VIII Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing: Medicon '9814-17 June, 1998 , Lemesos, Cyprus Medicon '98 is the eighth in a series of regional IFMBE meetings in the Mediterranean. Medicon '98 was organised and sponsored by The Department of Computer Science, University of Cyprus, and The Cyprus Association of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering. Medicon, was co-sponsored by the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE), and the IEE Professional Group J1 (Instrumentation & Measurement Systems). Furthermore, Medicon was carried out in co-operation with all the IFMBE Mediteranean societies, with additional support from IEE Cyprus IEEE Cyprus Section, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Higher Technical Institute, and United Kingdom Liaison Committee for Sciences Allied to Medicine & Biology (S.A.M.B.). The goal of Medicon '98 was to provide updated information on the state-of-the-art medical and biological engineering and computing. The program consisted of 203 invited and submitted papers on new developments in these fields. More specifically, the papers were presented in 29 sessions covering the topics of medical imaging (radiography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, MRI, and multimodality imaging), biosignal processing (EEG, Eps, and the cardiovascular system), intelligent systems, telemedicine, cardiovascular system (experimental and applied, and heart rate and signal analysis), nerve and muscle systems, modelling in biological systems, cellular engineering, implants, biomechanics, radiotherapy, radiation protection, instrumentation, and clinical engineering. In addition, the following two sessions which are directly related to European Union projects were hosted: electronic market for medical devices: Medicom project, and quantitative analysis of ultrasonic imaging of atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, the technical program was highlighted by three plenary sessions, including presentations on 'Information technology in biomedicine: The next step beyond' by S. Laxminarayan, NextGen Internet and NJ Institute of Technology, USA, 'Integrated telemedicine networks and added value' by S. Orphanoudakis, University of Crete, Greece, Computers in Surgery and Diagnosis by E. Micheli-Tzanakou, Rutgers University, USA, 'Collaboration of biomedical engineering and medical informatics on the road to citizen-centred care' by Ilias Iakovidis, European Commission, DGXIII, Belgium, and 'Education and training initiatives in Europe' by C. Roberts King´s College School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK. Also, a 'Meet the Editors' session was hosted, where the participants had the opportunity to meet the editors of three major biomedical engineering journals: 'Medical Engineering & Physics', Colin Roberts, 'Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing', Alan Murray, and 'IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine', Swamy Laxminarayan. A student paper contest took place during Medicon´98 where 11 students competed. The contest was carried out in memory of Dick Poortvliet, distinguished biomedical engineer and active member of IEEE Region 8. The first prize was shared between P. Kyriakou, and C. Pitris, for their papers 'Investigation of photoplethysmographic signals in the human esophagus', and 'High resolution imaging of early neoplastic lessions using optical coherence tomography', respectively. The proceedings of the conference were made available on CD ROM medium, providing the immediate access and the easy retrieval of information. Medicon´98 was deeply honoured to host the IFMBE Administrative Council, as well as the National Secretaries Committee meetings. The social program of Medicon '98 was highlighted by the opening ceremony on Sunday at the Ancient Theatre of Kourion. Following the opening ceremony, a lecture about Ancient Cyprus was given by the archaeologist Lina Kassianidou, followed by Cypriot and Greek music, and a buffet dinner at a seaside restaurant. On Monday, the participants visited the old part of Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus, and on Tuesday night, the participants enjoyed Cypriot meze and dancing. Particular thanks are expressed to the kind support and efforts of M. Bracale, S. Cerutti, G. Dimitrov, N. Dimitrova, C. Hadjivasiliou, K. Kouris, D. Koutsouris, A. Nicolaides, N. Ouzounoglou, N. Pallikarakis, S. Sideman, V. A. Spasic, and N. Zamboglou for their valuable help in making this conference a success. Furthermore, a heartfelt thanks is extended to all of the participants for making this conference a reality, as well as strengthening the opportunities for professional growth, and establishing new contacts with fellow colleagues in the Meditteranean region. Finally, the next Medicon will be held in Croatia in 2001. For more details you can contact: Tel: +385 1 6129 938; Fax +385 1 6129 652 Email: ratko.magjarevic@fer.hr Stelios Christofides, Constantinos S. Pattichis, Christos N. Schizas, Elpida Keravnou-Papailiou, Prodromos Kaplanis, Spyros Spyrou, George Christodoulides, Yiannis Theodoulou | ||