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COVID-19 has had a significant impact on global health systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate how imaging volumes and imaging types in radiology departments have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across different locations. Methods: Imaging volumes in the Aseer region (in the south of Saudi Arabia) across main hospitals were reviewed retrospectively including all cases referred from different locations (outpatient, inpatient and emergency departments). Data for years 2019 and 2020 were compared. The mean monthly cases were compared using a t-test. Results: The total imaging volumes in 2019 were 205,805 compared to 159,107 in 2020 with a 22.7% overall reduction. A substantial decline was observed in both the April to June and the July to September periods of approximately 42.9% and 44.4%, respectively. With respect to location, between April and June, the greatest decline was observed in outpatient departments (76% decline), followed by emergency departments (25% decline), and the least impact was observed in inpatient departments, with only 6.8% decline over the same period. According to modality type, the greatest decreases were reported in nuclear medicine, ultrasound, MRI, and mammography, by 100%, 76%, 74%, and 66%, respectively. Our results show a statistically significant (p-value ≤ 0.05) decrease of cases in 2020 compared to 2019, except for mammography procedures. Conclusion: There has been a significant decline in radiology volumes due to COVID-19. The overall reduction in radiology volumes was dependent on the stage/period of lockdown, location, and imaging modality.

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Polymeric materials are macromolecules, essentially a combination of numerous repeated subunits. Polymers are innovative and advanced materials that currently have a strong impact on our daily lives. In recent years, polymer use has been prominent due to the materials’ distinctive properties; thus, they entered different fields of science, technology and industrial-biomedical applications.The improvement of photoluminescence, optical and electrical characteristics of non-conducting Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films was studied. Upon gamma irradiation of various doses, the photophysical and electrical properties of PMMA films were investigated using photoluminescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and the LCR Meter Bridge Circuit technique. The fluorescent response improved the photoluminescence (PL) spectral emission peaks according to gamma values. Strong fluorescence peaks appeared with the highest gamma dose. The UV–Vis results revealed a significant red-shift in the absorption edge as gamma doses increased. This shift exhibits a continuous decrease in the energy band gap values (from 3.50 to 2.60 eV for direct transition and from 3.05 to 1.55 eV for indirect transition). This was due to the formation of carbon clusters, which led to an increase in the electrical conductivity and improved the dielectric parameters of the irradiated PMMA films. Among a variety of measurements presented and discussed in the present study, the electrical measurements showed improved electrical characteristics of gamma-irradiated PMMA films.

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Background Radiation technologists usually perform several physical tasks as part of their work routine that are related to imaging equipment and handling patients. These kinds of physical activities increase their risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Purpose To determine the prevalence and causative factors of MSS among radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods A previously validated and published questionnaire was sent electronically to 800 radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia. It focused on the presence and prior diagnosis of MSS. Questions to determine risk factors were included. Results A total of 381 responses were obtained. MSS were indicated by 326 responders (85.6%). Furthermore, it was reported that 309 responders (81.1%) spent more than 2 h per day in awkward postures. Of the responders, 164 (43%) stated that they worked 4 h per day on a personal computer or PACS. The most frequently selected reasons for MSS included patient transfer (50.6%), chairs (38.5%), lead aprons (25.6%), moving heavy equipment (23.1%), and fixed table height (19.4%). An association between work-related MSS and gender was observed (χ2(1) = 5.338; P = 0.021). Similarly, an association between work-related MSS and age was also observed (χ2(3) = 48.58; P = 0.000). Conclusion Radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia reported a fairly high incidence of MSS, more commonly among female and senior workers. To have a better and safer workplace for radiation technologists, this study suggests preventive measures on organizational and individual levels.