Combined Treatment Method Research Articles

Synergistic Effects of Surface Texture and Cryogenic Treatment on the Tribological Performance of Aluminum Alloy Surfaces

In order to improve the tribological properties of the 7075-T6 aluminum alloy used on the rotor surface, a combined method of cryogenic treatment and laser surface texture treatment was applied. Various tests, including metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, microhardness measurements, were conducted to examine the wear morphology and modification mechanism of the treated 7075-T6 aluminum alloy surface. A numerical simulation model of surface texture was established using computational fluid dynamics to analyze the lubrication characteristics of V-shaped texture. The research finding that the 7075-T6 aluminum alloy experienced grain refinement during the cryogenic treatment process, enhancing the wear resistance of the V-shaped textures. This improvement delayed the progression of fatigue wear, abrasive wear, and oxidative wear, thereby reducing friction losses. The designed V-shaped texture contributes to reducing contact area, facilitating the capture and retention of abrasives, and enhancing oil film load-bearing capacity, thereby improving tribological performance. The synergistic effect of cryogenic treatment reduced the friction coefficient by 24.8% and the wear loss by 66.4%. Thus, the combination of surface texture and cryogenic treatment significantly improved the tribological properties of the 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.

DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND HARDENING EQUIPMENT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HARDENING HEAT TREATMENT OF METAL PRODUCTS USING FLUIDIZED BULK MATERIALS (PART 1)

Statement of the problem. One of the main problems faced by a modern enterprise is the search for ways to improve the efficiency of its activities. For the effective functioning of the thermal units of toolmaking industries, the simultaneous availability of heating and quenching devices with different heating and cooling media is required. This explains the desire of manufacturers and scientists to find technological, cheap, environmentally friendly heating and cooling media that can provide the required heat treatment parameters and high quality of the processed parts. The purpose of the article is to analyze the state-of-the-art of hardening thermal (combined) treatment methods using bulk materials as media for volumetric heating and forced cooling of metal products and the design and technological features of hardening devices that can ensure a rational structural state of metal parts of complex geometric shapes with a minimum level of their warping and deformation on the example of using vibro-fluidized bulk materials (in the technical literature, the term vibro-gravity particles of heat is used). Research results. To analyze the results of tests of bulk materials as quenching media for high-alloy steel grades and their effect on the structure and properties of the metal in comparison with the traditional oil quenching regime. To consider the features of quenching devices that use mechanical vibration to produce vibro-s bulk material and the possibility of their use in the implementation of quenching modes (including isothermal) of steel products of complex geometric shapes. Conclusion. The use of fluidized bulk materials in industry as media for volumetric heating and hardening of metal products and the design of devices for their use has been investigated. The advantages of the fluidized bed cooling method for the effective implementation of hardening heat treatment regimes are determined. It is shown that this method of forced volumetric cooling of toolmaking products is rational in terms of various indicators. The structural and technological parameters of devices for its implementation are analyzed, which can consistently provide the required level of properties of alloyed and high-alloy tool steels with a minimum level of warping and deformation.

Results of Controlled tissue regeneration in surgery for diabetic foot syndrome

Relevance. The problem of tissue regeneration in diabetic foot syndrome has currently become particularly relevant due to the multipolarity of the mechanisms of trophic disorders, their tendency to recur, the expansion of the affected areas when using traditional treatment methods, resistance to drug treatment methods, deterioration of patients' quality of life, as well as due to the significant expenditure of time and effort required for treatment. All these factors lead to significant economic costs in the management of patients in this cohort.The aim of the study: to develop new combined methods of surgical treatment of tissue defects in patients with complicated forms of diabetic foot syndrome.Materials and methods. The paper presents an original approach to solving one of the urgent problems of modern surgery of complications of diabetes mellitus, to the treatment of pathological processes of soft tissues of the lower extremities.Conclusions. At the stages of the entire study period, rapid wound healing was registered regardless of the initial clinical data and patient's medical history. There was also a decrease in the inflammatory response and active restoration of damaged tissues.

Study on the Extraction of Nervonic Acid from the Oil of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge Seeds.

