Search Results (642)

This research addresses the challenges of proactive scheduling and routing in manufacturing systems governed by the Material Requirement Planning (MRP) method. Such systems often face capacity constraints, difficulties in resource balancing, and limited traceability of component requirements. The lack of seamless integration between customer orders and production tasks, combined with the manual and time-consuming nature of schedule adjustments, highlights the need for an automated and optimized scheduling method. We propose a novel optimization-based approach that leverages mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) combined with a proprietary procedure for reducing the size of the modeled problem to generate feasible and/or optimal production schedules. The model incorporates dynamic routing, partial resource utilization, limited additional resources (e.g., tools, workers), technological breaks, and time quantization. Key results include determining order feasibility, identifying unfulfilled order components, minimizing costs, shortening deadlines, and assessing feasibility in the absence of available resources. By automating the generation of data from MRP/ERP systems, constructing an optimization model, and exporting the results back to the MRP/ERP structure, this method improves decision-making and competes with expensive Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems. The proposed innovation solution—the integration of MILP-based optimization with the proprietary PT (data transformation) and PR (model-size reduction) procedures—not only increases operational efficiency but also enables demand source tracking and offers a scalable and economical alternative for modern production environments. Experimental results demonstrate significant reductions in production costs (up to 25%) and lead times (more than 50%). Full article

Introduction: The use of 3D-printed models in surgical planning has gained traction in light of its potential to improve precision and patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to review data and provide a time and value analysis of the use of 3D printing at a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. The estimated time of surgical procedures for surgical planning was compared with the time required for procedures that did not use 3D printing. Providers who used 3D printing completed surveys, and then the results of said surveys were analyzed to assess the value of 3D printing. Materials and Methods: Electronic health records were reviewed for patients who underwent hemipelvectomies with and without 3D printing. A list of 20 observations involving 3D printing was used as a baseline sample and matched with another 20 observations that did not utilize 3D printing. Electronic health records were reviewed to obtain mean estimates of the procedure time. The data was collected and analyzed between January 2018 and April 2025. Results: The mean surgery time for procedures using 3D printing was 868 min, compared to 993 min for procedures that did not utilize 3D printing. In contrast, the median procedure times were 907.5 min for procedures using 3D printing and 945.0 min for those that did not utilize 3D printing. Most providers (85.7%) felt that using 3D-printed models or guides was important. Similarly, 80% responded that using a 3D-printed model or guide saved them time, and another 73.3% responded that after using the 3D-printed model, they were confident in their treatment plan. Conclusions: Using 3D printing for surgical cases at the comprehensive cancer center saved procedure time and added value for the surgeons. Full article

Nomadic heritage villages constitute significant material cultural heritage. Under China’s cultural revitalization and rural development strategies, these villages face spatial degradation driven by tourism and urbanization. Current research predominantly employs isolated analytical approaches—space syntax often overlooks social dynamics while social network analysis (SNA) overlooks physical interfaces—hindering the development of holistic solutions for socio-spatial resilience. This study proposes a multi-scale integrated assessment framework combining social network analysis (SNA) and space syntax to systematically evaluate public space structures in traditional nomadic villages of Xinjiang. The framework provides scientific evidence for optimizing public space design in these villages, facilitating harmonious coexistence between spatial functionality and cultural values. Focusing on three heritage villages—representing compact, linear, and dispersed morphologies—the research employs a hierarchical “village-street-node” analytical model to dissect spatial configurations and their socio-functional dynamics. Key findings include the following: Compact villages exhibit high central clustering but excessive concentration, necessitating strategies to enhance network resilience and peripheral connectivity. Linear villages demonstrate weak systemic linkages, requiring “segment-connection point supplementation” interventions to mitigate structural elongation. Dispersed villages maintain moderate network density but face challenges in visual integration and centrality, demanding targeted activation of key intersections to improve regional cohesion. By merging SNA’s social attributes with space syntax’s geometric precision, this framework bridges a methodological gap, offering comprehensive spatial optimization solutions. Practical recommendations include culturally embedded placemaking, adaptive reuse of transitional spaces, and thematic zoning to balance heritage conservation with tourism needs. Analyzing Xinjiang’s unique spatial–social interactions provides innovative insights for sustainable heritage village planning and replicable solutions for comparable global cases. Full article

