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INTRODUCTION: This study investigates autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Greece, focusing on estimating prevalence and identifying regional disparities in children aged 4 to 7 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory methodology, the research employed a structured questionnaire to gather extensive maternal and child health data. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 517 mothers of children diagnosed with ASD from all over Greece, contributing to a nuanced understanding of ASD predictors. This study aims to elucidate the role of prenatal factors in the likelihood of an ASD diagnosis and their impact on the subsequent functionality of children with ASD. The study identified significant predictors of lower functionality in children with ASD, including higher maternal age, delayed ASD diagnosis, lower family income, and higher birth order. Prenatal health issues, such as vaginal bleeding and infections, also influenced functional outcomes. Notably, a family history of neurological or psychiatric conditions appeared protective. DISCUSSION: The regression model demonstrated robust predictive power, underscoring the complexity of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors in ASD development. The findings advocate for early diagnosis and intervention, systematic screening, and addressing socioeconomic disparities to improve functional outcomes. The results support evidence-based service development and policy adjustments to enhance early identification, intervention, and rehabilitation for children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing standardized case-recording procedures and an ASD register at national and regional levels is recommended for systematic monitoring and resource evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper, we extended a previous study on the solar solar influence to the generation of the March 2012 heatwave in the northeastern USA. In the present study we check the possible relationship of solar activity with the early March 2012 bad weather in northeast Thrace, Greece. To this end, we examined data from various remote sensing instrumentation monitoring the Sun (SDO satellite), Interplanetary space (ACE satellite), the Earth's magnetosphere (Earth-based measurements, NOAA-19 satellite), the top of the clouds (Terra and Aqua satellites), and the near ground atmosphere. Our comparative data analysis suggests that: (i) the winter-like weather (rainfall, fast winds, decreased temperature) in Thrace started on 6 March 2012, the same day as the heatwave started in USA, (ii) during the March 2012 winter-like event in Thrace (6–15 March), the ACE satellite recorded enhanced fluxes of solar energetic particles (SEPs), while SOHO and PAMELA recorded solar protons at very high energies (>500 MeV), (iii) Between 3–31 March, the temperature in Alexandoupoli and the ACE/EPAM solar high energy (1.88–4.70 MeV) proton flux were strongly anticorelated (r = −0.75, p = 0.5). (iv) Thrace experienced particularly intense cyclonic circulation, during periods of magnetic storms on 8–10 and 12–13 March, which occurred after the arrival at ACE of two interplanetary shock waves, on March 8 and March 11, respectively, (v) at the beginning of the two above mentioned periods large atmospheric electric fields were recorded, with values ranging between ~−2000 V/m and ~1800 V/m on 8 March, (vi) the winter-like weather on 8–10 March 2012 occurred after the detection of the main SEP event related with a coronal mass ejection released in interplanetary space as a result of intense solar flare activity observed by SDO on 7 March 2012, (vi) the 8–10 March weather was related with a deep drop of ~63 °C in the cloud top temperature measured by MODIS/Terra, which favors strong precipitation. Finally, we analyzed data from the electric power network in Thrace (~41°N) and we found, for the first time sudden voltage changes of ~3.5 kV in the electric grid in Greece, during the decay phase of the March 2012 storm series. We discuss the winter-like March 2012 event in Thrace regarding the influence of solar cosmic rays on the low troposphere mediated by positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Finally, we infer that the novel finding of the geomagnetic effects on the electric power grid in Thrace may open a new window into space weather applications research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a major global concern due to its negative impact on human health. To effectively address this issue, it is crucial to have a reliable and efficient forecasting system. In this study, we propose a framework for predicting particulate matter concentrations by utilizing publicly available data from low-cost sensors and deep learning. We model the temporal variability through a novel Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network that offers a level of interpretability. The spatial dependence of particulate matter pollution in urban areas is modeled by incorporating characteristics of the urban agglomeration, namely, mean population density and mean floor area ratio. Our approach is general and scalable, as it can be applied to any type of sensor. Moreover, our framework allows for portable sensors, either mounted on vehicles or used by people. We demonstrate its effectiveness through a case study in Greece, where dense urban environments combined with low cost sensor networks is a peculiarity. Specifically, we consider Patras, a Greek port city, where the net PM pollution comes from a variety of sources, including traffic, port activity and domestic heating. Our model achieves a forecasting accuracy comparable to the resolution of the sensors and provides meaningful insights into the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we examine the factorial structure of the Greek version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI; Zimbardo and Boyd in "J Personal Soc Psychol" 77:1271-1288, 1999), in a sample of 337 university students, using principal axis factoring (PAF) with oblique rotation, and its dimensionality using parallel analysis. Moreover, we evaluate the internal consistency reliability, the convergent validity (through associations with mental health indicators such as dispositional optimism, self-esteem, trait anxiety, depression, and proactive coping), as well as discriminant, and differential validity of this instrument. The results indicated that the ZTPI had a 5-factor structure (past negative, past positive, present fatalistic, present hedonistic, future). Correlational analyses indicated that an aversive view of the past, and a fatalistic attitude toward life were positively and significantly associated with trait anxiety and depression, while they were negatively correlated with self-esteem, proactive coping, and dispositional optimism. Future time perspective was positively associated with proactive coping, whereas a positive attitude toward the past was negatively associated with depression and trait anxiety. Psychometric properties of the five ZTPI scales were satisfactory (Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.710 to 0.845), thus facilitating the robust investigation of time perspective in Greek speaking populations. However confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the "positive attitude toward the past" dimension might not be a good indicator of time perspective. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings for future studies of time perspective.

This study investigates the WISC-III profile in Greek children with learning disabilities (LD). The sample consisted of 180 children diagnosed with learning disability (136 boys, 44 girls) aged 6.11 to 14.4 years. The Mean Full-scale IQ is 96.08, Mean Verbal IQ is 96.38, and Mean Performance IQ is 96.61. On individual subtests, the lowest mean scores are for Digit Span and Arithmetic whereas the highest are for Similarities and Picture Completion. Forty eight percent of our sample has a higher Verbal Intelligence, while 46.7% has a higher Performance Intelligence. These results indicate that the WISC-III profile in Greek-speaking children with LD is similar to that shown by an English-speaking sample with respect to the most difficult subtests. This finding implies that despite linguistic differences between the Greek and English languages, deficits in short term memory and working memory are responsible for the emergence of learning disabilities in both languages. (Contains 4 tables.)

