Performance evaluation of data embedding schemes for two-dimensional display field communication.

Display field communication (DFC) is an unobtrusive display-to-camera technology that transmits data within the frequency domain of images, ensuring that the embedded data are hidden and do not disrupt the viewing experience. The display embeds data into image frames, while the receiver captures the display and extracts it. Two-dimensional DFC (2D-DFC) focuses on embedding data in the width and height of an image. This study explores two methods to minimize the error rate in 2D-DFC without affecting the quality of the displayed image. The orthogonal method embeds data in the orthogonal direction of an image. On the other hand, the diagonal embedding method strategically embeds the data in the diagonal direction. Experiments show the diagonal method maintains a higher peak signal-to-noise ratio and surpasses the orthogonal embedding method in terms of bit error rate. 2D-DFC is expected to have practical applications in digital signage, advertising and informational displays at airports and train stations, as well as at large-scale displays for events, sports arenas, and performance venues.

Surgical outcomes of segmental diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults: a small case series on plate osteosynthesis, intramedullary nailing, and other surgical methods.

BACKGROUND: Segmental fractures often result from high-energy or indirect trauma that causes bending or torsional forces with axial loading. We evaluated surgical outcomes of patients with forearm segmental diaphyseal fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with forearm segmental fractures for which they underwent surgery at the Pusan National University Trauma Center from March 2013 to March 2022. We also analyzed accompanying injuries, injury severity score (ISS), injury mechanism, occurrence of open fracture, surgical technique, and treatment results. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were identified, one with bilateral segmental diaphyseal forearm bone fracture, for a total of 16 cases. Nine of the patients were male. The overall mean age was 50 years, and the mean follow-up period was 16.2 months. Six cases who underwent surgery using plate osteosynthesis achieved bone union without length deformity at final follow-up. Three of seven patients who underwent intramedullary nailing alone underwent reoperation due to nonunion. Six cases achieved bone union at final follow-up, three of which showed length deformity. Three patients underwent surgery using a hybrid method of IM nailing, plates, and mini cables. One patient who underwent surgery with a plate and one patient who underwent surgery with IM nailing alone showed nonunion and were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Plate osteosynthesis is considered the gold standard for treatment of adult forearm diaphyseal segmental fractures. In this study, IM nailing was associated with high rates of non-union and length deformity. However, the combination of IM nailing and a plate-cable system may be an acceptable alternative in segmental diaphyseal forearm fracture, achieving a union rate similar to that provided by plate fixation.

How can we reduce the ischemic time for forearm replantation? Tips to simplify the bone fixation.

PURPOSE: Ischemic time is a key factor in satisfactory functional results after forearm replantation. In this study, we provide a detailed description of our surgical technique, the temporary screw plate fixation technique, which aims to reduce ischemic time. METHODS: From June 2007 to June 2017, we performed a retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent forearm replantation. Eighteen cases involved male patients, and their mean age was 46 years. The mechanism of injury was roller injuries in 5 cases, power saw injuries in 3 cases, traffic accident in 7 cases, rope injuries in 2 cases, machinery injuries in 2 cases, and crushing injuries by rebar beam in 1 case. RESULTS: A total of 20 replantation patients survived. According to injury level, there were 3 cases of the proximal type, 11 cases of the middle type, and 6 cases of the distal type. The average time to revascularization was 331 min. The total operation time was, on average, 5.73 h. In the rest of the 18 cases, the temporary screw plate fixation technique was performed, and the average time required for bone shortening and plate fixation was 38.3 min. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce ischemic time, we need a plan that progressively reduces time at each stage. Among our tips, temporary screw plate fixation can reduce the initial bone surgical operation to < 40 min, does not have many complications, and can be used as definitive surgery. This method for bone fixation should be considered as a strategy to actively reduce operation time during forearm replantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study, Level III.

Comparative Analysis of Preoperative and Postoperative Muscle Mass around Hip Joint by Computed Tomography in Patients with Hip Fracture.

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to assess changes in hip muscles by comparing results of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) in older patients who underwent surgery for treatment of hip fracture. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients (aged ≥65 years) who underwent surgery for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures (25 patients) and femoral neck fractures (25 patients) between February 2013 and February 2019 and underwent preoperative and postoperative pelvic CT were enrolled in the study. The cross-sectional area, attenuation and estimates of muscle mass of the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, iliopsoas, and rectus femoris on the uninjured side were measured. Basic patient data (sex, age, height, weight, body mass index [BMI], bone mineral density [BMD], Harris hip score [HHS], and length of follow-up) were collected from medical records. Results: No significant differences in sex, age, height, weight, BMI, BMD, HHS, and length of follow-up were observed between the two groups. No significant difference in the cross-sectional areas and attenuations of gluteus medius and gluteus minimus was observed after surgery; however, a statistically significant decrease was observed in those of iliopsoas and rectus femoris after surgery. Lower estimates with statistical significance of muscle mass of the iliopsoas and rectus femoris were observed on postoperative CT. Conclusion: Muscle mass of the hip flexor (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) showed significant decreases on postoperative CT compared with preoperative CT. Based on these findings, selective strengthening exercise for hip flexor should be beneficial in rehabilitation of hip fractures.

Sensory Reconstruction of a Posterior Heel Defect Using a Proximally Based Sensate Medial Plantar Flap with Retrograde Nerve Cleavage Technique.

Reconstruction of posterior heel defects is important because it requires thick and durable skin that can withstand pressure and shear from shoe and bed contact. Therefore, the sensate flap could be a better option for the defect. This paper reports on the safety of a medial plantar sensory flap for these defects as well as an objective measurement of the sensation of the medial plantar flap and the plantar surface distal to the donor site. Twelve patients had soft-tissue defects in the posterior heel and underwent reconstructive surgery using a proximally based sensate medial plantar sensory flap. Cases of plantar defects involving not posterior heel were excluded. For wider flap coverage, special neurovascular dissection was required. We evaluated levels of sensation quantitatively using Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilaments and a two-point discriminator at the final follow-up. All flaps survived without major complications. Postoperative follow-up was 12 to 64 months (mean 26 months). All 12 flaps healed without postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in minimal two-point discrimination and SW evaluator size between the transferred medial plantar flap area and the contralateral heel area or between the plantar area distal to the donor site and the contralateral side. Patients could walk normally and sleep without protective shoes or brace. A proximally based sensate medial plantar flap is a good option for the reconstruction of posterior heel defects. It can restore the characteristics of the posterior heel for shoe wearing and sleeping.