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The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission, scheduled for launch in the mid-2030s, is a gravitational wave space observatory designed to detect sources emitting in the millihertz band. LISA is an European Space Agency flagship mission, currently entering the Phase-B development phase. It is expected to help us improve our understanding of our Universe by measuring gravitational wave sources of different types, with some of the sources being at very high redshifts (z ∼ 2 0). On February 23, 2022, we organized the first LISA in Greece Workshop. This Workshop aimed to inform the Greek scientific and tech industry communities about the possibilities of participating in LISA science and the LISA mission, with the support of the Hellenic Space Center. In this White Paper, we summarize the outcomes of the Workshop, the most important aspect of it being the inclusion of 1 5 Greek researchers to the LISA Consortium, raising our total number to 2 2. At the same time, we present a road map with the future steps and actions of the Greek Gravitational Wave community with respect to the LISA mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an introduction to the contents in the issue of the journal, "International Journal of Information Technology and Decision Making," Volume 5, No. 1 (2006). The issue has ten papers, in which four of them have theoretical topics. The rest of the papers cover the various applications in the areas of information technology and decision making. There are 22 authors and co-authors who contributed in the issue. Some of them are from China, Greece, and Italy.

In this paper, we analyze energy density inhomogeneities for charged fluid configuration in the background of f (T) theory and recognize its prime features as computed in GR. The dynamical equations are composed employing Bianchi identities for the standard, f (T) extra terms, and energy-momentum tensor for the electromagnetic field. We evaluate various mathematical models of dissipative and anisotropic fluid distributions in-plane symmetry under f (T) gravity. To proceed with the investigation, we design the f (T) field equations, kinematical quantities, and mass function. We analyzed dynamical variables and Ellis equations in terms of our considered theory. To examine the associated inhomogeneity factors, specific scenarios are illustrated alongside and without dissipation. Within a non-radiating situation, we analyze dust and isotropic and anisotropic matter in the state of electric charge. We examine the inhomogeneity factor of a dissipative fluid via a charged dust haze. We derive that the electromagnetic field fosters matter inhomogeneity, but additional curvature factors make the entire structure more homogenous as time passes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper finds that the financial crisis has tremendously impacted innovation in most European countries with Greece and Lithuania being the most affected while Finland and Austria have the least negative effect on their innovation activities. Greece and Lithuania's national innovation systems share many common characteristics which are in sharp contrast to those shared by Finland and Austria, including most notably culture, quality of the higher education system, science and technological capability, and structure of the economy. Those identified distinctions along the main dimensions of the national innovation systems between the most and least affected countries could to a large extent explain why the effect of the financial crisis is heterogeneous across European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the 2008–2020 period during which two major crises, affecting the economy and the financial markets, occurred. Between 2008 and 2020, there were less extreme tail events, including the lingering Eurozone and Greece crises. In particular, after extremely high stock market volatility and volatility of volatility (VoV) during 2008, the long-run average volatility declined to about 20% and the VoV to around 100%. This paper analyzes this period through the lens of risk and ambiguity (uncertainty). It aims to address the question: what are the financial markets that trade risk — the volatility derivatives markets — telling us? To this end, this paper uses several measures of uncertainty. It reviews the history of volatility and uncertainty measures and discusses their informativeness. It then discusses the information derived from volatility derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of the paper is the building of a model to predict the proper employees' allocation in the Greek public sector. To acknowledge the set and weights of criteria upon which our model feeds data, a validated questionnaire was developed and used to conduct a primary quantitative survey amongst HR departments and employees of state organizations in Greece. On the acquired findings, several experiments were administered using linear and machine learning tools, aiming to replace time consuming and subjective procedures, followed by many organizations. Concluding, data classification algorithms are proposed to predict the best matching of employees, giving as inputs personnel qualifications as well as job specifications, leading to a model based on J48, a decision tree algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including trade unions and economic crisis in Italy, trade unions in Great Britain, and labor market in Greece.