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is recognised as a pandemic in the developed world. However, the importance of prudent sun exposure tends to be overlooked, which is responsible for this pandemic. Methods: We investigated the vitamin D status in 326 adults, 165 females and 161 males: 99 Osteoporosis patients, 53 Type 1 Diabetes patients, 51 Type 2 Diabetes patients, and 123 Athletic Healthy individuals, from Northern Greece, through the measurement of total calcidiol in winter and summer by immunoenzymatic assay. Results: In the Whole Sample 23.31% had severe deficiency, 13.50% mild deficiency, 17.48% insufficiency, and 45.71% adequacy at the end of winter. Mean concentrations differed significantly (p <0.001) between males and females. The prevalence of deficiency in the young was significantly lower than in the middle-aged (p = 0.004) and in the elderly (p <0.001), while it was significantly lower (p = 0.014) in the middle-aged than in the elderly. The best vitamin D status was found in the Athletic Healthy individuals, followed by the Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic patients, while Osteoporotic patients had the poorest status. The difference in mean concentrations between winter and summer was significant (p <0.001). Conclusions: Vitamin D status deteriorated with increasing age and it was better in males than in females. Our findings suggest that outdoor physical activity in a Mediterranean country can cover the vitamin D needs of the young and the middle-aged, but not of the elderly, without the need for dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial communities, microbial populations, and antibiotic resistance of potential pathogens in the water and fish (Cyprinus carpio, flesh and gut) from different areas (A1, A2 and A3—A1 was linked with river water, A2 with cattle activity, and A3 with waters of a spring after heavy rains) of Lake Karla (Thessaly, Central Greece) were investigated. The isolated bacteria were identified using Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and were tested for resistance in 21 antibiotics. The microbiota composition of fish flesh was also studied using 16S amplicon-based sequencing Serratia fonticola and several species of Aeromonas (e.g., Aeromonas salmonicida, Aeromonas bestiarium, Aeromonas veronii, etc.) exhibited the highest abundances in all studied samples, while the microbiota profile between the three studied areas was similar, according to the culture-dependent analysis. Of them, S. fonticola was found to be resistant in the majority of the antibiotics for the water and fish (gut and flesh), mainly of the areas A1 and A2. Regarding 16S metabarcoding, the presence of Serratia and Aeromonas at genus level was confirmed, but they found at very lower abundances than those reported using the culture-dependent analysis. Finally, the TVC and the rest of the studied microbiological parameters were found at acceptable levels (4 log cfu/mL or cfu/g and 2–4 log cfu/mL or cfu/g, extremely low levels of E. coli/coliforms) in both water and fish flesh. Based on our findings, the water of Lake Karla would be used for activities such as irrigation, recreation and fishing, however, the development and implementation of a quality management tool for Lake Karla, to ensure environmental hygiene and prevention of zoonosis during the whole year, is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the course of the pandemic, proteomics, being in the frontline of anti-COVID-19 research, has massively contributed to the investigation of molecular pathogenic properties of the virus. However, data on the proteome on anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals remain scarce. This study aimed to identify the serum proteome characteristics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals who had previously contracted the virus and comparatively assess them against those of virus-naïve vaccine recipients. Blood samples of n = 252 individuals, out of whom n = 35 had been previously infected, were collected in the "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, from 4 January 2021 to 31 August 2021. All participants received the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech). A label-free quantitative proteomics LC-MS/MS approach was undertaken, and the identified proteins were analyzed using the GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes) databases as well as processed by bioinformatics tools. Titers of total RBD-specific IgGs against SARS-CoV-2 were also determined using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay. A total of 47 proteins were significantly differentially expressed, the majority of which were down-regulated in sera of previously infected patients compared to virus-naïve controls. Several pathways were affected supporting the crucial role of the humoral immune response in the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection provided by COVID-19 vaccination. Overall, our comprehensive proteome profiling analysis contributes novel knowledge of the mechanisms of immune response induced by anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and identified protein signatures reflecting the immune status of vaccine recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Τhe study aims to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and to investigate knowledge and perceptions of Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) personnel, who acted as pioneers in the national COVID-19 vaccination strategy. Methods and Materials: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted by distributing an online anonymous questionnaire comprising 25 questions during the first semester of 2021. Results: Approximately 85.3% of the 1136 respondents (response rate 28.4%) were vaccinated or intended to be. The acceptance of seasonal flu vaccine (aOR: 3.29, 95%CI: 2.08–5.20), correct COVID-19 vaccine knowledge (aOR: 8.37, 95%CI: 4.81–14.59) and lack of concern regarding vaccine novelty (aOR: 6.18, 95%CI: 3.91–9.77) were positively correlated with vaccine acceptance. Vaccinated respondents were more likely to be physicians (aOR: 2.29, 95%CI: 1.03–5.09) or administrative staff (aOR: 2.65, 95%CI: 1.18–5.97) compared to nursing stuff. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy included inadequate information (37.8%) and vaccine safety (31.9%). Vaccine acceptance was strongly correlated (Spearman's correlation coefficient r = 0.991, p < 0.001) between PHCC personnel and the general population of each health district. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among PHCC personnel in Greece was comparably high, but specific groups (nurses) were hesitant. As the survey's target population could serve as a role model for the community, efforts should be made to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several roundabout capacity methods and approaches have been proposed until now. They are mainly based either on regression equations of observed capacity and gap acceptance or on stochastic models through simulation techniques. However, all of them rely on different variables and factors and are being adapted to local driving behavior. Hence, it is not clear if existing techniques are appropriate for reliable capacity estimations and optimal design of Greek roundabouts. This paper presents the results of an experimental research that has been conducted as a first step in the optimization of roundabouts capacity estimation, based on a dataset of 11 roundabouts in Greece. The study firstly aims to understand what geometric roundabout features and driving behavior parameters influence capacity. Artificial neural networks (NN) were tested and developed to predict accurate roundabout capacities. Appropriate roundabouts were selected for the analysis and their operational performance was filmed using a UAV and a stabilized camera during peak periods. Video image processing techniques and algorithms allowed the extraction of empirical data (traffic flows, gap acceptance parameters) and accurate geometric characteristics. The results demonstrate that artificial neural networks can predict the capacity of roundabouts accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Suicidal ideation in adolescents and young adults in Greece, and offers prevalence and association with sociodemographic variables, mental health and substance use. Topics discussed include Suicide attempts and ideation in adolescents and young adults may be explained by both psychological and socioeconomic frameworks; and the aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of suicidal ideation in a large representative sample of Greek adolescents.

