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Integrated Coastal Vulnerability Index (ICVI) Assessment of Protaras Coast in Cyprus: Balancing Tourism and Coastal Risks
No full textCoastal areas are highly dynamic environments, vulnerable to natural processes and human interventions. This study presents the first application of the Integrated Coastal Vulnerability Index (ICVI) in Cyprus, focusing on two major tourism-dependent beaches, Fig Tree Bay and Vrysi Beach, located along the Protaras coastline. Despite their economic significance, these coastal areas face increasing vulnerability due to intensive tourism-driven modifications and natural coastal dynamics, necessitating a structured assessment framework. This research addresses this gap by integrating the ICVI with geographical information system (GIS) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodologies to evaluate the coastal risks in this tourism-dependent environment, providing a replicable approach for similar Mediterranean coastal settings. Ten key parameters were analysed, including coastal slope, rate of coastline erosion, geomorphology, elevation, tidal range, wave height, relative sea level rise, land cover, population density, and road network. The results revealed spatial variations in vulnerability, with 16% of the coastline classified as having very high vulnerability and another 16% as having high vulnerability. Fig Tree Bay, which is part of this coastline, emerged as a critical hotspot due to its geomorphological instability, low elevation, and intensive human interventions, including seasonal beach modifications and infrastructure development. This study underscores the need for sustainable coastal management practices, including dune preservation, controlled development, and the integration of the ICVI into planning frameworks to balance economic growth and environmental conservation
Assessing the transition risks of environmental regulation in the United States: Revisiting the Porter hypothesis
No full textThe harmful effects of climate change have brought global warming into focus, prompting a growing body of research on its economic impact and the development of targeted climate policies aimed at mitigating these effects and promoting sustainability. Within this context, the main objective of this paper is to investigate whether the presence of transition risk drivers, in particular, the implementation of environmental policies in the United States, initiates risks or fosters green innovation and financial performance. This performance is related to the adjustment process toward a low-carbon economy, widely known as the Porter hypothesis. Using a panel threshold regression model over the period 1990-2020, our results show that market-based climate policies have a heterogeneous effect on the firm's green innovation and financial performance. Specifically, we find an inverted-U-shaped relationship between carbon price and firm outcomes including green innovation and financial performance. These findings have significant implications for practice, as they reveal the mechanism through which climate policies can optimally affect a firm's green innovation activity and financial performance
Predictive maintenance of container handling equipment using machine learning
No full textThis thesis explores the application of Machine Learning (ML) techniques for Predictive Maintenance (PdM) in container terminal operations, with a focus on predicting inverter overtemperature faults due to fan failures, clogged filters, and other related issues in Straddle Carriers, a type of Container Handling Equipment (CHE). The study uses operational data collected from the EUROGATE Container Terminal Limassol in Cyprus. Five ML models, namely Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Decision Trees (DT), and Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB), were developed, trained, and optimized using Grid Search. Feature importance analysis identified inverter and motor data as the most influential predictors of failure. The models were evaluated on a test dataset using standard classification metrics, and an offline test was conducted using recorded failure events. Among the models, ANN, RF, and XGB demonstrated the highest effectiveness in detecting inverter overtemperature faults while minimizing false positives, achieving F1 scores of up to 0.82. These three models were further analyzed using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and subjected to real-time testing through a Majority Voting approach. SHAP analysis revealed that RF and XGB predictions were primarily influenced by motor data, while ANN relied on both motor and inverter data. In two distinct real-time testing scenarios, the Majority Voting scheme achieved F1 scores of 0.68 and 1.00, respectively.Complete
Υλιποίηση σιεράς εικονογραφήσεων μέσα από ζωϊκές φιγούρες της αρχαίας κυπριακής τέχνης
No full textThis research focuses on the artistic revival of an important aspect of Cypriot cultural heritage.
