Search Results (3,107)

This study proposes an Automatic Branch Modeling (ABM) framework that combines AdTree and AdQSM algorithms to reconstruct individual tree models and estimate timber volume from fused Hand-held Laser Scanners (HLS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laser Scanners (UAV-LS) point cloud data. The research focuses on two 50 × 50 m primary tropical rainforest plots in Hainan Island, China, characterized by dense and vertically stratified vegetation. Key steps include multi-source point cloud registration and noise removal, individual tree segmentation using the Comparative Shortest Path (CSP) algorithm, extraction of diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height, and 3D reconstruction and volume estimation via cylindrical fitting and convex polyhedron decomposition. Results demonstrate high accuracy in parameter extraction, with DBH estimation achieving R² = 0.89–0.90, RMSE = 2.93–3.95 cm and RMSE% = 13.95–14.75%, while tree height estimation yielded R² = 0.89–0.94, RMSE = 1.26–1.81 m and RMSE% = 9.41–13.2%. Timber volume estimates showed strong agreement with binary volume models (R² = 0.90–0.94, RMSE = 0.10–0.18 m³, RMSE% = 32.33–34.65%), validated by concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) of 0.95–0.97. The fusion of HLS (ground-level trunk details) and UAV-LS (canopy structure) data significantly improved structural completeness, overcoming occlusion challenges in dense forests. This study highlights the efficacy of multi-source LiDAR fusion and 3D modeling for precise forest inventory in complex ecosystems. The ABM framework provides a scalable, non-destructive alternative to traditional methods, supporting carbon stock assessment and sustainable forest management in tropical rainforests. Future work should refine individual tree segmentation and wood-leaf separation to further enhance accuracy in heterogeneous environments. Full article

Linpan ecosystems, distinct to western Sichuan, China, are integral to regional biodiversity and carbon cycling. However, comprehensive biomass estimation for these systems has not been thoroughly investigated. This study seeks to fill this gap by enhancing the accuracy and precision of biomass estimation in these ecologically vital landscapes through the application of multi-source remote sensing techniques, specifically by integrating the strengths of optical and radar remote sensing data. The focus of this research is on the forest biomass of Linpan, encompassing the tree layer, which includes the trunk, branches, leaves, and underground roots. Specifically, the research focused on the Linpan ecosystems in the Wenjiang District of western Sichuan, utilizing an integration of Sentinel-1 SAR, Sentinel-2 multispectral, and GF-2 high-resolution data for multi-source remote sensing-based biomass estimation. Through the preprocessing of these data, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to identify variables significantly correlated with the forest biomass as determined by field surveys. Ultimately, 19 key modeling factors were selected, including band information, vegetation indices, texture features, and phenological characteristics. Subsequently, three algorithms—multiple stepwise regression (MSR), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF)—were employed to model biomass across mixed-type, deciduous broadleaved, evergreen broadleaved, and bamboo Linpan. The key findings include the following: (1) Sentinel-2 spectral data and Sentinel-1 VH backscatter coefficients during the summer, combined with vegetation indices and texture features, were critical predictors, while phenological indices exhibited unique correlations with biomass. (2) Biomass displayed a marked north–south gradient, characterized by higher values in the south and lower values in the north, with a mean value of 161.97 t ha⁻¹, driven by dominant tree species distribution and management intensity. (3) The RF model demonstrated optimal performance in mixed-type Linpan (R² = 0.768), whereas the SVM was more suitable for bamboo Linpan (R² = 0.892). The research suggests that integrating multi-source remote sensing data significantly enhances Linpan biomass estimation accuracy, offering a robust framework to improve estimation precision. Full article

