First Results from the AMoRE-Pilot neutrinoless double beta decay experiment

The Advanced Molybdenum-based Rare process Experiment (AMoRE) aims to search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0$\nu\beta\beta$) of $^{100}$Mo with $\sim$100 kg of $^{100}$Mo-enriched molybdenum embedded in cryogenic detectors with a dual heat and light readout. At the current, pilot stage of the AMoRE project we employ six calcium molybdate crystals with a total mass of 1.9 kg, produced from $^{48}$Ca-depleted calcium and $^{100}$Mo-enriched molybdenum ($^{48\textrm{depl}}$Ca$^{100}$MoO$_4$). The simultaneous detection of heat(phonon) and scintillation (photon) signals is realized with high resolution metallic magnetic calorimeter sensors that operate at milli-Kelvin temperatures. This stage of the project is carried out in the Yangyang underground laboratory at a depth of 700 m. We report first results from the AMoRE-Pilot $0\nu\beta\beta$ search with a 111 kg$\cdot$d live exposure of $^{48\textrm{depl}}$Ca$^{100}$MoO$_4$ crystals. No evidence for $0\nu\beta\beta$ decay of $^{100}$Mo is found, and a upper limit is set for the half-life of 0$\nu\beta\beta$ of $^{100}$Mo of $T^{0\nu}_{1/2} > 9.5\times10^{22}$ y at 90% C.L.. This limit corresponds to an effective Majorana neutrino mass limit in the range $\langle m_{\beta\beta}\rangle\le(1.2-2.1)$ eV

Prediction of mechanical and radiation parameters of glasses with high Bi2O3 concentration

This study aims to perform multidirectional characterizations on nuclear shielding efficiencies on some bismuth-based glasses. Accordingly, the γattenuation coefficients for xBi2O3-(75-x)B2O3–25Li2O (x = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 the 70 mol%) were widely evaluated using simulations and theoretical methods. Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of the glasses was obtained by the Monte Carlo general-purpose simulation code FLUKA and compared with the XCOM database up to 15 MeV. Moreover, LAC values have been utilized to evaluate related parameters like mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), total molecular cross-section (σt), total atomic cross-section (σa), half-value layer (HVL), total electronic cross-section (σe), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), and effective electron density (Neff). The results noted that the XCOM and FLUKA data of the shielding parameters are in great agreement. Relatively higher density (5.818 g/cm3), greater LAC, MAC, Zeff, and lower HVL, MFP values are achieved for 70Bi2O3-5B2O3–25Li2O glass. Accordingly, this glass sample is a better gamma shield. © 2021 The AuthorsTaif University Researchers Supporting Project number (TURSP-2020/45) Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia

The vernacular sttlement in Central Thailand's water shade: the relationship between human beings and environment in the Thai ways of living

The physical geography of the central region of Thailand is mostly the alluvium plain caused by sediment from alluvium. This kind of plateau is large, but not too high from the sea level, which is always flooded. Streams bring humus and cause sedimentation then fertility for cultivated area which can be reflected by expression as 'there are fish in the water and there is rice in the field'. Also, rivers and streams are for transportation which was one of the main factors causing linear settlement. Lifestyles of Thai people have directly related with water and basins, especially in the central region. People have been living compatibly with environment, reflected by ways of life and local wisdom in the vernacular architecture comprising distinctive characteristics including construction materials, technology, as well as creation of accommodations which bring about the unique cultural landscapes. The study revealed that vernacular architecture along the water shed in the central region of Thailand can be categorized as floating houses, houses on stilt made of wood, bamboo houses, and shop houses. The wisdom and knowledge used in the construction of such vernacular architecture are not academic, in other words, they do not follow lessons taught in academic institutes, but from learning and adaptation of lifestyle to their surroundings. This then becomes the local wisdom which can practically be helpful under each individual ecological system and local culture

A conservation perspective on the Ba Dinh archaeological site

Abstract not available