Seven fatty acids were detected by GC-MS in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge seed oil extracted at different temperatures, including Palmitic acid C16:0, Stearic acid C18:0, Oleic acid C18:1, Eicosenoic acid C20:1, Docosenoic acid C22:1, Tetracosenoic acid C24:1, and Linoleic acid C18:2. The highest content of nervonic acid (NA) was found in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge seed oil extracted at 70 °C. Three methods were selected to analyze the extraction rate of nervonic acid in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge seed oil, including urea complexation, low-temperature solvent crystallization, and a combined treatment using these two methods. The final content of nervonic acid obtained was 14.07%, 19.66%, and 40.17%, respectively. The combined treatment method increased the purity of nervonic acid in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge seed oil by 12.62 times. Meanwhile, thermogravimetric behavior analysis of samples extracted using different methods was conducted by thermogravimetric analyzer, which suggested that the thermal stability of the samples extracted by the combined treatment was enhanced. These results can provide a new process parameter and scientific basis for the extraction of NA. At the same time, FTIR and NMR were also used to characterize the combined extraction sample, and the structure of the samples was proved.

Iron Removal from Low-Grade Pyrophyllite Ore by Microwave Irradiation and Dry Magnetic Separation

Owing to its unique properties, pyrophyllite is an economical alternative to many minerals in different applications. The presence of iron-bearing minerals in Saudi pyrophyllite hampers its industrial uses. The aim of this study was to examine the removal of iron from Saudi low-grade pyrophyllite ore using two approaches. The first approach involves dry high-intensity magnetic separation, whereas the second approach involves microwave pretreatment of the ore before dry magnetic separation. For the first approach, the studied operating parameters were roll speed; feed rate, field intensity, and feed particle size. For the alternative approach, microwave treatment followed by dry magnetic separation, the microwave irradiation time and the magnetic field intensity were studied. The results show that the combined microwave treatment and dry separation method could provide high-purity pyrophyllite for filler industries. Microwave irradiation for 30 min was optimal to change impurity phases (i.e., pyrite, hematite) into ferromagnetic phases in microwave-treated pyrophyllite samples. At a magnetic field intensity of 2000 Gauss, the 30 min microwave-irradiated pyrophyllite sample achieved an iron recovery of 11.2% in non-magnetic fractions, with a removal efficiency of 89% with an alumina recovery of 91.31%.

Impact of the Ottawa model on opiate screening and smoking cessation in methadone-treated patients with opioid use disorder: A retrospective cohort analysis.

Approximately 60 million individuals worldwide used opioids in 2021, constituting 1.2% of the global adult population. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated treatment strategies for opioid use disorder and nicotine use disorder by assessing the impact of smoking cessation within a methadone treatment framework. In a retrospective cohort study, 53 methadone maintenance patients were divided into 16 treatment-seeking smokers (TSS) and 37 treatment-rejecting smokers (TRS) based on their participation in the Ottawa model for smoking cessation plus 16 weeks of varenicline treatment. Both groups received standard methadone treatment for 68 weeks. TSS were followed up for 44 weeks to assess smoking cessation outcomes, while TRS had none due to their lack of participation in smoking cessation treatment. The median age of the TSS group was 48 years, while that of the TRS group was 45.5 years. Males comprised 75% of TSS and 94.6% of the TRS. TSS exhibited an 83% decrease in positive opioid screen results compared to TRS (p=0.023). In TSS, peak smoking cessation success was observed at week 20, with 57% of participants maintaining carbon monoxide levels <5 ppm. The significant reduction in positive opioid screens and the high smoking cessation rate in the TSS group highlight the efficacy of combined treatment methods. This study underscores the advantages of integrating smoking cessation with methadone maintenance treatment, indicating that comprehensive approaches can substantially improve treatment outcomes.

Efficient adsorption performance and mechanism of fluoroquinolone antibiotic onto the acid wash-assisted Co NPs/N-C adsorbent

In this study, ZIF-67 was employed as a template, and applied a novel combined treatment method of thermal and acid treatment to provide rapid mass transfer channels and additional adsorption sites for pollutant molecules, thus achieving high adsorption capacity and shorter adsorption time. The adsorption of Co NPs/N-C on ciprofloxacin reached equilibrium within 70 min with a maximum adsorption capacity of 486.20 mg·g−1. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity was enhanced by 1.9 times after acid-wash. The fitted data indicated that the pseudo-second-order kinetics model could more accurately describe the adsorption process, with intraparticle diffusion and liquid film diffusion jointly determining the adsorption rate, primarily involving chemical adsorption. The Langmuir model best described the antibiotic adsorption isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption on Co NPs/N-C. Based on various characterizations before and after adsorption, it was confirmed that antibiotics were adsorbed onto Co NPs/N-C through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. Additionally, this adsorbent exhibited strong continuous treatment capability, a simple and efficient desorption method, as well as efficient treatment efficiency for actual water bodies. This study suggests that Co NPs/N-C can be considered an efficient and promising adsorbent, and the proposed strategy can potentially serve as an antibiotic adsorbent for continuous wastewater treatment.

