Thermo-Mechanical Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-5.0Sn-1.0Mn-0.4Zr Alloy

The mechanical properties and microstructure of an as-cast Mg-5.0Sn-1.0Mn-0.4Zr alloy were investigated during thermo mechanical treatments consisting of hot extrusion, rolling, and ageing at 200°C. The results indicate that only Mg2Sn phases formed in the Mg matrix, Mn and Zr do not cause the formation of any new phases. The average grain size, tensile strength and elongation were 22 μm, 285 MPa, and 14.5%, respectively, after extrusion + rolling + ageing treatment (ERA). The mechanical properties of ERA alloys with a peak hardness of 81 HV and 6.7% are improved compared with those of EA (extrusion + ageing treatment) samples;these changes are attributed to grain refinement and solid solution strengthening, age hardening, and precipitation strengthening.

Investigation on Strengthening Mechanism of China Low-Activation Ferrite Steel upon Thermo-Mechanical Treatment

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of strengthening mechanisms on the high-temperature mechanical properties of China low-activation ferrite(CLF-1)steel,which underwent thermodynamic design and thermo-mechanical treatment(TMT).The microstructure characterization in the normalized and tempered condition and the TMT condition was carried out using optical microscopy,X-ray diffractometer,and scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction.High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was employed to determine the crystallographic structures of precipitated phases.The results indicated that the addition of Ti led to an increase in the allocation of C in MC phase and an enhancement in the content of MC phase.Compared to CLF-P steel in the normalized and tempered condition,a 1.5-fold increase in dislocation density and an order of magnitude improvement in MX phase density were achieved after TMT.The formation of high-density nano-scale MC phases during TMT played a significant role in precipitation strengthening due to their favorable coherent relationship with the matrix and low interfacial free energy.The excellent high-temperature mechanical properties observed in CLF-P steel after TMT can be attributed to the combined effects of precipitation strengthening,dislocation strengthening,and lath strengthening.

Effect of low temperature thermo-mechanical treatment on microstructures and mechanical properties of TC4 alloy

The effects of low temperature thermo-mechanical treatment (LTTMT) on microstructures and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) alloy were studied by optical microscopy (OM), tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental results confirm that the strength of TC4 alloy can be improved obviously by LTTMT processing, which combines strain strengthening with aging strengthening. The effect of LTTMT on the alloy depends on the microstructure of the refined and dispersed α+β phase on the basis of high dislocation density by pre-deformation below recrystallization temperature. The tensile strength decreases with the increase of pre-deformation reduction. The optimal processing parameters of LTTMT for TC4 alloy are as follows: solution treatment at 900 ℃ for 15 min, pre-deformation in the range of 600-700 ℃ with a reduction of 35%, finally aging at 540 ℃ for 4 h followed by air-cooling.

Improving fatigue property of Al-Li alloy by thermo-mechanical treatment

Tension compression fatigue test was performed to study the effect of the cold working + ageing treatment on the fatigue property of Al Li alloy under stress controlled condition. The main results show that: fatigue strength of specimen is improved obviously after cold working + ageing treatment; compared to the simple ageing treatment, the necessary ageing time can be reduced apparently to reach the peak ageing strengthening effect; the fatigue strength of specimen cut from the vertical direction to cold working direction is higher than that cut from the parallel direction.

Shear behavior of intact granite under thermo-mechanical coupling and three-dimensional morphology of shear-formed fractures

The shear failure of intact rock under thermo-mechanical(TM)coupling conditions is common,such as in enhanced geothermal mining and deep mine construction.Under the effect of a continuous engineering disturbance,shear-formed fractures are prone to secondary instability,posing a severe threat to deep engineering.Although numerous studies regarding three-dimensional(3D)morphologies of fracture surfaces have been conducted,the understanding of shear-formed fractures under TM coupling conditions is limited.In this study,direct shear tests of intact granite under various TM coupling conditions were conducted,followed by 3D laser scanning tests of shear-formed fractures.Test results demonstrated that the peak shear strength of intact granite is positively correlated with the normal stress,whereas it is negatively correlated with the temperature.The internal friction angle and cohesion of intact granite significantly decrease with an increase in the temperature.The anisotropy,roughness value,and height of the asperities on the fracture surfaces are reduced as the normal stress increases,whereas their variation trends are the opposite as the temperature increases.The macroscopic failure mode of intact granite under TM coupling conditions is dominated by mixed tensileeshear and shear failures.As the normal stress increases,intragranular fractures are developed ranging from a local to a global distribution,and the macroscopic failure mode of intact granite changes from mixed tensileeshear to shear failure.Finally,3D morphological characteristics of the asperities on the shear-formed fracture surfaces were analyzed,and a quadrangular pyramid conceptual model representing these asperities was proposed and sufficiently verified.

