Theses Presentations (Part II) 05-20-2017

Specifically, the following thesis topics were completed and presented:

1. "Modern materials with improved mechanical - thermal insulation properties (Manufacturing - Quality control) by the postgraduate student Mr. Argyris Vasilios, with supervising professor Mr. G. Ntalos and members of the supervisory committee Professors: Michael Skarvelis and Trigkas Marios.

In this work, the basic characteristics of wood were investigated both in terms of its physical properties, such as its density, moisture absorption, shrinkage and expansion, and in terms of its mechanical properties such as the modulus of rupture and the modulus of elasticity, as well as and in terms of its thermal properties (thermal conductivity). Solid wood materials such as spruce, pine and meranti were studied as well as composite materials (glued), such as meranti (MT) and the proposed new materials, meranti - spruce - meranti (MET) and spruce - meranti - fir (EMT) in order to improve their mechanical and thermal insulation properties but also to reduce the cost of manufacturing these materials for their use in structural constructions and frame constructions. All properties were investigated separately for each material.

The main conclusions of the research were that the behavior of the two proposed new materials can be said to be satisfactory in relation to the competitive window construction materials with a comparative advantage in relation to the competing materials circulating in the window construction products market being their reduced cost as well as the reduced thermal conductivity.

2. "Wooden frame - Possibilities of improving the thermal insulation properties with the use of new materials by the postgraduate student Mr. Pappas Miltiadis, with supervising professor Mr. G. Ntalos and members of the supervision committee Professors: Michael Skarvelis and John Papadopoulos.

In this research, following on from the previous one, proposals were examined for the construction of frames, with new material products of wood, both in terms of its heat-insulating properties and the comparison with existing materials, as well as the control according to the standards that exist for wind permeability, water permeability.

Thus, very useful conclusions were reached for the production of wooden frames by Greek companies with reduced production costs, in order to become more competitive in this difficult market both in Greece and abroad.

3. "Social Media Marketing of businesses in the Greek furniture & wood market", by postgraduate student Ms. Platogianni Evanthia, with supervising professor Mr. Papadopoulos Ioannis and members of the supervisory committee Professors: Trigkas Marios and Karagkouni Glykeria.

In this research, the application of modern internet marketing methods in Greek wood and furniture companies was examined using a special questionnaire that was prepared and answers were given to the following questions:

• What are the basic social media that the Greek entrepreneurs in the sector know and the extent of their use and application?
• To what extent has the economic crisis affected the Greek furniture and wood businesses from 2009 until now?
• To what extent do consumers of wood furniture products turn to social media to conduct market research and make purchasing decisions?
• To what extent does informing the buyer of wood-furniture products before purchasing them increase their demands and create greater expectations?
• To what extent is it judged that a wood-furniture business should make its presence felt on social media and the benefits it derives, in order to increase its competitiveness?

The results obtained are quite interesting and it is believed that they will help the Greek companies in the sector to make the best use of them.

4. "Design and ergonomic study of auxiliary furniture to serve people with mobility problems in the recovery stage", by the postgraduate student Ms. Ferfyri Sotiria, with supervising professor Mr. Ntintakis Ioannis and members of the supervisory committee Mr. Kyratsis Panagiotis and Ntalos Georgios.

In this thesis, the design of an auxiliary piece of furniture was studied, which aims to improve the quality of life of people who are in the recovery stage, after a lower back surgery. Today, the furniture available mainly concerns "Walkers" type "P" whose purpose is to support walking in indoor and outdoor spaces. The purpose of this work is to design a piece of furniture that is not only intended for support during walking but to support the patient in the standing position and to serve daily needs and activities.

In the context of the work, the main questions answered were:

• How should an assistive piece of furniture be studied and designed to support the needs of users during the recovery stage?
• What will be the needs that such a piece of furniture will be able to serve the user in the recovery stage?
• What should be the characteristics of the furniture in order to contribute to the improvement of the user's quality of life?

5. "Design & ergonomic study of furniture for people with mobility problems", by the postgraduate student Ms. Peteinara Evelina, supervised by professor Mr. Didakis Ioannis and members of the supervision committee Mr. Kyratsis Panagiotis and Papadopoulos Ioannis.

In this research, an indoor seat (wheelchair) was studied and designed with the aim of facilitating the movement of people with mobility problems in order to meet their daily needs inside the house without being completely dependent on the existence of a second person. In the context of the work, the main questions answered were the following:

• Is it possible to design a flexible wheelchair that meets the needs of people with mobility problems?
• Is it possible to design a wheelchair that will allow users to meet their daily needs such as bathing, eating, etc.?
• Is it possible to use wood as a construction material in a wheelchair?

6. "Parametric kitchen design for all users with the help of the SolidWorks design program", by the postgraduate student Mr. Tsoutsouligkas Nikolaos, supervised by Mr. Ntintakis Ioannis and members of the supervisory committee Mr. Kyratsis Panagiotis and Papadopoulos Ioannis.

This thesis aims to design kitchen furniture that meets the principles of 'Designing products for everyone' (Universal Design). Essentially, this means that the kitchen area will be able to be used equally well by both healthy people and people with disabilities. In the context of the proposed work, the main questions that were answered were the following:

• What are the difficulties faced by people with disabilities when using a shared kitchen?
• Is it possible to design a suitable kitchen to meet the needs of all users?
• Are modern parametric design software able to make a positive contribution to kitchen design for all users?

The above theses were judged excellent and very good by the examination committees, while it is noted that the whole process was open to the public to watch the support of the above theses.

Nineteen (19) more equally important and interesting research diploma theses of the students of the 1st cycle of the Master's Program of Studies are coming to completion, which are awaited with particular interest.

It is noted that the 1^st swearing in of the MSc graduates will take place on Friday, July 28, 2017.

Finally, in a few days, the announcement for the call for expressions of interest to register and attend the 3^rd cycle of the Postgraduate Study Program "Advanced Methods of Manufacturing Wood Products" is expected

The Director of MSc

Ioannis Papadopoulos

Professor TEI of Thessaly