Publications

Purpose: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) participates in thrombotic, fibrinolytic, inflammatory and metabolic cascades. Since previous studies have focused on tissue and blood level concentrations, our goal was to investigate for the first time the independent relationship between plasma PAI-1 activity in resectable non small cell cell lung cancer (NSCLC) taking into consideration its several interfaces, and study its diagnostic and prognostic potential. Methods: In an adequately powered case-control study, plasma PAI-1 activity, metabolic parameters, classic adipokines, hemostatic, inflammatory and tumor biomarkers were measured in 110 consecutive patients with resectable NSCLC and 110 healthy subjects matched on age, sex and date of blood draw. Results: NSCLC patients exhibited significantly higher PAI-1 activity compared to controls (p<0.001). In NSCLC cases, PAI-1 activity correlated with somatometric variables, insulin, WBC, antithrombin III, protein C, plasminogen, IL-6 and tumor size (p<0.05). Plasma PAI-1 activity was independently associated with NSCLC beyond risk factors associated with NSCLC (OR: 6.9, 95% CI: 2.9-16.6, p<0.001). Plasminogen activity and body mass index emerged as independent predictors of PAI-1 activity in cases. Due to its high specificity, PAI-1 activity could represent a potentially useful parameter in ruling out NSCLC, alone or in combination with serum tumor markers associated with NSCLC. Conclusions: PAI-1 activity, reflecting PAI-1 functionality, may represent a potentially useful biomarker in NSCLC associated with thrombotic, tumor-promoting and metabolic networks. More clinical studies are needed to explore whether PAI-1 activity may be a practical biomarker in the risk assessment of NSCLC, at the crossroads of hemostasis and metabolism.

Given that goat milk and dairy products should be consumed daily according to suggestions based on Mediterranean diet, the current study evaluates the anti-atherogenic properties of goat milk and goat dairy products (yogurt and white cheese). Total lipids (TLs) of all three samples were extracted by the method of Bligh and Dyer and further separated into total polar lipids (TPLs) and total neutral lipids (TNLs) by counter current distribution. The fatty acid profiles of TPL and TNL of all three samples were determined by gas chromatography analysis. TL and TPL were tested to determine whether they induce platelet aggregation or inhibit platelet aggregation induced by the platelet-activating factor (PAF). The most active lipids were found in goat white cheese (i.e., since they showed lower IC50 values in both TL and TPL samples than corresponding fractions of goat milk and goat yogurt), so the TPL of goat white cheese were further separated by preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The obtained polar lipid fractions after TLC separation were also tested for their biological activity. All the samples’ lipids, and especially the polar ones, were found to exhibit strong anti-atherogenic activities. This fact highlights the nutritional value of goat dairy products in terms of cardioprotection, as PAF is a crucial inflammatory mediator that is implicated in the mechanism of atherogenesis.

Many studies have assessed students’ motivation through surveys, but only a few studies systematically investigated through students’ own words the reasons and aims of their achievement striving. In the present study, we rely on the Goal Complex Perspective (Sommet and Elliot in J Educ Psychol 109(8):1141–1162, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000199; Vansteenkiste et al. in Educ Psychol 49(3):153–174, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2014.928598) to uncover qualitative differences in achievement motivation. Content analysis of 1303 statements made by 597 Greek secondary students revealed (i) more autonomous motivation than controlled motivation statements, (ii) spontaneously generated statements of mastery-learning and outcome goals but rarely of performance-normative goals, (iii) mastery-learning goals being coupled with both autonomous and controlled motivation, providing ecological support for the conceptualization of mastery goal complexes. Logistic regression analyses verified our classification, as students’ statements were predicted by corresponding types of motivation assessed by close, Likert-type questions. These findings, which align with the Goal Complex Perspective, are discussed in terms of the operational definition of autonomous and controlled motivation and achievement goals.

Ο Χάνς Κρίστιαν Άντερσεν είναι γνωστός ως ένας από τους σημαντικότερους συγγραφείς παραμυθιών. Ωστόσο, υπήρξε και αξιόλογος εκπρόσωπος της ταξιδιωτικής λογοτεχνίας. Το 1841 πραγματοποίησε ένα εν πολλοίς άγνωστο στο ευρύ κοινό ταξίδι στην μεταεπαναστατική Ελλάδα. Τις εντυπώσεις του από το ταξίδι αυτό τις καταγράφει στο βιβλίο «Το παζάρι ενός ποιητή». Με εφαλτήριο το δέος του για τον πολιτισμό των αρχαίων Ελλήνων και την ελληνική φύση καταλαμβάνεται σύντομα από ένα ευδιάκριτο φιλελληνικό πνεύμα, διά του οποίου προσλαμβάνει και καταγράφει διάφορες όψεις της νεοελληνικής πραγματικότητας και του ελληνικού λαϊκού πολιτισμού. Η μελέτη της «λαϊκής ψυχής» υπήρξε βασικός πυλώνας του φιλελληνισμού κατά τον 19ο αιώνα, καθώς στόχος της ήταν να αποδείξει την πολιτισμική συνέχεια, άρα και την φυλετική ενότητα του ελληνικού γένους. Κείμενα όπως «Το παζάρι ενός ποιητή» αποτελούν μέσο γνωριμίας της ευρωπαϊκής κοινής γνώμης με τον ελληνικό λαϊκό πολιτισμό και καταφέρνουν να τονώσουν και να αναγεννήσουν το ευρωπαϊκό ενδιαφέρον για την Ελλάδα.

