Sustainable design of self-consolidating green concrete with partial replacements for cement through neural-network and fuzzy technique

In order to achieve a sustainable mix design, this paper evaluates self-consolidating green concrete (SCGC) properties by experimental tests and then examines the design parameters with an artificial intelligence technique. In this regard, cement was partially replaced in different contents with granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) powder, volcanic powder, fly ash, and micro-silica. Moreover, fresh and hardened properties tests were performed on the specimens. Finally, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was developed to identify the influencing parameters on the compressive strength of the specimens. For this purpose, seven ANFIS models evaluated the input parameters separately, and in terms of optimization, twenty-one models were assigned to different combinations of inputs. Experimental results were reported and discussed completely, where furnace slag represented the most effect on the hardened properties in binary mixes, and volcanic powder played an effective role in slump retention among other cement replacements. However, the combination of micro-silica and volcanic powder as a ternary mix design successfully achieved the most improvement compared to other mix designs. Furthermore, ANFIS results showed that binder content has the highest governing parameters in terms of the strength of SCGC. Finally, when compared with other additive powders, the combination of micro-silica with volcanic powder provided the most strength, which has also been verified and reported by the test results

Prediction of moment of inertia of rotating nuclei

In this study, the mathematical expression formulated by Bohr for the moment of inertia of even-even nuclei based on the hydrodynamical model is modified. The modification pertains to the kinetic energy of the surface oscillations, including the second and third terms of the R-expansion as well as the first term, which had already been modified by Bohr. Therefore, this work can be considered a continuation and support of Bohr's hydrodynamic model. The procedure yields a Bohr formula to be multiplied by a factor that depends on the deformation parameter. Bohr's (modified) formula is examined by applying it on axially symmetric even-even nuclei with atomic masses ranging between 150 and 190 as well as on some triaxial symmetry nuclei. In this paper, the modification of Bohr's formula is discussed, including information about the stability of this modification and the second and third terms of the R-expansion in Bohr's formula. The results of the calculation are compared with the experimental data and Bohr's results recorded earlier. The results obtained are in good agreement with experimental data, with a ratio of approximately 0.7, and are better than those of the unmodified ones

Physical-vapor-deposited metal oxide thin films for pH sensing applications: Last decade of research progress

In the last several decades, metal oxide thin films have attracted significant attention for the development of various existing and emerging technological applications, including pH sensors. The mandate for consistent and precise pH sensing techniques has been increasing across various fields, including environmental monitoring, biotechnology, food and agricultural industries, and medical diagnostics. Metal oxide thin films grown using physical vapor deposition (PVD) with precise control over film thickness, composition, and morphology are beneficial for pH sensing applications such as enhancing pH sensitivity and stability, quicker response, repeatability, and compatibility with miniaturization. Various PVD techniques, including sputtering, evaporation, and ion beam deposition, used to fabricate thin films for tailoring materials’ properties for the advanced design and development of high-performing pH sensors, have been explored worldwide by many research groups. In addition, various thin film materials have also been investigated, including metal oxides, nitrides, and nanostructured films, to make very robust pH sensing electrodes with higher pH sensing performance. The development of novel materials and structures has enabled higher sensitivity, improved selectivity, and enhanced durability in harsh pH environments. The last decade has witnessed significant advancements in PVD thin films for pH sensing applications. The combination of precise film deposition techniques, novel materials, and surface functionalization strategies has led to improved pH sensing performance, making PVD thin films a promising choice for future pH sensing technologies

Burn-up calculation of the neutronic and safety parameters of thorium-uranium mixed oxide fuel cycle in a Westinghouse small modular reactor

Thorium fuel is presently a globally known future nuclear fuel alternative, having good neutronic, physical and chemical properties in addition to its spent nuclear fuel characteristic proliferation resistance. This research focused on the neutronic and safety parameters of thorium‐uranium mixed oxide fuel cycle, utilising three fissile enrichment zones, a departure from the conventional single enrichment. The aim was to determine the range of three fissile zones adequate for thorium‐uranium fuel cycle; investigating the performance efficiency of the fuel neutronic and inherent safety parameters in response to temperature differentials, which determines the viability of the fuel and core composition. Use was made of the MCNPX 2.7 code integrated with the CINDER90 fuel depletion code for steady‐state and burn‐up calculations. The keff, moderator temperature coefficient (MTC) and fuel temperature coefficient (FTC) of reactivity are affected by the range of fissile enrichment and fuel temperature which decreased with their respective increases. The MTC for all the moderator temperatures was within 0 to −40 pcm/K design value for UO2 fuel. Similarly, the FTC was within −3.5 to −1 pcm/K design value for all the fuel temperatures except after 2000 days, where a positive reactivity feedback was introduced. At ~86 MWd/kgHM single discharge burn‐up, the result shows that ~90% of the initial fissile load was utilised for energy production at the normal reactor operating temperature (600 K) with a slight reduction at higher fuel temperature. The total fissile inventory ratio (FIR), 233U/kg‐232Th and 239Pu/kg‐238U inventory ratios were significantly large and increased with burn‐up. It is remarkable that the FIR and the 233U/kg‐232Th inventory ratio did not reach conversion equilibrium until exit burn‐up. The large percentage fuel utilisation supports the advantage of fissile enrichment zoning in a thermal nuclear reactor core, making the chosen novel three fissile enrichment zones for thorium‐uranium fuel cycle reliable

Unmodified Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles as a potential contrast agent in photon emission computed tomography

