Lead and concrete blocks are well known for shielding against ionizing radiation, but their use is limited due to their high density, toxicity, and environmental concerns. This study investigates the potential of Bambusa vulgaris (bamboo powder)-based mortar composites as an alternative gamma-ray radiation-shielding material. Different blends of bamboo powder, sand, and cement were chemically treated to produce binary and ternary composites. The elemental composition of Bambusa vulgaris was determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), while the radiation attenuation coefficients of the samples against rays were determined using a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector and Cs-137 gamma source (662 keV). Key shielding parameters, including Linear an

This work presents the fabrication of highly efficient gas sensors based on silver oxide (AgO)- doped cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanostructures deposited on porous silicon (PS) substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Three doping concentrations of AgO (5, 10, and 15%) were investigated to evaluate their influence on the structural, optical, and gas sensing properties of CdS. The prepared films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD results confirmed enhanced crystallinity with increasing AgO concentrations, while FESEM and AFM analyses revealed a nanostructure

The effect of active-layer thickness on PM6:Y6 organic solar cells' performance was studied using several characterization techniques, such as current density vs. voltage (J-V), capacitance vs. voltage (C-V), charge vs. voltage (Q-V), charge extraction by linearly increasing voltage (CELIV), and sun-dependent. Results show that increasing thickness increased light absorption and therefore short-circuit current density (J_SC), but excessive thickness caused transport limitations and higher recombination, resulting in reduced fill factor (FF). On the other hand, open-circuit voltage (V_OC) remained weakly dependent on thickness variation. As a result, power conversion efficiency (PCE) has initially increased and then de

This work presents a numerical study of a multilayer optical biosensor based on distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) with a blood-filled cavity. The Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) was employed and simulated in MATLAB to analyze the resonant behavior over the wavelength range 780-810 nm. The analysis also considered the effects of temperature variation from 15 to 40 °C and changes in the silicon layer thickness from 20 to 200 nm. The results revealed a blue shift in the resonant wavelengths of the defect mode due to temperature variation, leading to a negative thermal sensitivity whose magnitude depends nonlinearly on the silicon layer thickness. In addition, electric field intensity distributions at resonance revealed stronger localization

When acquired or congenital defects need restoration, maxillofacial silicone is the material of choice. Silicone, nevertheless, is far from perfect in quality. The primary objective of this research was to examine the effect of adding yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles (YSZNPs) (0.5 and 1% by weight) on the wettability, surface roughness, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) properties of maxillofacial silicone (VST-50) room temperature vulcanization (RTV). The data were analyzed statistically. The YSZNPs were introduced to the VST-50 RTV in percentages of 0.5% and 1% by weight. A total of 63 samples of VST-50 RTV maxillofacial silicone were prepared and tested. Each group was subdivided into three identica

This study investigates the photoluminescence properties of lead iodide (PbI₂) nanoparticles embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix when illuminated by ultraviolet (UV) light. The PbI₂ nanoparticles, dispersed uniformly within the PVA polymer matrix, exhibit enhanced stability and efficient light emission due to the protective environment provided by PVA. Upon UV illumination, the PbI₂ nanoparticles generate visible light, with emission characteristics influenced by the nanoparticle size, concentration, and interaction with the PVA matrix. The role of PVA as a stabilizing agent and its effect on the photophysical properties of PbI₂ are analyzed, showing an improvement in quantum efficiency and photostability. This hybrid

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are essential in nanotechnology applications due to their unique properties. MOFs can be easily tailored for specific uses by altering the metals or organic linkers involved, such as zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs). Among the several methods used to create nanoscale Zr-MOFs are microwave-assisted synthesis, solvothermal, sonochemical, ionothermal, and mechanochemical procedures. The synthesis, structure, and characterization of Zr-MOFs were compared in this project between conventional solvothermal and microwave-assisted methods for nitrogen adsorption/desorption. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),

The study aimed to use beta-glucan extracted from barley to prepare eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using green synthesis methods. The barley variety "Abah 99" was used, with an extraction yield of 78% and a concentration of 4.71%. Field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used, revealing an irregular spherical shape with sizes ranging from 13.829 to 56.233 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis showed the presence of Ag atoms at specific ratios in the sample. Zeta potential analysis confirmed the presence of negative charges on the green-synthesized particles (-18.7 mV). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed prominent peaks at 38.19, 44.37, 64.56, and 77.47, corresponding to the (111), (200), (220), and (311)

