Institutional Repository of Academic Research University of Macedonia
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Running toward Sustainability: Exploring Off-Peak Destination Resilience through a Mixed-Methods Approach—The Case of Sporting Events
No full textThe sustainability of tourism activities faces many challenges. Furthermore, in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their overall slow progress, tourism-related goals and targets are underachieved. To address these challenges, this study has recognized sporting events as an opportunity to enhance the socio-economic activities in tourism destinations during off-season periods. More specifically, the aim of this study is to explore the dynamics of off-season destination resilience through small-scale running events, focusing on three key aspects: the strategies employed by organizers, the synergy created within the community, and the sustainable outcomes. Drawing on insights from qualitative interviews with twenty-five running event organizers across Greece, supported by the Delphi method to confirm and validate the results, their perceptions of the economic and socio-cultural dimensions are explored. This study identifies a number of strategies that enrich running events and can contribute to the sustainability of off-peak destinations. Additionally, the concept of synergy is identified and explored, emphasizing the importance of local engagement, participant encouragement, and community collaborations. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of how these factors can influence the sustainability of off-peak destinations. To further validate and extend these findings, the second part of this study performs a quantitative analysis using PLS-SEM, involving eighty local authorities in Greece. The results highlight the mediating role of small-scale event enrichment strategies on the relationship between synergy and destination sustainability. This multifaceted approach indicates the dynamics of sustainable tourism, by examining the case of small-scale running events in the off-peak season. The impact of this balanced approach on the broader achievement of relevant SDGs is also supported. The implications of this research, in terms of its strategic and stakeholder orientation for tourism professionals and government agencies, are also discussed.16257658
Digital Entrepreneurial Intentions: The Role of IT Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Program Learning
No full textDigital entrepreneurship tends to become the norm of modern entrepreneurial activity in the last decade. Information Technology (IT) and related studies offer technical expertise and competitive advantage to prospective entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial activity in digital space depends on students’ digital entrepreneurial intention (EI) which serves as the basis for later entrepreneurial activity and digital innovativeness. Entrepreneurship courses traditionally hold a significant role in the development of these intentions, through the cultivation of entrepreneurial competencies. Nowadays, entrepreneurship courses offered in engineering and IT disciplines, supplement technical knowledge with the required entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. As a result, course design continuously adapts to the requirements of digital business, whereas theorists rush to understand the impact of emerging digital technologies in business processes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of IT knowledge and skills, on digital entrepreneurial intentions of students, compared to the impact of entrepreneurial knowledge obtained from entrepreneurship courses, using a human capital approach. A cross sectional survey is used for data acquisition from a sample of university IT and business students. A conceptual model is proposed showing the relations between constructs under study, which are examined using statistical analysis. The results indicate significant correlations between Digital constructs, while, significant differences are observed between different demographic groups. The theoretical contribution is that IT knowledge is connected to DE intention of students providing a link between human capital theory and intentionality theories. The practical contribution is that it is essential to combine IT knowledge with entrepreneurial knowledge in order to promote DE. Future research, beyond the core IT knowledge, should also examine the effect of emerging digital technologies on students’ DE intentions.936178187Smart Mobile Communication & Artificial Intelligenc
An open-source experimentation framework for the edge cloud continuum
No full textThe CODECO Experimentation Framework is an open-source solution designed for the rapid experimentation of Kubernetes-based edge cloud deployments. It adopts a microservice-based architecture and introduces innovative abstractions for (i) the holistic deployment of Kubernetes clusters and associated applications, starting from the VM allocation level; (ii) declarative cross-layer experiment configuration; and (iii) automation features covering the entire experimental process, from the configuration up to the results visualization. We present proof-of-concept results that demonstrate the above capabilities in three distinct contexts: (i) a comparative evaluation of var-ious network fabrics across different edge-oriented Kubernetes distributions; (ii) the automated deployment of EdgeNet, which is a complex edge cloud orchestration system; and (iii) an assessment of anomaly detection (AD) workflows tailored for edge environments.IEEE INFOCOM 2024 - IEEE Conference on Computer Communications Workshops (INFOCOM WKSHPS
Assistive Technology for Higher Education Students with Disabilities: A Qualitative Research
