Université Ibn Zohr

The out-of-field neutron dose from high-energy medical LINACs is a key factor in assessing secondary cancer risk. While the neutron source strength ( Q ) has been characterized, data on the resulting organ-specific fast neutron equivalent dose ( H f a s t ) for modern LINACs is scarce. This study provides new experimental data on the fast neutron equivalent dose for the Varian TrueBeam and Elekta Versa HD, including the first determination of organ-specific doses for the TrueBeam under a clinical Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) plan. We performed measurements with Solid-State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD, CR-39 type) in an anthropomorphic phantom using 6 MV and 18 MV beams for both standard fields and a clinical breast IMRT plan. We calculated the equivalent dose using two distinct methodologies: Linear Energy Transfer (LET) spectrometry and a direct calibration factor approach. Our results quantify the significant dose variations between organs, driven by tissue composition, and confirm a measurable, non-trivial dose from 6 MV beams, which is relevant for high-dose stereotactic techniques. These novel experimental data provide essential benchmarks for validating the models used in clinical risk assessment. • First experimental organ-specific fast neutron dose data for a Varian TrueBeam. • Quantifies fast neutron dose for TrueBeam (6 & 18 MV) and Versa HD (18 MV) LINACs. • Compares two dosimetric methods: LET spectrometry and calibration factor. • Confirms measurable, non-trivial neutron dose from 6 MV radiotherapy beams. • Delivers essential benchmarks for patient secondary cancer risk assessment models.

ABSTRACT Aloysia citrodora ( A. citrodora ) is an aromatic plant widely used in traditional practices. The present study aimed to characterise the chemical composition and evaluate the in vitro biological activities of A. citrodora essential oil (ACEO) harvested in the province of Settat, central Morocco. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified geranial (18.16%), neral (12.13%), cis‐cadina‐1,4‐diene (15.80%), and β‐caryophyllene (8.11%) as the major constituents. The biological potential of ACEO was investigated through antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and total antioxidant capacity), enzyme inhibition assays, and antibacterial activity. Enzyme inhibitory activity was evaluated by measuring the inhibition of α‐amylase and tyrosinase using standard in vitro methods. Antibacterial activity was assessed against selected pathogenic strains using the micro‐broth dilution method. ACEO exhibited moderate antioxidant activity and dose‐dependent inhibitory effects against α‐amylase and tyrosinase. Antibacterial assays revealed sensitivity of all tested strains to ACEO, with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) higher than or equal to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), depending on the strain. In addition, molecular docking analysis was performed as an exploratory approach to investigate the potential interactions between major ACEO constituents and the targeted enzymes. Overall, these findings provide preliminary insights into the biological activities of A. citrodora essential oil, supporting its interest as a natural source of bioactive compounds. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of action and to assess safety and efficacy using appropriate biological models.

Abstract We investigate the interplay between quantum thermodynamics, quantum correlations, and quantum coherence within the framework of the Unruh–DeWitt (UdW) detector model. By analyzing both the steady and dynamical states of various quantum resources-including steerability, entanglement, quantum discord, and coherence-we study how these resources evolve under Markovian and non-Markovian environments. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure relating quantum correlations and quantum coherence is established. We also examine the thermodynamic performance of a quantum heat engine, highlighting the influence of memory effects and classical correlations on heat exchange, work extraction, and efficiency.