Mortar of ordinary Portland cement was blended with cockles shell
powder at different weight ratios to investigate the effect of powder
admixture on their strength and thermal conductivity. Results showed
that addition of cockles shell powder at 50% of mortar weight
improves hardness and compressive strength notably and reduces the
thermal conductivity of the end product. Results suggest the
possibility to incorporate cockles shell powders as constituents in
cement mortars for construction and plastering applications.

Photonic Crystal Fiber Interferometers (PCFIs) are widely used for sensing applications. This work presents the fabrication and study the characterization of a relative humidity sensor based on a polymer-infiltrated photonic crystal fiber that operates in a Mach- Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) reflection mode. The fabrication of the sensor only involves splicing and cleaving Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) with Single Mode Fiber (SMF). A stub of (LMA-10) PCF spliced to SMF (Corning-28). In the splice regions. The PCFI sensor operation based on the adsorption and desorption of water vapour at the silica-air interface within the PCF. The sensor shows a high sensitivity to RH variations from (27% RH - 95% RH), with a change in its reflected powe

Ultraviolet light radiation is applied to treat Plaque Psoriasis disease by targeted phototherapy. This is available through Narrowband-UVB light radiation devices peaked at wavelength 311 nm. Ten cases were chosen as a study group, 8 males aged 22-40 years old, and 2 females aged 25 and 32 years old who were exposed to ultraviolet light radiation. Their recovery or improvement was followed weekly. Different doses were used according to the severity of the lesion and as a trial for the outcome. The dose was given two times a week, starting with 200mJ/cm^2, and subsequently increased by 100 or 200 mJ/cm² reaching a maximum dose as tolerated by each individual patient. Improvement was observed after 4 – 6 weeks. The

In this study, the effect of grafting with magnesium (Mg) ratios (0.1, 0.3, 0.5) on the structural and optical properties of cadmium oxide films (CdO) was studied, as these films were prepared on glass bases using the method of pulse laser deposition (PLD). The crystallization nature of the prepared membranes was examined by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), which showed that the synthesis of the prepared membranes is polycrystalline, and (AFM) images also showed that the increased deformation with magnesium led to an increase in the grain size ratio and a decrease in surface roughness, as well as the absorption coefficient was calculated. And the optical energy gap for the prepared membranes, where it was found that the absorption coef

In parallel with the shell model using the harmonic oscillator's single-particle wave functions, the Hartree-Fock approximation was also used to calculate the neutron skin thickness, the mirror charge radii, and the differences in proton radii for ¹³O-¹³B and ¹³N-¹³C mirror nuclei. The calculations were done for both mirror nuclei in the psdpn model space. Depending on the type of potential used, the calculated values of skin thickness are affected. The symmetry energy and the symmetry energy's slope at nuclear saturation density were also determined, and the ratio of the density to the saturation density of nuclear matter and the symmetry energy has a nearly linear correlation. The mirror ener

The optical energy gap and optical constants such as the reflective index, dielectric constant have been evaluated due to The optical transmission and UV-VIS absorption spectra have been recorded in the wavelength (200 - 1100 nm) for PVA/PANI polymer blends and PVA/PANI/ZnO nanocomposites with different concentrations of ZnO (0.02, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1and 0.2) wt %. The results indicate that the materials have allowed direct transition. The reflection index and dielectric constant are increase with wavelength

Nano TiO₂ thin films on glass substrates were prepared at a constant temperature of (373 K) and base vacuum (10_-3 mbar), by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm wavelength. The effects of different laser energies between (700-1000)mJ on the properties of TiO₂ films was investigated. TiO₂ thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements have shown that the polycrystalline TiO₂ prepared at laser energy 1000 mJ. Preparation also includes optical transmittance and absorption measurements as well as measuring the uniformity of the surface of these films. Optimum parameters have been identified for the growth of high-quality TiO₂ films

