Search Results (540)

Background/Objectives: Effective removal of organic tissue extruded beyond the apex is crucial in regenerative endodontics, particularly in teeth with immature apices; therefore, this study aims to compare the efficacy of standard needle irrigation (SNI), ultrasonic irrigation (UI), photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS), and shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) techniques in dissolving periapical tissue in a simulated model. Methods: Sixty single-rooted human premolars and sixty bovine palatal mucosa specimens were used. A custom model was created by placing mucosal tissue in contact with the apical area. Specimens were divided into four groups (n = 15) according to the irrigation method: SNI, UI, PIPS, and SWEEPS. Each canal received 15 mL of 2% NaOCl. Tissue samples were weighed before and after treatment. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Results: UI showed significantly less tissue dissolution than the other methods (p < 0.05). SNI, PIPS, and SWEEPS showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: All methods led to tissue loss, but UI was significantly less effective. SNI, PIPS, and SWEEPS performed similarly. Full article

Transanal Irrigation (TAI) and Colon Hydrotherapy (CHT) represent emerging therapeutic options that may complement first-line interventions or serve as rescue treatments for chronic constipation and fecal incontinence. Their clinical utility depends on patient characteristics, specific therapeutic goals, device features, and probe type, as well as the procedural setting. This review presents the various pathophysiological contexts in which these techniques can be applied, analyzing their specific characteristics and potential pros and cons. Moreover, these interventions are also considered within a Psycho-Neuro-Endocrino-Immunological (PNEI) framework, given the potential influence of intestinal function and microbiota modulation on the bidirectional communication pathways linking the enteric nervous system, neuroendocrine regulation, immune activity, and global patient well-being. Since there is not yet enough scientific data on this topic, future research should prioritize randomized controlled trials comparing these techniques with other standard treatments (e.g., laxatives or dietary fiber) in defined patient populations. Longitudinal studies will also be essential to clarify long-term safety, potential effects on microbiota, and both risks and benefits. Standardization of technical procedures also remains a critical need, especially regarding professional competencies, operating parameters (e.g., instilled volumes and pressure ranges), and reproducible protocols. Moreover, future investigations should incorporate objective outcome measures, as colonic transit time, stool form and frequency, indices of inflammation or intestinal wall integrity, and changes to microbiome composition. In conclusion, TAI and CHT have the potential to serve as important interventions for the treatment and prevention of chronic constipation and intestinal dysbiosis, as well as their broader systemic correlates, in the setting of bio-integrated medicine. Full article

Japanese modern irrigation management is considered a successful model of water governance worldwide. However, debates continue over whether this success is due to natural water abundance or to water management practices. This study evaluates pre-modern water scarcity risk for six irrigation schemes, developed during that period in the Kinu River Basin (1603–1868); a period without large reservoirs, canal systems, or modern regulatory technologies. As the methodology, pre-modern river flows were reconstructed by removing the effects of four modern dams from the present-day river discharge, adjusting the conveyance efficiency, changes in paddy field area, rainfall input, and return flows. Water demand was assessed using Japanese irrigation standards of 5 mm/d (minimum water demand corresponding to evapotranspiration) and 20 mm/d (easy management), and risk was evaluated under both the prior appropriation and Equal Water Distribution rules. Results show that modern flow in the dry season is approximately 25 m³/s, whereas reconstructed natural flow during drought years declines to 10–18 m³/s, and about 15 m³/s after rainfall adjustment. Under the 20 mm/d demand scenario, scarcity occurred in four schemes (2 of 17 years in the third scheme and 7 of 17 years for the sixth scheme), while no scarcity occurred under the minimum-demand scenario (5 mm/d), even during low-flow conditions. This indicates that the available water in these schemes was at a level where drought damage could occur under extensive irrigation management, but could be avoided by intensive irrigation management to supply the minimum necessary water to all paddy fields. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate risk factors for postoperative neurological deficits following cervical endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (CE-ULBD) and to determine whether intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) can predict neurological compromise. Methods: A multicenter retrospective review was performed on 42 CE-ULBD procedures conducted between 2016 and 2024; 33 cases met the inclusion criteria with available imaging and electromyography data. Demographic, operative, and neurophysiological variables were analyzed. Preoperative stenosis severity was graded using the Kang MRI system. Intraoperative IONM data, including electromyography firing and motor evoked potential (MEP) changes, were correlated with new postoperative weakness. Results: The cohort (69.1% male, mean age 70.2 ± 1.7 years, mean BMI 29.6 ± 1.1) included 56 decompressed levels. The most common operative levels were C3-4 (37%) and C4-5 (24%). Postoperative weakness occurred in four patients (12.1%), all of whom had severe (Grade 3) preoperative stenosis. Among these, 50% exhibited preoperative weakness. Neuromonitoring changes correlated significantly with postoperative weakness (Fisher’s Exact, p < 0.001); 100% of patients with new post-operative weakness had sustained MEP decrease at the time of closure. Conclusions: Patients with severe cervical stenosis and preoperative weakness are at heightened risk of postoperative neurological deficits following CE-ULBD. Elevated epidural pressure from continuous irrigation in a constricted canal may exacerbate cord compression, particularly in those with preexisting myelopathy. IONM changes strongly correlate with new deficits and may exacerbate cord compression, particularly in those with preexisting myelopathy, and may serve as an early warning system for impending neurological injury. Surgeons should exercise caution and maintain low irrigation pressures in patients with severe stenosis undergoing endoscopic cervical decompression. Full article

