Search

Copyright of People & Nature is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that mostly affects the pleura and has a strong link to asbestos exposure. Greece banned the use of asbestos in 2005, however, the public was already aware of this substance in the 1980s. This research aims to present an overview of Greece's mesothelioma age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) from 1983 to 2019 by age, gender, and geographic region and to determine whether the actions to ban asbestos impacted these rates. Methods: Data were retrieved by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (HSA) from death certificates that mentioned mesothelioma as the cause of death from 1983 to 2019 with details on the residence, gender, and age. Statistical analysis was performed using PRISM 6.0 software, a two-way ANOVA test, Trend analysis was conducted using Joinpoint Regression Program 5.0 software. The linear and non-linear model was used to calculate the age-standardized rates of annual percentage change (APC) and its 95% confidential interval (95% CI). Results: From 1983 to 2019, 850 total mesothelioma deaths were recorded, the majority of whom were males (634). A rate of 74.6% accounts for males and 25.4% for females, and the ratio of Males: Females was 3:1. Males' ASMR and the whole population's ASMR reached their highest levels in 2011 (0.93/100000person-years and 0.53/100000person-years, respectively). To look for potential changes between the first two decades of the 21st century, we compared the mean ASMR of each geographic region in Greece between two different 10-year subperiods (2000–2009 and 2010–2019). Except for Epirus, all regions of Greece had elevated regional ASMRs, particularly in those with the highest asbestos deposits. Notably, the ASMR in Epirus decreased from 0.54/100000person-years (2000–2009) to 0.31/100000person-years (2010–2019). After 2011, the ASMR for men and the general population stabilized. This stability is important since mesothelioma in men is associated with occupational asbestos exposure. The intriguing discovery of a lower ASMR in Epirus emphasizes the need to raise awareness of the condition and implement effective public health measures. Conclusions: In Greece, the annual ASMR for males and the whole population reached its highest level in 2011, which is positive and encouraging and may be a sign that the rate will stabilize during the following years. Moreover, this study showed that the actions made in the 1980s regarding public awareness and surveillance directly impacted the decrease in Epirus rates. Future research, continual awareness, information, and recording are needed to monitor the mesothelioma epidemic. The possible benefit of a mesothelioma registry and the epidemiological surveillance of asbestos-related diseases, particularly mesothelioma mortality, need to be addressed. Trial registration: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two previously unpublished Greek inscriptions name Hierodeacon Theophylact from Naxos as the donor of a silver reliquary made in 1817 for the forearm of St Onuphrius the Younger and of a silver paten made in 1827. Both objects were given to the Pogoyan Monastery of SS Peter and Paul, whose abbot Theophylact was, and carry chased images of these two apostles. The identity of the monastery itself is ambiguous: this could be either a convent once located near Ostanitsa (modern Aidonochori) in Epirus and documented as the recipient of Russian and Wallachian donation charters, or one near the town of Lyaskovets in central Bulgaria. St Onuphrius the Younger is an equally enigmatic figure: he might perhaps be one of the three Russian monks of that name who attained local saints’ status in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Hierodeacon Theophylact’s dedicatory inscription of 1817 states that Onuphrius’ forearm was given to the Pogoyan Monastery in AM 7121 (AD 1612/13) by Radu, Voivod of Wallachia, i.e. by Prince Radu IX Mihnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is recognized for its numerous health benefits, attributed to its rich phenolic components. NMR has emerged as a prevalent technique for precisely identifying these compounds. Among Mediterranean countries, Greece stands as the third-largest producer of olives, with the Epirus region notably advancing in olive cultivation, contributing significantly to the dynamic growth of the region. In this study, an NMR method was employed based on the acquisition of a 1H NMR spectrum along with multiple resonant suppression in order to increase the sensitivity. Using the above method, 198 samples of extra virgin olive oil, primarily sourced from the Epirus region, were analyzed, and both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the phenolic compounds were obtained. In addition, we examined the effects of various factors such as variety, harvest month, and region origin on the phenolic compounds' concentration. The results revealed an average total phenolic content of 246 mg/kg, closely approaching the EU health claim limit of 250 mg/kg. Approximately 15% of the samples were confidently characterized as high-phenolic olive oil. The highest concentrations were observed in the Thesprotia samples, with several Lianolia varieties exceeding the total phenolic content of 400 mg/kg. Statistical tests demonstrated a significant influence of the olive variety and the month of fruit harvest on phenolic component concentration, followed by the region of origin. A very strong correlation was noted between the total phenolics content and the levels of oleocanthal and oleacein, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.924. Upon optimization of all factors affecting olive oil quality, the majority of the EVOOs from the Epirus region have the potential to be characterized as high in phenolic content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bridge of Konitsa over the Aoos river, in Epirus, Greece, was built in 1869. It is one of the most important stone arched bridges in the Balkans, listed by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture (1982). The bridge, damaged by the Ottoman Army in 1913, was restored the same year by French engineers using reinforced concrete. Structural deterioration, located mainly in the area damaged by the explosion and subsequently repaired, led to the study of the bridge by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), in the framework of a Contract among the Prefecture of Epirus, the Municipality of Konitsa (owner of the bridge), the Ministry of Culture and NTUA. The entire study includes the exhaustive documentation of the bridge, its numerical modelling and assessment at its current state, the selection of adequate interventions and the numerical investigation of the efficiency of the proposed interventions. During this process, one of the main issues was the treatment of the concrete intervention of 1913. For the choice and for the design of the restoration measures, a calculation methodology was adopted, based on the findings of the documentation of the bridge, while taking into account the critical phases (construction, damage and repair) over its lifetime. This work has proven the available safety of the bridge under its self-weight, as well as the need for reconstruction of the RC jacket at the intrados of the arch, which was applied as a repair measure to the bridge in 1913. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural households all over the world rear backyard chicken mainly for their own consumption and, to a lesser extent, for barter trade. These chickens represent a staple dish with numerous culinary variations and a cheap source of protein. Although some Campylobacter species, and particularly Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, have been associated with industrial poultry carcasses, studies concerning the ecology of this genus in rural households do not exist. To assess the prevalence of Campylobacter species in the tissues of backyard chickens, samples were collected from birds Gallus domesticus bred in households in the rural area of Epirus (Greece), and Campylobacter strains were isolated by quantitative methods at 37 °C and 42 °C. In total, 256 strains were identified, belonging to 17 Campylobacter species, with C. jejuni and C. coli being the most prevalent. From the four ecological parameters studied (size of the flock, presence of small ruminants in the same household, presence of other poultry species in the same household, and feeding leftovers of the household), the size of the flock and the presence of small ruminants and/or pigs in the same household mostly affected the distribution of these strains. To study the phenotypical resistance against 14 antibiotics, 215 strains were selected. The results showed a high prevalence of multidrug-resistance (MDR) strains extending to all classes of antibiotics. Further genome analysis revealed the presence of genes coding resistance (blaOxA-61, tet(O), tet(A) cmeA, cmeB, cmeC, and gyrA (Thr-86-Ile mutation)), with the efflux pump CmeABC being the most prevalent. All antimicrobial resistance-encoded genes co-circulated, except for blaOXA-61, which moved independently. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of two out of three antibiotics (representing different classes) were reduced when the strains tested were exposed to carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), a known efflux pump inhibitor. The same result was obtained with the addition of CCCP to the MIC values of bile salts. These results lead to the conclusion that Campylobacter species are present in an impressive diversity in backyard chicken tissues and that they exert a significant resistance to antibiotics, raising a potential danger for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on the detailed sedimentological analysis of eleven sections and one well through the late Eocene–Oligocene flysch formation of the Internal Ionian Zone (IIZ) in Western Greece. The sections are spread from the northern parts of Epirus to the north and Aitolokarnania to the south. Sedimentological data combined with biostratigraphic analyses resulted in a five-stage evolutionary model for the basin. Unit I corresponds to the lower part of the examined sections, indicating the onset of clastic sedimentation. Regarding depositional environments, it is regarded as a basin plain where lobe distal fringe accumulations occur. Unit II consists almost exclusively of heterolithic facies, marking the advance of a lobe complex system. Massive sandstone facies dominate unit III and can be considered a more proximal submarine fan system. Unit IV reflects a calm period of the basin, where mud-dominated heterolithics and hemipelagic mudstones were deposited. Hemipelagic mudstone facies with intervals of heterolithics, conglomerates, and deformed and massive sandstone facies characterize unit V. The architecture resembles a slope system incised by canyons and channels. The sand-rich intervals in Units III and V could act as the most favorable reservoir levels. In contrast, the sand-rich intervals in Unit II are considered less promising due to their higher heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of preserving and valorizing the rich grapevine germplasm of the Epirus region of Greece, indigenous grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars were characterized and assessed for their resilience to abiotic stresses in the context of climate change. The cultivars 'Debina' and 'Dichali' displayed significant differences in their response to drought stress as judged by morpho-physiological analysis, indicating higher drought tolerance for Dichali. Hence, they were selected for further study aiming to identify genetic and epigenetic mechanisms possibly regulating drought adaptability. Specifically, self-rooted and heterografted on 'Richter 110' rootstock plants were subjected to two phases of drought with a recovery period in between. Gene expression analysis was performed for two stress-related miRNAs and their target genes: (a) miRNA159 and putative targets, VvMYB101, VvGATA-26-like, VvTOPLESS-4-like and (b) miRNA156 and putative target gene VvCONSTANS-5. Overall, grafted plants exhibited a higher drought tolerance than self-rooted plants, suggesting beneficial rootstock–scion interactions. Comparative analysis revealed differential gene expression under repetitive drought stresses between the two cultivars as well as between the self-rooted and grafted plants. 'Dichali' exhibited an up-regulation of most of the genes examined, which may be associated with increased tolerance. Nevertheless, the profound down-regulation of VvTOPLESS-4-like (a transcriptional co-repressor of transcription factors) upon drought and the concomitant up-regulation of miRNA159 highlights the importance of this 'miRNA-target' module in drought responsiveness. DNA methylation profiling using MSAP analysis revealed differential methylation patterns between the two genotypes in response to drought. Further investigations of gene expression and DNA methylation will contribute to our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying grapevine tolerance to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic relationships between Greek wild olive tree populations and cultivars were investigated. A total of 219 wild genotypes and 67 cultivar genotypes were analyzed by employing 10 SSR markers. Data evidenced that the wild populations exhibited high levels of genetic diversity and exclusively host 40% of the total number of alleles detected. Inbreeding was observed within populations, probably as a consequence of their fragmented spatial distribution. The genetic differentiation between cultivars and wild individuals, as well as within wild populations, was low. Nevertheless, three gene pools of wild trees were detected, corresponding to the geographical areas of Northeastern Greece, Peloponnese-Crete and Epirus. Most cultivars clustered in a separate group, while the rest of them formed a heterogenous group with membership coefficients akin to the three wild olive clusters. Regarding the history of olive cultivation in Greece, bidirectional gene flow was detected between populations of Peloponnese-Crete and the gene pool that composes some of Greece's most important cultivars, such as "Koroneiki" and "Mastoidis", which is inferred as an indication of a minor domestication event in the area. A strategy for the protection of Greek-oriented olive genetic resources is proposed, along with suggestions for the utilization of the genetically diverse wild resources with regard to the introgression of traits of agronomical interest to cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertebrate populations are amongst the most widespread species, inhabiting a variety of habitats, however there is limited conservation effort due to the scarce knowledge on their population genetics. Here, we assess levels of genetic diversity and population structure of the Epirus dancing grasshopper (Chorthippus lacustris), a steno-endemic species, located in Northwest Greece, exhibiting a fragmented distribution. By utilizing two mitochondrial genes and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), we detected moderate to high levels of genetic diversity of the focal populations. Haplotype network analysis revealed the existence of private haplotypes with low genetic differentiation suggesting a sudden expansion of the species in the study area with subsequent isolations on suitable habitats. Despite the low genetic differentiation between the studied populations, our data further suggest a subtle subdivision of the populations and the existence of three genetic clusters. Implications for insect conservation: Our study is the first to provide insights into the population genetics of the steno-endemic grasshopper C. lacustris, highlighting the importance of preserving focal populations. The species inhabits areas subject to high changes in land use and fragmentation. We argue that the preservation and management of suitable habitats is essential for the viability of the grasshopper populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RAST Musicology Journal / Rast Muzikoloji Dergisi is the property of RAST Musicology Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The self-expanding, resheathable, repositionable transcatheter aortic heart valve Portico is being used successfully for transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures (TAVI) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes at 2 years after TAVI with the Portico valve. Methods: Multicenter registry of clinical, echocardiographic and survival data from consecutive patients treated with the Portico TAVI system (Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) in three cath labs in Northern Greece and Epirus during 2017–2020. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 24 months. Secondary end points included procedural outcomes (efficacy and safety) and echocardiographic measurements. Results: A total of 90 patients (81 ± 6 years, 50% females, mean age 81 ± 6 years) were included in the registry. The indication for implantation was severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (NYHA III, IV) in eighty-two (91.1%) and degeneration of a prosthetic aortic valve in eight (8.9%) patients. All patients were categorized as high surgical risk (mean Logistic Euroscore 25.9 ± 10, Euroscore II 7.7 ± 4.4 and STS score 10.8 ± 8.9). The procedure was performed transfemorally in all patients, under general anesthesia in 95.6%, under TOE guidance in 21.1%, with native valve predilatation in 46.7%, and the "resheath" option was used in 31.1% of the cases. The implantation was successful in 97.8% and there was a need for a second valve in 2.2% of the cases. Complications included permanent pacemaker implantation (16.7%), access cite complications (15.6%), arrythmias (23.3%), paravalvular leak (moderate 7.8%, severe 1.1%), acute kidney injury (7.8%), no strokes and one death during the procedure. Aortic valve peak velocity, peak and mean pressure gradients, were significantly reduced after the procedure. All-cause mortality at 1, 12 and 24 months was 4.4%, 6.7% and 7.8%, respectively. Conclusions: TAVI with the Portico system comprises an effective and safe solution for the management of severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis in high-risk surgical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study deals with dry grasslands dominated by Romulea bulbocodium, Romulea linaresii subsp. graeca and Romulea columnae that develop in early spring in the eastern Mediterranean region. Based on numerical classification, we describe two new associations: Romuleo bulbocodii-Poetum bulbosae ass. nova and Ornithogalo exscapii-Poetum bulbosae ass. nova. The studied communities are classified within the Romuleion alliance, order Poetalia bulbosae, and class Poetea bulbosae. We analyzed all available relevés of Romuleion communities from the eastern Mediterranean and ordination analysis (NMDS) revealed that temperature and altitude are the most important ecological factors influencing the vegetation composition and distribution of dry grasslands of the Romuleion alliance. Newly described associations from Montenegro are floristically and ecologically similar to the Alyssum alyssoides-Poa bulbosa community from Epirus (Greece). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Campylobacter species is considered as an emerging zoonotic threat to public health. C. jejuni and C. coli are the most studied species, yet a variety of other species of the same genus were found to be the causative agents of other diseases. Chicken meat has been described as an excellent vehicle for the transmission of some Campylobacter species but most of the relevant research has been conducted in urban populations and concerned meat of industrial-grade birds. To investigate the abundance and prevalence of the Campylobacter genus in rural free-grazing chicken, quantitative and qualitative methods at 37 and at 42 °C were employed. The possible correlation of the prevalence with certain epidemiological factors (size of the flock, presence of other poultry species, presence of small ruminants, feeding concentrates, or leftovers) has been also investigated. In total, 242–249 strains (depending on the method) belonging to the following 18 different Campylobacter species have been isolated: C. coli, C. rectus, C. hominis, C. helveticus, C. upsaliensis, C. jejuni, C. avium, C. fetus, C. hepaticus., C. lari, C. sputorum, C. mucosalis, C. gracilis, C. showae, C. hyointestinalis, C. concisus, C. cuniculorum, and C. ureolyticus. The size of the flock and the presence of small ruminants in the same household were the most influential factors affecting the prevalence of most species. Campylobacter species biodiversity can be attributed to environmental, zoonotic, or anthropogenic contamination. Rural populations should be educated about the importance of self-protection measures during their contact with their poultry and the necessity to cook sufficiently the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeriosis is a serious infectious disease with one of the highest case fatality rates (ca. 20%) among the diseases manifested from bacterial foodborne pathogens in humans, while dairy products are often implicated as sources of human infection with Listeria monocytogenes. In this study, we characterized phenotypically and genetically by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) 54 L. monocytogenes strains isolated from Myzithra, a traditional Greek soft whey cheese (48 isolates), and swabs collected from surfaces of a cheese processing plant (six isolates) in the Epirus region of Greece. All but one strain of L. monocytogenes belonged to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) serogroups IIa (16.7%) and IIb (81.5%), corresponding to serotypes 1/2a, 3a and 1/2b, 3b, 7, respectively. The latter was identified as a PCR-serogroup IVb strain (1.8%) of serotypes 4b, 4d, 4e. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of five sequence types (STs) and clonal complexes (CCs); ST1, ST3, ST121, ST 155, ST398 and CC1, CC3, CC121, CC155, CC398 were thus detected in 1.9, 83.3, 11.0, 1.9, and 1.9% of the L. monocytogenes isolates, respectively. Antibiograms of the pathogen against a panel of seven selected antibiotics (erythromycin, tetracycline, benzylpenicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem) showed that 50 strains (92.6%), the six surface isolates also included, were intermediately resistant to ciprofloxacin and susceptible to the rest of the six antimicrobial agents tested, whereas strong resistance against the use of a single from three implicated antibiotics was recorded to four strains (7.4%) of the pathogen isolated from Myzithra cheese samples. Thence, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for erythromycin (MIC = 0.19 μg/mL), ciprofloxacin (MIC ≥ 0.19 μg/mL), and meropenem (MIC = 0.64 μg/mL), and finally, just one strain was deemed resistant to the latter antibiotic. The phylogenetic positions of the L. monocytogenes strains and their genetic variability were determined through WGS, whilst also stress response and virulence gene analysis for the isolates was conducted. Findings of this work should be useful as they could be utilized for epidemiological investigations of L. monocytogenes in the food processing environment, revealing possible contamination scenarios, and acquired antimicrobial resistance along the food production chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southern Europe, irrigation is the major water user and thus, development of operational tools that support decisions aiming to improve irrigation management, is of great importance. In this study, a web-based participatory decision support system for irrigation management (DSS), based on the principles of UN FAO's paper 56, without requirement for any special monitoring hardware to be installed in each field, is evaluated for the case of a commercial wine grapevine (Vitis vinifera 'Vertzami') located at Epirus (northwest Greece), for two successive years (2021 and 2022). The soil moisture time series that were generated by the DSS's model were compared to those measured by soil moisture sensors. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) ranged between 2.98–3.22% and 3.63–4.06%, respectively, under various irrigation practices and goals. Irrigation resulted very high yields and Crop Water Productivity (WPC) was 20–44% improved when following the DSS's recommendations. The results also confirm potential pitfalls of sensor-based soil moisture monitoring and rainfall estimations using mathematical models. Finally, the value of water meters as practical sensors, which could support efficient irrigation management, is underlined. In every case, mindful application of decision support systems that require minimum or no hardware to be installed in each field, could extensively support growers and agronomic consultants to test, document and disseminate good practices and calculate environmental indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corinth, Achaea in the northern Peloponnese, and Nicopolis in Epirus (Greece) have a strong archaeological record of ceramic production, from the Early Helladic to Late Roman periods. Important archaeological sites, such as Helike, Aigeira, the settlement of Derveni, and the cities of Patras and Nicopolis, offer data and findings of exceptional quality. One of the main pillars for the development of the ceramic production in these areas was the availability of local natural resources, among which are the clayey sedimentary deposits that outcrop in the area. This study investigates the physical-technological properties (plasticity and granulometry), the mineralogical composition of clayey raw materials, in order to test their suitability for ceramic production across the entire geographic area. Our aim was to differentiate the three main "ceramic" provinces, based upon the above-mentioned properties. New data from western Achaea and south Epirus are presented and compared with previous research conducted in Corinthia and eastern Achaea. The results obtained showed that the clays sampled from Corinthia and eastern Achaea are carbonatic materials of poor plasticity, whereas those from western Achaea and Epirus are either Ca-rich or Ca-poor materials, with the majority exhibiting a better plasticity. The results from this study are expected to constitute an important archaeometric tool for tackling archaeological issues by means of provenance and ceramic technology within the region and in the surrounding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experience of Timoleon of Corinth as ruler of Syracuse is noteworthy of fuller examination. Even if Timoleon promoted an anti-tyrannical and democratic polis, he pursued the legacy of Dionysian policy with particular interest with Adriatic and Ionian areas. He also maintained close relations with Macedonian king Philip. Coinages and heroic worship posthumously assigned to Corinthian strategos show typical developments which are latter remarked in Hellenistic kingdoms, as far as concerns the idea of divine kingship as a legitimacy of royal power. All this ascertained, Timoleon's rule is not just an interlude between the Dionysii and the newly established tyranny of Agathokles, but a defining moment in this political and institutional organization of the Greek world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 1220, Constantine Komnenodoukas undertook the construction of an unconventional building in Naupaktos, Greece, referred to as a 'Persian' soufa. Information on this construction is contained in a letter written by the city's metropolitan, John Apokaukos, who maintained an adversarial rapport with him. The soufa is described as a rectangular structure with two levels. In the higher one, reserved for Constantine and his retinue, a throne shaped as an episcopal throne was placed. Conversely, the lower level accommodated more humble guests who could only listen to him thundering like Salmoneus from an artificial sky. This architectural venture served as a symbolic manifestation of Constantine's secular authority, deliberately positioned in contrast to the ecclesiastical figure of the bishop. Noteworthy is Constantine's deliberate appropriation of ideas, forms, and language acquired during his sojourn in Asia Minor several years before. The resulting structure stands as a singular manifestation, representing a distinctive historical juncture influenced by the personality of Constantine Komnenodoukas, wherein elements of both Byzantine and Islamic art are combined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the late Byzantine period, the region of Epirus was beset by successive military conflicts as Byzantines, Italians, Albanians, Serbs, and Ottomans claimed their own share of its territory. Minor lordships became the dominant type of political entity from the fourteenth century onward and were heavily dependent on a "sophisticated" system of fortifications, consisting of larger and smaller fortresses, castles, forts, and towers. These fortifications were of vital significance for the control of strategic points of interest. But the lack of manpower remained a significant problem; this meant that during serious conflicts, the standing forces were bolstered by civilians or mercenaries. This article describes the conduct of warfare in relation to the fortifications and the defensive structure of Epirus in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Moreover, it examines available information on manpower (captains, crossbowmen, archers, soldiers, etc.) drawn from the sources, which are scarce, fragmentary, and incomplete. Thus, this piece of information allows us to shed light only on the castle of Riniasa on the northwestern coast of Epirus. Its study may offer a clearer image of other similar castles in the region and their role in medieval warfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the strategies of monastic patronage employed by women in medieval Epirus. It looks at how royal and noble women effectively applied this traditional tool of public engagement to a variety of ends—a display of political claims, self-representation, networking, and a rise in the social hierarchy. Recognizing the gradual changes in the public perception of female sponsors, it measures their actions against their perception by male writers and elucidates the most common ways of women's involvement, from participation in traditional family projects to independent endowment acts distinguished by personal agendas. It also attempts to shed some light on the underrepresentation of female monastic institutions in the region that compelled the local women to offer donations almost exclusively to male foundations. This study considers that the main reason for the patronesses' behavior was the longevity of prominent institutions and their ability to ensure the donors' continuous commemoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Honey has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties that may be useful for the prevention and treatment of infections as well as of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. The antimicrobial potency of honey could be attributed to its physicochemical characteristics combined with the presence of certain compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and polyphenols. Honey's bacteriostatic or bactericidal capacity varies depending on its composition and the bacterial type of each infection. Nevertheless, not all honey samples possess anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties and their mechanism of action has not been clearly elucidated. Objectives: We therefore investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of three different honey samples that derived from different geographical areas of Greece and different botanical origins, namely, arbutus, chestnut, and fir; they were compared to manuka honey, previously known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: To test the anti-inflammatory activity of the different samples, we utilized the in vivo model of LPS-driven inflammation, which induces septic shock without the presence of pathogens. To evaluate the antibacterial action of the same honey preparations, we utilized the cecal-slurry-induced peritonitis model in mice. Since acute inflammation and sepsis reduce the biotransformation capacity of the liver, the expression of key enzymes in the process was also measured. Results: The administration of all Greek honey samples to LPS-stimulated mice revealed a potent anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the TNFα serum levels and the expression of TNFα and iNOS in the liver at levels comparable to those of the manuka honey, but they had no effect on IL-6 or IL-1β. It was shown that the LPS-induced suppression of CYP1A1 in the liver was reversed by Epirus and Crete fir honey, while, correspondingly, the suppression of CYP2B10 in the liver was reversed by Evros chestnut and Epirus fir honey. The effect of the same honey samples in polymicrobial peritonitis in mice was also evaluated. Even though no effect was observed on the disease severity or peritoneal bacterial load, the bacterial load in the liver was reduced in mice treated with Evros chestnut, Epiros fir, and Crete fir, while the bacterial load in the lungs was reduced in Epirus arbutus, Crete fir, and manuka honey-treated mice. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that these specific Greek honey samples possess distinct anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as evidenced by the reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators and the impaired translocation of bacteria to tissues in septic mice. Their mode of action was comparable or more potent to those of manuka honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field investigation, biostratigraphic, paleoecological, and sedimentary microfacies analyses, as well as diagenetic processes characterization, were carried out in the Epirus region (Western Ionian Basin) to define the depositional environments and further decipher the diagenetic history of the Late Cretaceous–Early Paleocene carbonate succession in western continental Greece. Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the studied carbonates revealed that the investigated part of the Gardiki section covers the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K-Pg) transition, partly reflecting the Senonian limestone and calciturbidites formations of the Ionian zone stratigraphy. Litho-and bio-facies analyses allowed for the recognition of three distinct depositional facies: (a) the latest Maastrichtian pelagic biomicrite mudstone with in situ planktonic foraminifera, radiolarians, and filaments, (b) a pelagic biomicrite packstone with abundant planktonic foraminifera at the K-Pg boundary, and (c) an early Paleocene pelagic biomicrite wackestone with veins, micritized radiolarians, and mixed planktonic fauna in terms of in situ and reworked (aberrant or broken) planktonic foraminifera. The documented sedimentary facies characterize a relatively low to medium energy deep environment, representing the transition from the deep basin to the deep shelf and the toe of the slope crossing the K-Pg boundary. Micropaleontological and paleoecological analyses of the samples demonstrate that primary productivity collapse is a key proximate cause of this extinction event. Additional petrographic analyses showed that the petrophysical behavior and reservoir characteristics of the study deposits are controlled by the depositional environment (marine, meteoric, and burial diagenetic) and further influenced by diagenetic processes such as micritization, compaction, cementation, dissolution, and fracturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Anfragen an das Zeusorakel in Dodona sind eine einzigartige Quelle. Die Anfragen gelten den alltäglichen Anliegen von Menschen verschiedener Herkunft und geben den Blick frei auf die griechische Welt jenseits von Athen und Sparta. Die Veröffentlichung von 4.216 neuen Inschriften im Jahr 2013 hat unsere Datengrundlage vervielfacht und ermöglicht eine quantitative Auswertung der Anfragen. Dieser Aufsatz erschließt dieses Potenzial für die Wirtschaftsgeschichte. Er diskutiert methodische Schwierigkeiten bei der Interpretation der Anfragen und formuliert erste Thesen. Bereits im 5. Jahrhundert v. Chr. war selbst die Wirtschaft einer eher abgelegenen Region wie Epirus von geldbasiertem Austausch und hoher Mobilität geprägt. Austausch und Mobilität erfolgten allerdings weitgehend innerhalb regionaler Grenzen und waren sozial eingebettet. Summary: The oracular inquiries to the Zeus' oracle in Dodona constitute a unique historical source. They were concerned with the everyday problems of people from various backgrounds, thereby providing a window onto the Greek world beyond Athens and Sparta. The publication of 4,216 new inscriptions in 2013 multiplied our material and provides a rare opportunity for quantitative analysis. This article explores this potential with regard to the economic history of ancient Greece. It discusses problems of methodology and offers first hypotheses on how the inquiries might change our view of Epirus and the Greek world. In the 5th century BCE, even a comparatively peripheral region like Epirus was already familiar with monetised exchange and high rates of mobility. Most exchange and mobility, however, took place within regional boundaries and remained socially embedded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that MapOE employed a deep data approach to map the Ottoman Epirus with reference to Albanian ruler Tepedelenli Ali Pasha and the regional order he established using his personal archive and the Ottoman probate records compiled upon his execution. Topics covered include the achievements of Ali Pasha, the creation of a historical gazetteer of the Ottoman Empire and the development of geographic information system-maps to examine the topography of the Ottoman Empire.

The study concerns the quantitative evaluation of a satellite-based rain rate (RR) estimation algorithm using measurements from a network of ground-based meteorological stations across the Epirus Region, Greece, an area that receives among the maximum precipitation amounts over the country. The utilized version of the rain estimation algorithm uses the Meteosat-11 Brightness Temperature in five spectral regions ranging from 6.0 to 12.0 μm (channels 5–7, 9 and 10) to estimate the rain intensity on a pixel basis, after discriminating the rain/non-rain pixels with a simple thresholding method. The rain recordings of the meteorological stations' network were spatiotemporally correlated with the satellite-based rain estimations, leading to a dataset of 2586 pairs of matched values. A statistical analysis of these pairs of values was conducted, revealing a Mean Error (ME) of −0.13 mm/h and a correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.52. The optimal computed Probability of False Detection (POFD), Probability of Detection (POD), the False Alarm Ratio (FAR) and the bias score (BIAS) are equal to 0.32, 0.88, 0.12 and 0.94, respectively. The study of the extreme values of the RR (the highest 10%) also shows satisfactory results (i.e., ME of 1.92 mm/h and CC of 0.75). The evaluation statistics are promising for operationally using this algorithm for rain estimation on a real-time basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beachrocks are generally mapped on the coastline surface and/or in a low depth in the subtidal zone in coastlines and are cemented chiefly by carbonate material. Their outcrops may vary from a tenth of meters to a tenth of kilometers in length. Along the Epirus coast, in Greece, beachrocks outcrops are laying on the coastline for more than ten kilometers. In the present work, we used Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in situ sampling, and the Geographical Information System (GIS) to map three beachrock areas with a length of 500 m to 600 m each. In synergy with extended mineralogical and petrographic analyses, we provide preliminary data about the geographical distribution and the mineralogical differences of these beachrocks. Furthermore, for the first time, we tried to investigate the correlation between the geotectonic setting of the broader area and the beachrock extent, shape, and