Search Results (435)

Hydrogels exhibit remarkable physicochemical properties, including high water absorption and retention capacities, as well as controlled release behavior. Their inherent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity make them suitable for a wide range of applications. Cellulose, a biodegradable, renewable, and abundantly available polysaccharide, is a viable source for hydrogel preparation. Ionizing radiation, using electron-beam (EB) or gamma (γ) irradiation, provides a promising approach for synthesizing hydrogels. This study reviews recent advancements in cellulose-based hydrogels, focusing on cellulose and its derivatives, brief information regarding ionizing radiation, comparison between EB and γ-irradiation, synthesis and modification through ionizing radiation technology, and their environmental and agricultural applications. For environmental remediation, these hydrogels have demonstrated significant potential in water purification, particularly in the removal of heavy metals, dyes, and organic contaminants. In agricultural applications, cellulose-based hydrogels function as soil conditioners by enhancing water retention and serving as carriers for agrochemicals. Full article

Reducing post-harvest losses of cereal crops is a key challenge for ensuring global food security amid the limited arable land and growing population. This study investigates the effectiveness of electron beam irradiation (5 MeV, ILU-10 accelerator) as a physical decontamination method for various cereal crops cultivated in Kazakhstan. Samples were irradiated at doses ranging from 1 to 5 kGy, and microbiological indicators—including Quantity of Mesophilic Aerobic and Facultative Anaerobic Microorganisms (QMAFAnM), yeasts, and molds—were quantified according to national standards. Experimental results demonstrated an exponential decline in microbial contamination, with a >99% reduction achieved at doses of 4–5 kGy. The modeled inactivation kinetics showed strong agreement with the experimental data: R² = 0.995 for QMAFAnM and R² = 0.948 for mold, confirming the reliability of the exponential decay models. Additionally, key quality parameters—including protein content, moisture, and gluten—were evaluated post-irradiation. The results showed that protein levels remained largely stable across all doses, while slight but statistically insignificant fluctuations were observed in moisture and gluten contents. Principal component analysis and scatterplot matrix visualization confirmed clustering patterns related to radiation dose and crop type. The findings substantiate the feasibility of electron beam treatment as a scalable and safe technology for improving the microbiological quality and storage stability of cereal crops. Full article

Efficient detection of toxic and flammable vapors remains a major technological challenge, especially for environmental and industrial applications. This paper reports on the fabrication technology and gas-sensing properties of nanostructured Ga₂O₃/GaS_0.98Se_0.02. The β-Ga₂O₃ nanowires/nanoribbons with inclusions of Ga₂S₃ and Ga₂Se₃ microcrystallites were obtained by thermal treatment of GaS_0.98Se_0.02 slabs in air enriched with water vapors. The microstructure, crystalline quality, and elemental composition of the obtained samples were investigated using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained structures show promising results as active elements in gas sensor applications. Vapors of methanol (CH₃OH), ethanol (C₂H₅OH), and acetone (CH₃-CO-CH₃) were successfully detected using the nanostructured samples. The electrical signal for gas detection was enhanced under UV light irradiation. The saturation time of the sensor depends on the intensity of the UV radiation beam. Full article

Over the past few decades, electron beams have been widely used to treat malignant and benign tumors located in the superficial regions of patients. This study utilized an inorganic scintillator (Gd₂O₂S:Tb)-based radiation detector to test its response characteristics in an electron-beam radiotherapy environment, in order to determine the application potential of this detector in electron-beam therapy. Owing to the extremely high time resolution of this inorganic scintillator detector (ISD), it is even capable of measuring the pulse information of electron beams generated by the accelerator. The results indicate that for certain accelerator models, such as the IX3937, the pulse pattern of the output electron beam is notably different from that during the output of X-rays, showing no significant periodicity. The experimental results also demonstrate that this ISD exhibits excellent repeatability and dose linearity (R² of 0.9993) when measuring electron beams. Finally, the PDD (Percentage Depth Dose) curves and OAR (Off-Axis Ratio) curves of the ISD were also tested under electron-beam conditions at 6 MeV and 9 MeV, respectively. Full article

