Commercial Pad Research Articles

Liquid absorbent bamboo fiber foams: Towards 100% ligno-cellulosic menstrual absorbent pads

Traditional menstrual absorbent pads typically combine cellulose fiber fluff pulp with non-biodegradable, petroleum-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). To eliminate the need for SAPs, this study explores foaming as a method to create a highly porous lignocellulosic fiber network capable of storing large amounts of fluid. Bamboo fibers were chosen due to their high lignin content, which is expected to help maintain the structural integrity of the porous network during liquid absorption and preventing collapse compared to 100% cellulose fibers. The bamboo fiber foams demonstrated remarkable porosity and superior absorbency compared to commercial pads, but they exhibited lower water retention when subjected to compression. Refining the fibers and incorporating microfibrillated cellulose offer promising opportunities to enhance water retention.

Incorporating date palm fibers for sustainable friction composites in vehicle brakes

The demand for eco-friendly materials in automotive components has spurred research into natural fibers as sustainable alternatives for brake pads. This study examines the potential of date palm fibers, particularly the palm frond midrib (PFM), in brake pad composites. The effects of epoxy, PFM, and calcium carbonate on the composites’ mechanical and tribological properties were analyzed. The optimal formulation (25% epoxy, 30% PFM, 35% calcium carbonate) exhibited superior properties, including a hardness of 87 HRB, wear rate of 1.5E-03 mg/mm, and COF of 0.73, surpassing commercial pads. Additionally, an inverse relationship between PFM/calcium carbonate content and compressibility was observed, with increased calcium carbonate enhancing wear resistance. This research underscores the potential of utilizing date palm resources in eco-friendly brake manufacturing, reducing the environmental and health impacts of traditional materials.

Eco-Friendliness and Cost-Effectiveness of Reusable Sanitary Pads for Rural Women: A Model for Menstrual Hygiene Management in Low Resource Settings

Background Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is fundamental to women’s health, well-being, and gender equality. The study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness and acceptability of reusable sanitary pads among rural women in Pakistan, proposing a scalable model for improving MHM practices in low-income countries. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using Multi- Stage Cluster sampling to accomplish a sample size of 340 childbearing-age women from the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan. The data was collected using a standard questionnaire regarding the affordability and accessibility of reusable versus disposable sanitary pads; further information was also gathered from Market surveys for MHM products. The biodegradability of the pads was assessed using a soil burial test. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results Our research found a significant preference for reusable sanitary pads. The biodegradability tests demonstrated that reusable pads had a superior degradation rate (1.88%) to disposable pads (1.59%) over four months. Economic assessments showed a low utilization of commercial pads (12.5%) due to affordability issues, with 87.5% using reusable cloths. Despite 70% awareness of menstrual hygiene, 48% of women showed interest in creating sanitary solutions, underscoring the feasibility of implementing locally sourced, cost-effective products across similar socio-economic landscapes. Conclusion The present study underscores the universal applicability of affordable, sustainable MHM solutions in rural communities of low-income countries, advocating for broader implementation of such models to address global menstrual hygiene challenges. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1030-1037

New zeolite-based composite pads with high-volume blood absorption for early warning of postpartum hemorrhage.

Medical treatment of severe blood loss during labor is crucial, and the early warning indicator of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is essential for labor medical treatment. Measurement of blood loss conventionally looks dirty, reluctant, and less hygienic since some of the blood might be spilled out in the maternity bed, while commercially existing pads have low blood absorption capacity. A new design composite pad composed of absorbent materials, including cellulose rayon, super absorbent polymer (SAP), and zeolite was fabricated and characterized. The SAP and zeolite show properties as crystalline and amorphous materials, respectively. The surface area of natural zeolite was 19.79 (m2/g). The newly fabricated composite pad showed a high blood absorption capacity (>500-600 mL) with a blood absorption rate of 55.56-85.84 mL/min (depending on the blood volume), showing better performance as compared to the commercial pads. These characteristics suggest that the new composite pad could function not only as a sanitary pad but also as an early warning indicator for PPH if the rate and blood volume reach the dangerous category (≥600 mL or at ≥13 mL/min rate).

