Search Results (6,114)

Background: Augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) promise to enhance anatomical understanding, spatial orientation, and workflow in cardiac surgery. Their clinical adoption remains limited and the translational path is incompletely defined. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted by two independent reviewers from database inception through July 2025 and identified peer-reviewed, English-language articles describing peri- or intra-operative AR/MR applications in cardiac surgery. Relevant clinical, preclinical, technical, and review articles were selected for inclusion based on scope and content. Given the narrative approach and heterogeneity across studies, findings were synthesized qualitatively into application domains. Results: Fourteen studies were included. Five domains emerged: (1) preoperative planning and patient-specific modelling—MR enhanced spatial orientation and planning for minimally invasive and valve procedures; (2) intraoperative navigation and visualization—AR improved targeting and interpretation with preclinical overlay errors ≈ 5 mm; (3) physiological/functional guidance—thermographic AR detected ischemia in vivo with strong correlation to invasive thermometry; (4) robotic integration and workflow optimization—AR-guided port placement and stepwise robotic adoption supported the feasibility of totally endoscopic CABG; (5) AR-based early rehabilitation. Conclusions: Early clinical and preclinical evidence supports AR/MR feasibility and utility for visualization and orientation in cardiac surgery. Priorities include deformable, motion-compensated registration, ergonomic integration with robotic platforms, and multicentre trials powered for operative efficiency and patient outcomes. Full article

Airport digital transformation is commonly approached through technological integration and data-driven optimization, yet such perspectives provide limited insight into system-level reasoning and governance. This paper introduces the cognitive airport paradigm (CAP) as a mathematically grounded framework that models the airport as a domain-specific cognitive digital twin within a complex aviation ecosystem. Methodologically, the study follows a conceptual–analytical and design-science research approach, combining system analysis, conceptual modeling, ontology engineering, and formal mathematical representation of cognitive transitions and governance constraints. CAP represents airport cognition as an explicit state space characterized by cognitive maturity, governance integrity, and semantic stability. Analytical reasoning, adaptive learning, and orchestration mechanisms are formalized through instrument dominance profiles and cognitive performance functionals, enabling analytical comparison of airport configurations and identification of cognitive regimes. The results include (i) a formalization of airports as cognitive digital twins with measurable cognitive and governance properties; (ii) quantitative indices such as the cognitive readiness index, governance integrity index, and ethical alignment coefficient supporting structured evaluation of airport cognitive maturity; and (iii) illustrative expert-based parameterizations and a geometric interpretation in a cognitive simplex demonstrating that governance-oriented orchestration stabilizes airport cognition under increasing system complexity. Airport development is interpreted as continuous cognitive evolution rather than discrete stages of digitalization. The paper further proposes a cognitive roadmap for guiding airport evolution through structured cognitive rebalancing. The framework contributes to the theoretical foundations of cognitive digital twins and is transferable to other safety-critical and institutionally governed socio-technical systems. Full article

Reverse engineering (RE) is essential in the automotive and aerospace industries for reconstructing high-precision components, such as exhaust valves, when design documentation is unavailable. However, different measurement methods introduce varied errors that can affect engine performance and safety. This study presents a comparative analysis of contact and optical measurement systems—specifically the CMM Accura II (ZEISS Group, Oberkochen, Germany), Mahr MarSurf XC 20 (Esslingen am Neckar, Germany), GOM Scan 1 (ZEISS/GOM, Braunschweig/Oberkochen, Germany) and MCA-II with an MMD×100 laser head (Nikon Metrology, Leuven, Belgium)—to assess their accuracy in reconstructing exhaust valve geometry. The research procedure involved measuring global surface deviations and critical functional parameters, including stem diameter, straightness, and seat angle. The results indicate that tactile methods (CMM and Mahr) provide significantly higher accuracy and lower dispersion than optical methods. The Mahr system was the most effective for stem precision, while the CMM was the only system to pass the seat angle tolerance requirement unambiguously. In contrast, the MCA-II laser system failed to meet the required precision–mechanical tolerances. The findings suggest that an optimal industrial strategy should adopt a hybrid methodology: utilizing rapid optical scanning (GOM) for general geometry and high-precision tactile systems (CMM, Mahr) for critical functional features. This approach can reduce total inspection time by 30–40% while ensuring technical safety and preventing catastrophic engine failures. Full article

