832 results
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2. Displacement and Liminality in Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernières.
- Author
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ALBAY, Neslihan GÜNAYDIN
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CULTURAL pluralism , *VILLAGES , *LIMINALITY , *POPULATION transfers , *FORCED migration , *SOCIAL isolation , *LONELINESS , *OTTOMAN Empire - Abstract
Penned in 2004 by Louis de Bernières and articulated through the viewpoints of diverse characters, Birds Without Wings illuminates the harrowing scenes of war and their impact on local inhabitants and migrants during the formative years of the new Turkish Republic. Examining the reverberations of the national struggle in the international context, this paper specifically investigates the repercussions of the population exchange between Greece and the emerging Turkish state in 1923, focusing on a South-West Anatolian village (Eskibahçe) in a tumultuous historical era, which is the central issue in Birds Without Wings. Employing polyphony, that is, a muti-voiced narrative style with Bakhtin’s terminology about the novels with a variety of perspectives and narrators, the novel explores themes such as war, love, forced migration, and identity. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of a multicultural late Ottoman Empire, where Turkish-speaking Christian villagers and Greek Orthodox migrants initially coexist harmoniously but later face social isolation and loneliness after being exiled to Greece. Therefore, this paper aims to underscore individual and social isolation resulting from the devastating impact of wars on the idyllic lives of villagers in Birds Without Wings, drawing on Homi K. Bhabha’s third space theory. Another objective of this study is to demonstrate that Birds Without Wings celebrates hybridity and ethnic diversity by reevaluating the forced migration between Greece and Turkey, prompting reflection on the villagers’ attempts to redefine their identities after the Turkish Republic’s establishment and an analysis of its long-term implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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3. Calibration and Inter-Unit Consistency Assessment of an Electrochemical Sensor System Using Machine Learning.
- Author
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Apostolopoulos, Ioannis D., Androulakis, Silas, Kalkavouras, Panayiotis, Fouskas, George, and Pandis, Spyros N.
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ELECTROCHEMICAL sensors , *AIR quality monitoring , *CALIBRATION , *MACHINE learning , *CITIES & towns - Abstract
This paper addresses the challenges of calibrating low-cost electrochemical sensor systems for air quality monitoring. The proliferation of pollutants in the atmosphere necessitates efficient monitoring systems, and low-cost sensors offer a promising solution. However, issues such as drift, cross-sensitivity, and inter-unit consistency have raised concerns about their accuracy and reliability. The study explores the following three calibration methods for converting sensor signals to concentration measurements: utilizing manufacturer-provided equations, incorporating machine learning (ML) algorithms, and directly applying ML to voltage signals. Experiments were performed in three urban sites in Greece. High-end instrumentation provided the reference concentrations for training and evaluation of the model. The results reveal that utilizing voltage signals instead of the manufacturer's calibration equations diminishes variability among identical sensors. Moreover, the latter approach enhances calibration efficiency for CO, NO, NO2, and O3 sensors while incorporating voltage signals from all sensors in the ML algorithm, taking advantage of cross-sensitivity to improve calibration performance. The Random Forest ML algorithm is a promising solution for calibrating similar devices for use in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. A stochastic framework for rainfall intensity–time scale–return period relationships. Part ΙΙ: point modelling and regionalization over Greece.
- Author
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Iliopoulou, Theano, Koutsoyiannis, Demetris, Malamos, Nikolaos, Koukouvinos, Antonis, Dimitriadis, Panayiotis, Mamassis, Nikos, Tepetidis, Nikos, and Markantonis, David
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MULTISCALE modeling , *RAINFALL , *INTERPOLATION - Abstract
In this work, we formulate a regionalization framework for rainfall intensity–time scale–return period relationships which is applied over the Greek territory. The methodology for single-site estimation is based on a stochastic framework for multi-scale modelling of rainfall intensity which is outlined in the companion paper. Five parameters are first fitted independently for each site and the resulting parameter variability is assessed. Following a systematic investigation of uncertainty and variability patterns, two parameters, i.e. the tail-index and a time scale parameter, are identified as constant in space and estimated using data pooling techniques. The other three parameters are regionalized over Greece by means of spatial interpolation and smoothing techniques that are assessed through cross-validation in a multi-model framework. The regionalization scheme is implemented in a sequential order that allows exploiting rainfall information both from rainfall stations with sub-daily resolution and from the more reliable network of daily raingauges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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5. The Effect of Unfair Trading Practices on the Performance of Agricultural Cooperatives †.
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Benos, Theo, Sergaki, Panagiota, and Kalogeras, Nikos
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UNFAIR competition , *COOPERATIVE agriculture , *LATE payment , *BARGAINING power , *BOARDS of directors , *AGRICULTURAL technology - Abstract
In the European agri-food sector, operators with substantial bargaining power often engage in unfair trading practices (UTPs). Our paper aims to empirically examine the occurrence of UTPs and their influence on the performance of cooperatives. To fulfill the goal of our paper, we collected responses from 109 cooperatives in Greece after the transposition of a specialized EU Directive (i.e., Directive (EU) 2019/633). We found that, on average, the sampled cooperatives encountered three prohibited ("black") UTPs, while all reported at least one prohibited UTP. Moreover, the two most commonly reported practices (i.e., "unduly late payments" and "buyers' demand that suppliers pay for the deterioration or loss of products that occurred after ownership transfer") exerted a significant negative influence on cooperative performance, even in the presence of a proficient Board of Directors. Consequently, policymakers may need to pay more attention to UTPs and ensure that the national enforcement authorities are well-equipped to act rapidly and effectively against offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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6. Closing the Loop between Waste-to-Energy Technologies: A Holistic Assessment Based on Multiple Criteria.
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Mertzanakis, Christos, Vlachokostas, Christos, Toufexis, Charalampos, and Michailidou, Alexandra V.
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SCIENTIFIC literature , *WASTE products as fuel , *TECHNOLOGY assessment , *ANAEROBIC digestion , *INCINERATION - Abstract
This paper puts forward a generic methodological framework to holistically assess WtE technologies based on the PROMETHEE approach. In addition to environmental and economic aspects, the method focuses on large-scale applicability and social preference, thus adopting economic, environmental, social, and technological criteria. Three data sources are selected, namely the scientific literature, a public survey, and an experts' opinion survey, which is a novel combination with the aim to cover public consensus, technological applicability, and to provide alternative data sources for the economic and environmental criteria, thus enriching the methodology with the input of location specific data. The demonstration of the applicability of the proposed methodology is realized at a national level for the case of Greece. Anaerobic Digestion is shown to be the most preferable choice, recognized for its cost-effectiveness and lower environmental burden to other WtE technologies (i.e., gasification, pyrolysis, incineration). When all criteria are evaluated with equal weights, anaerobic digestion greatly outperforms incineration (net flow 0.833 versus 0.1667), while incineration only becomes the most preferred choice if the social criterion is in high focus (i.e., over 63% weight). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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7. Cultural Contacts among Pre-Roman Peoples in Iron Age Italy: The Case of Venetic Inscriptions.
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Vicari, Stefano and Perono Cacciafoco, Francesco
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INSCRIPTIONS , *IRON Age , *SOCIOCULTURAL factors , *TIME measurements , *ETRUSCANS , *TRANSLITERATION - Abstract
The spread of the alphabet in Italy occurred between the 7th and the 6th centuries BC, resulting in the appearance of texts written in so many different languages and in such limited territorial space that one can hardly observe another similar event (Venetic, Raetic, Etruscan, Picenian, Faliscan, Latin, Umbrian, Oscan, Greek, etc.). In this paper, we analyzed inscriptions produced by the Veneti, the ancient inhabitants of a region located between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps, which has provided mainly short sepulchral and votive texts. After a careful analysis, some so far poorly understood texts revealed the development of symbols to represent numbers and the measurement of time. These features are connected with the experience of the Etruscans and show characteristics shared with neighboring Celtic populations. The inscriptions also highlight a focus on the supernatural and the underworld. Cultural influences from the east, especially from Egypt, which represent a prominent moment in the evolution of Greece in the 7th century BC, have left traces in figurative culture and, quite unexpectedly, even in language. Rigorous transliterations and original interpretations of the analyzed inscriptions support the proposed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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8. Detection of Electromagnetic Seismic Precursors from Swarm Data by Enhanced Martingale Analytics.
