Thermo-Physical Potential of Recycled Banana Fibers for Improving the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Biosourced Gypsum-Based Materials

The development of bio-sourced materials is essential to ensuring sustainable construction;it is considered a locomotive of the green economy.Furthermore,it is an abundant material in our country,to which very little attention is being given.This work aims to valorize the waste of the trunks of banana trees to be used in construction.Firstly,the physicochemical properties of the fiber,such as the percentage of crystallization and its morphology,have been determined by X-ray diffraction tests and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the potential and the impact of the mode of drying on the quality of the banana fibers,with the purpose to promote the use of this material in construction.Secondly,the results obtained with the gypsum matrix allowed us to note a preponderant improvement in the composite’s thermal properties thanks to the variation of the banana fiber additive.Thirdly,the impact of the nature of the banana fiber distribution(either fiber mixed in matrix or fiber series model)on the flexural and compressive strengths of the composites was studied.The results obtained indicate that the insulation gain reaches up to 40%.It depends on the volume fraction and type of distribution of the banana fibers.However,the thermal inertia of the composites developed,represented by thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity,was studied.Results indicate a gain of 40%and 25%,respectively,in terms of thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of the developed composites compared to plaster alone.Concerning the mechanical properties,the flexural strength depends on the percentage of the volume fraction of banana fibers used,and it can reach 20%more than the flexural strength of plaster;nevertheless,there is a significant loss in terms of the compressive strength of the studied composites.The results obtained are confirmed by the microstructure of the fiber banana.In fact,the morphology of the banana fibers was improved by the drying process.It reduces the amorphous area and improves the cellulosic crystalline surfaces,which assures good adhesion between the fiber and the matrix plaster.Finally,the dimensionless coefficient analysis was done to judge the optimal proportion of the banana fiber additive and to recommend its use even on false ceilings or walls.

New Probability Distributions in Astrophysics: XIII. Truncation for the Benini Distribution

In order to introduce a right truncated version of the Benini distribution, we derive its probability density function, its distribution function, its average value, its kth moment about the origin, its median, how to randomly generate its values, and the maximum likelihood estimator for its three unknown parameters. The astrophysical application of the Benini distribution and its right truncated version is to the initial mass function for stars.

New Probability Distributions in Astrophysics: XII. Truncation for the Gompertz Distribution

Analytical functions which fit the probability distributions of stars and galaxies can provide insight into how these distributions originate. In order to introduce a truncated version of the Gompertz distribution, we derive its probability density function, its distribution function, its average value, its second moment about the origin, its median, its random generation of values and a maximum likelihood estimator for its two unknown parameters. The astrophysical applications of the Gompertz distribution are the initial mass function for stars, the luminosity function for the galaxies of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, the photometric maximum of galaxies visible in the GLADE+ catalog and a model for the mean absolute magnitude in the GLADE+ catalog as a function of the redshift.

Assessing the Impact of Regulations on Radiation Safety Culture and Practices in Radiology Departments

Background: The need to establish a strong culture around radiation safety is derived from the assertion that medical practitioners, patients, and third parties should not be exposed to unnecessary radiation. Authorities have endeavored to enact policies to protect all employers and patients in radiology departments. Objectives: To assess the impact of radiation safety practices and regulations on the ongoing improvements in radiation safety culture and practices in radiology departments. This will be achieved through a subjective assessment of national and international rules and regulations by healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey in the radiology departments of three JCI-accredited hospitals in the Riyadh region to identify and assess the impact of national radiation regulations and the accompanying processes on the improvement of radiation safety culture and practices in radiology departments. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the grading system results among various groups of respondents, based on their educational level. Also, there are statistically significant differences between the assessments of safety level results in the answers provided by various groups of respondents according to education level in favor of the master’s degree. Conclusion: The study concludes that technicians with a diploma degree require stricter regulation. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that an exposure tracking system and a regulatory action supporting it may be useful in the ongoing task of improving patients’ radiation safety.

