Measurement of collagen synthesis by cells grown under different mechanical stimuli

INTRODUCTION: The use of scaffolds in tissue engineering is essential to provide cells with a matrix for cell proliferation and differentiation resulting in tissue regeneration. Normally this process involves seeding cells onto an artificial biodegradable scaffold providing mechanical support for cells until there is sufficient extracellular matrix deposition (ECM) to replace the artificial scaffold. Collagen is the bulk protein found in the ECM and measurement of its synthesis is the most direct, absolute indicator of ECM production

Nanofibers-based piezoelectric energy harvester for self-powered wearable technologies

The demands for wearable technologies continue to grow and novel approaches for powering these devices are being enabled by the advent of new energy materials and novel manufacturing strategies. In addition, decreasing the energy consumption of portable electronic devices has created a huge demand for the development of cost-effective and environment friendly alternate energy sources. Energy harvesting materials including piezoelectric polymer with its special properties make this demand possible. Herein, we develop a flexible and lightweight nanogenerator package based on polyvinyledene fluoride (PVDF)/LiCl electrospun nanofibers. The piezoelectric performance of the developed nanogenator is investigated to evaluate effect of the thickness of the as-spun mat on the output voltage using a vibration and impact test. It is found that the output voltage increases from 1.3 V to 5 V by adding LiCl as additive into the spinning solution compared with pure PVDF. The prepared PVDF/LiCl nanogenerator is able to generate voltage and current output of 3 V and 0.5 µA with a power density output of 0.3 µW cm−2 at the frequency of 200 Hz. It is found also that the developed nanogenerator can be utilized as a sensor to measure temperature changes from 30◦C to 90◦C under static pressure. The developed electrospun temperature sensor showed sensitivity of 0.16%/◦C under 100 Pa pressure and 0.06%/◦C under 220 Pa pressure. The obtained results suggested the developed energy harvesting textiles have promising applications for various wearable self-powered electrical devices and systems

International tourists' spending on traveling inside a destination : does local happiness matter?

This paper investigates the travel spending behaviour of international tourists inside happier destinations. The empirical model is tested for 58 developed and developing countries. Applying various estimation methods and two different measures of nations’ happiness, the results show that tourists spend more on travelling inside a destination where local people are happier. In addition, we find that foreign tourists’ expenditures on travelling are higher in countries with a higher quality of travel infrastructure and larger numbers of World Heritage sites. Our results provide some implications for tourism planners and authorities

Tactile sensors for robot handling

First and second generation robots have been used cost effectively in high‐volume ‘fixed’ or ‘hard’ automated manufacturing/assembly systems. They are ‘limited‐ability’ devices using simple logic elements or primitive sensory feedback. However, in the unstructured environment of most manufacturing plants it is often necessary to locate, identify, orientate and position randomly presented components. Visual systems have been researched and developed to provide a coarse resolution outline of objects. More detailed and precise definition of parts is usually obtained by high resolution tactile sensing arrays. This paper reviews and discusses the current state of the art in tactile sensing

The impact of board and hotel characteristics on biodiversity reporting: Market diversification as a moderator

Purpose: This study aims to explain how board and hotel characteristics affect biodiversity reporting and to test the moderating effect of market diversification. Design/methodology/approach: The annual reports of 105 hotels were examined for the period between 2016 and 2017 to analyse these hotels’ biodiversity reporting using content analysis. The partial least squares technique was used to test the proposed relationships. Findings: The results show that the number of board members who are also on the corporate social responsibility committee, number of board members who are in environmental organizations, the star rating of the hotel, hotel size and hotel location have significant positive effects on the extent of biodiversity reporting. In addition, market diversification moderates positively the effects of number of board members with environmental experience and number of board members from environmental organizations on the extent of biodiversity reporting. Practical implications: The results of this study will be useful in enabling hotel manager and investors to become knowledgeable about these aspects of boards, which lead to higher biodiversity reporting. This study can also inform policymakers about the types of hotels that are less likely to disclose biodiversity reports and to develop effective enforcement of regulations. Originality/value: These findings extend the literature on biodiversity reporting by exploring the importance of board and hotel characteristics on the extent of biodiversity reporting and testing the moderating effect of market diversification

THE EFFECT OF PROGRESSIVE RESISTANCE TRAINING ON BIOMECHANICS OF ARTHRITIC GAIT: A SINGLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent in elderly and is associated with muscle weakness. OA progression is related to biomechanical characteristics of gait such as knee adduction moment (KAM). Progressive resistance training (PRT) improves muscle strength in this population, but PRT effects on biomechanics of gait related to OA progression are unknown. We hypothesized that PRT would reduce KAM, mediated by improvements in the strength of all lower limb muscle groups

THE EFFECT OF PROGRESSIVE RESISTANCE TRAINING ON BIOMECHANICS OF ARTHRITIC GAIT: A SINGLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent in elderly and is associated with muscle weakness. OA progression is related to biomechanical characteristics of gait such as knee adduction moment (KAM). Progressive resistance training (PRT) improves muscle strength in this population, but PRT effects on biomechanics of gait related to OA progression are unknown. We hypothesized that PRT would reduce KAM, mediated by improvements in the strength of all lower limb muscle groups

GAIT AND POSTURE IN ARTHRITIC AND HEALTHY KNEES

INTRODUCTION: The gait characteristics of patients with OA of the knee have been wellstudied and reported; however, less attention has been paid to the postural differences between OA affected and healthy knees. The aim of this study was to investigate the postural differences that may affect the gait in an OA group compared to the controls