With the increasing deployment of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the recycling of these materials has become an urgent necessity. Specifically, the reclamation of lithium iron phosphate cathode materials presents a significant challenge in the recycling process. In this study, we proposed an efficient low-temperature hydrothermal direct regeneration method aimed at repairing lithium vacancies and Fe/Li inversion defects in spent lithium iron phosphate resulting from prolonged cycling. By using this method, spent lithium iron phosphate was successfully regenerated through a hydrothermal process conducted at 80 °C for 6 h, utilizing hydrazine hydrate (N₂H₄·H₂O) as a potent reducing agent and lithium hydroxide (LiOH·H₂O) as the lithium source. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, coupled with Rietveld refinement, revealed a substantial reduction in the concentration of Fe/Li anti-site defects in the spent material, decreasing from 8.8% to 3.3% following regeneration. Consequently, the electrochemical performance was significantly restored. The initial specific discharge capacity increased from 118.0 mAh·g⁻¹ to 150.3 mAh·g⁻¹, and the capacity retention after 100 cycles (at 1 C) improved from 67.5% to 90.7%. The hydrothermal regeneration process introduced in this work effectively repairs the material structure and restores the active valence state of iron, thereby significantly enhancing lithium-ion diffusion and electron transport capabilities. This approach constitutes a technically viable solution for the efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries. Full article

The liner temperature distribution of an aero-engine combustor is a critical parameter for evaluating its cooling effectiveness. It provides essential guidance for designing the combustor cooling flow field, assessing combustion performance, identifying critical regions, and predicting service life. However, current research on surface temperature field measurements in real or model aero-engine combustors remains limited. Existing studies focus primarily on the liner temperature measurement under near-steady-state conditions, with less attention to its dynamic changes. This study employs Laser-Induced Phosphorescence (LIP) thermometry to measure the effusion-cooled liner temperature field of an aero-engine model combustor under various CH₄/Air swirling premixed flame conditions and varying blowing ratios. Based on the geometric characteristics of the effusion-cooled liner, an optimization method for matching phosphorescence images of different wavelengths is proposed. This enhances the applicability of phosphorescence intensity ratio-based LIP thermometry in high-vibration environments. The study specifically focuses on the dynamic response of LIP thermometry for monitoring combustor liner temperature. The instantaneous effects of blowing ratio variations on liner temperature rise rates were investigated. Additionally, the influence mechanisms of a broad range of combustion conditions and the blowing ratios on the combustor liner temperature distribution and cooling effectiveness were examined. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for cooling design and dynamic liner temperature field measurement in real aero-engine combustors. Full article

Background: Sigmoid volvulus is a time-critical cause of large-bowel obstruction. While endoscopic detorsion (ED) is the primary intervention for rapid decompression and the assessment of mucosal viability, reported success, recurrence, and mortality rates vary significantly across the literature, complicating evidence-based clinical decision-making. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines (protocol submitted to PROSPERO). MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase were searched from inception to 20 October 2025, supplemented by manual reference screening. We included original prospective or retrospective studies (n ≥ 5) reporting outcomes after ED for sigmoid volvulus, specifically technical success, post-ED recurrence, or mortality. Pooled proportions were estimated using a DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model on the logit scale, with heterogeneity quantified using I² statistics. Administrative database studies were summarized descriptively and excluded from the quantitative synthesis to minimize selection bias. Results: Nineteen studies (2004–2025) met the inclusion criteria from an initial 890 records. Fifteen studies (n = 1738) contributed to the analysis of technical success, yielding a pooled estimate of 80.0% (95% CI: 75.0–83.0%; I² = 87.5%). Seventeen studies (n = 3285) reported recurrence following initially successful ED, with a pooled rate of 33.9% (95% CI: 19.5–52.1%; I² = 97.5%). Sixteen studies (n = 2790) reported mortality; the pooled estimate was 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7–26.4%; I² = 99.6%). This extreme heterogeneity likely reflects variations in patient comorbidities (case-mix) and differing outcome reporting windows rather than procedural risk in isolation. Conclusions: ED is an effective first-line stabilizing intervention for uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus; however, recurrence rates remain high, and outcome estimates exhibit significant heterogeneity. ED should be integrated within a structured clinical pathway that prioritizes standardized mucosal assessment, post-procedural decompression, and the timely planning of definitive management when feasible. Full article