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Harrigan, Shane, Bi, Yaxin, Huang, Mingjun, O'Neill, Christopher, Zhai, Wei, Sun, Jianbao, and Zhang, Xuemin
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MARTINGALES (Mathematics) , *ELECTROMAGNETIC fields , *NULL hypothesis , *RESEARCH personnel , *ECONOMIC impact - Abstract
The detection of seismic activity precursors as part of an alarm system will provide opportunities for minimization of the social and economic impact caused by earthquakes. It has long been envisaged, and a growing body of empirical evidence suggests that the Earth's electromagnetic field could contain precursors to seismic events. The ability to capture and monitor electromagnetic field activity has increased in the past years as more sensors and methodologies emerge. Missions such as Swarm have enabled researchers to access near-continuous observations of electromagnetic activity at second intervals, allowing for more detailed studies on weather and earthquakes. In this paper, we present an approach designed to detect anomalies in electromagnetic field data from Swarm satellites. This works towards developing a continuous and effective monitoring system of seismic activities based on SWARM measurements. We develop an enhanced form of a probabilistic model based on the Martingale theories that allow for testing the null hypothesis to indicate abnormal changes in electromagnetic field activity. We evaluate this enhanced approach in two experiments. Firstly, we perform a quantitative comparison on well-understood and popular benchmark datasets alongside the conventional approach. We find that the enhanced version produces more accurate anomaly detection overall. Secondly, we use three case studies of seismic activity (namely, earthquakes in Mexico, Greece, and Croatia) to assess our approach and the results show that our method can detect anomalous phenomena in the electromagnetic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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9. Streamline Intelligent Crowd Monitoring with IoT Cloud Computing Middleware.
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Gazis, Alexandros and Katsiri, Eleftheria
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CLOUD computing , *WIRELESS sensor networks , *MIDDLEWARE , *DATABASES , *RASPBERRY Pi , *INTERNET of things - Abstract
This article introduces a novel middleware that utilizes cost-effective, low-power computing devices like Raspberry Pi to analyze data from wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It is designed for indoor settings like historical buildings and museums, tracking visitors and identifying points of interest. It serves as an evacuation aid by monitoring occupancy and gauging the popularity of specific areas, subjects, or art exhibitions. The middleware employs a basic form of the MapReduce algorithm to gather WSN data and distribute it across available computer nodes. Data collected by RFID sensors on visitor badges is stored on mini-computers placed in exhibition rooms and then transmitted to a remote database after a preset time frame. Utilizing MapReduce for data analysis and a leader election algorithm for fault tolerance, this middleware showcases its viability through metrics, demonstrating applications like swift prototyping and accurate validation of findings. Despite using simpler hardware, its performance matches resource-intensive methods involving audiovisual and AI techniques. This design's innovation lies in its fault-tolerant, distributed setup using budget-friendly, low-power devices rather than resource-heavy hardware or methods. Successfully tested at a historical building in Greece (M. Hatzidakis' residence), it is tailored for indoor spaces. This paper compares its algorithmic application layer with other implementations, highlighting its technical strengths and advantages. Particularly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and general monitoring middleware for indoor locations, this middleware holds promise in tracking visitor counts and overall building occupancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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10. Ten Years of Mediterranean Monk Seal Stranding Records in Greece under the Microscope: What Do the Data Suggest?
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Solanou, Maria, Panou, Aliki, Maina, Irida, Kavadas, Stefanos, and Giannoulaki, Marianna
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MATING grounds , *OCEAN temperature , *SMALL-scale fisheries , *SIZE of fishes , *DECISION making - Abstract
Simple Summary: Ten years of Mediterranean monk seal stranding data along the Greek coastal areas were analyzed. The spatial distribution of stranding events along with the associated causes of death were modeled and mapped, while the relationship between the possibility of a stranding event and environmental and anthropogenic factors was thoroughly explored. The number of stranding events was found to be higher during the winter period. Moreover, the values of two major teleconnection oscillation indices during the first half of the year as well as the sea surface temperature in the Mediterranean from October to December were positively correlated with the number of stranding events of "unknown" cause. The size of fishing grounds and the number of sightings were associated with a higher probability of "human-related" stranding events. Finally, the central Aegean Sea was found to be a hotspot for "human-related" strandings, while, the eastern Ionian Sea, the southern coasts of the island of Cephalonia, and the gulf between the island of Lefkada and mainland Greece were found to present higher probabilities of monk seal subadult stranding events. This paper presents the results of an analysis of stranding events of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus over a decade. The analysis involved categorization according to the cause of stranding and seasonality, the identification of hotspot stranding areas and an assessment of possible correlations between stranding events and environmental/climatic patterns using time series analysis. Moreover, Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) were applied to explore the effects of the size of small-scale fishing grounds, the number of species sightings, and the occurrence of reproduction sites on "human-related" strandings. Finally, special focus was put on the central part of the eastern Ionian Sea for the assessment of stranding hotspot areas by means of the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, based on different kinds of spatial information such as anthropogenic pressures and the location of breeding sites and feeding grounds. Time series analysis results revealed that oscillation indices, during the first half of the year, and sea surface temperature (SST) in the Mediterranean from October to December were positively correlated with monk seal stranding events. GAMs underlined that areas combining extended small-scale fishery grounds and a higher number of sightings were more likely to cause more strandings. Regarding spatial analyses, the central Aegean Sea was highlighted as a hotspot for "human-related strandings", while the MCDA approach emphasized that the southern coasts of Cephalonia and the gulf between Lefkada and mainland Greece were susceptible to subadult strandings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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11. Multi-Sensor Image and Range-Based Techniques for the Geometric Documentation and the Photorealistic 3D Modeling of Complex Architectural Monuments.
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Tsiachta, Alexandra, Argyrou, Panagiotis, Tsougas, Ioannis, Kladou, Maria, Ravanidis, Panagiotis, Kaimaris, Dimitris, Georgiadis, Charalampos, Georgoula, Olga, and Patias, Petros
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ARCHITECTURAL models , *DIGITAL photogrammetry , *GEOMETRIC approach , *PRESERVATION of monuments , *OPTICAL scanners , *LASER fusion , *MONUMENTS - Abstract
The selection of the optimal methodology for the 3D geometric documentation of cultural heritage is a subject of high concern in contemporary scientific research. As a matter of fact, it requires a multi-source data acquisition process and the fusion of datasets from different sensors. This paper aims to demonstrate the workflow for the proper implementation and integration of geodetic, photogrammetric and laser scanning techniques so that high-quality photorealistic 3D models and other documentation products can be generated for a complicated, large-dimensional architectural monument and its surroundings. As a case study, we present the monitoring of the Mehmet Bey Mosque, which is a landmark in the city of Serres and a significant remaining sample of the Ottoman architecture in Greece. The surveying campaign was conducted in the context of the 2022–2023 annual workshop of the Interdepartmental Program of Postgraduate Studies "Protection Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Monuments" of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and it served as a geometric background for interdisciplinary cooperation and decision-making on the monument restoration process. The results of our study encourage the fusion of terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetric datasets for the 3D modeling of the mosque, as they supplement each other as regards geometry and texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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12. OPTORER: A Dynamic Routing and Touring Service for Indoors and Outdoor Tours.
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Vassilakis, Constantinos, Polychronaki, Maria, Margaritis, Dimosthenis, Kogias, Dimitrios G., and Leligou, Helen C.
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SMARTWATCHES , *TOURS , *SOCIAL services , *USER experience - Abstract
This paper introduces a new routing and touring service both for outdoor and indoor places of touristic and cultural interest designed to be used in the wider area of Attica, Greece. This service is the result of the work performed in OPTORER (OPTORER: OPtimal rouTing and explOration of touRistic and cultural arEas of interest within Attica given personalized adaptive preferences, promoted underlying purpose, and interactive experience), project, and it aspires to offer a range of innovative and thematic routes to several specified points of interest in the selected area of Attica, encouraging the combination of indoor and outdoor routes in a single tour. The aim is to optimize the user experience while promoting specific, user-centric features, with safety and social welfare being a priority for every designed tour, resulting in enhancing the touristic experience in the area. Using a common smartphone device, as well as common wearable devices (i.e., smartwatches), the OPTORER service will provide an end-to-end solution by developing the algorithms and end-user applications, together with an orchestration platform responsible for managing, operating, and executing the service that produces and presents to the end user results derived from solving dynamically complex optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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13. Association between Levels of Loneliness, Laboratory Measurements, and Behavioral Aspects in a Primary Care Setting in Crete, Greece.
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Volkos, Panagiotis, Linardakis, Manolis, Stachteas, Panagiotis, Anastasiou, Foteini, Tatsioni, Athina, Kampa, Marilena, and Symvoulakis, Emmanouil K.
