In the current work various types of epoxy composites were added to concrete to enhance its effectiveness as a gamma- ray shield. Four epoxy samples of (E/clay/B4C) S1, (E/Mag/B4C) S2, (EPIL) S3 and (Ep) S4 were used in a comparative study of gamma radiation attenuation properties of these shields that calculating using Mont Carlo code (MCNP-5). Adopting Win X-com software and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), µ/ρ revealed great compliance with MCNP-5. By applying (µ/ρ) output for gamma at different energies, HVL, TVL and MFP have been also estimated. ANN technique was simulated to estimate (µ/ρ) and dose rates. According to the results, µ/ρ of all epoxy samples scored higher than standard concrete. Both S2 and S3 samples having higher values of µ/ρ, show minimum dose rate values. (µ/ρ) and RPE% values were enhanced, the concrete containing E/Mag/B4C (S2) had the best results, while the concrete containing Ep (S4) provide the worst results. The ANN prediction results take 15 sec for estimating gamma doses corresponding to seventeen shield thicknesses, while the theoretical MCNP-5 results took approximately between 7 to 10 hours for five gamma doses. ANN provides excellent predictions with a high degree of correlation depending on increasing the number of attenuation parameters used in the training process. Also, it predicts gamma dose rates for a large number of shield thicknesses that cannot be calculated theoretically in a very short time. This supports, the created epoxy composite offers good attenuation properties for many shielding applications and could be proposed as an injecting mortar for cracks in biological shields and the walls of diagnostic and radiotherapy rooms. However, further investigations are planned for different filler ratios, for comparison purposes, in order to reach optimal shielding properties
In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized using different chemical routes to obtain different sizes and shapes of nanoparticles by colloid chemistry with using stabilizing and reducing agent, which make them interesting for variety of physical applications. The morphology and structure of the synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-VIS spectra, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Zeta potential to demonstrate that different sizes and shapes can by synthesized by different reductants in the presence of various stabilizing agents.
Volunteerism is an element included in many human cultures. It represents a positive cooperative act between individuals and groups. It expresses the social value systems. As a social phenomenon, it develops in societies according to innumerous circumstances and conditions. This study uses a functional approach that assumes that volunteering performs six functions for volunteers. Namely, we assume that volunteering (1) creates a sense of protection (2) meets significant cultural values (3) improves professional status of volunteers, (4) strengthens their social relationships, (5) helps them achieve a better understanding of life, and finally, (6) enhances their outlook and self-esteem. The central aim of the study is to discuss these fun
... Show MoreBackground: Coronavirus, which causes respiratory illness, has been a public health issue in recent decades. Because the clinical symptoms of infection are not always specific, it is difficult to expose all suspects to qualitative testing in order to confirm or rule out infection as a test. Methods: According to the scientific studies and investigations, seventy-three results of scientific articles and research were obtained using PubMed, Medline, Research gate and Google Scholar. The research keywords used were COVID-19, coronavirus, blood parameters, and saliva. Results: This review provides a report on the changes in the blood and saliva tests of those who are infected with the COVID-19.COVID-19 is a systemic infection that has
... Show MorePure Cu (CZTSe) and Ag dopant CZTSe (CAZTSe) thin films with Ag content of 0.1 and 0.2 were fabricated on coring glass substrate at R.T with thickness of 800nm by thermal evaporation method. Comparison between the optical characteristics of pure Cu and Ag alloying thin films was done by measuring and analyzing the absorbance and transmittance spectra in the range of (400-1100)nm. Also, the effect of annealing temperature at 373K and 473K on these characteristics was studied. The results indicated that all films had high absorbance and low transmittance in visible region, and the direct bang gap of films decreases with increasing Ag content and annealing temperature. Optical parameters like extinction coefficientrefractive index, and
... Show MoreCover crops (CC) improve soil quality, including soil microbial enzymatic activities and soil chemical parameters. Scientific studies conducted in research centers have shown positive effects of CC on soil enzymatic activities; however, studies conducted in farmer fields are lacking in the literature. The objective of this study was to quantify CC effects on soil microbial enzymatic activities (β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolase, and dehydrogenase) under a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation. The study was conducted in 2016 and 2018 in Chariton County, Missouri, where CC were first established in 2012. All tested soil enzyme levels were significantly different between 2016 and 2018
... Show MoreNow-a-days the Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) technology is very effective in improving the power flow along the transmission lines and makes the power system more flexible and controllable. This paper deals with the most robust type of FACTS devices; it’s a Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC). Many cases have been taken to study how the system behaves in the presence and absence of the UPFC under normal and contingency conditions. The UPFC is a device that can be used to improve the bus voltage, increasing the loadability of the line and reduce the active and reactive power losses in the transmission lines, through controlling the flow of real and reactive power. Both the magnitude and the phase angle of th
... Show MoreBackground: The marginal seal is essential for sealant success because penetration of bacteria under the sealant might allow caries onset or progression. The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare the microleakage of pit and fissure sealant after various methods of occlusal surface preparation. Materials and methods: Thirty non-carious premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were equally divided into three groups. In group one, occlusal fissures were opened with round carbide bur, in group two, occlusal surfaces of the teeth were cleaned with a dry pointed bristle brush and samples of group three were cleaned with a slurry of fine flour of pumice in water using rubber cup. Then fissures of all teeth were etched using 35% p
... Show MoreCastellated columns are structural members that are created by breaking a rolled column along the center-line by flame after that rejoining the equivalent halves by welding such that for better structural strength against axial loading, the total column depth is increased by around 50 percent. The implementation of these institutional members will also contribute to significant economies of material value. The main objectives of this study are to study the enhancement of the load-carrying capacity of castellated columns with encasement of the columns by Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) and lacing reinforcement, and serviceability of the confined castellated columns. The Castellated columns with RPC and Lacing Reinforcement improve com
... Show MoreBackground: Laser is a novel physical therapy technique used to treat various conditions, including wound healing, inhibition of bacterial growth, and postoperative wounds. High-power pulsed alexandrite laser therapy is one of the most prevalent forms of laser therapy, which is a noninvasive method for treating various pathological conditions, thereby enhancing functional capacities and quality of life. It is a modern medical and physiotherapeutic technology. Generally, the Alexandrite laser emits infrared light with a wavelength of 755 nm, allowing it to propagate and penetrate tissues. Objective: This study focused on the application of a high-power pulsed alexandrite laser in vitro to evaluate the effect of a pulsed alexandrite l
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