The attainment of adult status in Greece is a neglected research issue. Sociodemographic changes and the severity and long duration of the Global Recession in this country (2008-2018) are expected to contribute to the delayed entry to adulthood, especially among university students. In this study, conducted in 2015, 814 university students (ages 18-25; M = 19.9) provided information on subjective adult status (per se and with significant others), achievement of adulthood criteria, associations between the two, and several personal and contextual variables. Results showed that two thirds of the sample felt in-between adolescence and adulthood. They felt more adult in work, university, and romantic relationships, and less adult with parents, friends, and siblings. The most achieved criteria were in the areas of Norm Compliance and Independence, whereas Role Transitions had been achieved the least. A variety of achievements, reflected in Independence, Norm Compliance, and Family Capacities criteria, and some concrete transitions were significantly associated with subjective adult status. Gender, age, parents’ educational level, financial constraints, and financial concerns significantly and differentially predicted the achievement of several adulthood markers. Results provide insight into the achievement of adult status within the Greek context in the aftermath of the Global Recession.

We analyze the impact of the institutional environment on the leverage of European listed SMEs for the period 2005-2018. We use a broad range of institutional quality, judicial efficiency and corruption measures, along with several firm-specific and macro control variables, to identify different transmission channels on leverage. By performing a panel data analysis into the fixed effects filter estimator framework, along with several model specifications and robustness tests, the results show that better institutions, stronger judicial effectiveness and higher corruption decrease leverage. In terms of active transmission channels, increased investment under regimes of better institutional quality tends to increase leverage. Higher judicial efficiency accompanied by increased profitability tends to decrease, while higher institutional quality accompanied by higher investments tends to increase leverage, bringing more bank credit. Increasing profitability under regimes of decreased corruption decreases leverage. This last finding is even more pronounced for medium enterprises, as opposed to micro enterprises. The most significant factors associated with leverage are profitability, asset structure, cost of borrowing, stock market development and size, while an age effect is rejected. Pecking order theory seems to better fit the European SMEs capital structure choices under several institutional states.

δψασδασδασδασδα

Given a filtration of the module of vector fields on a smooth manifold, we define a pseudodifferential calculus where the order of a vector field is given by the filtration. We show that pseudodifferential operators have a well-defined principal symbol for a subset of the unitary representations of the osculating groups. We prove a Rockland-type theorem, showing that the invertibility of the principal symbol is equivalent to maximal hypoellipticity. This answers affirmatively a conjecture due to Helffer and Nourrigat.

We construct local coordinates for the Weinstein groupoid of a non-integrable Lie algebroid. To this end, we reformulate the notion of bi-submersion in a completely algebraic way and prove the existence of bi-submersions as such for the Weinstein groupoid. This implies that a C*-algebra can be attached to every Lie algebroid.

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This book offers the first comprehensive history and analysis of Turkey’s relations with Israel since 1948, when the state of Israel was established, up until 2010 and places them within the wider framework of Turkey’s foreign policy. It highlights the remarkable lack of consistency in Turkey’s foreign policy towards Israel, under different Turkish governments, which has given the relationship a pervasive sense of unpredictability.  Combining empirical-analytical evidence with role theory insights, as developed in Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA), it explores Turkish foreign policy makers’ perceptions regarding the proper role and function of the country in the international system and the sub-system of the Middle East and how they affected the policy towards Israel. The author argues that Ankara’s ambivalent policy towards Israel for over sixty years can be explained by Turkey's multiple and often contradictory national role conceptions. The study, which draws from archival material and over fifty interviews with Turkish, Israeli, American and Arab officials and experts, places Ankara’s policy into a larger analytical framework, which helps link the past to the present and future.

