Artificial Radiation Research Articles

Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin HCl using Visible Active BiOS Photocatalyst and Artificial radiation

Ciprofloxacin, a potent biologically active substance, has caused significant environmental issues when present in natural waters. The current study aimed to investigate the visible lightinduced degradation of ciprofloxacin HCl (CFX) using bismuth oxysulfide (BiOS) as a photocatalyst. A new photocatalyst BiOS has been developed and tested for the photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater using artificial radiation. Specifically, this novel material was examined for its ability to degrade ciprofloxacin HCl (CFX). A nanocomposite of BiOS photocatalyst has been synthesized utilizing the sol-gel method and subsequently characterized using UV-DRS, SEM, and EDAX techniques. A tungsten lamp was utilized to simulate artificial radiation during the PCD of CFX. Based on studies on the ideal operating conditions for the BiOS photocatalyst, the maximum rate of photocatalytic degradation (PCD) was reached at a neutral pH of 7. When compared to a saltfree environment, the rate of PCD was observed to be increased by anionic salts (NaCl, Na2CO3, and (NH4)2SO4). The Cland CO3- ions have notably increased the rate of PCD than SO4- ions. According to Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic modeling, the PCD of CFX exhibits a pseudo-first-order reaction behavior. Therefore, it can be said that BiOS is a suitable photocatalyst for treating wastewater from pharmaceutical plants.

Study of Natural Herbal Dyes Photodegradation Effect to Optical Properties for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The stability of natural dyes for use in dye-sensitive solar cells is known from their photodegradation characteristics. Photodegradation effects using artificial light radiation on natural herbal dyes were investigated. Three natural herbal dyes, namely Fagraea acuminatissima, sappanwood, and kulit setong were used in this study. The stability of the natural herbal dyes under artificial light radiation was studied. The optical properties of the natural herbal dyes as indicators of their stability were characterized using FTIR and UV-VIS absorption. Stability testing of natural herbal dyes was conducted in a room with artificial lighting for 5 weeks. Observations of changes in their optical properties were performed weekly. It can be seen that all three natural herbal dyes contained anthocyanin. In addition to anthocyanin, Fagraea acuminatissima and sappanwood also contain chlorophyll. In contrast, the kulit setong contains beta-carotene in addition to anthocyanin. The degradation percentage showed that sappanwood degrade to all of its pigments. While an increase occurred in the chlorophyll peak of Fagraea acuminatissima and the beta-carotene peak of kulit setong. This clearly shows that Fagraea acuminatissima has the highest stability, and potentially increases the efficiency of solar cells.

Photocatalytic efficacy of pyrite in the degradation of antiretroviral drugs: Biomphalaria glabrata as a bioindicator of toxic and genotoxic effects

Population growth and the increase in the consumption of different pharmaceuticals combined with the insufficiency in the removal of these compounds by conventional treatments have contributed to the increase in the detection of these contaminants in aquatic matrices. Aiming to contribute in solving this problem, this promoted the degradation of a mixture of the drugs lamivudine and zidovudine in different matrices (aqueous solution and synthetic effluent) using the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process applying pyrite as a catalyst and artificial solar radiation. At the end of the treatment, degradations greater than 99 % were found for zidovudine in both matrices studied, while for lamivudine, 97 % and 94 % degradations were obtained for aqueous solution and synthetic effluent, in that order. In the investigation of toxic effects using Biomphalaria glabrata molluscs, embryotoxicity tests showed embryonic lethality in 100 % of individuals for all samples. Acute toxicity tests on adult molluscs resulted in mortality rates of 100 % (aqueous solution after treatment) and 50 % (synthetic effluent after treatment). Thus, to investigate cellular changes, genotoxicity analyses were carried out, and different degrees of DNA damage were observed, however, the highest level of damage to this organism was not observed. Therefore, B. glabrata demonstrated to be sensitive to toxic effects at the concentrations present in the matrices studied, providing evidence to predict the ecotoxicological potential of samples when released into aquatic ecosystems.