Modern methods of treatment of anal stenosis

Objective. To develop and put into practice a new combined method of anal stenosis surgical treatment based on laser plastic surgery of tissues with a diode laser. Assess the effectiveness of the technique based on the analysis of immediate and long-term results, postoperative complications, peculiarities of technical implementation, and features of the quality of patients` life. Materials and methods. The study involved 68 patients with anal stricture after the anal and (or) rectal surgery. All patients underwent laser correction of postoperative scar tissue. According to indications, botulinum toxin was injected into the internal sphincter and (or) PRP autoplasma perarectally. Surgery was performed under intravenous anesthesia with the addition of tumescent anesthesia or local anesthesia. Laser radiation from a diode device with a wavelength of 1.56 microns and a power of 10 W was applied. Results. There are no restrictions on laser correction of anal stenosis regardless of the type and complexity of anal stenosis, it is technically easy to use, minimizes the risk of postoperative complications and relapse of the disease, and has a highly effective treatment result. Conclusions. The technique is characterized by versatility and ease of use, highly effective results, high quality of patients` life, and it can be used routinely on an outpatient basis.

Treatment of vulvar cancer recurrence with electrochemotherapy: a case-control study.

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a combined treatment method based on electroporation and simultaneous chemotherapy. In cases where radiotherapy has previously been used, surgery is often the only treatment option for vulvar cancer recurrence with potential resection of clitoris, vagina, urethra or anal sphincter. The unique advantage of ECT is its selectivity for cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. The aim of the study was to compare the ECT treatment of vulvar cancer recurrence for non-palliative purposes with surgical treatment. Eleven patients with single vulvar cancer recurrence were treated with ECT and followed up for 12 months. As a control group, 15 patients with single vulvar cancer recurrence were treated with wide local excision. The following data were collected, analyzed and compared: Age, body mass index, comorbidities, histological type, location and size of vulvar cancer recurrence, treatment history, details of procedures and hospital stay. The probability curves for local tumor control did not differ between the ECT group and the surgical group (p = 0.694). The mean hospital stay and the mean duration of procedure were statistically significantly shorter in the ECT group (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the ECT and surgical groups in terms of mean body mass index, associated diseases, previous treatments, presence of lichen sclerosus, p16 status, gradus, anatomical site of the tumor, and type of anesthesia. In this case-control study, treatment of vulvar cancer recurrence with ECT for non-palliative purposes was comparable to surgical treatment in terms of effectiveness. The results need to be confirmed in larger randomized trials.

The possibilities of using injectables in the treatment of atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are a common complication that accompanies the healing of vulgar acne. The condition is quite widespread among young people, and their physical and psychological consequences with improper treatment can persist throughout life. There are many therapies for atrophic scars, but limited efficacy and high frequency of side effects limit use of these methods. For optimal treatment of a patient’s scar, it is necessary to predict which treatment will prtovide the most satisfactory result in the short period of time with the minimum number of side effects. Analysis of numerous studies shows that there is no panacea for the treatment of atrophic scars, which explains the developing trend towards the development of combined treatment methods. The purpose of our review is to analyze injectable methods of therapy for atrophic scars with an emphasis on the latest achievements of the previous decade, since in recent years these methods have shown themselves not only as one of the most successful in therapy, but also, according to most authors, there is a huge potential to increase the efficacy of treatment in severe cases. Although, it is difficult to make an unbiased comparison of each therapy method due to the different sample sizes of studies, the strength of evidence, the specifics of therapy and other factors, nevertheless, there is a possibility of reaching consensus on which treatment methods are optimally suited for certain types of scars. This should be an absolute determining factor for choosing the best therapeutic strategy, whether it is monotherapy or combination therapy, in the treatment of atrophic scars with minimum side effects.