Background. Extensive partial edentulism alters the biological and functional balance of the stomatognathic system, requiring targeted pre-prosthetic procedures to optimize treatment outcomes. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of improvement in the clinical–biological scores of the prosthetic field in patients with extensive edentulism, following pre-prosthetic interventions. Materials and Method. This prospective, cross-sectional study investigated 194 subjects with extensive partial edentulism. Clinical–biological scores, initially and following the pre-prosthetic phase, were recorded using a scoring system that evaluated dental and periodontal status, bone and mucosal support, occlusion, and mandibulo-cranial relationships. Statistical comparisons of clinical–biological scores were related to the type of prosthetic therapy. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value < 0.05. Results. There was an overall significant improvement in the clinical–biological scores initially (mean value 20.2) and after pre-prosthetic procedures (mean value 23.22) (p < 0.001). When treatment groups were divided, the implant-assisted prosthesis group showed the best improvement in all domains, followed by the conventional fixed-prostheses group (p < 0.01). Dental support improved significantly in those with semi-rigid composite prostheses (p = 0.014), while periodontal support was improved in both fixed- and hybrid-implant groups. Mucosal and bone support improved mostly in the fixed-implant groups (p = 0.014). Conclusions. Pre-prosthetic procedures significantly enhance the biological and functional readiness of the prosthetic field, with the degree of improvement influenced by the complexity and type of planned prosthetic rehabilitation. The findings underscore the value of individualized pre-prosthetic protocols as an essential component of prosthetic treatment planning. Full article

Background and Objectives: Orbital floor fractures are challenging to treat, due to the complex orbital anatomy and limited surgical access. Emerging technologies—such as virtual surgical planning (VSP), 3D printing, patient-specific implants (PSIs), and intraoperative navigation—offer promising advancements to improve the surgical precision and clinical outcomes. This review systematically evaluates and synthesizes current technological modalities with respect to their accuracy, operative duration, cost-effectiveness, and postoperative functional outcomes. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus, and PRIMO databases were searched for clinical studies published between 2019 and September 2024. Out of 229 articles identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using the PICO framework. Results: VSP and 3D printing enhanced diagnostics and presurgical planning, offering improved accuracy and reduced planning time. Pre-bent PSIs shaped on 3D models showed superior accuracy, lower operative times, and better cost efficiency compared to intraoperative mesh shaping. Custom-designed PSIs offered high precision and clinical benefit but required a longer production time. Intraoperative navigation improved implant positioning and reduced the complication rates, though a detailed cost analysis remains limited. Conclusions: VSP, 3D printing, and intraoperative navigation significantly improve surgical planning and outcomes in orbital floor reconstruction. Pre-bent PSIs provide a time- and cost-effective solution with strong clinical performance. While customized PSIs offer accuracy, they are less practical in time-sensitive settings. Navigation systems are promising tools that enhance outcomes and may serve as an alternative to custom implants when time or resources are limited. Full article