The presence of exotic matter for the existence of the wormhole geometry has been an unavoidable problem in GR. In recent studies, researchers have tried to deal with this issue using modified gravity theories where the WH geometry is explained by the extra curvature terms and NEC's are not violated signifying the standard matter in the WH geometry. In this paper, we investigate the solutions of traversable wormholes with normal matter in the throat within the framework of symmetric teleparallel gravity f (Q) , where Q is the non-metricity scalar that defines the gravitational interaction. We analyze the wormhole geometries for three forms of function f (Q). First is the linear form f (Q) = α Q , second a nonlinear form f (Q) = α Q 2 + β and third one a more general quadratic form f (Q) = α Q 2 + β Q + γ with α , β and γ being the constants. For all the three cases, the shape function is taken as b (r) = r 0 ln (r + 1) ln (r 0 + 1) where r 0 is the throat radius. A special variable redshift function is considered for the discussion. All the energy conditions are then examined for the existence and stability of the wormhole geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationships between transformational leadership (TL), entrepreneurial leadership (EL), business model innovation (BMI) and competitive advantage, as well as the role of environmental uncertainty in these relationships. The importance of BMI and leadership style for the firms and the gaps identified in literature motivated the need for this paper. Previous literature has not fully explained in detail the antecedents of BMI or how BMI improves competitive advantage of organisations. Thus, an empirical model was used to analyse data gathered from a survey of 474 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from several sectors in Greece. The findings reveal the contribution of leadership styles on BMI, the direct contribution of TL and EL on competitive advantage, as well as the contribution of BMI in competitive advantage in all responding SMEs, those SMEs with low scores of business environmental uncertainty and those SMEs with high scores of business environmental uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the possibility that gastronomy, based on ancient Greek values, could be part of the answer for economic prosperity through the development of food tourism in a country with a harsh economic environment such as Greece. We examine if local food, culture and tourism could become fields of new entrepreneurial and regional development when paired with knowledge, innovation and quality. The paper uses Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) from real examples of innovative entrepreneurship related to gastronomy that are presented as case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teleparallel theories of gravity are described in terms of the tetrad of a metric and a flat connection with torsion. In this paper, we study spherical symmetry in a modified teleparallel theory of gravity which is based on an arbitrary function of the five possible scalars constructed from the irreducible parts of torsion. This theory is a generalization of the so-called New General Relativity theory. We find that only two scalars are different to zero in spherical symmetry and we solve the corresponding field equations analytically for conformal Teleparallel gravity, and then perturbatively around Schwarzschild geometry for the general perturbative theory around GR. Finally, we compute phenomenological effects from the perturbed solutions such as the photon sphere, perihelion shift, Shapiro delay, and the light deflection. We find their correspondent correction to the standard GR contribution and their dependence on the three model parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper derives the elements of classical Einstein–Cartan theory (EC) from classical general relativity (GR) in two ways. (I) Derive discrete versions of torsion (translational holonomy) and the spin-torsion field equation of EC from one Kerr solution in GR. (II) Derive the field equations of EC as the continuum limit of a distribution of many Kerr masses in classical GR. The convergence computations employ "epsilon-delta" arguments, and are not as rigorous as convergence in Sobolev norm. Inequality constraints needed for convergence restrict the limits from continuing to an infinitesimal length scale. EC enables modeling exchange of intrinsic and orbital angular momentum, which GR cannot do. Derivation of EC from GR strengthens the case for EC and for new physics derived from EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on two strands of relative literature. The first examines the effect of sticky wages on international trade, unemployment and trade policy. The second strand looks at the effect of the exchange rate on wages. Related to this literature is the discussion in the European Union on establishing a common currency. In this paper, a theoretical and empirical model is developed which is tested using the Greek Labor Market as a case study. Also, a policy section discuss the options available to both the Greek policy makers and the leaders of Greek trade unions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gravitational lensing and black hole shadows are one of the strongest observational evidences to prove the existence of black holes in the universe. The gravitational lensing arises due to the deflection of light by the gravitational field of a gravitating body such as a black hole. Investigation of the shadow cast by a compact object as well as deflection of light around it may provide the useful information about physical nature of the particular compact object and other related aspects. In this paper, we study the deflection of light by a dual-charged stringy black hole space–time derived in dilaton-Maxwell gravity. The variation of deflection angle with the impact parameter for different values of electric and magnetic charges is studied. We also study the shadow of this black hole space–time to obtain the radius of shadow cast by it. We have considered an optically thin emission disk around it and observed that there are not significant changes in the shadow cast by this black hole compared to well-known Schwarzschild black hole space–time in GR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents evidence regarding the post-earnings announcement drift (PEAD) anomaly for the Greek market in the years 2000-2006 (covering earnings announcements in the years 2001-2007). The impact of the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards on the size and prevalence of the PEAD anomaly is examined. Unlike recent evidence for the US market we find PEAD to be alive and well, and of growing importance in our Greek sample. It may be the adoption