In this study, gamma-ray spectrometry with an HPGe detector was used to measure the specific activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in soil samples collected from IT1 oil reservoirs in Kirkuk city, northeast Iraq. The “spectral line Gp” gamma analysis software package was used to analyze the spectral data. ²²⁶Ra specific activity varies from 9  0.34 Bq.kg^-1 to 17  0.47 Bq.kg^-1. ²³²Th specific activity varies from 6.2  0.08 Bq.kg^-1 to 18  0.2 Bq.kg^-1. ⁴⁰K specific activity varies from 25  0.19 Bq.kg^-1 to 118  0.41 Bq.kg^-1. The radiological hazard due to the radiation emitted from natural r

Blends of Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) doped with 2% weight percentage of Sn were prepared with different blend ratios using casting technique. The measurements of A.C conductivity σa.c within the frequency range (25kHz – 5MHz) of undoped and Sn doped PMMA/PVA blends obeyed the relationship σ= Aw^s were the value of s within the range 0 > s > 1. The results showed that σa.c increases with the increase of frequency. The exponent s showed preceding increase with the increase of PVA content for PMMA/PVA blends doped with Sn. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, A.C electrical conductivity are varied with the concentration of PVA in the blend and frequency of applied electrical field.

The properties of structural and optical of pure and doped nano titanium dioxide (TiO₂) films, prepared using chemical spray pyrolysis (CPS) technique, with different nanosize nickel oxide (NiO) concentrations in the range (3-9)wt% have been studied. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) technique where using to analysis the structure properties of the prepared thin films. The results revealed that the structure properties of TiO₂ have polycrystalline structure with anatase phase. The parameters, energy gap, extinction coefficient, refractive index, real and imaginary parts were studied using absorbance and transmittance measurements from a computerized ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-1601 PC) in the wavelength

Elbow stiffness is hard to treat and commonly resulted from trauma or degenerative arthritis. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of using ultrasound therapy in management of stiff elbow joint resulted from several etiological factors. A total number of 42 patients (35 male and 7 female) allocated randomly from the Department of Physiotherapy at Al-yarmouk Teaching Hospital during 2013. Each patient examined physically by physiotherapist taking in consideration the measurement of the joint movement angle using goniometer in flexion and the extension, and the pain score using visual analogue scale (VAS). Ultrasound therapy initiated thrice weekly for two weeks. At the time of entry, the means degree of flexion and extension

Porous silicon (PS) layers are prepared by anodization for
different etching current densities. The samples are then
characterized the nanocrystalline porous silicon layer by X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier
Transform Infrared (FTIR). PS layers were formed on n-type Si
wafer. Anodized electrically with a 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mA/cm2
current density for fixed 10 min etching times. XRD confirms the
formation of porous silicon, the crystal size is reduced toward
nanometric scale of the face centered cubic structure, and peak
becomes a broader with increasing the current density. The AFM
investigation shows the sponge like structure of PS at the lower
current density porous begi

In this research, design of advanced material for sunlight conversion requires focused research to obtain efficient photocatalytic system. Nanostructured ZnO was synthesized using spin coating technique. The structural, morphological and optical properties of annealed nanostructured ZnO thin film at 390 Co for 3 hours were characterized by x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope AFM and UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Nanostructured ZnO was applied for removal Methylene Blue (MB) dye from water using sunlight induced photocatalytic process. Overall degradation of MB/ZnO was achieved after 120 minutes of sunlight irradiation while it needs more time for MB alone. The reaction rate constant fit pseudo first order for MB/ZnO degradation was 0.

This study focuses on synthesizing Niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅) thin films on silicon wafers and quartz substrates using DC reactive magnetron sputtering for NO₂ gas sensors. The films undergo annealing in ambient air at 800 °C for 1 hr. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Hall effect measurements, and sensitivity measurements, are employed to evaluate the structural, morphological, electrical, and sensing properties of the Nb₂O₅ thin films. XRD analysis confirms the polycrystalline nature and hexagonal crystal structure of Nb₂O₅. The optical band gap val