Extensive numerical simulations were performed in MATLAB R2020b based on the classical nonlinear Thomson scattering theory and single-electron model, to systematically examine the influence of initial phase in tightly focused linearly polarized laser pulses on the radiation characteristics of multi-energy-level electrons. Through our research, we have found that phase variation from 0 to 2π induces an angular bifurcation of peak radiation intensity, generating polarization-aligned symmetric lobes with azimuthal invariance. Furthermore, the bimodal polar angle decreases with the increase of the initial energy. This phase-controllable bimodal distribution provides a new solution for far-field beam shaping. Significantly, high-harmonic intensity demonstrates π-periodic phase-dependent modulation. Meanwhile, the time-domain pulse width also exhibits 2π-cycle modulation, which is synchronized with the laser electric field period. Notably, electron energy increase enhances laser pulse peak intensity while compressing its duration. The above findings demonstrate that the precise control of the driving laser’s initial phase enables effective manipulation of the radiation’s spatial characteristics. Full article

Since water contamination has become a serious concern, more effective environmental remediation methods are required. Chitosan (CHT)-based adsorbents have demonstrated high efficacy in removing pollutants due to their unique chemical and structural properties. However, their utilization remains limited by low environmental stability and the absence of effective adsorption sites. The functional moieties of CHT can be altered to improve its performance via graft modification and crosslinking. Compared to conventional hydrogel synthesis techniques, ionizing radiation-induced fabrication, using gamma or electron-beam irradiation, offers a promising platform for innovation across diverse fields. The prime focus of this review is on ionizing radiation developed CHT-based hydrogels to remove toxic heavy metals, dyes, organic contaminants, radionuclides, and humic substances. The fabrication strategy, adsorption mechanism, and factors affecting the adsorption capacity of CHT-based hydrogels are presented. This review aims to underscore the transformative potential of ionizing radiation-induced CHT hydrogels in environmental remediation by examining current research trends and identifying future prospects. Full article

The generation of high-quality mid-infrared free-electron laser (MIR-FEL) radiation depends critically on precise control of electron beam parameters, including energy, energy spread, transverse emittance, bunch charge, and bunch length. At the PBP-CMU Electron Linac Laboratory (PCELL), effective beam diagnostics are essential for optimizing FEL performance. However, dedicated systems for direct measurement of transverse emittance and bunch length at the undulator entrance have been lacking. This paper addresses this gap by presenting the design, simulation, and analysis of diagnostic stations for accurate characterization of these parameters. A two-quadrupole emittance measurement system was developed, enabling independent control of beam-focusing in both transverse planes. An analytical model was formulated specifically for this configuration to enhance emittance reconstruction accuracy. Systematic error analysis was conducted using ASTRA beam dynamics simulations, incorporating 3D field maps from CST Studio Suite and fully including space-charge effects. Results show that transverse emittance values as low as 0.15 mm·mrad can be measured with less than 20% error when the initial RMS beam size is under 2 mm. Additionally, quadrupole misalignment effects were quantified, showing that alignment within ±0.95 mm limits systematic errors to below 33.3%. For bunch length measurements, a transition radiation (TR) station coupled with a Michelson interferometer was designed. Spectral and interferometric simulations reveal that transverse beam size and beam splitter properties significantly affect measurement accuracy. A 6% error due to transverse size was identified, while Kapton beam splitters introduced additional systematic distortions. In contrast, a 6 mm-thick silicon beam splitter enabled accurate, correction-free measurements. The finite size of the radiator was also found to suppress low-frequency components, resulting in up to 10.6% underestimation of bunch length. This work provides a practical and comprehensive diagnostic framework that accounts for multiple error sources in both transverse emittance and bunch length measurements. These findings contribute valuable insight for the beam diagnostics community and support improved control of beam quality in MIR FEL systems. Full article

Food irradiation is gaining popularity worldwide due to its potential to extend shelf life, improve hygienic quality, and meet trade requirements. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method is a reliable and sensitive technique for detecting untreated and irradiated foods. This study investigated the effectiveness of EPR in identifying irradiated meat and seafood containing bones. Beef, lamb, chicken, and various fish were irradiated with electron beams at different doses and analysed using an EPR spectrometer. During irradiation, the food samples were surrounded by small ice bags to prevent autodegradation of cells and nuclei. After the irradiation process, the samples were stored at −20 °C. For EPR signal recording, the flesh, connective tissues, and bone marrow were removed from the bone samples, which were then oven-dried at 50 °C. The EPR spectra were recorded using an X-band EPR analyzer. Unirradiated and irradiated samples were identified based on the nature of the EPR signals as well as the g-values of symmetric and asymmetric signals. The study found that the EPR method is effective in distinguishing between unirradiated and irradiated bone-containing foods across nearly all applied radiation doses. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the EPR signals increased with increasing radiation doses. It was observed that unirradiated bone samples showed low-intensity symmetrical signals, while irradiated samples showed typical asymmetric signals. Overall, the study demonstrated that the EPR method is a reliable and sensitive technique for identifying irradiated foods containing bones and can be used for the control, regulation, and proper surveillance of food irradiation. Full article

