Medical Sciences
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The Medical Sciences community showcases scholarly publications and research outputs authored by faculty and researchers in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This collection includes journal articles, working papers, conference proceedings, and other academic works that contribute to the understanding of theory, policy, and practice. It aims to promote open access to high-quality economic research conducted within the institution.
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Item AN OVERVIEW OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN KOSOVO(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadThe current situation in Kosovo with regard to radioactive waste management, a waste inventory, classification and interim storage based on IAEA recommendations is reported. There are more than 80 sealed radioactive sources out of use in the country, including radioactive lighting, other than radioactive waste generated in nuclear medicine departments. With the absence of essential information different methods were applied to identify the type of radionuclide and its activity. Methods for the safe management of different groups of waste, including interim storage, were determined using the IAEA’s waste classification scheme.Item Assessment of Beam Quality in Some Radio Diagnostic Centers(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadIn general, ionizing radiation and in particular X-rays plays a very important role in medical examinations for diagnostic purposes. The rapid growth of the number of procedures for diagnostic reason in medicine as a result led to increase the number of equipment for X ray generation, which consequently has increased the patients dose and in the same time is increased the risk of malignant diseases. Measurement parameters of quality assessment for X radiation generators are done at nine different diagnostic centers of public sector in Kosovo during the period 2014-2015. Measurements consist on accuracy of tube voltage, reproducibility of output voltage, total filtration of the x-ray tube and delivered radiation dose. Measurements were performed using Multimeter PTW NOMEX and DAP (Dose Area Product) Meter PTW Diamentor CM.Item External individual monitoring of radiation workers in Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadIndividual monitoring of external exposure for all medical, industrial and research radiation workers in Republic of Kosovo is performed and still is being performed by Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM). First, film badges dosemeters were used from 1978 to 1982; afterwards individually dosimetry was done based on thermoluminescence detectors (TLD). Nowadays, the service is based on the worldwide known standard thermoluminescence detectors MTS-N (LiF:Mg,Ti), processed in automatic reader Rados RE-2000S. The dosimetry service currently provides individual monitoring of 450 occupational workers in terms of personal dose equivalent Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) for photon fields based in two elements dosimeter. The average dose for occupational worker during last year was 1.73 mSv. Forty-five percent of all individual doses in Kosovo are on the level of natural radiation background and only 6.3 % of Kosovo radiation workers are categorized like exposed workers of category A.Item Measurement of Radon Concentration in Dwelling Houses in Rahovec City, Republic of Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadRadon concentration measurements have been carried out in the selected dwelling houses in Rahovec city, using continuous radon monitor Model CRM-510. This study has covered a region of Kosovo which has not investigated before for radon concentration and the scope of this study is to contribute on Kosovo Radon Map, which is not still completed. Also, has been analysed the impact of age of buildings, type of walls and windows on selected dwelling houses chosen for radon concentration measurements. The average radon concentration on living room has been found to vary from 103.7 ± 19.8 Bq/m3 to 207.1 ± 48.1 Bq/m3. The annual effective dose is found to be lower than action levels of annual effective dose recommended by International Commission of Radiation Protection (ICRP).Item Measurements of radon concentration in several wards of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo and determination of the absorbed doses to the personnel staff in these wards.(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadUnderstanding that what’s the level of environment pollution from radioactive pollutant in some wards of UCCK (University Clinical Center of Kosovo) in Prishtina are made measurements of α radiation which is the product of ²²²Rn and have been read doses of TLD to some staff workers in three wards of UCCK. All this is done to see the risk level of possible pollution. Concentration of radon ²²²Rn is measured with clever CRM-510 portable instrument. During the measurements the apparatus has recorded parameters: environment temperature, air relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Effective doses of TLD samples are taken from 9 workers who operate in these environments and for three consecutive years. In review, samples are taken from 9 workers in three different wards and among them one is operating as a technician. Some of these people are workers who work with x-rays periodically and in the same places are measured values of sources of ²²²Rn