The National Cancer Aid monitoring (NCAM-online) of ultraviolet radiation risk and protection behavior: a population-based observational trend study with four annual online survey waves

BackgroundUltraviolet (UV) radiation is the most important risk factor for skin cancer development. Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation in the general population. In addition, tanning beds are a source of artificial UV radiation. Since the incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide, it is necessary to monitor UV-related risk behaviors such as intentional indoor and outdoor tanning, as well as sun protection behavior in the general population and specific subgroups and settings. This is the aim of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring online (NCAM-online), a continuation and further development of the NCAM.MethodsThe NCAM-online is a longitudinal trend study consisting of four annual survey waves. Each year, 4,000 individuals aged 16–65 years living in Germany will be surveyed using online questionnaires. Each year, intentional indoor and outdoor tanning will be assessed. In addition, varying specific topics regarding skin cancer prevention, such as the utilization of skin cancer screening, will be addressed in the questionnaires.DiscussionThe findings of the NCAM-online will provide an important basis for the German Cancer Aid and Working Group on Dermatologic Prevention (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Prävention, ADP) to develop targeted prevention campaigns and projects aimed at preventing skin cancer. The explorative nature of the NCAM-online allows for the identification of new potential starting points for prevention and education. In addition, the longitudinal design allows for a description of the trend in the prevalence of intentional tanning. For tanning bed use, representative trend data from 2012 are available for Germany, to which NCAM-online will add annual data until 2027.

The fragile urethra: what to do next?-a narrative review.

Although the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has demonstrated successful outcomes in treating male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) for the past five decades, this procedure also carries inherent risks, including recurrent SUI, device malfunction, local tissue compromise, and infection/erosion, all of which may require revision surgery with or without device replacement. Patients that are at the highest risk for such untoward events often possess unhealthy urethral tissue (termed a "fragile urethra") that is compromised and unable to provide optimal cuff coaptation and continence. Accordingly, there are several techniques to address recalcitrant SUI in the setting of a fragile urethra to afford an improved chance of return to continence. Here, we review characteristics of patients that are at higher risk for an untoward outcome following AUS implantation and further define strategies to promote optimal success with device implantation. The aim of this paper is to review the available literature and describe surgical options for male SUI in patients with known or anticipated urethral tissue compromise. A thorough literature review was completed by querying PubMed for relevant articles. Search terms included artificial urinary sphincter, failure, recalcitrant, urethral atrophy, fragile urethra, revision, radiation, cystectomy, incontinence, and/or urethroplasty published between 1975 and 2022. Options for management of the fragile urethra include cuff relocation, cuff downsizing, tandem cuff placement, transcorporal cuff placement, pressure regulating balloon exchange with increased or decreased pressure, bulbospongiosus preservation, sub-cuff ventral capsulotomy, urethral wrapping with graft, and in select cases, urinary diversion, or complete device removal with a return to SUI. Proper patient selection is paramount to optimize outcomes. Advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are reviewed. Numerous techniques are viable options for patients with recalcitrant SUI in the setting of a fragile urethra, but high-quality evidence with reproducible outcomes for many of these strategies remain limited. Proper patient selection as well as adequate counseling by experienced implant surgeons may help optimize outcomes. Further multi-institutional investigations with longer term outcomes are needed to improve patient selection and counseling with shared decision-making prior to any intervention.

Photocatalysis and microwave absorption performance of cobalt particles dispersed on activated carbon surface under the role of surface, optical, and magnetic properties

Ensuring the availability of clean water and solve electromagnetic interference are a fundamental action to support a better life. Here, the bifunctional material as photocatalyst and absorber microwave were prepared from activated carbon composite with Cobalt (AC-Co (0, 10, & 20)%) by stirring-assisted impregnation method as an easy and environmentally friendly procedure. The effectiveness of the material as a catalyst is observed from its surface condition as an active site, and we also consider the electrical and magnetic properties as aspects of the role in photodegradation capability. It was found that AC-Co (10) showed a methylene blue and pesticide degradation capability of >90 % for an adsorbent mass of 1.5 g within 5 days treated without artificial irradiation and stirring to imitate the environmental conditions. The microwave absorption capability by the composite shows a maximum absorption of −19.1 dB at 10.12 GHz for AC-Co (0), while the presence of Co manages to provide a higher working frequency shift but reduced absorption performance. These reported performances are supported by the appropriate distribution of Co particles scattered on the AC surface, larger μ'', and higher consistency of Δ(LO−TO) positions.