The growing demand for reliable micropower sources in extreme environments has accelerated the development of betavoltaic cells (BV cells) with high energy conversion efficiency and superior radiation resistance. This study demonstrates an advanced BV cell architecture utilizing three-dimensional TiO₂ nanorod arrays (TNRAs) integrated with a NiO_x hole transport layer (HTL). Monte Carlo simulations were employed to optimize the cell design and determine the fabrication parameters for growing TNRAs on FTO substrates via hydrothermal synthesis. The performance evaluation employed both electron beam (2.36 × 10⁹ e/cm²·s) and ⁶³Ni (3.4 mCi/cm²) irradiation methods. The simulation results revealed optimal energy deposition characteristics, with ~96% of β-particle energy effectively absorbed within the 2 μm thick FTO/TNRA/NiO_x/Au structure. The NiO_x-incorporated device achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 4.84%, with a short-circuit current of 119.9 nA, an open-circuit voltage of 324.2 mV, and a maximum power output of 24.0 nW, representing a 3.76-fold enhancement over HTL-free devices. Radioactive source testing confirmed stable power generation and linear efficiency scaling, validating electron beam irradiation as an effective accelerated testing methodology for BV cell research. Full article

Hollow electron beams are a promising tool for generating coherent radiation in various frequency ranges. Hollow beams have unique properties, including increased stability and the ability to achieve high current densities without significant deterioration of beam quality. This paper presents the results of a theoretical study on coherent grating transition radiation arising during the interaction between a relativistic hollow electron beam and a flat two-dimensional photonic crystal. The radiation field is calculated using the dipole approximation. Theoretical analysis has shown that, under certain conditions, a high degree of radiation coherence can be achieved. The results open up new possibilities for the creation of new sources of coherent terahertz radiation. Full article

The two-dimensional (2D) measurement of radiation dose distribution on non-planar surfaces requires the use of a flexible dosimeter. This work concerns the use of a unique cotton textile-based dosimeter to characterize the dose distribution of a ⁶⁰Co source used in the research and sterilization of products. Alternatively, for high-dose-rate experiments, an electron beam accelerator has been used. The dosimeter was prepared by the padding-squeezing-drying of a cotton textile made of cellulose, where a 10% solution of nitrotetrazolium blue chloride (NBT) was used for the padding process. NBT served as a radiation-sensitive compound, which transformed into a purple-brown NBT formazan upon exposure to ionizing radiation. The NBT dosimeter is scanned after irradiation using a flatbed scanner, and the data is processed using dedicated software packages, which together constitute a 2D dose distribution measurement system. The green channel of the RGB color model contributes the most to the color change of the dosimeter. The calibration relation obtained for the green channel showed that the dosimeter responds to doses of 0.8–45 kGy. Conversions of the green channel signal were performed using the calibration relation to analyze the 2D dose at a large distance and close to a ⁶⁰Co source shielded by a solid metal and a cylindrical metal structure with holes. Additionally, the dose distribution was assessed using a dosimeter placed on metal implant models undergoing radiation serialization. This work demonstrates the potential of such a dosimeter for characterizing high-dose-rate ⁶⁰Co sources and measuring the dose distribution on non-planar surfaces. Full article

The widespread presence of antibiotics in aquatic environments poses significant ecological and public health risks due to their persistence, antimicrobial activity, and contribution to resistance gene proliferation. This review systematically evaluated the advancements in antibiotic degradation using ionizing radiation (γ-rays and electron beam) from laboratory studies to practical applications. By using keywords such as “antibiotic degradation” and “ionizing irradiation OR gamma radiation OR electron beam,” 328 publications were retrieved from Web of Science, with China contributing 33% of the literature, and a number of global representative studies were selected for in-depth discussion. The analysis encompassed mechanistic insights into oxidative (•OH) and reductive (e_aq⁻) pathways, degradation kinetics influenced by absorbed dose (1–10 kGy), initial antibiotic concentration, pH, and matrix complexity. The results demonstrated ≥90% degradation efficiency for major antibiotic classes (macrolides, β-lactams, quinolones, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides), though mineralization remains suboptimal (<50% TOC removal). Synergistic integration with peroxymonosulfate (PMS), H₂O₂, or O₃ enhances mineralization rates. This review revealed that ionizing radiation is a chemical-free, compatible, and highly efficient technology with effective antibiotic degradation potential. However, it still faces several challenges in practical applications, including incomplete mineralization, matrix complexity in real wastewater, and operating costs. Further improvements and optimization, such as hybrid system development (e.g., coupling electron beam with other conventional technologies, such as flocculation, membrane separation, anaerobic digestion, etc.), catalytic enhancement, and life-cycle assessments of this emerging technology would be helpful for promoting its practical environmental application. Full article