Ancient Cypriot art features a wide range of animal representations, forming one of the most
prominent thematic trends of its time. But how were these animals depicted? The visual research was
conducted through the documentation of various animal representations found in historical artifacts,
from the Bronze Age to the Late Roman period. The study primarily aimed to understand the
morphology of these depictions, as well as the historical contexts and influences that shaped the
characteristics of each era. A process of sketch-based deconstruction followed, contributing to a
deeper understanding of the key features. Upon completion of the research, an effort was made to
reinterpret these original features within my own design process, resulting in the creation of a series of
animal figures, enriched with my own patterns and elements.The study also explored various printing
techniques as practical applications for the final illustrations. Methods such as screen printing,
engraving, risography, and stencil printing enabled experimentation with materiality and the aesthetic
rendering of the artworks. Finally, the research was concluded through a series of zines that compiled
the final animal figures alongside additional graphic elements.Η έρευνα εστιάζει στην καλλιτεχνική αναβίωση ενός σημαντικού κομματιού της κυπριακής
πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς. Η Αρχαία Κυπριακή τέχνη περιλαμβάνει πλήθος
αναπαραστάσεων ζώων, που συνιστούν μια από τις πιο συχνές θεματολογίες της
καλλιτεχνικής τάσης των εποχών. Πως όμως αναπαραστούνται; Η οπτική έρευνα
πραγματοποιήθηκε μέσα από την καταγραφή διαφόρων αναπαραστάσεων ζώων σε ιστορικά
ευρήματα, από την Εποχή του Χαλκού εώς και την Ύστερη Ρωμαϊκή περίοδο. Η μελέτη
στυρίχτηκε κυρίως στην κατανόηση της μορφολογίας αυτών των παραστάσεων, καθώς και
τα ιστορικά τους πλαίσια από τα οποία προήλθαν επιρροές που διαμόρφωσαν τα
χαρακτηριστικά της κάθε περιόδου. Ακολούθησε μια διαδικασία σκιτσογραφικής
αποδόμησης για την περαιτέρω κατανόηση των χαρακτηριστικών μορφών. Με την
ολοκλήρωση της μελέτης, έγινε επιχείρηση για επαναπροσεγγιση των χαρακτηριστικών
στοιχείων από τις αυθεντικές εικογραφίσεις στην δική μου διαδικασία σχεδιασμού. Ως
αποτέλεσμα, τη δημιουργία μιας σειράς ζωικών φιγούρων, εισάγοντας παράλληλα δικά μου
μοτίβα και στοιχεία. Η έρευνα επίσης μελετά τις εκτυπωτικές τεχνικές, οι οποίες αποτελούν
σχεδιαστικές εφαρμογές των τελικών εικονογραφήσεων. Η μεταξοτυπία, η χαρακτική,
ρισογραφία και το stencil αποτελούσαν μεθόδους που επιτρέπουν τον πειραματισμό της
υλικότητας και της αισθητικής απόδοσης των έργων. Η ολοκλήρωση της έρευνας
πραγματοποιήθηκε επίσης από μια σειρά zines τα οποία περιέχουν τις τελικές ζωικές
φιγούρες και άλλα γραφικά στοιχεία.Complete
Ενεργειακή ενίσχυση υφιστάμενου κτιρίου
No full textThis undergraduate thesis focuses on the energy enhancement of a five-story apartment building in Limassol with nine apartments, aiming to reduce energy consumption and the building’s environmental footprint. The study includes an analysis of the building’s current state, assessing key parameters such as heating, cooling, hot water production, ventilation, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Subsequently, a comparison is made between the existing building and a reference building to determine whether it meets the minimum energy efficiency requirements. Various methods for improving energy efficiency are then examined, including the implementation of smart monitoring systems that enable energy tracking and conservation.
Additionally, a feasibility and cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted to estimate the implementation cost of the proposed solutions and their payback period. Finally, the thesis concludes with the compilation of the final study, presenting the most efficient and economically viable proposals for the building’s energy upgrade, accompanied by a visual representation of the possible locations for the applied methods and technologies.Η παρούσα πτυχιακή εργασία ασχολείται με την ενεργειακή ενίσχυση μιας πενταώροφης πολυκατοικίας στην Λεμεσό με 9 διαμερίσματα, με σκοπό την μείωση της κατανάλωσης ενέργειας και του περιβαλλοντικού αποτυπώματος του κτιρίου. Στο πλαίσιο της μελέτης ,αναλύεται η υφιστάμενη κατάσταση του κτιρίου. Η ανάλυση αυτή περιλαμβάνει την αξιολόγηση βασικών παραμέτρων, όπως η θέρμανσή, ψύξη ,παραγωγή ζεστού νερού, ο εξαερισμός και η χρήση ανανεώσιμων πηγών ενέργειας.