Influence of quarantine during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic on physical and psychosocial aspects:perceptions of 214 Brazilian athletes

Background:Social distancing may affect athletes,training,causing negative effects on mental and physical health.Objective:This study therefore aimed to characterize the perception of Brazilian athletes about their physical and psychosocial aspects,sleep quality and coping strategies during the quarantine of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study with online survey,performed with Brazilian athletes(amateur and professional)over 18 years.The main outcomes measures assessed were physical and psychosocial aspects,sleep quality and coping strategies.Results:A total of 214 athletes were included.The average weekly hours of training during the quarantine was 4.71±3.71 h,of which 64.5%athletes(138/214)were oriented by medical staff during training.For 52.8%(113/214)of athletes,training intensity during the quarantine was different/very different from the intensity before the quarantine.79.4%athletes(170/214)reported moderate to extreme difficulties in keeping the same level of training during the quarantine.77.1%athletes(165/214)had moderate to extreme anxiety and each of the athletes had concern about his or her athletic career future,including return to the sport.72.9%athletes(156/214)reported change in sleep schedule during the quarantine period.Conclusion:The quarantine period during COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the athlete^perception about training routine,since athletes reported reduction in training hours and training intensity.Overall,the athletes reported that they were moderately to extremely anxious.They also had concerns about their career in the future,as well as concerns regarding return to sport.

Radiometric and Geophysical Investigations on Exposure Levels and Excess Cancer Risk in Kargi-Kenya

Radiation is considered one of the possible causes of cancer disease with natural background sources including cosmic, terrestrial and internal radiation. A number of cancer disease cases have been reported in Kargi with their causes not properly documented. The present work characterized the radioactivity in soil and water, to find out possible causes of radiation in KARGI-KENYA by studying magnetic intensities, anomalous zones with depth to magnetic sources and delineating subsurface structures. A total of 117 soil and 14 water samples were collected from the entire area and analysed for radionuclides due to 40K, 232Th and 226Ra. Measurement methods of proton magnetometer and gamma spectrometry employing a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector were employed basically to evaluate the magnetic survey and radiological hazard of radioactivities respectively. A total of 51 magnetic field measurements were taken on the eastern part of Kargi, a place suspected to have more concentration of radionuclides. The results showed that there could have been a fractionation during weathering period or metasomatic activity of the radioelements involvement. This study also reveals that the mining activities in the nearby study area could have affected the geologic formation causing more fracturing in rocks and pronounced subsurface structures as a result of mining that could have served as passage for leachates from pollutants as well as the level of radiation in the study area.

Quantum Physics Has a New, and Remarkable, Expansion

Canonical quantization has taught us great things. A common example is that of the harmonic oscillator, which is like swinging a ball on a string back and forth. However, the half-harmonic oscillator blocks the ball at the bottom and then it quickly bounces backwards. This second model cannot be correctly solved using canonical quantization. Now, there is an expansion of quantization, called affine quantization, that can correctly solve the half-harmonic oscillator, and offers correct solutions to a grand collection of other problems, which even reaches to field theory and gravity. This paper has been designed to introduce affine quantization: what it is, and what it can do.

Transport in Astrophysics: V. On the Red Sun at Horizon

In order to simulate the red sun at the horizon we need to evaluate the average density of matter along a line of sight characterized by a given elevation angle. The decrease in frequency or the increase in wavelength of the light is modeled by the Bouguer-Beer-Lambert law and as a consequence, all the Planck spectrum is shifted toward lower frequencies or longer wavelengths.

New Probability Distributions in Astrophysics: XI. Left Truncation for the Topp-Leone Distribution

The Topp-Leone (T-L) distribution has aided the modeling of scientific data in many contexts. We demonstrate how it can be adapted to model astrophysical data. We analyse the left truncated version of the T-L distribution, deriving its probability density function (PDF), distribution function, average value, rth moment about the origin, median, the random generation of its values, and its maximum likelihood estimator, which allows us to derive the two unknown parameters. The T-L distribution, in its regular and truncated versions, is then applied to model the initial mass function for the stars. A comparison is made with specific clusters and between proposed functions for the IMF. The Topp-Leone distribution can provide an excellent fit in some cases.

