Osteoblast cell response to a CO2 laser modified polymeric material

Lasers are an efficient technology which can be applied for the surface treatment of polymeric biomaterials to enhance insufficient surface properties. That is, the surface chemistry and topography of biomaterials can be modulated to increase the biofunctionality of that material. By employing CO2 laser patterning and whole area processing of nylon 6,6 this paper details how the surface properties were significantly modified. Samples which had undergone whole area processing followed current theory in that the advancing contact angle, θ, with water decreased and the polar component, γp, increased upon an increase in surface roughness. For the patterned samples it was observed that θ increased and γP decreased. This did not follow current theory and can be explained by a mixed-state wetting regime. By seeding osteoblast cells onto the samples for 24 hours and 4 days the laser surface treatment gave rise to modulated cell response. For the laser whole area processing, θ and γP correlated with the observed cell count and cover density. Owed to the wetting regime, the patterned samples did not give rise to any correlative trend. As a result, CO2 laser whole area processing is more likely to allow one to predict biofunctionality prior to cell seeding. What is more, for all samples, cell differentiation was evidenced. On account of this and the modulation in cell response, it has been shown that laser surface treatment lends itself to changing the biofunctional properties of nylon 6,6

On Black South Africans, Black Americans, and Black West Indians: Some Thoughts on We Want What’s Ours

Most modern constitutions have eminent domain provisions that mandate just compensation for forced deprivations of land and require such deprivations to be for a public use or public purpose. The Takings Clause is a classic example of such a provision. The takings literature is essentially focused on outlining the outer boundaries within which the state can take property from an owner. But there are other takings that have been deemed “extraordinary”; in such circumstances, the state takes away property without just compensation and simultaneously makes a point about a person or a group’s standing in the community of citizens

On Black South Africans, Black Americans, and Black West Indians: Some Thoughts on We Want What’s Ours

Most modern constitutions have eminent domain provisions that mandate just compensation for forced deprivations of land and require such deprivations to be for a public use or public purpose. The Takings Clause is a classic example of such a provision. The takings literature is essentially focused on outlining the outer boundaries within which the state can take property from an owner. But there are other takings that have been deemed “extraordinary”; in such circumstances, the state takes away property without just compensation and simultaneously makes a point about a person or a group’s standing in the community of citizens

Autonomy versus futility? Barriers to good clinical practice in end-of-life care: a Queensland case

Findings from a Queensland coronial inquest highlight the complex clinical, ethical and legal issues that arise in end-of-life care when clinicians and family members disagree about a diagnosis of clinical futility. The tension between the law and best medical practice is highlighted in this case, as doctors are compelled to seek family consent to not commence a futile intervention. Good communication between doctors and families, as well as community and professional education, is essential to resolve tensions that can arise when there is disagreement about treatment at the end of life

Antitrust and the Future: World Markets, Transnational Restraints

In the last decade we have seen a new internationalization of business and a new internationalization of competition/industrial policy. The internationalization of business has led to lively, and some would say destructive, competition within the United States. The internationalization of competition/industrial policy could invite a return of world cartels

Antitrust and the Future: World Markets, Transnational Restraints

In the last decade we have seen a new internationalization of business and a new internationalization of competition/industrial policy. The internationalization of business has led to lively, and some would say destructive, competition within the United States. The internationalization of competition/industrial policy could invite a return of world cartels

A review of tropical dry forest ecosystem service research in the Caribbean – gaps and policy-implications

Tropical dry forests (TDFs) are globally threatened, yet remain poorly studied. In the Caribbean, the most biodiverse of island biodiversity hotspots, TDFs have structural properties distinct from the Neotropical mainland and are important to local communities for ecosystem services. We undertook a systematic review (n = 186) of ecosystem services literature of Caribbean TDF. Only 19.89% qualified for inclusion, with the majority (56.76%) from primary literature. Research on supporting services (31.14%), particularly primary production was predominant. Most studies (70.97%) took a biophysical perspective and quantification focused on the supply of ecosystem services (43.00%), while measurement of wellbeing benefits were uncommon. Geographic coverage of all studies was patchy originating from only nine of 28 independent countries and dependent territories. Our findings highlight a lack of research, while accentuating the value of grey literature in quantifying cultural services. Of concern, are gaps in air- and water-related services and the importance of TDF to human health. To move from biophysical assessments to a broader portfolio of ecosystem services studies, research on Caribbean TDF should be collaborative and strategic. Such gaps and research biases suggest opportunities for evidence-led policy-making. These lessons are relevant for mainstreaming ecosystem services into decision-making in Small Island Developing States

Safety mandates, legal requirements, and management practices to provide employees with a safe and healthful work environment

A commitment to safety is not a once-a-year endeavor that requires minimum training or awareness, but rather, it is a comprehensive concern for all stakeholders. Every business should provide a safe environment for their workers. This paper provides an overview of safety concerns, legal requirements, and best practices based on a review of the literature and government fatality data in the workplace, especially in the construction industry. Managers and human resource professionals must ensure their workplace places are as safe as possible. Using personality assessments to identify high-safety risk professionals can be one tool in their toolbox for creating and sustaining a safe and healthy work environment