of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) has served to reduce earnings predictability in Greece and thus enhance PEAD in the Athens stock exchange (ASE) market. This contrasts strongly with US evidence that the post-earnings-announcement drift anomaly is now waning as more efficient markets and smarter, fundamentals-based, traders arbitrage its impact on stock prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the rocking and sliding behavior of a monolithic stone block or a system of stone blocks under earthquakes, a problem commonly observed for ancient temples in Greece and Southern Italy. The analysis for the above monolithic or multi-drum columns is conducted by a simple process based on generally accepted simplifications. The effects of column geometry, earthquake characteristics and restitution ratio due to impact are also studied herein. Furthermore, an analytical approach for the solution of the complete nonlinear equations of motion (including the one for the vertical earthquake excitation) for the subject considered is proposed. Finally, characteristic representative examples are presented with useful conclusions drawn. It was found that the stability criteria based on static conditions are reliable, while the corresponding dynamic criteria may lead to erroneous results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the role of mathematical models in archaeology and history. Variants of a particular model - an entropy-maximizing spatial interaction model which also functions as a location model - are presented through two case studies. The first is an example from Archaeology which throws light on settlement sizes in the 9th and 8th century BC Greece; the second is from History and explores the evolution of the United States' urban system from 1790-1870 with particular reference to the impact of railways. The approach is essentially interdisciplinary and uses concepts from Geography, Economics, Physics and Ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful entrepreneurial activities are a function of human venture and environmental conditions, since the key to improving entrepreneurial perceptions and attitudes within society and within Higher Education (HE) institutions lies in education. The purpose of this paper is to address issues surrounding entrepreneurial education in HE in Greece, and describes the delivery and evaluation of two programs. The programs were offered by a public university and a public technological & educational institute designed to create opportunities for learning entrepreneurial capacities, in order to develop a framework for the design and implementation of such activities. Research results, concerning (i) the programs' concept and (ii) the degree that the programs influence the students' knowledge, skills and attitudes towards the undertaking of entrepreneurial activities, provide useful information for academicians, educators, educational managers and policy makers, concerning the design of similar programs. The methodology used brings in the description of each program's structure (in terms of its formation, development, implementation and evaluation) and the evaluation of its effectiveness, based on a pre- and post-analysis of students' perceptions from each institution. Data were collected from 904 students, with both business and scientific-technological studies background. The analysis of data provides useful conclusions in relation to (i) the design of entrepreneurial education, (i.e. emphasis should be placed on the networking with the business world, the laboratory assistance, the mentoring process, the participants' scientific background) and (ii) the accomplishment of the two programs' objectives in "developing potential entrepreneurs", which seems to be moderately positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greece has experienced rapid growth in immigrant and refugee populations since 1990. Although most are immigrants from Albania and throughout the Balkan region, some immigrant and refugee groups arriving in Greece also come from the former Soviet Union, Southeast Asia and Africa. Some of these newcomers have started small businesses in their quest to become economically self-sufficient, serve the consumer needs of fellow newcomers, and integrate into community life. The purpose of this research is two-fold: to review the extant literature on social and economic factors influencing immigrant entrepreneurship in Greece, and to determine characteristics and business profiles of Albanian immigrant-owned small businesses within the municipality of Attiki — the location of Athens, Greece's capital city and largest urban center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of the Greek economic growth is highly depended on three vital factors: a) entrepreneurship and business development b) innovation and creativity c) education and skills. The correlation among these factors are direct and clear. This is why it is so important to monitor economic growth in respects of innovation, education and business development and to pursue a methodical policy to stimulate and reinforce them. In this paper we focus on analysing the factors which affect the process of innovation in Greece in comparison with member states of European Union. More specific we attempt to measure innovation in Greek enterprises for the last decade and identify barriers to innovation in Greece as compared to other EU countries. We also evaluate the statistical relationship between per capita GDP (as a proxy to level of Greek people prosperity) and Research & Technological Development (RTD) Expenditure (as indicator to innovation-creativity activity) using Linear and Exponential Regression Models. In the knowledge-driven economy, economic growth was achieved mainly through innovation, technology diffusion and new product applications. Therefore, we probe deep into considerations which influence -either positively or negatively - the advancement of the innovation activity, through empirical evidence and statistical methodology. Since, innovation and Research & Technological Development (RTD) are often considered as a main drive for economic development, recommendations