Heavy-duty vehicles dominate global freight movement and primarily rely on fossil-derived diesel fuel. However, fluctuations in crude oil prices and evolving emissions regulations have prompted interest in alternative powertrains to enhance fleet energy resiliency. This study paired real-world operational data from a large commercial fleet with high-fidelity vehicle models to evaluate the potential for replacing diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks with alternative powertrain architectures. The baseline vehicle for this analysis is a diesel-powered ICE truck. Alternatives include ICE trucks fueled by bio- and renewable diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG) or hydrogen (H₂), as well as plug-in hybrid (PHEV), fuel cell electric (FCEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV). While most alternative powertrains resulted in some payload capacity loss, the overall fleetwide impact was negligible due to underutilized payload capacity for the specific fleet considered in this study. For sleeper cab trucks, CNG-powered trucks achieved the highest replacement potential, covering 85% of the fleet. In contrast, H₂ and BEV architectures could replace fewer than 10% and 1% of trucks, respectively. Day cab trucks, with shorter daily routes, showed higher replacement potential: 98% for CNG, 78% for H₂, and 34% for BEVs. However, achieving full fleet replacement would still require significant operational changes such as route reassignment and enroute refueling, along with considerable improvements to onboard energy storage capacity. Additionally, the higher total cost of ownership (TCO) for alternative powertrains remains a key challenge. This study also evaluated lifecycle impacts across various fuel sources, both fossil and bio-derived. Bio-derived synthetic diesel fuels emerged as a practical option for diesel displacement without disrupting operations. Conversely, H₂ and electrified powertrains provide limited lifecycle impacts under the current energy scenario. This analysis highlights the complexity of replacing diesel ICE trucks with admissible alternatives while balancing fleet resiliency, operational demands, and emissions goals. These results reflect a US-based fleet’s duty cycles, payloads, GVWR allowances, and an assumption of depot-only refueling/recharging. Applicability to other fleets and regions may differ based on differing routing practices or technical features such as battery swapping. Full article

The study of the mechanical response and crack propagation behaviour of H-shaped beam-column specimens is of great significance for ensuring the safety and stability of buildings. As a connection structure that has gained ubiquity in modern shopping malls and high-rise buildings, an in-depth exploration of the failure mechanisms of H-shaped beam-column components will facilitate more accurate technical support for building maintenance and service life prediction. The present study employs a combination of drop-weight impact tests and the caustic method to systematically investigate the dynamic fracture characteristics of H-shaped beam-column joints under various prefabricated crack configurations. The results demonstrate that the number and location of cracks in H-shaped beam-column specimens have a significant impact on the propagation path and velocity. Specifically, beam-end cracks are prone to bifurcation, while column-end cracks predominantly initiate from the beam-column intersection. This phenomenon is particularly evident in specimens with prefabricated cracks at both the beam ends and column ends. The propagation of cracks at the beam ends is arrested due to the presence of compressive stress when they reach the beam-column intersection. During this period, the stress intensity of the column-end cracks increases significantly, with a growth rate of 33%. Full article

Smart microgrids are localized energy systems that integrate distributed energy resources, such as photovoltaics (PVs) and battery storage, to optimize energy use, enhance reliability, and minimize environmental impacts. This paper investigates the operation of a smart microgrid installed at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) campus in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. The system, consisting of PVs and battery storage, operates under a zero feed-in scheme, which maximizes on-site self-consumption while preventing electricity exports to the main grid. With increasing PV penetration and growing grid congestion, this scheme is an increasingly relevant strategy for microgrid operations, including university campuses. A properly sized PV–battery microgrid operating under zero feed-in operation can remain financially viable over its lifetime, while additionally it can achieve significant environmental benefits. The study performed at the HMU Campus utilizes measured hourly data of load demand, solar irradiance, and ambient temperature, while PV and battery components were modeled based on real technical specifications. The study evaluates the system using financial and environmental performance metrics, specifically net present value (NPV) and annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, complemented by sensitivity analyses for battery technology (lead–carbon and lithium-ion), load demand levels, varying electricity prices, and projected reductions in lithium-ion battery costs over the coming years. The findings indicate that the microgrid can substantially reduce grid electricity consumption, achieving annual GHG emission reductions exceeding 600 tons of CO₂. From a financial perspective, the optimal configuration consisting of a 760 kWp PV array paired with a 1250 kWh lead–carbon battery system provides a system autonomy of 46% and achieves an NPV of EUR 1.41 million over a 25-year horizon. Higher load demands and electricity prices increase the NPV of the optimal system, whereas lower load demands enhance the system’s autonomy. The anticipated reduction in lithium-ion battery costs over the next 5–10 years is expected to provide improved financial results compared to the base-case scenario. These results highlight the techno-economic viability of zero feed-in microgrids and provide valuable insights for the planning and deployment of similar systems in regions with increasing renewable penetration and grid constraints. Full article