From the 9th century onwards, Tāmdult was one of the three major caravan ports in the Western Maghreb, alongside Sijilmāssa and Nūl Lamṭa. By the mid-20th century, the remains of dwellings, metallurgical production sites and fortifications had been located a few kilometres south of the present-day oasis of Aqqa, which is irrigated by the resurgence of the wadi of the same name. In 1999, our research, which was based on field surveys and aerial photographs, revealed exceptionally well-preserved traces of a large-scale agricultural system and an irrigation canal network adjacent to the ruins. This completed the picture of this pre-Saharan oasis. An initial study was published in 2011. However, the question of the chronological relationship between the two oases, Tāmdult and Aqqa, remained unresolved. Processing recent satellite images (Airbus © 2023) of these two oases and creating a WebGIS interface now enables us to refine and correct our observations from 1999. This new data largely confirms our initial proposals, such as the joint development of an urban settlement and an agricultural area with an irrigation network. Furthermore, these new images show the branching structure of the various water distribution channels, the regularity of the agricultural land parcels and the existence of interstitial rural settlements. They thus reveal a hierarchy in this distribution that was perhaps insufficiently explored in our initial publication. Given the limited historical sources available, we can now make more informed arguments regarding the possibility of the two oases coexisting over time. We can also propose initial hypotheses about the main reasons for the abandonment of one of the oases and discuss the identity of their founders, which could be local tribal groups and/or branches of the Idrisid dynasty. The central issue of the dossier to which our contribution is addressed—‘The Role of Urban Elites in the Construction of Rural Landscape’—is adapted here to the specific characteristics of the pre-Saharan context in terms of both climate and settlement structure. Full article

A macrotidal estuary with mountain-stream inputs (MEMSs) is characterized by strong hydrodynamic forcing, high turbidity, and complex channel morphology. This study combines field measurements (2005–2020) with a 2D hydrodynamic–sediment model to examine estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) dynamics, erosion–deposition patterns, and the effects of engineering interventions in the Jiaojiang Estuary (JJE). Results show that the coupled influence of upstream floods and downstream macrotides produces highly seasonal and spatially variable water–sediment processes: mountain-stream floods exhibit sharp hydrodynamic fluctuations, and the estuary displays pronounced tidal-wave deformation. Over the 15-year observation period, the riverbed experienced alternating erosion (up to −3.5 m) and deposition (up to +4.2 m), with net erosion of 0.5–1.2 m occurring in most Ling River sections during high-discharge years. The ETM migrated about 30 km during spring tides, with near-bed suspended sediment concentrations reaching 50–60 kg/m³. Human activities—particularly historical sand mining—modified channel geometry and sediment composition, intensifying the exchange between bed material and suspended sediment and facilitating the formation and migration of the ETM. Extreme events further enhanced geomorphic adjustment: the post-Lekima (2019) flood produced maximum scour of −5.8 m in the upper Ling River and deposition of +3.2 m in the Jiaojiang main channel within weeks. Channel curvature and junction morphology strongly controlled flood-level distribution. Model experiments indicate that lowering shoal elevations and widening the cross-section at key constrictions can effectively reduce flood levels. Collectively, these findings clarify the morphodynamic evolution mechanisms of a MEMS system and provide quantitative guidance for flood-mitigation and estuarine-management strategies. Full article