AI-driven agricultural automation increasingly demands efficient data generation methods for training deep learning models in autonomous robotic systems. Traditional bounding box annotation methods for agricultural objects present significant challenges including subjective boundary determination, inconsistent labeling across annotators, and physical strain from extensive mouse movements required for elongated objects. This study proposes a novel base-width standardized annotation method that utilizes the base width of a vine trunk and a support post as a reference parameter for automated bounding box generation. The method requires annotators to specify only the left and right endpoints of object bases, from which the system automatically generates standardized bounding boxes with predefined aspect ratios. Performance assessment utilized Precision, Recall, F1-score, and Average Precision metrics across vine trunks and support posts. The study reveals that vertically elongated rectangular bounding boxes outperform square configurations for agricultural object detection. The proposed method is expected to reduce time consumption from subjective boundary determination and minimize physical strain during bounding box annotation for AI-based autonomous navigation models in agricultural environments. This will ultimately enhance dataset consistency and improve the efficiency of artificial intelligence learning. Full article

Background: The Trunk of Henle and the posterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal vein (Belcher’s Vein) are consistent anatomical landmarks of the portomesenteric venous system. Their recognition is particularly relevant in robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy (RAPD), where uncinate process dissection from the portal–mesenteric axis represents the most technically demanding step. Methods: We describe a stepwise robotic surgical approach emphasizing the identification, isolation, and safe division of the Trunk of Henle and Belcher’s Vein. Intraoperative illustrations are provided to demonstrate the use of these veins as reproducible landmarks during dissection of the pancreatic head and uncinate process. Results: Incorporating these veins as key reference points facilitates precise dissection, improves vascular control, and minimizes intraoperative bleeding. Their consistent anatomical presence allows systematization of the uncinate process approach and reliable exposure of the portal–mesenteric axis. Conclusions: The Trunk of Henle and Belcher’s Vein serve as valuable venous landmarks in RAPD. Their routine identification may improve surgical safety, reduce conversion risk, and contribute to a standardized, reproducible methodology for robotic pancreatic head resection. Full article

Background: Previous research highlights the potential of Rolfing structural integration (SI)—a force-based mobilization of fascia—in modifying postural alignment and joint mobility. This retrospective cohort study builds upon prior work to explore the influence of SI on lower limb mobility, trunk symmetry, and respiratory thoracic expansion. Methods: We conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of data drawn from the archive of clinical records as in our previous publication. A total of 563 subjects (aged 18–60 years, BMI 19–29) who completed 10 SI sessions were included. Outcomes evaluated included passive hip flexion (right/left), passive knee flexion mobility (right/left), trunk length symmetry, and chest diameter at normal breath as well as in full inspiration. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: All parameters showed statistically significant improvements post-intervention (p < 0.001), including increased thoracic expansion, enhanced trunk symmetry, and improved mobility in hip joint flexion and knee flexion. Conclusions: Ten sessions of SI were associated with statistically significant improvements in lower limb mobility, trunk symmetry, and respiratory thoracic mobility. These findings support the role of SI in addressing postural and mobility-related dysfunctions through fascia-oriented mobilization. Full article

The morphological diversity of the domestic turkey is still an open question in poultry research. For this reason, a meta-analysis with 97 reports from 28 morphometric characterization studies covering 15 different turkey genotypes was carried out in the present study. Biometric measurements and indices collected from the articles were used as independent variables in three principal component analyses. The highest variance explaining power was achieved in the analysis including only biometric indices, with more than 70% in the first two principal components for both sexes. The ‘leg length’, ‘body mass’, ‘shape’, and ‘tarsus’ indices were those with higher explanatory power, the latter two particularly so in females. In addition, ‘head’ was such a high variance explaining body region, especially in males, while for females, the ‘leg’ showed high variability between breeds. The spatial representation of observations drew an interesting grouping pattern, proposing an ‘African’ and ‘Mediterranean’ trunk of turkeys based just on biometric traits. The correlation matrix showed positive and negative associations between the variables, especially stronger in females. Breast circumference was negatively correlated with weight and size traits, suggesting that turkey landraces differ in body conformation and environmental requirements. Despite data limitations, particularly in terms of available breed reports and measures taken, consistent results were obtained. The results of the present work could be common guidelines for the phenotypic characterization of turkey breeds worldwide. Full article