In this work, spinel ferrites (NiCoFe₂O₄) were prepared as thin films by dc reactive dual-magnetron co-sputtering technique. Effects of some operation parameters, such as inter-electrode distance, and preparation conditions such as mixing ratio of argon and oxygen in the gas mixture, on the structural and spectroscopic characteristics of the prepared samples were studied. For samples prepared at inter-electrode distance of 5 cm, only one functional group of OH^- was observed in the FTIR spectra as all bands belonging to the metal-oxygen vibration were observed. Similarly, the XRD results showed that decreasing the pressure of oxygen in the gas mixture lead to grow more crystal planes in the samples prepare

In this work, satellite images for Razaza Lake and the surrounding area
district in Karbala province are classified for years 1990,1999 and
2014 using two software programming (MATLAB 7.12 and ERDAS
imagine 2014). Proposed unsupervised and supervised method of
classification using MATLAB software have been used; these are
mean value and Singular Value Decomposition respectively. While
unsupervised (K-Means) and supervised (Maximum likelihood
Classifier) method are utilized using ERDAS imagine, in order to get
most accurate results and then compare these results of each method
and calculate the changes that taken place in years 1999 and 2014;
comparing with 1990. The results from classification indicated that

The electronic characteristics, including the density of state and bond length, in addition to the spectroscopic properties such as IR spectrum and Raman scattering, as a function of the frequency of Sn₁₀O₁₆, C₂₄O_6, and hybrid junction (Sn₁₀O₁₆/C₂₄O₆) were studied. The methodology uses DFT for all electron levels with the hybrid function B3-LYP (Becke level, 3-parameters, Lee–Yang-Parr), with 6-311G (p,d)  basis set, and Stuttgart/Dresden (SDD) basis set, using Gaussian 09 theoretical calculations. The geometrical structures were calculated by Gaussian view 05 as a supplementary program. The band gap was calculated and compared to the measured valu

The size and the concentration of the gold nanoparticles (GNPs)
synthesized in double distilled deionized water (DDDW) have been
found to be affected by the laser energy and the number of pulses.
The absorption spectra of the nanoparticles DDDW, and the
surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks were measured, and found to
be located between (509 and 524)nm using the UV- Vis
spectrophotometer. SPR calculations, images of transmission
electron microscope, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) method
were used to determine the size of GNPs, which found to be ranged
between (3.5 and 27) nm. The concentrations of GNPs in colloidal
solutions found to be ranged between (37 and 142) ppm, and
measured by atomic absorptio

We manufactured the nanoparticles light emitting diode (NPs-LED) for organic and inorganic semiconductors to achieve electroluminescence (EL). The nanoparticles of Europium oxide(Eu₂O₃) were incorporated into the thin film layers of the organic compounds, poly(3,4,- ethylene dioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonic acid (PEDOT:PSS), N,N’–diphenyl-N,N’ –bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1’-biphenyl 4,4’- diamine (poly TPD) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), by the spin coating and with the help of the phase segregation method. The EL of NPs-LED, was study for the different bias voltages (20, 25, 30) V at the room temperature, from depending on the CIE 1931 color spaces and it was generated the white light at 20V, t

Aluminum plasma was generated by the irradiation of the target
with Nd: YAG laser operated at a wavelength of 1064 nm. The
effect of laser power density and the working pressure on spectral
lines generating by laser ablation, were detected by using optical
spectroscopy. The electron density was measured using the Stark
broadening of aluminum lines and the electron temperature by
Boltzmann plot method it is one of the methods that are used. The
electron temperature Te, electron density ne, plasma frequency
and Debye length increased with increasing the laser peak
power. The electron temperature decrease with increasing gas
pressure.

In this study lattice parameters, band structure, and optical characteristics of pure and V-doped ZnO are examined by employing (USP) and (GGA) with the assistance of First-principles calculation (FPC) derived from (DFT). The measurements are performed in the supercell geometry that were optimized. GGA+U, the geometrical structures of all models, are utilized to compute the amount of energy after optimizing all parameters in the models. The volume of the doped system grows as the content of the dopant V is increased. Pure and V-doped ZnO are investigated for band structure and energy bandgaps using the Monkhorst–Pack scheme's k-point sampling techniques in the Brillouin zone (G-A-H-K-G-M-L-H). In the presence of high V content, the ban