Transport in Astrophysics: III. Diffusion from the Galactic Plane

New solutions, for the stationary and temporary states, are derived for the 1D diffusion of cosmic rays in the presence of losses. The new results are applied to the latitude profile of radiation emitted above the galactic plane. Percolation theory for a spiral galaxy coupled with the evolution of the super-bubbles allows building a model for the radiation of a spiral galaxy as seen face on. The annulus of radiation of our galaxy is also simulated and the excess of radiation observed at the centre of our galaxy is explained by the sine law which arises in the theory of the image.

Transport in Astrophysics: IV. Anomalous Redshift in the Solar System

The anomalous redshift on the sun’s limb and that measured by Pioneer-6 are interesting for the process of absorption of light and the spatial density of matter around the sun. Here we derive a 3D solution for the diffusion equation in the case of the steady state, which is then adopted as the density of the ionized matter around the sun. In order to deal with the observed light’s intensity, two integrals along the line of sight are evaluated. Alternatives to the Doppler shift have been considered as mechanisms: a thermal model, a plasma effect, the interaction of a low density electromagnetic wave with an electron and the interaction of light with a low density Fermi gas in standard QED. These four models are compared in the case of the Pioneer-6 signal.

宽波段响应硅雪崩光电探测器研究

本文基于目前对宽波段探测器的应用需求,设计了一种在250~1100 nm范围有较高响应的硅雪崩光电探测器(Si APD),不需要拼接即可实现紫外-可见-近红外波段光的高效探测。分别对硅的紫外增强和(近)红外增强进行了分析,在此基础上,为获得宽波段响应Si APD,对器件结构进行模拟设计,采用光背入射等方式,提高短波吸收,同时保证近红外吸收。模拟优化的Si APD器件峰值波长940 nm左右,在250 nm和1100 nm处响应光电流均超过峰值的15%,这种结构的器件适用于多光谱及未来高精度探测等应用领域。

Benchmarking calculations of excitation energies and transition properties with spectroscopic accuracy of highly charged ions used for the fusion plasma and astrophysical plasma

Atomic radiative data such as excitation energies, transition wavelengths, radiative rates, and level lifetimes with high precision are the essential parameters for the abundance analysis, simulation, and diagnostics in fusion and astrophysical plasmas. In this work, we mainly focus on reviewing our two projects performed in the past decade. One is about the ions with Z■30 that are generally of astrophysical interest, and the other one is about the highly charged krypton(Z = 36)and tungsten(Z = 74) ions that are relevant in research of magnetic confinement fusion. Two different and independent methods, namely, multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock(MCDHF) and the relativistic many-body perturbation theory(RMBPT) are usually used in our studies. As a complement/extension to our previous works for highly charged tungsten ions with open M-shell and open N-shell, we also mainly focus on presenting and discussing our complete RMBPT and MCDHF calculations for the excitation energies, wavelengths, electric dipole(E1), magnetic dipole(M1), electric quadrupole(E2), and magnetic quadrupole(M2) transition properties, and level lifetimes for the lowest 148 levels belonging to the 3l3configurations in Al-like W61+. We also summarize the uncertainties of our systematical theoretical calculations, by cross-checking/validating our datasets from our RMBPT and MCDHF calculations, and by detailed comparisons with available accurate observations and other theoretical calculations. The data are openly available in Science Data Bank at https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.10569.

Violent collisions can reveal hexadecapole deformation of nuclei

A new observable in heavy ion collision experiments was identified to be sensitive to the hexadecapole deformation of the colliding nuclei.Such deformation is difficult to measure in traditional nuclear electric transition measurements,as it is often overwhelmed by the nuclear quadrupole deformation.This opens the door to gain new insight into nuclear structure with experiments that were designed to study hot and dense nuclear matter.