Background: Measuring frequencies of antigen-specific memory B cells (B_mem), their immunoglobulin (Ig) class and subclass usage, cross-reactivity, and affinity can provide insights into the efficacy of future antibody responses in case of antigen re-encounter. B cell ImmunoSpot^® assays can provide such information; however, like most cell-based tests, they require considerable amounts of blood to be drawn from the donor and this has hindered their inclusion in clinical trials and routine immune diagnostics. Methods: We introduce strategies for reducing the cell numbers required to 2–3 million peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) per antigen, obtainable from 2–3 mL of blood from healthy adult donors. Results: Except when B_mem frequencies were very low, we found that testing PBMCs in singlet wells, but in serial dilution, enables as reliable B_mem frequency assessments as when testing replicate wells at a single fixed cell number. Additionally, B cell ImmunoSpot^® assays can be multiplexed for detecting four Ig classes, or IgG subclasses, simultaneously and without loss of sensitivity. The requirement for low cell numbers and the retention of B cell functionality by cryopreserved PBMCs equivalent to freshly isolated material implies that fewer than the standard 10 million PBMCs per vial can be frozen. This would reduce the number of individuals who could not be tested for B_mem due to insufficient availability of PBMCs, a common problem with such assays. Conclusions: The predictable need for and recovery of cryopreserved PBMCs facilitates planning of and optimal cell utilization in B cell ImmunoSpot^® assays and increases the practical feasibility of extensive B_mem characterization in larger cohorts. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the critical and reflective self-assessment capacity of dentistry students based on two clinical courses that employ self-assessment processes as a strategy to foster autonomy in health care. Materials and Methods: Reflections from third- and fifth-year students were evaluated over a three-year period. The methodology sought to identify the presence of critical reflections, perceptions of strengths and weaknesses, and the formulation of improvement plans. Results: The results revealed low levels of continuous reflection, with only 20.0% of third-year students and 24.1% of fifth-year students engaging in reflection in at least half of their clinical activities. However, 78.7% of third-year students and 90.8% of fifth-year students completed at least one reflection during the academic year. The ability to sustain continuous critical reflection was observed in only 22.1% of the 453 students evaluated. These findings present a concerning scenario, as critical reflection is directly linked to competence in health care and informed decision-making. Conclusions: The study concludes that formative assessment processes requiring critical and reflective self-assessment must be broadly integrated into the curriculum to foster significant gains in the development of professional competencies. Full article

Background and Objectives: The extraction of mandibular third molars poses challenges due to their proximity to the mandibular canal and risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury. Accurate preoperative evaluation is essential to minimize complications. This study assessed the three-dimensional positional relationship between the mandibular canal and lower third molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), aiming to identify anatomical positions associated with increased surgical risk. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 253 CBCT scans of fully developed lower third molars. The mandibular canal position was classified as apical (Class I), buccal (Class II), lingual (Class III), or interradicular (Class IV). Contact was categorized as no contact, contact with a complete or defective white line, or canal penetration. In no-contact cases, the apex–canal distance was measured. Statistical analysis included descriptive and contingency analyses using the Chi-Square Likelihood Ratio test. Results: Class I was most common (70.8%) and presented the lowest risk, while Classes III and IV showed significantly higher frequencies of canal contact or penetration. Class II exhibited shorter distances even in no-contact cases, suggesting residual risk. Statistically significant associations were found between canal position and both contact type (p < 0.001) and apex–canal distance (p = 0.046). Conclusions: CBCT offers valuable insight into the anatomical relationship between third molars and the mandibular canal. High-risk positions—particularly lingual and interradicular—require careful assessment. Even in the absence of contact, close proximity may pose a risk and should inform surgical planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Proton therapy delivers highly conformal doses to the target area without producing an exit dose, minimizing cumulative doses to healthy liver tissue. This study aims to evaluate current practices, challenges, and variations in the implementation of proton stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and hypofractionated therapy for liver malignancies, with the goal of providing a technical assessment to promote broader adoption and support future clinical trials. Methods and Materials: An extensive survey was conducted by NRG Oncology across North American proton treatment centers to assess the current practices of proton liver SBRT and hypofractionated therapy. The survey focused on key aspects, including patient selection, prescription and normal tissue constraints, simulation and motion management, treatment planning, quality assurance (QA), treatment delivery, and the use of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Results: This survey captures the current practice patterns and status of proton SBRT and hypofractionated therapy in liver cancer treatment.  Proton therapy is increasingly preferred for treating inoperable liver malignancies due to its ability to minimize healthy tissue exposure. However, the precision required for proton therapy presents challenges, particularly in managing uncertainties and target motion during high-dose fractions and short treatment courses. Survey findings revealed significant variability in clinical practices across centers, highlighting differences in motion management, dose fractionation schedules, and QA protocols. Conclusion: Proton SBRT and hypofractionated therapy offer significant potential for treating liver malignancies. A comprehensive approach involving precise patient selection, treatment planning, and QA is essential for ensuring safety and effectiveness. This survey provides valuable insights into current practices and challenges, offering a foundation for technical recommendations to optimize the use of proton therapy and guide future clinical trials. Full article