Safe and environmentally friendly daily use of clean-energy electromagnetic devices

The daily well-being of modern humanity is closely linked to the use of different devices operating through different sources of energy conversion. Electromagnetic energy obtained from the conversion of clean energy is one of the most used in devices in this context. The use of these devices reflects the expected results, often accompanied by unwanted side effects. These undesirable side effects correspond to the interaction of artificial electromagnetic radiation with living tissues of biodiversity (One Health concept). The corresponding living tissues are related to humans, animals (domestic and wild), birds, plants, etc., and more generally to biodiversity, including the ecosystem. Therefore, these harmful effects could be reduced by intelligent and sustainable construction and protection (Responsible Attitude concept) of these devices. This article aimed to illustrate the implication of the concepts of One Health and Responsible Attitude in the management of the daily use of wireless communication tools with electromagnetic energy, as well as power transfer devices. The two concepts were first discussed. The biological effects on living tissues due to exposure to electromagnetic field radiation were analyzed in the case of humans, animals and plants. The different characteristics of the radiated field and exposed tissues influencing these effects, as well as the governing laws and mathematical modeling of the effects, were examined. Additionally, the means for protecting living tissues from electromagnetic radiation were inspected. The analyses pursued in this article were supported by examples taken from the literature.

Comparison of doses received from non-contrast enhanced brain CT examinations between two CT scanners

ObjectivesMedical devices based on X-ray imaging, such as computed tomography, are considered notable sources of artificial radiation. The aim of this study was to compare the computed tomography dose volume index, the dose length product, and the effective dose of the brain non-contrast enhanced examination on two CT scanners to determine the current state in terms of radiation doses, compare doses to the reference values, and possibly optimize the examination. Materials and methodsData from January 2020 to the second half of 2021 were retrospectively obtained by accessing dose reports from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Data were collected and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. The effective dose was estimated using the dose-length product parameter and the normalized conversion factor for a given anatomical region. For statistical analysis, a two-sample t-test was used. ResultsThe first data set consists of 200 patients (100 and 100 for older and newer CT scanners) regardless of the scan technique; the average CTDIvol and DLP for the older CT scanner were 57.61 ± 2.89 mGy and 993.28 ± 146.18 mGy cm, and for the newer CT scanner, 43.66 ± 11.15 mGy and 828.14 ± 130.06 mGy cm. The second data set consists of 100 patients (50 for the older CT scanner and 50 for the newer CT scanner) for a sequential scan; the average CTDIvol and DLP for the older CT scanner were 58.63 ± 3.33 mGy and 949.42 ± 80.87 mGy.cm, and for the newer CT, 57.25 ± 3.4 mGy and 942.13 ± 73.05 mGy cm. The third data set consists of 40 patients (20 and 20 for older and newer CT scanners) for the helical scan - the average CTDIvol and DLP for the older CT scanner were 54.6 ± 0 mGy and 1252.2 ± 52.11 mGy.cm, and for the newer CT, 37.18 ± 2.52 mGy and 859.66 ± 72.04 mGy cm. The difference between the older and newer CT scanners in terms of dose reduction was approximately 30 % in favor of the newer scanner for noncontrast enhanced brain examinations performed using the helical scan technique. ConclusionA non-contrast enhanced brain examination scanned with newer CT equipment was associated with a lower radiation burden on the patient.

Enhancement of effluent degradation by zinc oxide, carbon nitride, and carbon xerogel trifecta on brass monoliths.

In recent years, heterogeneous photocatalysis has emerged as a promising alternative for the treatment of organic pollutants. This technique offers several advantages, such as low cost and ease of operation. However, finding a semiconductor material that is both operationally viable and highly active under solar irradiation remains a challenge, often requiring materials of nanometric size. Furthermore, in many processes, photocatalysts are suspended in the solution, requiring additional steps to remove them. This can render the technique economically unviable, especially for nanosized catalysts. This work demonstrated the feasibility of using a structured photocatalyst (ZnO, g-C3N4, and carbon xerogel) optimized for this photodegradation process. The synthesized materials were characterized by nitrogen adsorption and desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Adhesion testing demonstrated the efficiency of the deposition technique, with film adhesion exceeding 90%. The photocatalytic evaluation was performed using a mixture of three textile dyes in a recycle photoreactor, varying pH (4.7 and 10), recycle flow rate (2, 4, and 6 L h-1), immobilized mass (1, 2, and 3mgcm-2), monolith height (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5cm), and type of radiation (solar and visible artificials; and natural solar). The structured photocatalyst degraded over 99% of the dye mixture under artificial radiation. The solar energy results are highly promising, achieving a degradation efficiency of approximately 74%. Furthermore, it was possible to regenerate the structured photocatalyst up to seven consecutive times using exclusively natural solar light and maintain a degradation rate of around 70%. These results reinforce the feasibility and potential application of this system in photocatalytic reactions, highlighting its effectiveness and sustainability.