proposed in this article become more intense and must be incorporated in the industrial infrastructure and in management attitudes at national and regional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we analyze the high-frequency time series of the deposits collected from the systemic biggest Greek banks during the recent economic crisis in Greece. Our focus has been to reveal hidden fractal and periodic patterns using a hybrid approach, which combines correlation and frequency analysis of the original and difference series in a synergistic manner. We find that during the first period of the recorded series featured by the dramatic decrease of deposits, the short time behavior exhibits Brownian motion characteristics with fractal dimension close to 1.5, while a cyclical pattern of monthly repetition (21 days) is detected in the difference series to bound fractal behavior. The Brownian property is also observed in the second uprising segment of deposit series, but it lasts more (50 days) and no well-defined cyclical pattern is detected. Our work reveals that the economic crisis in Greece has gradually eroded the cyclical behavior of daily differences in bank deposits, while maintaining a short-term Brownian motion pattern, albeit with an increased duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines different methodologies used in quantitative empirical studies attempting to identify the distinctive characteristics of innovative firms. Despite the research effort, the statistical analysis results are inconsistent. The reasons for this inconsistency were explored and can be attributed to (i) methodological differences in the studies, such as the varying definitions and measurements of innovation and (ii) different characteristics of firms targeted such as size, sector and geographical region. A portfolio model synthesising the various research results is developed, which is not meant to be universally applicable but instead can be used as a platform for country or industry specific studies. To illustrate the application of the proposed contingency approach, the author presents a comparative review of results from two recent studies using portfolio models in Iran and Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is traditionally a major form of entrepreneurship in rural Greece. However, this economic sector has been underachieving in the last decades. Nevertheless, there are always entrepreneurs who will find a way to get over various obstacles despite a likely difficult business environment. One of these ways is innovation, which is regarded as a path for economic bliss. But what affects innovation? Also innovation needs investment and investment requires risk. Therefore, it is interesting to study various farmer's characteristics and risk willingness's effect on innovation. In this context a research took place on almost all regions of Greece, collecting a sample of 1023 respondents via Google forms. Data were analyzed using the consistent PLS algorithm. The results confirmed most of the hypotheses and there is interesting output regarding risk willingness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the quadratic helicity χ B ̄ (2) is discussed from the physical and topological points of view. We show, after the introduction of a mathematical description of the properties of helicity and quadratic helicity in the context of standard dynamo equations, examples of the importance of these high invariants in cosmological scenarios. These scenarios consider extensions of the standard model and extensions of GR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work a complete study of 359 solar flares, 111 Halo coronal mass ejections (Halo CMEs) and 45 Partial Halo events occurred from November 2000 to November 2003, is considered. This time period characterized by an unexpected activity of the Sun, was divided into 27-day intervals starting from Bartels Rotation No. 2284 (14.10.2000) to No. 2324 (25.11.2003), generating diagrams of the cosmic ray intensity data recorded at the Athens Neutron Monitor Station. On these qualitative data presented for the first time, a mapping of all available solar and interplanetary events, such as solar flares with importance C, M and X, coronal mass ejections (Halo and Partial) was done. The existence of a connection between solar flares with CMEs and the respective connection to the Forbush effects on yearly and monthly basis are discussed. The role of extreme solar events occurred in March-April 2001 and in October-November 2003 is also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a braneworld Randall–Sundrum type II (RSII) model using the Hamilton–Jacobi formalism. We extend the standard inflationary parameters and the flow equations for this braneworld scenario. We investigate the conditions that reduce the infinite number of flow equations into a finite number and confirm that by considering one of the inflationary parameters that vanishes, the Hubble expansion rate gets a polynomial form in both General Relativity (GR) and in the high-energy regime of RSII. We also show that if one sets this inflationary parameter to a constant value, the model features a nonpolynomial form of the Hubble expansion rate. The form of the Hubble parameter in this case is different in GR and RSII. Next, we consider a single-scalar field model with a Hubble expansion rate behaving as H ∝ ϕ n and show that compared to GR, the RSII model has a smaller tensor-to-scalar ratio and larger spectral index for n > 1. Therefore, RSII model leads to better predictions than GR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A geometric torsion (GT) underlying a 2 -form in a (4 + 1) -dimensional U (1) gauge theory is revisited with a renewed perspective for a nonperturbation (NP) gravity in d = 4. In this context, we provide evidences to a holographic correspondence between a bulk GT and a boundary NP gravity. Interestingly the Killing symmetries in General Relativity (GR) are shown to provide a subtle clue to the quantum gravity. The NP gravity is shown to incorporate a (B 2 ∧ F 2) coupling, sourced by a non-Newtonian potential, to an exact geometry in