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Through rational design and elaborate preparation, simple materials can be evolved into microstructures with 3D morphology. Benefiting from their unique morphology and composition, these 3D microstructures exhibit exceptional optic/electric properties that surpass those of their building blocks. Self‐assembly relies on control of liquid behavior and morphology, and can efficiently aggregate building blocks into ordered microstructures. However, under the principle of surface energy minimization, the self‐assembled microstructures are constrained by limited morphology and monotonous component. Herein, the assembly of microstructures with controllable morphology and composite components is achieved, through effectively controlling 3D liquid behaviors and morphologies using 2D heterogeneous wettability. It is revealed that the heterogeneous wettability surface can induce stepwise liquid behaviors, which rapidly split suspension into isolated liquid bridges, then gradually shrink for 3D assembly. Through surface wettability control, this strategy not only extends into a printing‐like approach to deposit microstructures on target surface, but also facilitates the fabrication of composite microstructures with multi‐components. Taking advantage of the 3D morphology, the heterogeneous wettability, and the multi‐components, the resulting composite microstructures exhibits ultra‐sensitive detection capability. It is anticipated that this 2D‐shaping‐3D strategy opens a facile avenue to fabricate hierarchical microstructures for optic/electronic and sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methodology Results Conclusions Stoma education is an essential part of perioperative management in colorectal surgery. Recently, three‐dimensional (3D) printed stoma models have been developed as useful adjuncts to conventional stoma teaching. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the introduction of a 3D stoma model education programme on patients undergoing elective robotic total mesorectal excision (TME).Between April 2021 and October 2021, 12 patients who underwent elective robotic TME in Queen Elizabeth Hospital were recruited into the 3D stoma model education programme. They were compared with 30 patients who had robotic TME before the introduction of the programme from January 2020 to December 2020. Their demographics, length of stay, self‐stoma care skills, and feedback regarding the programme were reviewed.There was a reduction of 2.7 days in the mean length of stay before (10.8 days) and after (8.1 days) the introduction of the 3D stoma model education programme. A statistically significant difference was observed (P = .0236). The programme was well received among participants. All patients agreed that it relieved their anxiety, increased their understanding and confidence in self‐stoma care, and enhanced their self‐stoma care ability. This was supported by their excellent performance in the first post‐operative stoma care session, where their stoma care skills were assessed by a stoma nurse specialist.Preliminary results from our 3D stoma model education programme for patients undergoing elective robotic TME are promising. The use of 3D stoma models may contribute to a shorter length of hospital stay and self‐stoma care proficiency, and are well accepted by patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicones added with nano‐sized alumina particles are already known as starting materials for phase pure mullite ceramics, synthesized at quite low temperatures. The present paper deals with a fundamental upgrade, based on a novel suspension‐emulsion concept, for the easy fabrication of highly porous lattice structures. An aqueous suspension of γ‐Al2O3 nanoparticles in water was first distributed as emulsion within an “oily phase,” consisting of a silicone/acrylates blend, with the help of a surfactant. The mixture was later employed to fabricate highly porous structures (∼80% open porosity), by direct ink writing, that is, an extrusion‐based 3D printing technology requiring specific rheological behavior of the feedstock ink. Finally, the structures were rapidly stabilized through a photo‐polymerization step (configuring a form of “hybrid” direct ink writing). The presence of water also allowed the application of a freeze‐curing procedure, for a second series of samples. The abundant water vapor release from the starting mixtures, upon firing (up to 1300°C), led to structures with enhanced pore interconnectivity. The freeze‐curing protocol proved beneficial to the homogeneity of pore distribution and to the achievement of high strength‐to‐density ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate implant placement is essential for achieving successful outcomes. To aid in this, digitally designed surgical guides have been introduced. Both closed-sleeve and open-sleeve designs are commonly utilized. However, the closed-sleeve design has limitations with restricted interocclusal distance, interference with irrigation, and limited visibility, while the open-sleeve design is known to be less accurate. To address these limitations, a new slope-sleeve design was introduced. This design reduces the interocclusal distance requirement compared to the closed-sleeve design and provides improved accuracy. A constraint model with a 31 mm interocclusal distance was created, and three types of surgical guides (closed, open, and slope), printed using either a PolyJet or Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printer, were tested on resin bone blocks. Horizontal and angular deviations were measured for the accuracy of each guide after drilling, with data analyzed using one-way ANOVA and independent t-tests. The slope-sleeve design showed significantly lower horizontal and angular deviations in wide-sized guides. Additionally, PolyJet-printed guides showed higher accuracy compared to DLP-printed guides. The slope-sleeve guide offers enhanced stability and precision in restricted interarch spaces. When coupled with high-precision 3D printing technologies like PolyJet, the slope-sleeve design provides a reliable solution for improving implant placement accuracy in challenging clinical scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of the printing press in the monastery of Fitero, located in the southern part of the Kingdom of Navarre (today Spain), is examined. In 1606, following a purchase, a press was installed along with all its necessary tools and several works were produced, including Exordia sacri ordinis cisterciensis. Two previously unknown prints from 1607 have recently been discovered. These previously unrecognized bibliographical testimonies serve as evidence of the monks’ use of the printing press while simultaneously enabling us to trace the stay of Esteban Liberós in the monastery as a printer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Globality Without Mobility: Ephemera, 1830s–1860s" from the Journal of World History explores the history of globalization in the nineteenth century through the lens of ephemera, focusing on single-page prints that circulated in Tokugawa Japan. These prints, known as imitation rankings, captured disasters, calamities, and societal changes in a concise and visually appealing manner. The article highlights how these ephemera, despite being locally produced and consumed, reflect global trends in the circulation of information and the transformation of print culture. The study sheds light on the interconnectedness of global publishers facing similar challenges and devising innovative tactics to navigate a rapidly changing world. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: In oral rehabilitation, a full mouth minimal invasive treatment can represent a major challenge for the patient and the dentist. The purpose of this article is to present a new technique to restore eroded teeth and recover the vertical dimension with a simple and predictable technique. Clinical Considerations: Occlusal tabletop restorations are a suitable conservative option to restore anatomy and vertical dimension augmentation but highly sensitive. The cementation of those restorations without stable landmarks, the cement excess removal, the insertion path, or the time needed are some of the difficulties can be faced. Now a days with the new CAD‐CAM techniques is possible to develop a new occlusal tabletop manufacturing alternative utilizing 3D‐printed technology by unifying the restorations with a customized connector that allows us to print several onlays at same time, as a single object, also being cemented at once. Conclusions: This protocol reduces the technique sensitivity of a vertical dimension oral rehabilitation process, reduce the chair time, enhancing the patient‐comfort and delivers a unique way to restore dental lost anatomy as a definitive or temporary way with printing materials. Clinical Significance: With the advent of new CAD‐CAM 3D printing materials, which are increasingly versatile and gaining favor among clinicians, it is now possible to address complex clinical situations with greater predictability. This technology enables the development of treatment solutions that are both effective and efficient, consequently reducing clinical time for the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Materials and Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate and compare the survival rates of 3D‐printed and chairside milled resin polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) immediate temporary provisional full‐arch implant restorations using prosthetic survival as the primary outcome.Records of 335 routine patients receiving 443 temporary six‐implant retained maxillary or mandibular prosthetic restorations between January 2019 and January 2022 at a private clinic (Dr Sobczak Clinical Centre, Radosc, Poland) were considered for this retrospective analysis. The analysis compared prosthetic and implant failure rates between printed and milled restorations as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Patient‐related and treatment‐related characteristics between groups were compared using the Chi‐square test and Mann–Whitney U‐test, respectively. Group‐specific cumulative prosthetic survival was qualitatively and quantitively compared using Kaplan–Meier, generalized linear mixed models and univariate cox proportional hazard analyses. Prosthetic survival was set into context to implant survival using Chi‐square tests. A multivariable cox proportional hazards model with frailty was used to identify confounding factors affecting prosthetic survival.Prosthetic failure rates of milled and printed temporary restorations were 13.01% and 11.25% over the average follow‐up period of 307.7 ± 115.5 days, respectively. The corresponding 180‐day cumulative prosthetic survival rates were 92.4% and 93%. Hazard ratios for the prosthetic failure of milled and printed restorations did not show a statistical difference (p = 0.794). Implant failure rates in restorations that experienced prosthetic failure (17.31%) were higher compared to restorations without failures (5.63%), with a 3.2 times significantly higher odds of failure for a prosthesis experiencing implant loss (p = 0.003). Gender, presence of teeth at treatment baseline, smoking, and bone augmentation were identified as confounding factors impacting prosthetic survival.Chairside 3D‐printed restorations may represent an equivalent treatment modality to established chairside milled restorations for immediate full‐arch therapy. Provisional prosthetic survival may impact implant survival and treatment success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to shorten the process of textile printing with natural dyes, develop new methods, and improve the color fastness and quality of printed products, this study presents a novel approach by synthesizing a natural complex dye through the interaction between purpurin and Fe2+ ions, resulting in a compound named purpurin–Fe2+ (P-Fe). This synthesized complex dye was meticulously characterized using state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry, and scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The characterization confirmed the successful complexation of purpurin with Fe2+ ions. The prepared complex dye P-Fe was used for the printing of silk fabric. The optimized printing process involves steaming at a temperature of 100 °C for a duration of 20 min. In comparison to fabrics printed using direct dyes, the K/S values of the fabric printed with the P-Fe complex showed a significant enhancement, with all color fastness ratings achieving grade four. Furthermore, the proportion of metal elements on the white background of the printed fabric was found to be less than 0.180%, and the level of whiteness was above 50. The application of the P-Fe dye in silk fabric printing not only streamlines the printing process but also enhances the depth and speed of the printed color, effectively addressing the issue of color transfer onto a white background, which is commonly associated with natural dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Ventral hernia repair cost the U.S. healthcare system nearly 3 billion dollars annually. Surgical repair is a critical competency for residents yet hernia recurrence rates following mesh-based repair range from 0.8% to 24%. Improving surgical techniques using cadavers is often cost-prohibited for many education programs and limited research exists using simulation models with a corresponding hernia repair curriculum in the graduate medical education setting. This pilot project aimed to develop a low cost, easily reproducible novel abdominal wall reconstruction model and pilot-test the ventral hernia repair curriculum to inform further refinement prior to formal evaluation. Material and Methods This descriptive study pilot-tested the newly refined Abdominal Wall Surgical Skills Operative Model (AWSSOM) simulator for ventral hernia repair with mesh and its corresponding 2-h training curriculum for use at all levels of general surgery graduate medical education. The AWSSOM is a 3D printed synthetic anatomically realistic abdominal wall model consisting of silicone cured layers of skin, fat, rectus abdominis and a posterior rectus sheath fascia, and silicone tubules to simulate lateral neurovascular bundles. The curriculum incorporated didactic content reflecting surgical practice guidelines, hands-on practice, and faculty guidance promoting interactive critical thinking development during task performance. A pre-/post-assessment included a 10-item knowledge test, a 19-item psychomotor assessment, and 4-items confidence survey to examine changes in performance, knowledge, and confidence in competently completing the ventral hernia repair technique. Descriptive statistics were used to report the limited results of six military surgical resident participants and inform further model and curriculum refinement prior to formal evaluation. Results The five-layer AWSSOM model was manufactured in 65 h at a material cost of $87 per model frame, is reusable model, and secure base. Six surgical residents were recruited; only four completed both pre- and post-tests due to resident schedule conflicts. The average increase in knowledge was 25%, although variable changes in confidence were observed over the four program year participants. A larger sample size and a control group are needed to demonstrate curriculum effectiveness at improving knowledge, performance, and confidence in ventral hernia repair with mesh and better delineate if high scores translate to better operative skills. A key improvement requested by residents was a more secure model base for dissection and performance of the hernia repair. Conclusions The novel abdominal wall surgical skills operative model fills an important proof of concept gap in simulation training. It is low cost with the potential to improve cognitive and psychomotor skills, as well as confidence to competently complete ventral hernia repair with mesh in the graduate medical education setting. Prior to formal effectiveness testing, our lessons learned should be addressed in both the model and curriculum. Future studies must include an adequately powered statistical evaluation with a larger sample across all levels of training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The papermaking, packaging, and printing industry are actively seeking sustainable material alternatives to address growing concerns about environmental consciousness and finite resources. Synthetic latex, a frequently utilized binder in paper coating formulations, present difficulties due to their dependence on fossil fuel resources and their reduced recyclability in comparison to eco‐friendly sustainable products. In this study, synthetic latex was replaced with a starch‐based nanoparticle (starch NP) binder at a 1:1 ratio in a coating formulation. Printing trials to assess colorimetric characteristics was made using electrophotography (EP) printing, given the current upward trajectory and expansion of EP technology into the label, packaging, and folding carton sectors. The in‐depth investigations reveal that incorporating starch NP binder result in improved optical, color, and dot characteristics. Moreover, it maintains consistent and comparable coefficients of friction. Partial replacement of synthetic latex with the starch NP binder yields significant enhancements in surface roughness and text quality. Importantly, the starch NP binder not only improves the dielectric relaxation properties of the paper and enhances toner transfer but also accelerates the