Στην συνέχεια γίνεται σύγκριση του υφιστάμενου κτιρίου με ένα κτίριο αναφοράς, ώστε να διαπιστωθεί αν πληροί τις ελάχιστες ενεργειακές απαιτήσεις. Ακολούθως εξετάζονται διάφορες μέθοδοι βελτίωσης της ενεργειακής απόδοσης, συμπεριλαμβανόμενης της εφαρμογής έξυπνων συστημάτων παρακολούθησης που επιτρέπουν την παρακολούθηση και διατήρηση της ενέργειας.
Επιπλέον διεξάγεται ανάλυση βιωσιμότητας και οικονομικής αποδοτικότητας η οποία υπολογίζει το κόστος υλοποίησης των προτεινόμενων λύσεων και τον χρόνο απόσβεσης τους . Τέλος, πραγματοποιείται σύνταξη της τελικής μελέτης, όπου παρουσιάζονται οι πλέον αποδοτικές και οικονομικά βιώσιμες προτάσεις για την ενεργειακή αναβάθμιση του κτιρίου, συνοδευόμενες με απεικόνιση της τοποθεσίας των διαφόρων μεθόδων και τεχνολογιών όπου είναι δυνατόνComplete
Machine learning-based classification of fiber specklegram for pressure point detection
No full textIn this paper, we demonstrate a method for determining the pressure applied to an optical
fiber by analyzing its specklegram images using a neural network pipeline. In two steps, we
fine-tune EfficientNetB0: first, we train a small classifier on top of frozen layers, and then we
gently update the entire network with a decaying learning rate to produce stable 256-element
feature vectors. During training, we employ RandAugment, CutMix, and MixUp to expand
and diversify our data. These feature vectors are then fed into an XGBoost ensemble, and we
combine its output with the CNN’s softmax scores. On a hold-out test set of specklegrams,
this hybrid model achieves an accuracy of over 94% and demonstrates balanced performance
across all pressure classes. Our method is efficient and is running quickly on an A100 GPU.
Future work could extend this approach to predict exact force values using regression models
trained on more detailed datasets.Complete
3D Research Challenges in Cultural Heritage IV: Risk Prevention and Monitoring Methods
No full textThis open access book presents a collection of papers focusing on a range of digital technologies and their use in the protection and restoration of cultural heritage. Digital tools - from 3D scanning and photogrammetry to Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), Digital Twins, and Extended Reality (XR) - are transforming the way we understand and care for tangible heritage. These technologies are applied to both record the physical form and material conditions of a site and to permit simulations of deterioration, design interventions, and careful reconstruction.
A central theme of this volume is post-disaster restoration and how the scientific and technical aspects of restoration can be made accessible to a broader audience through innovative visualizations, interactive platforms and storytelling. Digital tools should not only serve experts but also allow the public to participate both on-site and remotely via the web. This book advocates a holistic approach to heritage management, combining cutting-edge technology with local knowledge, risk analysis with creative reuse, and positioning the act of restoration as a bridge connecting the past, present and future
HERITALISE. Project Insights and Initial Developments
Full text linkCultural Heritage (CH) encompasses a broad spectrum of tangible and intangible assets, from artifacts and architecture to landscapes and traditions. These require diverse and complex data for documentation, study, and preservation. Technological advancements have significantly improved how CH is digitised, enhancing understanding and access. Digital records preserve historical, aesthetic, and scientific values while supporting public engagement. However, there remains no universal standard for CH digitisation, with approaches often tailored to each project based on various technical and contextual factors.