Effectiveness of broadband pulsed light and anti-inflammatory doses of minocycline in patients with papulopustular acne

Аbstract. Relevance. Over the past decades, laser devices have been regarded as the method of choice in the treatment of a wide range of skin conditions, including acne. This is the reason for the active search for new methods of therapy, adherence to which in patients with acne would be higher. From this point of view, the increase in the efficiency of broadband pulsed light (IPL) in combination with low doses of minocycline has all the prerequisites for inclusion in the therapeutic complex in the treatment of patients with acne. Purpose of the study. To study the efficacy and safety of using a combined method of therapy with broadband pulsed light and low doses of minocycline in patients with papulopustular acne, taking into account the concentration of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 in blood serum and the DISS index. Material and methods. Under observation were 100 patients (76 women) and (24 men) aged 18 to 45 years with a diagnosis of papulopustular form of acne, moderate severity. All patients, depending on the initial violation of the skin microbiota, were divided into two groups: group 1–50 patients, group 2–50 patients, each group was divided into subgroups depending on the type of therapy: subgroup A — 25 patients, subgroup B — 25 patients. All patients underwent a study of the concentration of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 in the blood serum. Research results. The results of comparing the levels of MMP-1, 2, 3, 9 and the DISHS index before and after various methods of therapy in patients with papulopustular acne, of moderate severity in subgroups 1B and 2B showed a more significant trend towards a decrease in MMP-1, 2, 3, 9 and the DISHS index relative to subgroups 1A and 2A. Conclusions. Analyzing the results of the study, we can conclude that the use of a combined method of treatment in patients with papulopustular form of acne, of moderate severity, demonstrated greater efficiency in the dynamics of reducing the levels of MMP-1, 2, 3, 9 concentrations, as well as reducing the total index DISH compared with low-dse minocycline and a topical retinoid.

Analysis of combined processing method of phosphate minerals from the Kef Essenoun deposit

Currently, the processing of beige and black phosphates only concerns the main sub-layers, while the other sub-layers (lower and upper for beige phosphate and the upper for black phosphate) are considered waste rock and stored near the complex. Therefore, the object of this research is the use of mixtures of three beige phosphate sub-layers and two black phosphate sub-layers as a feed fraction for the calcination and reverses flotation processes. This research work aims to characterise and treat two types of phosphate: one beige with the sub-layers (main, lower and upper) and the other black with the sub-layers (main and upper) in order to have better recovery of P2O5. The working methodology consists of a series of sample preparation operations and characterization of the two types of beige and black phosphate. This characterization includes a petrographic study, a granulochemical analysis, an X-ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and an atomic adsorption spectrophotometry (SAA), an auto analyzer (AA), a Bernard calcimeter. These analyzes allow on the one hand to identify the mineral phases in quantitative and qualitative manner, and on the other hand to choose the process for treating phosphates from the Kef Essenoun–Tebessa deposit. The combined method of treatment by calcination followed by reverse flotation gave satisfactory results. The P2O5 content reaches 33.88 % for beige phosphate and 33.13 % for black phosphate. The stored waste rock represents a problem for the company; this waste rock contains fairly high levels of phosphate. The treatment of the mixture of the main sub-layers with these waste rocks makes it possible to obtain a better recovery of P2O5, a better economic profitability of the Djebel Onk mining complex and an environmental impact in the region.

DIFFERENTIAL APPROACH IN THE COMBINED SURGICAL TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF ULTRASOUND DOPPLER ULTRASOUND

The most common pathology of the lower extremity veins is varicose veins, which is an urgent medical and social problem. The number of patients with trophic disorders is not decreasing, despite the improvement of treatment methods, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of life. Therefore, the topic of introducing new and improving existing minimally invasive treatment methods is relevant and requires further research. According to international studies, the combined laser method of treatment is superior in terms of therapeutic and cosmetic results to all known methods of surgical treatment of varicose veins and can be used in most cases.Aim. To demonstrate the eff ectiveness of individual diff erentiated combined surgical techniques for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities, taking into account the data of ultrasound preoperative and intraoperative navigation.Material and methods. The study included 246 patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities of class C2-C5, who had various variants of varicose veins of the lower extremities – saphenous varicose veins in the system of small and/or large saphenous veins, which in some patients was combined with varicose veins in the basin of non-saphenous veins and reticular varicose veins. Patients were divided into clinical groups due to the diff erence in surgical and tactical treatment approach. All patients underwent preoperative ultrasound Doppler ultrasonography (USG) of the lower extremity veins in horizontal and vertical positions. The patency of deep and saphenous veins, the presence of unable varicose dilated saphenous venous tributaries with an assessment of the aff ected basin (saphenous, non-saphenous varicose veins and combined forms) were assessed. Horizontal and vertical pathological venous refl uxes were detected. All patients underwent combined surgical intervention – EVLC and miniphlebectomy under ultrasound Doppler monitoring, and sclerotherapy as indicated. The observation period lasted 1.5 years for each patient.Research results and discussion. The assessment of the treatment results was based on the presence of patient complaints, analysis of the clinical picture, the presence or absence of complications during the observation period, recurrence of the disease during the observation period, and analysis of the ultrasound assessment of the veins by an ultrasound diagnostician during a dynamic examination. USG was mandatorily performed in patients of all groups before surgical treatment, during surgical correction and as a control within 1-3 days after surgery. Dynamic follow-up was performed in all patients at 1, 3, 6 and 12-18 months after surgical treatment.Conclusions. Most patients have a complete recovery after surgical treatment. Careful history taking in patients of this group and performance of ultrasound Doppler ultrasonography of the veins of the lower extremities allowed to choose an eff ective individual surgical treatment. Specialists’ understanding of the capabilities of ultrasound Doppler ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities, as well as compliance with the full examination protocol for ultrasound Doppler veins, allows us to provide detailed information to determine the most eff ective treatment tactics and prevent complications of the disease.