Novel full-scale model verified by atomic surface and developed composite microfiber and slurry polishing system

Polishing mechanisms between fibers of a polishing pad and slurry are elusive, rising a challenge to develop high-performance composite polishing system. To solve this challenge, a novel full-scale model is proposed from mm to nm, consisting of macro, meso, micro and nanoscale. The model is verified by atomic surface and developed composite microfiber and slurry polishing system. Prior to chemical mechanical polishing, fused silica was polished by ceria slurry. A novel polishing pad was prepared using microfibers with a diameter of 2.5 μm, and a novel green slurry contained silica abrasives, hydrogen peroxide, sodium carbonate, sorbitol and xanthan gum. After CMP, an atomic surface with Ra of 0.108 nm was achieved, and the thickness of damaged layer is 1.95 nm. In terms of the macroscale model suggested, the maximum stress on the microfiber pad decreased 417.7 %, and the direct contact area increased 41.23 % compared with those of a commercial nonwoven pad. The peak stress exceeded 1 MPa on the commercial pad, while it reduced to about one fourth on the developed microfiber pad, according to the mesoscale fiber-slurry model proposed. Reactive force field molecular dynamics simulations, i.e. nanoscale model, reveal that a slurry layer existing at interface effectively impedes direct contact between abrasives and fused silica. With increasing the polishing load, material removal mode transformed from an atom to atomic chains. The constructed full-scale model and developed composite polishing system provide new insights to analyze, design and manufacture high-performance polishing pads, slurry and system.

Menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent secondary school girls in rural Anambra communities.

Adolescent girls face numerous challenges which hinder their ability to manage menstruation in a healthy and dignified manner. To examine the menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent girls schooling in rural Anambra communities. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Participants were selected using multistage stratified random sampling technique and interviewed using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0. Mean age of all, pre-menarche and post-menarche girls were 14.7 ± 1.84, 12.8 ± 1.09 and 15.1 ± 1.73 years, respectively. About 46% of the pre-menarche girls had not received any information on menstruation. Common sources of initial menstruation information were mother (87.3%), school (52.2%) and peers (20.0%). Among the 1091 (85.0% (1091/1283)) post-menarche girls, last menstrual period, last menstrual period duration and cycle length could not be recalled by 53.9%, 34.4% and 39.3%, respectively. Majority (98.3%) who could recall last menstrual period had a cycle length of ⩽30 days and the mean duration of menses was 4.4 ± 0.84 days. Disposable sanitary pad was mostly (60%) cited as recommended product, but cloth/rags (40.6%) or tissue paper (32. 3%) were predominantly used. Majority (88.6%) took their bath ⩾twice/day, 50.9% changed sanitary product ⩽twice/day while 72.5% exhibited poor hand washing. Sanitary products were mostly discarded by burning (45.4%). Fifty-one percent could not change in school predominantly due to lack of functional toilets/changing rooms (84.2%) while 72.5% of those who changed did so in bushes or unused spaces. Challenges faced during menstruation include restriction from holy places (38.9%), waist pain (74.9%), blood stains (36.1%) and lack of money to buy pad (27.0%). Factors significantly associated with using commercial pads were age (p = 0.047), class (p = 0.006), mother's educational status (p < 0.001), social class (p < 0.001), ability to recall last menstrual period date (p = 0.029) or duration (p = 0.001). Menstrual hygiene management was unsatisfactory among studied adolescents. Continuous education of adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene management and advocacy for adequate menstrual hygiene management support are imperative.

An aerostatic pad compensated by a differential diaphragm valve

This paper presents a novel prototype of a passively compensated aerostatic pad which consists in the integration of a commercial pad with a custom-built differential diaphragm valve. The static performance of the system is experimentally assessed in the presence of different supply and reference pressures. Additionally, the paper describes two lumped parameter models of the system which present different level of complexity. Experimental and numerical results are in good agreement and demonstrate that the static performance of the system can be computed more quickly through the simplified version of the described models.

An exploration of market organic sanitary products for improving menstrual health and environmental impact

AbstractMany menstruators around the world have limited access to education about menstruation and to sanitary methods for managing menstruation. The use of sanitary products is influenced by economic status, proximity to resources, education, and cultural beliefs. Improper use of sanitary products or lack thereof can lead to major health issues. Plastic-based, commercial pads take decades to degrade and cause harm to the environment and pose health risks to menstruators. To combat the lack of education and accessibility to menstrual products, there is a need to develop inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and culturally acceptable menstrual hygiene pads. Organic sanitary pads have been developed with locally available materials, such as water hyacinth, banana stems, bamboo, papyrus, hemp, and cotton. These sanitary pads have the potential to create better health and economic outcomes for menstruators across the globe and reduce the environmental footprint.