No full textThe objective of this qualitative investigation is to identify the assistive technology recognized by students with disabilities and to determine the assistive technology (software apps and devices) they require both at university and at home. A total of forty-two students, comprising 20 males and 22 females, were recruited from four different countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain) for participation in this study. The sample encompassed 10 students with visual impairments, 11 with hearing impairments, 11 with mobility impairments, and 10 with specific learning disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the students either online or in person. Content analysis was employed to scrutinize the data obtained from these interviews. The outcomes of this analysis shed light on the assistive technology acknowledged, utilized, or desired by students with disabilities in both academic and domestic settings. The findings from this study carry practical implications for fostering inclusive and accessible education within higher education institutions, benefiting accessibility units/offices staff as well as teaching personnel.4250151
UAV-based Localization of Removable Urban Pavement Elements Through Deep Object Detection Methods
No full textWe introduce a deep learning framework leveraging YOLOv8 architecture to automate the localization of Removable Urban Pavements (RUPs) using UAV imagery. The core idea behind RUPs is to provide pavements that can be quickly opened and closed using lightweight on-site equipment. This approach aims to efficiently restore the street’s original appearance and functionalities within a short timeframe, typically just a few hours. Our study explores the feasibility of autonomously localizing RUP elements, paving the way for robotic-driven replacement with prefabricated, fully functional components. Moreover, the integration of UAV data enhances safety and accessibility to challenging areas. Experimental results underscore the efficacy of our approach in achieving precise localization and thereby enabling proactive maintenance efforts.440448Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments (PETRA 2024
Exploring the Applications of QR Codes in STEM Subjects
No full textDespite the fact that QR codes are all around us, they do not easily find their way into the classroom, so it seems more than relevant to investigate the current situation. This paper describes the findings from a scoping literature review of the research published during the last decade on using QR Codes as a digital tool in STEM education. This review aims at providing a better understanding of the advantages and shortcomings of using QR Codes in STEM subjects, exploring some of the essential characteristics of the reviewed studies, like the targeted ages, the learning outcomes, the methodological approach, etc. Based on this review's findings, we can propose some points for future research concerning using QR codes in education, like the reasons for the observed decrease in research interest in recent years or a shift in the investigation towards the teachers’ views and acceptance of this technology. Moreover, there seems to be a need for in-depth investigations exploring the pedagogical aspects of this technology. The above findings are considered valuable not only for the application of QR codes but can be projected to m-learning in general.936 LNNS129139Smart Mobile Communication & Artificial Intelligence: Proceedings of the 15th IMCL Conferenc
A Typology of Minimal Homepage Design: The Case of Global Fashion Brands
No full textFashion brands appeal to consumers based primarily on their design. Fashion brand websites act as avenues of communication with a strong appeal on consumers’ online behavior. At the same time, their minimal design signals high quality and aesthetics. Fashion brands’ website design has attracted academic attention, yet there exists no study on specific design dimensions of minimal websites in the fashion sector. A content analysis on 198 fashion brand websites demonstrates that negative space, homogenous layout, and colorful images prevail in the minimal websites of fashion brands, while text is restricted. Further, in-depth interviews with five graphic designers provide evidence with respect to their perceptions of minimal website design, its signals and appropriateness in the case of fashion brands.3129911
Knowledge Management and Digital Innovation in Healthcare: A Bibliometric Analysis
No full textBackground/Objectives: In recent years, knowledge management and digital innovation have become pivotal in transforming healthcare systems, driving efficiency and enhancing patient outcomes. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research trends at the intersection of knowledge management and digital innovation in healthcare, examining the scope, impact, and evolution of scholarly work in this domain. Methods: Using a comprehensive dataset from the Scopus database, we analyzed 419 publications from 1985–2023 to identify influential authors, journal collaborations, and emerging topics and methodologies in the field. Results: Our findings reveal a significant increase in research interest, highlighting themes such as data-driven healthcare, artificial intelligence in clinical decision support, and knowledge-sharing platforms’ role in improving healthcare delivery. The analysis also underscores the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare providers, technologists, and policy-makers. Conclusions: By mapping the intellectual structure of knowledge management and digital innovation in healthcare, this study provides valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policy-makers seeking to harness knowledge management practices and digital technologies to foster innovation and resilience in healthcare systems.1224252
Usability evaluation of eGovernment national portals: The case of gov.gr
No full texteGovernment's primary strategic priority is to offer electronic services to citizens. However, the complex structure of public organizations often makes it difficult for citizens to find the services they need. In response, governments have adopted web portals as a single point of contact. This research paper evaluates the usability of the Greek government's official web portal called "gov.gr". The study reveals that users encounter usability problems due to the ineffective performance of the search engine, the lack of a minimalist design, and difficulties navigating within the system. To improve the portal, the study recommends upgrading the search engine, focusing on a minimalist redesign, and implementing specific features such as a visible 'home' button.3737Proceedings EGOV-CeDEM-ePart conferenc