Bernard J. Van Wie

Effectiveness of an Interactive Learning Environment Utilizing a Physical Model

AbstractThe goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical desktop learning module and associated activities and assessments (DLM&A) implemented in an undergraduate engineering class. Preassessments and postassessments designed as part of this study were implemented within a control group that participated in 11 interactive lecture sessions covering open channel flow, and an experimental group that participated in nine lectures and two 50-minute sessions with the DLM&A. Student responses on assessments provide strong evidence to suggest students’ conceptual understanding increased significantly when the DLM&A is implemented. The experimental group registered a gain of 0.57 out of 1.0 possible, with 70% of the students achieving minimum competency, compared to a respective 0.26 gain and 39% competency for the control group. The average effect size for the experimental group was d=0.98. Qualitative assessments show experimental group students were much more likely to correct their concept...

A flow perfusion bioreactor with controlled mechanical stimulation: Application in cartilage tissue engineering and beyond

Articular cartilage (AC) is a semitransparent, strong connective tissue that covers the articulating surfaces of bones [1]. It contains a rubbery matrix with extensive amounts of water, collagen, and proteoglycan ibers [2], and its unique structure allows it to absorb mechanical loads while creating a near-frictionless environment in articulating joints [3]. However, because AC is avascular and aneural, it has poor intrinsic ability for self-repair after injury [4]. Damage to AC is progressive and leads to osteoarthritis, a condition that affects 5 percent of the general population and 70 percent of those over age of 65, and costs nearly

Enhancing adipose stem cell chondrogenesis: A study on the roles of dexamethasone, transforming growth factor β3 and ascorbate supplements and their combination

8 billion annually in health care expenses [5]. Due to the socioeconomic and human impacts of this condition there has been a concerted effort to develop innovative strategies to repair damaged AC. One promising approach is the use of grafts comprised of replacement AC tissue, engineered to have properties similar to endogenous AC.

A Miniature Open Channel Weir For The Standard Classroom: Implementation And Assessment

AC: Articular Cartilage; ACAN: Aggrecan; ACTE: Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering; ALP: Alkaline Phosphatase; ADSC: Adipose derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell; Asc: Ascorbate; BMP: Bone Morphogenic Protein; BMSC: Bone Marrow derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell; CF: Chondrogenic factor; Col: Collagen; Dex: Dexamethasone; DTA: Dex with Asc and TGF-β; DT: Dex with TGF-β3; ECM: Extracellular Matrix; FGF: Fibroblast Growth Factor; GAG: Glycosaminoglycans; GF: Growth Factor; h: human; IGF: Insulin like Growth Factor; MMP: Matrix Metallopeptidase; MSC: Mesenchymal Stem Cell; OA: Osteoarthritis; RUNX2: Runt-related transcription factor 2; SC: Stem Cell; TE: Tissue Engineering; TGF-β: Transforming Growth Factor -β; VEGF: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; wrt: with respect to;