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LONELINESS , *PRIMARY care , *MULTIPLE regression analysis , *LOGISTIC regression analysis , *BLOOD lipids , *BLOOD sugar - Abstract
This paper examines potential associations of loneliness with laboratory data and specific psychosocial and behavioral attitudes. The sample collection took place in an urban Primary Health Care unit between May and July 2023, consecutively, and once exclusion criteria were implemented. Participants were aged between 40 and 75 years. Routine laboratory test results upon study initiation and six months before were used. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Loneliness Scale (Version 3), blood glucose, serum lipids, Fibrosis-4 index, and Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) were assessed through hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis. Based on full model (3rd) analysis, those who were engaged in an individual sport or activity or had contacts with more friends presented significantly lower odds for increased loneliness levels (odds ratio (OR): 0.28 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–0.91], p = 0.034 and OR: 0.76 [95%CI 0.66–0.88], p < 0.001, respectively). The consumption of alcohol was associated with increased loneliness (OR: 5.55 [95%CI 1.42–21.63], p = 0.014). Elevated triglyceride levels were linked with moderate or no loneliness (OR: 0.20 [95%CI 0.05–0.83], p = 0.026), while an increased LDL/HDL atherosclerotic index was related to increased subjective loneliness (OR: 4.50 [95%CI 1.12–18.13], p = 0.035). The need for holistic approaches—involving primary care personnel—in understanding and addressing loneliness, recognizing its multifaceted nature as well as the diverse factors that contribute to this issue, is considered challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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14. A Cloud-Based Deep Learning Framework for Downy Mildew Detection in Viticulture Using Real-Time Image Acquisition from Embedded Devices and Drones.
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Kontogiannis, Sotirios, Konstantinidou, Myrto, Tsioukas, Vasileios, and Pikridas, Christos
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DEEP learning , *OBJECT recognition (Computer vision) , *VITICULTURE , *DOWNY mildew diseases , *COMPUTER vision , *GRAPES , *PESTICIDES - Abstract
In viticulture, downy mildew is one of the most common diseases that, if not adequately treated, can diminish production yield. However, the uncontrolled use of pesticides to alleviate its occurrence can pose significant risks for farmers, consumers, and the environment. This paper presents a new framework for the early detection and estimation of the mildew's appearance in viticulture fields. The framework utilizes a protocol for the real-time acquisition of drones' high-resolution RGB images and a cloud-docker-based video or image inference process using object detection CNN models. The authors implemented their framework proposition using open-source tools and experimented with their proposed implementation on the debina grape variety in Zitsa, Greece, during downy mildew outbursts. The authors present evaluation results of deep learning Faster R-CNN object detection models trained on their downy mildew annotated dataset, using the different object classifiers of VGG16, ViTDet, MobileNetV3, EfficientNet, SqueezeNet, and ResNet. The authors compare Faster R-CNN and YOLO object detectors in terms of accuracy and speed. From their experimentation, the embedded device model ViTDet showed the worst accuracy results compared to the fast inferences of YOLOv8, while MobileNetV3 significantly outperformed YOLOv8 in terms of both accuracy and speed. Regarding cloud inferences, large ResNet models performed well in terms of accuracy, while YOLOv5 faster inferences presented significant object classification losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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15. A Satellite Analysis: Comparing Two Medicanes.
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Ciardullo, Giuseppe, Primavera, Leonardo, Ferrucci, Fabrizio, Lepreti, Fabio, and Carbone, Vincenzo
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TEMPERATURE lapse rate , *ATMOSPHERIC pressure , *REMOTE-sensing images , *TROPICAL cyclones , *REMOTE sensing , *AIR masses - Abstract
Morphological features of the Mediterranean Sea basin have recently been precursors to a significant increase in the formation of extreme events, in relation to climate change effects. It happens very frequently that rotating air masses and the formation of mesoscale vortices can evolve into events with characteristics similar to large-scale tropical cyclones. Generally, they are less intense, with smaller size and duration; thus, they are called Medicanes, a short name for Mediterranean hurricanes, or tropical-like cyclones (TLCs). In this paper, we propose a new perspective for the study and analysis of cyclonic events, starting with data and images acquired from satellites and focusing on the diagnostics of the evolution of atmospheric parameters for these events. More precisely, satellite remote sensing techniques are employed to elaborate on different high spatial-resolution satellite images of the events at a given sensing time. Two case studies are examined, taking into account their development into Medicane stages: Ianos, which intensified in the Ionian Sea and reached the coast of Greece between 14 and 21 September 2020, and Apollo, which impacted Mediterranean latitudes with a long tracking from 24 October to 2 November 2021. For these events, 20 images were acquired from two different satellite sensors, onboard two low-Earth orbit (LEO) platforms, by deeply exploiting their thermal infrared (TIR) spectral channels. A useful extraction of significant physical information was carried out from every image, highlighting several atmospheric quantities, including temperature and altitude layers from the top of the cloud, vertical temperature gradient, atmospheric pressure field, and deep convection cloud. The diagnostics of the two events were investigated through the spatial scale capabilities of the instruments and the spatiotemporal evolution of the cyclones, including the comparison between satellite data and recording data from the BOLAM forecasting model. In addition, 384 images were extracted from the geostationary (GEO) satellite platform for the investigation of the events' one-day structure intensification, by implementing time as the third dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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16. A Dialogue between the Humanities and Social Sciences: Cultural Landscapes and Their Transformative Potential for Social Innovation.
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Panagiotopoulos, Diamantis, Wallenwein, Fabienne, Mildenberger, Georg, and Schimpf, Gudrun-Christine
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SOCIAL innovation , *CULTURAL landscapes , *PARTICIPATORY culture , *POPULATION aging , *SOCIAL network analysis , *COLLECTIVE action , *CULTURAL property , *FRAMES (Social sciences) - Abstract
Throughout the last decades, engaging with cultural landscapes has been a scientific, social, ethical, political, and economic imperative that calls for novel theoretical approaches, effective strategies and, above all, participatory action. Facing this multifarious challenge, academic disciplines have to redefine their traditional methods and aims, and demonstrate an openness towards new and risky paths of scientific pursuits. The present paper arose from interdisciplinary cooperation between the humanities and social sciences with the main objective to explore the potential of cultural landscapes as resources for social innovation in rural regions, addressing issues such as out-migration of original inhabitants, unemployment, and an overaging population. Based on an overview of landscape semantics and theoretical approaches, the paper first analyzes (cultural) landscape and social innovation as applied concepts. In a second step, both disciplinary angles mingle into a joint approach. Moving from methodologies to challenges, the authors discuss the Social Grid Model, which allows for an integrated analysis of social networks, institutions, and cognitive frames. They also delve into the Structured Democratic Dialogue as a tool for the revitalization of 'active' and 'inactive' cultural landscapes by reinforcing the role of local communities. Finally, the authors investigate how such novel ideas for the promotion of tangible and intangible heritage in rural habitats can be employed by example of two intervention regions in Greece (Koumasa) and the People's Republic of China (Honghe Hani Rice Terraces), and as part of an orchestrated collective action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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17. Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants in Greece and Italy: Language Requirements and Learning Opportunities in L2 Greek and L2 Italian.
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Mouti, Anna and Rocca, Lorenzo
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ITALIAN language , *ADULTS , *LANGUAGE policy , *COMPARATIVE method , *IMMIGRANTS - Abstract
Migration has almost always been accompanied by language-related processes and concerns. Integration dimensions interact with numerous language-related issues, such as language requirements and learning opportunities, and the purpose of our paper is situated in the broader field of linguistic integration of adult refugees and migrants in Greece and Italy. Greece and Italy share a double role both as host and transition countries, as two of the main EU entry points for refugees and migrants since the 2015 refugee crisis, and therefore they have been selected as two suitable cases to be further explored. This paper aims to give an overview of the language requirements and language-learning opportunities in the migration context in Greece and Italy. Through our comprehensive review of language requirements and language-learning opportunities in Greece and Italy, we have undertaken an examination of the two contexts employing a comparative approach to scrutinize the processes of linguistic integration. The information presented has shown that similar linguistic requirements are set in both countries although the use and implementation of the Knowledge of Society (KoS) tests seem to discriminate between the two contexts. The results agree with similar findings through indexes such as the Language Policy Index for Migrants (LAPIM) and the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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18. From Schoolyards to Government: A Comparative Analysis of the Positive Effect of Teenager Participation in Local Governance.
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Saltiel, Ines Nelly and Sklias, Pantelis
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COMPARATIVE government , *YOUNG adults , *TEENAGERS , *PLAYGROUNDS , *COMPARATIVE studies , *CITIES & towns - Abstract
Amid growing academic discourse on teenagers' political rights, this paper argues that the inclusion of teenagers in the decision-making process at the municipal level has positive effects. Based on qualitative and quantitative research on three municipalities in Greece and Sweden, this paper concludes that a level of awareness of the critical issue of climate change leads to a greater propensity for action from municipal councils aimed at restoring the environment. The findings demonstrate that including teenagers in the decision-making process at the local and regional level could lead to a greater focus on forward-thinking policies, particularly in areas concerning young people, such as environmental preservation efforts and democratic rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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19. Building Learning Communities through Digital Storytelling.
