Tungsten (VI) oxide reinforced antimony glasses for radiation safety applications: A throughout investigation for determination of radiation shielding properties and transmission factors

We report the functional assessment of tungsten (VI) oxide on gamma-ray attenuation properties of 60Sb₂O₃-(40-x)NaPO₃-xWO₃ antimony glasses. The elemental mass-fractions and glass-densities of each glass sample are specified separately for the MCNPX Monte Carlo code. In addition to fundamental gamma absorption properties, Transmission Factors throughout a broad radioisotope energy range were measured. According to findings, holmium (Ho) incorporation into the glass structure resulted in a net increase of 0.3406 g/cm3, whereas cerium (Ce) addition resulted in a net increase of 0.2047 g/cm3. The 40% WO₃ reinforced S7 sample was found to have the greatest LAC value, even though seven glass samples exhibited identical behavior. The S2 sample had the lowest HVL values among the glass groups evaluated in this work, computed in the energy range of 0.015-15 MeV. The lowest EBF and EABF values were reported for 40% WO₃ reinforced S7 sample with the highest LAC and density values. According to the findings of this research, WO₃ will likely make a significant contribution to the gamma ray absorption properties of antimony glasses, which are employed for optical and structural modification. Therefore, it can be concluded that WO₃ may be treated monotonically and can be employed successfully in circumstances where gamma-ray absorption characteristics, optical properties, and structural qualities need to be enhanced.

Effect of lay-up of sub-waveguide on transmission of S(o) mode from main waveguide to sub-waveguides

This paper focuses on transmission characteristics of fundamental symmetric Lamb mode (So) at the junction of a main waveguide and sub-waveguides in composite laminates. Numerical simulations on transmission of So from the main to sub-waveguide revealed that transmission factors of the modes depend on stacking sequence of plies in the waveguides. Experiments were carried out to verify the observations made in numerical simulations. This work gives an insight on the transmission characteristics of So mode while it propagates from a healthy to a delaminated region in a composite laminate.

Lessons from malaria control to elimination: case study in Hainan and Yunnan provinces

Reduction patterns of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria transmission and the role of an integrated strategy of case management and vector control are compared between different ecological zones. The epidemiology of malaria in Hainan and Yunnan provinces was disparate, even though distinct malaria control strategies have been adapted to different situations based on risk group, vector behaviours, local health infrastructure, and environmental conditions. The island Hainan appears to be victorious in eliminating malaria. However, there is still a long way to go to prevent the reintroduction of malaria in Hainan province and eliminating malaria in the border areas of Yunnan province. This review of the experiences and challenges from malaria control to elimination in Hainan and Yunnan provinces of southern China will provide a basis for the future elimination of malaria in the whole country.