Search Results (89)

Introduction: Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a well-established surgical solution for patients with severe TMJ disorders. It aims to relieve chronic pain, restore jaw mobility, and significantly enhance quality of life. This systematic review evaluates QoL outcomes following TMJR, analyzes complication profiles, compares custom versus stock prostheses, explores pediatric applications, and highlights technological innovations shaping the future of TMJ reconstruction. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted throughout April 2025 in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Sixty-four studies were included, comprising 2387 patients. Results: Primary outcomes assessed were QoL improvement, pain reduction, and functional gains such as maximum interincisal opening (MIO). Secondary outcomes included complication rates and technological integration. TMJR consistently led to significant pain reduction (75–87%), average MIO increases of 26–36 mm, and measurable QoL improvements across physical, social, and psychological domains. Custom prostheses were particularly beneficial in anatomically complex or revision cases, while stock devices generally performed well for standard anatomical conditions. Pediatric TMJR demonstrated functional and airway benefits with no clear evidence of growth inhibition over short- to medium-term follow-up. Complications such as heterotopic ossification (~20%, reduced to <5% with fat grafting), infection (3–4.9%), and chronic postoperative pain (~20–30%) were reported but were largely preventable or manageable. Recent advancements, including CAD/CAM planning, 3D-printed prostheses, augmented-reality-assisted surgery, and biofilm-resistant materials, are enhancing personalization, precision, and implant longevity. Conclusions: TMJR is a safe and transformative treatment that consistently improves QoL in patients with end-stage TMJ disease. Future directions include long-term registry tracking, growth-accommodating prosthesis design, and biologically integrated smart implants. Full article

Technological development has strongly impacted all processes related to the design, construction, and management of real estate assets. In fact, the introduction of the BIM approach has required the application of three-dimensional survey technologies, and in particular the use of LiDAR instruments, both in their static (TLS—terrestrial laser scanner) and dynamic (iMMS—indoor mobile mapping system) implementations. Operators and developers of LiDAR technologies, for the implementation of scan-to-BIM procedures, initially placed particular care on the 3D surveying accuracy obtainable from such tools. The incorporation of RGB sensors into these instruments has progressively expanded LiDAR-based applications from essential topographic surveying to geospatial applications, where the emphasis is no longer on the accurate three-dimensional reconstruction of buildings but on the capability to create three-dimensional image-based visualizations, such as virtual tours, which allow the recognition of assets located in every area of the buildings. Although much has been written about obtaining the best possible accuracy for extensive asset surveying of large-scale building complexes using iMMS systems, it is now essential to develop and define suitable procedures for controlling such kinds of surveying, targeted at specific geospatial applications. We especially address the design, field acquisition, quality control, and mass data management techniques that might be used in such complex environments. This work aims to contribute by defining the technical specifications for the implementation of geospatial mapping of vast asset survey activities involving significant building sites utilizing iMMS instrumentation. Three-dimensional models can also facilitate virtual tours, enable local measurements inside rooms, and particularly support the subsequent integration of self-locating image-based technologies that can efficiently perform field updates of surveyed databases. Full article

The scenario adaptability of agricultural machinery chassis in hilly and mountainous regions has become a key area of innovation in modern agricultural equipment development in China. Due to the fragmented nature of farmland, steep terrain (often exceeding 15°), complex topography, and limited suitability for mechanization, traditional agricultural machinery experiences significantly reduced operational efficiency—typically by 30% to 50%—along with poor mobility. These limitations impose serious constraints on grain yield stability and the advancement of agricultural modernization. Therefore, enhancing the scenario-adaptive performance of chassis systems (e.g., slope adaptability ≥ 25°, lateral tilt stability > 30°) is a major research priority for China’s agricultural equipment industry. This paper presents a systematic review of the global development status of agricultural machinery chassis tailored for hilly and mountainous environments. It focuses on three core subsystems—power systems, traveling systems, and leveling systems—and analyzes their technical characteristics, working principles, and scenario-specific adaptability. In alignment with China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy and the unique operational requirements of hilly–mountainous areas (such as high gradients, uneven terrain, and small field sizes), this study proposes three key technological directions for the development of intelligent agricultural machinery chassis: (1) Multi-mode traveling mechanism design: Aimed at improving terrain traversability (ground clearance ≥400 mm, obstacle-crossing height ≥ 250 mm) and traction stability (slip ratio < 15%) across diverse landscapes. (2) Coordinated control algorithm optimization: Designed to ensure stable torque output (fluctuation rate < ±10%) and maintain gradient operation efficiency (e.g., less than 15% efficiency loss on 25° slopes) through power–drive synergy while also optimizing energy management strategies. (3) Intelligent perception system integration: Facilitating high-precision adaptive leveling (accuracy ± 0.5°, response time < 3 s) and enabling terrain-adaptive mechanism optimization to enhance platform stability and operational safety. By establishing these performance benchmarks and focusing on critical technical priorities—including terrain-adaptive mechanism upgrades, energy-drive coordination, and precision leveling—this study provides a clear roadmap for the development of modular and intelligent chassis systems specifically designed for China’s hilly and mountainous regions, thereby addressing current bottlenecks in agricultural mechanization. Full article

