Introduction: The present study investigated the relatively high concentrations of natural radionuclides in raw material that used in ceramic manufacturing, and estimated the occupational exposure due to these activity concentrations.
Material and Methods: A high-purity Germanium detector was used to determine naturally occurring radionuclides in raw materials that used in ceramic manufacturing. Activity concentrations of these materials lead to potential radiological hazards due to gamma and alpha radiation. These hazards were evaluated in the present study.
Results: Maximum activity concentrations was5844, 1065 and 41 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 232Th and 235U in powdered quartz; however, maximum activity concentration for 40K was 1868 Bq/kg in colors. These activities were observed to be exceeding the exemption limit. Pancreasreceived the lowest dose (i.e., 0.02 mSv/y), while skin received the highest dose (i.e., 0.044mSv/y). Internal hazard index (Hin) was reported as 53.74, which exceed the recommended value (Hin≤1). Alpha index was 42.4 which led to over exposure. Representative level index and excess lifetime cancer risk were 0.00062 and 0.641 respectively. The total annual external dose was 2.62 m Gy/y which led to 1.83 mSv/y effective dose. Radiological hazard due to radon inhalation was 1.53E-06 mSv/y.
Conclusion: Due to the high activity concentrations of raw materials (especially zirconium compounds) and consequently the associated high dose, specific regulations must be applied in the ceramic industry in Egypt.
Quantum dots (QDs) are very small nanoparticles and are composed of hundreds to thousands of atoms. These semiconducting materials can be made from an element, such as silicon or germanium, or compounds such as cadmium sulphide (CdS) or cadmium selenide (CdSe). The colour of these small particles does not depend on the type of semiconducting material from which the dots are made, but rather on its diameter. Besides, ODs attract the most attention because of their unique visual properties. Therefore, these are used in all kinds of applications where precise control of coloured light is important. As these dots are of great importance in chemical, biological and medical applications, they can be designed to deliver anti-cancer drugs and direct them to specific areas of the body. Therefore, with this technique, the harmful side effects of chemical treatments can be reduced. It is possible to examine and study the properties of these nanomaterials and make sure they are analyzed using some scientific devices and techniques, the most important of which are: transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic forces microscopy (AFM) with dielectrics, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). This chapter opens horizons towards knowing what quantum dots are and their unique properties, as well as methods of preparation and then placing our hands on the chemical, and biological applications of these dots.
SYNTHESIS, characterization and comparison the anti bacterial activity of both silver/ polyvinyl alcohol (Ag/ PVA) nanocomposite and nisin, for some pathogenic bacteria was carried out. Applications of the nicin include dental care products, pharmaceutical products such as stomach ulcers and colon infection treatment and potential birth control. Ag/ PVA nanocomposite was prepared by in situ reduction method in which silver nitrate, gamma irradiation and PVA act as precursor, reductant and stabilizer respectively. The synthesized nanocomposites have potential antibacterial activity toward both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Further studies have demonstrated the structure and the distribution of Ag nanoparticles caped within PVA polymer chain such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were carried out.
ates that have been discarded are rich and inexpensive source of energy and represent a promising replacement for costly concentrates in livestock feeding.This research evaluated the impact of increasing levels of discarded dates as a substitute for yellow corn grain on intake, nutrient digestibility, and performance of lactating Barki ewes.Twenty multiparous lactating ewes (38.2 kg ± 1.18) were randomly divided into four groups (five ewes per group).The feeding trial lasted for 60 days, followed by the digestion trials.Ewes were fed a diet of concentrate feed mixture and fresh berseem clover at 70:30 on dry matter basis.Discarded dates (DD) were introduced at levels of 0, 25, 50, and 75% as a replacement for corn grain (CG) in the concentrated feed mixture (CFM) of the experimental groups (R1; control, R2, R3, and R4), respectively.Replacement of CG with DD affected the chemical composition of the ration, resulting in an increase in crude fiber content and a decrease in crude protein content.However, DD had no influence on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility coefficients, or nutritive values (TDN, DCP, and SE).Increasing the inclusion level of DD led to a significant improvement in digestible crude fiber content and a decrease in digestible N-free extract content.Actual daily milk yield and energy corrected milk were unaffected by DD.However, ewes fed on DD at 75% numerically produced less milk yield and milk constituent yields.Also, there was no significant effect of DD on ewes' BW or lambs' average daily gain.In conclusion, discarded dates can serve as an alternative energy resource for feeding lactating ewes up to 75% of yellow corn without any adverse effect on the animals' performance.
) and overall crystallinity of iPP/ HOCP blends decreased as a result of addition of pre-irradiated HOCP resin. Incorporation of HOCP resin in iPP matrix exhibited better mechanical properties, (tensile stress and elongation at break) as compared with blank iPP sample. The dynamic thermal mechanical data showed that the addition of HOCP resin slightly decreased the storage modulus from -100
Thyroglossal duct remnants presenting as a lump in the neck are usually called thyroglossal cysts. Meticulous dissection of the cyst and duct, along with the body of the hyoid bone (Sistrunk's operation) is necessary to avoid recurrence. The authors have reviewed the histology of 61 consecutive specimens diagnosed preoperatively as thyroglossal cysts and have found that a true cyst exists in only 46 per cent of cases.