petrographic parameters. The laboratory analyses proved that the beachrocks belong to a similar depositional zone of a marine–vadose environment. Despite variations in the textural petrographic, features among the specimen's analyses permit us to consider these sedimentary rocks as not a uniform outcrop. It is indicated that the beachrock formation and the cementation progress in the study area are both controlled by active reverse faults and diapiric or tectonic anticlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land abandonment in European mountains threatens habitats shaped for centuries by low-intensity agriculture and grazing. Hence, it is important to identify spatiotemporal patterns in rural abandonment, and relate them to biophysical and socioeconomic drivers. We pursued these goals in the theoretical context of transitions from traditional to productivist and then to post-productivist agriculture. We conducted a case study in a representative of southern Europe sub-mountainous marginal area that was once traditionally exploited (Pindus range, Epirus, Greece). Land cover was mapped from the outset of abandonment (years 1945, 1970, 1996 and 2015), and we subsequently calculated landscape metrics. An Intensity Analysis facilitated the comparison of rates of land cover change between time periods. By employing random forest modelling, we related socioeconomic, physiographic, geological and climatic predictors to land type occurrence and succession intensity. We found that farmland decreased from 30% to 3% during the 70 years of the study period, and that forest increased from 22% to 63%. The landscape's heterogeneity, ecotone diversity, and spatial aggregation decreased. Abandonment and succession accelerated and relocated to lower elevation, especially during the latest time period, which was related to a second depopulation wave and livestock decrease. The remaining lowland farmlands were of productivist agriculture, and no widespread post-productivist regime was found. Thus, our study supports the view that policies, which have been mainly based on the linear transition of agricultural regimes in northern Europe, must take into account southern European mountains, where widespread abandonment can coexist with limited intensification and extensification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk samples of ewes' and goats' unprocessed milk were collected from milk tanks from various farms in Epirus, Greece and classified in two groups according to the type of farming. Analyses of the samples included microbial inhibition assays to detect the presence of antibiotic residues, isolation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains as microbiological indicators for susceptibility to antimicrobial medicines, Somatic Cells and Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CNS) counts. These findings were correlated with each other as well as to the stage of the lactation period and to the type of the farming practices. Monitoring of bulk tank milk for residues of antibiotics should be performed after heating of the milk, on a regular basis, and should include at least two different tests. The results point out that the type of farming affects the CNS counts as well as the prevalence of residues in the milk. Furthermore, the inverse correlation between CNS counts and prevalence of residues of antibiotics suggests a possible protective role of CNS. Resistance of the bacterial indicators to antibiotics was random and relatively rare, perhaps acquired in past due to misuse of antibiotics, turning the indicator microorganisms to reservoir of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the geomorphological mapping of the Kalamas river delta in Thesprotia (Epirus, north-western Greece). The Kalamas (also known as Thyamis) is one of the three main deltas of this region. Detailed mapping was performed through analysis of field geomorphological surveys and interpretation of old maps, satellite images, aerial photos, and DEM. The evolution of the delta as well as its current morphology derives from complex interactions between alluvial, marine dynamics and human activities. Several palaeochannels have been identified, and the recent morphology of the delta has been altered by the construction of a dam and the canalization of the river during the second half of the twentieth century. The coastline is complex, and mainly consists of lagoons, sandy barriers and sand spits. Since part of the delta has been prograding for about fifty years, the current dynamics indicate erosion as well as progressive submersion of these low coasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Background: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction that relates with the infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has already improved. The relation between chemosensory dysfunction and age and gender in covid-19 positive patients is the main objective of the present study. Methods: We used a questionnaire to select information about medical history, patient demographics and reported symptoms during infection. Three hundred covid-19 positive patients, who underwent a RT-PCR test in the University Hospital of Ioannina, Grecce, were included in this study; 150 of them recovered at home and the remaining 150 were admitted to hospital. Statistical analysis based on ΙBM-SPSS Statistics 26.0 was done. Results: The total sample included 300 patients, of which 106 females and 194 males. There was a statistically significant difference between the subgroup of patients aged 21-25, 61-65 and 71-75 with loss of smell, that of hospitalized patients aged 41-45 with loss of smell and the subgroup of those aged 31-35 and 71-75 with loss of taste. Conclusion: There is a significant association between chemosensory dysfunction and younger age groups. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction appears more frequently in women than men. Male gender relates with disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper surveys archaeological work on Greek sanctuaries of the Roman period conducted over the past 20 years. Previously largely ignored or simply overlooked, in recent times the Roman phases of sanctuaries have seen a tremendous amount of excavation and research work, mirroring the increased interest in the archaeology of Roman Greece as a whole. In addition to brief presentatons of new and recent archaeological discoveries and material studies, this survey also aims to highlight the importance of current work based on the re-examination of sites excavated long ago and the contribution of various strands of archaeological evidence to an enhanced understanding of the history and function of Greek sanctuaries from the time of the Roman conquest to Late Antiquity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most direct and definite expression of Philhellenism during the Greek War of Independence (1821–9) was military action by European volunteers, generally officers, on the side of the revolutionaries. This article discusses the Philhellenes' military action at the Battle of Peta in 1822, as recorded in the diary of one of the few survivors, the physician Johann-Daniel Elster. Elster's information is compared with other Greek and European sources about the battle and the conditions of the campaign in Epirus and the circumstances that led to the Philhellenes' defeat re-evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rockfall events consist one of the most hazardous geological phenomena in mountainous landscapes, with the potential to turn catastrophic if they occur near an anthropogenic environment. Rockfall hazard and risk assessments are recognized as some of the most challenging surveys among the geoengineering society, due to the urgent need for accurate foresight of likely rockfall areas, together with their magnitude and impact. In recent decades, with the introduction of remote sensing technologies, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, the construction of qualitative and quantitative analyses for rockfall events became more precise. This study primarily