Investigation of neutron-induced background was carried out by studying interactions of cosmic-ray neutrons with an HPGe detector inside its shield placed on a ground floor of a 3-storey building. ...The study was conducted experimentally and by Monte Carlo simulations using GEANT4 simulation tool. Detailed analysis of measured background γ-ray spectra showed that many γ-lines visible in the spectra were induced by neutrons. The majority of detected γ-rays originated in germanium, copper, lead and tin. Iron and aluminium components were less important background sources. Inelastic scattering and neutron capture were the most often occurring processes of neutron interactions with the detector and its shielding. The contamination by natural radionuclides, specifically of 40K, 214Pb, 214Bi and 208Tl, was also present in the background spectra. Nevertheless, approximately 35% of 208Tl peak at the energy of 2614.51 keV was produced by inelastic scattering of neutrons on 208Pb nuclei. The experimental background was compared with GEANT4 simulations, which were carried out without and with the shielding layer of the building. The final integral counting rates for measured spectrum in the energy range from 50 keV to 2875 keV was 1.26 ± 0.07 s−1 and for simulated one 1.25 ± 0.13 s−1, indicating a good agreement with the experiment.
•Study of cosmic ray interactions with an HPGe detector was carried out.•Many γ-lines visible in the spectra were induced by neutrons.•Inelastic scattering and neutron capture were the most often occurring processes.•GEANT4 simulations were in a very satisfactory agreement with the experiment.•Inelastic neutron scattering on 208Pb nuclei contributes by 35% to the 2614.51 keV peak.
The work describes the production of investment material on the basis of β cristobalite obtained from β quartz at 1100°C in the presence of mineralizers. The obtained mixture is characterized by ...beginning of solidification of 9 min and compressive strength of 6.1 mPa; it provides a smooth surface and easy extraction from the mold of chromium nickel alloys.
The interaction between dacitic tuff and calcium hydroxide under hydrothermal conditions has been investigated. At a ratio of CaO/SiO
2
= 0.3–1.5 : 1 and at a ratio between the liquid phase and the ...solid phase amounting to 10 : 1, after 2 h at 220°C, calcium hydroxide is completely bound. As a result of the destruction of potassium feldspar in tuff, potassium can be transformed into a plant-digestible form.
The article presents data on the influence of the Poligonum aviculare L. dry extract on the functional state of kidneys of white rats at the nephropathy by bichloride of mercury. It was determined ...that the extract had. nephroprotective and antioxidative activity.
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