This study addresses the challenge of solid pollutant collection in seawater pond recirculating aquaculture by designing a novel funnel-shaped sewage collection device and evaluating its performance through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental validation. The results reveal that the device forms a rotating flow field, effectively concentrating solid particles in a central low-velocity zone with a diameter of approximately 2 m when the sewage pump is inactive. The optimal bottom dip angle for efficient sewage discharge is determined to be 21 degrees, with flow velocities near the outlet ranging between 0.031 and 0.062 m per second, sufficient to mobilize particles smaller than 5 mm. Prototype testing demonstrates a solid pollutant collection efficiency of 75.7 percent, confirming the device’s practical effectiveness in improving water quality and operational performance. This research offers a validated and efficient solution for solid waste management in aquaculture systems. Full article

Background: Diacerein, a prodrug of Rhein, is commonly prescribed for the management of joint disorders, specifically osteoarthritis. This study aimed to develop and validate an LC-MS/MS method to quantify Rhein and its major metabolites, Rhein-G1 and Rhein-G2, in plasma samples. Method: An ACE C18 column was used for chromatographic separation with a mobile phase comprising ammonium acetate at a concentration of 1.0 mM and acetonitrile. Detection was achieved using a Sciex 4000 Q-Trap LC-MS/MS, operated in negative ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Results: The analytical results indicated that the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for Rhein and its glucuronides was 7.81 nM. Precision was consistently below 9.14%, while accuracy remained within the acceptable range of 80.1–104.2%. We also verified the method’s matrix effect recovery and stability variance, which were less than 12.60% and 10.37%, respectively. The pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that diacerein is swiftly metabolized into Rhein, and then Rhein subsequently undergoes glucuronidation, forming detectable concentrations of Rhein-G1 and Rhein-G2 in plasma. Conclusions: This new LC-MS/MS method proved to be both sensitive and selective, allowing for pharmacokinetic studies in rats. Full article

Antecedent soil moisture is a critical driver of hydrological and erosive processes, directly affecting runoff generation and soil loss. An accurate assessment of soil water content (SWC) variability is therefore essential for sustainable land and water management, particularly in arid and semiarid regions. This study explores the use of two emerging nuclear techniques, cosmic ray neutron sensors (CRNS) and proximal gamma ray spectroscopy (PGRS), to monitor SWC at the field scale in a semiarid agricultural field in NE Spain. Changes in soil moisture induced by a 16 mm rainfall event were monitored to evaluate the sensitivity and response of both techniques under dry and wet conditions. A stationary CRNS, located in the centre of the study field, recorded neutron counts at hourly intervals over a two-week period. Complementary PGRS surveys were conducted before and after the rainfall event, including (i) stationary measurements at the four corners of a 20 × 20 m plot, and (ii) mobile stop-and-go measurements along ten transects across the plot, with a spatial resolution of one metre. The results captured clear temporal dynamics in SWC, inferred from neutron count variations, as well as significant differences in ⁴⁰K (cps) measurements, between dry and wet conditions. These differences were observed when comparing the data from both stationary and mobile surveys conducted before and after the event. The integration of CRNS and PGRS offers complementary insights into scale, temporal dynamics and spatial variability, validating and highlighting the potential of these sensors for soil moisture monitoring. Both techniques demonstrated high sensitivity to variations in soil water content, and their complementary capabilities offer a robust, multi-scale approach with clear applications for precision agriculture and soil conservation. Full article