aims to take advantage of the UAV's capabilities, in order to produce a detailed hazard and risk assessment via the proposition of a new semi-quantitative rating system. The area of application is located in the cultural heritage area of Kipinas Monastery in Epirus, Greece, which is characterized by the absence of pre-existing data regarding previous rockfall events. As an outcome, it was shown that the suggested methodology, with the combination of innovative remote sensing technologies with traditional engineering geological field surveys, can lead to the extraction of all the necessary quantitative data input for the proposed rating system for any natural slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scholarship about the Balkan Wars is a vast corpus that has expanded our knowledge of war experiences, violence, ethnic cleansing, state building, and has stressed the conflict as a point of rupture. While scholars have transcended national narratives in our quest for historical realities, we have typically painted the conflict broadly as a monolithic experience of two wars within the rigid timeframe of 1912–1913. Given its historical background, Epirus provides a unique case study for the Balkan Wars. By examining the conflict through the lens of religion, this essay argues that in the case of Epirus, the Balkan Wars magnified an already developing schism that led to a violent and briefly successful separatist movement. Furthermore, rather than two brief wars, within the context of Epirus, it was one Balkan War that lasted until the outbreak of the First World War. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to enhance knowledge on the energy poverty phenomenon in mountainous areas, a primary social survey was conducted in a typical mountainous town of Greece, Metsovo in the Region of Epirus. The survey recorded quantitative data of energy expenses and incomes of households and it also captured qualitative indicators related to energy poverty. The findings showed that nine out of ten households in Metsovo are exposed to energy poverty, based on the objective 10% index. The subjective indicators revealed other interesting aspects of the problem. Over one-third of the local population live in houses that are inadequately heated and/or present damp problems. Almost two-thirds of the local population have been forced to restrict other basic needs, in order to respond to high energy costs. Studying the relationships between variables of the survey also revealed some notable issues. Households inadequately heated present statistical significant correlation with the heating system used. The inadequately heated houses are also correlated with houses that presented damp-mould problems, as well as households that report arrears in energy bills. Moreover, reduction in hours of heating system operation is correlated with health problems. Current energy policy in Greece does not include specific strategies for mountainous areas, apart from some differentiations in heating oil subsidies. The great extent of energy poverty in mountainous Greece, highlighted by the present representative (with respect to mountainous Greece) study, may have irreversible social impacts. Hence, a need for specific and effective action is necessary, whose main axes should be an extensive upgrade of buildings' energy efficiency in mountainous settlements and special fuel tariffs for mountainous areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) constitutes a constant threat for the public health. Aim of the present study was to analyse the whole genome sequences of two MRSA strains belonging to Staphylococcus protein A (spa) type t127 isolated from humans working in two distantly located dairy production farms in Greece. MRSA strains were isolated from the nasal cavity of a food handler in a milk industry in Epirus, northwestern Greece (E-MRSA), and a person working in a cattle farm in Thrace, northeastern Greece (T-MRSA). Whole genome sequences taken using next generation sequencing were analysed for resistance and virulence genes applying various bioinformatic tools. Both isolates were assigned to ST1-IVa-t127 type, and they were transferring genes conferring resistance to tetracycline, β-lactams, and aminoglycosides; T-MRSA was carrying additional genes leading to macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance. Both isolates were carrying three plasmid replicon types, rep5, rep7 and rep16, while T-MRSA harboured also rep10 and rep15. E-MRSA carried scn and sak genes which were absent from T-MRSA. In conclusion, the genetic characterization of two unrelated ST1-IVa-t127 MRSA strains isolated from humans in close contact with livestock in Greece can be used as basis for further epidemiological and evolutionary studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the aspects of Primary Education teachers in the Epirus Region from the application of distance - modern and asynchronous - education during the period of Covid-19. The research sample was made up of 116 Primary Education teachers of various specialties. The method which used was "cluster" random sampling. The questionnaire was used for the research and data collection. The questionnaire was contained 16 closed-ended five-point Likert questions. The main findings that emerged are that a large percentage of teachers were not ready for the application of asynchronous and modern distance education in the last school year (2019-20). However, this school year their readiness has increased significantly for the application of asynchronous distance education and to a lesser extent for the modern one. Regarding the degree of satisfaction of teachers for the training in the distance education, it was found that an extremely high percentage of teachers were not satisfied with their training. Finally, an extremely high percentage of teachers answered that distance education can not replace traditional education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the level of knowledge and trust in the policy decisions taken regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic among Epirus Health Study (EHS) participants.Methods: The EHS is an ongoing and deeply-phenotyped prospective cohort study that has recruited 667 participants in northwest Greece until August 31st, 2020. Level of knowledge on coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) transmission and COVID-19 severity was labeled as poor, moderate or good. Variables assessing knowledge and beliefs towards the pandemic were summarized overall and by sex, age group (25-39, 40-49, 50-59, ≥60 years) and period of report (before the lifting of lockdown measures in Greece: March 30th to May 3rd, and two post-lockdown time periods: May 4th to June 31st, July 1st to August 31st). A hypothesis generating exposure-wide association analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between 153 agnostically-selected explanatory variables and participants' knowledge. Correction for multiple comparisons was applied using a false discovery rate (FDR) threshold of 5%.Results: A total of 563 participants (49 years mean age; 60% women) had available information on the standard EHS questionnaire, the clinical and biochemical measurements, and the COVID-19-related questionnaire. Percentages of poor, moderate and good knowledge status regarding COVID-19 were 4.5, 10.0 and 85.6%, respectively. The majority of participants showed absolute or moderate trust in the Greek health authorities for the management of the epidemic (90.1%), as well as in the Greek Government (84.7%) and the official national sources of information (87.4%). Trust in the authorities was weaker in younger participants and those who joined the study after the lifting of lockdown measures (p-value≤0.001). None of the factors examined was associated with participants' level of knowledge after correction for multiple testing.Conclusions: High level of knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic and trust in the Greek authorities was observed, possibly due to the plethora of good quality publicly available information and the timely management of