distribution of the electrical field compared to synthetic latex, optimizing toner transfer and thereby enhancing color gamut volume. The study demonstrates that employing the starch NP binder leads to substantial improvements in colorimetric performance without any drawbacks in EP printing, making it highly advantageous to replace 50% of the synthetic binder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to study the combination of photochromic microcapsules, which use the ultraviolet (UV) rays for colour changing phenomena, and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs), which block the UV rays by their photocatalytic activity in the sunlight on the cotton fabric. Design/methodology/approach: The TiO2 NPs mixed with photochromic printing paste are used for coating on cotton fabric and further curing is performed in a one-step process. The photochromic pigment printed fabric impregnated in a liquid solution is processed in a two-step process with two variables such as 1% TiO2 and 2% TiO2. The characterization of samples was done with a UV transmittance analyser, surface contact angle, antimicrobial test and fabric physical properties. Findings: The UV protection of TiO2-treated photochromic printed fabric was high and gives the ultraviolet protection factor rating of 2,000 which denotes almost maximum blocking of UV rays. The antibacterial activity of the one-step samples shows the highest 36 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI) against S. aureus (gram-positive) and 32 mm ZOI against E. coli (gram-negative) bacteria. The one-step sample shows the highest static water contact angle of 118.6° representing more hydrophobicity, whereas the untreated fabric is fully wetted (0.4°). In two-step processes, as the concentration of TiO2 increased, the antibacterial activity, UV blocking and hydrophobicity became better. Originality/value: This work achieves the multifunctional finishes by using photochromic microcapsules and NPs in a single process as a first attempt. The results inferred that one-step sample has achieved higher values in most of the tests conducted when compared to all other sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano/microfabrication is of fundamental importance both in scientific and industrial situations. There are, therefore, many attempts at realizing easier, quicker, and more precise fabrication of various structures; however, achieving this aim without a bulky and costly setup is still challenging. Here, we introduce a facile and versatile means of printing an ordered structure consisting of nanoscale stripes and more complicated geometries including pillars and wavy form with a lateral resolution of single micrometers. To this end, we prepare a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slab with an oxygen plasma‐induced wrinkled surface where liquid PDMS exudes by syneresis. Since this liquid PDMS is automatically loaded, the printing is repeatable without inking. A substrate moderately wettable to the liquid PDMS as well as amount/property‐controlled syneresis is primarily important for the creation of well‐defined structures. Precisely controlling these conditions will make this method universally applicable to diverse substrates and liquids including suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has evolved for medical applications as it can produce customized 3D models of devices and implants that can improve patient care. In this study, we aimed to validate the geometrical accuracy of the 3D models of intracranial aneurysms printed using Stereolithography 3D printing technology. Materials and methods: To compare the unruptured intracranial aneurysm mesh between the five patients and 3D printed models, we opened the DICOM files in the Sim&Size® simulation software, selected the region of interest, and performed the threshold check. We juxtaposed the 3D reconstructions and manually rotated the images to get the same orientation when needed and measured deviations at different nodes of the patient and 3D printed model meshes. Results: In the first patient, 80% of the nodes were separated by <0.56 mm and 0.17 mm. In the second patient, the deviations were below 0.17 mm for 80% of the meshes' nodes. In the next three patients, the deviations were below 0.21, 0.23, and 0.11 mm for 80% of the meshes' nodes. Finally, the overall deviation was below 0.21 mm for 80% of the mesh nodes of the five aneurysms Conclusions: 3D printed models of intracranial aneurysms are accurate, having surfaces that resemble that of patients' angiographies with an 80% cumulative deviation below 0.21 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In examining the religious implications of printing, there is a scholarly consensus that Protestant Christianity, rather than Catholicism, played a central role in popularising print technology by disseminating religious materials in vernacular languages. This article builds upon this widely accepted hypothesis and seeks to explore the religious aspects of print modernity in Kerala, a southern state in India. The focus of this study is on the Catholic Church's engagement with printing and the development of Catholic print capitalism in Kerala, with a special emphasis on the nineteenth century until the 1870s. This paper investigates how the Catholic Church interacted with and mediated with the printing press as an agent of modernity, particularly in response to the flourishing Protestant missionary engagements in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Biomechanical study. Purpose: To investigate the mechanical characteristics of bone models created from medical images. Overview of Literature: Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have affected its application in surgery. However, a notable gap exists in the analyses of how patient's dimorphism and variations in vertebral body anatomy influence the maximum insertional torque (MIT) and pullout strength (POS) of pedicle screws (PS) in osteoporotic vertebral bone models derived from medical images. Methods: Male and female patients with computed tomography data were selected. Dimensions of the first thoracic (T1), fourth lumbar (L4), and fifth lumbar (L5) vertebrae were measured, and bone models consisting of the cancellous and cortical bones made from polyurethane foam were created. PS with diameters of 4.5 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6.5 mm were used. T1 PS were 25 mm long, and L4 and L5 PS were 40 mm long. The bone models were secured with cement, and the MIT was measured using a calibrated torque wrench. After MIT testing, the PS head was attached to the machine's crosshead. POS was then calculated at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min until failure. Results: The L4 and L5 were notably larger in female bone models, whereas the T1 vertebra was larger in male bone models. Consequently, the MIT and POS for L4 and L5 were higher in female bone models across all PS diameters than in male bone models. Conversely, the MIT for T1 was higher in male bone models across all PS; however, no significant differences were observed in the POS values for T1 between sexes. Conclusions: The mechanical properties of the proposed bone models can vary based on the vertebral structure and size. For accurate 3D surgical and mechanical simulations in the creation of custom-made medical devices, bone models must be constructed from patient-specific medical images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction • Gardening activities are an activity that contributes positively to the mental health of the elderly. Flower printing is a gardening activity that the elderly can easily implement. This study was conducted to determine the effect of flower printing activities on anxiety levels among elderly individuals in nursing homes. Material and Method • This was a single blind randomized controlled experimental study. The research was conducted between January 1, 2023, and May 1, 2023. The study population consisted of 60 elderly nursing home residents, and the sample consisted of 42 elderly individuals who met the research criteria and agreed to participate. In the study, participants were assigned to the experimental and control groups by simple randomization method. The data were collected with the “Elderly Introduction Form,” “Standardized Mini Mental Test,” and “Geriatric Anxiety Scale.” In this study, the elderly in the experimental group participated in flower printing activities for an average of 60 min once a week for 1 month. No intervention was administered to elderly participants in the control group during the study period. Institutional permission and ethics committee approval were obtained for the research. Results • There was no statistically significant difference between the pretest anxiety scores of