The role of the protective shield against UV-C radiation and its molecular interactions in Nostoc species (Cyanobacteria)

Cyanobacteria possess special defense mechanisms to protect themselves against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This study combines experimental and computational methods to identify the role of protective strategies in Nostoc species against UV-C radiation. To achieve this goal, various species of the genus Nostoc from diverse natural habitats in Iran were exposed to artificial UV-C radiation. The results indicated that UV-C treatment significantly reduced the photosynthetic pigments while simultaneously increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Notably, N. sphaericum ISB97 and Nostoc sp. ISB99, the brown Nostoc species isolated from habitats with high solar radiations, exhibited greater resistance compared to the green-colored species. Additionally, an increase in scytonemin content occurred with a high expression of key genes associated with its synthesis (scyF and scyD) during the later stages of UV-C exposure in these species. The molecular docking of scytonemin with lipopolysaccharides of the cyanobacteria that mainly cover the extracellular matrix revealed the top/side positioning of scytonemin on the glycans of these lipopolysaccharides to form a UV-protective shield. These findings pave the way for exploring the molecular effects of scytonemin in forming the UV protection shield in cyanobacteria, an aspect that has been ambiguous until now.

The radiation protection behavior of medical workers: A scoping review protocol.

Radiation exposure in medical settings stands as the primary source of artificial radiation, compounded by the yearly rise in healthcare worker numbers. Ensuring radiation protection is crucial for safeguarding their occupational health. Nevertheless, existing studies on radiation protection behavior exhibit considerable heterogeneity due to various factors. This scoping review aims to explore the current status of research on radiation protection behavior and identify research gaps, intending to guide future research directions. The scoping review will follow the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A systematic search will be conducted across English databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Medline, as well as Chinese databases such as CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and China Biomedical Literature Database. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies based on predefined eligibility criteria and extract the data. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion by a third reviewer. The review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews. A stakeholder consultation will provide an opportunity to validate the findings and address any potential gaps in the article. In this scoping review, all types of studies will be considered. The effectiveness of the methodological quality of the included studies will not be reported, which may lead to some studies of poor quality being included. Only studies published in English or Chinese after 2010 will be considered in this review, potentially leading to the omission of relevant papers.

Effects of NaF versus SDF treatment on microhardness of artificial radiation caries at cervical and root areas.

This study aimed to compare the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and fluoride varnish (NaF) on the Vickers microhardness (VHN) of enamel and dentin after radiotherapy and pH-cycling. Human premolars were cut longitudinally, embedded and serially polished. The VHN of enamel/dentin and irradiated enamel/dentin were evaluated. The irradiated specimens were treated with either NaF or SDF, subjected to pH-cycling then VHN test for 4 days. Consequently, they were subjected to energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Radiation adversely affect enamel VHN (p<0.05), whereas dentin VHN was not affected (p>0.05). After pH-cycling, a significant decrease in dentin VHN was observed on day 2 for all groups, whereas enamel VHN was significantly decreased in the control group on day 4. SDF-treated enamel demonstrated higher VHN than that of NaF on day 3. Caries prevention effect of SDF and NaF were observed on enamel, where SDF was proved to be superior to NaF.

37 years after the chernobyl: the current radiation status in Kocaeli, Turkey

This study aims to assess the artificial and natural radiation dose levels in certain districts of Kocaeli province within the Marmara region, 37 years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and evaluate the current status prior to potential nuclear leakage events from Zaporijya or other nuclear power plants. Radioactive concentrations of 232Th, 238U, 40K and 137Cs were determined using HPGe gamma spectrometry in 26 soil samples collected from the region of interest. The average concentrations were found to be 22.35 Bqkg−1 for 238U, 26.36 Bqkg−1 for 232Th, 368.34 Bqkg−1 for 40K, and 2.44 Bqkg−1 for 137Cs. Furthermore, the study revealed an absorbed dose rate of 41.73 nGyh−1, an annual effective dose equivalent of 51.18 µSvy−1, and an excess lifetime cancer risk of 0.00018.