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Gkoutsioukosta, Zisoula and Apostolidou, Venetia
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DIGITAL storytelling , *LEARNING communities , *VIRTUAL communities , *HIGHER education research , *PRIMARY education - Abstract
This paper shares the first insights of the Digital Storytelling Hubs research project held by the School of Primary Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation. It is a still in-progress action research study that comprises two action research cycles. The aim of the present paper is to outline the dynamic role that digital storytelling could play in building learning communities. The research program includes the creation of three hubs, one digital and two physical, for transferring higher education research practice to primary and secondary education, and for disseminating digital storytelling as an innovative learning tool. During the pilot cycle, digital storytelling was implemented in two experimental schools in Greece, while during the main cycle, a total of 50 elementary and secondary teachers were involved. Data sources include students' and teachers' participation statistics, the digital stories created by students so far, the students' answers in questionnaires and teachers' semi-structured interviews after the pilot interventions in class. The findings suggest the dynamics of digital storytelling workshops to create vivid and powerful learning communities that foster both classic and new literacies and enhance a creative and critical attitude towards modern media culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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20. A Systematic Literature Review of Gamification in/for Cultural Heritage: Leveling up, Going Beyond.
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Marques, Célio Gonçalo, Pedro, João Paulo, and Araújo, Inês
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CULTURAL property , *GAMIFICATION , *INTRINSIC motivation , *MOBILE apps , *WORK orientations , *CREATIVE ability - Abstract
Because of the possibilities that it opens for a variety of fields and practices, gamification has increasingly garnered significant attention. This has put it at the forefront of many significant debates around its applicability and implications. In the case of its application to cultural heritage, although there is much trailblazing to do, the body of work has been growing and the field is gaining its maturity. As such, this paper aims to take stock of the directions the field has been moving towards—to provide orientation for future work and projects that are yet to be developed. To do this, the paper aims to map out the publications in the field of gamified cultural heritage, by conducting a broader and systematic literature review. The study has found that, with regards to who the main actors with publications in the field are, a prominence of European institutions and networks, namely from Italy, Greece and the United Kingdom, can be observed. Regarding what heritage is being gamified and for what purpose, the study found a prominence of focus on historical, architectural and archeological heritage values and a very significant focus on gamification being used for motivation/engagement and for creativity enhancement. When looking at the gamification design dimensions that are given prevalence, intrinsic motivation seems to be prioritized, and, with regards to the observed target publics, tourists and visitors and seem to prevail in gamified heritage projects, with children as a specific group coming in second. Regarding technologies and tools being used, Mobile Applications, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are particularly prevalent. Regarding mentioned future orientations, the study found that a vast majority of papers are self-contained, both in scope of work and discussion, with most of those that do mention future directions indicating continuation and/or expansion of their specific project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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21. Chatbots for Cultural Venues: A Topic-Based Approach.
- Author
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Bouras, Vasilis, Spiliotopoulos, Dimitris, Margaris, Dionisis, Vassilakis, Costas, Kotis, Konstantinos, Antoniou, Angeliki, Lepouras, George, Wallace, Manolis, and Poulopoulos, Vassilis
- Subjects
- *
CHATBOTS , *ARCHAEOLOGICAL museums & collections , *WEBSITES , *EVALUATION methodology , *ACCESS to information - Abstract
Digital assistants—such as chatbots—facilitate the interaction between persons and machines and are increasingly used in web pages of enterprises and organizations. This paper presents a methodology for the creation of chatbots that offer access to museum information. The paper introduces an information model that is offered through the chatbot, which subsequently maps the museum's modeled information to structures of DialogFlow, Google's chatbot engine. Means for automating the chatbot generation process are also presented. The evaluation of the methodology is illustrated through the application of a real case, wherein we developed a chatbot for the Archaeological Museum of Tripolis, Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. How Do Agricultural Education, Advisory, and Financial Factors Affect the Adoption of Precision Farming in Greece? †.
- Author
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Tsiouni, Maria, Kountios, Georgios, and Pavloudi, Alexandra
- Subjects
- *
AGRICULTURAL education , *PRECISION farming , *TECHNOLOGICAL innovations , *PRODUCTION methods , *SECONDARY analysis , *AGRICULTURE - Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical investigation of the theoretical and literature-based constructs related to the adoption of precision agriculture (PA) practices by young farmers. For this research, primary and secondary data are used. The sample includes 220 young farmers. Among the results of this research, farmers are aware of the positive effects of technology systems in agriculture. Also, young farmers seem to be familiar with precision agriculture and have already adopted some of its methods, but the high cost of investment prevents farmers from adopting such technology. Innovative technologies and production methods can help young farmers to be competitive in the worldwide market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Agricultural Cooperatives as a Vehicle for Small-Scale Farmer's Viability and Sustainable Practices †.
- Author
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Paraschou, Myrto and Sergaki, Panagiota
- Subjects
- *
COOPERATIVE agriculture , *AGRICULTURAL industries , *FARMERS - Abstract
Nowadays, the agricultural sector is poised to undergo significant transformations towards sustainability. Small-scale farmers' restricted accessibility to resources hinders their ability to effectively adapt to such advancements. This research paper investigates the potential role of agricultural cooperatives as deus ex machina, offering an idea for solving the challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Additionally, it examines the potential benefits agricultural cooperatives could provide to large-scale farmers while simultaneously advocating sustainable agricultural practices. To gather accurate data, individuals who were members of cooperatives in the Larissa region of Greece were interviewed using questionnaires. The sixty qualitative interviews conducted shed light on the fact that cooperatives play a significant role in promoting sustainable agriculture and offer numerous benefits to their members, particularly small-scale farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. The Greek Perspective on Foreign Farm Workers and Agricultural Labor †.
- Author
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Chatziioannidis, Lykourgos and Partalidou, Maria
- Subjects
- *
AGRICULTURAL laborers , *FOREIGN workers , *AGRICULTURE , *RURAL geography , *CHILDREN of immigrants , *AGRONOMY - Abstract
Apart from immigrants in Greece who have papers, and perhaps can enjoy greater stability in their lives, there is a very large number of informal immigrants who are faced with the fear of deportation from the country daily. With this in mind, qualitative research was carried out by conducting in-depth interviews with farmers (head of the farm) and quantitative, online research was undertaken using students studying agronomy and/or people who lived in rural areas; the research material was distributed through agricultural/agronomic forums in order to better understand perceptions of agricultural work and find out the main reasons as to why the integration of immigrants and farm workers in Greece is considered to be so difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Agricultural Value Added, Farm Business Cycles and Their Relation to the Non-Farm Economy †.
- Author
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Pappas, Christos P. and Papadas, Christos T.
- Subjects
- *
BUSINESS cycles , *AGRICULTURE , *SERVICE industries , *AGRICULTURAL industries , *ECONOMIC sectors , *COINTEGRATION - Abstract
This paper investigates the relationship between the gross value added (GVA) of Greece's agricultural sector and the GVAs of the other sectors. The research considers both the relationship between value levels and the cycles of GVAs. Dynamic analysis using ARDL modeling shows that there is no cointegration between agricultural GVA and the other GVAs. However, there is an estimated cointegrating relationship between business cycles of agriculture and those of the rest of the economic sectors, with the cycles of services being the significant variable. Moreover, econometric analysis using NARDL modeling shows that there is a cointegrating relationship between the levels of GVAs as well, when asymmetricity—with respect to GVA changes of the services sector—is introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. The Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) in a Changing Environment in Greece †.
- Author
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Amerani, Epistimi and Michailidis, Anastasios
- Subjects
- *
AGRICULTURAL innovations , *ELECTRONIC spreadsheets , *SWOT analysis , *COOPERATIVE agriculture , *PRIVATE companies - Abstract
The aim of this paper is to answer the question of whether the Greek AKIS system can contribute to the different requirements of the new trends in agriculture according to its main functions. A SWOT analysis has been applied to examine the internal and external environment. Data were collected from 61 experts/representatives of organizations (policy, education, research, consulting, agricultural cooperatives, credit, private companies, and farmers). The data were analysed using Excel spreadsheets and the Statical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V.28). Based on this method, dominant strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats of AKIS were identified as a starting point, as well as useful guidance for decision makers, local authorities, and the other actors in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Evaluation of the Certification Procedure of Farm Advisors in Greece †.
- Author
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Alexaki, Ekaterini, Dimitriadis, Ioannis, Michalis, Efstratios, Giatra, Christina-Eleni, and Ragkos, Athanasios
- Subjects
- *
AGRICULTURAL innovations , *CONSULTANTS , *FARMS , *RURAL development , *CERTIFICATION - Abstract
Farm Advisory constitutes one of the most important tools to support rural development in the European Union and is also an integral part of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the evaluation of the two calls for certification of Farm Advisors in Greece, which were addressed to individuals. The evaluation was based on a questionnaire survey of candidates who participated to the online certification procedure. The analysis is based on descriptive statistics methods and shows that overall most respondents were satisfied with most Modules, although they suggest to provide better links between scientific evidence and practical applications. Although there are serious limitations that do not permit to draw generalized conclusions, the evaluation procedure pointed out specific domains that require improvements and, especially, that a more robust evaluation system is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Online Sales Promotion of Geographical Indication Products: The Case of Evia PDO Dried Figs †.