INVESTIGATION OF MULTI-STEP THERMO-MECHANICALTREATMENT OF CAN-FORGED TiAl-BASED ALLOY

The effects of a new technology, multi-step thermo-mechanical treatment, on the microstructure, deformation substructure and mechanical properties at ambient and elevated tempemture of can-forged Ti-33 Al-3 Cr-0.5Mo (wt%) Alloy were investigated.The results show that, after multi-step thermo-mechanical treatment of can-forged specimens, homogeneous, fine microstructures can be obtained in the whole TiAl-based alloy specimens. Furthermore, the specimen with homogeneous and fine full lamellae microstructure demonstrutes excellent comprehensive mechanical properties at ambient and elevated temperature.

Topology Optimization of Stiffener Layout Design for Box Type Load-Bearing Component under Thermo-Mechanical Coupling

The structure optimization design under thermo-mechanical coupling is a difficult problem in the topology optimization field.An adaptive growth algorithm has become a more effective approach for structural topology optimization.This paper proposed a topology optimization method by an adaptive growth algorithm for the stiffener layout design of box type load-bearing components under thermo-mechanical coupling.Based on the stiffness diffusion theory,both the load stiffness matrix and the heat conduction stiffness matrix of the stiffener are spread at the same time to make sure the stiffener grows freely and obtain an optimal stiffener layout design.Meanwhile,the objectives of optimization are the minimization of strain energy and thermal compliance of the whole structure,and thermo-mechanical coupling is considered.Numerical studies for square shells clearly show the effectiveness of the proposed method for stiffener layout optimization under thermo-mechanical coupling.Finally,the method is applied to optimize the stiffener layout of box type load-bearing component of themachining center.The optimization results show that both the structural deformation and temperature of the load-bearing component with the growth stiffener layout,which are optimized by the adaptive growth algorithm,are less than the stiffener layout of shape‘#’stiffener layout.It provides a new solution approach for stiffener layout optimization design of box type load-bearing components under thermo-mechanical coupling.

Understanding the precipitation mechanism of copper-bearing phases in Al-Mg-Si system during thermo-mechanical treatment

Al-Mg-Si alloys(6000 series)exhibit a promising prospect as conductive materials due to their high specific strength,high electrical conductivity,excellent formability,good weldability,corrosion resistance and relatively low cost[1-3].These optimum properties are largely attributed to the formation of small-sized,coherent or semi-coherent and metastable phases brought by aging treatment[1,4].

Antiviral treatment standards for hepatitis B:An urgent need for expansion

The present letter to the editor is related to the review with the title“Past,present,and future of long-term treatment for hepatitis B virus.”Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)represents an important and pressing public health concern.Timely identification and effective antiviral therapy hold the potential to reduce liver-related mortality attributable to chronic infection with hepatitis B virus(HBV)substantially.However,the current global treatment rates for CHB remain conspicuously low,with the excessively stringent treatment criteria advocated by national CHB guidelines being a contributing factor to these low rates.Nevertheless,recent strides in comprehending this malady and the emergence of novel antiviral agents prompt the imperative re-evaluation of treatment standards to extend the sphere of potential beneficiaries.An impending need arises for a novel paradigm for the classification of patients with CHB,the expansion of antiviral treatment eligibility for HBV-infected individuals,and even the streamlining of the diagnostic process for CHB to amplify cost-effectiveness and augment survival prospects.

Significance of Primary Treatment Selection in the Efficiency of Wastewater Treatment in Constructed Wetlands (CWs)

This research explores strategies to enhance the efficiency of secondary treatment in Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands (CW) in Montenegro. The focus is on selecting appropriate primary treatment methods alongside three distinct substrate types to improve wastewater treatment efficacy. The study examines the combination of two primary treatments with different substrate types in constructed wetlands (CW1, CW2, and CW3). The primary treatments include the existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Podgorica, involving coarse material removal through screens, inert material separation in aerated sand traps, and sediment and suspended matter removal in primary sedimentation tanks. The Extreme Separator (ExSep) was employed to evaluate its efficacy as a primary treatment method. The research demonstrates that the efficiency of CW can be significantly enhanced by selecting suitable primary treatment methods and substrates in Podgorica’s conditions. The most promising results were achieved by combining ExSep as a primary treatment with secondary treatment in CW-3. The removal efficiencies after CW3 for COD, BOD, and TSS exceeded 89%, 93%, and 91%, respectively. The outcomes underscore the significance of primary treatment in mitigating pollutant loads before discharge into the constructed wetlands, emphasizing potential areas for further optimization in wastewater treatment practices to enhance environmental sustainability and water quality management.