Digitisation methods depend on object-specific complexity criteria such as size, material and their condition, and location, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. Common techniques are usually employed like laser scanning, photogrammetry and structured light, while AI and emerging technologies are expanding the capabilities of advancing digitization and visualization. In the present paper the EU HERITALISE project is presented, which addresses current limitations by developing advanced methods for capturing holistically both visible and non-visible CH features. It extends frameworks like H (Holistic)-HBIM to a Memory twin, integrating multimodal and complex data types in four (4) selected demo sites presented in this paper
Transforming arable and dairy farming systems by adopting anaerobic digestion and recirculating aquaculture systems to address the demand for sustainable profitability, environment and diets
No full textUK agricultural systems face pressures from environmental targets, policy reform, and
market volatility, requiring innovative strategies for resilience and sustainability. This
study examines integrating anaerobic digestors (ad, 500 kW) and recirculating
aquaculture systems (RaS, 157 m³/unit) in arable and dairy farms. Using a 2022 farm
data-based linear programming model, we evaluate the economic viability of producing
renewable energy and warm-water prawns alongside traditional outputs. Results show
significant profit gains: ad alone boosts net Margins by 24% in arable farms, while
combined with RaS can increase margins by up to 56%. For dairy, ad effects are
modest (5%), but RaS can improve margins by 70%, often replacing ad due to lower
returns. These technologies recycle nutrients from digestate and waste, supporting
circular economy goals. ad–RaS synergies maximise energy and heat recovery, with
RaS enabling local seafood that reduces import dependence, carbon leakage, and
ecological damage from overseas shrimp farming. despite high capital costs, complexity,
and energy price sensitivity, findings highlight ad and RaS’s potential for sustainable
diversification, align with UK net-zero and biodiversity goals, and improve resource
efficiency, lower emissions, and conserve land. We conclude that integrated ad and
RaS are viable paths to enhance farm resilience and deliver economic, environmental,
and dietary benefits amid agricultural transition.This work was supported by UK Research and innovation, UKRi [grant reference BB/W018039/1]
Laboratory Information Management System
No full textΗ παρούσα πτυχιακή εργασία αφορά τη σχεδίαση, ανάπτυξη και υλοποίηση ενός διαδικτυακού Πληροφοριακού Συστήματος με θέμα τη σχιζοφρένεια. Στόχος του συστήματος είναι η παροχή αξιόπιστης ενημέρωσης και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης σε άτομα που πάσχουν ή ενδέχεται να πάσχουν από σχιζοφρένεια, καθώς και στις οικογένειες και το υποστηρικτικό τους περιβάλλον. Η ανάπτυξη της πλατφόρμας βασίστηκε στην ανάγκη ύπαρξης ελληνόφωνου προσβάσιμου περιεχομένου και εργαλείων σχετικά με την εν λόγω ψυχική νόσο.
Η ιστοσελίδα υποστηρίζει τέσσερις ρόλους χρηστών: clients, doctors, volunteers και admin. Κάθε ρόλος έχει διακριτές λειτουργίες, όπως προγραμματισμός ραντεβού, καταχώρηση και αξιολόγηση ασθενών, δημιουργία εκδηλώσεων ψυχαγωγίας και υποστήριξης, προσθήκη ιατρικών νέων και διαχείριση χρηστών. Ο client έχει τη δυνατότητα να εντοπίζει κοντινούς ψυχιάτρους, να υποβάλλει ερωτήσεις, να συμμετέχει σε οργανωμένες εκδρομές και να συμπληρώνει διαγνωστικά ερωτηματολόγια που αξιολογούν πιθανή ύπαρξη ή στάδιο σχιζοφρένειας. Επιπλέον, μπορεί να λαμβάνει υπενθυμίσεις για φαρμακευτική αγωγή και να ενημερώνεται για τις οδηγίες του θεράποντα ιατρού.
Το σύστημα υλοποιήθηκε με τη χρήση των τεχνολογιών HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, AJAX, jQuery και MySQL για την αποθήκευση των δεδομένων. Παρέχει δυναμική και ασφαλή διαχείριση περιεχομένου, υποστηρίζει σύστημα εισόδου/εγγραφής χρηστών, διαχείριση ερωτηματολογίων, παρακολούθηση στατιστικών στοιχείων για όλους τους ρόλους και καταγραφή log αρχείων για λόγους ασφάλειας και αξιοπιστίας. Το έργο συνδυάζει την τεχνική υλοποίηση με κοινωνική ευαισθησία και επιχειρεί να καλύψει ένα σημαντικό κενό ενημέρωσης και υποστήριξης στον ελληνόφωνο ψηφιακό χώρο.Complete