the pandemic at its early stages in Greece. Information campaigns for the COVID-19 pandemic should be encouraged even after the lifting of lockdown measures to increase public awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The phytochemical profile of S. officinalis unveiled 103 secondary metabolites. • Significant antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microbes was noted by S. officinalis extracts. • S. officinalis extracts are promising candidates as functional regulators of food microbiota. • S. officinalis extracts protect human cells against oxidative stress-induced DNA damage. • Extracts exhibited inhibitory effects against oxidative modification of LDL. Salvia officinalis L. has attracted scientific and industrial interest due to its pharmacological properties. However, its detailed phytochemical profile and its correlation with beneficial effects in the human microbiome and oxidative stress remained elusive. To unveil this, S. officinalis was collected from the region of Epirus and its molecular identity was verified with DNA barcoding. Phytochemical profile for both aqueous and ethanol-based extracts was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and 103 phytochemicals were determined. The effect of S. officinalis extracts as functional regulators of food microbiota by stimulating the growth of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains and by suppressing evolution of pathogenic bacteria was verified. Furthermore, we recorded that both extracts exhibited a significant cellular protection against H 2 O 2 -induced DNA damage. Finally, both extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effect towards LDL oxidation. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of S. officinalis on its phytochemical components as also its potential impact in human microbiome and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen analysis of a late medieval layer (15th–16th century AD) recovered in the archaeological site of Kastrì (Epirus, Greece) highlighted the occurrence of large amounts of stephanocolpate Lamiaceae pollen grains. Morphometric analysis, by means of Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy, allowed three different pollen types to be identified within the family. In particular, the structure of the bireticulate exine, which is only visible under SEM observation, revealed to be a diagnostic feature for genus and even species identification. This was possible thanks to comparison with modern Lamiaceae species that were selected on the basis of pollen morphological similarity and geographical distribution. The results of comparison, achieved through K-nearest neighbour classification, led to ascribe the subfossil pollen types to the genera Salvia , Mentha and Thymus and to propose S. nemorosa/glutinosa/pratensis , M. arvensis and T. praecox as the most probable species to be associated with the subfossil grains. The significance of such a large quantity of Lamiaceae pollen is not easy to decipher. However, the co-occurrence in the sample of grazing indicators would suggest that these aromatic herbs were probably related to feeding or caring for flocks, in line with the archaeological interpretation of the investigated medieval structure as a shelter for shepherds as well as with the current use of these plants as forage supplements. • Large amounts of Lamiaceae pollen grains are found in a medieval sample from Greece. • Detailed morphometry of subfossil and modern grains was obtained on SEM images. • KNN method applied to measured parameters allowed species identification. • Species of Salvia , Thymus and Mentha were identified and connected to pastoralism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a close reading -both grammatological and textcantered- of debut author Tasia Veneti's work, in order to demonstrate its historical and aesthetic correlation with the Epirote literary tradition, as well as with Modern Greek prose writing of the 19 th century, with pretensions that far exceed the expectations of a first work. The paper focuses, in particular, on the writer's gendered perspective, with respect to the primacy on her part of the female experience and narrative perspective, which significantly differentiates her work from her contemporary Epirote fellow-writers. The female experience of Epirus, based on the cruelty of lived reality, intrinsically linked to space in its physical, historical, and social dimension, forms in Veneti, as I hope to show, a genderdetermined ethographic, naturalistic and by definition realistic aesthetic, which is its own. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Thiasos is the property of Edizioni Quasar di Severino Tognon s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents a thorough review of new data and research on the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods in Epirus. It correlates new with old material in an attempt to outline the situation in Epirus and to highlight the region's peculiarities. These peculiarities make Epirus attractive for scholars and at the same time set it apart from the rest of Greece. The ultimate goal is to reconsider Epirus' position in the field of Greek and European prehistory more broadly. In memory of my beloved father Dimitris [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening natural products for bacteriocin-producing bacteria may be the equilibrium point between the consumer demand for mild processing and the industry's need for hazard control. Raw unprocessed honeycombs filled with oregano honey from the alpine mountainous territory of Epirus, Greece were screened for bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium spp., with inhibitory action towards some pathogens and spoilage microorganisms isolated from fresh fruits and vegetables (number and type of strains: three E. coli, two L. monocytogenes, two Salmonella spp., two B.cereus, two Erwinia spp., one Xanthomonas spp., L. innocua (ATCC 33090TM) and E. coli 0157:H7 (ATCC 69373)). Among the 101 collected isolates (73 Lactobacillus, 8 Lactococcus, 8 Leuconostoc and 12 Bifidobacterium species) from the oregano honeycombs (an original finding since there are no other reports on the microbial biodiversity of the flora of the oregano honey), 49 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Bifidobacterium spp. were selected and tested for their bacteriocin-producing capacity (34 Lactobacillus, 6 Lactococcus, 5 Leuconostoc and 4 Bifidobacterium). The antibacterial activity exerted by the tested LAB and Bifidobacterium strains was not of the same potency. Our results suggest that the main molecules involved in the antimicrobial activity are probably bacteriocin-like substances (a conclusion based on reduced antibacterial activity after the proteolytic treatment of the cell-free supernatant of the cultures) and this antimicrobial activity is specific for the producing strains as well as for the target strains. The spoilage bacteria as well as the reference microorganisms showed increased resistance to the bacteriocin-like substances in comparison to the wild-type pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greek migration to the United States in the period 1890–1924 produced two interdependent domestic environments, the Greek towns of urban America and the remittance villages of rural Greece. Both spaces experienced decline, abandonment, and demolition during the mid-twentieth century, which erased a unique spatial duality maintained across continents by material goods. With the progressive passing of Greek American lived memories, archaeology must take on the challenge of reconstructing the immigrant lifeworlds that are now a century old. Using the family histories of three contemporary Greek Americans, we explore how village houses can illuminate the bridging of transnational distances. We study the house careers of three Elenis from the Peloponnese, Epirus, and Central Greece. Each case study explores the materialities of a relationship between today's Greek Americans and their lost familial domestic relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]