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a noninvasive therapeutic tool with promising clinical applications in veterinary clinical surgery. Its mechanism of action is based on the stimulation of cellular processes through low-intensity light, promoting adenosine triphosphate production, inflammatory modulation, and tissue regeneration. This narrative review examines the current state of knowledge on the use of PBM in veterinary surgical contexts, with an emphasis on its clinical application in wound healing, postoperative pain control, and functional recovery. The physiological foundations of the technique, the main technical parameters that determine its effectiveness (wavelength, dose, frequency, and mode of application), and the available clinical evidence from different specialties such as soft tissue surgery, orthopedics, dentistry, and neurosurgery are analyzed. Current limitations, such as the lack of standardized protocols and their limited inclusion in clinical guidelines, are also addressed, as are future opportunities related to treatment personalization, the development of specific veterinary devices, and integration with emerging technologies. PBM represents a safe and effective adjuvant therapeutic strategy with the potential to become an integral part of veterinary postoperative management. Full article

The H2IOSC project aims to establish a federated cluster of European distributed research infrastructures involved in the humanities and cultural heritage sectors, with operating nodes across Italy. Through four key RIs—DARIAH-IT, CLARIN, OPERAS, and E-RIHS—the project promotes collaboration among researchers with interdisciplinary expertise. Within this framework, DIGILAB functions as the digital access platform for the Italian node of E-RIHS. Conceived as a socio-technical infrastructure for the Heritage Science community, DIGILAB is designed to manage heterogeneous data and metadata through advanced knowledge graph representations. The platform adheres to the FAIR principles and supports the complete data lifecycle, enabling the development and maintenance of Heritage Digital Twins. DIGILAB integrates diverse categories of information related to cultural sites and objects, encompassing historical and artistic datasets, diagnostic analyses, 3D models, and real-time monitoring data. This monitoring capability is achieved through the deployment of cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and large-scale Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). As part of DIGILAB, we developed SENNSE (v1.0), a fully open hardware/software platform dedicated to environmental and structural monitoring. SENNSE allows the remote, real-time observation and control of cultural heritage sites (collecting microclimatic parameters such as temperature, humidity, noise levels) and of cultural objects (collecting object-specific data including vibrations, light intensity, and ultraviolet radiation). The visualization and analytical tools integrated within SENNSE transform these datasets into actionable insights, thereby supporting advanced research and conservation strategies within the Cultural Heritage domain. In the following sections, we provide a detailed description of the SENNSE platform, outlining its hardware components and software modules, and discussing its benefits. Furthermore, we illustrate its application through two representative use cases: one conducted in a controlled laboratory environment and another implemented in a real-world heritage context, exemplified by the “Biblioteca Bernardini” in Lecce, Italy. Full article

Clear aligners are a popular alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances; however, technical data on the optimal final aligner shell thickness for directly printed aligners remain limited. This in vitro experimental pilot study evaluated the mechanical response of patient-specific, directly 3D-printed aligners of four nominal shell thicknesses (0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 mm) fabricated from BioMed Clear resin. A single subject with dental crowding was scanned and a set of aligner shells was designed and printed (n = 3 per thickness). Compressive tests up to 1000 N were performed and compressive extension (mm) recorded; group means ± SD were compared by means of one-way ANOVA. No statistically significant differences in compressive extension were found among the four thickness groups (ANOVA, F(3,8) = 2.242, p = 0.161). The 0.08 mm group showed a lower mean compressive extension in this dataset, but the difference did not reach statistical significance; given the small sample size and single-subject nature of the study, this result should be considered exploratory. This recent study clarifies printing and post-processing parameters and highlights limitations and directions for future work. Full article