- Author
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Georgilas, Argyrios and Andreopoulou, Zacharoula
- Subjects
- *
FIG , *SALES promotion , *REGIONAL development , *INTERNET sales , *INTERNET users - Abstract
Through a literature review and secondary research on the internet, the aim of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of the internet presence of the producers, packers, traders, and online sellers of PDO dried figs in the Kymi and Taxiarchi regions of the Evia Regional Unit, Greece. With the use of big data, an attempt is made to identify internet users' preferences concerning the dried figs. Suggestions for improved internet presence that will match demand with supply can be subsidised from EU regional development funds and contribute to the increase in internet sales of PDO Evia dried figs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. The Implementation of Innovation and the Attitudes of Farmers towards Advisory Services: The Case of Western Macedonia, Greece †.
- Author
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Kountios, Georgios, Notta, Ourania, Kratimenos, Nikolaos, and Chatzis, Ioannis
- Subjects
- *
FARMERS' attitudes , *AGRICULTURAL innovations , *INNOVATION adoption , *AGRICULTURAL industries , *AGRICULTURE , *AGRICULTURAL modernization - Abstract
This paper investigates the implementation of innovation and the advisory needs of farmers in agricultural holdings in Western Macedonia. The research carried out was divided into two parts. Initially, we investigated how the programs under analysis related to innovation in the agricultural sector, specifically with respect to the improvement plans that were implemented in the region. Specifically, parameters such as age, gender, place of residence, and the types and number of investments were examined. The analysis revealed farmers' characteristics and the types of their investments, in addition to their degrees of adoption of innovation and their attitudes towards innovation. We also tried to clarify the reasons leading farmers toward innovation and the importance of consulting services in their orientation towards innovative ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Ground Electric Field, Atmospheric Weather and Electric Grid Variations in Northeast Greece Influenced by the March 2012 Solar Activity and the Moderate to Intense Geomagnetic Storms.
- Author
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Anagnostopoulos, Georgios, Karkanis, Anastasios, Kampatagis, Athanasios, Marhavilas, Panagiotis, Menesidou, Sofia-Anna, Efthymiadis, Dimitrios, Keskinis, Stefanos, Ouzounov, Dimitar, Hatzigeorgiu, Nick, and Danikas, Michael
- Subjects
- *
MAGNETIC storms , *SOLAR activity , *ELECTRIC power distribution grids , *SOLAR energetic particles , *ELECTRIC fields , *ATMOSPHERIC electricity - Abstract
In a recent paper, we extended a previous study on the solar solar influence to the generation of the March 2012 heatwave in the northeastern USA. In the present study we check the possible relationship of solar activity with the early March 2012 bad weather in northeast Thrace, Greece. To this end, we examined data from various remote sensing instrumentation monitoring the Sun (SDO satellite), Interplanetary space (ACE satellite), the Earth's magnetosphere (Earth-based measurements, NOAA-19 satellite), the top of the clouds (Terra and Aqua satellites), and the near ground atmosphere. Our comparative data analysis suggests that: (i) the winter-like weather (rainfall, fast winds, decreased temperature) in Thrace started on 6 March 2012, the same day as the heatwave started in USA, (ii) during the March 2012 winter-like event in Thrace (6–15 March), the ACE satellite recorded enhanced fluxes of solar energetic particles (SEPs), while SOHO and PAMELA recorded solar protons at very high energies (>500 MeV), (iii) Between 3–31 March, the temperature in Alexandoupoli and the ACE/EPAM solar high energy (1.88–4.70 MeV) proton flux were strongly anticorelated (r = −0.75, p = 0.5). (iv) Thrace experienced particularly intense cyclonic circulation, during periods of magnetic storms on 8–10 and 12–13 March, which occurred after the arrival at ACE of two interplanetary shock waves, on March 8 and March 11, respectively, (v) at the beginning of the two above mentioned periods large atmospheric electric fields were recorded, with values ranging between ~−2000 V/m and ~1800 V/m on 8 March, (vi) the winter-like weather on 8–10 March 2012 occurred after the detection of the main SEP event related with a coronal mass ejection released in interplanetary space as a result of intense solar flare activity observed by SDO on 7 March 2012, (vi) the 8–10 March weather was related with a deep drop of ~63 °C in the cloud top temperature measured by MODIS/Terra, which favors strong precipitation. Finally, we analyzed data from the electric power network in Thrace (~41°N) and we found, for the first time sudden voltage changes of ~3.5 kV in the electric grid in Greece, during the decay phase of the March 2012 storm series. We discuss the winter-like March 2012 event in Thrace regarding the influence of solar cosmic rays on the low troposphere mediated by positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Finally, we infer that the novel finding of the geomagnetic effects on the electric power grid in Thrace may open a new window into space weather applications research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) as a Decision-Making Tool for Low Carbon Buildings.
- Author
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Chatzikonstantinidis, Konstantinos, Giama, Effrosyni, Fokaides, Paris A., and Papadopoulos, Agis M.
- Subjects
- *
BUILDING repair , *CLIMATIC zones , *PREPAREDNESS , *TECHNOLOGICAL innovations , *INTELLIGENT buildings , *ENERGY consumption - Abstract
According to the European Energy Efficiency Directive for Buildings, member states are required to develop long-term strategies to adopt more sustainable, secure, and decarbonized energy systems in buildings by 2050. In this line of approach, an optional common regime has been established to define and calculate the smart readiness of buildings and assess their ability to adapt their operation to the needs of the occupants and the network. Thus, the smart readiness indicator (SRI) emerged, which assesses technological readiness by examining the presence and evaluation of the functionality level of various smart services, aiming at energy savings, the ability of the building to respond to users' needs, and energy flexibility. This paper focuses on examining the SRI calculation methodology's application to an office building, which is currently being deeply renovated. Initially, there is an analysis of the SRI, its calculation methodology, and its goals. This is followed by the practical calculation part of the SRI for a typical office building located in Greece and belonging to the climate zone of southern Europe. The results indicate that the SRIs application is not a straightforward issue since parameters that need to be considered are not regulated to the same degree. On the other hand, SRI can provide a stimulus for exploiting the renovation potential of buildings, precisely by integrating the various aspects and linking those to the use of innovative technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Rural Depopulation in Greece: Trends, Processes, and Interpretations.
- Author
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Papadopoulos, Apostolos G. and Baltas, Pavlos
- Subjects
- *
DEMOGRAPHIC change , *DEMOGRAPHIC transition , *LABOR market , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *RURAL-urban differences , *INFRASTRUCTURE funds - Abstract
Depopulation is caused by low fertility rates and out-migration, and it applies to countries, regions and smaller areas. Rural depopulation is defined as a sharp population decline that falls well below an adequate population size and indicates that an area has lost its demographic reproductive capacity. This paper discusses the socioeconomic and territorial aspects of rural depopulation, attempting to do justice to the spatial dimensions of the phenomenon. Greece exhibits all the symptoms of demographic transition, leading to labour shortages, declining economic productivity, and increasing demands on the health and welfare system. The study on rural depopulation in Greece focuses on the changes and dynamics observed at the municipal and regional levels. A typology has been developed to identify rural communities in Greece. The main source of demographic data for our study is the Greek censuses (1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021). Demographic and socioeconomic trends in Greece are interlinked and show different regional and local dynamics. Rural depopulation is closely related to the study of (international and internal) migration, even though the latter does not provide a permanent solution to depopulation. An empirical analysis has shown that there is a need to revitalise rural areas through socioeconomic improvements, infrastructure investments, and policies that directly impact rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. The role of ataluren in the treatment of ambulatory and non-ambulatory children with nonsense mutation duchenne muscular dystrophy - a consensus derived using a modified Delphi methodology in Eastern Europe, Greece, Israel and Sweden.
- Author
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Golli, Tanja, Juříková, Lenka, Sejersen, Thomas, and Dixon, Craig
- Subjects
- *
DUCHENNE muscular dystrophy , *NONSENSE mutation , *DYSTROPHIN genes , *MEDICAL personnel , *PRODUCT attributes - Abstract
Background: This paper details the results of an evaluation of the level of consensus amongst clinicians on the use of ataluren in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy (nmDMD). The consensus was derived using a modified Delphi methodology that involved an exploration phase and then an evaluation phase. Methods: The exploration phase involved 90-minute virtual 1:1 interviews of 12 paediatric neurologists who cared for 30–120 DMD patients each and had patient contact every one or two weeks. The respondents managed one to ten nmDMD patients taking ataluren. The Discussion Guide for the interviews can be viewed as Appendix A. Following the exploration phase interviews, the interview transcripts were analysed by an independent party to identify common themes, views and opinions and developed 43 draft statements that the Steering Group (authors) reviewed, refined and endorsed a final list of 42 statements. Details of the recruitment of participants for the exploration and evaluation phases can be found under the Methods section. Results: A consensus was agreed (> 66% of respondents agreeing) for 41 of the 42 statements using results from a consensus survey of healthcare professionals (n = 20) experienced in the treatment of nmDMD. Conclusions: The statements with a high consensus suggest that treatment with ataluren should be initiated as soon as possible to delay disease progression and allow patients to remain ambulatory for as long as possible. Ataluren is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that results from a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene, in ambulatory patients aged 2 years and older (see Summary of Product Characteristics for each country) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Managing the Intermittency of Wind Energy Generation in Greece.
