Corrections of HPGe detector efficiency curve due to true coincidence summing by program EFFTRAN and by Monte Carlo simulations.

Standard reference sources, used for efficiency curve calibration of detector, often contain radionuclides with complex decay schemes (such as Co, Y, Eu …), introducing a potential problem in gamma-ray spectrometry, due to the appearance of coincidence summing of detected photons, in particular at a low source-detector distance. In this paper, a set of Monte Carlo simulations of an identical experimental setup were performed in order to obtain the efficiency curve of coaxial p-type HPGe detector for energy region (0-2) MeV, with the effect of true coincidence summing and without it. Obtained efficiency curves are compared with the experimental curve after applied EFFTRAN corrections.

Simple coincidence technique for cosmic-ray intensity exploration via low-energy photon detection.

Changes in cosmic-ray intensity can significantly influence the search for rare events or processes in nuclear and astroparticle physics through corresponding variations in detector background count rate. In this work, we present an approach to explore cosmic-ray intensity and corresponding cascade production of secondary particles in the detector vicinity using low-energy photon background spectra induced by cosmic rays at the earth's surface. The coincidence system based on a plastic scintillator and an extended range HPGe detector, including a multiparameter device, was used for the acquisition of low-energy photon spectra.

Improvement of in-situ gamma spectrometry methods by Monte-Carlo simulations.

Performing in-situ measurements of gamma radiation originating from soil requires adequate detection efficiency curves, which can be obtained by Monte-Carlo simulations. In simulations, soil density of 1.046 g/cm was used, with the following elemental composition of soil in which gamma radiation was generated: O - 47%, Si -35%, Al - 8%, Fe - 3.

Monte Carlo simulation of beta particle-induced bremsstrahlung doses.

It is well known that protection from the external irradiation produced by beta emitters is simpler than the corresponding shielding of radioactive sources that emit gamma radiation. This is caused by the relatively strong absorption (i.e.

Correlation analysis of the natural radionuclides in soil and indoor radon in Vojvodina, Province of Serbia.

The most dominant source of indoor radon is the underlying soil, so the enhanced levels of radon are usually expected in mountain regions and geology units with high radium and uranium content in surface soils. Laboratory for radioactivity and dose measurement, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad has rich databases of natural radionuclides concentrations in Vojvodina soil and also of indoor radon concentrations for the region of Vojvodina, Northern Province of Serbia. In this paper we present the results of correlative and multivariate analysis of these results and soil characteristics in order to estimate the geogenic radon potential.

Correlations between soil characteristics and radioactivity content of Vojvodina soil.

During the years 2001 and 2010, the content of U, Ra, Th, K and Cs in agricultural soil and soil geochemical characteristics were measured on 50 locations in Northern Province of Serbia - Vojvodina. The locations for sampling were selected so that they proportionately represent all geomorphologic units in the region. The content of clay and humus varied within wide limits depending on soil type and influence the activity concentrations of radionuclides.

Radionuclides in some edible and medicinal macrofungal species from Tara Mountain, Serbia.

Edible and medicinal macrofungi used in human diet represent not only important sources of nutritive elements but toxic substances as well (heavy metals and radionuclides). Radioactivity levels of four radionuclides ((40)K, (137)Cs, (226)Ra, (228)Ra) were determined in the basidiomata (fruiting bodies of a Basidiomycetes) of six lignicolous (Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma applanatum, Hericium clathroides, Megacollybia platyphylla, Pluteus cervinus, Trametes gibbosa) and three mycorrhizal (Boletus luridus, Boletus sp. 1, Boletus sp.

Radon in thermal waters in south-east part of Serbia.

There are several occurrences of thermal waters in the south-eastern part of Serbia, which are originating from igneous and metamorphic rocks. These waters are mainly used in balneology, but some of them are used for drinking purposes and in water supply to heat buildings, for greenhouses and to irrigate land. In this region, there is the well-known Niška banja spa, which has elevated levels of radon.

Investigation of cosmic-ray muon induced processes by the MIREDO facility.

The MIREDO (Muon Induced Rare Event Dynamic Observatory) spectrometer system is primarily developed for the study of cosmic muon induced processes in different materials. Exploration of such interactions can be important for ultra-low background experiments. The system is based on the 100% relative efficiency ultra-low-background HPGe spectrometer.

Radioactivity in the indoor building environment in Serbia.

Measurement of activity concentrations of radionuclides in building materials and radon in indoor space is important in the assessment of population exposures, as most individuals spend 80 % of their time indoors. This paper presents the results of activity concentration measurements of: radon emanated from the soil, radionuclides (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in the soil, indoor radon in the city of Novi Sad (the capital city of Vojvodina) using charcoal canisters and indoor radon in the Vojvodina region using alpha-track detectors and the radioactivity of some building materials. Influences of floor level, space under the rooms, boarding, and the heating system on indoor radon accumulation in the Vojvodina province, situated in the northern part of Serbia, are also presented in this paper.