Abstract: The development of highly sensitive sensors has become an efficient field of research. In this work, an ArF Excimer laser of 193 nm with a maximum pulse energy of 275 mJ, 15 ns pulse duration and a repetition rate of 1 Hz is utilized to form a Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) of three different morphologies (nanochains, contours, grooves) on surface of CR39 polymer at a fluence range above the ablation threshold (250 mJ/cm2). The laser ablated polymer surface is then Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) activated by deposition of a gold layer of 30 nm thickness. The capability of the produced substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering is evaluated through thiophenol as an analyte molecule. It is observed that the Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures of grooves like nanostructures coated with 30 nm gold layer gives a best enhancement factor in the range from 0.9*108 to 2*108 which is suitable for a single- molecule sensitivity.
Background: The treatment of schizophrenia typically involves the use of olanzapine (OLZ), a typical antipsychotic drug that has poor oral bioavailability due to its low solubility and first-pass effect. Objective: To prepare and optimize OLZ as nanoparticles for transdermal delivery to avoid problems with oral administration. Methods: The nanoprecipitation technique was applied for the preparation of eight OLZ nanoparticles by using different polymers with various ratios. Nanoparticles were evaluated using different methods, including particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency (EE%), zeta potential and an in vitro release study. The morphology was evaluated by a field emission scanning electron microscope (F
... Show MoreThis paper provides the result of an investigation to use of crushed clay brick as
aggregates in producing concrete. Eight different crushed clay brick aggregate concretes were
used in this investigation. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and pulse velocity of
crushed clay brick aggregates concrete were determined and compare to natural aggregate
concrete. The compressive strength of crushed clay brick aggregates concretes were always
lower than the compressive strength of natural aggregates concrete regardless the age of
concrete, but the crushed clay brick aggregates concrete showed better performance as the age of
concrete increases and average reduction in compressive strength were 33.5% at the age
The rapid increase in the number of older people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia represents one of the major challenges to the health and social care systems because of a large number of people affected. Early detection of AD makes it possible for patients to access appropriate services and to benefit from new treatments and therapies, as and when they become available, and to plan for the future. The onset of AD starts many years before the clinical symptoms become clear. A biomarker that can measure the brain changes in this period would be useful for early diagnosis of AD. Potentially, the electroencephalogram (EEG) can play a valuable role in early detection of AD. Damage caused to the brain due to AD leads t
... Show MoreThe research aims to explore the difficulties that encounter teaching geography of cities as perceived by female students. A total of (113) third stage female students / Geography Dept / college of education for women were chosen as a sample for the study. To collect the required data, a questionnaire was used as an instrument; it consisted of six parts represent teaching difficulties. It was a three-point Likert scale instrument with 1 signifying ‘main difficulty, 2 ‘sub-difficulty, and 3 ‘no difficult'. The difficulties organized in descend order, to analyze data, SPSS tool was used. The results revealed that the difficulties of content ranged (2.15-1.18), difficulties of education techniques ranged (2.47-2.04), difficulties of t
... Show MoreThe aim of present study was to develop gel formulation of microsponges of poorly soluble drug meloxicam (MLX) in order to enhance the release and dissolution of MLX which is the limitation for preparation in topical forms. Also skin delivery is an alternative administration for MLX that can minimize gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and improve patient compliance. The microsponges of MLX were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. The effects of drug:polymer ratio, stirring time and Eudragit polymer type on the physical characteristics of microsponges were investigated and characterized for production yield, loading efficiency, particle size, surface morphology, and in vitro drug release from microsponges. The selec
... Show Morewere prepared by condensation of 6-R-2amino bcnzothiazol with Salicyldehyde.These Schiff bases were found to reach with maleic anhydride and citraconic to give