The development of agriculture is linked to energy resources. Consequently, energy analysis in agroecosystems could be a useful tool for monitoring some measures in the agricultural sector to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The objectives of this study were to (a) evaluate differences of energy indices in orange and kiwi orchards, and (b) point out whether inputs, outputs, efficiency, productivity, and carbon footprint can play a key role in crop replacement. Proportional stratified random sampling was used to select 26 orchards (10 oranges, 16 kiwis) from the Prefecture of Arta, western Greece, during 2015 and 2016. Univariate statistical methods were combined with multivariate ones. Nitrogen, Mg, Zn, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, renewable energy inputs, fruit production, total outputs, and energy efficiency and productivity were statistically significantly high in the orange orchards. Phosphorus, Ca, irrigation, machinery, total inputs, intensity, non-renewable energy consumption, and carbon footprint were statistically significantly high in the kiwi orchards. The most important energy inputs for both fruit crops were fertilizers, fuels, irrigation, machinery, and herbicides. The orange orchards seem to be more friendly to the environment than the kiwi orchards by having low total energy inputs 32,210.3 MJ ha−1, intensity 1.4, consumption of non-renewable energy 0.7 MJ kg−1 and CO2 equivalent/fruit production 0.08 kg kg−1, and high energy outputs 105,120.0 MJ ha−1 and fruit production 53,648.0 kg ha−1. The findings of the present study show a relation between climate change and the production of farming systems, which can be a tool for decision makers. The correlation of the abovementioned parameters ensure higher profits and could help in achieving the best possible sustainable management of the agricultural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare systems around the globe are still facing the evolving threat of the coronavavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Hemoglobinopathies include a group of genetic disorders, with the two main entities being thalassemias and sickle cell disease. Due to their immunocompromised status, such patients have been protected as extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. We studied patients with different hemoglobinopathies, consecutively monitored at our center, who were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) during the second and third waves of the pandemic in Greece (September 2020–April 2021), and associated the outcomes of the infection with the following factors: age, employment, blood type, liver and heart hemosiderosis, splenectomy, concomitant endocrine disorders and transfusion dependency. Among 250 patients monitored at our center, 14 were infected with COVID-19. Nine of them were hospitalized but no one required intensive care unit support and all of them responded to the generally applied treatment plan, despite their comorbidities. Notwithstanding the slightly increased prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with hemoglobinopathies compared to the general population, self-applied measures are still thought to be effective, as our patients got infected through their already sick family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular complications account for a substantial increase in morbidity and mortality in beta-thalassemia patients. Many patients have structural heart disease, and some of them present with symptomatic heart failure (HF). Quality of life (QOL) of beta-thalassemia patients is lower than that of the general population. The aim of our study was to explore the relationship between HF stages and QOL in beta-thalassemia patients. Seventy-three consecutive adult beta-thalassemia patients took part in this cross-sectional study. Stages of HF, classified with increasing severity as A, B, and C, were determined based on ACC/AHA guidelines. QOL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Fifteen patients had stage C HF, twenty-eight had stage B HF, and the remaining were considered stage A patients, as beta thalassemia is a predisposing factor for HF. All QOL domains except for bodily pain were significantly lower in stage C patients than in stage A patients. Stage C patients had significantly lower QOL scores for physical functioning, role physical, and social functioning domains than stage B patients. Stage B patients' QOL differed from stage A patients only in the vitality domain. In the multiple regression analysis which took several demographic and clinical factors into account, stage of HF was the most important factor associated with QOL, and negatively and significantly related to five QOL domains, namely physical functioning, role physical, general health, social functioning, and vitality. In conclusion, QOL is negatively affected by the severity of heart failure in beta-thalassemia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to the literature on Information Systems (IS) implementation and provides insights into how IS implementation emerges as an assemblage constituted by diverse sociomaterial practices –that is, the intertwining of humans and technology in practice– during the implementation of Greece's Yearly Property Tax policy and information system over the period 1997–2015. Drawing on the work of Deleuze, Guattari, and Delanda on 'assemblage theory' and Burke's on motive (expressed as 'intentionality' and 'motivation') we discuss IS implementation as a performative process that is shaped by assemblage agents' intentionality and motivation and conclude that explicitly attending to these dynamics during the emergence of policy and technology as a sociomaterial assemblage contributes to a better understanding of IS implementation and its success. We propose that higher levels of motivation and intentionality are related to higher chances of successful implementation. Finally, limitations and future research directions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conyza spp. are among the most common weeds found in perennial crops, and resistance to several herbicides has already occurred worldwide. In the present study, pot and laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate differences in glyphosate and triclopyr susceptibility between different biotypes of Conyza spp. Plant material was obtained from seeds collected in perennial crops in Greece. Seeds of four Conyza spp. biotypes were sown in separate pots and treated with glyphosate at the rosette stage, while seeds of six different Conyza spp. biotypes were sown and treated with triclopyr. Twenty-four hours after the herbicide treatment, the aboveground part of the weeds was manually collected and plant samples were prepared to determine the analytes with LC-MS/MS. In two C. bonariensis biotypes, the glyphosate concentration was 50% to 52% lower than for other biotypes; therefore, they could be considered as potentially resistant to glyphosate because the resistant biotype had a stronger and faster metabolism than the sensitive biotype, transforming glyphosate into non-toxic metabolites. The higher glyphosate concentration was detected in C. canadensis biotypes, which proved to be potentially susceptible to glyphosate. Three C. bonariensis biotypes and one C. albida biotype were less susceptible to triclopyr because analytes were detected in 63% to 82% higher concentrations than the two C. canadensis biotypesthat were susceptible to triclopyr. These results reveal significant differences between the three species, confirm the problem of herbicide resistance, and suggest that glyphosate and triclopyr efficacy in Conyza spp. is merely due to herbicide metabolism to other compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Greece no study has ever been conducted on the prevalence of problem gambling. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was carried out amid the recession aiming to (1) estimate past year prevalence of problem gambling, (2) explore socio-economic and demographic differences among gamblers and non gamblers, (3) explore socio-economic and demographic differences among gamblers who started gambling prior and during the downturn and (4) identify its risk factors with a special interest in the influence of the recession. To this end, data emanating from a telephone and patron survey were combined. A random and representative sample of 3.404 people participated in the telephone survey and 2.400 in the patron survey. The interview schedule was the same in both studies. The presence of problem gambling was assessed with the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Information on participants' socio-economic and demographic characteristics as well as their ways of dealing financially with the crisis were collected. Findings indicated that 2.4% of respondents met criteria for problem gambling. Male gender, minority status, living with family of origin, low educational level and low to zero income were found to constitute the risk factors of the disorder. Moreover, having started gambling during the recession increased the odds of suffering from problem gambling; however this finding was gender-specific. Thus, people end up in problem gambling through various pathways, with these trajectories being different for men and women. Any intervention should address the complexity of the issue and be tailored by gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Problem gambling in adolescents has recently emerged as a pressing public health concern. In this context and in light of the pervasive financial crisis in Greece, the present study aimed to explore adolescents' gambling involvement in Athens region to estimate the prevalence of its problematic form and to identify its risk/protective factors.Methods: A total of 2141 students were recruited from a representative sample of 51 schools located in greater Athens area. The presence of problem gambling was assessed through the use of the DSM-IV-MR-J questionnaire. Data were collected in the form of a self-reported questionnaire during one school hour.Results: Results indicate that 1-year prevalence of high severity problem gambling was found to be 5.6%. Regarding the risk factors for problem gambling; male gender, parental engagement with gambling activities, living without the parents, low grades at school, foreign nationality and the referent absence of availability of food in the household, increased the risk of suffering from the disorder.Conclusion: Gambling behavior among adolescents constitutes a problem in Greece and highlights the need for designing and implementing appropriate preventive interventions, especially amid the ongoing financial crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents current state and recent developments of child and adolescent psychiatry in Greece as of July, 2019. Topics discussed include the consequences of profound financial and humanitarian crisis, that Greece is facing till now; the approach towards community-based mental health care, that has been partially achieved in Greece; and the impact of refugee crisis to child and adolescent mental health services in Greece.

Background: Empathy plays a crucial role in the interaction between healthcare professionals and patients. The use of empathy and empathetic skills regarding to healthcare professionals' burnout is expected to have a positive impact on the overall patient experience. Objective: To investigate the level of empathy and burnout of healthcare professionals in Public Hospitals and their determinants. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May of 2018. The study sample consisted of 173 healthcare professionals of various specialties and the response rate was 75.2%. Data were collected using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Health care professionals (JSE-HP) and the Meshach's Burnout Inventory (MBI) that were voluntarily completed by study participants. Results: Empathy score was relatively high (mean value=102, SD±16.2) while burnout score was quite moderate (mean value=38.1, SD±18.8). The three dimensions of burnout, emotional exhaustion (mean value=21.3, SD±11.8), depersonalization (mean value=7.2, SD±6.1) and personal accomplishment (mean value=38.1, SD±7.6) were also found at moderate levels. Among demographic factors, female participants and those who worked at Pediatric, Cardiological, Pathological, Psychiatric, Artificial Kidney Unit, Regular Outpatient Clinics and Emergency Department had higher empathy scores. More years of total service were related to lower overall burnout scores and higher depersonalization scores. Those who worked at Pediatric, Cardiological, Pathological, Psychiatric, Artificial Kidney Unit, Regular Outpatient Clinics and Emergency Department, had higher emotional exhaustion scores and male participants had higher depersonalization scores than female. In addition, higher empathy score was correlated with lower burnout, lower depersonalization and higher personal accomplishment scores. Conclusion: The findings suggest that empathy is negatively associated with burnout. Enhancing healthcare professionals' ability for empathy through systematic training programs may have significant effects against the burnout syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Τhe development in the fields of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) management and Maritime Archaeology, yields an interdisciplinary and creative academic framework, such as the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector that has been proved to build intelligent systems and applications. However, the ways to fully make use of these technologies are still being explored, as their potential have not been exploited yet. Underwater archaeological sites, semi (/or fully) submerged settlements, ancient ports and shipwrecks, unlike land sites, are not accessible to public due to their special (sub) marine environment and depth. In this paper, an innovative research idea of using Augmented Reality (AR) for maintaining the memory and the information of underwater archaeological sites, is presented. Although the "artificial" visual documentation cannot replace the authentic values of the underwater tangible heritage, the AR technology can contribute to the protection of the intangible properties and the conquered knowledge of the past of a place. This research work will focus, among other case studies, on the (semi) submerged fortifications and their contiguous contents of the acropolis of Halai in east Lokris, Greece. Hence, along with the climate change that may lead more antiquities covered by water during the following years, the advances in the communication field and the up-coming 5G and cloud technologies will make the idea fully applicable, contributing to the enhancement of the coastal and the underwater archaeological remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidents of using naphthalene in olive orchards as a repellent of olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) have recently been recorded. Naphthalene, the primary ingredient of mothballs, is described to be diluted in plastic bottles and hanged on the trees releasing its characteristic odor which is supposed to repel olive fly. Since naphthalene has been characterized as possibly carcinogenic to humans and animals, it was considered essential to monitor olive oils regarding their potential contamination with this specific pollutant. To this goal, a simple, sensitive and reliable analytical method for the determination of naphthalene in olive oil has been developed. The method involves extraction with ethyl acetate: acetonitrile (1:1) and determination of naphthalene using gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The method was validated in four fortification levels, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg in accordance with the EU requirements. The obtained results were acceptable as far as validation criteria are concerned, given recoveries between 71% and 87% and RSDs between 5% and 24%. The limit of determination for naphthalene was set at 0.005 mg/kg based on the lowest concentration level being validated with acceptable accuracy. The analytical technique was successfully applied to 75 olive oil samples collected from oil mills in Greece and no positive results of naphthalene were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of generic medicines is a cost-effective policy, often dictated by fiscal restraints. To our knowledge, no fully validated tool exploring the students’ knowledge and attitudes towards generic medicines exists. The aim of our study was to develop and validate a questionnaire exploring the knowledge and attitudes of M.Sc. in Health Care Management students and recent alumni’s towards generic drugs in Greece. Materials and methods: The development of the questionnaire was a result of literature review and pilot-testing of its preliminary versions to researchers and students. The final version of the questionnaire contains 18 items measuring the respondents’ knowledge and attitude towards generic medicines on a 5-point Likert scale. Given the ordinal nature of the data, ordinal alpha and polychoric correlations were computed. The sample was randomly split into two halves. Exploratory factor analysis, performed in the first sample, was used for the creation of multi-item scales. Confirmatory factor analysis and Generalized Linear Latent and Mixed Model analysis (GLLAMM) with the use of the rating scale model were used in the second sample to assess goodness of fit. An assessment of internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity was also performed. Results: Among 1402 persons contacted, 986 persons completed our questionnaire (response rate = 70.3%). Overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.871. The conjoint use of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a six-scale model, which seemed to fit the data well. Five of the six scales, namely trust, drug quality, state audit, fiscal impact and drug substitution were found to be valid and reliable, while the knowledge scale suffered only from low inter-scale correlations and a ceiling effect. However, the subsequent confirmatory factor and GLLAMM analyses indicated a good fit of the model to the data. Conclusions: The ATTOGEN instrument proved to be a reliable and valid tool, suitable for assessing students’ knowledge and attitudes towards generic medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to identify the financial impact imposed by cost containment measures and especially by the feed in tariff (FiT) reduction upon the profitability of different photovoltaic (PV) investments and the electricity charge faced by consumers. A fully parametric analysis is carried out by varying the following parameters: total installation costs based on their activation