Ο συλλογικός αυτός τόμος επιχειρεί να χαρτογραφήσει το ιδιαίτερα θολό ακόμη ιστορικό τοπίο των πανεπιστημιακών εδρών ξένων φιλολογιών και να φέρει στο φως πολλές μέχρι σήμερα άγνωστες πτυχές της ακαδημαϊκής ιστορίας των ξένων φιλολογιών στην Ελλάδα. Εστιάζει ειδικότερα στη λειτουργία των εδρών της γαλλικής, γερμανικής και αγγλικής φιλολογίας, από την περίοδο του Μεσοπολέμου, όταν πρωτοθεσμοθετήθηκαν, μέχρι και τη δεκαετία του 1970, όταν ολοκληρώθηκε η μετάβαση προς έναν νέο θεσμό, τα πανεπιστημιακά τμήματα, και για την τελευταία χρονολογικά από τις εξεταζόμενες ξένες φιλολογίες. Περιλαμβάνει εισαγωγή και τέσσερις πρωτότυπες μελέτες που βασίζονται στη συστηματική αξιοποίηση ανεξερεύνητου αρχειακού υλικού (ξένα και ελληνικά αρχεία) από ερευνητές που ειδικεύονται στο συγκεκριμένο επιστημονικό πεδίο. Για καθεμιά από τις τρεις παραπάνω φιλολογίες αφιερώνεται ένα χωριστό κεφάλαιο, όπου διερευνάται ο ρόλος που έπαιξαν οι ξένοι πολιτιστικοί εταίροι της Ελλάδας στη σύσταση, τη στελέχωση αλλά και γενικότερα τη λειτουργία των πανεπιστημιακών αυτών εδρών. Αντιστοίχως, εξετάζονται και οι θέσεις των ελληνικών ανώτατων ιδρυμάτων σε σχέση με το ζήτημα της διδασκαλίας των ξένων φιλολογιών στο πανεπιστήμιο. Προσκομίζονται επίσης στοιχεία που αφορούν στο διδακτικό προσωπικό και στις ιδιαιτερότητές του (αλλοδαποί φιλόλογοι ή/και καθηγητές ξένων πανεπιστημίων), στις διαλέξεις που τα μέλη του έδιναν στα αμφιθέατρα του ιδρύματος και στη σύσταση του ακροατηρίου τους. Σε ένα τελευταίο κεφάλαιο, επιχειρείται μια σύνθεση της ιστορίας αυτής, μέσω μιας συγκριτικής προσέγγισης που εντοπίζει τις συγκλίσεις και τις αποκλίσεις, έτσι όπως αυτές καταγράφονται κατά την ιστορική διαδρομή των θεσμών αυτών.

Big data and big data analytics will unavoidably change the role of accountants. This paper considers the impact of big data on accounting and auditing. Financial accountants need to move beyond the book-keeping process and become key information providers to decision-makers. That upturns accountants’ consulting role and their ability to think strategically, providing critical help in management decision making. The relationship between managers and management accountants becomes closer and more effective because of big data. Management accountants can use additional analytical methods to detect processes and product excellence, combined with diminishing cost. Big data and big data analytics in auditing ensure audit quality and fraud detection. Upgraded information systems and automation in business procedures diminish the need for staff participation. Inevitably, the skills of accountants and knowledge must be associated with big data and big data analytics and modern accountants must develop an analytics mindset by being familiar with data and technologies.

We establish an integration theory for singular subalgebroids, by diffeological groupoids. To do so, we single out a class of diffeological groupoids satisfying specific properties, and we introduce a differentiation-integration procedure under which they correspond to singular subalgebroids. Our definition of integration distinguishes the holonomy groupoid from the graph, although both differentiate to the original singular subalgebroid: the holonomy groupoid satisfies a certain submersive property, while the graph does not.

COVID-19 pandemic had a profound negative impact on people’s personal and social life. In this chapter, after some conceptual clarifications, we provide insights into the effects of ostracism on people’s well-being as individuals, partners, and group members. Specifically, we explore (a) individual- and personality-based risk factors of ostracism (intrapersonal level); (b) deprivation of social touch, disruption of empathy and social stigmatization in interpersonal relations (interpersonal level); and (c) disruption of social identity, social stigmatization and rise in prejudiced, discriminatory, and xenophobic tendencies within groups (intergroup level). The contribution of this chapter lies in proposing an interplay among intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intergroup dimensions of identity, that is, a multi-level conceptualization of ostracism during the covidian era. By integrating theoretical arguments and research findings, we support the view that personal identity commitment and identification with social groups have similar roots, both based on the individual’s need to formulate meaningful connections to the world and, thus, cope with as well as prevent ostracism. The implications of the interplay between personal and social identity for the measurement of ostracism are also discussed. Next, strategies for tackling ostracism during the pandemic or similar widespread crises are proposed. Finally, avenues for future research are suggested.

