University of the Aegean

About: University of the Aegean is a education organization based out in Mytilene, Greece. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2818 authors who have published 8100 publications receiving 179275 citations. The organization is also known as: UAEG.

Intelligent segmentation and classification of pigmented skin lesions in dermatological images

Abstract: During the last years, computer vision-based diagnostic systems have been used in several hospitals and dermatology clinics, aiming mostly at the early detection of malignant melanoma tumor, which is among the most frequent types of skin cancer, versus other types of non-malignant cutaneous diseases. In this paper we discuss intelligent techniques for the segmentation and classification of pigmented skin lesions in such dermatological images. A local thresholding algorithm is proposed for skin lesion separation and border, texture and color based features, are then extracted from the digital images. Extracted features are used to construct a classification module based on Support Vector Machines (SVM) for the recognition of malignant melanoma versus dysplastic nevus.

Origin and vectors of introduction of exotic molluscs in Greek waters

Abstract: Exotic species of macrophytes, invertebrates and fish have become increasingly prominent in most coastal habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, the Greek waters included, over the last decades. It is well established that theintroduction of non-indigenous species has significant ecological as well as economic impact in the Mediterranean Sea. A review of the exotic molluscan records in Greek waters revealed a total of 26 species (16 Gastropoda, 10 Bivalvia). Nine species are of Indo-Pacific and Erythrean origin, and are already well established in the Eastern Mediterranean. The occurrence of these species in the Greek Seas is attributed to progressive penetration through the Suez Canal, the so-called Lessepsian migration. Four species, namely the gastropods Nerita sanguino-lenta, Haminoea cyanomarginata, Melibe fimbriata and the bivalve Pseudochama corbieri, are Red Sea endemic and Indo-Pacific biota, which have been first sighted in Greek waters and to date have a limited distribution in the entire Mediterranean. Another four species, the gastropods Crepidula fornicata and Polycerella emertoni and the bivalves Petricola pholadiformis and Mya arenaria, which originate from the Atlantic and occur in ports/lagoons, may have entered via shipping and/or aquaculture. The gastropods Strombus persicus and Rapana venosa and the bivalves Anadara demiri and Crassostrea gigas are of Pacific, Indian Ocean or Persian Gulf origin and the vector of their introduction, though not documented, is presumed to be shipping or aquaculture. The rate of molluscan introductions in Greek waters is increasing exponentially with time: 13 out of the 26 species have been recorded since 1990, and further studies may reveal many more.

Public-private partnerships and investments in innovation: the influence of the contractual arrangement

Abstract: Public-private partnership (PPP) policy strategies emphasize the ability of PPPs to foster innovation. Evidence reported in literature supports less the inherent quality of PPPs for innovation and more the importance of contributing factors. The contractual agreement is the setting of these factors. In this context, an analytical model based on behavioural economics is presented, with boundary conditions reflecting various contractual configurations. The analysis indicates why, from a purely economic point of view, the private party in a PPP arrangement has an incentive to invest in low risk incremental innovations, which impact on, and positively effect, cost savings during construction and operation. It is also identified that further innovations are hampered by the ability to produce verifiable improvements correlated to performance. Findings contribute to the subject of public procurement for innovation in PPPs and support public authorities regarding the rationale, potential and necessary framework c...

Investigating the Factors Determining e-Learning Effectiveness in Tourism and Hospitality Education

Abstract: Although e-learning is widely being adopted in tourism and hospitality education, little is known regarding the factors determining e-learning effectiveness. To fill in this gap, this study reviews the literature in order to identify potential factors determining e-learning effectiveness and then tests their learning impact by gathering data from students participating in Virtual Learning Environments that were developed for supporting and enhancing students' traditional classroom-based instruction. Three factors clustered under three categories were found to affect e-learning effectiveness: technology, instructor and student factors. Suggestions for the development and implementation of technologically and pedagogically effective e-learning platforms are provided.