Hodgkin's lymphoma:2023 update on treatment

Hodgkin's lymphoma(HL)is a common,malignant hematological tumor of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system,accounting for 10%of all lymphomas.HL comprises 2 main subtypes:classical HL(cHL)and nodular lymphocyte predominant HL.

Role of fullerenols derivative 3HFWC in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Fullerenes:The extensive development of nanoscience that has marked this century continues to evolve,producing new materials,structures,and devices for the treatments of diverse pathologies.Fullerenes are a family of nanoparticles with great applicative promise due to their small size(approximately 1 nm in diameter),structure,and capacity to cross biological barriers.

Working toward an integrated plasticity/network framework for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to inform tailored treatments

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques(NIBS),including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS) and transcranial electric stim ulation(tES),are increasingly being adopted clinically for treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders,albeit with varying success.The rationale behind the use of NIBS has historically been that stim ulation techniques modulate neuronal activity in the targeted region and consequently induce plasticity which can lead to therapeutic outcomes.

The emerging role of exercise as a cancer treatment

Over the past few decades,exercise oncology has emerged as an important subfield within exercise science.Over that time,substantial progress has been made in understanding the role of exercise in people newly diagnosed with cancer,actively being treated for cancer,and recovering after cancer treatments.

Deciding on life-saving treatment after a violent suicide attempt:an ethical case report

To the editor:In the USA alone,there were 1.7 million suicide attempts in 2021.1 Although the majority of suicide attempts are not fatal,immediate medical attention is often necessary,especially when violent methods are used.2 These methods include jumping from heights,using a firearm,crashing a motor vehicle,and lying down or jumping in front of a moving object.

Diagnosis and therapy of tacrolimus toxicity in a liver transplant recipient during COVID-19 treatment

To the Editor:SARS-CoV-2,the pathogen responsible for the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),has had profound impacts on human health,and its antagonist Paxlovid is a commonly used treatment option[1].However,treatment selection for immunosuppressed patients,such as liver recipients,remains uncertain due to potential drug interactions and the risk of immunosuppressant dosage adjustment,which can cause liver injury[2].

Community-based prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China(2022)intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China.This is the third section of the report with a specific focus on community-based prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases(CVD).This section of the report underscores the importance of initiatives outlined in the"Healthy China 2030 Plan,"emphasizing the comprehensive prevention and control strategy for chronic diseases.A key aspect of this plan involves the establishment of national demonstration areas aimed at comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases.By 2020,488 such areas had been set up across China,surpassing the initial target and covering a significant proportion of counties and districts.The report highlights the successful implementation of these strategies in Lishan district,Anshan city,where demonstration areas for comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases were launched in 2013.Over the course of seven years,the number of healthy units increased substantially,leading to improvements in managing risk factors for CVD among residents.Significant reductions in prevalence rates of overweight,obesity,smoking,passive smoking,and drinking were observed,along with the development of healthier behaviors among residents.Similarly,Qiaokou district in Wuhan City,designated as a national demonstration area in 2014,implemented comprehensive public health promotion initiatives.Notably,special clinics for hypertension intervention were established,contributing to an increase in self-reported rates of hypertension,a slight decrease in prevalence,and a remarkable improvement in the control rate among treated patients.Overall,these efforts underscore the effectiveness of community-based approaches in driving positive health outcomes and advancing the comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases,particularly cardiovascular diseases,in China.

