Conversion of Environmental Waste to Engineering Wealth: Eggshell Particulates as a Reinforcement Agent in Al-6063

In the quest to improve on some properties of aluminum alloy for better engineering application, eggshell particulate was used to reinforce the alloy at various percentages in this research. The reinforcement was carried out at a superheated temperature of 700°C in order to have homogenous mixture prior to casting. Micro hardness, impact and microstructure were evaluated. It was observed that eggshell particulates has positive impact on the mechanical properties of aluminum with sample X2 reinforced with 4% eggshell particulate possessing the highest hardness value of 187.1 Hv in comparison with the control sample Xo showing the least value of 100.7 Hv. The impact result complemented the hardness results with samples X1 and X2 reinforced with 2% and 4% respectively of eggshell particulates exhibiting the highest impact value of 4.7 J each. This thus indicates that eggshell particulate can be considered as an alternative reinforcing agent in improving the mechanical properties of aluminum 6063. The particulate however dampens the corrosion resistance of Al6063 to deterioration in saline environment with the control sample Xo showing the least corrosion rate (0.15711 mpy), corrosion density (−0.012211 A/cm2) and the highest corrosion potential (0.99186 V). Thus, indicating that the material is not recommended for use in such environment. However, more percentage of the particulates is recommended in order to affirm the optimum ratio to which Al6063 would yield better properties

Cost of Treatment for Proximal Humerus Fractures: An Acute and 90-Day Cost Evaluation

The purpose of this study was to examine the 90-day costs of three common surgical treatments for proximal humerus fractures and compare the costs associated with the initial day and subsequent 89 days of care. This was conducted through a retrospective review of a national database examining patients who suffered proximal humerus fractures. Patients were stratified by type of surgical procedure performed, hemiarthroplasty (HA), reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). RSA was the most costly procedure for the same-day and 90-day costs (p < 0.001). Mean initial day reimbursement costs were significantly different among treatment groups, with the highest costs seen with RSA ($16,151), followed by HA ($9,348), and ORIF ($6,745). Subsequent 89-day reimbursement costs were not significantly different for RSA, HA, and ORIF (p = 0.112). The 90-day costs for the surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures are driven by the initial day costs. RSA was associated with the highest cost, followed by HA and ORIF