Inspired by the self-organizing optimization mechanisms in nature, the leaf venation of the royal water lily exhibits a hierarchically branched fractal network that combines excellent mechanical performance with lightweight characteristics. In this study, a structural bionic approach was adopted to systematically investigate the venation architecture through macroscopic morphological observation, experimental testing, 3D scanning-based reverse reconstruction, and finite element simulation. The influence of key fractal geometric parameters under vertical loading on the mechanical behavior and energy absorption capacity was analyzed. The results demonstrate that the leaf venation of the royal water lily exhibits a core-to-margin gradient fractal pattern, with vein thickness linearly decreasing along the radial direction. At each hierarchical bifurcation, the vein width is reduced to 65–75% of the preceding level, while the bifurcation angle progressively increases with branching order. During leaf development, the fractal dimension initially decreases and then increases, indicating a coordinated functional adaptation between the stiff central trunk and the compliant peripheral branches. The veins primarily follow curved trajectories and form a multidirectional interwoven network, effectively extending the energy dissipation path. Finite element simulations reveal that the fractal venation structure of the royal water lily exhibits pronounced nonlinear stiffness behavior. A smaller bifurcation angle and higher fractal branching level contribute to enhanced specific energy absorption and average load-bearing capacity. Moreover, a moderate branching length ratio enables a favorable balance between yield stiffness, ultimate strength, and energy dissipation. These findings highlight the synergistic optimization between energy absorption characteristics and fractal geometry, offering both theoretical insights and bioinspired strategies for the design of impact-resistant structures. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to assess changes in anthropometric measures, cardiometabolic markers, and physical fitness following a structured basketball training program in healthy prepubertal boys. Methods: The intervention consisted of a 6-week pre-season phase followed by a 32-week basketball training season conducted during the academic year. Training sessions were held three times per week at moderate to vigorous intensity, along with a weekly match. The participants were assessed at baseline, 6, 9, and 12 months. A reference group was evaluated at baseline for comparison. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT07007624). Results: Seventeen boys completed the program. Anthropometric assessments revealed increases in fat-free mass in the trunk and lower limbs, along with maintenance of an adequate BMI. After nine months, participants in the intervention showed significant improvements in fitness tests, including a 45% increase in Course Navette performance (p < 0.001), a 21% increase in horizontal jump performance (p = 0.001), and a 13% increase in abdominal test performance (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that a structured, school-based basketball program may enhance physical fitness and support healthy body composition maintenance in healthy-weight prepubertal boys. Full article

Transverse myelitis is a rare spinal cord condition that can cause severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. This case report describes a 16-year-old male with incomplete paraplegia due to idiopathic transverse myelitis who underwent robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) using the EKSO exoskeleton, integrated into an intensive rehabilitation programme. After one month, he showed significant improvements in gait speed, dynamic balance, effort tolerance, and trunk mobility. RAGT promoted better weight distribution and reduced compensatory patterns during ambulation. The intervention proved safe and clinically beneficial, highlighting the potential of robotic technologies as effective adjuncts in paediatric spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Full article

Apricots are affected by many abiotic and biotic factors that could negatively impact their vitality and yield, leading to branch and tree dieback. Knowledge of the microbiome composition is key to choosing the optimal measurement strategy. The effect of the two different growing systems, i.e., organic (ORG) and integrated pest management (IPM), on the apricot fungal microbiome was studied. The inner bark was used to isolate DNA, and the present fungi were analyzed using a metagenomics high-throughput sequencing (HTS) profiling approach of the data obtained based on the Illumina sequencing of the ITS1-ITS2 amplicons of the 18S rRNA gene. Of the 20 analyzed samples, Ascomycota was the dominant phylum, and Dothiomycetes was the most abundant. Basidiomycota was the less frequent, with Tremellomycetes being the predominant within this phylum. PCA analysis showed the complete separation of the samples obtained from the orchards grown under the ORG and IPM systems. Cladosporia, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, and Visniacozyma were detected in all samples, but they dominated the IPM samples. Filobasiadiales were recognized as an indicator species for ORG management, while Caliciales, Lecanorales, Lichinales, Mycosphaerellales, Myriangiales, Phacidiales, Teloschistales, and Thelebolales were identified as indicator species for IPM management. Based on the order and genus levels, a significantly higher fungal microbiome richness was detected in the ORG samples. This could be connected to the environmentally beneficial growing system applied in the orchard, but it is impossible to assess the risk of trunk disease development or premature apricot tree decline. Full article

