In vivo validation of highly customized cranial Ti-6AL-4V ELI prostheses fabricated through incremental forming and superplastic forming: an ovine model study.

Cranial reconstructions are essential for restoring both function and aesthetics in patients with craniofacial deformities or traumatic injuries. Titanium prostheses have gained popularity due to their biocompatibility, strength, and corrosion resistance. The use of Superplastic Forming (SPF) and Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) techniques to create titanium prostheses, specifically designed for cranial reconstructions was investigated in an ovine model through microtomographic and histomorphometric analyses. The results obtained from the explanted specimens revealed significant variations in bone volume, trabecular thickness, spacing, and number across different regions of interest (VOIs or ROIs). Those regions next to the center of the cranial defect exhibited the most immature bone, characterized by higher porosity, decreased trabecular thickness, and wider trabecular spacing. Dynamic histomorphometry demonstrated differences in the mineralizing surface to bone surface ratio (MS/BS) and mineral apposition rate (MAR) depending on the timing of fluorochrome administration. A layer of connective tissue separated the prosthesis and the bone tissue. Overall, the study provided validation for the use of cranial prostheses made using SPF and SPIF techniques, offering insights into the processes of bone formation and remodeling in the implanted ovine model.

Advances in Dental Implants, Tissue Engineering and Prosthetic Materials.

Scientific research has achieved numerous milestones in the field of materials applied to medicine for biomedical prosthetics [...].

Workforce and supply chain disruption as a digital and technological innovation opportunity for resilient manufacturing systems in the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (also known as COVID-19), workforce downsizing needs, safety requirements, supply chain breaks and inventory shortages affected manufacturing systems' and supply chain's responsiveness and resilience. Companies wandered in a disrupted scenario because recommended actions/strategies to survive - and thrive - were not available an improvised actions to keep their operations up and running. This paper analyzes the COVID-19 impacts on the workforce and supply resilience in a holistic manner. The following research questions are discussed: (i) how can manufacturing firms cope with urgent staff deficiencies while sustaining at the same time a healthy and safe workforce in the perspective of socially sustainable and human-centric cyber-physical production systems?; (ii) is remote working (cf. smart working) applicable to shop-floor workers?; (iii) is it possible to overcome supply chain breaks without stopping production? In the first part, we propose three Industry 4.0-driven solutions that would increase the workforce resilience, namely: (i) the Plug-and-Play worker; (ii) the Remote Operator 4.0; (iii) the Predictive Health of the Operational Staff. In the second part, the concepts of (i) Digital & Unconventional Sourcing, i.e. Additive Manufacturing, and (ii) Product/Process Innovation are investigated from a novel business continuity and integration perspective. We ultimately argue that forward-looking manufacturing companies should turn a disruptive event like a pandemic in an opportunity for digital and technological innovation of the workplace inspired by the principles of harmonic digital innovation (that places the human well-being at the center). These aspects are discussed with use cases, system prototypes and results from research projects carried out by the authors and real-world examples arising lessons learned and insights useful for scientists, researchers and managers.