GR. Remarkably the NP correction is identified as a mass dipole and is shown to be sourced by a propagating GT. A detailed analysis is performed in a bulk GT to show a modification to the precession of perihelion in a boundary NP gravity. The perspective of an electromagnetic (EM) wave in the bulk is investigated to reveal a spin 2 (mass-less) quantum sourced by an apparent 2-form. A Goldstone scalar is absorbed by the apparent 2-form to describe a massive 2 -form in the coulomb gauge. Alternately a Goldstone scalar together with a local degree of GT and 2-form is argued to govern a composite (mass-less) spin 2 particle in Lorentz gauge. Both the scenarios, further ensure a graviton in a boundary NP gravity. A qualitative analysis reveals a (noninteracting) graviton underlying a plausible gravitational wave/particle duality in NP gravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-known problem of wormholes in General Relativity (GR) is the necessity of exotic matter, violating the Weak Energy Condition (WEC), for their support. This problem looks easier if, instead of island-like configurations, one considers string-like ones, among them, cylindrically symmetric spacetimes with rotation. However, for cylindrical wormhole solutions, a problem is the lacking asymptotic flatness, making it impossible to observe their entrances as local objects in our universe. It was suggested to solve this problem by joining a wormhole solution to flat asymptotic regions at some surfaces Σ − and Σ + on different sides of the throat. The configuration then consists of three regions, the internal one containing a throat and two flat external ones. We discuss different kinds of source matter suitable for describing the internal regions of such models (scalar fields, isotropic and anisotropic fluids) and present two examples where the internal matter itself and the surface matter on both junction surfaces Σ ± respect the WEC. In one of these models, the internal source is a stiff perfect fluid whose pressure is equal to its energy density, in the other, it is a special kind of anisotropic fluid. Both models are free from closed timelike curves. We thus obtain examples of regular twice asymptotically flat wormhole models in GR without exotic matter and without causality violations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use a statistical technique that solves the omitted variables problem of regression analysis to estimate the changes in gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment, and inflation of a one-unit change in government spending, exports, and interest rate for Greece using quarterly data from 1995 to 2016. Our primary findings are (1) driving the Greek economy using domestic demand creates a much more stable economy than trying to drive the Greek economy using exports and (2) cutting government spending and exports damage GDP more than equal increases help GDP. Both of these conclusions imply that IMF austerity and IMF support of exporting over domestic demand are counter-productive. Our results are not opposed to naturally occurring globalization, they are contrary to artificially encouraging trade as coerced by the IMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work addresses the problem of how social networks are embedded in space, by studying the spread of human population over complex geomorphological terrain. We focus on villages or small cities up to a few thousand inhabitants located in mountainous areas in Greece. This terrain presents a familiar tree-like structure of valleys and land plateaus. Cities are found more often at lower altitudes and exhibit preference on south orientation. Furthermore, the population generally avoids flat land plateaus and river beds, preferring locations slightly uphill, away from the plateau edge. Despite the location diversity regarding geomorphological parameters, we find certain quantitative norms when we examine location and population distributions relative to the (man-made) transportation network. In particular, settlements at radial distance away from road network junctions have the same mean altitude, practically independent of ranging from a few meters to 10 km. Similarly, the distribution of the settlement population at any given is the same for all . Finally, the cumulative distribution of the number of rural cities is fitted to the Weibull distribution, suggesting that human decisions for creating settlements could be paralleled to mechanisms typically attributed to this particular statistical distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong evidence is provided for significant far from equilibrium complex processes in the seismogenic layer of the North Aegean region (Greece), after applying modern nonlinear methods to various seismicity time series. The data used are subsets of the regional catalogue compiled in the central Seismological Station of Geophysics Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and concern 4367 earthquakes of magnitude greater than 3.8, which took place during the period of 1968-2008. We present results, derived from the application of nonlinear algorithms, concerning the estimation of correlation dimension, mutual information, largest Lyapunov exponent, flatness coefficient and q-value which correspond to Tsallis nonextensive statistics. These quantities are estimated for two seismic time series corresponding to the basic focal parameters of earthquakes, namely origin time and magnitude. The obtained results can be associated with novel far from equilibrium complex dynamics such as low dimensional chaos, Self Organized Criticality (SOC) and intermittent turbulence. Furthermore, in this study, new information is provided about the nonlinear turbulent character of the Hellenic lithospheric dynamics related to the Tsallis nonextensive statistical theory. Our analysis indicates the coexistence of two different lithospheric processes, one low dimensional (chaotic) and the other high dimensional (SOC), revealing the strongly turbulent character of the Greek lithospheric system. In particular, the low dimensional chaotic process corresponds to the temporal manifestation of earthquakes, whereas