies
The Financing Need For Expanding Paid Maternity Leave To Support Breastfeeding In The Informal Sector In The Philippines, Valerie Gilbert Ulep, Paul Zambrano, Janice Datu-Sanguyo, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Graciela Materuel Belismelis, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, Grace J. Carrol, Roger Mathisen
Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works
In low- and middle-income countries, almost three-fourths of women in the labour force lack maternity protection. In the Philippines, current laws do not guarantee paid maternity leave to workers in the informal economy. A non-contributory maternity cash transfer to informal sector workers could be used to promote social equity and economic productivity and could provide health benefits by helping mothers meet their breastfeeding goals. The objective of the study is to provide a realistic cost estimate and to assess the financial feasibility of implementing a publicly financed, non-contributory maternity cash transfer programme to the informal sector in the Philippines. Using …
Food Insecurity Measurement And Prevalence Estimates During The Covid-19 Pandemic In A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey In Mexico, 2021 Universidad Iberoamericana - Mexico
Food Insecurity Measurement And Prevalence Estimates During The Covid-19 Pandemic In A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey In Mexico, Pablo Gaitán-Rossi, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Graciela Teruel, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works
Objective: To validate the telephone modality of the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA) included in three waves of a phone survey to estimate the monthly household food insecurity prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. Design: We examined the reliability and internal validity of the ELCSA scale in three repeated waves of cross-sectional surveys with Rasch models. We estimated the monthly prevalence of food insecurity in the general population and in households with and without children and compared them with a national 2018 survey. We tested concurrent validity by testing associations of food insecurity with socio-economic status …
Pre-Covid-19 Social Determinants Of Health Among Mexican Migrants In Los Angeles And New York City And Their Increased Vulnerability To Unfavorable Health Outcomes During The Covid-19 Pandemic, 2021 Montclair State University
Pre-Covid-19 Social Determinants Of Health Among Mexican Migrants In Los Angeles And New York City And Their Increased Vulnerability To Unfavorable Health Outcomes During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Pablo Gaitán‐Rossi, Lucía Félix‐Beltrán, Arturo V. Bustamante
Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works
COVID-19 has disproportionally affected underrepresented minorities (URM) and low-income immigrants in the United States. The aim of the study is to examine the underlying vulnerabilities of Mexican immigrants in New York City (NYC) and Los Angeles (LA), its correspondence with area-level COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, and to document the role of trusted and culturally sensitive services offered during the pandemic through the Ventanillas de Salud (i.e. VDS, Health Windows) program. The study uses a mixed-methods approach including a cross-sectional survey of Mexican immigrants in LA and NYC collected in the Mexican Consulates at the onset of the pandemic, complemented with …