Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Horizontal Hardness Properties of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu-1.0TiO2 Composite Solder

The improvement in the hardness of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder alloy reinforced with 1.0 wt. % TiO2 nanoparticles was evaluated by nanoindentation. A specific indentation array was performed on four different horizontal cross sections of the composite solder with different heights and diameters, in order to verify the mixing homogeneity of TiO2 nanoparticles within the Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder paste during the ball milling process. The phase analysis indicated successful blending of the Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu with the TiO2 nanoparticles. According the scanning electron microscopy micrographs, presence of the TiO2 nanoparticles reduced the size of the Cu6Sn5 and Ag3Sn intermetallic compound phases. Incorporation of the 1.0 wt. % TiO2 nanoparticles improved the hardness values up to 26.2 % than that of pure SAC305. The hardness values increased gradually from the top cross sections towards adjacent to the solder/substrate interface. The mechanism of the hardness improvement attained by the TiO2 nanoparticles addition were also investigated on the horizontal cross sections of the samples

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population.The aim of this study was to inform vaccination prioritization by modelling the impact of vaccination on elective inpatient surgery. The study found that patients aged at least 70 years needing elective surgery should be prioritized alongside other high-risk groups during early vaccination programmes. Once vaccines are rolled out to younger populations, prioritizing surgical patients is advantageous