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The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology of a design process of new lumbar intervertebral disc implants with specific emphasis on the use of rapid prototyping technologies. The verification of functionality of artificial intervertebral discs is also given. The paper describes the attempt and preliminary research to evaluate the properties of the intervertebral disc implant prototypes manufactured with the use of different rapid prototyping technologies, i.e. FDM – fused deposition modelling, 3DP – 3D printing and SLM – selective laser melting.

Based on the computed tomography (CT) scan data, the anatomical parameters of lumbar spine bone tissue were achieved, which were the bases for the design-manufacture process carried out with the use of computer-aided designing/computer-aided engineering/computer-aided manufacturing systems. In the intervertebral disc implant design process, three RP technologies: FDM, 3DP and SLM were used for solving problems related to the reconstruction of geometry and functionality of the disc. Some preliminary tests such as measurement of roughness and structural analyses of material of prototypes made by different prototyping technologies were performed.

This paper allowed the authors to elaborate and patent two new intervertebral disc implants. Because the implant designs are parametrical ones with relation to lumbar bone tissue properties measured on CT scans, they can be also made for individual patients. We also compared some of the properties of intervertebral implants prototypes made with the use of FDM, 3DP and SLM technologies.

The paper presents the new intervertebral disc implants and their manufacturing by rapid prototyping. The methodology of designing intervertebral disc implant is shown. Some features of the methodology make it useful for preoperative planning of intervertebral disc surgery, as well.

This case details the history of Southwest Airlines from its inception in 1971 until 2004. The case provides details of Southwest's business model and reasons for its success. It ends with a description of the company's competitive pressures in 2004. The case can be used for a course in service operations or strategy.

This article has as objective to present the relation between the current phenomenon of the corporate social responsibility and its relation with the State in the promotion of social policies. We have as example, some cases in Brazil, where the State starts to encourage companies to make social private investment. This is a new way of public administration that praises the co‐responsibility and corporate solidarity with the social development of the country.