Geometric and structural design of foldable structures

p. 2392-2404This paper initially investigates the previous works on foldable structures. Subsequently, generation and geometric (architectural) design of compatible foldable structures with scissor-like elements is formulated for various shapes of barrels with no geometric limitations (free forms) for the purpose of configuration processing. Special cases for configuration processing based on given formulation are studied to obtain different geometries. For example, the division of the sum of the internal angles of duplets leads to different geometries. The method employed for this division could be equal between duplets, according to arithmetic or geometric progression, or using algebraic equations. These methods are used to divide the sum of internal angles and radius of curvature; Corresponding geometries are then created and compared. The method to generate a geometry imposed by architectural requirements is also proposed in this work. Using such ordering, one can create and model free form foldable structures. To provide changeability for geometry of the structure, a special mid-connection (pivot) is proposed and a prototype model is constructed to demonstrate the efficiency. To construct real scale foldable structures, some connections and a simple method to analyze and design of this type of connections are proposed. A graph of maximum displacement vs. height of the structure is illustrated. A design-construct methodology for foldable structures is proposed.Babaei, M.; Sanaei, E. (2010). Geometric and structural design of foldable structures. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/728

Protein nanoparticle: A unique system as drug delivery vehicles

Over the past three decades, there has been a considerable research interest in the area of developing drug delivery using nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers for small and large molecules. Targeting delivery ofdrugs to the diseased lesions is one of the most important aspects of drug delivery system. They have been used in vivo to protect the drug entity in the systemic circulation, restrict access of the drug to thechosen sites and to deliver the drug at a controlled and sustained rate to the site of action. Various polymers have been used in the formulation of nanoparticles for drug delivery research to increase therapeutic benefit, while minimizing side effects. This review presents the most outstandingcontributions in the field of protein nanoparticles used as drug delivery systems. Methods of preparation of protein nanoparticles, characterization, drug loading, release and their applications in delivery of drug molecules and therapeutic genes are considered

Genetic variability of Taenia saginata inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences

Taenia saginata is an important tapeworm, infecting humans in many parts of the world. The present study was undertaken to identify inter- and intraspecific variation of T. saginata isolated from cattle in different parts of Iran using two mitochondrial CO1 and 12S rRNA genes. Up to 105 bovine specimens of T. saginata were collected from 20 slaughterhouses in three provinces of Iran. DNA were extracted from the metacestode Cysticercus bovis. After PCR amplification, sequencing of CO1 and 12S rRNA genes were carried out and two phylogenetic analyses of the sequence data were generated by Bayesian inference on CO1 and 12S rRNA sequences. Sequence analyses of CO1 and 12S rRNA genes showed 11 and 29 representative profiles respectively. The level of pairwise nucleotide variation between individual haplotypes of CO1 gene was 0.3–2.4 % while the overall nucleotide variation among all 11 haplotypes was 4.6 %. For 12S rRNA sequence data, level of pairwise nucleotide variation was 0.2–2.5 % and the overall nucleotide variation was determined as 5.8 % among 29 haplotypes of 12S rRNA gene. Considerable genetic diversity was found in both mitochondrial genes particularly in 12S rRNA gene. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Designing a Model for Knowledge Socialization Using Sociability Processes of Human Resource Management: A Case Study

This study develops a model for knowledge socialization using sociability processes of human resources through an applied research approach. Two types of participants participated in this study. The first type included academic and industrial experts; the second type included employees and managers of Ansar Bank. Ten experts were asked to identify criteria and weigh the identified criteria. Using simple random sampling, the sample size was estimated at 207. Field and archival studies were used to collect data. Validity and reliability of the distributed questionnaire were confirmed by organizational experts. Using theoretical literature and surveying experts, 18 criteria were identified of which 12 criteria (desirable and joyful workplace, management and leadership support in sociability process, training courses, transparency in working relations, team work, organizational trustful climate, job description and job knowledge, tangible incentives, participatory system, informal technique, defined career path, individual values aligned with organizational value) were selected by screening for prioritization and analysis. Fuzzy AHP and structural equation modelling based on partial least squares were used for prioritization and weighting. Fuzzy AHP model showed that desirable workplace (0.163), participatory systems and brainstorming (0.149), transparency in working relations (0.114), and informal techniques (0.111) gained the highest weights; finally, PLS model showed that all 12 identified criteria were effective on socialization of knowledge management