- Author
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Christodoulou, Theodoros, Thomaidis, Nikolaos S., Kartsios, Stergios, and Pytharoulis, Ioannis
- Subjects
- *
WIND power , *ENERGY harvesting , *PRINCIPAL components analysis , *MATHEMATICAL programming , *MATHEMATICAL optimization - Abstract
This paper performs a comprehensive analysis of the wind energy potential of onshore regions in Greece with emphasis on quantifying the volume risk and the spatial covariance structure. Optimization techniques are employed to derive efficient wind capacity allocation plans (also known as generation portfolios) incorporating different yield aspirations. The generation profile of minimum variance and other optimal portfolios along the efficient frontier are subject to rigorous evaluation using a fusion of descriptive and statistical methods. In particular, principal component analysis is employed to estimate factor models and investigate the spatiotemporal properties of wind power generation, providing valuable insights into the persistence of volume risk. The overarching goal of the study is to employ a set of statistical and mathematical programming tools guiding investors, aggregators and policy makers in their selection of wind energy generating assets. The findings of this research challenge the effectiveness of current policies and industry practices, offering a new perspective on wind energy harvesting with a focus on the management of volume risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Data-Driven AI Models within a User-Defined Optimization Objective Function in Cement Production.
- Author
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Manis, Othonas, Skoumperdis, Michalis, Kioroglou, Christos, Tzilopoulos, Dimitrios, Ouzounis, Miltos, Loufakis, Michalis, Tsalikidis, Nikolaos, Kolokas, Nikolaos, Georgakis, Panagiotis, Panagoulias, Ilias, Tsolkas, Alexandros, Ioannidis, Dimosthenis, Tzovaras, Dimitrios, and Stankovski, Mile
- Subjects
- *
CEMENT industries , *STANDARD deviations , *ARTIFICIAL intelligence , *DIFFERENTIAL evolution , *CEMENT kilns , *MACHINE learning - Abstract
This paper explores the energy-intensive cement industry, focusing on a plant in Greece and its mill and kiln unit. The data utilized include manipulated, non-manipulated, and uncontrolled variables. The non-manipulated variables are computed based on the machine learning (ML) models and selected by the minimum value of the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) across nine (9) methods. In case the distribution of the data displayed in the user interface changes, the user should trigger the retrain of the AI models to ensure their accuracy and robustness. To form the objective function, the expert user should define the desired weight for each manipulated or non-manipulated variable through the user interface (UI), along with its corresponding constraints or target value. The user selects the variables involved in the objective function based on the optimization strategy, and the evaluation is based on the comparison of the optimized and the active value of the objective function. The differential evolution (DE) method optimizes the objective function that is formed by the linear combination of the selected variables. The results indicate that using DE improves the operation of both the cement mill and kiln, yielding a lower objective function value compared to the current values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Minoan Cryptanalysis: Computational Approaches to Deciphering Linear A and Assessing Its Connections with Language Families from the Mediterranean and the Black Sea Areas.
- Author
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Nepal, Aaradh and Perono Cacciafoco, Francesco
- Subjects
- *
BRONZE Age , *CRYPTOGRAPHY , *SYLLABARY , *LANGUAGE & languages , *LINEAR systems , *FAMILIES - Abstract
During the Bronze Age, the inhabitants of regions of Crete, mainland Greece, and Cyprus inscribed their languages using, among other scripts, a writing system called Linear A. These symbols, mainly characterized by combinations of lines, have, since their discovery, remained a mystery. Not only is the corpus very small, but it is challenging to link Minoan, the language behind Linear A, to any known language. Most decipherment attempts involve using the phonetic values of Linear B, a grammatological offspring of Linear A, to 'read' Linear A. However, this yields meaningless words. Recently, novel approaches to deciphering the script have emerged which involve a computational component. In this paper, two such approaches are combined to account for the biases involved in provisionally assigning Linear B phonetic values to Linear A and to shed more light on the possible connections of Linear A with other scripts and languages from the region. Additionally, the limitations inherent in such approaches are discussed. Firstly, a feature-based similarity measure is used to compare Linear A with the Carian Alphabet and the Cypriot Syllabary. A few Linear A symbols are matched with symbols from the Carian Alphabet and the Cypriot Syllabary. Finally, using the derived phonetic values, Linear A is compared with Ancient Egyptian, Luwian, Hittite, Proto-Celtic, and Uralic using a consonantal approach. Some possible word matches are identified from each language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Application of the Typology Approach for Energy Renovation Planning of Public Buildings' Stocks at the Local Level: A Case Study in Greece.
- Author
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Stavrakakis, George M., Bakirtzis, Dimitris, Drakaki, Korina-Konstantina, Yfanti, Sofia, Katsaprakakis, Dimitris Al., Braimakis, Konstantinos, Langouranis, Panagiotis, Terzis, Konstantinos, and Zervas, Panagiotis L.
- Subjects
- *
PUBLIC buildings , *CONSTRUCTION planning , *KEY performance indicators (Management) , *GREENHOUSE gas mitigation , *ENERGY conservation in buildings , *COOLING systems , *ENERGY consumption , *BUILDING performance - Abstract
According to the latest energy efficiency European directive (EED 2023/1791/EU), the expected energy renovation rate of at least 3% of the buildings' floor area each year towards nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs) is extended to include public buildings not only of the central government (as per the first EED 2012/27/EU) but also of regional and local authorities. This poses a great challenge, especially for Municipalities that often manage large building stocks with high energy demands. In response to this challenge, this paper presents the application of the so-called "typology approach" for conducting public buildings' energy renovation plans at the local level. A computational survey is initially introduced to decide the optimal set of building-stock clustering criteria among all possible combinations, involving the minimization of the RMSE index regarding the primary energy consumption of each building. For a representative building from each identified typology, the key performance indicators (KPIs) are computed for alternative energy-upgrading scenarios. Exploiting the IMPULSE Interreg-MED project tools, the KPIs from each representative building are at first extrapolated to all buildings of the examined stock and, finally, a gradual energy renovation plan is automatically produced based on user-defined decision parameters including the required annual renovation rate. The methodology is applied for the case of the Municipality of Hersonissos in Greece. For the specific 44-buildings' stock it was found that the optimal clustering set included four criteria, building use, construction year, heating, and a cooling system, leading to 15 building typologies. Finally, assuming a 7% renovation rate per year, a 12-year gradual renovation (nZEB transformation) plan is obtained foreseeing an 85% CO2 emissions' reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Integer-Valued Split-BREAK Process with a General Family of Innovations and Application to Accident Count Data Modeling.
- Author
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Stojanović, Vladica S., Bakouch, Hassan S., Gajtanović, Zorica, Almuhayfith, Fatimah E., and Kuk, Kristijan
- Subjects
- *
MARGINAL distributions , *DATA modeling , *GENERATING functions , *FOREST fires , *TIME series analysis , *WILDFIRE prevention - Abstract
This paper presents a novel count time-series model, named integer-valued Split-BREAK process of the first order, abbr. INSB(1) model. This process is examined in terms of its basic stochastic properties, such as stationarity, mean, variance and correlation structure. In addition, the marginal distribution, over-dispersion and zero-inflation properties of the INSB(1) process are also examined. To estimate the unknown parameters of the INSB(1) process, an estimation procedure based on probability generating functions (PGFs) is proposed. For the obtained estimators, their asymptotic properties, as well as the appropriate simulation study, are examined. Finally, the INSB(1) process is applied in the dynamic analysis of some real-world series, namely, the numbers of serious traffic accidents in Serbia and forest fires in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Attitudes and Opinions of Teachers on Student Descriptive Assessment: A Case Study on the Teachers of Geology-Geography at Secondary School (Greece).
