East Carolina University : Research and Creative Achievement Week 2012
An application of volunteer-collected data: water quality dynamics as a result of Hurricane Irene in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary, Michael Smith, Coastal Resources Management Program, Institute of Coastal Science and Policy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 The Citizens' Monitoring Network (CMN) is a volunteer-based monitoring program that consists of a network of private citizens who keep track of ambient, surface water quality in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary and its tributaries. CMN has over 20 active monitoring sites and near 50 volunteers. On average, each monitoring location brings in 25 monitoring sessions per year. Despite huge investments to fund these types of monitoring programs and the time put forth by volunteers, regulators remain hesitant when using volunteer-collected data for management purposes. This study examines CMN data from several monitoring stations in the Albemarle and Tar-Pamlico River basins using Hurricane Irene, which made landfall in eastern North Carolina on August 27, 2011, as a baseline. Pre- and post- Hurricane Irene data from these monitoring locations revealed a pattern similar to what is observed and reported in the literature for most estuarine systems after a hurricane event thus furthering the potential of volunteer-collected data.
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Dosimetric Investigation of Eye Plaque Applicator with Praseodymium-142 using Monte Carlo Simulation, Maria Clara Ferreira, JW Jung, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 Various morbid conditions of the eye, e.g. eye plaques in large animals, have been successfully treated with Strontium-90 (90Sr-90Y) eye applicators in the past. However, these devices are no longer manufactured. Praseodymium-142 (142Pr) glass eye plaque is proposed as a viable choice of radionuclide for the treatment of scleral eye cancer in large animals. A model for the 142Pr rare earth aluminosilicate (REAS) glass eye plaque applicator was designed for the use in episcleral brachytherapy, presenting a rectangular geometry with curved interior. Dose distributions were calculated for the simulation of the eye ball using MCNPX2.6 Monte Carlo simulation. The eye applicator was designed to contour the eye and be in contact with the eye surface during the treatment. A total physical dose of 85 Gy was used as reference dose in the treated tumor volume. Value for the treatment dose was based on the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) recommendations for brachytherapy of uveal melanomas with gamma rays. The costs and viability of producing the 142Pr device were estimated as well. Beta dose profile from the glass 142Pr showed that this device can provide high doses at very short ranges within the eyeball, being suitable for the treatment of superficial eye lesions. For example, the MCNPX2.6 simulation provided beta doses of 85.0 Gy at 0.50 mm depth while a mere 3.20 Gy at 5.00 mm depth (values at the central axis). The error found for these points from the simulation statistical uncertainty were 0.19 and 0.70 % respectively. Activation of 142Pr glass eye applicator can be achieved in a common low fluence neutron research reactor, making it accessible and lowering production costs. The 142Pr eye applicator showed to be viable for the treatment of superficial eye cancers, due to the high doses achieved in short distances, sparing healthy surrounding issues. 142Pr glass eye plaques could be molded to achieve a desired dose distribution, according to the tumor shape and size. The feasibility and costs of 142Pr also showed to be an attractive feature of this treatment modality.
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