Sanitation and hygiene practices of secondary school students from Mtwara town in Tanzania

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the sanitation and hygiene practices of secondary school students from Mtwara town in Tanzania. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data on participants’ characteristics and responses to sanitation and hygiene practices were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Pearson's Chi-Square test was used to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between participants’ characteristics and study variables. Of the 685 responses received, 672 (98.50%) were valid, while 13 (1.50%) were invalid due to missing information. The majority of respondents (97.02%) reported participating in environmental protection activities because it is the most effective way to manage environmental health. Some hygiene practices showed statistically significant differences based on the students' age and gender. Female students practiced sanitation and hygiene more than males, and the practices of hygiene increased as students aged. Furthermore, while 396 female students (91.45%) reported having a menstrual cycle every month, only (97.66%) knew what to do when they had their menstrual cycle. Both the female students' age and study class revealed a statistically significant difference in their knowledge of what to do when they menstruate (p=0.017 vs. p<0.001), use of cloth pads (p<0.001 vs. p<0.001) and commercial pads (p=0.017 vs. p<0.001). It is recommended that environmental health information dissemination programs be maintained in order to uphold positive sanitation and hygiene practices.

Public Health in the Rural Areas of India - A Privilege?

Background: Everything is a public health issue, from climate change to geopolitical threats to food safety to healthcare-associated infections. It is the most required and the most important service in the world right now. Despite public health being the fundamental human right, we can see how it is being denied to millions of individuals from the underprivileged communities especially the rural areas of the country. Hence a study explaining the critical need of public health and an analysis of the current public health issues in today’s world is greatly needed.Method: A cross-sectional study has been conducted for a period of 2 months among 100 low-income families in Kammavaripalem region of Nandigamamandal, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. This article specially focusses on riveting issues such as domestic abuse, menstrual hygiene and illiteracy which are the most immediate public health issues that needs to be addressed. The questionnaire concentrates on how the limited resources affects the public health status of the families. The data has been collected using a pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview method. Conclusion: The survey showed results that clearly depict a critical need for public health attention in these rural areas. Considering what were found the root causes of these issues, initiatives are suggested in these areas; educating women about their rights with regards to domestic abuse and giving them better employment opportunities, awareness among women about menstrual hygiene practices and a necessary cost effective alternate to commercial pads and a system to make the parents learn the importance of education in order to decrease the school drop-out rate.

Which Way Would You Slice It? Evaluation of 3 Educational Models for the Loop Drainage Technique.

Emergency department visits for cutaneous abscesses are increasing. It is important for healthcare professionals to be proficient in identifying and treating abscesses. Loop drainage technique (LDT) is a newer technique which has been described in several articles but limited resources for teaching have been studied. The objective of this study was to compare 3 models for learning and teaching the LDT. This was a prospective survey study of a convenience sample of emergency medicine residents at a large urban academic center. Residents volunteered to participate during a scheduled cadaver and simulation session. After a self-directed review of the LDT, each participant performed ultrasound visualization and then the LDT on 3 simulated abscesses: a cadaveric model, a commercial abscess pad, and a homemade phantom. Participants completed pre- and post-simulation surveys. Of 57 residents, 28 participated in the 1-day simulation. The majority (57.1%, p < 0.009) preferred the cadaver model for learning the LDT, and 78.6% reported it to have the most realistic physical examination for an abscess (p = 0.001). Prior to participation, 0% of residents felt proficient performing LDT. After participation, 46.4% of residents felt proficient and 78.6% reported intent to use in clinical practice (p < 0.001). Simulation is an effective educational tool for both learning new skills and improving procedural competency. Residents found cadavers provided the most realistic physical examination, and the majority preferred it for learning the LDT. However, cadavers are not always accessible, an important factor when considering various educational settings.

Investigation of Evaporative Cooling Pad Material from Hyphaene Thebaica Fibers

Evaporative coolers are technologies highly used as a source of thermal comfort in terms of fresh air provider in areas where weather conditions are harsh and people living standard goes from medium to low earnings. This technology being environmentally friendly still requires a certain minimum maintenance, mostly the change of pads. This paper presents the performance of a cost-effective cooling pad made from the fibers of hyphanene thebaica (wood wool) as an alternative pad to the commercial ones rendering this technology more accessible and affordable for all social classes. The experiment was done in an insulated duct whereby thermodynamic parameters of locally made pad such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity and velocity, were recorded, and effect of physical properties on performances were analyzed. Compared to the commercial pad, the proposed local pad presented the lowest minimum outlet dry bulb temperature (20.00oC), a saturation efficiency of 78.80% with the highest cooling capacity of 0.1867 kW, the highest heat transfer coefficient of 7.3497 kW/m2 oC, the best cost-to-efficiency ratio (CER) and coefficient of performance (COP). By studying and improving the pads thermophysical characteristics, performance could be improved opening ways towards industrial production of such pads for a sustainable development.