the high dimensional nonlinear (SOC) process corresponds to the burst energy releases, a result that has significant implications concerning the ability of earthquake prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greece's debt-to-GDP ratio is reaching unsustainable levels. But why should the debt load of such a small country cause such outsized tremors in global financial markets? Greek debt may be relatively small, but a sufficient amount is held by a few major banks in Europe to cause disruptions to the credit system. This effect is magnified because other banks from around the world are exposed to these European banks, making the problem global. In this article we examine the exposure of banks around the world to Greek debt, and call for swift and decisive action by policymakers to head off a global banking crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the entrepreneurial beliefs/attitudes, ambitions, expectations, goals and visions of rural women who choose to cooperate and found Women's Rural cooperatives in the Prefecture of Heraklion on the island of Crete. The results of a qualitative study involving a sample of eight chairwomen of rural women's established Traditional Food Production cooperatives indicated that the traditional domestic roles (housewife, mother), the low level of education, the lack of professional skills, enterprise experience and mostly the unwillingness of rural women to undertake enterprise risk, have turned them toward an enterprise model that lacks modern business methods in the use of quality control production systems, in the production of Protected Geographical Identification Goods and/or Certified Local Traditional Food and/or Organic Products, in the use of new organizing and managing technologies, in advertising and promoting products and in administrative renewal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present results concerning seismogenesis in the Hellenic region (land and sea of Greece), applying nonlinear analysis to an earthquake time series. The model of the dripping faucet is used as a physical interpretation of the seismic process and the construction of inter-event seismic time series. Geometrical and dynamical characteristics estimated in the reconstructed state space support the low dimensional, chaotic character of the global seismic process in the Hellenic region. The method of stochastic surrogate data was employed to the exclusion of "pseudo chaos" caused by the nonlinear distortion of a purely stochastic process. These results are in agreement with general theoretical models concerning distributed driven threshold dynamics applied to the case of seismic processes. Moreover, the observed global character of low dimensionality and chaoticity over such a complex system of faults supports the hypothesis that seismogenesis is characterized by spatiotemporal intermittent chaos throughout the Hellenic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences between male and female entrepreneurs provide compelling reasons to study the latter separately. Especially in rural areas, research shows that women are a remarkable and unexplored source of the labor force. Nevertheless, few researchers have examined rural women and the issues pertaining to their entrepreneurship separately. The contribution of this study to the debate of women entrepreneurship is the closer examination of women in Greek rural areas. This research aims to examine factors that must be considered independently with recognition to the variances of rural areas with different geomorphologic and economic profiles. The characteristics of women entrepreneurship in Greek rural areas and the women's motives for the undertaking of the entrepreneurial activity are used to identify a typology of women entrepreneurs in the Greek countryside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation was first adopted in Greece in 1979. In the intervening 23 years, competent authorities, practitioners, and developers have gained considerable experience in the practice of EIA. A previous research study conducted for the European Commission indicated, on the basis of the quality of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) produced, that overall the nation's EIA system was performing satisfactorily. This research builds on the previous study by examining a considerably larger sample (72) of EISs produced for a diverse range of project types. Only 40% of EISs sampled were found to be of a satisfactory quality (compared to 75% in the previous study). An assessment of the performance of different elements of the EIA process indicates that descriptive tasks are, on average, performed better than scientific tasks. Consultation with stakeholder groups and their participation appears to be particularly problematic. Variables that influence the quality of EISs are identified and a number of broad recommendations are made for improving the effectiveness of the EIA system in the short and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using concepts from the theory of chaos and nonlinear dynamical systems, a time-series analysis is performed on four major currencies against the Greek Drachma. The R/S analysis provided evidence for fractality due to noisy chaos in only two of the data series, while the BDS test showed that all four systems exhibit nonlinearity. Correlation dimension and related tests, as well as Lyapunov exponents, gave consistent results, which did not rule out the possibility of deterministic chaos for the two possibly fractal series, rejecting though the occurrence of a simple low-dimensional attractor, while the other two series seemed to have followed a behavior close to that of a random signal. SVD analysis, used to filter away noise, strongly supported the above findings and provided reliable evidence for the existence of an underlying system with a limited number of degrees-of-freedom only for those series found to exhibit fractality, while it revealed a noise domination over the remaining two. These results were further confirmed through a forecasting attempt using artificial neural networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]