Background: The perfusion of viscera, kidney, and spinal cord represents one of the main concerns during open repair (OR) of Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurisms (TAAAs). Passive shunting (PS) has been historically used for intraoperative distal aortic perfusion but has been progressively replaced almost entirely by partial left-sided heart or total cardiopulmonary bypass with extra-corporeal circulation (ECC). Despite several advantages of these methods, PS still has potential in mitigating some drawbacks of long extracorporeal circuits connected with centrifugal or roller pumps, such as the need for cardiac and great vessels cannulation, priming and large intravascular fluid volume shifts, high heparin dose, immunosuppressive effects, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Methods: This study prospectively analyzed data of a cohort of patients who underwent TAAA OR using a PS in a single institution. Outcomes of interest were mortality, rate of mesenteric, renal and spinal cord ischemia, cardiac complications, and intraoperative hemodynamic stability achieved in this setting. Our institutional bundle and a comprehensive literature review about the different configurations and applicability of PS for TAAA OR is also reported. The search was performed based on three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) by two independent reviewers (LS and AA) from inception to 31 December 2023, and the reported clinical results (visceral, renal, and spinal cord complications and mortality) using PS during TAAAs OR were analyzed. Results: Between March 2021 and December 2023, 51 TAAA repairs were performed and eleven patients (n = 8, 73% male; mean age 67 years, range 63–79) were operated using a PS for a total of one (9%) type I, one (9%) type II, two (18%) type III, five (45%) type IV, and two (18%) type V TAAA. In our early experience, PS was indicated for limited staff resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to treat five non-deferable cases. The sixth and seventh patients were selected for PS as they already had a functioning axillo-bifemoral bypass that was used for this purpose. For the most recent cases, PS was chosen as the primary perfusion method according to a score based on clinical and anatomical factors with ECC as a bailout strategy. Selective renal perfusion with cold (4 °C) Custodiol solution was the method of choice for renal protection in all cases while antegrade perfusion of the coeliac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery was assured by PS through a loop graft (8–10mm) proximally anastomosed to the axillary artery (10 patients, 90.9%) or the descending thoracic aorta (one patient, 9%) and distally anastomosed to the infrarenal aorta (3), common iliac (3), or femoral vessels (5). In-hospital mortality was 9% as one patient died on the 10th postoperative day from mesenteric ischemia following hemodynamic instability; permanent spinal cord ischemia rate was 0% and the rate of AKI stage 3 was 9% (one patient). Bailout shifting to ECC was never required. No cardiac complications, nor a significant increase in serum CK-MB were reported in any patient. No prolonged severe intraoperative hypotension episodes (Mean Arterial Pressure < 50 mmHg) were assessed using the Software Acumen Analytics (Edwards LifeSciences, Irvine CA, USA). No peri-operative coagulopathy nor major bleeding was reported. Conclusions: Our experience showed satisfactory outcomes with the use of PS in specifically selected cases. Current data indicate that PS may represent an alternative to ECC techniques during TAAAs OR in high volume centers where assisted extracorporeal circulation could eventually be applied as a bailout strategy. However, due to the small sample size of this and previously published series, more data are needed to clearly define the potential role of such approach during TAAA OR. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify the functional adaptations that enable competitive performance in a Paralympic cyclist with optimized bilateral transtibial prostheses compared to a conventional cyclist. Additionally, it describes the development of the prosthesis, designed through a user-centered engineering process incorporating Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and topological optimization, with the final design (Design 1.4) achieving optimal structural integrity, aerodynamic efficiency, and anatomical fit. Methods: Both athletes performed a progressive cycling test with 50-watt increments every three minutes until exhaustion. Cardiorespiratory metrics, lactate thresholds, and joint kinematics were assessed. Results: Although the conventional cyclist demonstrated higher Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max) and anaerobic threshold, the Paralympic cyclist exceeded 120% of his predicted VO₂max, had a higher Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) [1.32 vs. 1.11], and displayed greater joint ranges of motion with lower trunk angular variability. Lactate thresholds were similar between athletes. Conclusions: These findings illustrate, in this specific case, that despite lower aerobic capacity, the Paralympic cyclist achieved comparable performance through efficient biomechanical and physiological adaptations. Integrating advanced prosthetic design with individualized evaluation appears essential to optimizing performance in elite adaptive cycling. Full article