The composition of platinum group minerals localized in sulfide droplets from peridotites of the Zhelos intrusion was studied on a scanning electron microscope and on an electron probe microanalyzer. As part of this study, also an analytical approach based on the variation in accelerating voltage, electron beam intensity and probe diameter is considered in order to estimate the X-ray generation region, when analyzing PGM microinclusions comparable in size to the radiation generation region or smaller. Estimates were made of the possibility of reducing the size of the local analysis area when the accelerating voltage was reduced. The influence of the matrix composition on the results of the local analysis of PGM microphases and accuracy of the Pd and Pt content determination was also evaluated. The findings of the experiments conducted allowed for the successful identification of elements belonging to the PGM microphases and the host matrix. This approach enabled the estimation of the precise levels of impurity elements in their composition. Using a scanning electron microscope in the automatic scanning mode for the detection of heavy elements, 10 single and composite grains of three platinum group minerals larger than 5 µm and 22 microphases ranging in size from 0.3 to 4 µm were detected in the sulfide droplets. The large phases are merenskyite, omeiite and michenerite, with merenskyite being predominant. Among the microscopic inclusions were identified Pd-Bi-Te, Os-Ru-As and Rh-As-S phases. The composition of the studied palladium bismuthotelluride samples indicates a formation temperature range of 489–700 °C. Full article

Ionizing radiation at early stages leads to radiation-induced death of Langerhans islet cells and acinar cells, resulting in the development of acute/subacute pancreatitis. Conducting studies on radiation-induced changes in the pancreas following electron beam irradiation appears to be of great interest, and the evaluation of radioprotective agents for safeguarding normal tissues from radiation is equally important. The aim of this study was to preclinically investigate the antioxidant properties of N-Acetylcysteine in an animal model of radiation-induced pancreatitis over a three-month period. In this study, it was proven for the first time that even electrons can lead to characteristic signs of radiation-induced pancreatitis, the degree of which was assessed based on the levels of insulin, glucose, and amylase. Thus, conducting electron therapy also increases the risks of insulin resistance, as well as X-ray and gamma radiation. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of biochemical, morphological, and immunohistochemical markers in the pancreas of a large cohort of electron-irradiated animals was conducted, including both acute and delayed effects of electron exposure. The crucial role of interleukins in shaping both the cellular and vascular components of the inflammatory response was identified. Additionally, the radioprotective properties of N-Acetylcysteine during electron irradiation of the pancreas were evaluated for the first time, and its effectiveness in reducing both acute and late complications of electron therapy was demonstrated. Thus, it can be concluded that N-Acetylcysteine is capable of effectively suppressing the inflammatory response in the pancreas. Full article

This study investigated the effects of electron beam radiation on the room-temperature and high-temperature mechanical properties of two ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, designated EVA 206 and EVA 212. These copolymers had varying vinyl acetate (VA) contents (6 wt.% and 12 wt.%), with the same melt flow index of 2.0 g/10 min. Samples were irradiated at doses ranging from 60 to 180 kGy. The impact of electron beam irradiation on the creep, frequency sweep, and stress–strain behaviors of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers was evaluated using a dynamical mechanical analyzer (DMA). Crystallinity was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Creep compliance was quantitatively analyzed using four-parameter and six-parameter models. While crosslinking had minimal influence on the room-temperature properties, it significantly affected the behavior at 150 °C. With increasing irradiation dose, creep compliance decreased, while the shear modulus, viscosity, and shear stress at a strain of 0.03 increased, indicating enhanced resistance to deformation. Crosslink density also increased with irradiation dose. EVA 212 with a higher vinyl acetate content exhibited a higher resistance to creep and better high-temperature mechanical properties across all measurements. Full article