Introduction: Intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFFs) are the most common traumatic injuries in elderly people and significantly impact the patient’s health status. The current evidence indicates that short intramedullary nails may be a better choice than dynamic hip screws in IFF management, being less invasive and biomechanically superior, providing a buttress to limit fracture collapse. On the other hand, an unstable fracture may collapse even after adequate reduction and fixation. This paper aims to describe the surgical complexity of the nail-to-total hip arthroplasty (THA) conversion, focusing on the restoration of normal hip geometry. Material and Methods: Patients referred to our level I trauma center with failed cephalomedullary nailing following IFFs and managed with the nail-to-THA conversion were retrospectively recruited. The anteroposterior postoperative pelvis radiographs were analyzed to establish whether the normal biomechanics of the involved hip were restored. The following radiographic parameters were recorded and compared to the contralateral unaffected side: hip offset, cervical–diaphyseal angle, and limb length discrepancy. Clinical assessment was performed using the following scores: the Harris hip score (HHS) and the visual analog scale for pain (VAS). The independent samples t-test and the Pearson correlation test were performed. The tests were two-tailed; a p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 31 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria (10 males and 21 females; mean age: 76.2 years; range: 66–90 years) and were included in this study. The modes of trochanteric nail failure included the following: cut-out in 22 cases (70.97%), non-union in 4 cases (12.9%), peri-implant fracture in 1 case (3.23%), cut-through in 2 cases (6.45%), and femoral head avascular necrosis (HAN) in 2 cases (6.45%). Long stems were used in 21 patients out of 31 (67.74%), while dual-mobility cups were implanted in 24 patients out of 31 (77.41%). A significant mean neck shaft angle (NSA) increase (p < 0.001) and a significant mean femoral offset reduction (FO, p 0.001) compared to the contralateral hip were recorded; a mean limb length discrepancy (LLD) of 8.35 mm was observed. A significant correlation between HHS and ∆NSA (p = 0.01) and ∆FO (p = 0.003) was recorded. Conclusions: Conversion from a cephalomedullary nail to THA is a complex procedure that should be considered a revision surgery, rather than a primary surgery. Surgeons must be aware that normal hip geometry may not be obtained during this surgical procedure; thus, a patient undergoing the nail-to-THA conversion for intertrochanteric fixation failure may have an increased risk of implant-related complications. Full article

Background: This study presents a sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of organic acids, flavonoids, and amino acids in Mume Fructus (MF) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole linear ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS). Methods: Analysis was performed on a UPLC system (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) equipped with a quaternary pump solvent management system, an online degasser, a triple-quadrupole mass detector, and an autosampler. An Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 column (3.0 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 µm) was used for chromatographic analyses. The mobile phase was distributed between 0.2% aqueous formic acid (A) and 0.2% formic acid acetonitrile (B) at a velocity of 0.2 mL/min. The gradient evolution protocol was 0–2 min at 90–70% B; 3–7 min at 70–50% B; 7–10 min at 50–20% B; 10–14.5 min at 20–90% B; and 14.5–17 min at 10% B. Results: The method was validated for matrix effects, linearity, limits of detection/quantification, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery of target components. It effectively determined all target compounds in 12 MF batches from different drying methods. Conclusions: Principal component analysis (PCA) of 47 active components was conducted to evaluate MF quality comprehensively. The proposed method serves as a reliable approach for assessing the consistency of MF’s quality and therapeutic efficacy. Full article

Objectives: Anterior crowding in the lower jaw is a common orthodontic issue often managed through premolar extraction, which can affect facial profile development. This study aimed to evaluate skeletal and dental changes in moderate to severe crowding using a novel mandibular reference line—the Ramus Anterior Vertical (RaV)—to support treatment planning. Methods: A total of 140 patients (LII > 4 mm and < 9 mm; mean age ≈ 12.5 years) were divided into two groups (G1: extraction; G2: nonextraction; total n = 140; n = 70 per group). Skeletal and dental parameters were measured before (T0) and after (T1) orthodontic treatment using 280 lateral cephalograms. RaV was defined as a vertical line through the anterior ramus point, perpendicular to the occlusal plane. Results: Sagittal measurements relative to RaV were reproducible and unaffected by mandibular mobility. Significant vertical skeletal changes were observed in G2 females, with an increased anterior facial height (N–Sp′ and Sp′–Gn) but a stable Hasund Index. In G1, the dental arch length and distances from RaV to i5 and i6 were reduced, while second molars (i7) remained stable. Sagittal incisor axis changes (L1–NB°, SAi1°) and skeletal–dental correlations (ML–NSL, Gn–tGo–Ar) were present only in G1. Conclusions: RaV proved to be a stable mandibular reference for assessing treatment effects. In this study, premolar extraction vs. nonextraction was comparably effective, though some vertical skeletal adaptations, especially in G2 females, took place. Full article