- Author
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Louvaris, Konstantinos, Psychogiou, Maria, Triantaphyllou, Maria V., and Antonarakou, Assimina
- Subjects
- *
HIGH school teachers , *SECONDARY school teachers , *STUDENT teacher attitudes , *STUDENT attitudes , *SCIENCE teachers - Abstract
This paper presents an initial study of teachers' perspectives and practices on students' assessment methods regarding the subject of Geology-Geography taught in junior secondary education in Greece. While the application of descriptive assessment is recorded in other European countries, the main focus of the research is the current situation in Greece, as well as the willingness of science teachers to adopt an alternative form of evaluation and the definition of the respective circumstances. The methodology that was followed in this research included questionnaires that were sent to science teachers. Their answers were processed with the IBM SPSS 23 statistical software. The results reveal that most teaching staff surveyed positively acknowledge the need for an effective appraisal system. Their views and opinions on how student assessment contributes to the overall educational procedure were also recorded during the survey. Statistical analysis of the raw data shows that the views and opinions of teaching staff were not differentiated due to their level of experience or their level of education but only due to their field of specialization. The analysis also points to a range of additional factors that impact teaching staff's preferences and perceptions of the effectiveness of different student appraisal and evaluation approaches. Such factors create skepticism among teachers towards alternative assessment methods, such as descriptive assessment. While this is preliminary research, it raises important issues regarding effective evaluation methods that would promote students' development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. RESEARCH PAPER From sampling stations to archipelagos: investigating aspects of the assemblage of insular biota.
- Author
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Sfenthourakis, Spyros, Giokas, Sinos, and Tzanatos, Evangelos
- Subjects
- *
ISOPODA , *HABITATS , *BIODIVERSITY , *ISLANDS - Abstract
To investigate the formation of nestedness and species co-occurrence patterns at the local (sampling station), the intermediate (island group), and the archipelago scale. The study used data on the distribution of terrestrial isopods on 20 islands of the central Aegean (Greece). These islands are assigned to two distinct subgroups (Kyklades and Eastern islands). The Nestedness Temperature Calculator was used to obtain nestedness values and maximally nested matrices, the EcoSim7 software and a modified version of ) method were used for the analysis of species co-occurrences. Idiosyncratic temperatures of species and the order of species placement in the maximally nested matrices were used for further comparisons among spatial scales. The relationships of nestedness values with beta-diversity, habitat diversity and a number of ecological factors recorded for each sampling station were also investigated. Significant nestedness was found at all spatial scales. Levels of nestedness were not related to beta-diversity or habitat diversity. Nestedness values were similar among spatial scales, but they were affected by matrix size. The species that contributed most to the nested patterns within single islands were not the same as those that produce nestedness at the archipelago scale. There was significant variation in the frequency of species occurrence among islands and among spatial scales. There was no direct effect of ecological factors on the shaping of patterns of nestedness within individual islands, but habitat heterogeneity was crucial for the existence of such patterns. Positive associations among species prevailed at all scales when species per station were considered, while negative associations prevailed in the species per island matrices. All associations resulted from the habitat structure of sampling stations and from particularities of geographical distributions. There was no clear-cut distinction between nestedness patterns among spatial scales, even though different species, and partially different factors, contributed to the formation of these patterns in each case. There was a core of species that contributed to the formation of nested patterns at all spatial scales, while the patterns of species associations suggested that biotic interactions are not an important causal factor. The results of this study suggest that locally rare species cannot be widespread at a higher spatial scale, while locally common species can have a restricted distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. The Contribution of Society of Social Psychiatry P. Sakellaropoulos to the Psychiatric Reform in Rural Greece.
- Author
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Papachristou, Harilaos, Lazogiorgou-Kousta, Iliana, Chronopoulos, Vasilis, and Fragouli-Sakellaropoulou, Athena
- Subjects
- *
SOCIAL psychiatry , *MENTAL illness , *MENTAL health , *PUBLIC health - Abstract
The present paper aims to describe the structure, function, and goals of two of the oldest Mobile Mental Health Units in Greece, namely, the Mobile Mental Health Unit in Fokida (MMHU-F) and the Mobile Mental Health Unit in Thrace (Alexandroupolis, MMHU-T). Information about their historical background, catchment areas, and current staffing, as well as the services provided by each MMHU is discussed. The focus of the paper is slightly biased towards the MMHU-F because it is the only available mental health service in the whole Fokida prefecture. The major goals of the MMHUs are the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of relapse of severe mental illness within the community. Other important goals of the MMHUs are psychoeducation, psychological support for the family/caregivers, as well as vocational training and support for patients with severe mental illness. Statistical data depicting the demographic characteristics and diagnostic profiles of patients in each MMHU is also provided, and the differences between the two MMHUs are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Shoreline Detection from PRISMA Hyperspectral Remotely-Sensed Images.
- Author
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Souto-Ceccon, Paola, Simarro, Gonzalo, Ciavola, Paolo, Taramelli, Andrea, and Armaroli, Clara
- Subjects
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SHORELINES , *REMOTE-sensing images , *MULTISPECTRAL imaging , *IMAGE analysis , *COASTS , *EROSION - Abstract
Coastal managers, policymakers, and scientists use shoreline accretion/erosion trends to determine the coastline's historical evolution and generate models capable of predicting future changes. Different solutions have been developed to obtain shoreline positions from Earth observation data in recent years, the so-called Satellite-Derived Shorelines (SDS). Most of the methodologies available in the literature use multispectral optical satellite imagery. This paper proposes two new methods for shoreline mapping at the subpixel level based on PRISMA hyperspectral imagery. The first one analyses the spectral signatures along defined beach profiles. The second method uses techniques more commonly applied to multispectral image analysis, such as Spectral Unmixing algorithms and Spatial Attraction Models. The results obtained with both methodologies are validated on three Mediterranean microtidal beaches located in two different countries, Italy and Greece, using image-based ground truth shorelines manually photointerpreted and digitised. The obtained errors are around 6 and 7 m for the first and second methods, respectively. These results are comparable to the errors obtained from multispectral data. The paper also discusses the capability of the two methods to identify two different shoreline proxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Traditional Natural Dyeing Materials Used in Greece from the 19th Century Onwards.
- Author
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Tsatsarou, Athanasia, Alexopoulou, Athina, Macha, Nadia Bizoumi, and Karatzani, Anna
- Subjects
- *
NATURAL dyes & dyeing , *NINETEENTH century , *PLANT classification , *PLANT identification , *RED algae , *SOCIAL status - Abstract
Textiles and clothing were and still are an important source of culture as well as an indicator of a robust economy and social status. Textile household goods and clothing are important heirlooms, providing valuable information about the standard of living, socio-political events, and cultural influences of the regions from which they originate. This paper presents the preliminary results of a research project dealing with the traditional natural dyes used in Greece for the decoration of garments from the 19th century onwards (from the 19th until the mid-20th century). The research aims to identify and record all the different plants and dyeing techniques used in Greece during this period and also to propose a non-destructive methodology for the study of dyed textiles in order to facilitate their preservation. In this paper, the focus is on the presentation of the classification and identification data of the plants used as the dyeing sources, according to recipes collected in various areas in Greece, as well as the description of their botanical characteristics. The research was based on the study of more than 2000 manuscripts and many interviews with older people who have used these materials. Thus, more than 140 plants have been documented, together with their recipes. The data produced include the phytological characteristics of the plants, as well as the parts of the plant used, the period collected and the areas they were used, together with images of the plants and various details regarding the recipes used in many places around Greece, along with the related documentation. The study also refers to ethics and traditions related to the dyes, the color, or the dyeing procedures used. Woolen samples were prepared based on the data collected in order to investigate how the differences recorded from place to place are reflected in the final result. Through this research, it was possible to identify and replicate some of the non-common recipes which use the Mediterranean strawflower, Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench, red algae, Rytiphloea tinctoria (Clemente) C.Agardh, and the common poppy Papaver rhoeas L as dyestuffs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Board characteristics and board committees in the Greek corporate governance framework.
- Author
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GROSE, Chris, KOUFOPOULOS, Dimitrios, GKLIATIS, Ioannis, ATHANASIADIS, Konstantinos, and FYGKIORIS, Michail
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- *
CORPORATE governance , *AUDIT committees , *BOARDS of directors , *CARDBOARD , *STOCK exchanges - Abstract
The paper investigates board characteristics and committees' structure in the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX) using unique data culled from the database of the Hellenic Observatory of Corporate Governance. The current corporate governance framework applying in Greece is also analysed while comparisons with the international experience are offered. In Greece, while the Law calls for the need to have a Committee comprising of non-executive Board of Directors (BoD) members, it permits the participation of non-BoD members that collectively fulfill the independence criteria as laid out by Law 4706. L.4449 introduced the current Audit Committee composition and operation framework and the accompanying tighter monitoring role on the part of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) and the Hellenic Accounting and Auditing Oversight Board (HAASOB), has undoubtedly overhauled all the audit framework. The average number of committees per listed firm in the Greek stock exchange almost reached the two-committee threshold only in 2018. Average board size is 7.85 members slightly smaller than the average size for major markets around the globe. This shows the potential for an increase in Board size given also recent regulatory changes necessitating the gender representation of at least 25% in the Board of public firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
45. Management of Hybrid Wind and Photovoltaic System Electrolyzer for Green Hydrogen Production and Storage in the Presence of a Small Fleet of Hydrogen Vehicles—An Economic Assessment.
- Author
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Anastasiadis, Anestis G., Papadimitriou, Panagiotis, Vlachou, Paraskevi, and Vokas, Georgios A.