the experimental and control groups (P = .880). A statistically significant difference was found between the post-test anxiety scores of the experimental and control groups (P < .001). A statistically significant difference was found between the pre-and post-test anxiety scores of the elderly in the experimental group (P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference between the pre-and post-test anxiety scores in the control group (P = .680). Conclusion • Flower printing activities reduced anxiety levels in the experimental group. In accordance with this result, it is recommended that the elderly in nursing homes be exposed to flower printing activities as leisure activities, and similar studies should be carried out on those staying in different nursing homes. Elderly people’s removal from routine through these activities and their increased social interactions with other people may be effective in reducing their anxiety levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to delineate the interplay among the establishment of Chinese typography facilities, the Netherlands' colonial and expansion in Asia and the specialization of sinology as an academic discipline. In recent decades, scholars from China, Japan, Europe, and the United States have diligently explored the history of Chinese metal movable type. The role of the Netherlands in the field of Chinese typography has gradually gained attention as well. However, despite discussions varying in depth, the specific connection between Chinese typography and Dutch colonialism lacks dedicated discourse. Unraveling the extent to which this political impetus is intertwined with the introduction of Chinese typography constitutes a central focus of this research. Another inquiry addresses a technical dimension, specifically exploring other printing options available to the Dutch beyond the Hong Kong Type, and the rationale behind the exclusion of certain alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the practice of hand colouring illustrated Luther Bibles in the sixteenth century. It is based on analysis from over 120 copies of various editions of Luther's translation of the Bible. The most well‐known examples are Hans Lufft's editions printed on parchment in 1541 and 1560, illuminated by Lucas Cranach the Younger. However, these copies represent only the very top of the market; the research presented in this article demonstrates that hand colouring was a widespread practice that began with the very first edition of Luther's New Testament in 1522, and continued throughout the sixteenth century and beyond, across the German‐speaking lands, in all formats, and for all levels of the market. This article argues that the hand colouring served an aesthetic purpose, making the complex illustrations more vivacious and legible for the viewer. The colouring also transformed a mass‐produced object into a unique work of art that reflected its spiritual significance, an understudied feature of Lutheran material culture, and one which transcended confessional divides in sixteenth‐century Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic textiles (e‐textiles) combine electronic functions (e.g., sensing, actuating, data processing) with textiles. E‐textiles are a platform technology with the potential for ubiquitous deployment in any application scenario where textiles can be found. E‐textiles have attracted significant research interests from materials and manufacturing process development to applications such as sports/fitness, healthcare, and workwear. While significant advances have been made in the research domain regarding the integration of electronic functionality, the technology is relatively immature and significant challenges remain in the manufacturing of commercialized e‐textile systems. This paper reviews the state of the art in e‐textile manufacturing including materials (e.g., yarns, inks), fabrication (e.g., weaving, knitting, printing), electronic integration and interconnections. This paper also reviews the key principles of textile sustainability and electronic waste (e‐wastemanagement, which provide useful guidance on e‐textile design and manufacturing to minimize their impact on the environment. Examples are given to demonstrate the early work toward sustainable e‐textiles. The remaining research challenges regarding scalable and sustainable manufacturing of e‐textiles are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine the combination of flexible textiles and electrodes to develop electronic textiles (e-textiles). We present a facile fabrication process using printing and coating conductive electrodes. Innovative textiles, which have evolved primarily through the integration of textile and electronic elements, have developed into e-textiles capable of performing high-dimensional tasks. For practical use of e-textiles, however, they should be compatible with various textiles, economical production, and suitable for mass production. In this study, silver ink-carbon nanotubes are used to screen-print electrodes, a key element of e-textile. We verify four types of spandex textiles and analyze whether ink-based electrodes are stably printed on the textile surfaces. As a post-process, 3D printing mold coating is invited to invent durable and water-repellent electrodes. The fabricated e-textile proves its practicality using a washing test. Additionally, electrical measurements under mechanical bending reveal a variety of potential applications based on their properties. As a result, the electrodes of e-textile have an initial electrical resistance of approximately 10 Ω. Polymer coating enhances the reliability of e-textiles. Washing tests and repeated bending deformation demonstrate that they help the coating maintain its electrical conductivity. On the other hand, electrodes without coating lose their electrical capabilities. This study proposes functional materials and reliable manufacturing methods that are beneficial for e-textile production. Accordingly, we present the diversification and potential of the smart textile industry, such as IoT sportswear, medical healthcare clothing, hazardous work detection clothing, and space exploration clothing, which are examples of applications based on e-textile materials and manufacturing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Printing as a process itself generates many environmental concerns. The paper addresses ink management in terms of environmental issues in the label printing industry, focusing on its environmental implications. The goal is to demonstrate how a proper ink management system impacts overall printing process efficiency and environmental sustainability for printing companies. The paper introduces an empirical approach to managing components for label and packaging production, utilizing automatic ink dispensing systems. The results demonstrate that the proper management of ink dispensing to minimize waste in packaging printing is crucial for optimizing operating print costs, potentially reducing the amount of ink needed to prepare colors by 52% and achieving energy savings of 37%. This approach fulfills the goal of sustainability by addressing environmental, economic, and social concerns. By optimizing ink usage and energy consumption, companies can significantly reduce operating costs and enhance economic performance. Simultaneously, these practices improve product quality, meet consumer demands for sustainable packaging, and create better working conditions for employees. Future directions and practical implications for supporting operational excellence in production are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal goal of this research revolves around imparting antimicrobial activities on printed cotton fabric utilizing silver nanoparticles. Two colorants, dyes, and pigments are used for printing of 100% scoured and bleached cotton, fabric, and both fabrics are assessed to get antimicrobial activity of printed cloth. Screen-printing techniques are used here to apply the pigment and reactive dye onto the fabric. The outcomes of the study reflect that the addition of silver nanoparticles to the reactive dye-printed and pigment-printed fabric significantly decreases bacterial growth up to 99.99%. In addition, Silver nanoparticles increase color intensity by around 25% in pigment printing, however, reduce it in reactive printing. Both methods enhance color fastness by increasing resistance to fading, staining, and rubbing. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reveals that the print paste and sodium alginate have an impact on the distribution of nanoparticles. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD), it has been determined that the sample maintains a crystalline form and an average size of 29.185 nm of silver nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicates no notable molecular-level alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an innovative manufacturing method with the potential to revolutionize topical and transdermal dosage forms. Nowadays, it is established that Vatbased photopolymerization (VP) 3D printing technologies offer superior printing efficiency and versatility compared to other 3D printing technologies available on the market. However, there are some limitations that impair their full application in pharmaceutical contexts, such as the lack of a range of biocompatible materials for topical and transdermal applications. This review article explores all types of VP-based 3D printing and discusses the relevance of implementing this kind of technology. We start with a detailed description of the printing process, focusing on the commercial materials available and lab-made resins proposed by different authors. We also review recent studies in this field, which mainly focus on the fabrication of transdermal devices based on microneedle arrays. In the future, it is expected that the manufacturers of 3D printers invest in modifications to the printing apparatus to allow the simultaneous printing of different resins and/or compound types, which will open frontiers to the personalization of treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A smile that reveals >4 mm of gum tissue is called a gummy smile (GS), offering negative impacts on people's self-confidence and aesthetic appearance. The treatment for GS should be planned according to underlying causes such as altered passive eruption of teeth, dentoalveolar extrusion, vertical maxillary excess, and short or hyperactive lip muscles. In this case report, a patient with severe GS received orthodontic and gingivoplasty treatment, aided by digital tools such as 3D simulation, smile design, and 3D printed guides. The treatment yielded remarkable and satisfactory results, without the need for extensive surgery. Our findings suggest that gingivoplasty is a minimally invasive, time- and cost-effective alternative to more extensive procedures for correcting severe gum recession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for cost‐effective and rapid processing of large‐area thin films in the photovoltaic industry has recently driven significant research interest. In this context, among the various approaches explored, printing devices, particularly perovskite solar cells (PSCs), have garnered considerable attention due to their potential for scalability and cost efficiency. Besides, solution printing is widely recognized as an appealing strategy for large‐area, cost‐effective, and high‐throughput production of PSCs. However, while substantial progress has been made in this process, challenges related to stability, uniformity, and scalability remain to be addressed. This review critically examines the key printing techniques and substrates employed in PSC fabrication. Then, given the significance of ambient air printing for industrial applications, fundamental challenges associated with achieving ambient air production of PSCs are discussed in detail. Moreover, the formulation strategies of perovskite ink in printing technologies are thoroughly explored, considering its crucial role in determining the performance and stability of printed PSCs. Finally, the printing process for various components of PSCs, including the perovskite absorber layer, charge transport layers (CTLs), and electrodes, is meticulously analyzed, highlighting current achievements and remaining hurdles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is being integrated into surgical practice at a significant pace, from preprocedural planning to procedure simulation. 3DP is especially useful in surgical education, where printed models are highly accurate and customizable. The aim of this study was to evaluate how 3DP is being integrated most recently into surgical residency training. We performed a structured literature search of the OVID/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PUBMED databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Articles published from 2016 to 2023 that met predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Data extracted included surgical subspecialty using 3DP, application of 3DP, and any reported satisfaction measures of trainees. A thorough analysis of pooled data was performed to evaluate satisfaction rates among studies. A total of 85 studies were included. The median number of participants was 18 (interquartile range 10-27). Fourteen surgical disciplines were represented, with ear, nose, and throat/otolaryngology having the highest recorded utilization of 3DP models among residents and medical students (22.0%), followed by neurosurgery (14.0%) and urology (12.0%). 3DP models were created most frequently to model soft tissue (35.3%), bone (24.7%), vessel (14.1%), mixed (16.4%), or whole organs (6.66%) (Fig.1). Feedback from trainees was overwhelmingly positive regarding the fidelity of the models and their support for integration into their training programs. Among trainees, the combined satisfaction rate with their use in the curriculum was 95% (95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.97), and the satisfaction rate with the model fidelity was 90% (95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.94). There is wide variation in the surgical specialties utilizing 3DP models in training. These models are effective in increasing trainee comfort with both common and rare scenarios and are associated with a high degree of resident support and satisfaction. Plastic surgery programs may benefit from the integration of this technology, potentially strengthening future surgical curricula. Objective evaluations of their pedagogic effects on residents are areas of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses the donors' register of the Zurich Bürgerbibliothek ('citizens' library') to explore how the collection of the city's first public library developed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The donors' register records over 3,000 gifts from some 900 local and foreign benefactors between 1629, the year of the library's founding, and 1769. Unlike a standard library or auction catalogue, the donors' register allows us to observe engagement with the Bürgerbibliothek over time and reveals that, while a remarkable influx of patrons in the first decade of the library's existence secured its position in the cultural and intellectual fabric of Zurich society, international interest in the institution dropped significantly by the end of the seventeenth century. Nevertheless, the Bürgerbibliothek's consistent growth across the period attests to the popularity of the library and its accessible collection at a local level as well as its benefactors' belief in the reciprocal value of patronising this new type of civic institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Printing technologies that arrived in Laos with French colonialism (1893-1945) facilitated the Lao manuscript culture by introducing new writing tools and writing support. When storing and categorizing manuscripts in a repository, librarians began using new technologies such as writing tools and paper labels as well as the Roman alphabet to encode pronunciations for vernacular titles of anisong manuscripts. Monk-preachers began using pen to correct sermonic texts written on palm leaves. Affiliation markers in the precolonial as well as colonial periods were written mostly in the modern script, since monastic lay assistants--who were sometimes responsible for transporting and storing manuscripts in the monastic library--were illiterate in the Dhamma script. Since the modern Lao script was available in modern printing machines, there was a gradual decrease in the use of the traditional Dhamma script. The modern Lao script was thus used to compensate for the dwindling knowledge of the Dhamma script and to accommodate those who could not read the traditional script but were still part of the manuscript culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating liquid metal (LM) particles into compliant polymers presents an innovative approach for developing intelligent and adaptable systems in stretchable electronics, wearable devices, soft robotics, and other emerging technologies. However, the inherent electrically insulative nature of these solid‐liquid composites, compounded by the gallium oxide shell surrounding LM droplets, poses a significant challenge in establishing conductive pathways, especially for small droplet sizes and ultrasoft elastomers. Here, an interface modification approach that addresses this bottleneck and enables the synthesis of highly stretchable and printable composites with LM microparticles (<2 µm) is presented. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is used to functionalize these small LM inclusions, weakening the particle‐matrix interface, and facilitating the formation of a conductive percolating network under tensile strain. Optimized synthesis parameters result in printed conductive traces with excellent electrical conductivity (0.2 Ω cm−1), ultra‐high elongation at break (>900% strain), and minimal resistance change (≈131%). Furthermore, this comprehensive study of the electromechanical response of these stretchable conductors under various strain rates reveals their exceptional stability under dynamic loading conditions, surpassing the performance of conductive traces composed of sprayed liquid metal. Finally, the potential application of these multifunctional materials in stretchable circuitry, addressing the demand for high stretchability and stability in wearable electronics, is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D)-printed guide plates for assisting in the positioning of the rotation axis of an elbow-hinged external fixator. Methods: Terrible triad (TT) patients, who were screened using the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, underwent installation of a hinged external fixator on the basis of internal fixation; 3D-printed guide plates, generated from the patient's imaging data, assisted in positioning the rotation axis. All patients received the same peri-operative management and were followed up at six, 12, 24, and 48 weeks postoperatively. The duration of positioning pin placement, the number of fluoroscopies, pin placement success rate, types and incidence of post-operative complications, and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) of the diseased elbow and range of motion (ROM) of both elbows were assessed. Results: In 25 patients who completed the follow-up, the average time required for positioning pin placement was 329.32 ± 42.38 s (263–443 s), the average number of fluoroscopies was 2.32 ± 0.48 times (2–3 times), and the pin placement success rate was 100%. At the last follow-up, the mean MEPS of the diseased elbow was 97.50 ± 6.92 (75–100), with an excellent and good rate of 100%, and all patients demonstrated stable concentric reduction. The average range of flexion and extension was 135.08° ± 17.10° (77–146°), while the average range of rotation was 169.21° ± 18.14° (108–180°). No significant difference was observed in the average ROM between the both elbows (P > 0.05). Eight (32%) patients developed post-operative complications, including elbow stiffness due to heterotopic ossification in three (12%) patients, all of whom did not require secondary intervention. Conclusion: Utilizing 3D-printed guide plates for positioning the rotation axis of an elbow-hinged external fixator significantly reduced intra-operative positioning pin placement time and the number of fluoroscopies with excellent positioning results. Satisfactory results were also obtained in terms of post-operative complications, elbow ROM, and functional scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The translation of early Iberian fiction into French had a transformative impact on the learning of vernacular languages and printing. This article explores the impact of Iberian fiction (1525–1550) on the French literary panorama of the mid-sixteenth century. It analyses how the translation of novelas sentimentales and libros de caballerías offered a laboratory for experimentation in three main areas. First, Iberian fiction provided an opportunity for translators to translate directly from Castilian. The translations of Iberian fiction were also an opportunity to promote the French vernacular through the adoption of roman typefaces for the printing of vernacular material. Finally, Iberian fiction translated into French played a key role in the development of book illustration. These innovations would have long-lasting consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studies of changes in the diffuse reflection spectra and integral solar radiation absorption coefficient as of a thermal control coating (TCC) of the Optical Solar Reflectors (OSR) class for spacecraft (SCs) under electron irradiation are presented. A dielectric ceramic paste (DCP) consisting of a filler, crushed polycor (Al2O3) and a solvent with a thickener (terpineol with ethyl cellulose), was applied by a 3D printer onto a substrate. Then, heating at 150°C and annealing at 850°C were carried out; a "white" coating was obtained with a high reflection coefficient and a low absorption coefficient, meeting the requirements and standards of the OSR class TCC. The radiation resistance of the resulting DCP-based coating is comparable to the resistance of a highly stable coating based on ZnO pigment with liquid lithium glass and is much higher than the resistance of a plasma-sprayed coating—MgAl2O4 spinel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture is a double‐edged sword in the nucleation and crystallization of perovskite films. In the presence of appropriate moisture in the air, grain boundaries are expected to merge neighboring grains, promoting the conversion of unreacted ions, resulting in large grains and pinhole‐free films. Adversely, excessive moisture can have detrimental effects on perovskite by damaging its crystalline structure. Controlling humidity precisely and removing excessive moisture from the interface is crucial to the printing of high‐quality and reproducible films in the air, which will undoubtedly promote the rapid commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Here, a method for high‐yield printing of perovskite films is developed using interfacial moisture as a research object. The finite element simulation reveals that interfacial moisture is the key factor affecting the quality of perovskite film formation, regardless of the ambient moisture. The results show that when the interfacial humidity is in the range of 7%–25%, the films exhibit high‐quality crystallization. The devices produced by this method exhibit a yield of 92%, indicating a promising pathway to attain highly reproducible perovskite films with superior optoelectronic properties. The air‐printing process will provide a broad guide to the commercial manufacture of high‐performance perovskite optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Key points Encountering a retained root tip post‐extraction and prior to implant placement is a possible clinical complication. There are numerous approaches for removing retained roots that may be traumatic or atraumatic. Regardless of the approach, careful treatment planning is important to minimize complications, reduce morbidity, and preserve bony structures. The aim of the current case study is to introduce a technique and digitally generated device used for identifying and atraumatically removing a retained root tip and simultaneously placing a stable dental implant.A 63‐year‐old female with a history of myocardial infarction, hypertension, and acute pancreatitis presented for implant placement at site #5. Clinical examination revealed adequate interocclusal, mesiodistal, and buccolingual dimensions for implant placement. Radiographic examination using cone beam computed tomography revealed that retained root #5 interfered with implant placement. Digital planning was used to extract the root tip with minimal trauma to maintain adequate bone for simultaneous implant placement with good primary stability.The follow‐ups at 1, 3, and 6 weeks and 4, 8, and 10 months revealed good bone preservation with an osseointegrated implant.Employment of digital planning to create a palatal window allowed excellent accuracy in removing the retained root while maintaining the bony foundation for a well osseointegrated dental implant. Pre‐planning using cone beam computed tomography scan merged with an intraoral digital scan is necessary for precise location of a retained root and correct implant placement with excellent primary stability. A digitally planned 3D surgical guide is a useful method for extracting retained roots during implant placement to minimize bone damage. Digital planning provides a precise and minimally invasive implant surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental impressions help the stomatologist to obtain a duplicate of the patient's mouth to have a precise idea of its condition, allowing detailed analysis or work on said impression; but the mouth houses an endless number of microorganisms, these adhere to the impression material, so the stomatologist must disinfect these impressions and thus avoid cross infections. Different studies show that microorganisms can adhere to countless objects; in the literature found does not specifically mention what type of microorganisms can adhere to such materials, so the impressions must be disinfected