to compare the risk level from radiation of these two categories, also during this research were determined age of workers, as well.Item Monitoring of Indoor Radon Concentration in Some Elementary and Secondary Schools of Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadMeasurements of radon concentration were carried out at indoor air of 30 elementary and secondary schools in Kosovo. The aim of this study was to know the level of indoor radon concentration in these locations and to enhance the national radon survey. The main method for indoor radon measurement was direct sampling in alpha scintillation cells and continuous monitoring during some days. However, in cases with an increased instantaneous and continuous radon concentration the additional method of track-etech detectors were applied. The radon concentration was measured to be from 35 Bq m-3 to 814 Bq m-3and the annual effective doses was calculated to be from 0,28 mSv year-1 to 6,47 mSv year-1. In most of the schools the concentration and annual effective doses for students and teachers exceeded the limit of ICRP recommendations but in three of them the concentration and annual effective doses are higher.Item Natural radionuclides in drinking water and annual effective dose to infant, child, and adult(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadThis study assessed the annual effective dose from drinking water across different age categories, considering various sources of water. The water samples were collected from different locations, with the samples categorized into public drinking water systems, private wells, and bottled water. In the drinking water samples, no radionuclides other than Ra-226, Th-232, K-40, and H-3 were detected. The average tritium concentration in drinking water was measured at 1.84 Bq L 1, significantly below the permissible safety standards. The study indicated that infants received the highest annual effective dose from drinking water, averaging 0.88 mSv year 1, compared to 0.11 mSv*year 1 for children and 0.08 mSv*year 1 for adults. Among the different water sources, well water from Stublla village showed significantly elevated levels at 0.49 mSv*year 1. The highest contribution to the annual effective dose from the ingestion of drinking water comes from Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40, with average values of 1.72, 0.42, and 0.161 mSv*year 1, respectively. Despite these variations, the average annual effective doses from drinking water for infants, children, and adults were 0.81, 0.098, and 0.076 mSv year 1, respectively. Based on drinking water sources, the Stublla region had the highest yearly effective dosage, with an average value of 0.49 mSv year 1.Item Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) generated from lignite-fired power plants in Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadThe energy production in Kosovo depends primarily on lignite-fired power plants. During coal combustion, huge amounts of fly ash and bottom ash are generated, which may result in enriched natural radionuclides; therefore, these radionuclides need to be investigated to identify the possible processes that may lead to the radiological exposure of workers and the local population. Lignite samples and NORMs of fly ash and bottom ash generated in lignite-fired power plants in Kosovo are analyzed using a gamma-ray spectrometry method for the activity concentration of natural radionuclides. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in lignite are found to be 36 ± 8 Bq kg 1, 9 ± 1 Bq kg 1 and 9 ± 3 Bq kg 1, respectively. Indications on the occurrence and geochemical behavior of uranium in the lignite matrix are suggested. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in fly ash and bottom ash samples are found to be concentrated from 3 to 5 times that of the feeding lignite. The external gamma-ray absorbed dose rate and the activity concentration index are calculated to assess the radiological hazard arising from ash disposal and recycling in the cement industry.Item Optimizing 3D-printed workpieces for radiotherapy application: modelling the CT number and print time(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadThis study aims to analyze the influence of specific printing parameters, including infilling, print speed, and layer height, on the CT numbers and printing time of 3D-printed workpieces fabricated from Polylactic Acid (PLA). The primary objective is to optimize these parameters to attain desired CT numbers and print time for radiotherapy applications. To achieve this objective, we employed the Taguchi experimental design and regression analysis methodologies. Aseries of experiments were conducted to systematically assess the effects of varying infilling, print speed, and layer height values on the CTnumbers and printing time of the PLA workpieces. The resulting data were then used to create mathematical models for predicting optimal parameter settings. Our investigations revealed that specific adjustments to infilling and layer height significantly influence the CT numbers and printing time of 3D-printed workpieces. By leveraging the developed mathematical models, precise predictions can be made to optimize independent parameters for the desired CT numbers and printing times, enhancing the efficacy of 3D-printed workpieces for radiotherapy applications. This research contributes to the advancement of 3D-printed workpieces utilized in radiotherapy, offering a pathway to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of