Highly crystalline titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 -NPs) are synthesized via a simple hydrothermal technique. After structural and compositional analysis, the as-synthesized unmodified TiO2 -NPs are tested for improvement in two modes of kilovoltage radiation therapy and singlephoton emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT). Our results show that the unmodified TiO2 -NPs provide an observable enhancement in CT scan image contrast ranging from 0 ± 3 HU (without NPs) to 283.7 ± 3 HU (0.23 g/mL). TiO2 -NPs has excellent biocompatibility, selective uptake at target sites, and reduced toxicity. The unmodified TiO2 -NPs as a contrast agent can significantly improve the existing methods of diagnosing and treating cancer

Structural, optical, and antibacterial efficacy of pure and zinc-doped copper oxide against Pathogenic bacteria

Copper oxide and Zinc (Zn)-doped Copper oxide nanostructures (CuO-NSs) are successfully synthesized by using a hydrothermal technique. The as-obtained pure and Zn-doped CuONSs were tested to study the effect of doping in CuO on structural, optical, and antibacterial properties. The band gap of the nanostructures is calculated by using the Tauc plot. Our results have shown that the band gap of CuO reduces with the addition of Zinc. Optimization of processing conditions and concentration of precursors leads to the formation of pine needles and sea urchinlike nanostructures. The antibacterial properties of obtained Zn-doped CuO-NSs are observed against Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria via the agar well diffusion method. Zn doped s are found to have more effective bacterial resistance than pure CuO. The improved antibacterial activity is attributed to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation

FTIR and Rheology study of Alginate samples: Effect of Radiation

Two well characterised alginate samples with high and low M/G ratio were subjected to radiation decontamination dose at 15 kGy. Subsequently, a number of techniques were used to determine the effect of radiation on the gelling properties. These techniques include: (GPC-MALLS) gel permeation chromatography linked to a multi-angle laser light scattering and refractive index detector for the determination of molecular weight and distribution. To observe the mechanics, the deformation with flow of α-β alginates rheological measurements in the dynamic oscillation modes, and distinguish the functional group of the samples along with identifying the M/G ratio for quantitative determination of mannuronic and guluronic acid, the FTIR techniques were performed respectively. The results showed clear reduction in the molecular weight following irradiation which was also accompanied by a loss of the gelling properties as well as clear reduction intensity of FTIR peak at 1080-1400 cm -1 for carboxylic group, OH-bonding obtained at 1030 cm-1 (1026 and 1028 cm-1) while the weak signal and skeletal region is attributed at >2800 and < 700 cm-1 respectively. A sample (n = 1; H120L) is homopolyguluronic enriched (820 cm-1 in fingerprint region) with small amount of mannuronic acid fraction. Sample (n = 2; LFR-5/60) is heteropolyguluronic acid enriched in presence of tiny amount guluronic acid (814 cm-1 peak) i.e. comparatively high G to M in this fraction but %G is lower than n = 1. The rheological parameter storage modulus (G′ ) and loss modulus (G”) were noticed higher with the constant frequency mode, a solid-like nature gels was obtained with increasing the frequency in a certain time of relaxation. The gelling properties of the samples calculated is M/G < 1 which able to make hard and rigid gel. Thus, radiation effects for rheology and FTIR in case of functional group distribution was significant

Radiological Hazard Evaluation of Some Egyptian Magmatic Rocks Used as Ornamental Stone: Petrography and Natural Radioactivity

Magmatic rocks represent one of the most significant rocks due to their abundance, durability and appearance; they can be used as ornamental stones in the construction of dwellings. The current study is concerned with the detailed petrography and natural radioactivity of seven magmatic rocks. All are commercial granitic rocks and are identified as black Aswan, Nero Aswan, white Halayeb, Karnak, Verdi, red Hurghada and red Aswan. Their respective mineralogical compositions are classified as porpheritic granodiorite, granodiorite, tonalite, monzogranite, syenogranite, monzogranite and syenogranite. A total of nineteen samples were prepared from these seven rock types in order to assess their suitability as ornamental stones. Concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides were measured using NaI (Tl) scintillation gamma-ray spectrometry. Among the studied magmatic rocks, white Halayeb had the lowest average values of 226Ra (15.7 Bq/kg), 232Th (4.71 Bq/kg) and 40K (~292 Bq/kg), all below the UNSCEAR reported average world values or recommended reference limits. In contrast, the other granitic rocks have higher values than the recommended limit. Except for the absorbed dose rate, other radiological hazard parameters including radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose equivalent, external, and internal hazard indices reflect that the White Halyeb rocks are favorable for use as ornamental stone in the construction of luxurious and high-demand residential buildings

Chronological evaluation of the synthesis techniques of nanocrystalline Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 soft magnetic alloy

In this review article, we focus on the synthesis process and properties of Fe-Si-B-based soft magnetic alloys that exhibit superior magnetic properties. The process parameters related to the synthesis and characterization of these types of alloys are studied widely and investigated the properties observed in nanocrystalline Cu and Nb-dopped Fe-Si-B-based magnetic alloys. The properties of these materials are an exceptional combination of high permeability, high Curie temperature, low core losses and anisotropy energy, and near zero effective magnetostriction suitable for various applications such as magnetic field sensors, sensors for non-destructive evaluation of materials, motors, transformer cores, electric vehicles, etc. A significant number of research works have been conducted so far and more research is continued to improve their properties in various ways including engineering of materials composition, optimization of synthesis processes, and parameters for easy integration into modern devices. This review article aims to demonstrate a comparison study of the properties of Fe-Si-B- based soft magnetic alloys and to provide the latest updates on their developments toward tailoring the extrinsic (coercivity, and permeability) and intrinsic (Curie temperature and saturation magnetization) properties for conquering the subsequent area of applications. © 2023 Elsevier Lt