Rational allocation and coordinated operation of water resources in arid inland river basins are crucial for sustaining irrigated agriculture, maintaining ecological baseflow and ensuring reservoir safety. To address this need, this study develops and evaluates joint-operation schemes for the Jingou River-Hongshan Reservoir irrigation system in Xinjiang, northwestern China, to improve coordination among irrigation water supply, ecological baseflow maintenance and reservoir safety. A monthly reservoir-canal-irrigation operation model is formulated with irrigation demands, ecological flow constraints and key engineering limits. Using this model, operating schemes are generated to explore trade-offs among three objectives: shortages, reliability and non-beneficial reservoir releases. The non-dominated schemes obtained from multi-objective optimization are then ranked using an entropy-weighted TOPSIS framework, from which representative solutions are selected for further interpretation. The results indicate that the top-ranked schemes deliver comparable and relatively well-balanced performance across the objectives. Under the preferred compromise scheme, annual irrigation shortages amount to about 39% of total demand, the mean satisfaction level of irrigation and ecological requirements reaches roughly 57%, and the combined index of spill losses and end-of-year storage deviation remains low. Schemes that push shortage reduction or reliability enhancement to extremes tend to increase spill losses, compromise storage security or both, thereby degrading overall performance. The proposed optimization-ranking framework offers a transparent basis for identifying robust operating strategies that reflect local management priorities and is transferable to other reservoir-supported irrigation systems in arid regions. Full article

Open-channel irrigation systems often face constraints due to water supply uncertainty and insufficient gate control precision. This study proposes an integrated framework for canal water allocation and gate control that combines interval-based uncertainty analysis with intelligent optimization to address these challenges. First, we predict the inflow process using an Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and quantify the range of water supply uncertainty through Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE). Based on these results, we formulate a bi-objective optimization model to minimize both main canal flow fluctuations and canal network seepage losses. We solve the model using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to obtain Pareto-optimal water allocation schemes under uncertain inflow conditions. This study also designs a Fuzzy Proportional–Integral–Derivative (Fuzzy PID) controller. We adaptively tune its parameters using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, which enhances the dynamic response and operational stability of open-channel gate control. We apply this framework to the Chahayang irrigation district. The results show that total canal seepage decreases by 1.21 × 10⁷ m³, accounting for 3.9% of the district’s annual water supply, and the irrigation cycle is shortened from 45 days to 40.54 days, improving efficiency by 9.91%. Compared with conventional PID control, the PSO-optimized Fuzzy PID controller reduces overshoot by 4.84%, and shortens regulation time by 39.51%. These findings indicate that the proposed method can significantly improve irrigation water allocation efficiency and gate control performance under uncertain and variable water supply conditions. Full article