Global hybrid simulations of soft X-ray emissions in the Earth’s magnetosheath

Earth’s magnetopause is a thin boundary separating the shocked solar wind plasma from the magnetospheric plasmas,and it is also the boundary of the solar wind energy transport to the magnetosphere.Soft X-ray imaging allows investigation of the large-scale magnetopause by providing a two-dimensional(2-D)global view from a satellite.By performing 3-D global hybrid-particle-in-cell(hybrid-PIC)simulations,we obtain soft X-ray images of Earth’s magnetopause under different solar wind conditions,such as different plasma densities and directions of the southward interplanetary magnetic field.In all cases,magnetic reconnection occurs at low latitude magnetopause.The soft X-ray images observed by a hypothetical satellite are shown,with all of the following identified:the boundary of the magnetopause,the cusps,and the magnetosheath.Local X-ray emissivity in the magnetosheath is characterized by large amplitude fluctuations(up to 160%);however,the maximum line-of-sight-integrated X-ray intensity matches the tangent directions of the magnetopause well,indicating that these fluctuations have limited impact on identifying the magnetopause boundary in the X-ray images.Moreover,the magnetopause boundary can be identified using multiple viewing geometries.We also find that solar wind conditions have little effect on the magnetopause identification.The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer(SMILE)mission will provide X-ray images of the magnetopause for the first time,and our global hybrid-PIC simulation results can help better understand the 2-D X-ray images of the magnetopause from a 3-D perspective,with particle kinetic effects considered.

Electromagnetic fields in ultra-peripheral relativistic heavy-ion collisions

Ultra-peripheral heavy-ion collisions(UPCs)offer unique opportunities to study processes under strong electromagnetic fields.In these collisions,highly charged fast-moving ions carry strong electromagnetic fields that can be effectively treated as photon fluxes.The exchange of photons can induce photonuclear and two-photon interactions and excite ions.This excitation of the ions results in Coulomb dissociation with the emission of photons,neutrons,and other particles.Additionally,the electromagnetic fields generated by the ions can be sufficiently strong to enforce mutual interactions between the two colliding ions.Consequently,the two colliding ions experience an electromagnetic force that pushes them in opposite directions,causing a back-to-back correlation in the emitted neutrons.Using a Monte Carlo simulation,we qualitatively demonstrate that the above electromagnetic effect is large enough to be observed in UPCs,which would provide a clear means to study strong electromagnetic fields and their effects.

There is more to the knee joint than just the quadriceps:A systematic review with meta-analysis and evidence gap map of hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders

Background:Impairments in hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology have been associated with altered knee biomechanics,pain,and function.Determining the presence of these impairments in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders is important and may indicate targets for assessment and rehabilitation.This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature to determine the presence of impairments in hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders.Methods:Five databases(MEDLINE,Embase,CINAHL,SPORTDiscus,and Web of Science)were searched from inception to September 2022.Only studies comparing hamstring outcomes(e.g.,strength,flexibility,and/or morphology)between individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders and their unaffected limbs or pain-free controls were included.Meta-analyses for each knee disorder were performed.Outcome-level certainty was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation,and evidence gap maps were created.Results:Seventy-nine studies across 4 different gradual-onset knee disorders(i.e.,knee osteoarthritis(OA),patellofemoral pain(PFP),chondromalacia patellae,and patellar tendinopathy)were included.Individuals with knee OA presented with reduced hamstring strength compared to pain-free controls during isometric(standard mean difference(SMD)=-0.76,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-1.32 to-0.21)and concentric contractions(SMD=-0.97,95%CI:-1.49 to-0.45).Individuals with PFP presented with reduced hamstring strength compared to painfree controls during isometric(SMD=-0.48,95%CI:-0.82 to-0.14),concentric(SMD=-1.07,95%CI:-2.08 to-0.06),and eccentric contractions(SMD=-0.59,95%CI:-0.97 to-0.21).No differences were observed in individuals with patellar tendinopathy.Individuals with PFP presented with reduced hamstring flexibility when compared to pain-free controls(SMD=-0.76,95%CI:-1.15 to-0.36).Evidence gap maps identified insufficient evidence for chondromalacia patellae and hamstring morphology across all gradual-onset knee disorders.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that assessing and targeting impairments in hamstring strength and flexibility during rehabilitation may be recommended for individuals with knee OA or PFP.