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) results from complex anatomical and functional interactions, including urethral mobility, muscle activity, and pelvic floor support. Despite advancements in imaging and electrophysiology, a comprehensive model remains elusive. This study employed shear wave elastography (SWE), incorporating sound touch elastography (STE) and sound touch quantification (STQ) with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology, to assess urethral elasticity and bladder neck descent (BND) in women with SUI and continent controls. Between October 2024 and January 2025, 30 women (15 with SUI, 15 controls) underwent transperineal and intravaginal ultrasonography at IRCCS San Gerardo. Statistical analysis, conducted using JMP 17, revealed significantly greater BND in the SUI group (21.8 ± 7.8 mm vs. 10.5 ± 5 mm) and increased urethral stiffness (Young’s modulus: middle urethra, 57.8 ± 15.6 kPa vs. 30.7 ± 6.4 kPa; p < 0.0001). Mean urethral pressure was the strongest predictor of SUI (p < 0.0001). Findings emphasize the role of urethral support and connective tissue integrity in continence. By demonstrating SWE’s diagnostic utility, this study provides a foundation for personalized, evidence-based approaches to SUI assessment and management. Full article

In recent years, the demand for maritime wireless communication has been increasing, particularly in areas such as ship operations management, marine resource utilization, and safety assurance. However, due to the difficulty of deploying base stations(BSs), maritime communication still faces challenges in terms of limited coverage and unreliable communication quality. As the number of users on ships and offshore platforms increases, along with the growing demand for mobile communication at sea, conventional terrestrial base stations struggle to provide stable connectivity. Therefore, existing maritime communication primarily relies on satellite communication and long-range Wi-Fi. However, these solutions still have limitations in terms of cost, stability, and communication efficiency. Satellite communication solutions, such as Starlink and Iridium, provide global coverage and high reliability, making them essential for deep-sea and offshore communication. However, these systems have high operational costs and limited bandwidth per user, making them impractical for cost-sensitive nearshore communication. Additionally, geostationary satellites suffer from high latency, while low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks require specialized and expensive terminals, increasing hardware costs and limiting compatibility with existing maritime communication systems. On the other hand, 5G-based maritime communication offers high data rates and low latency, but its infrastructure deployment is demanding, requiring offshore base stations, relay networks, and high-frequency mmWave (millimeter-wave) technology. The high costs of deployment and maintenance restrict the feasibility of 5G networks for large-scale nearshore environments. Furthermore, in dynamic maritime environments, maintaining stable backhaul connections presents a significant challenge. To address these issues, this paper proposes a low-cost nearshore wireless communication solution utilizing tethered balloons as coastal base stations. Unlike satellite communication, which relies on expensive global infrastructure, or 5G networks, which require extensive offshore base station deployment, the proposed method provides a more economical and flexible nearshore communication alternative. The tethered balloon is physically connected to the coast, ensuring stable power supply and data backhaul while providing wide-area coverage to support communication for ships and offshore platforms. Compared to short-range communication solutions, this method reduces operational costs while significantly improving communication efficiency, making it suitable for scenarios where global satellite coverage is unnecessary and 5G infrastructure is impractical. Additionally, conventional uniform power allocation or channel-gain-based amplification methods often fail to meet the communication demands of dynamic maritime environments. This paper introduces a nonlinear dynamic power allocation method based on channel gain information to maximize downlink communication efficiency. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared to conventional methods, the proposed approach significantly improves downlink communication performance, verifying its feasibility in achieving efficient and stable communication in nearshore environments. Full article