date, interest rate for a bank loan, use of a construction subsidy, tax imposition levels, the solidarity surcharge differentiated by the activation and the purchase agreement date and the issuance of credit invoice. During the simulations the simple payback period, the internal rate of return and the profitability index were calculated for the most common investment cases. These were identified through empirical observations on the deployment of PV stations. The profitability of PV stations connected to the medium voltage network were by far affected the most by the cutback while farmers' PV stations and PV rooftop systems were comparatively less affected. Parameters such as the size of the station and the PV activation date were crucial for the assessment of the viability of PV stations. From a social perspective, the FiT cutback prevented an additional 40% increase in the electricity charge paid by electricity consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study and measurement of psychosocial adjustment is important for evaluating patients’ well-being, and assessing the illness’s course, treatment’s success, and patients’ recovery. In this study, internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Greek version of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self-Report (PAIS-SR) were examined. Demographic and psychosocial data were collected from a sample of 243 women with breast cancer, recruited from September 2011 to December 2012. With some exceptions in specific items, the original conceptually-derived PAIS-SR subscales emerged in a seven-factor solution. Social Environment, Job and Household Duties, and Psychological Distress accounted for more of the total variance than other subscales. PAIS-SR showed good internal consistency reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients >0.62. Correlations of PAIS-SR domains with measures of quality of life and posttraumatic stress symptoms supported the convergent validity of the PAIS-SR and its significance for cancer research. The Greek version of the PAIS-SR has acceptable internal consistency reliability and construct validity, as well as satisfactory convergent validity. Results provide some suggestions for the development of programs to evaluate adjustment status and implement psychosocial interventions among breast cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The current global financial crisis that started in 2008 resulted in a significant decline in global trade, slowing/reversing economic growth worldwide, and a dramatic increase in public sector debt. At the same time, the global migrant/refugee crisis has reached extreme rates, with millions of people being forced to abandon their homes and communities because of war, political violence or related threats. There is a broad consensus about the deleterious consequences of these crises on psychological well-being, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, alcohol abuse and suicidal behavior. Although the separate consequences of economic recession and immigration are extensively discussed in previous research, we know very little about the processes through which the intersection of economic crisis and migrant crisis contributes to the vulnerabilities of natives and migrants during these crises. Of particular concern is the status of children, adolescents and their families, who constitute one of the most vulnerable groups in society. Aim: To discuss the contexts that economic and migrant crises shape and suggest possible effects of this intersection on mental health risks, especially among children, adolescents and their families, through reflecting on the recent experience in Greece. Method: Review of the literature and critical analysis of the effects of the confluent crises. Conclusion: The interactive effects of these two crises need further exploration. Novel and diverse models of psychological understanding need to be developed in order to manage the effects of the confluent crises. The role of mental health professionals is crucial in this respect, offering culturally flexible, accommodating and empathetic approaches, allowing healing and acceptance in the face of adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited information about doctors’ communication behaviors and their salient beliefs with regard to bad news disclosure in Greece. In this qualitative study we investigated the self-reported practices of doctors on breaking bad news, their perceptions about the factors affecting the delivery of such news, and their beliefs about the most appropriate disclosure manner. A focus group discussion and individual interviews were conducted. Twenty-five resident and specialist doctors from primary health care and hospital settings participated. We analyzed the collected data with content analysis techniques. Participants were found to acknowledge the importance of appropriate and effective delivery of bad news; however, none of them reported the implementation of empirically informed communication practices. They described communication patterns mainly formed by their work experience and often guided by the patient’s family requests. Doctor, patient, and family characteristics and organizational features and resources were reported to affect the delivery of bad news. Participants perceived the most appropriate disclosure manner as an individualized approach to each patient’s unique needs. They suggested an interdisciplinary, collaborative management of the delivery process and the establishment of formal supportive services. These findings may provide useful information for the development of tailored, empirically informed curriculum interventions and educational programs in order to address several barriers to communication. Sociocultural characteristics that influence the disclosure practice, as well as physicians’ perceptions that are consistent with the optimal information delivery, should be taken into account. System-level strategies that focus on the development of patient-centered communication also need to be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Posttraumatic growth (the perception of positive life changes after an encounter with a trauma) often occurs among breast cancer patients and can be influenced by certain demographic, medical, and psychosocial parameters. Social constraints on disclosure (the deprivation of the opportunity to express feelings and thoughts regarding the trauma) and the cognitive processing of the disease seem to be involved in the development of posttraumatic growth. Through the present study the authors aim to: investigate the levels of posttraumatic growth in a sample of 202 women with breast cancer in Greece, explore the relationships between posttraumatic growth and particular demographic, medical, and psychosocial variables according to a proposed model, and test the role of social constraints in the relationship between automatic and deliberate cognitive processing of the trauma. The results showed that posttraumatic growth was evident in the majority of the sample and was associated inversely with age at diagnosis (β = −0.174,p < .05) and psychological distress (β = −0.394,p = .001), directly with time since diagnosis (β = 0.181,p < .05), and indirectly with intrusions and psychological distress, through reflective rumination (β = 0.323,p = .001). Social constraints were found to moderate the relationship between intrusions and reflective rumination. Implications of the results and suggestions for future research and practice are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Social Constraints Scale, developed in English by Lepore and Ituarte (1999). The scale was culturally adapted in Greek and was then administered, along with measures of psychological distress and intrusions, to a sample of 202 women with breast cancer, recruited from July 2012 to October 2013. Although the scale has usually been treated as a unidimensional measure, exploratory factor analysis revealed three underlying factors in the Greek Social Constraints Scale: unsupportive behaviors, avoidant behaviors, and suggestions for pretense and distraction. The three-factor solution explained 55% of the total variance. Subscale reliability was satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.77 to 0.88). All subscales were significantly related to intrusions and psychological distress. Thus, the Greek Social Constraints Scale is a reliable and valid multidimensional instrument. The results of the present study show that, among all kinds of social constraints, unsupportive behaviors are the most highly correlated with distress, while distraction/pretense is most correlated with intrusiveness. Findings suggested that health professionals should aim to educate both the patient to claim her right to express feelings and thoughts and her social network to adopt disclosure-facilitating behaviors to compensate for intrusiveness and distress. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the mental health issues of immigrants in Europe, particularly in Greece, as of January 2016. Topics include the increasing number of immigrants coming to Greece without travelling documents, with vast majority of those are refugees, the country's creation of a national committee for the management of unaccompanied minors in order to ensure the life protection and well-being of these children, and the increase of deaths of unaccompanied minors in 2014-2015.

