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The paper presents some theoretical and practical issues, particularly useful to users of numerical methods, especially finite element method for the behaviour modelling of the foam materials. Given the characteristics of specific behaviour of the foam materials, the requirement which has to be taken into consideration is the compression, inclusive impact with bodies more rigid then a foam material, when this is used alone or in combination with other materials in the form of composite laminated with various boundary conditions. The results and conclusions presented in this paper are the results of our investigations in the field and relates to the use of LS-Dyna program, but many observations, findings and conclusions, have a general character, valid for use of any numerical analysis by FEM programs.

The paper presents the results of the experiments on obtaining a composite material to be used in manufacturing brake shoes for the rolling stock. The aim was to replace the classical material used at present for the manufacturing of brake shoes: cast iron with a specially designed composite material. Six recipes have been tested and compared to a standard sample made of phosphorous cast iron. The wear trials carried out in laboratory conditions on the experimental test rods have led to results that entitle further experiments that implies the manufacturing of brake shoes made of the composite material in question.

In this work, we focused on the potential of biogenous mineral from Cuttlefish bone for inducing biomimetic mineralization with further biomedical applications. We demonstrate the formation of strong and flexible hydrogels via physical immobilization of cuttlefish bone powder in the presence of bovine gelatin and alginate. The properties of hydrogels loaded with biogenous mineral, with a commercial bone substitute, with commercial nano-hydroxyapatite and in situ generated hydroxyapatite. In vitro cell adhesion tests demonstrated that the new developed hydrogels showed a promising cell adhesion.

The first part of the paper presents the influence of the processing temperature by injection of HDPE, of PMMA, and PC+ABS blend on the indentation hardness and on the indentation modulus, when other factors that can influence the injection remain unchanged. The second part of the paper presents the influence of subsequent pressure by injection of HDPE, PMMA, and PC+ABS blend on the indentation hardness and on the indentation modulus, when the other factors remain unchanged. The HDPE samples were obtained at the following injection temperatures: 180, 190, 200, 210, and 220°C, and at the following subsequent pressures: 800 bar, 900 bar, 1000 bar, 1100 bar, and 1200 bar. The PMMA samples were obtained at the following injection temperatures: 220, 230, 240, 250, and 260°C, and at the following subsequent pressures: 450, 550, 650 , 750, and 850 bar. The PC+ABS samples were obtained at the following injection temperatures: 230, 240, 250, 260, and 270°C, and at the following subsequent pressures: 500 bar, 600 bar, 700, 800, and 900 bar. The G-Series Basic Hardness Modulus at a Depth method was used to obtain the indentation hardness and the indentation modulus. It was observed that by increasing the processing temperature and subsequent pressure, in the case of HDPE, leads to an increase in indentation hardness and in indentation modulus. It was observed that increasing the processing temperature by injection in the case of PMMA, from 220 to 250°C, leads to a slight increase in indentation hardness and in indentation modulus, whereas increasing the subsequent pressure of PMMA, from 450 bar to 850 bar, leads to a slight decrease in indentation hardness and in the indentation modulus. Increasing the processing temperature by injection in the case of PC+ABS, from 230 to 250°C, leads to a slight increase in indentation hardness and in indentation modulus. By further increasing the processing temperature by injection, from 250 to 270°C, leads to a decrease in indentation hardness and in the indentation modulus. Alternatively, increasing the subsequent pressure from 500 bar to 900 bar leads to not only a decrease in indentation hardness but also to a decrease in the indentation modulus.

A constant situation present in the anatomy laboratories is represented by the cadavers preservation resulted from dissection. The main requirement for this process is the use of formaldehyde which is a toxic substance probably included in the class of carcinogenic substances. Large specimens resulted from dissection process, such as limbs or trunks, can be preserved only in large containers filled with formaldehyde and for limited periods of time. To remove these issues we used the anatomy laboratory in order to be able to preserve the first sustainable plastinated anatomical specimens. In our study have been used 8 adult human bodies (partial and complete), 6 females and 2 males, aged between 62 and 73. We have removed and dissected brains, upper limbs, kidneys and livers. They have undergone preservation process of plastination.

The work presents the results of a computer simulation of one of the most widespread strength tests, i.e. a static tensile test, performed with the use of two design tools - ANSYS and SolidWorks software. Strength tests were performed with the ZWICK Z100 tensile machine. The shaped sections used in the analysis were made of AW-6060 aluminium alloy. The computer simulation results were referenced to the actual tensile test results and it was found they are comparable. It can be concluded on such basis that a computer simulation is an alternative to time-consuming and costly laboratory tests.

Synthetic meshes are steadily developed and optimized to provide the best biocompatibility, resistance and elasticity with minimal side effects when used in vivo. This article presents mesh parameters, which influence the biological outcomes in surgical cases. Material, structure, resistance to the applied force, elasticity and biocompatibility are listed below in order to clarify the advantages and shortcomings of different mesh types. Future developments in synthetic mesh industry are presented as well in order to improve mesh acceptability in vivo and optimize healing process. There is no ideal mesh, but only prostheses with fewer side effects when correctly used, in accordance with patient needs.

Luffa cylindrica fibers were purified through alkaline treatment and loaded with phosphate as mineral precursor. Their capacity of acting as bioactivator for an inert polymer was evaluated. In this respect, the PO43- - Luffa fibers were loaded in a polymeric matrix known not to promote biomineralization through immersion in mineralization media. The synthesized materials were subjected to alternative Ca/P baths and the formation of mineral was investigated through SEM. Also, the mechanical properties and the water affinity of the un-mineralized and mineralized materials were investigated.

The aim of study was to analyse the activity of four biocides. Assessment was made using the methodology described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI); Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Yeasts, M27-A3 Approved Standard, in: Candida sake, C. albicans, C. lusitaniae and Rhodotorulla rubra. The outcome, related to the culture2 s cut-off value of optical density (O.D.) was analysed statistically (p = 0.05 or lower) proving that Candida albicans was capable of generating strong biofilms, in the resistance setting (p = 0.001).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interim veneer restoration, achieved from two types of dimethacrylate based composite resins (Telio CS C&B and Luxatemp Star), by direct technique. Both composite resins performed well according to evaluation criteria: anatomic configuration, marginal adaptation, discoloration, surface texture, postoperative pain and periodontal aspect. Loosening of interim restorations appeared in 25% of cases. Besides advantages, there are some disadvantages associated with direct way of achieving temporary veneers.