Laboratory and field experimental study on efficiency of vacuum preloading–flocculation–solidification combined method for slurry-like mud treatment

Laboratory and field experimental study on efficiency of vacuum preloading–flocculation–solidification combined method for slurry-like mud treatment

Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of ketoconazole-loaded pineapple cellulose green nanofiber gel

The present study involves the isolation of cellulose nanofibers from pineapple crown waste by a combined alkali-acid treatment method. The extracted pineapple nanofibers were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The extracted pineapple nanofibers were then incorporated in Carbopol 934P containing ketoconazole to prepare a ketoconazole-loaded pineapple nanofibrous gel. The prepared gel formulation was evaluated for viscosity, spreadability, extrudibility, pH, drug content, and texture profile analysis. The anticipated gel formulation was further evaluated by in vitro drug release (98.57 ± 0.58 %), ex vivo drug permeation, cytotoxicity, and histopathological studies. The permeation of the drug through skin determined by the ex-vivo diffusion study was found to be 38.27 % with a flux rate of 4.06 ± 0.26 μg/cm2/h. Further, the cytotoxicity study of pineapple nanofiber and ketoconazole-loaded nanofiber gel displayed no cytotoxic on healthy vero cells in the concentration range from 10 to 80 μg/ml. The histopathological analysis exhibited no signs of distress and inflammation. In conclusion, ketoconazole-loaded pineapple nanofiber gel could be considered as a promising delivery system for topical applications.

Ultrahigh pressure filtration dewatering of municipal sludge conditioned by steel slag in combination with Fe2+/ sodium persulfate

Municipal sludge treatment in urban contexts faces significant challenges, especially when dealing with sludge characterized by exceptionally high water content and organic content. This study investigates the application of sodium persulfate oxidation activated by ferrous ions (Fe2+/SPS) in conjunction with waste steel slag as a conditioning agent for municipal sludge, capillary suction time and specific resistance filtration experiments were conducted on conditioned sewage sludge, along with dewatering tests under ultrahigh pressure conditions. Additionally, to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms, Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis, Zeta potential measurements, and comprehensive sample analyses were performed. The research reveals substantial improvements in sludge dewatering performance when steel slag is combined with Fe2+/SPS treatment. This combined treatment introduces additional ferrous ions into the sludge, generating radicals that disrupt the structure of extracellular polymeric substances and cells within the sludge. Steel slag also acts as a skeleton builder material, creating larger drainage pathways within the sludge cake under ultrahigh pressure, enhancing permeability, and accelerating moisture release. This combined treatment method holds promise for achieving deep sludge dewatering, under ultrahigh filtration pressure, with water content reduced to below 40%. The study not only highlights the advantages of using steel slag in combination with Fe2+/SPS treatment for sludge dewatering but also provides insights into the underlying mechanisms. This comprehensive treatment method reduces the excessive use of ferrous ions and costs while significantly enhancing dewatering performance, offering a promising solution for municipal sludge treatment and management.