Using innovative and sustainable materials has become crucial for developed countries. Reusing waste as a secondary raw material in industrial processes central to the circular economy could enhance environmental sustainability and support local economies. Building materials such as Portland cement have a significant environmental impact due to greenhouse gas emissions and construction and demolition waste (CDW), which is challenging to recycle. Research into sustainable alternatives is, therefore, essential. The European Union has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) supports the green transition in Italy by promoting sustainable materials like geopolymers. These ceramic-like materials are based on aluminosilicates obtained through the chemical activation of waste rich in silica and aluminosilicate compounds. Though promising, these materials require further research to address challenges like long-term durability and chemical variability. Collaboration between scientific research and industry is essential to develop specific protocols and suitable infrastructures. This article provides a critical review of the advancements and challenges in using alkali-activated waste as construction binders, focusing on Italy, and encourages the exploration of alternative sustainable materials beyond conventional Portland cement. Full article

Sustainable manufacturing is gaining attention in the scientific literature. However, it remains unclear how to effectively incorporate it within Production Planning and Control (PPC) tasks. All the choices taken in terms of PPC impact sustainability, and sustainability managers and planners or managers involved in tasks, such as scheduling or inventory management, are not conscious of what this means or implies, above all, in terms of the sustainable performance indicators on which their actions can act. While several studies have addressed both PPC and sustainability, there is still limited guidance or structured frameworks specifically aimed at systematically linking PPC tasks with sustainability indicators in a practical and operational industrial context, despite the development of numerous sustainability standards in recent years. For this reason, this research aimed to develop a first detailed framework, specifically based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard, that associates the most relevant indicators with the PPC phases, highlighting the type of impact (direct or indirect) of each phase on them. This could help with strategic decisions and promote more informed choices. The overall framework revealed the prevalence of environmental aspects involved in PPC phases (as expected) and a challenge related to the measurability of indicators (above all, the social ones). Furthermore, the Material Requirements Planning (MRP), identified as the most significant phase in terms of its impact on sustainability, was deeply analyzed, providing details related to the decision-making processes of this phase that affect sustainable performance. Full article

Introduction: We developed a computed tomography (CT)-based tool designed for automated segmentation of deltoid muscles, enabling quantification of radiomic features and muscle fatty infiltration. Prior to use in a clinical setting, this machine learning (ML)-based segmentation algorithm requires rigorous validation. The aim of this study is to conduct shoulder expert validation of a novel deltoid ML auto-segmentation and quantification tool. Materials and Methods: A SwinUnetR-based ML model trained on labeled CT scans is validated by three expert shoulder surgeons for 32 unique patients. The validation evaluates the quality of the auto-segmented deltoid images. Specifically, each of the three surgeons reviewed the auto-segmented masks relative to CT images, rated masks for clinical acceptance, and performed a correction on the ML-generated deltoid mask if the ML mask did not completely contain the full deltoid muscle, or if the ML mask included any tissue other than the deltoid. Non-inferiority of the ML model was assessed by comparing ML-generated to surgeon-corrected deltoid masks versus the inter-surgeon variation in metrics, such as volume and fatty infiltration. Results: The results of our expert shoulder surgeon validation demonstrates that 97% of ML-generated deltoid masks were clinically acceptable. Only two of the ML-generated deltoid masks required major corrections and only one was deemed clinically unacceptable. These corrections had little impact on the deltoid measurements, as the median error in the volume and fatty infiltration measurements was <1% between the ML-generated deltoid masks and the surgeon-corrected deltoid masks. The non-inferiority analysis demonstrates no significant difference between the ML-generated to surgeon-corrected masks relative to inter-surgeon variations. Conclusions: Shoulder expert validation of this CT image analysis tool demonstrates clinically acceptable performance for deltoid auto-segmentation, with no significant differences observed between deltoid image-based measurements derived from the ML generated masks and those corrected by surgeons. These findings suggest that this CT image analysis tool has potential to reliably quantify deltoid muscle size, shape, and quality. Incorporating these CT image-based measurements into the pre-operative planning process may facilitate more personalized treatment decision making, and help orthopedic surgeons make more evidence-based clinical decisions. Full article