Groundwater depletion is among the most critical hydrological threats to sustainable agriculture and water security in semi-arid regions. This study presents a high-resolution, multi-sensor assessment of groundwater storage (GWS) dynamics across the Lower Chenab Canal (LCC) command area in Punjab, Pakistan—an intensively irrigated agro-hydrological system within the Indus Basin. We integrated downscaled GRACE/GRACE-FO-derived total water storage anomalies with CHIRPS precipitation, MODIS evapotranspiration (ET) and vegetation indices, TerraClimate soil moisture, land surface temperature (LST), land use/land cover (LULC), and population density using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to reconstruct spatiotemporal GWS changes from 2002 to 2020. The results reveal a persistent and accelerating decline in groundwater levels, averaging 0.52 m yr⁻¹, which intensified to 0.73 m yr⁻¹ after 2014. Cumulative GWS losses exceeded 320 mm yr⁻¹, with severe depletion (up to −3800 mm) in northern districts such as Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, and Narowal. Validation with borewell data (R² = 0.87; NSE = 0.85) confirms the reliability of the remote sensing estimates. Statistical analysis indicates that anthropogenic drivers (population growth, urban expansion, and intensive irrigation) explain over two-thirds of the observed variability (R² = 0.67), whereas precipitation contributes only marginally (R² = 0.28), underscoring the dominance of human-induced stress over climatic variability. The synergistic rise in evapotranspiration, land surface temperature, and cultivation of high-water-demand crops such as rice and sugarcane has further amplified hydrological imbalance. This study establishes an operational framework for integrating satellite and ground-based observations to monitor aquifer stress at basin scale and highlights the urgent need for adaptive, data-driven groundwater governance in the Indus Basin. The approach is transferable to other data-scarce semi-arid regions facing rapid aquifer depletion, aligning with the global targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water sustainability. Full article

The use of chitosan nanoparticles (CH-NPs) loaded with antibiotics as irrigants in endodontics offers a unique combination, demonstrating effective antibacterial activity and low toxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop chitosan nanoparticles loaded with metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline for use as endodontic irrigants to improve antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and to evaluate their cytotoxicity in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Methods: The CH-NPs loaded with antibiotics were synthesized and analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Agar diffusion and microdilution assays were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and a cytotoxicity assay was conducted to establish the median cytotoxic dose. Results: Peaks corresponding to the functional groups of the chitosan-antibiotic complex’s chemical structure were identified. A one-way ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05) with Tukey’s post hoc test was used to analyze the antibacterial effect. CH-NPs-ciprofloxacin showed the greatest antibacterial activity against E. faecalis in both agar diffusion and microdilution assays. CH-NPs-metronidazole demonstrated lower cytotoxicity against hDPSCs. CH-NPs-minocycline showed superior antibacterial effects compared to plain chitosan in microdilution assays, although they exhibited greater cytotoxicity. Conclusions: The ongoing search for an irrigating solution with effective antibacterial properties and low cytotoxicity could transform traditional techniques. However, this field is still developing and underexplored. It is essential to reevaluate decisions about irrigation solutions, as evidence on the use of chitosan nanoparticles with antibiotics is limited. This study provides valuable data for endodontics and is a crucial step for future research. Full article

Dynamic canal-system scheduling faces the fundamental challenge of determining the optimal reduction in the current period’s water allocation to reserve sufficient water for remaining periods, thereby hedging against potentially greater future water shortages. Although forecast information has been widely incorporated to address this hedging problem, its effectiveness is heavily dependent on forecast accuracy. Integrating abundant historical canal scheduling data with forecast information provides a promising pathway to improve scheduling performance, yet relevant studies remain limited. This study introduces the concept of Target Residual Lump-Sum Water Quota (TRLSWQ) for each time interval and develops a novel “Bi-level, Two-stage” (BT) model for dynamically updated canal-system scheduling that jointly leverages TRLSWQ and forecast information. The model defines clear canal scheduling rules and effectively adapts to the hierarchical structure in canal system scheduling. The model is applied to the summer–autumn irrigation scheduling of the Yongji main canal and six associated sub-canals in the Hetao Irrigation Area, Inner Mongolia, China. The results indicate that compared with the conventional model, the BT model reduces the total water shortage index of sub-canals from 40.81 to 31.44 (a decrease of 22.9%) and increases the utilization rate of the water quota from 89.3% to 92.9% (an increase of 3.9%). Furthermore, this study clarifies the mechanism of canal scheduling deviations caused by forecast errors: early-stage rainfall under-forecasting induces excessive early-stage allocation, leaving no water for later periods, whereas early-stage over-forecasting leads to withheld early allocation and unused residual lump-sum quota in later stages. The BT model effectively balances shortage risks between current and future periods and offers a practical and robust strategy for improving dynamic canal scheduling in irrigation districts. Full article