Friction‐wear performance in environmentally friendly brake composites: A comparison of two different test methods

AbstractIn this study, an eco‐friendly brake composite sample (EFP) was produced with 3.5% hazelnut shell dust as a natural additive material. Friction tests were performed on the manufactured pad sample and on a commercial pad (CP) using both a Chase‐type test machine and a specially designed device. A different approach is presented with the evaluation of the two different test device results. The experimental results were compared using the Taguchi method and it was concluded that the braking performance of the sample with hazelnut shell dust was in accordance with international standards. As a result of the study; the nominal friction coefficient value was found to be 0.505 μ. The shearing force of the EFP and CP samples was measured at 607.3 and 850.5 N, respectively. The friction coefficient values obtained from the EFP and CP samples were in accordance with the SAE J‐661 standard and are in the “F” letter class.

Personal Hygiene and Sanitary Practices among the School Girls in Dhangadhi, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal

The inadequate knowledge of personal hygiene and sanitation is directly correlated with the health of an individual, a family, a community, a nation, and the globe as a whole. To know the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of personal hygiene and sanitation among the girl students in Dhangadhi, Nepal; this study was conducted in four different schools and a total of 238 girl students were selected specifically from the grade 5 to 10 following their age range from 11 to 18 years and the data was collected by filling the questionnaires. The average age of menarche is 12-13 years, mother is the major source of information about menstruation (53.8%) followed by sisters (35.3%). Only 20% use commercial sanitary pads and the majority of them use both, i.e. commercial pad as well as old clothes (65.5%), majority of the participants change absorbent 3 times a day (53.6%). 99.2% have their own toilets, 100% use soap water to clean hands, only 64.7% do brushing once a day, 14.3% have oral diseases and 67.6% do not know about oral diseases while 92% have never visited the dentist. Only 16.8% bath every day, 96.2% use nail cutter, 53.8% of the participants cut nail once a week followed by 42% occasionally. Only 21.4% have access to safe drinking water and 78.6% are relying on hand-pump water. Overall, the knowledge about personal hygiene and sanitation is average, but the attitude and practice towards it need to be improved.

Comparison of suturing models: the effect on perception of basic surgical skills

BackgroundAcquisition of Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) are essential for medical students. The objective was to determine it’s fidelity impact.MethodsUsing four suturing models (SM) (pigskin, sponge, commercial pad, and orange), SM-quality and student-SM interaction were evaluated. After a 1-h class, participants were divided into groups and randomly assigned exercises in SM in 15-min intervals. The experiment included completing three individual simple stitches and a 3-stitch continuous suture in each SM.ResultsEighty-two medical students participated. Suturing quality was better in pigskin and sponge, which were also the preferred models (p < 0.001). Significant differences in quality between the insertion and exit point, and firmness of knots (p < 0.05) in both simple and continuous sutures, as well as between length and distance in continuous ones (p < 0.001) were identified.ConclusionsAcquisition and quality of BSS are influenced by the intrinsic characteristics of SM. An adequate degree of resistance, consistency, and elasticity are necessary.

Development of Eco-Friendly Sanitary Napkins using Sansevieria trifasciata Fibres coated with Rosa damascena Extracts

The present paper highlights the issue of non biodegradability of commercial sanitary pads and importance of using Sansevieria trifasciata plant fibres as biodegradable and eco friendly absorbent core in sanitary napkin. Commercial pads are non biodegradable causing accumulation of menstrual waste and degradation of environment. A study estimated that on an average 335 million menstruating women dispose 432 million pads every month. These sanitary pads are non-biodegradable and remain in the landfills for about 800 years. Wood pulp is the major raw material which is used as absorbent core in feminine hygienic product. But over usage of these natural resources will lead to deforestation. Commercial sanitary napkins contain chemicals which affects the health status of women. The best alternative for these synthetic materials are agricultural and plant based fibers as they are abundant, non toxic, environmental friendly and bio degradable. The purpose of the research work focuses on preliminary testing of Sansavieria trifasciata plant fibers to develop sanitary napkin with antimicrobial finishes. Sansevieria trifasciata fibers were extracted from the leaves of the plant which was subjected to pre-treatment such as scouring and bleaching to enhance the absorption property of fibers. Microencapsulation with Rosa damascena extract was applied to impart antimicrobial function to fibers. The present research work concludes that the microencapsulation of Sansevieria trifasciata fibers possess antimicrobial properties against different microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. and Candida sp. Thus Sansevieria trifasciata plant fibers could be an ideal substitute for absorbent core used in sanitary pads.

