Understanding the compatibility between spider silk and conducting materials is essential to advance the use of spider silk in electronic applications. Spider silk is tough, but becomes soft when exposed to water. Here we report a strong affinity of amine-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes for spider silk, with coating assisted by a water and mechanical shear method. The nanotubes adhere uniformly and bond to the silk fibre surface to produce tough, custom-shaped, flexible and electrically conducting fibres after drying and contraction. The conductivity of coated silk fibres is reversibly sensitive to strain and humidity, leading to proof-of-concept sensor and actuator demonstrations.
Arthropod-borne infections, known as vector-borne diseases, are a significant threat to both humans and animals. These diseases are transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected arthropods. In the last half century, there have been a number of unexpected viral outbreaks in Middle Eastern countries. Recently, Iraq has witnessed an outbreak of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus with high morbidity and mortality rates in humans. However, very little is known about the prevalence and distribution of CCHFV in Iraq, and therefore, it is impossible to quantify the risk of infection. CCHFV is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. However, transmission can also occur through contact with the blood or ti
... Show MoreThe aim of our current study was to identify the effect of particulate matter of both types (PM2.5 and PM10) resulting from hookah smoking on the hemopoietic system of workers (smokers) in closed cafes. This study included six stations (cafes) on the Rusafa side of Baghdad city and conducted a blood test that included a complete blood count (CBC). A multifunctional air quality detector measured both types of particulate matter in the morning and evening. The study included 30 men (workers and smokers) and 30 men (non-smokers), whose ages ranged from 20 to 40 years. The study found that smokers had an increase in white blood cells and red blood cells, as well as an increase in the percentage of hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), the mean co
... Show MoreDam break is series phenomenon that can result in fatal consequences and loss of properties. Unfortunately, the observed consequences can only be available after the dam breaks. Therefore, it is important to anticipate what will happen prior to dam break to issue suitable warning and locate the possible risk areas. This study attempts to simulate the case of dam break in Blue Nile at Roseires dam and see its consequences downstream. Roseires dam lies at a distance of 630 km south of Khartoum, Sennar dam lies at about 260 km downstream of Roseires dam. In this study hydraulic model is developed based of Hydraulic Engineering Centre (HEC), River Analysis System (RAS), and HEC- RAS. The HEC-RAS based model is calibrated and validated usi
... Show MoreA synthesis series of new heterocyclic derivatives (A2-A7) (pyrrole, pyridazine, oxazine and imidazol) derived from 4-acetyl-2,5-dichloro-1-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate(A1) have been synthesised. Synthesis of compound (A2) by the reaction of starting material (A1) with hydroxyl amine hydrochloride in the presence of pyridine. Compound (A2) was reacted with hydrazine hydrate in dry benzene to give (A3) derivative. The compound )A3( deals with sodium nitrite to give diazonium salt, and the reaction diazonium salt with ethyl acetoacetate to produce compound (A4). To a mixture of compound (A4) and hydroxyl amine with sttired to yield (A5).Compound (A6) was prepared by reaction compound (A4) with thiosemicarbazide in presence
... Show MoreAleppo bentonite was investigated to remove ciprofloxacin hydrochloride from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the several factors affecting the removal process, including contact time, pH of solution, bentonite dosage, ion strength, and temperature. The optimum contact time, pH of solution and bentonite dosage were determined to be 60 minutes, 6 and 0.15 g/50 ml, respectively. The bentonite efficiency in removing CIP decreased from 89.9% to 53.21% with increasing Ionic strength from 0 to 500mM, and it increased from 89% to 96.9% when the temperature increased from 298 to 318 K. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo second-order model was the best in describing the adsorption sys
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