The current status of natural and artificial radiation in İstanbul 36 years after chernobyl, preceding a potential nuclear threat

In this study, the current status of natural and artificial radioactivity levels in soil samples from the Büyükçekmece and Silivri districts of Istanbul, as well as the Marmara Ereğlisi district in Tekirdağ, has been determined in anticipation of a potential nuclear leakage (e.g. the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant). Twenty soil samples were collected from the study area, and the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were measured using an HPGe detector. The average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were found to be 26 ± 2, 30 ± 2, 540 ± 29, 0.55 ± 0.07 Bq kg−1, respectively.

Нелинейная радиофизика межзвездных перелетов: разгон макрообъектов с помощью электромагнитного излучения

We discusses one of the implementations of acceleration, based on powerful artificial radiation, of spacecraft capable of reaching the nearest stars in the constellation Alpha Centauri in twenty to thirty years (i.e., during the active life of one generation of people). The Breakthrough Starshot project (BS, Breakthrough: Starshot) was proposed in 2016. The key new aspects of the project are: 1) the idea of interstellar vehicles of ultra-small dimension, which makes the physical parameters of the project potentially achievable in the foreseeable future; 2) modular construction of the launch system and 3) extension of Moore's law to the development of space technology. As an alternative to the linear “BS” type scheme, a closed ring scheme for laser acceleration of macro-objects is considered below. It is shown to be promising for dramatically reducing the peak requirements for a linear-type micro spacecraft launch.

Rational sonochemical engineering of Ag2CrO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction for eradicating RhB dye under full broad spectrum

In this novel research, S-scheme Ag2CrO4/g-C3N4 heterojunctions were generated by sonochemical hybridization of different compositions of Ag2CrO4 nanoparticles [EVB = +2.21 eV] and g-C3N4 sheets [ECB = −1.3 eV] for destructing RhB dye under artificial solar radiation. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were subjected to X-ray diffraction [XRD], diffuse reflectance spectrum [DRS], X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy [XPS], N2-adsorption-desorption isotherm, photoluminescence [PL] and high resolution transmission electron microscope [HRTEM] analysis to explore the interfacial interactions between g-C3N4 sheets and Ag2CrO4 nanoparticles. Spherical Ag2CrO4 nanoparticles deposited homogeneously on the wrinkles points of g-C3N4 sheets at nearly equidistant from each other facilitating the uniform absorption of solar radiations. The absorbability of solar radiations was enhanced by introducing 20 wt % Ag2CrO4 on g-C3N4 sheets. The surface area of g-C3N4 sheets was reduced from 37.5 to 16.4 m2/g and PL signal intensity diminished by 80 % implying the successful interfacial interaction between Ag2CrO4 nanoparticles and g-C3N4 sheets. The photocatalytic performance of heterojunctions containing 20 % Ag2CrO4 and 80 % g-C3N4 destructed 96 % of RhB dye compared with 60 and 33 % removal on the surface of pristine g-C3N4 sheets and Ag2CrO4, respectively. Benzoquinone and ammonium oxalate are strongly scavenged the dye decomposition revealing the strong influence of valence band holes of Ag2CrO4 and superoxide radicals in destructing RhB dye under solar radiations. S-scheme charge transportation mechanism was suggested rather than type II heterojunction on the light of scavenger trapping experiments results and PL spectrum of terephthalic acid. Overall, this research work illustrated the manipulation of novel S-scheme heterojunction with efficient redox power for destructing various organic pollutants persisted in water resources.

Gap type effect on photocatalytic degradation using newly hydrotalcite nanoposite precursor synthesized by hydrothermal method

&lt;p&gt;A novel technique involving hydrothermal synthesis was employed to prepare nanocomposite precursors of lamellar double hydroxide based basic mixed oxides. This method extended ongoing research on iron-impregnated hydrotalcite-supported nanomaterials. The iron-based Fe/MgAl-h nanocomposite was prepared via dry impregnation, introducing a known % by weight of Fe (NO3)3.9H2O metal salt into the hydrothermally synthesized MgAl-h structure. For comparative analysis, the photocatalytic performance of Fe/MgAl-h was compared with the coprecipitation-synthesized Fe/MgAl-c after calcination at 400°C, using various characterization techniques. Structural examination revealed a double-layered hydroxyl structure and the presence of iron oxide phase Fe2O3 in Fe/MgAl-h400. Optical assessments indicated an indirect band gap energy of 1.89 eV for solid Fe/MgAl-h400, which is suitable for visible light absorption. Photocatalytic experiments for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation in aqueous solution were performed under artificial irradiation with a tungsten lamp as the visible light source, mirroring the conditions of Fe/MgAl-c400. Using 50 mg/L MB concentration and 0.5 g/L catalyst quantity, increased MB removal efficiency with time was observed. A comparative study of hydrothermal and coprecipitation synthesis methods showed decreased photodegradation for the hydrothermally prepared solid. Fe/MgAl-h400 and Fe/MgAl-c400 exhibited reaction efficiencies of approximately 46% and 67%, respectively, possibly attributed to their distinct indirect and direct band gap characteristics. Moreover, a wider band gap in a semiconductor material offers several advantages for the degradation of dyes.&lt;/p&gt;