Development and research of technology for obtaining and properties of welding wire from Al–Mg–Sc alloys using combined methods of thermal deformation treatment

The results of studies technological processes for obtaining welding wire from alloys of the Al–Mg system with a scandium content of 0.12 (alloy 1580) and 0.25 wt % (alloy 01570) presented. A feature of the technology is the production of a billet for further cold deformation by an energy-efficient method of ingotless rolling-extrusion (IRE). It was found that hot-extruded rods from the investigated alloys obtained by the IRE method have the required level of plastic and strength properties necessary for further cold deformation up to 80%. Thermomechanical processing of hot-extruded rods manufactured by IRE have been developed and experimentally tested, which made it possible to obtain a billet with a square side of 5 × 5 mm by sectional rolling and wire with a diameter of 3 mm by drawing. Studies of the structure and mechanical properties of deformed semi-finished products have shown that the developed modes make it possible to obtain a welding wire from the investigated alloys that meets the requirements of current standards. Studies of the operational properties of the obtained welding wire were carried out. It was found that alloy 1580 with a minimum content of scandium (0.12 wt %) is not inferior to alloy 01570 in terms of corrosion resistance and weld quality. Developed technology for the production of welding wire from alloys of the Al–Mg system with different scandium content can be recommended for industrial use. It is advisable to implement alloy 1580, which has a lower cost compared to alloy 01570.

Combined effect of Cerium oxide nanoparticles loaded scaffold and photobiomodulation therapy on pain and neuronal regeneration following spinal cord injury: an experimental study.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remained one of the challenges to treat due to its complicated mechanisms. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) accelerates neuronal regeneration. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) also eliminate free radicals in the environment. The present study aims to introduce a combined treatment method of making PCL scaffolds as microenvironments, seeded with CeONPs and the PBMT technique for SCI treatment. The surgical hemi-section was used to induce SCI. Immediately after the SCI induction, the scaffold (Sc) was loaded with CeONPs implanted. PBMT began 30min after SCI induction and lasted for up to 4weeks. Fifty-six male rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (an astrocyte marker), Connexin 43 (Con43) (a member of the gap junction), and gap junctions (GJ) (a marker for the transfer of ions and small molecules) expressions were evaluated. The behavioral evaluation was performed by BBB, Acetone, Von Frey, and radiant heat tests. The SC + Nano + PBMT group exhibited the most remarkable recovery outcomes. Thermal hyperalgesia responses were mitigated, with the combined approach displaying the most effective relief. Mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia responses were also attenuated by treatments, demonstrating potential pain management benefits. These findings highlight the potential of PBMT, combined with CeONPs-loaded scaffolds, in promoting functional motor recovery and alleviating pain-related responses following SCI. The study underscores the intricate interplay between various interventions and their cumulative effects, informing future research directions for enhancing neural repair and pain management strategies in SCI contexts.

Optimization of Process Parameters for Bamboo Fiber Extraction by Steam Explosion

ABSTRACT Bamboo fiber (BF) has emerged as a promising natural, environmentally friendly material for use in composite materials. The steam explosion process plays a crucial role in preparing BFs suitable for composites. In this study, the effects of solid–liquid ratio, explosion pressure, and explosion holding time on BF preparation were investigated by orthogonal experiments, and the structural and chemical changes occurring during the separation of BF were also investigated. The results showed that the combined method of alkali treatment and steam explosion successfully produced BFs with good morphology. The highest yield of fine fibers (39.07%) was obtained at a solid–liquid ratio of 2:1, explosion pressure of 2.2 MPa, and explosion holding time of 4 min. BFs obtained using the optimal values exhibited dispersed fiber bundles, partial removal of hemicellulose and lignin, and improved crystallinity. Furthermore, the hygroscopicity of BFs decreased, reaching a minimum of 15% under the optimal process conditions. The optimization of steam explosion parameters can help to improve the extraction efficiency of fine fibers for composites and promote the industrialization of BFs prepared by steam explosion.

Analysis of Effectiveness of Combined Surface Treatment Methods for Structural Parts with Holes to Enhance Their Fatigue Life

The typical and most widespread stress concentrators in the lower wing panels of aircraft are the drain holes located on the stringer vertical ribs. These are prime sources for the initiation and development of fatigue cracks, which lead to early failure of the wing structure. Therefore, improving fatigue life in these critical areas is one of the significant issues for research. Two combined methods of surface plastic treatment in the location around drain holes are discussed in this paper. Using the finite element method and ANSYS software, we created a finite element model and obtained nonlinear solution results in the case of tension in a plate with three holes. In addition, the development of residual stress due to the surface plastic treatment of the hole-adjacent areas was taken into account. In this paper, it is shown that after surface treatment of the corresponding areas of the holes, residual stress, which exceeds the yield stress for the plate material, is induced. When combined with alternative tensile stress, these reduce the amplitude of the local stresses, thus increasing the number of stress cycles before failure. The benefits of this technology were confirmed by fatigue test results, which include the fatigue failure types of the plates. Graphs showing the impact of applicable surface treatment combined methods on the number of cycles to failure were also plotted.