This study addresses the problem of inaccurate channel flow simulation and uneven irrigation water distribution caused by the spatiotemporal variability of Manning’s roughness coefficient. The SCE-UA optimization algorithm was applied to calibrate Manning’s roughness coefficients and quantify their spatiotemporal variation patterns using 1728 sets of measured water level–discharge data collected in the Yellow River Irrigation District. Results show that accounting for spatiotemporal variability reduces the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for water level simulation by nearly 8%. Based on these findings, an automatic roughness update system specifically designed for grassroots water distribution stations has been developed, which can integrate water demand and gate control to achieve efficient water allocation in canals in the future. Full article

Agriculture puts significant pressure on freshwater sources, which motivates the use of reclaimed water for irrigation as a promising alternative to reduce freshwater demand while also providing nutrients. This study applies Life Cycle Assessment to determine the environmental impacts of irrigating a DOCa La Rioja vineyard with reclaimed water in the cultivation of organic grapes (scenario A) and compares it with an irrigation practice that uses canal water combined with organic extra-fertilisation (scenario B), accounting for differences in wastewater treatment processes. Results show that scenario A reduces impacts in categories such as global warming (16.2%) and freshwater eutrophication (25.6%) compared with scenario B, primarily due to the lower emissions associated with reclaimed water treatment. Additionally, a water balance was performed for the plot, which indicated that current inputs currently exceed losses in the region, so water stress is not observed; however, this situation may change in the near future due to population growth and climate change. These findings underscore the need to enhance the efficiency of the reclaimed water production, primarily by optimising its energy requirements, to support sustainable water use in agricultural systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Important goals of endodontic treatment procedures are to effectively eliminate microorganisms from the root canal system and prevent reinfection. Despite advances in techniques, these goals continue to be difficult to achieve due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system and bacterial invasion into the dentinal tubules of the surrounding root dentin. This pilot study aimed to refine a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) model with LIVE/DEAD staining to quantitatively assess the depth of effective disinfection by endodontic disinfection measures. Methods: Thirty caries-free human teeth underwent standardized chemo-mechanical root canal preparation and were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. Following treatment, CLSM-guided imaging with LIVE/DEAD staining allowed for differentiation between vital and dead bacteria and quantification of the depth of effective disinfection. Results: An average depth of bacterial eradication of 450 µm for conventional and 520 µm for sonically activated irrigation (EDDY) could be observed with significant differences (p < 0.05) in the coronal and medial positions. Conclusions: The results indicated that sonically activated irrigation (EDDY) provided a more homogeneous (omnidirectional) irrigation pattern compared to conventional irrigation. The study highlights the importance of effective disinfection strategies in endodontics, emphasizing the need for further research on the depth of effective disinfection of endodontic disinfection measures and the optimization of disinfection protocols. Full article

Mapping of rice-cropping regimes is crucial for effective irrigation planning and yield monitoring, particularly in data-scarce regions. We analyzed 48 months of 3 m PlanetScope NDVI data, aggregated to a 25 m hexagonal grid, and used Dynamic Time Warping Clustering to segment phenological patterns. Internal validation consistently identified two main clusters, indicating two dominant seasonality modes. Cluster 1 exhibited a higher mean NDVI, fewer low-canopy months, more vigorous growth periods, more peaks, and greater annual cycling, which suggests irrigated double cropping. Cluster 2 exhibited prolonged low NDVI values and a greater amplitude, consistent with single-rainfed systems. The rain–NDVI analysis supported these findings: Cluster 1 responded modestly to rainfall, whereas Cluster 2 exhibited a stronger and delayed response. Independent spatial checks confirmed these classifications. Off-season greenness, measured as NDVI above 0.50 from July to November, was concentrated near main and secondary canals and decreased with distance from intake points. This workflow combines DTW clustering with rainfall lag and off-season greenness analysis, effectively distinguishing between irrigated and rain-fed regimes using satellite time series. These findings are considered indicative rather than definitive, providing an assessment of cropping systems in Timor-Leste and demonstrating that DTW-based NDVI clustering offers a scalable approach in data-scarce regions. Full article