Evaluating the efficacy of coconut oil as thermal storage media for enhancing solar drying performance of wood fuels

The appropriate storage, transportation, and utilization of wood-based fuels, including woodchips, pellets, and sawdust, in the energy production process, depends on their efficient drying. Traditional drying methods include limitations such as high thermal losses, inefficient heat transfer, and sustainability issues. These barriers, coupled with the high costs and complexities of maintaining the desired moisture content, underscore the need for innovative solutions. This study introduces a novel approach to wood fuel drying through the integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) with hybrid solar drying systems, aimed at enhancing thermal efficiency and sustainability. Employing coconut oil as the PCM, experiments were performed under a consistent artificial radiation of 755 W m−2. The hybrid system demonstrated the capability to retain approximately 200 watts of useful heat for three hours post-radiation, marking a significant improvement in heat storage. Our findings reveal peak thermal and exergy efficiencies of 30–35% and 13–14%, respectively. An economic and environmental analysis predicts a system lifespan of five years, with the cost of generating one kilogram of hot air at 0.0058 EUR and an annual CO2 emission of 64.09 kg. This research offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for wood fuel drying, presenting a significant advancement for large-scale producers and setting a benchmark for further exploration of wood fuel drying technologies.

Low UV radiation influenced DNA methylation, gene regulation, cell proliferation, viability, and biochemical differentiation in the cell suspension cultures of Cannabis indica

The effect of low artificial Ultraviolet (UV) on the DNA methylation remains controversial. This study addresses how differential photoperiods of UV radiation affect the biochemical and molecular behaviors of Cannabis indica cell suspension cultures. The cell suspensions were illuminated with the compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), emitting a combination of 10% UVB, 30% UVA, and the rest visible wavelengths for 0, 4, 8, and 16 h. The applied photoperiods influenced cell morphological characteristics. The 4 h photoperiod was the most effective treatment for improving biomass, growth index and cell viability percentage while these indices remained non-significant in the 16 h treatment. The methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MASP) assay revealed that the UV radiation was epigenetically accompanied by DNA hypermethylation. The light-treated cells significantly displayed higher relative expression of the cannabidiolic‌ acid synthase (CBDAS) and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCAS) genes about 4-fold. The expression of the olivetolic acid cyclase (OAC) and olivetol synthase (OLS) genes exhibited an upward trend in response to the UV radiation. The light treatments also enhanced the proline content and protein concentration. The 4 h illumination was significantly capable of improving the cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations, in contrast with 16 h. By increasing the illumination exposure time, the activity of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme linearly upregulated. The highest amounts of the phenylpropanoid derivatives were observed in the cells cultured under the radiation for 4 h. Taken collective, artificial UV radiation can induce DNA methylation modifications and impact biochemical and molecular differentiation in the cell suspensions in a photoperiod-dependent manner.

Imaging technology based on the interaction between muon and material

Muon imaging technology, as an emerging detection method, is widely used in various fields. Muons can be classified into cosmic ray muons and accelerator muons based on their origins. Cosmic ray muons stand out for wide energy range, strong penetrating power and no artificial radiation. These characteristics make cosmic ray muon imaging technology adept at achieving nondestructive imaging of target objects. Presently, the commonly used imaging methods include scattering and transmission imaging technologies that leverage muon information for imaging. Additionally, muon and muonic secondary particle coincidence imaging technology utilizes information from secondary particles generated during the interaction between muons and target objects for imaging. The accelerator muon, distinguished by its high flux, strong monochromaticity, and adjustable energy, enables rapid and multidimensional imaging of target objects at various depths. Furthermore, it facilitates the analysis of material elements through muonic X-rays. This article provides insights into the production process and physical characteristics of muons, the fundamental principles of muon imaging technology, and its diverse applications across disciplines. It also explores the current development status and emerging trends in fields such as mineral resource exploration, archaeological studies, and nuclear safety.