Biological Response of Biphasic Hydroxyapatite/Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffolds Intended for Low Load-Bearing Orthopaedic Applications:

In this study, a calcium phosphate scaffold of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) for application in osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffolds was synthesized and characterized. The important note is that the prepared composites converted to HAp/tricalcium phosphate (TCP) after heat-treatment. This class of composites is interesting because porous HAp/TCP generally degrade more rapid than HAp due to the increased resorption rate of TCP. According to the obtained results, the values of elastic modulus, compressive strength and density of the samples reduced with increasing the percentage of the DCPD phase. It is worth mentioning that the mechanical properties of the prepared samples were near the natural compact bone. The samples were examined in vitro to confirm the apatite forming ability of the composites. Also, in vivo examination in a rabbit model was employed. After fully observation it was concluded that new bone formed on the pore walls, as osteoids and osteoclasts were evident two months postoperatively. Based on the obtained results, the prepared scaffolds seem to be a promising biomaterial for low weight bearing orthopaedic applications

Relation between EFQM and Quality of Work Life and Tendency to Change among Faculty Members (Case study: Departments of Physical Education at Islamic Azad Universities)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between EFQM and Quality of Work Life (QWL) and Tendency to Change (TC) among the faculty members of Physical Education Department at Islamic Azad University units (Iran) and through identifying influencing factors of universities Excellence, better planning in order for increasing the efficiency of these units will be accomplish. The Research method is correlative description. In this study, we used two questionnaires of EFQM and QWL and also a researcher-made questionnaire about TC. Reliability coefficient of so-called questionnaire for EFQM, QWL, and TC were 0.96, 0.94, and 0.72, respectively. We took the advantages of different methods including Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, Correlation Coefficient, Leven's Test, One-way ANOVA, Simultaneous Multiple Regression, and Path Analysis Method. Results show that there are significant positive relationships between EFQM and its components (Enablers and results) with QWL and TC of faculty members. Also, Path Analysis results showed that the academic unit, work experience, tendency to change, academic ranking, quality of work life, participation in EFQM workshops and level of education, define nearly 80% of changes in EFQM. Research results suggest that two factors of QWL and TC of faculty members have greatest impact on Excellence of departments and faculties of physical education. The relation pattern between these factors helps managers as guide to understand the influencing factors and utilizing the pattern in order for taking the best advantages of EFQM Model and also promoting their organizations

Motion istället för depression – Att designa motivation

Träning är en effektiv behandlingsmetod för depression som idag inte prioriteras på grund av andra behandlingsmetoder som läkemedel och terapi som presenterar olika biverkningar på både samhälle och individ. Enligt Sundberg (2014) saknar patienten motivationen till att börja träna vilket därmed formger studiens syfte; att se hur man genom design kan motivera träning för den deprimerade. För att förstå hur motivation skapas undersöks depression, fysisk aktivitet på recept, användar centrerad design, kunskap/kontext, olika motivations typer, beteendeförändring och förenkling av vanor i studiens teoretiska ramverk. Dessa aspekter prövas i praktiken genom cultural probes och kvalitativa intervjuer som sedan definierar en designspecifikation. Denna designspecifikation är grunden till metoder som observation, skiss (inklusive prototypande och 3D modellering) och en designlösning. Resultatet visar att användaren söker gymträning i hemmet och kräver att träningen ska vara lättillgänglig med ett urval av övningar, där det även finns större grund för självreflektion samt uppföljningar. Designförslaget presenterar därför ett träningsredskap baserat på motståndsband som med hjälp av sensorer tillfredsställer användarens krav. Kring förslaget presenteras olika system, exempelvis större gemenskap och poängsystem som ansågs önskvärda av användaren, för att öka motivationen ytterligare och på så sätt kunna behandla depression.Exercise is an effective treatment method for depression that is rarely prioritized nowadays due to other treatment methods like medicine and therapy that present side effects to both society and the individual. According to Sundberg (2014) the patient lacks the motivation to start exercising which then creates this study’s purpose; to see how one can through design motivate exercise for the depressed. To understand how motivation is created research is done around depression, physical activity on prescription, user-centered design, knowledge/context, different types of motivation, types of behavioral and simplified habits in this study’s theoretical framework. These aspects are examined in practice through cultural probes and qualitative interviews which then define a design specification. This design specification is the basis of methods like observation, sketching (including prototyping and 3D modelling) and a design solution. Results show that the user seeks gym exercises at home and demand the exercise to be accessible with a selection of movements that also provide a bigger prospect of self-reflection and monitoring. Therefor the design suggestion presents a piece of exercise equipment based on resistance bands that satisfies the user needs through sensors. Beside the design suggestion a handful of systems are introduced, for example regarding a community and point system that was considered desirable by the user, to further increase the motivation and consequently help treat the depression

Solution study of the Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III clamp loader reveals the location of the dynamic ψχ heterodimer

Several X-ray crystal structures of the E. coli core clamp loader containing the five core (δ′, δ, and three truncated γ) subunits have been determined, but they lack the ψ and χ subunits. We report the first solution structure of the complete seven-subunit clamp loader complex using small angle X-ray scattering. This structure not only provides information about the location of the χ and ψ subunits but also provides a model of the dynamic nature of the clamp loader complex

Effect of Amount of 3-Methacryloxy Propyl Thrimethoxysilane Coupling Agent and Nano Filling Structure on Physic-Mechanical Properties of Dental Resin Composite

Many researchers in the field of dental polymeric base nano composite investigated the effect filling morphology and filling material content on mechanical and physical properties of construction after setting reaction. Our present study concentrated on the effect of ϒ metacryloxy propyloxt tri metoxy silane (ϒ MPS) content as coupling agent (orgnic material) on physical and mechanical performance of nano composite material. It was shown that despite of contraction after setting reaction, all this properties improved and efficient silanization can efficiently affect structural integrity of dental filling nano composite</p

Electrospun Poly Caprolactone-Carbon Nanotube Scaffold for Nerve Regeneration in Dental Tissue Engineering

Regeneration and engineering of functional new tissues containing the neural network have great importance. Progression of neural network into the dental tissue has a crucial role in dental tissue regeneration. In the present study polymer-ceramic blended scaffolds containing different weight percentages of carbon nanotube in poly caprolactone nanofiber matrix were fabricated. Morphological, mechanical and electrical properties of the prepared scaffolds have been characterized. Results showed that the sample containing 5 weight % of carbon nanotube had the smallest mean fiber diameter (50 - 300 nm) and the highest mechanical behavior. Also, its electrical conductivity was suitable to be used in nerve tissue scaffolds. The static culture of the Schwann cells on the prepared scaffolds indicated that increasing weight percentage of carbon nanotube into the polycaprolactone matrix up to the 5 wt. % enhanced cell viability