treatment delivery. The optimization of printing parameters outlined in this study provides a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers in the field, ultimately benefiting patients undergoing radiotherapy treatments.Item Patient doses from CT examinations in region of Prishtina, Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadThe study was performed on the CT scanners installed in five medical centers, which provides 6, respectively 64 slices per gantry rotation. The free-in-air CTDI was determined from measurements by exposing a CT pencil ionization chamber (PTW TM30009) without any build up materials around, which has been connected with electrometer, type PTW DIADOS E. The measurement of CTDI100 was performed for three standard protocols (head, thorax and abdomen) using acrylic cylindrical phantoms with a diameter of 16 cm and 32 cm. These values were compared with the CTDIw displayed in the console to ensure that the radiation output from the machines were within international standards. Based on results obtained on measurements of free-in-air CTDI, we conclude that all values are within the international standards. A deviation value from measurements taken in this study for selected ThoraxHRSeq., respectively AbdomenSeq. scan CT techniques to mimic clinical conditions for an adult patient, results shows that in cases of machine A and E, percentage of deviation exceed norms by the international standards for AbdomenSeq. protocol, respectively for machine E for ThoraxHRSeq. protocol, too.Item Radioactivity in Kosovo Honey Samples(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadThe aim of this study was to determine naturally occurring radionuclides (40K, 226Ra and 232Th) and the artificial radionuclide 137Cs in various honey samples from Kosovo. This study is of particular importance because it is the first effort to evaluate contamination of honey samples by radioactivity at the country level. The average radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 137Cs and 40K radionuclides on honey samples were found to be 0.49±0.15, 1.28±0.18, 1.03±0.11 and 20.44±0.69 Bq kg-1, respectively. The activity values of 137Cs found in honey samples were well below the limit value (1000 Bq kg-1) recommended by the ICRP in foodstuffs. Only 20% of honey samples were found to be contaminated with artificial isotopes 137Cs, and activities proved that the Chernobyl radiocaesium presents no risk to public health. Our study confirms that the honeys produced in Kosovo are of good quality and are in line with international standards due to radioactivity concentration. So it is a healthy food for consumption.Item Radioactivity in Soils of Kosovo and Radiological(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadThis study was carried out to determine the presence of the main radionuclides from natural and artificial radioactivity in the soil of Kosovo, using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The mean activity concentration for Ra-226, Th-232, K-40, and Cs-137 was 22.32 1.41, 22.14 1.31, 358.16 8.85, and 12.94 0.44 Bq/kg, respectively. Radium equivalent activity ranged from 47 to 100 Bq/kg. The mean of calculated values for the gamma index (I ), external hazard index (Hex), absorbed dose rate (ADR), annual gonadal dose rate (AGDE), annual effective dose rate (AEDE), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were 0.61, 0.22, 40 nGy/h, 275 Sv/year, 49 Sv/year, and 170, respectively. In conclusion, the radiological parameters arising from the soil samples of Kosovo belong to the normal range of radionuclides, compared to those compiled by UNSCEAR from worldwide reports; therefore, health hazards are insignificantItem Radon activity assessment of thermal water in Spas of Kosovo by using different methods(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadBackground: Exposure to radon and radon decay products at home and at workplaces constitutes one of the greatest and perhaps the greatest risk from ionizing radiation. In this study, radon activity concentrations were measured in thermal water, spring water, in the water of baths/pools, and indoor air of five spas in Kosovo. Materials and Methods: Different comparison active methods were used and also the long-term measurements were performed. Results: The radon activity concentrations were found to be 23 Bq l-1 to 314 Bq l-1 in water coming from a thermal source, 13 Bq l-1 to 270 Bq l-1 in water of baths, 25 Bq l-1 to 108 Bq l-1, in water of pools and 16 Bq l-1 to 67 Bq l-1 in taps water. The indoor radon concentrations and soil gas measurements near the thermal spas has range from 24 Bq m-3 to 506 Bq m-3 respectively from 4978 Bq m-3 to 67249 Bq m-3. Conclusions: The indoor air radon concentrations in workrooms, baths, and pools only in one case exceeded 500 Bq m-3. The reason of high indoor radon concentration could have been the location of this room, located near the baths and pool of spa. The maximum radon activity concentration in taps water is the only that did not exceed the limit from 100 Bq l-1.Item Radon concentration and gamma exposure in some Kosovo underground mines(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadBackground: In this study are submi ed the radon concentra on measurement results of four underground mines: Stanterg, Artana, Hajvali and Badovc, which are owned by Trepça Enterprise, Kosovo. The mines have the same geological forma on and from these mines are extracted ores rich with lead, zinc, silver, and gold. The radia on exposures caused by radon