In the age of digital twins, the digitalization of the urban environment is one of the key aspects in the optimization of urban management. The goal of urban digitalization is to provide a digital representation of physical infrastructure, data, information, and procedures for the management of complex anthropogenic systems. To meet this new goal, one must be able to understand the urban system through the integrated use of different methods in a multi-level approach. In this context, mobile surveying is a consolidated method for data collection in urban environments. A recent innovation, the mobile mapping system (MMS), is a versatile tool used to collect geospatial data efficiently, accurately, and quickly, with reduced time and costs compared to traditional survey methods. This system combines various technologies such as GNSS (global navigation satellite system), IMU (inertial measurement unit), LiDAR (light detection and ranging), and high-resolution cameras to map and create three-dimensional models of the surrounding environment. The aim of this study was to analyze the limitations, possible implementations, and the state of the art of MMSs for road infrastructure monitoring in order to create a DT (digital twin) for road infrastructure management, with a specific focus on extracting value-added information from a survey dataset. The case study presented here was part of the Turin Digital Twin project. In this context, an MMS was tested in a specific area to evaluate its potential and integration with other data sources, adhering to the multi-level and multi-sensor approach of the DT project. A key outcome of this work was the integration of the extracted information into a comprehensive geodatabase, transforming raw geospatial data into a structured tool that supports predictive maintenance and strategic road asset management toward DT implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The stabilization disc (SD) for orthodontic mini-implants is a novel device designed to enhance anchorage stability and minimize the risk of mini-implant mobility. The disc features a flat structure with four prongs and is crafted from biocompatible materials such as titanium or stainless steel. It provides additional support to mini-implants by improving force distribution and reducing stress concentration around the insertion site. This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical performance of mini-implants with an SD compared to without-SD mini-implants, with a specific focus on their ability to maintain anchorage under orthodontic loading conditions. Methods: A finite element analysis (FEA) model was created for a commercially available mini-implant (2.0 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length). The mandible’s anatomical structure was reconstructed in 3D from computed tomography (CT) scans using SpaceClaim software 2023.1. To simulate real-world orthodontic conditions, forces of 10 N were applied at an angle of 30°. This retrospective study explores the role of SDs in enhancing mini-implant stability by reducing displacement and optimizing stress distribution. The evaluation included analyzing von Mises stress, cortical bone deformation, and mini-implant movement under simulated orthodontic loading. Results: The results demonstrate that the SD significantly reduces maximum total displacements by over 41% and redistributes von Mises stresses more evenly across the mini-implant and surrounding bone. Cortical bone stress and deformation were reduced in cases utilizing the SD, indicating enhanced implant stability and durability. Conclusions: The stabilization disc enhances mini-implant stability by improving stress distribution and reducing deformation without requiring permanent implant modifications. Its adaptability makes it a valuable solution for managing variable bone density and high orthodontic forces, offering a promising advancement in orthodontic anchorage. Full article

Polymer-coated controlled-release fertilizers’ (CRFs) unique nutrient release mechanism has the potential to mitigate the leaching of mobile soil nutrients, such as nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N). The study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a polymer-coated CRFs to maintain maize (Zea mays L.) crop growth/health indicators and production goals, while reducing NO₃-N leaching risks compared to conventional (CONV) fertilizers in North Florida. Four CRF rates (168, 224, 280, 336 kg N ha⁻¹) were assessed against a no nitrogen (N) application and the current University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recommended CONV (269 kg N ha⁻¹) fertilizer rate. All CRF treatments, even the lowest CRF rate (168 kg N ha⁻¹), produced yields, leaf tissue N concentrations, plant heights, aboveground biomasses (AGB), and leaf area index (LAI) significantly (p < 0.05) greater than or similar to the CONV fertilizer treatment. Additionally, in 2022, the CONV fertilizer treatment resulted in increases in late-season movement of soil NO₃-N into highly leachable areas of the soil profile (60–120 cm), while none of the CRF treatments did. However, back-to-back leaching rainfall (>76.2 mm over three days) events in the 2023 growing season masked any trends as NO₃-N was likely completely flushed from the system. The results of this two-year study suggest that polymer-coated CRFs can achieve desirable crop growth, crop health, and production goals, while also having the potential to reduce the late-season leaching potential of NO₃-N; however, more research is needed to fully capture and quantify the movement of NO₃-N through the soil profile. Correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that CRF performance was significantly influenced by environmental factors such as rainfall and temperature. In 2022, temperature-driven nitrogen release aligned with crop uptake, supporting higher yields and minimizing NO₃-N movement. In 2023, however, rainfall-driven variability led to an increase in NO₃-N leaching and masked the benefits of CRF treatments. These analyses provided critical insights into the relationships between environmental factors and CRF performance, emphasizing the importance of adaptive fertilizer management under varying climatic conditions. Full article

In-cell touch and display integrated panels, along with their integrated readout systems, are widely adopted in mobile devices for their cost-effectiveness and compact design. This paper proposes an analog Gaussian-shaped filter and a current mode compensation technique for dot-matrix Touch Screen Panel (TSP) readout systems. Specifically, this article presents a noise management strategy for both intrinsic and external noise, offering simulation guidelines for determining intrinsic circuit noise levels in relation to scan time and enhancing external noise immunity through the Gaussian-shaped filter response. The system achieved an intrinsic SNR of 66 dB with a 200 kHz TSP driving frequency and a 160 μs scan time, while the 4-bit quantized Gaussian coefficients filter provided 33 dB noise suppression for out-of-band noise. The compensation error in the dot-matrix capacitance compensation was measured at 1.24 pF, which corresponds to a 0.078% deviation. The simulated power consumption of the proposed readout system is 24 mW, with a layout area of 1.017 mm² for the 10-channel readout front-end. Full article