Collective and experimental research project for master's students on the pathophysiology of obesity.

We describe here a collective and experimental research project-based learning (ERPBL) for master's students that can be used to illustrate some basic concepts on glucose/lipid homeostasis and renal function around a topical issue. The primary objective of this ERPBL was to strengthen students' knowledge and understanding of physiology and pathophysiology. The secondary objectives were to help students to develop technical/practical abilities and acquire transversal skills with real-world connections.

Lactic acid/wood-based composite material. Part 1: Synthesis and characterization.

As biomass feedstock, wood and lactic acid biopolymers have been used as constituents of an innovative biocomposite material possessing remarkable properties. Three different systems were made by soaking lactic acid oligomers into solid wood and then oven heating to induce in situ polymerisation, confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis. Combinations of treatment systems and heating durations, implying structural wood modification, led to different physical behaviours of the composites.

Lactic acid/wood-based composite material. Part 2: Physical and mechanical performance.

The synthesis of an innovative bio-composite material based on wood and lactic acid oligomers has been reported in Part 1. As a continuation of this previous work, this paper examines the bio-composite material's physical and mechanical performance. Properties were assessed in terms of dimensional stability, decay resistance, leaching, bending, shearing, compression and hardness testing.