and radon daughters was determined and gamma dose measurements were also performed in the same me. Materials and Methods: The measurement of radon concentra ons in the environment of mines is carried out by CRM 510, a portable device which con nuously made measurement for four consecu ve days. The gamma exposure was determined using fully portable handheld instrument GR-130 Exploranium. The detector consisted of a 65 cm3 sodium iodide NaI(Tl) and a GM tube. The system was calibrated against a 137Cs standard and checked for stability using a low-ac vity 9 kBq radioac ve source. Results: The radon gas concentra on for underground mines under study varied from minimal values 60 Bqm-3 to maximal recorded value 748 Bqm-3. The average radon concentra on for mines Stanterg, Artana, Hajvali and Badovc are 301.6, 191.4, 463.2 and 527.2 Bqm-3, respec vely. Conclusion: The average of total annual effec ve doses from radon concentra on and radon decay products for miners under the study is 2.67 mSv and just from gamma ray exposure is 0.26 mSv. The average values for radon concentra on and radon decay products to mines under the study are lower than ac on level 1000 Bq m-3 given by IAEA.Item Radon concentrations and exposure levels in the Trepça underground mine: A comparative study(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadThis study presents the results of radon concentration measurements and radiation exposure levels in the Trepça (pronounced Trepcha) underground mine, which are important to assess the radiogenic hazards to occupational workers. Radon concentration measurements were carried out in selected locations of the Trepça mine using continuous radon monitor CRM-510 and portable radon monitor PRM- 145. Results show that the radon gas concentration in the mine varied from 54 Bq/m3 to 691 Bq/m3. The radiation exposure doses of miners from radon and radon daughters were determined. The total annual effective doses varied from 0.4 mSv/y to 5 mSv/y. The effective dose has been found to be lower than the dose limits recommended by the International Commission of Radiation Protection. The comparison of indoor measurements shows that the highest time-dependent indoor values of radon concentration in the two lowest horizons decreased during the time period 2010e2015 and that their average values increased by about 10%. This means that five-year mining activities generated pathways for radon gas flow, causing the decreasing of the maximum values and increasing the average values.Item Surveying high school graduates’ interest in physics studies(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadSocioeconomic growth is largely influenced by education, which promotes equality and creativity. Recent trends show a sharp drop in high school graduates’ enthusiasm in pursuing the natural sciences, particularly physics, despite past and present dedications to high-quality education. With an emphasis on physics, this study explores the choices and views of Kosovan high school students on their future education. An online survey was conducted among 3144 high school graduates across three cities in Kosovo. The poll looked at the students’ experiences with physics in elementary and secondary school, their future educational goals, and how satisfied they were with the physics instructors and lab settings. The results reveal a strong preference for studying any engineering sciences over physics, with only a small percentage considering physics as a viable field of study. The findings highlight significant dissatisfaction with the difficulty and monotony of physics courses from primary and secondary schools, inadequate laboratory conditions, and lack of engaging teaching methods. Several recommendations have been made to address these issues. By focusing on these improvements, educational institutions, and policymakers in Kosovo can better support students, enhance the overall quality of higher education, and align with global trends where interest in exact sciences is similar.Item The study of environmental pollution by the waste of drinking water after the treatment(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadIn this study are presented the results of the radiation dose level of some radionuclide of waste during and after the treatment of drinking water, as well as the environmental pollution that occurs from these residues. The samples are taken from the effluent and sludge from two water treatment plants in Kosovo. Measurements were performed using appropriate radiation protection techniques, and results showed variations in dose levels depending on the treatment process used.Item Variation of total beta activity in air by years on Obiliq(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, SehadAt the Institute of Occupational Medicine, respectively Radiation Protection Service since 1975 to 1989 there was radioactive monitoring system of environment air and fallout, also are done measurements activity of 137Cs and 90Sr in foods, waters and soils. In this paper we have presented the results of measurements of total beta activity in air of Obiliq town in Kosovo.The highest annual average of total beta activity was recorded in 1986, it is 281.03 mBq m-3, and it belongs to the year when the Chernobyl nuclear accident occured. While the average daily value recorded was 2,06 mBq m-3. Continuous monitoring during the observed period showed that the activity concentrations of total beta activity of the radioactive matter in surface of Obiliq air, never exceeded allowed values.