Magnetic bioreactor for magneto-, mechano- and electroactive tissue engineering strategies

Biomimetic bioreactor systems are increasingly being developed for tissue engineering applications, due to their ability to recreate the native cell/tissue microenvironment. Regarding bone-related diseases and considering the piezoelectric nature of bone, piezoelectric scaffolds electromechanically stimulated by a bioreactor, providing the stimuli to the cells, allows a biomimetic approach and thus, mimicking the required microenvironment for effective growth and differentiation of bone cells. In this work, a bioreactor has been designed and built allowing to magnetically stimulate magnetoelectric scaffolds and therefore provide mechanical and electrical stimuli to the cells through magnetomechanical or magnetoelectrical effects, depending on the piezoelectric nature of the scaffold. While mechanical bioreactors need direct application of the stimuli on the scaffolds, the herein proposed magnetic bioreactors allow for a remote stimulation without direct contact with the material. Thus, the stimuli application (23 mT at a frequency of 0.3 Hz) to cells seeded on the magnetoelectric, leads to an increase in cell viability of almost 30% with respect to cell culture under static conditions. This could be valuable to mimic what occurs in the human body and for application in immobilized patients. Thus, special emphasis has been placed on the control, design and modeling parameters governing the bioreactor as well as its functional mechanism.FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia: UID/FIS/04650/2020; PTDC/BTM-MAT/28237/2017; PTDC/EMD-EMD/28159/2017 and SFRH/BPD/121464/2016. Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO): MAT2016–76039-C4–3-R (AEI/FEDER, UE). Basque Government Industry and Education Department: ELKARTEK, PIB and PIBA (PIBA−2018–06) programs, respectively.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Close Range Photogrammetry for Direct Multiple Feature Positioning Measurement without Targets

The main objective of this study is to present a new method to carry out measurements so as to improve the positioning verification step in the wind hub part dimensional validation process. This enhancement will speed up the measuring procedures for these types of parts. An industrial photogrammetry based system was applied to take advantage of its results, and new functions were added to existing capabilities. In addition to a new development based on photogrammetry modelling and image processing, a measuring procedure was defined based on optical and vision system considerations. A validation against a certified procedure by means of a laser-tracker has also been established obtaining deviations of ±0.125 μm/m

Fostering Education for Circular Economy through Life Cycle Thinking

Since 2002, the University of the Basque Country has supported several teaching experiences related to the so-called Life Cycle Thinking and Ecodesign in collaboration with local and regional public institutions and private companies. The implementation of a Master’s Degree entitled ‘Circular Economy: Business Application’ constitutes a milestone in the framework of these teaching experiences. From the very moment the European Green Deal was approved and, subsequently, before the state and regional strategies were launched, thanks to our prior experience, we have been able to offer the postgraduate course required by our administration and companies. The courses have been specifically designed to provide education for Circular Economy for new graduates as well as professionals with backgrounds as varied as product manufacturing engineering, environmental engineering, business administration or economics. It aims to become a European reference in its goal of promoting Circular Economy, life cycle thinking, ecodesign, industrial symbiosis and sustainable development and, at the same time, support the transition to circular economy in our region. As a result, in just two years the master’s degree has led to the creation within our university of a knowledge hub in Circular Economy, which hosts more than 20 research groups

Cooperative Dynamic Approach in Engineering Teaching: Same Content and Trend Towards Better Result

This article shows the benefits of active learning compared to traditional learning. It proves the importance of a fruitful discussion between peers. It is a sample of methodological change with no curricular change. It also shows the overall satisfaction of the students, who achieved an equal or better academic performance than the students in the traditional learning environment. At the Faculty of Engineering in Bilbao, Engineering Graphics is a collegiate subject and it is assessed using a final exam. In the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 academic years, didactic interventions were carried out, introducing active methodologies in the experimental group, keeping the same content and evaluation as the control group. It is important to mention that the subject of Engineering Graphics is taught in large groups and with novel students of first course of engineering. A cooperative dynamic (jigsaw) was selected. The main feature of this method is that the students’ knowledge is developed by themselves and the teacher does not explain any theory and practice linked to the subject. The teacher advises students in their learning process. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data collected shows that the use of a coopera­tive dynamic has a positive effect on the learning process of the students

Implementation of an In-House 3D Manufacturing Unit in a Public Hospital’s Radiology Department

Objective: Three-dimensional printing has become a leading manufacturing technique in healthcare in recent years. Doubts in published studies regarding the methodological rigor and cost-effectiveness and stricter regulations have stopped the transfer of this technology in many healthcare organizations. The aim of this study was the evaluation and implementation of a 3D printing technology service in a radiology department. Methods: This work describes a methodology to implement a 3D printing service in a radiology department of a Spanish public hospital, considering leadership, training, workflow, clinical integration, quality processes and usability. Results: The results correspond to a 6-year period, during which we performed up to 352 cases, requested by 85 different clinicians. The training, quality control and processes required for the scaled implementation of an in-house 3D printing service are also reported. Conclusions: Despite the maturity of the technology and its impact on the clinic, it is necessary to establish new workflows to correctly implement them into the strategy of the health organization, adjusting it to the needs of clinicians and to their specific resources. Significance: This work allows hospitals to bridge the gap between research and 3D printing, setting up its transfer to clinical practice and using implementation methodology for decision support