This book highlights the advanced technologies and applications of neutron activation analysis (NAA). It discusses the latest developments influencing the performance and utility of different NAA techniques across wide areas of applications: nuclear technology, industry, medicine, clinical investigations, biology, geochemistry, soil contamination, waste management, diet, lifestyle and health, cosmology, archeology, forensic science, etc. The overall goal of the book is to promote innovation and development of NAA techniques, technologies, and nuclear culture by presenting high-quality chapters with numerous results at both national and international levels. The book will serve as a source for graduate and postgraduate students in nuclear sciences and applications and nuclear analytical techniques, experienced practitioners who want to implement or use other varieties of NAA, professional technicians and analysts, users of NAA, and other stakeholders who wish to better understand NAA techniques.

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) is the most common technique used in research reactors worldwide. The IAEA aims to enhance quality assurance in NAA laboratories by supporting annual proficiency testing, by developing and offering relevant e-learning as well as specialized publications. This publication, which is based on the most up to date relevant ISO guides and international practices, provides practical guidance on quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) in NAA laboratories. It is intended to be used in the day-to-day work of NAA at research reactors. Potential sources of errors and associated QA/QC actions are detailed for all main areas of NAA practice. Easy to use tables are provided, intended for direct reference in the laboratory.

The IAEA supports its Member States to increase the utilization of their research reactors. Small and medium sized reactors are mostly used for neutron activation analysis (NAA). Although the markets for NAA laboratories have been identified, demonstration of valid analytical results and organizational quality of the work process are preconditions for expanding the stakeholder community, particularly in commercial routine application of this powerful technique. The IAEA has implemented a new mechanism for supporting NAA laboratories in demonstrating their analytical performance by participation in proficiency testing schemes by interlaboratory comparison. This activity makes possible the identification of deviations and non-conformities, their causes and the process to implement effective approaches to eliminate them. Over 30 laboratories participated between 2010 and 2015 in consecutive proficiency tests organized by the IAEA in conjunction with the Wageningen Evaluating Programmes for Analytical Laboratories (WEPAL) to assess their analytical performances. This publication reports the findings and includes lessons learned of this activity. An attached CD-ROM contains many individual participating laboratory papers sharing their individual results and experience gained through this participation.

This publication addresses recent developments in neutron generator (NG) technology. It presents information on compact instruments with high neutron yield to be used for neutron activation analysis (NAA) and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis in combination with high count rate spectrometers. Traditional NGs have been shown to be effective for applications including borehole logging, homeland security, nuclear medicine and the on-line analysis of aluminium, coal and cement. Pulsed fast thermal neutron analysis, as well as tagged and timed neutron analysis, are additional techniques which can be applied using NG. Furthermore, NG can effectively be used for elemental analysis and is also effective for analysis of hidden materials by neutron radiography. Useful guidelines for developing NG based research laboratories are also provided in this publication.

This edited volume brings together the expertise of numerous specialists on the topic of particles – their physical, chemical, pharmacological and toxicological characteristics – when they are a component of pharmaceutical products and formulations. The book discusses in detail properties such as the composition, size, shape, surface properties and porosity of particles with respect to how they impact the formulations and products in which they are used and the effective delivery of pharmaceutical active ingredients. It considers all dosage forms of pharmaceuticals involving particles, from powders to tablets, creams to ointments, and solutions to dry-powder inhalers, also including the latest nanomedicine products. Further, it discusses examples of particle toxicity, as well as the important subject of pharmaceutical industry regulations, guidelines and legislation. The book is of interest to researchers and practitioners who work on testing and developing pharmaceutical dosage and delivery systems.

The science of food is discussed within the broader context of the world’s food supply. Food Science, An Ecological Approach explores the idea of global sustainability and examines the ecological problems that challenge our food supply and raise increasing concerns among consumers.

Many bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi play key roles in the development of gastrointestinal diseases, and this practical reference brings you up to speed with this increasingly important area. Covering a broad range of GI diseases and cancers, this resource provides an expert overview of the field, ideal for all gastroenterologists and infectious disease physicians. - Covers infections associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, gallbladder disease, acute pancreatitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, Whipple Disease, Crohn's Disease, and more. - Discusses esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal cancer. - Includes chapters on gut microbiome, fecal transplants, and the molecular pathgenesis of gastrointestinal infections. - Consolidates today's available information on this timely topic into a single convenient resource.