Objective-Design of bioactive scaffolds with osteogenic capacity is a central challenge in cellbased patient-specific bone tissue engineering. Efficient and spatially uniform seeding of (stem) cells onto such constructs is vital to attain functional tissues. Herein we developed heparin functionalized collagen gels supported by 3D printed bioceramic scaffolds, as bone extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic matrices. These matrices were designed to enhance cell seeding efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as well as improve their osteogenic differentiation through immobilized bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) to be used for personalized bone regeneration.Methods-A 3D gel based on heparin-conjugated collagen matrix capable of immobilizing recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) was synthesized. Isolated dental pulp Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were then encapsulated into the bone ECM microenvironment to efficiently and uniformly seed a bioactive ceramic-based scaffold fabricated using additive *

Throughout history, Islamic signs and signification were recognized and appreciated by both Muslim and Non-Muslim scholars. The Islamic style of architecture is not only used in mosques, but also in other Islamic buildings and even in gardens. The architecture encompasses both secular and religious artistic styles. The aim of this study is to contextualize the concept of Islamic architecture. It seeks to make the readers appreciate the heritage of Islamic architecture, and to clarify on misconceptions about Islamic architecture. This study examines various types of Islamic architecture and conducts a semiotic analysis of these works. The study defines the meaning and scope of Islamic architecture. It highlights the qualities and characteristics that make it unique and distinctive from other forms of architecture. It looks into the meanings and characteristics of the structures and explores the decorative styles used. Further, it explores the concept of Islamic architecture and analyses the meaning of some of the signs and significations. The findings indicate that the most common styles are calligraphy, geometry and floral designs. The study also finds that Islamic architecture encompasses both secular and religious artistic styles and has been influential in designing, constructing and decorating buildings in other cultures during both the ancient times and in the present day.

In an era when urbanization on a large scale and at a rapid pace has become a dominant trend, particularly in developing countries, the fundamental issue of urban spaces identity is always being ignored. This is an important issue in two respects. First, it refers to the weakening of the identity elements over time, coinciding with the new development; second, it regards the lack of attention to identity stimulants, and failure in using them in a figurative and semantic manner in a small-scale structure to the macro-scale of urban tissues. The relative identity crisis is particularly apparent in new towns and it is one of the obstacles to attract population into these soulless towns. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the identity of 10 new towns in Iran to achieve a conceptual-cognitive framework for reviewing the above mentioned problem. We conducted this research based on qualitative and quantitative methods and by the use of the Goeller matrix and of a qualitative survey questionnaire. Findings indicate that in terms of selected measures, the new town of Baharestan achieved the first place and the other two towns “Andisheh and Pardis” occupied the next ranks. Results indicate that among new towns under investigation, the new town of Baharestan got the highest rank because its principles of identity were inspired by the principles of the Isfahan School.

Since the impacts of climate change will last for many years, adaptation to this phenomenon should be prioritized in urban management plans. Although Tehran, the capital of Iran, has been subject to a variety of climate change impacts in recent years, appropriate adaptation measures to address them are yet to be taken. This study primarily aims to categorize the barriers to climate change adaptation in Tehran and analyze the way they interact with each other. The study was done in three steps: first, the focus group discussion (FGD) method was used to identify the barriers; next, the survey and the structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to validate the barriers, identify their importance, and examine their possible inter-relationships; and finally, the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was applied to categorize and visualize the relationships between the barriers. Results show that barriers related to the ‘structure and culture of research’, ‘laws and regulations’, and ‘planning’ belong to the cluster of independent barriers and are of greater significance. The ‘social’ barrier and barriers related to ‘resources and resource management’ are identified as dependent barriers and are of lesser importance. Barriers related to ‘governance’, ‘awareness’, ‘education and knowledge’, ‘communication and interaction’, and ‘economy’ are identified at the intermediate cluster. The findings of this study can provide planners and decision makers with invaluable insights as to how to develop strategies for climate change adaptation in Tehran. Despite the scope of the study being confined to Tehran, its implications go far beyond this metropolis.

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