PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A POTENZIATED PIEZOSURGERGICAL DEVICE AT THE RABBIT SKULL

The number of available ultrasonic osteotomes has remarkably increased. In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed differences between conventional osteotomes, such as rotating or sawing devices, and ultrasound-supported osteotomes (Piezosurgery®) regarding the micromorphology and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces. Objective: the present study compares the micro-morphologies and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces after the application of rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. Methods: Fresh, standard-sized bony samples were taken from a rabbit skull using the following osteotomes: rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and a Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. The required duration of time for each osteotomy was recorded. Micromorphologies and roughness values to characterize the bone surfaces following the different osteotomy methods were described. The prepared surfaces were examined via light microscopy, environmental surface electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy. The selective cutting of mineralized tissues while preserving adjacent soft tissue (dura mater and nervous tissue) was studied. Bone necrosis of the osteotomy sites and the vitality of the osteocytes near the sectional plane were investigated, as well as the proportion of apoptosis or cell degeneration. Results and Conclusions: The potential positive effects on bone healing and reossification associated with different devices were evaluated and the comparative analysis among the different devices used was performed, in order to determine the best osteotomes to be employed during cranio-facial surgery

Towards a sustainable airline business model : addressing the forces impacting on European based airlines

Since the year 2000 the existing business model of many European airlines has come under extreme financial pressure from a weak and volatile economy, the threat of international conflict, terrorism and pandemics, as well as a high dependence on the supply and price of fossil fuels. Oil based transport is becoming a major sustainability issue due to price and supply fluctuations, geopolitics, and burgeoning environmental concerns. This thesis examines the role of business model innovation in supporting a sustainability transition in the European airline sector. To achieve this aim, I develop a novel framework that links the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP), the STOF model and business model innovation to understand the drivers affecting the European airline industry. I adopt a four-stage mixed-method approach consisting of a quantitative study of published European airline results, a grey literature review, forty structured interviews and a final triangulation. The findings pinpoint the failings of the industry and detail the major issues concerning its sustainability transition to a low carbon industry. A fragmentation towards four business model groups is identified. The results of the research indicate that changes to airline business models are reactions to forces arising from the MLP and do not lead industry transition. The study indicates that a long incremental sustainability transition in an internationally regulated industry using evolving complex technologies is difficult to capture by reworking airline business models, but that the adoption of new technology can advance system transition. The separation of these technologies into operating ´parcels´ could offer a valuable understanding of their contribution to the business model construct. A sequenced framework for industry transition is proposed. The thesis contributes to the limited literature on the role of business model innovation in shaping sustainability transitions and highlights critical issues and challenges facing the airline sector in Europe

Educational evaluation of Cybersmart Detectives: final report: presented to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

The aim of the Australian Communications and Media Authority‟s (ACMA) Cybersmart Detectives (CSD) activity is to teach children key Internet safety messages in a safe school environment. The activity brings together a number of agencies with an interest in promoting online safety for young people, including education, State and Federal Police, government and child welfare advocates. The activity has been played by over 28, 000 students in Australia since initial trials in 2004. Cybersmart Detectives is offered free to schools by the ACMA as part of the Australian Government‟s commitment to cyber-safety. Based on a real-world Internet safety scenario, the CSD activity is delivered to students in the classroom as a series of messages. Aided by the classroom teacher, students work in small teams, reading correspondence, voting on a series of poll questions and sending questions and suggestions to their „Cybersmart Guide‟ waiting online. As the scenario unfolds, students discuss the risks of certain online and offline behaviours and ways of managing those risks..

5th International Conference on Advanced Research Methods and Analytics (CARMA 2023)

Research methods in economics and social sciences are evolving with the increasing availability of Internet and Big Data sources of information. As these sources, methods, and applications become more interdisciplinary, the 5th International Conference on Advanced Research Methods and Analytics (CARMA) is a forum for researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas and advances on how emerging research methods and sources are applied to different fields of social sciences as well as to discuss current and future challenges.Martínez Torres, MDR.; Toral Marín, S. (2023). 5th International Conference on Advanced Research Methods and Analytics (CARMA 2023). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/CARMA2023.2023.1700

Towards a multimedia computer assisted careers guidance system for adults with dyslexia.

Dyslexic people face particular problems in employment. These problems, coupled with a lack of specialist support, create a critical need for specially tailored computer assisted careers guidance (CACG) systems. The primary objective of this thesis is to establish guidelines for the design of such a system. Section one examines the possibility of providing training or guidance for dyslexic people via computer, and focuses on the use of symbolic information. The results of Study 1, using British road traffic signs, indicate that dyslexic people are deficient in implicit learning, even for symbolic information. Consequently, despite the advantage of symbol based systems for dyslexics, explicit training in system use is likely to be essential. Section two examines the potential of such systems for delivering specially tailored CACG to dyslexic people. The literature on careers guidance for dyslexic people suggests that they particularly benefit from increased insight into the nature of their disability, and knowledge of its implications. Careers guidance for dyslexics would therefore be optimised by guidance in: the nature of their disabilities; likely effects of their disabilities; implications for careers decisions; and opportunities for overcoming dyslexia-related difficulties. It is argued that multimedia systems, encapsulating an open learning approach, are particularly appropriate for dyslexic people. Modern multimedia computer assisted careers guidance (CACG) systems have the potential to facilitate these beneficial processes, and to provide valuable information and support materials. However, presently available systems of this sort are far from suitable for dyslexics. Unfortunately, little information on multimedia or CACG relates directly to dyslexia. To counter this, three studies were conducted; an interview study of selected dyslexia professionals, a questionnaire study of a wider range of dyslexia professionals, and a questionnaire study of dyslexic adults. Each was designed to establish: how careers guidance for dyslexic people can be improved; the feasibility and desirability of multimedia CACG for dyslexic people; and the design characteristics of such a CACG system. Not only was it generally agreed that such a system is feasible, and desirable, but also strong support was voiced for the central use of video resources. However, it was stressed that the system should not be allowed to replace human guidance. The results of these studies are combined with the conclusions from the literature, to construct a detailed design and description of a multimedia CACG system for dyslexic people

IRAN’S REGIONAL POLICY IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS: CASE STUDIES OF RELATIONS WITH THE REPUBLICS OF AZERBAIJAN & ARMENIA

The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Iran’s foreign policy and behaviour, roots of continuity and factors of change in the regional context of the South Caucasus, using the case studies of its relations with two important neighbouring countries, the Republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan. To offer a picture of regional geopolitical context in which the subject is examined, the study will discuss the importance of South Caucasus in the international system, introducing the existing challenges and opportunities in the region, as well as important regional and international players involved, their goals and policies towards those goals. The study will also provide a review of Iran’s foreign policy in different periods and discuss factors resulting in different approaches undertaken in each period. The implication of these policies will then be examined further in the context of the Middle East, as well as South Caucasus. That is to demonstrate the specific strategies Iran has taken in each of these regions, and to explain differences between the Middle East policies and that of the South Caucasus. Case studies will provide a more detailed picture of how regional policies work and what factors shape the bilateral relations