In vitro models for animal experiments serve as a crucial bridge connecting basic research and clinical translation, and their developmental history profoundly reflects the paradigm shifts in life science research. This article’s narrative reviews the evolutionary path from traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture to advanced three-dimensional (3D) organoid technology, focusing on how organoid technology overcomes the limitations of traditional models in terms of physiological relevance, species specificity, and ethical constraints. The review article elaborates on the current state of organoid research in veterinary science, including the construction of models for organs such as the intestine, liver, and reproductive system in livestock and companion animals. Addressing existing technical bottlenecks—such as insufficient model complexity, lack of standardization, and difficulties in simulating vascularization and the immune microenvironment—future development directions are proposed, including multi-organ chips, AI-assisted analysis, and the integration of gene editing. Research indicates that with the deep integration of cutting-edge technologies such as biomaterials, microfluidics, 3D printing, and AI, organoid technology is progressively becoming a core driver for advancing veterinary precision medicine, holding broad application prospects. Full article

Most pediatric exoskeletons for cerebral palsy (CP) focus on lower-limb assistance and neglect trunk control, limiting rehabilitation outcomes. This study presents a self-aligning trunk–limb exoskeleton that integrates trunk stabilization with active lower-limb support. The design includes a hip–waist rapid adjustment mechanism, a bioinspired gear-rolling knee joint, modular thigh–shank structures, a trunk support module, and a body-weight support device. To enable transparent and coordinated assistance under pathological gait conditions, a continuous gait progress-based multi-joint control framework is developed. Joint motion is described as continuous gait progress over the full gait cycle (0–100%), and joint-specific progress estimates are fused into a unified system-level reference using observability-weighted circular statistics. Inter-joint coordination is achieved through phase-consistency-based temporal modulation implemented, enabling smooth synchronization while preserving joint-level autonomy and motion continuity. Technical evaluation—comprising kinematic misalignment analysis, simulation validation, and gait trials—demonstrated a 66.8% reduction in hip misalignment and an 87.4% reduction in knee misalignment. Gait parameters under exoskeleton-assisted walking closely matched baseline walking, confirming natural kinematic preservation without interference. These results indicate that the proposed trunk–limb exoskeleton improves human–robot synergy, enhances postural stability, and provides a promising solution for pediatric gait rehabilitation in CP. Full article

Unconventional low-permeability reservoirs present significant production challenges due to the poor imbibition and displacement efficiency of conventional polymer fracturing fluids. The injection of nanoparticle (NP) compounds into polymer fracturing fluid base systems, such as linear gels or slickwater, has garnered significant research interest due to their superior performance. However, previous studies have primarily focused on evaluating the fluid’s properties, while its imbibition and oil displacement mechanisms within reservoirs remain unclear. Herein, the imbibition mechanism of nanoparticle composite polymer fracturing fluid was systematically investigated from macro and micro perspectives using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), interfacial rheology, and other technical means. The results showed that the imbibition recovery using polymer fracturing fluid was 10.91% higher than that achieved with conventional slickwater. Small and medium pores were identified as the primary contributors to oil drainage. Nanoparticles can be adsorbed on the rock wall in the deep reservoir to realize wettability reversal from oil-wet to water-wet, reducing crude oil adhesion. Furthermore, a strong interaction between the adsorbed NPs and cleanup agents at the oil–water interface was observed, which reduces interfacial tension to 0.95 mN·m⁻¹, mitigates the Jamin effect, and enhances interfacial film deformability. NPs increase the interfacial dilatational modulus from 6.0 to 14.4 mN·m⁻¹, accelerating fluid exchange and oil stripping. This work provides a consolidated mechanistic framework linking NP-induced interfacial modifications to enhanced pore-scale drainage, offering a scientific basis for designing next-generation fracturing fluids. We conclude that NP-compound systems hold strong potential for low-permeability reservoir development, and future efforts must focus on optimizing NP parameters for specific reservoir conditions and overcoming scalability challenges for field deployment. Full article