Diet modifications are explored for the mitigation of greenhouse gases emissions worldwide. The current paper aims at estimating the carbon footprint of the diet of the Greek consumers in 2011. Based on food items consumption data, equivalent CO2 emission factors, the total carbon footprint associated with the per capita Greek diet patterns is calculated. Data for this task are retrieved from readily available resources of existent literature. The per capita carbon footprint resulting from the consumption of food items in Greece in 2011 for the reference scenario is calculated to be 1,827.4 kg CO2/y. In addition, alternative diet scenarios are proposed, their carbon footprint is calculated and suggestions are made for possible sustainable dietary changes. The results indicate that transition to a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet constitutes a very drastic change towards mitigating greenhouse gases. However its acceptance by the public is very questionable. Thus, the second alternative scenario, which anticipates the substitution of beef by mainly pork and chicken, becomes more relevant. These results could serve as a yardstick for policy interventions aiming at reducing GHG emissions via diet modifications in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is a life-threatening complication in patients with sickle cell disease, characterized by difficulties in diagnosis and management. Certain reports have suggested successful salvage treatment with the terminal complement inhibitor, eculizumab. We here report evidence of complement activation and successful complement inhibition with one dose of eculizumab in an adult sickle cell disease patient presenting DHTR with hyperhemolysis. A 21-year old female sickle cell disease patient [Hb S (HBB: c.20A>T)/β-thalassemia (β-thal)] presented at our Adult Thalassaemia Unit, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, with headaches, perioral numbness and pain in both antibrachia. The patient was admitted with the diagnosis of vaso-occlussive crisis (VOC) and treated symptomatically. On her third day of admission, due to hemoglobin (Hb) value of 6.9 g/dL with increase in reticulocytes, the patient was transfused with one unit of compatible leukodepleted red blood cells (RBC). The following day, hemolytic parameters increased, although Coombs, panel antibodies and screening tests were negative. Five days later, she again received a unit of RBCs, resulting in another increase of hemolytic parameters. During the following 2 days, there was a dramatic decrease of Hb levels to 5.4 g/dL with reticulocytes at 6.0%, negative Coombs testing and negative alloantibodies. Based on these findings, we recognized the syndrome of DHTR with hyperhemolysis. Given the lack of immediate access to other treatment, we administered intravenous rituximab, immunoglobulins and corticosteroids. As there was no response, one dose of eculizumab (900 mg) was then administered with ciprofloxacin as prophylaxis. The patient remains well 6 months post treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses an original data-set for 186 workplaces in Thessaly (central Greece), to study consequences of Greece's strict employment protection law (EPL) and national minimum wage for temporary employment. We find higher temporary work contract rates among workplaces that pay low wages close to the minimum. We also find that EPL ‘matters’, in particular, managers who prefer temporary contracts because temporary workers are less protected definitely employ more. Our findings thus support the view that a firm's HRM decisions regarding internal versus external allocation of tasks are influenced by labour regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Public Spending (PS) project is the first attempt to generate, curate, interlink and distribute daily updated public spending data in LOD formats that can be useful to both expert (i.e. scientists and professionals) and naïve users. The PS ontology is based on the UK payments ontology and reuses, among others, the W3C Registered Organization Vocabulary and the Core Business Vocabulary. RDFized data are linked to product classifications, Geonames and DBpedia resources. Online services contain advanced search features and domain level information (e.g. local government), simple and complex visualizations based on network analysis, linked information about payment entities and SPARQL endpoints. During February 2013, the growing dataset consists of approximately 2 million payment decisions valued 44.5 billion euros forming 65 million triples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the number ofM> 2 earthquakes in an area, including the island of Crete, Greece, to the number of admissions to the Psychiatric Inpatient Unit of the University of Crete (IPU/UoC), during the period 2008–2010. We found that when earthquakes withM6.4 occurred in the region examined, the number of monthly admissions to the Acute Care Unit of the IPU/UoC,NAA, reached lowest values, whereas this number increased when the monthly numberNEof small (M< 3) earthquakes increased. We also found a positive correlation between the total number of monthly admissionsNAandNE(r= 0.601/P= 0.001). When a daily resolution analysis was performed for the month with the highest value ofNE, we found that an abrupt increase in the number of small earthquakes was followed by an increase in the number of admissions after ∼2 days (during that month, from a total of 71 patients, 38/10 people were diagnosed with schizophrenia/bipolar disorder). We hypothesize that seismic activity might be a significant contributing factor influencing the frequency of admissions of psychotic disorders in Crete in the period 2008–2010 and that the beneficial/adverse effects are related to the anomalous electric field/extra low frequency–ultra low frequency emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses Leximancer (a text-mining tool for visualising the structure of concepts and themes in text) to map the published research within Sports Management International Journal Choregia from 2005 to 2014. Drawing on 88 papers, of which 61 were classified as empirical and 27 as non-empirical ones, results reveal that the last half of the examined period concerned works that do not relate to the Greek context, which has been the case during the first years of Choregia's publication. 'Sports participation', 'physical activity', 'Greek football clubs' -- all largely associated with 'management' and 'factors' -- shape the main themes in the studies published within Choregia. In addition, an emphasis on positivistic approaches, through the employment of questionnaires and utilising students as the population for data collection, appears to be the dominant methodological orientation of the published content in Choregia. Becoming the platform for studies that originate beyond the American, Greek, and Iranian contexts, through special issues and invited contributions in the form of research notes would potentially increase this outlet's scope and depth (that is, context and themes, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe, an estimated €2.1 trillion of income is lost to undeclared work annually. The fight against undeclared work is high on the EU policy agenda since the larger the shadow economy, the more difficult it will be to achieve the employment target (to have 75 per cent of 20-64 year olds in employment by 2020), as set out in the Europe 2020 Strategy. Based on previous studies, researchers estimate that the size of undeclared work in Greece is one of the highest among EU member-countries. This paper analyses the nature and types of informal employment as well as the role of labour market institutions on informal economic activities in Greece. The main factors influencing informal employment, labour and tax regulations will also be presented in depth. As Greece is at a critical juncture and to set the country on a sustainable recovery path, strategies for combating undeclared work will be analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the relation of time perspective to perceived risk for breast cancer and mammography screening. Women free from breast cancer (N = 194), eligible for mammography screening in terms of age, completed the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999) and measures of perceived risk, attitude toward performing mammography screening, intention to get a mammogram, and mammography screening behavior. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived risk of breast cancer (β= .18,p< .01) and intention to be screened (β = .35,p< .01) were significantly associated with mammography screening, after controlling for the effects of sociodemographic (e.g., age, education, and economic level) and health-related variables (e.g., family history of breast cancer and previous benign breast disease). Path analyses including the main psychological variables indicated that perceived risk was indirectly related to intention via attitude (β = .17,p< .01), and to mammography screening through attitude and intention (β = .06,p< .01). Attitude was indirectly related to mammography screening via intention (β = .20,p< .01). Also, a significant indirect association was observed between future orientation and mammography screening, via perceived risk (β = .10,p< .01). Theoretical implications of study findings and suggestions for future research on use of mammography are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of psychosocial, medical, and demographic variables may influence pregnant women's psychological status. However the association between coping strategies, anxiety, worries, and depression during pregnancy is a relatively neglected area of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between coping strategies, antenatal anxiety, pregnancy worries, and depressive symptomatology after controlling for the effects of background variables. The study sample consisted of 163 pregnant women, with gestational age ranging from 11 to 26 weeks, attending antenatal screening at a Greek public hospital. Coping strategies were measured with Brief COPE, pregnancy worries were measured with Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS), anxiety was assessed using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-X version), and depression was measured with Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D). Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated among all study variables, followed by hierarchical multiple linear regression. In the univariate analysis, low annual income, unemployment, conception after an IVF treatment, and a previous history of miscarriage were associated with anxiety, depression, and worries. Additionally, almost all coping strategies (denial, behavioral disengagement, self-blame, self-distraction, substance use, acceptance, positive reframing, active coping, and seeking emotional support) were significantly associated with antenatal anxiety, worries, and depression. Linear regression analysis showed that only previous history of miscarriage, conception after IVF, as well as denial, behavioral disengagement and acceptance coping strategies were significantly related to anxiety, worries and depressive symptomatology. The risk factors found in this study could help clinicians target anxiety and depression screening to high-risk populations of pregnant women. Provision of adequate training for obstetricians and midwives in the detection and management of anxiety and depression among pregnant women should help to decrease the psychological burden during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the dimensionality, construct validity in the form of factorial, convergent, discriminant, and known-groups validity, as well as scale reliability of the fifteen dimensional (15D) instrument. Methods: 15D data were collected from a large Greek general population sample ( N = 3,268) which was randomly split into two halves. Data from the first sample were used to examine the distributional properties of the 15 items, as well as the factor structure adopting an exploratory approach. Data from the second sample were used to perform a confirmatory factor analysis of the 15 items, examine the goodness of fit of several measurement models, and evaluate reliability and known-groups validity of the resulting subscales, along with convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs. Results: Exploratory factor analysis, using a distribution-free method, revealed a three-factor solution of the 15D (functional ability, physiological needs satisfaction, emotional well-being). Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the three-factor solution but suggested that certain modifications should be made to this solution, involving freeing certain elements of the matrix of factor loadings and of the covariance matrix of measurement errors in the observed variables. Evidence of convergent validity was provided for all three factors, but discriminant validity was supported only for the emotional well-being construct. Scale reliability and known-groups validity of the resulting three subscales were satisfactory. Conclusions: Our results confirm the multidimensional structure of the 15D and the existence of three latent factors that cover important aspects of the health-related quality of life domain (physical and emotional functioning). The implications of our results for the validity of the 15D and suggestions for future research are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Successful smoke-free legislation is dependent on political will, enforcement and societal support. We report the success and pitfalls of a non-enforced nationwide smoke-free legislation in Greece, as well as ways in which compliance and enforcement-related factors, including ashtrays and signage, may impact indoor secondhand smoke (SHS) concentrations. Methods: A follow-up study of venues (n = 150, at baseline, n = 75 at 2-year follow-up) in Greece assessed indoor particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) concentrations attributable to SHS smoke every six months for two years (n = 455 venue/measurements). Results: Following the implementation of the 2010 smoke-free legislation, mean PM2.5 concentrations attributable to SHS fell from 175.3 µg/m3 pre-ban to 84.52 µg/m3 immediately post-ban, increasing over subsequent waves (103.8 µg/m3 and 158.2 µg/m3 respectively). Controlling for potential influential factors such as ventilation, time of day, day of week, city and venue type, all post-ban measurements were still lower than during the pre-ban period (Wave 2 beta: −118.7, Wave 3 beta: −87.6, and Wave 4 beta: −69.9). Outdoor or indoor signage banning smoking was not found to affect SHS concentrations (beta: −10.9, p = 0.667 and beta: −18.1, p = 0.464 respectively). However, ashtray or ashtray equivalents were strong determinants of the existence of indoor SHS (beta: +67 µg/m3, p = 0.017). Conclusions: While the public may be supportive of smoke-free legislation, adherence may decline rapidly if enforcement is limited or nonexistent. Moreover, enforcement agencies should also focus on the comprehensive removal of ashtray equivalents that could act as cues for smoking within a venue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: “Open” practices have been at the forefront of research, business and political agendas for some time. Traditionally, research has focused on analysing critical factors for the deployment of Open Source (OS) Software and has highlighted the roles of “Collective Intelligence” and “participation in voluntary communities” in facilitating OS development. Nevertheless, there is little literature examining the role these Open Innovation (OI) practices may play in influencing the private-collective model of innovation and its application in economies-in-crisis to create public-good innovations. To address this gap, this paper uses the case of Greece. Data were gathered from interviews conducted with public policy makers and private sector top executives. The findings underline the importance