Background/Objectives: Archery is a technical sport involving repetitive and asymmetrical movements that requires trunk stability to enable good performance of the upper extremities. Being an asymmetrical sport, imbalances between sides might appear in the abdominal and back muscles. To assess trunk muscle function and symmetry in young competitive archers. Methods: Analyzing pre-season screening evaluation tests from medical files. This included an ultrasound examination of back and abdominal muscles (transverse abdominus and internal oblique) during rest and contraction and trunk muscle clinical strength tests. Results: Data on 15 elite archery athletes (mean age 17.2 (±2.7) years) were included. No athletes reported low back pain. No differences were found between the dominant and non-dominant sides in all outcome measurements (absolute thickness and percentage difference). Internal oblique muscle thickness during rest and contraction for the dominant side was higher in males compared with females (p < 0.05). The back muscles were more symmetrical than the abdominal muscles. Conclusions: Despite the asymmetrical functional demands of sport archery, young athletes displayed trunk muscle symmetry, particularly in their back muscles. While some variability in abdominal muscle asymmetry was observed, these differences were not statistically significant. Full article

Background: This study investigated whether diaphragmatic breathing intervention could lead to acute improvements in trunk and shoulder mobility and pulmonary function in healthy young adults. Methods: Twenty-six physically active males (aged 24.3 ± 2.0 years, body height of 182.9 ± 6.4 cm, and body weight of 82.8 ± 10.4 kg) were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group underwent a 22 min diaphragmatic breathing intervention in a lying position. The control group lay passively, breathing naturally. Mobility assessments (chest expansion, thoracic spine rotation, lateral trunk flexion, and shoulder girdle mobility) and pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second and their ratio) were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Only experimental group showed significant improvements after the intervention (p ≤ 0.01) in the chest expansion (+22.2%, ES = 0.62), thoracic spine rotation (+21.7%, ES = 0.76 on the left and +23.3%, ES = 0.84 on the right side), lateral trunk flexion (+11.7%, ES = 0.62 on the left and +15.4%, ES = 1 on the right side), shoulder girdle mobility (+20.2%, ES = 0.44 on the left and +21.5%, ES = 0.38 on the right side), forced vital capacity (+4.7%, ES = 0.39) and reduction (p ≤ 0.01) in ratio between forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity (−4.6%, ES = 0.47). Conclusion: The results revealed that a 22 min diaphragmatic breathing intervention could immediately improve trunk and shoulder mobility and pulmonary function, likely due to anatomical relationships and more efficient use of respiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm. Full article

(1) Background: Upper limb (UL) function plays a central role in daily life, enabling essential tasks such as reaching, grasping, and eating. While numerous tools exist to evaluate UL kinematics, their application in pediatric populations is often limited by a lack of age-specific validation. This study presents a novel motion analysis protocol featuring a customized marker set, aimed at assessing UL movements in the three anatomical planes across different age groups, with a focus on pediatric applicability. (2) Materials and Methods: A SmartDX motion capture system was used, with 30 markers positioned on the upper body, referencing the trunk as the root of the kinematic chain. Ten healthy participants (mean age: 18.69 ± 12.45 years; range: 8.0–41.4) without UL impairments were recruited. The broad age range was intentionally selected to assess the protocol’s transversal applicability. (3) Results: Results showed excellent intra-operator reliability for shoulder and wrist kinematics (ICC > 0.906) and good reliability for elbow movements (ICC > 0.755). Inter-operator reliability was good to excellent (shoulder ICC > 0.958; elbow ICC > 0.762; wrist ICC > 0.826) Usability, measured via the System Usability Scale, was rated as good (83.25). (4) Conclusions: The proposed protocol demonstrated strong reliability and practical usability, supporting its adoption in clinical and research settings. Its design allows for adaptability across motion capture platforms, promoting wider implementation in pediatric UL functional assessment. Full article