with special liquids. Unfortunately, in universities the high costs of this disinfectants make them unusable in clinics, and in the Facultad de Estomatología de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (FEBUAP) is no exception, since in the clinic area this disinfectant it is widely used as a material with high disinfection characteristics. Therefore, there are no previous studies at this university that demonstrate that microorganisms adhere to impressions and whether benzalkonium chloride (BC) really works as a disinfectant. The main purpose of this research is to study the presence of microorganisms after the use of BC in dental impressions, and is undertaken with the purpose of establishing an instructive response to the students of the FEBUAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of the appearance of capsules, such as the presence of a complementary color relationship, on dispensed drug identification focusing on the relationship between the letter color and background color of the identification code for capsules. A questionnaire survey was conducted for pharmacists who worked for dispensing in pharmacies and hospitals on the ease of discrimination of each capsule formulation. For each capsule formulation, differences in brightness of printed identification code were measured and evaluated for their correlation with the ease of discrimination of each capsule formulation. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the ease of discrimination based on the number of years of dispensing experience and the experience of difficulty in reading small print in close areas. Whereas, there was a strong positive correlation between the ease of discrimination the difference in brightness between the colors of each text and its background. These results suggest that the difference in brightness between colors of each text and its background is one of the factors affecting the ease of discriminating identification codes since there is a　strong relationship between the ease of discriminating identification codes and the difference in brightness between colors of each text and its background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to compare the torque loss, fracture load, compressive strength, and failure types of selective-laser-sintered cobalt chromium (SLM-Co-Cr), computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing zirconium oxide (CAD-CAM-ZrO), and machined titanium (Ti) implant abutments. Methods: Thirty endosseous dental implants were vertically embedded with machined Ti (control group), CAD-CAM-ZrO, and SLM-Co-Cr abutments. Abutment fabrication involved CAD-CAM milling and SLM technology. The de-torque assessment included preload reverse torque values (RTVs), cyclic loading, and post-RTVs using a customized protocol. Fracture load assessment employed ISO-14801 standards, and statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Tukey Post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: In pre-load RTVs, SLM-Co-Cr showed the lowest mean torque loss (24.30 ± 2.13), followed by machined Ti (27.33 ± 2.74) and CAD-CAM-ZrO (22.07 ± 2.20). Post-load RTVs decreased for all groups. Fracture load and compressive strength were highest for SLM-Co-Cr, with significant differences among groups (p < 0.001). Fracture types included abutment failures in SLM-Co-Cr and machined Ti, while CAD-CAM-ZrO exhibited crown separation with deformation. Conclusion: SLM-Co-Cr-fabricated implant abutments exhibited superior stability and resistance to rotational forces, higher fracture loads, and greater compressive strength compared to CAD-CAM-ZrO and machined Ti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parry Romberg syndrome also known as progressive hemifacial atrophy is an uncommon degenerative condition, characterized by unilateral, slow, and progressive atrophy of face. Patient presents with loss of facial symmetry and neurological manifestations. After the degenerative process settles, reconstructive surgeries are performed to address facial asymmetry. For accurate assessment of volume deficit, laser scanning and three- dimensional printing can be used which offers the advantage of precise surgical planning and good aesthetic outcome. We present a case of soft tissue reconstruction in Parry Romberg syndrome with anterolateral thigh flap with use of three- dimensional laser scanning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the little-known case of editorial piracy committed by the printer and polygraph Francesco Sansovino (1521-1586) to the detriment of Lodovico Guicciardini (1521-1589), nephew of the more famous Francesco, who had settled in Antwerp. As the numerous editions and reprints testify, the Hore di ricreatione enjoyed remarkable success throughout Europe. On the contrary, the initial editorial piracy of which it was the object remained an almost private matter. The study of the proemial parts of the work allows us to clearly observe the differences between the author's intentions and those of the Venetian printer. If the former was driven by the pursuit of fame and by his cultural background, the latter was driven by the market and the preferences of his readers. Exploring the different meaning they attached to the text highlights the often conflicting dynamics between author and printer in the Renaissance, and also offers a glimpse into the world of sixteenth-century printing from a particular perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear Aligner Treatment (CAT) is an orthodontic technique used to align teeth with removable and scarcely visible appliances. Conventionally, these are produced through the process of thermoforming. The inherent disadvantages of thermoforming include increased surface roughness leading to plaque accumulation, compromised biomechanics due to a reduction in force delivered and flexure of the aligner, and altered mechanical properties, such as increased opacity, water sorption, and hardness. Direct Three-dimensional (3D)-printed aligners, or Direct Printed Aligners (DPA), introduce a new frontier to aligner technology and are a recent addition to the ever-improving field of orthodontics. Through 3D printing, the various disadvantages of thermoformed aligners like surface roughness, extent and definition of aligner borders, undercuts, and differential thickness of the aligner can be controlled to enhance the accuracy of aligner fit with lesser reliance on attachments. 3D printing of aligners is more environmentally friendly since there is no subtractive process for thermoforming or post-processing of the TA. Various methods of 3D printing, such as selective laser melting, selective laser sintering, Stereolithography (SLA), and Digital Light Processing (DLP), can be applied to the printing of clear aligners. Challenges in printing primarily involve maintaining transparency and designing support during the printing process. The present review aimed to include a detailed description of all aspects of direct 3D-printed aligners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the history of the Rodez printing firm in provincial France from 1624 to 1820 (although the firm ran until 1984). In contrast to the world of clandestine printing and bookselling, very little is known about the lives of ordinary sedentary printers in ancien-régime France. The paper is organized in three parts and considers the following issues. How did the firm operate, who worked in it, what training was required, and what was produced? How did this change over time? Secondly, this was a family firm, so we may ask how was it kept in the family, and how did the family fare as it made a living out of printing? Here we have an insight into the history of an artisan family over nearly 200 years, the ascension of an artisanal family to the level of respectable bourgeoisie. The third area considered is the possible contribution to understanding the cultural world of a provincial town. The firm printed and sold books, and account books and order books give us further information, though of a fragmentary nature. From this it is possible to raise questions about recent research on the starkly contrasting world of Enlightenment bestsellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed halide perovskite nanocrystals in the form of cesium/formamidinium lead triiodide ((Cs:FA)PbI3) offer great potential for efficient and stable solar cells. To date, large‐scale production with roll‐to‐roll compatible deposition methods remains difficult and requires detailed research on each involved processing step. Here, a proof‐of‐concept study about slot‐die coating (printing) the active layer of (Cs:FA)PbI3‐based nanocrystal solar cells is presented. Structural and morphological changes during ligand exchange of long‐chain oleic acid and oleylamine by Pb(NO3)2, and top‐layer FAI passivation are investigated. Ligand exchange improves the processability of the nanocrystal layer and enhances charge transport. It also changes texture from face‐on toward edge‐on orientation as grazing‐incidence X‐ray scattering studies indicate. Ligand exchange and FAI passivation redshift photoluminescence and prolong charge carrier lifetime in the printed nanocrystal films. The proof‐of‐concept feasibility of printing metal halide perovskite nanocrystal films for solar cells is shown by building 20 devices with a median power conversion efficiency of 6.39%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alveolar ridge reconstruction of vertical and combined bone defects is a non-predictable procedure with varying percentages of success. The greatest challenge for vertical and combined bone augmentation is to maintain mechanical stability of the bone graft; therefore, it is mandatory to provide and preserve space for bone regeneration. The development of biomaterials and 3D printing has enabled the use of polymer scaffolds in the reconstruction of alveolar ridge defects. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of an innovative individualized biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold, under dynamic conditions, simulating biodegradation and the influence of masticatory forces. After the design and 3D printing of PLA scaffolds, two groups of 27 scaffolds were formed according to the compression testing procedure. The compression tests were performed in occlusal and lateral directions. In each of the two groups, nine subgroups of three scaffolds were formed for different testing periods during in vitro degradation with a total period of 16 weeks. Results showed that biodegradation and load application had no significant influence on mechanical characteristics of tested scaffolds. It can be concluded that simulated masticatory forces and biodegradation do not significantly influence the mechanical characteristics of an individualized biodegradable augmentation scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional (D) printing are rapidly becoming essential for challenging and complex surgeries around the world. An Ibero-American survey reported a lack of awareness of technology benefits and scarce financial resources as the two main barriers to widespread adoption of 3-D technologies. The Pereira Rossell Hospital Center is a publicly funded maternal and pediatric academic clinical center in Uruguay, a low-resource Latin American country, that successfully created and has been running a 3-D unit for 4 years. The present work is a step-by-step review of the 3-D technology implementation process in a hospital with minimal financial investment. References to training, software, hardware, and the management of human resources are included. Difficulties throughout the process and future challenges are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES Many types of congenital heart disease are amenable to surgical repair or palliation. The procedures are often challenging and require specific surgical training, with limited real-life exposure and often costly simulation options. Our objective was to create realistic and affordable 3D simulation models of the heart and vessels to improve training. METHODS We created moulded vessel models using several materials, to identify the material that best replicated human vascular tissue. This material was then used to make more vessels to train residents in cannulation procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging views of a 23-month-old patient with double-outlet right ventricle were segmented using free open-source software. Re-usable moulds produced by 3D printing served to create a silicone model of the heart, with the same material as the vessels, which was used by a heart surgeon to simulate a Rastelli procedure. RESULTS The best material was a soft elastic silicone (Shore A hardness 8). Training on the vessel models decreased the residents' procedural time and improved their grades on a performance rating scale. The surgeon evaluated the moulded heart model as realistic and was able to perform the Rastelli procedure on it. Even if the valves were poorly represented, it was found to be useful for preintervention training. CONCLUSIONS By using free segmentation software, a relatively low-cost silicone and a technique based on re-usable moulds, the cost of obtaining heart models suitable for training in congenital heart defect surgery can be substantially decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately assessing the color quality of printed products becomes intricate when optical brightening agents (OBAs) are introduced in papers, as diverse interactions occur among different ink pigments and papers containing OBAs due to variations in ink formulation chemistries. Specifically, alkali‐based pigments, commonly used as spot colors, are carefully formulated to ensure consistency across production batches. The presence of OBAs, which absorb ultraviolet light and emit it in the visible spectrum, significantly affects color perception and accuracy on paper when interacting with these inks. This research marks an initial investigation into how OBAs in paper influence the color accuracy of five distinct alkali‐based spot color paste inks using a Little Joe ink proofer. The research examines the physical, optical, and colorimetric characteristics of two paper samples‐one with OBA and one without‐ and analyzes the colorimetric changes occurring during the ink drying process. The results indicate that reflex blue, purple, and violet spot colors achieved acceptable delta E (ΔE00) value of below 3 on non‐OBA paper, with rubine red being on the borderline at 3.1 after 48 h. In contrast, purple, rhodamine red and violet achieved acceptable ΔE00 below 3 on high OBA paper. The distinct behavior exhibited by certain inks led to the conclusion that achieving a consistent proofing procedure across diverse alkali‐based ink formulations is impractical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of three‐dimensional (3D) printing by polymeric extrusion in tissue bioengineering is to control with precision the microarchitecture and porous interconnectivity of scaffolds, as well as search for models that allow and facilitate the development of personalized constructs that meet optimal characteristics for the regeneration of significant bone defects. In this study, anatomically accurate scaffolds were designed and printed to a critical size defect from a microtomography image of the rat calvaria. Different software is used to design a scaffold with exact anatomy. With Ultimaker Cura software, distinct printing parameters were standardized, permitting the printing of different types of pores and graded porosity scaffolds, with exact adaptation to the bone defect, utilizing a commercial 3D printer with a fused deposition modeling technique and compensating for the limitations of the method. The scaffolds were characterized by evaluating their mechanical properties and surface characteristics (pore size and porosity), employing scanning electron microscopy images, verifying that the size and shape of the pores were controlled, and evaluating cell viability and cell distribution on the 3D printed scaffold. Therefore, this work proves that by standardizing the printing parameters, it was possible to print a unique customized scaffold, controlling the shape and size of pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a high-performance humidity sensor made using a novel cellulose nanofiber (CNF)–silver nanoparticle (AgNP) sensing material. The interdigital electrode pattern was printed via reverse-offset printing using Ag nano-ink, and the sensing layer on the printed interdigitated electrode (IDE) was formed by depositing the CNF-AgNP composite via inkjet printing. The structure and morphology of the CNF-AgNP layer are characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, an X-ray diffractometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The humidity-sensing performance of the prepared sensors is evaluated by measuring the impedance changes under the relative humidity variation between 10 and 90% relative humidity. The CNF-AgNP sensor exhibited very sensitive and fast humidity-sensing responses compared to the CNF sensor. The electrode distance effect and the response and recovery times are investigated. The enhanced humidity-sensing performance is reflected in the increased conductivity of the Ag nanoparticles and the adsorption of free water molecules associated with the porous characteristics of the CNF layer. The CNF-AgNP composite enables the development of highly sensitive, fast-responding, reproducible, flexible, and inexpensive humidity sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]