Effect of graphene on friction and wear behavior of friction composite tested against grey cast iron disc alloyed with copper

The tribological properties of tribo-pair of friction composite and counter disc are very important for identifying the braking performance in automobiles. Among the various factors influencing the friction and wear of the tribo-pair, the ingredients of the friction composite and material of the disc are significant. In the present study, a new tribo-pair was formed between the friction composite with graphene nanopowder (GNP) and grey cast iron disc alloyed with copper (CuGCI). The tribo pair thus formed was tested in a pin-on-disc machine under dry sliding condition and its performances were compared with the other tribo-pairs formed between friction composites with graphite (Gr), Molybdenum di sulphide (MoS2) and disc. Five composites - 20 wt% MoS2, 20 wt % Gr, 20 wt % GNP, 15 wt % GNP, 10 wt % GNP - were tested against GCI and CuGCI disc thus forming ten different tribo-pair. Results showed that the tribo pair of 10 wt % GNP - CuGCI and 15 wt % GNP - CuGCI proved to have good friction and wear performances compared to the other tribo pairs and also at par with the performance of the commercial pad tested under the same conditions.

Soft Chemical Mechanical Polishing Pad for Oxide CMP Applications

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is widely accepted as the best planarization technique for fabricating nanoscale devices. A soft CMP pad that can enable higher oxide removal rates (RRs) and good planarity has been proposed for oxide CMP applications. In this study, three pads namely, Pad-1 (hard), Pad-2 (soft), and a commercial pad (hard) were used to polish blanket oxide, and STI patterned wafers. The Pad-2 demonstrated significantly higher RRs and better planarization than the hard pads. Post-polish pad texture analysis on Pad-2 showed a uniform surface asperity distribution. This is due to the novel method of pad manufacturing, which enables precise material placement and consistent pore construction.

The effect of laser-cladding on the wear behavior of gray cast iron brake disc

Lamellar grey cast iron (type A) with a pearlitic matrix has excellent vibration damping properties, good thermal capacity and conductivity, good castability and machinability. Such properties, together with the low cost, make this material the most used in the European market for the production of cars discs brake.Recent studies have demonstrated that a part of the total non-exhaust emission produced by a car derives directly from braking systems. During their use, wear debris in the form of solid airborne particles are created from both disc and friction pads wear. Reducing these emissions by increasing the wear resistance of braking systems would therefore contribute to both decreasing pollution and increasing brake disks life.In this research, two laser-cladding coatings were proposed to increase the wear performances of cast iron discs brake. The wear resistance was evaluated through pin-on-disc and block-on-ring laboratory tests. Commercial pads material was used as counterpart in the tribological system. Conventional grey cast iron samples were used as reference material.During the tests, the coefficient of friction with the sliding distance was continuously recorded and the wear rate for both disc and pad materials was calculated at the end of each tests.The wear mechanism of the different tested conditions was investigated by means of Scanning Electron Microscope analyses on the sample worn surfaces, and the results were related to the friction coefficient and to the wear rate. The ability of laser-cladding to reduce the consumption of disk brake materials was stated.

An assessment of Ethio-China Political Economic Relations Since 1991

This piece of paper analyzes post-1991 Ethio-China political and economic relations by raising the following questions: What is the nature of the bilateral political and economic relations? What are the factors which enhanced the bilateral political and economic relations between Ethiopia and China? What are the arguments raised by different scholars about Ethiopia and China relations? There are a number of factors that contributed to the growth of bilateral relations. Ethiopia needs China for economic assistance; as an alternative source to the west and China’s development is generally considered as a role model for Ethiopia to follow. China also supports Ethiopia on different international issues. On the part of China, there are also several factors egging China to look towards Ethiopia especially in terms of Ethiopia’s strategic importance and market potential. Ethiopia could be a commercial launch pad for Chinese companies and China is also getting diplomatic support from Ethiopia for its policy on Taiwan among others. There are also common factors both from Ethiopia and China’s side which enhanced the bilateral relations. However, there are many arguments raised following Chinese deep engagement to Ethiopia. Among others on the economic front the bilateral relations are imbalanced; dumping of low price export; underbidding local companies and ideological differences among others.Generally, the paper agues the ethio-Chinese relations motivated by political and economic factors.