A praxis and Research Agenda for Multicultural Human Services Organizations

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/98268/1/1468-2397.00107.pd

Lazer-solimini equation with state-dependent delay: an alternative demonstration

In this paper, an alternative proof of results in [6] is given; there, the existence of T-periodic solutions of a family of Lazer-Solimini equations with state-dependent delay is studied. The tools used in the proof are a combination of a priori bounds and coincidence degree.En este trabajo se hace una demostración alternativa de los resultados [6], donde se estudió la existencia de soluciones T-periódicas para una familia de ecuaciones del tipo Lazer-Solimini con retraso dependiente del estado. Las herramientas utilizadas en la demostración son una combinación de cotas a priori y grado de coincidencia

The Optimization of Pressure-Assisted Microsyringe (PAM) 3D Printing Parameters for the Development of Sustainable Starch-Based Patches

The aim of this work was to develop sustainable patches for wound application, using the biopolymer starch, created using a low-cost 3D printing PAM device. The composition of a starch gel was optimized for PAM extrusion: corn starch 10% w/w, β-glucan water suspension (filler, 1% w/w), glycerol (plasticizer, 29% w/w), and water 60% w/w. The most suitable 3D printing parameters were optimized as well (nozzle size 0.8 mm, layer height 0.2 mm, infill 100%, volumetric flow rate 3.02 mm3/s, and print speed 15 mm/s). The suitable conditions for post-printing drying were set at 37 °C for 24 h. The obtained patch was homogenous but with low mechanical resistance. To solve this problem, the starch gel was extruded over an alginate support, which, after drying, becomes an integral part of the product, constituting the backing layer of the final formulation. This approach significantly improved the physicochemical and post-printing properties of the final bilayer patch, showing suitable mechanical properties such as elastic modulus (3.80 ± 0.82 MPa), strength (0.92 ± 0.08 MPa), and deformation at break (50 ± 1%). The obtained results suggest the possibility of low-cost production of patches for wound treatment by additive manufacturing technology.European Union—NextGenerationEUItalian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) National Innovation Ecosystem grant ECS00000041—VITALITYUniversità degli Studi di Perugia and MUR for support within the project Vitality

Polymeric Patches Based on Chitosan/Green Clay Composites and Hazelnut Shell Extract as Bio-SustainableMedication forWounds

Hazelnut shells, the main waste deriving from hazelnut processing, represent an interesting source of active molecules useful in pharmaceutics, although they have not yet been examined in depth. A hydrosoluble extract (hazelnut shell extract, HSE) was prepared by the maceration method using a hydroalcoholic solution and used as the active ingredient of patches (prepared by casting method) consisting of composites of highly deacetylated chitosan and green clay. In vitro studies showed that the formulation containing HSE is able to stimulate keratinocyte growth, which is useful for healing purposes, and to inhibit the growth of S. aureus (Log CFU/mL 0.95 vs. 8.85 of the control after 48 h); this bacterium is often responsible for wound infections and is difficult to treat by conventional antibiotics due to its antibiotic resistance. The produced patches showed suitable tensile properties that are necessary to withstand mechanical stress during both the removal from the packaging and application. The obtained results suggest that the developed patch could be a suitable product to treat woundsEuropean Union—NextGenerationEU under the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) National Innovation Ecosystem grant ECS00000041—VITALITYUniversità degli Studi di Perugia and MUR for support within the project Vitalit