Geological surveys have vital importance at the planning stage of dammed reservoir construction projects. The results of these surveys determine the majority of the technical solutions adopted in the construction design to ensure the proper safety and stability parameters of the structure during water damming. Where the ground type is found to be different from what is expected, the construction project may be delayed or even cancelled. This study analyses issues and design modifications caused by the identification of different soil conditions during the construction of four new flood control reservoirs in the Nysa Kłodzka River basin in south-western Poland. The key findings are as follows: (1) a higher density of exploratory boreholes in areas with potentially fractured rock mass is essential for selecting the appropriate anti-filtration protection; (2) when deciding to apply deep piles, it is reasonable to verify, at the planning stage, whether they can be installed using the given technology directly at the planned site; (3) inaccurate identification of foundation soils under the dam body can lead to significant design modifications—in contrast, a denser borehole grid helps to determine the precise elevation of the base layer, which is essential for reliably estimating the volume of material required for the embankment; (4) in order to correctly assess the soil deposits located, for instance, in the reservoir basin area, it is more effective to use test excavations rather than relying solely on borehole-based investigations—as a last resort, test excavations can be used to supplement the latter. Full article

The accurate assessment of the structural condition of airfield pavements is of paramount importance to airport authorities as it determines the planning of maintenance activities. On this basis, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques provide a powerful tool to assess the mechanical properties of the individual layers of the pavement. However, information from laboratory testing of cores taken from the pavement is expected to provide a more accurate assessment of material properties. Against this background, the present research aims to investigate the accuracy of the mechanical properties of in-situ layers derived from NDT data and the associated back-calculation procedures for airfield pavements, where higher pavement thicknesses are usually required due to the high aircraft loads, while few similar studies have been conducted compared to road pavements. For this reason, the assessment of the structural condition of a flexible runway pavement is presented. The analysis shows that there is a strong correlation between the moduli estimated in the laboratory and the moduli estimated by back-calculation. Furthermore, the back-calculated moduli appear to lead to a conservative approach in assessing the structural condition of the pavement. This conservatism promotes a more proactive pavement management by airport authorities. Full article

Background and Objectives: Patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) require a phase of infant orthopedic treatment prior to surgical cleft closure. Treatment planning in this phase necessitates a thorough understanding of maxillary growth dynamics in this period. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative surface growth of maxillary segments in infants with UCLP. Materials and Methods: In total, 195 intraoral scans from 50 patients were obtained postnatal (T0), at monthly intervals (T1–5), and prior to surgical cleft closure at 6 months of age (T6). Surface, linear, and angle measurements of the maxillary segments were performed. Results: Significant increases in the total surface area and the surface areas of the small and large segments were observed at monthly intervals and over the overall duration. The large segment showed greater absolute growth (11.62 mm² per month, 46.57 mm² total), while the small segment had a higher percentage increase (1.49% monthly, 6.57% overall). A positive small correlation was observed between surface area growth changes in the small segment and its increase in length. Conclusions: Our results revealed distinct growth patterns of the large and small segments in amount and direction, underscoring the relevance of incorporating segment arch width in surface evaluations. Full article