Neutral and metallic vs.charged and semiconducting surface layer in acceptor doped CeO_(2)

The monomolecular surface layer of acceptor doped CeO_(2) may become neutral and metallic or charged and semiconducting.This is revealed in the theoretical analysis of the oxygen pressure dependence of the surface defects concentration in acceptor doped ceria with two different dopant types and operated under different oxygen pressures.Recently published experimental data for highly reduced Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9-x(SDC)containing a fixed valence dopant Sm3+are very different from those published for Pr0.1Ce0.9O_(2)-x(PCO) with the variable valence dopant Pr4+/Pr3+being reduced under milder conditions.The theoretical analysis of these experimental results fits very well the experimental results of SDC and PCO.It leads to the following predictions:the highly reduced surface of SDC is metallic and neutral,the metallic surface electron density of state is gs=0.9×10^(38)J-1·m^(-2)(1.4×1015eV^(-1)·cm^(-2)),the electron effective mass is meff,s=3.3me,and the phase diagram of the reduced surface has theα(fcc)structure as in the bulk.In PCO a double layer is predicted to be formed between the surface and the bulk with the surface being negatively charged and semiconducting.The surface of PCO maintains high Pr^(3+) defect concentration as well as relative high oxygen vacancy concentration at oxygen pressures higher than in the bulk.The reasons for the difference between a metallic and semiconducting surface layer of acceptor doped CeO_(2) are reviewed,as well as the key theoretical considerations applied in coping with this problem.For that we make use of the experimental data and theoretical analysis available for acceptor doped ceria.

Surface activation of viscose textiles via air,argon,and oxygen dielectric barrier discharge plasma:influence of peak voltage

This paper discusses the use of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)plasma treatment to enhance the surface qualities of viscose fabrics.The study explores the effects of different plasma gases,discharge voltages,and exposure times on the treated fabrics.The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing the plasma's peak voltage to achieve the desired surface treatment outcomes.The document also presents data on colour strength,wettability,colour fastness,and tensile strength of the treated fabrics,as well as scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis of surface morphology and chemical analysis using fouriertransition infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)and energy dispersive X-ray(EDX).The results show that treatment at a peak voltage of 11.83 k V is more efficient,except for the tensile strength which is enhanced at a peak voltage of 8.92 k V.The oxygen plasma treatment significantly improves the colour strength,which exhibits an increase from 11 to 18.The intensified colour was attributed to the significant influence of electrostatic interactions between the charged hydroxyl groups of the oxygen plasma treated viscose textiles and the dye molecules,which enhance the printability.The oxygen DBD plasma exhibits a higher ability to enhance the properties of textiles when compared to air and argon plasmas.This study presents a sustainable,economical,secure,and ecologically friendly approach to explore new fabrics for specific uses.

On the Features of Thermal Convection in a Compressible Gas

The fully nonlinear equations of gas dynamics are solved in the framework of a numerical approach in order to study the stability of the steady mode of Rayleigh-Bénard convection in compressible,viscous and heat-conducting gases encapsulated in containers with no-slip boundaries and isothermal top and bottom walls.An initial linear temperature profile is assumed.A map of the possible convective modes is presented assuming the height of the region and the value of the temperature gradient as influential parameters.For a relatively small height,isobaric convection is found to take place,which is taken over by an adiabatic mode when the height exceeds the critical value,or by a super-adiabatic mode in case of a relatively high temperature gradient.In the adiabatic mode,convective flow develops due to adiabatic processes given a stable initial stratification.An analytic formula for the critical height of the region is derived taking into account and neglecting the dependence of the gas viscosity on the temperature.Moreover,an analytic formula is obtained for the upper boundary of the region of applicability of the Boussinesq approximation for incompressible gases.These models for compressible gases are relevant to practical situations such as the study of convective flows in spatially extended gas mixtures when dealing with safety issues related to hydrocarbons stored in gas stations.A dangerous situation arises when the tank is almost empty but some hydrocarbon is left at the bottom of the tank.In the presence of convective flows,the vaporized fuel is mixed with the oxidizer(air)forming a gas-vapor medium.However,if the volumetric concentration of fuel vapor(hydrocarbon)is in the interval between the lower and upper concentration limits of ignition,then the gas-vapor mixture becomes explosive and any accidental spark is sufficient to cause an emergency.