- Subjects
- *
HYDROGEN storage , *HYDROGEN production , *PHOTOVOLTAIC power systems , *RENEWABLE energy sources , *SULFUR cycle , *CLEAN energy , *FUEL cells - Abstract
Nowadays, with the need for clean and sustainable energy at its historical peak, new equipment, strategies, and methods have to be developed to reduce environmental pollution. Drastic steps and measures have already been taken on a global scale. Renewable energy sources (RESs) are being installed with a growing rhythm in the power grids. Such installations and operations in power systems must also be economically viable over time to attract more investors, thus creating a cycle where green energy, e.g., green hydrogen production will be both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. This work presents a management method for assessing wind–solar–hydrogen (H2) energy systems. To optimize component sizing and calculate the cost of the produced H2, the basic procedure of the whole management method includes chronological simulations and economic calculations. The proposed system consists of a wind turbine (WT), a photovoltaic (PV) unit, an electrolyzer, a compressor, a storage tank, a fuel cell (FC), and various power converters. The paper presents a case study of green hydrogen production on Sifnos Island in Greece through RES, together with a scenario where hydrogen vehicle consumption and RES production are higher during the summer months. Hydrogen stations represent H2 demand. The proposed system is connected to the main power grid of the island to cover the load demand if the RES cannot do this. This study also includes a cost analysis due to the high investment costs. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the cost of the produced H2 are calculated, and some future simulations correlated with the main costs of the components of the proposed system are pointed out. The MATLAB language is used for all simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Primary energy consumption and economic growth: the case of Greece.
- Author
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Triantafyllidou, Anna, Polychronidoua, Persefoni, and Mantzaris, Ioannis
- Subjects
- *
ENERGY consumption , *ECONOMIC expansion , *WIND power , *ECONOMIC impact , *WATER power - Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between primary energy consumption and economic growth in Greece for the period 1965-2019 by using annual data. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between economic growth and energy consumption. In terms of econometric specificity, ordinary least squares regression (OLS) is used to determine the model in the first step, while the vector self-regulating model (VAR) and the Wald test are used to detect causality. The study differs from the literature in terms of examining the individual energy sources. Total primary energy consumption in Greece is examined in relation to economic growth and individual energy sources separately. According to the results, primary energy consumption in Greece has a big impact on economic growth. The energy derived from non-renewable energy sources has the highest consumption rates. Causality tests show that there is a causal relationship between wind energy consumption and the GDP per capita while causality is observed from the GDP per capita to oil, coal, solar and hydropower consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Greek table olives: an overview on the impact of processing elaborations on the content of biophenols and related nutritional implications.
- Author
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Kazou, Maria, Nikolopoulou, Eleni, and Panagou, Efstathios Z.
- Subjects
- *
FOOD preferences , *OLIVE , *OLIVE industry , *YOGURT , *FERMENTED foods , *CONSUMER preferences , *PHENOLS , *ETHNIC foods - Abstract
The consumption of fermented foods has become an important dietary strategy to improve human health, and today, they account for a significant share in the international food market, with special emphasis on traditional or ethnic foods. Among fermented foods, table olives have a key position in the dietary preference of consumers around the Mediterranean basin and beyond. Greece has a long tradition in the production of table olives according to local craft-based processing methods. However, an extensive effort has been undertaken in the last decade to modernize the table olive industry and adopt scientifically based processing methods to produce the final products of high quality and consistency. During processing, the majority of components present in raw olives are transformed to render the product edible. Among these components, phenolic compounds have significant functional properties that may enhance the nutritional value of the final product. This review paper provides an up-to-date overview regarding the transformation of phenolic compounds during processing of the most economically important varieties of Greek table olives, including Halkidiki green olives, Kalamata and Conservolea natural black olives, and Thassos natural black dry-salted olives. The functional and antioxidant potential of Greek table olive varieties as well as their nutritional implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Unnoticed introductions, a silent threat for biodiversity: island endemic Ladigesocypris ghigii (Actinopterygii, Leuciscidae) translocated to continental Greece.
- Author
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ZOGARIS, S., CHARMPILA, E. A., VUKIĆ, J., GIAKOUMI, S., BARBIERI, R., ZOGARIS, D., AŠENBRENEROVÁ, E., VIÑUELA RODRÍGUEZ, N., TARKAN, A. S., and ŠANDA, R.
- Subjects
- *
ACTINOPTERYGII , *CYTOCHROME b , *ANGUILLA anguilla , *BIODIVERSITY , *ISLANDS , *ECOSYSTEMS - Abstract
Morphological similarity between an intruder and a native species can hinder the detection of the intruder. The undetected non-native species will thus have more time to affect the local ecosystem and spread. This paper describes an instance of unnoticed introduction of a fish species morphologically resembling a native endemic species. We report on the first established population of the Rhodes minnow, Ladigesocypris ghigii (Actinopterygii: Leuciscidae), endemic to Rhodes Island, which has been recently introduced to a river near Athens, mainland Greece. When it was first noticed, in 2017, the species was misidentified due to its morphological similarity to Pelasgus marathonicus, the only native leuciscid of the streams and rivers around Athens, until it was subject to genetic and detailed morphological examination. Genetic analyses based on both mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear (recombination activating gene, RAG1) markers unambiguously identified the collected individuals and provided information on the relationships of Ladigesocypris at both the species and generic level. Our investigation supports that L. ghigii was recently established near Athens, and that the population probably originated from Rhodes Island, an eastern Aegean island. In 2021, a high-density thriving mainland population coexisted solely with the native European eel (Anguilla anguilla) along at least 9.7 km of river habitat. It was assessed as being of high invasive risk for the region where it was established by the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) screening tool. We propose a feasibility study be undertaken to investigate the application of measures that may include actions to exterminate or contain the population. Special attention is required since the species is considered vulnerable in its native range, while the translocated population coexists with native biota within a stream ecosystem of outstanding local conservation value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Fractal Features in kHz Electromagnetic Observations Preceding Near-Field Earthquakes in Ilia, Greece.
- Author
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Nikolopoulos, Dimitrios, Petraki, Ermioni, Rafique, Muhammad, Alam, Aftab, Cantzos, Demetrios, and Yannakopoulos, Panayiotis
- Subjects
- *
EARTHQUAKES , *FRACTALS , *FRACTAL analysis - Abstract
This paper reports kHz EM observations recorded by the Kardamas station in Ilia, Greece a few days before four near-field earthquakes occurred within a 24 km radius, with epicentral depths below 29 km. This work investigated the fractal features hidden in the EM observations via power-law analysis. All EM signals exhibited characteristic fractal epochs with organisation in space and time. A significant number of accurate fractal segments were delineated in the majority of the EM observations. A significant number of fractal areas corresponded to predictable Class I fBm category with 1 ≤ b ≤ 3 (0 ≤ H ≤ 1). Numerous persistent key-periods are reported with 2 < b ≤ 3 (0.5 ≤ H ≤ 1) which are deemed as signs of impeding earthquakes according to the literature. Numerous segments were found with strong persistent b-values in the range (2.3 ≤ b ≤ 3) (0.65 ≤ H ≤ 1) and b-values corresponding to switching between antipersistency and persistency with (1.7 ≤ b < 2.3) (0.35 ≤ H < 0.65). These are deemed as the most significant precursory signs. Interpretations are given via the asperity model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Early Flood Monitoring and Forecasting System Using a Hybrid Machine Learning-Based Approach.
- Author
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Koutsovili, Eleni-Ioanna, Tzoraki, Ourania, Theodossiou, Nicolaos, and Tsekouras, George E.
- Subjects
- *
FLOOD forecasting , *MEDITERRANEAN climate , *WATER levels , *TIME series analysis , *TRUST - Abstract
The occurrence of flash floods in urban catchments within the Mediterranean climate zone has witnessed a substantial rise due to climate change, underscoring the urgent need for early-warning systems. This paper examines the implementation of an early flood monitoring and forecasting system (EMFS) to predict the critical overflow level of a small urban stream on Lesvos Island, Greece, which has a history of severe flash flood incidents requiring rapid response. The system is supported by a network of telemetric stations that measure meteorological and hydrometric parameters in real time, with a time step accuracy of 15 min. The collected data are fed into the physical Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), which simulates the stream's discharge. Considering the HEC-HMS's estimated outflow and other hydro-meteorological parameters, the EMFS uses long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks to enhance the accuracy of flood prediction. In particular, LSTMs are employed to analyze the real-time data from the telemetric stations and make multi-step predictions of the critical water level. Hydrological time series data are utilized to train and validate the LSTM models for short-term leading times of 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, and 1 h. By combining the predictions obtained by the HEC-HMS with those of the LSTMs, the EMFS can produce accurate flood forecasts. The results indicate that the proposed methodology yields trustworthy behavior in enhancing the overall resilience of the area against flash floods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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