of using OS as software to deal with cost reduction during debt crisis; but more importantly reveal a shift from OS to utilising the aforementioned OI practices to support the creation of public-good innovations through the private-collective model of innovation, and the difficulties faced in encouraging this initiative due to insufficient national innovation policy, and different philosophies, structures, and cultures followed by the organisations. The study calls for changes in the national policy supported by the private-collective model to leverage innovation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy storage constitutes an effective way to manage excess RES production, and pumped storage is a suitable and mature solution for large storage capacities. The present study aims to investigate the performance of a pumped storage unit introduced in a conventional Hydroelectric Power Plant in Greece. At first, the plant operation and the electric grid data for a reference period of one year are used to compute the time variation of water inflow into the dam, and to estimate the RES production rejections depending on the installed power. Next, a pumping station powered by the rejected RES production and raising water from an adjacent downstream reservoir is modeled. Various scenarios concerning the pumping station power rate and feeding program are examined. The operation of the combined system is simulated in detail and the energy results are analyzed. Also, an economic evaluation is carried out based on current financial conditions in Greece. The results showed that a considerable amount of excess RES production can be stored, but the economic viability of the investment depends on some critical parameters, which are identified. Certain guidelines concerning the optimum sizing and operation strategy of the pumped storage scheme are finally extracted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previous research has shown that, although routine mammography screening can reduce mortality from breast cancer, the use of annual mammography screening remains well under 65%. In an effort to determine the factors that are associated with women's mammography behaviors, this study used the health belief model and the common-sense model of self-regulation as the theoretical frameworks to explore health beliefs, illness representations, and women's mammography practice. Data were obtained from a nationally representative sample of 408 Greek women, 40 years of age or older, with no personal history of cancer. Three dependent variables were considered: recent mammography, repeat mammography, and no mammogram during lifetime. Predictors included socio-demographic and medical variables, perceived benefits of mammography screening, perceived barriers to mammography screening, self-efficacy, as well as illness perceptions. Multivariate analyzes indicated that never having had a mammogram was more likely for women who perceived fewer benefits and more barriers to mammography screening, had more negative emotional representations of breast cancer, and had no private health insurance coverage. Factors associated with recent mammography were younger age, a good knowledge of the recommended mammography screening interval, a family history of breast cancer, and use of patient reminders for next mammogram. Adequate knowledge about the recommended mammography screening interval and higher values for breast cancer worry were associated with an increased number of repeat lifetime mammograms. Implications of the results and suggestions for future research are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decade of screening (years 2000 to 2010) for hemoglobinopathies in 3,931 patients was performed at the General Hospital of Poligiros, Halkidiki, Northern Greece. Among the patients examined, 10.8%% heterozygotes for β-thalassemia (β-thal) were found, as well as 4.1%% with sickle cell disease and 1.2%% with double β-thal/Hb S [β6(A3)Glu→Val] heterozygosity. Iron deficiency was observed in 23.4%%. The geographical distribution in the region revealed a substantial incidence of hemoglobinopathies even in mountainous areas. This pattern did not follow the typical distribution according to the malaria hypothesis, as incidence did not dovetail with swamp locations recorded in the past. The HBB gene mutations for 85 patients were also analyzed. Most prevalent in Halkidiki, Northern Greece, was the codon 39 (C>T) mutation (27.1%%) followed by the IVS-I-110 (G>A) mutation (22.4%%); this was in direct contrast to the current distribution of the same mutations seen in the rest of Greece (Greek National Genetic Database, GNGD). This frequency inversion was statistically significant, with the difference from the GNGD being 20.6%% for the IVS-I-110 mutation ( p <0.0005) and 7.6%% for the codon 39 mutation ( p == 0.0238). The history of Halkidiki, denoting a clear example of geographical isolation from the rest of the country, may possibly account for a potentially diverse genetical identity of the disease in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, the Greek Super League became the organizing body for the country’s top-tier football. It was modelled on the English Premier League, and so can be seen as a mimetic response from Greek football clubs uncertain of how to deal with professionalization and increased commercialization. This article concerns the status of top-tier football in Greece since formation of the Super League, and endeavours to shed light on its organizational, financial and general business attitude. The authors argue that, although the Super League has done an effective job regarding the commercial aspects of the game, it has put less emphasis on governance mechanisms, accountability and organizational issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on previous research on psychosocial variables associated with oral hygiene behavior, this study examined the ability of Health Belief Model variables (perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, severity) and self-efficacy beliefs about toothbrushing to inform prevalence of dental caries and toothbrushing frequency. To accomplish this goal, a sample of 125 dental patients completed self-report questionnaires and provided data on demographic and behavioral factors. A path analysis model with manifest variables was tested. Oral hygiene beliefs emerged as a multidimensional construct. Results suggested that stronger self-efficacy beliefs (β = .81) and greater perceived severity of oral diseases (β = .18) were related to increased toothbrushing frequency, which in turn was associated with better oral health status, as indicated by the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth due to dental caries (β = –.39). Possible strategies for improving oral health are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to examine prejudiced attitudes as a factor associated with social distance from people with mental illness. A total of 289 university students from Greece completed written measures assessing social distance from, prejudiced attitudes about, and familiarity with mental illness. A structural equation model with manifest variables was tested. Participants who reported to be more familiar with mental illness held stronger social care and weaker prejudiced beliefs, and consequently expressed a less strong desire for social distance. Implications of the results and suggestions for future research are outlined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new regression-based model to predict the secondary compression index from parameters such as primary consolidation index, liquid limit, plastic limit and water content. Experiments were undertaken using 13 different soil types from the Thessaloniki area of Greece and a nonlinear regression analysis was undertaken. The predictions of the developed model were compared with the calculated values and found to have a satisfactorily accuracy particularly for preliminary assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]