Cost of Medical Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Relation to Patients’ Income and Its Impact on the Prognosis of the Disease, in Bouaké University Hospital

Introduction: Medical treatment for POAG is continuous and lifelong treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cost of this treatment and patients’ income and the impact of this relationship on treatment compliance. Materials and Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim covering sociodemographic data, average incomes, and direct and indirect costs of treatment of 57 patients followed for POAG during the period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016 (5 years). Results: The patients were aged 25 to 77 years (mean = 54.4 years) with a male predominance (sex ratio = 1.5). Retirees were the most represented (26.32%), followed by workers in the informal sector (14.04%) and housewives (12.28%). Patients who had an annual income less than or equal to 900,000 CFA francs (€1370.83) per year represented 56.14% and those who did not have health coverage represented 57.89%. The treatment was monotherapy (64.91%), dual therapy (31.58%) or triple therapy (3.05%) and the average ratio of “annual cost of treatment to annual income” was 0.56 with for maximum 2.23 and 0.02 as minimum. Patients who considered the cost of treatment unbearable for their income represented 78.95%. Conclusion: Prevention of blindness due to glaucoma requires early detection but also the establishment of health coverage mechanisms to improve compliance with medical treatment. In addition, consideration should be given to the development of glaucoma surgery in our country, the indication of which could be the first intention in certain patients, considering for those patients, the geographical and financial accessibility of medical treatment. .

Combination treatment of inflammatory bowel disease:Present status and future perspectives

The treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),especially those with severe or refractory disease,represents an important challenge for the clinical gastroenterologist.It seems to be no exaggeration to say that in these patients,not only the scientific background of the gastroenterologist is tested,but also the abundance of“gifts”that he should possess(insight,intuition,determ-ination,ability to take initiative,etc.)for the successful outcome of the treatment.In daily clinical practice,depending on the severity of the attack,IBD is treated with one or a combination of two or more pharmaceutical agents.These combin-ations include not only the first-line drugs(e.g.,mesalazine,corticosteroids,antibiotics,etc)but also second-and third-line drugs(immunosuppressants and biologic agents).It is a fact that despite the significant therapeutic advances there is still a significant percentage of patients who do not satisfactorily respond to the treatment applied.Therefore,a part of these patients are going to surgery.In recent years,several small-size clinical studies,reviews,and case reports have been published combining not only biological agents with other drugs(e.g.,immunosuppressants or corticosteroids)but also the combination of two biologi-cal agents simultaneously,especially in severe cases.In our opinion,it is at least a strange(and largely unexplained)fact that we often use combinations of drugs in a given patient although studies comparing the simultaneous administration of two or more drugs with monotherapy are very few.As mentioned above,there is a timid tendency in the literature to combine two biological agents in severe cases unresponsive to the applied treatment or patients with severe extraintestinal manifestations.The appropriate dosage,the duration of the administration,the suitable timing for checking the clinical and laboratory outcome,as well as the treatment side-effects,should be the subject of intense clinical research shortly.In this editorial,we attempt to summarize the existing data regarding the already applied combination therapies and to humbly formulate thoughts and suggestions for the future application of the combination treatment of biological agents in a well-defined category of patients.We suggest that the application of biomarkers and artificial intelligence could help in establishing new forms of treatment using the available modern drugs in patients with IBD resistant to treatment.

Design and Sizing of an Ecological Wastewater Treatment System in a School Environment: A Case Study of Ndiebene Gandiol 1 School

The primary objective of this study was to design and size a sustainable sanitation solution for the Ndiebene Gandiol 1 school located in the eponymous commune in northern Senegal. Field investigations led to the collection of wastewater samples. Their analysis revealed specific pollutant loads, including loads of BOD5 3.6966 kgO2/day and COD of 12.8775 kgO2/day, which were central to the design phase. Following a rigorous assessment of the existing sanitation infrastructure, constructed wetland (CWs) emerged as the most appropriate ecological solution. This system, valued for its ability to effectively remove contaminants, was tailored to the specific needs of the site. Consequently, the final design of the filter extends over 217.16 m2, divided into two cells of 108.58 m2 each, with dimensions of 12.77 m in length and 8.5 m in width. The depth of the filtering medium is approximately 0.60 m, meeting the standards while ensuring maximized purification. Typha, an indigenous and prolific plant known for its purification abilities, was selected as the filtering agent. Concurrently, non-crushed gravel was chosen for its proven filtration capacity. This study is the result of a combination of scientific rigor and design expertise. It provides a holistic view of sanitation for Ndiebene Gandiol. The technical specifications and dimensions of the constructed wetland filter embody an approach that marries indepth analysis and practical application, all aimed at delivering an effective and long-lasting solution to the local sanitation challenges. By integrating precise scientific data with sanitation design expertise, this study delivers a holistic solution for Ndiebene Gandiol. The detailed dimensions and specifications of the constructed wetland filter reflect a methodology that combines meticulous analysis with practical adaptation, aiming to provide an effective and sustainable response to the challenges of rural and school sanitation in the northern region of Senegal.