Du voyageur-photographe, qui sélectionne ses sujets parmi les gens du pays, au voyageur-collectionneur, qui visite les ateliers commerciaux pour acheter des épreuves, le voyage fut à l’origine d’une production photographique orientaliste diversifiée qui ne fut pas constituée comme un genre autonome, mais se situa à la frontière de plusieurs catégories. Inspirés d’une iconographie stéréotypée déjà en vogue, les photographes commerciaux photographièrent les types ethniques et religieux orientaux et en racontèrent, de manière discontinue, la vie quotidienne, les mœurs et les coutumes ainsi que les activités professionnelles. Dans des conditions souvent difficiles, les voyageurs représentèrent aussi l’Autre oriental. Plusieurs voyageurs gardèrent son image comme souvenir, tandis que d’autres exécutèrent des photographies à caractère anthropologique ou ethnographique. Nombreuses sont aussi les photographies qui rappellent le caractère religieux de l’Orient et montrent l’activité missionnaire. Conçues dans un autre esprit, les photographies des touristes reproduisent une image vivante bien que parfois stéréotypée des Orientaux. Quoique morcelée, l’image des Orientaux formée par les photographies des voyageurs, contribua à la formation de l’identité de l’Oriental. Révélatrice de leur idéologie, leur production, qui s’inscrit dans le contexte de l’orientalisme dénoncé par Edward Saïd, transmet des informations sur la manière dont ils l’avaient perçu. Médiateurs culturels, les photographes français, voyageurs ou résidents, familiarisèrent la population orientale avec l’art de la photographie.  

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The current study focuses on earnings management as a significant determinant of the sticky cost phenomenon, for explaining both firm-level cost behaviour and cross-country differences in cost behaviour. We combine firm-level incentives to manipulate earnings with country-level differences in earnings management practices to provide a richer understanding of the effects of these practices to cost stickiness. Using a sample of G-7 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, UK and USA) we find that cost stickiness is mitigated in the pervasiveness of earnings management.

If we wish to formulate an axiomatic truth-theory interpreting a modal language and treat the symbol of necessity as a sentential operator and not as a quantifier over possible worlds, there arise various problems. These are due partly to the fact that words could have meant something other than what they actually mean and partly to certain principles of modal metaphysics. One of those principles is existentialism about propositions: a proposition that is expressed in a sentence containing a non-empty name could not exist if the referent of the name did not exist. The paper explains how the problems arise. It also explains how we can avoid them using substitutional quantification in the metalanguage. The truth-theory we can construct in that way is compositional and homophonic, and its theorems interpreting the various sentences of the modal language are derived in a straightforward way. The paper develops one such theory for a propositional modal language and one for a first-order modal language. The first-order case involves a number of intricacies that are discussed.

ΑΝΑΜΕΝΕΤΑΙ

Η μελέτη, η οποία βασίζεται σε τεκμηριωτικό υλικό που συγκεντρώθηκε από τα αρχειακά κέντρα των Υπουργείων εξωτερικών της Ελλάδας και της Γαλλίας, του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και της Φιλοσοφικής Σχολής Αθηνών, αποπειράται να ανασυστήσει την ιστορία της πανεπιστημιακής έδρας γαλλικής φιλολογίας από την πρώτη, χρονολογικά, σχετική θεσμική υλοποίηση του 1933 μέχρι τη δημιουργία πανεπιστημιακών τμημάτων γαλλικών σπουδών, κατά την πρώτη μεταπολεμική δεκαετία. Επιχειρεί επίσης να δείξει πως ο πανεπιστημιακός αυτός θεσμός δεν συνδιαλέγεται μόνο με την ελληνική εκπαιδευτική και πολιτική συγκυρία: η ανάμειξη γαλλικών πολιτιστικών ιδρυμάτων επιβάλλει τη διεύρυνση του πεδίου παρατήρησης και σε εκείνο της πολιτιστικής διπλωματίας προκειμένου να φωτιστούν πληρέστερα όψεις που εν τέλει συνδιαμορφώνουν τη φυσιογνωμία του. Ο προβληματισμός επικεντρώνεται, καταρχάς, στις πολιτικές συνεργασίας των εμπλεκόμενων γαλλικών και ελληνικών εκπαιδευτικών ιδρυμάτων για την προώθηση του ζητήματος ή, αντίθετα, στις στρατηγικές που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν με στόχο την εγκατάλειψη αυτού του θεσμικού εγχειρήματος. Διερευνώνται, επίσης, τα δομικά χαρακτηριστικά σε επίπεδο στόχων, προσανατολισμού και οργάνωσης του θεσμού, τα οποία είναι άμεσα συναρτημένα με τις επιδιώξεις των συμβαλλόμενων μερών. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, ερμηνευτικά σχήματα, όπως το μεταβαλλόμενο από τη συνεργασία στην αντιπαλότητα και από την εξάρτηση στην αυτονόμηση πλέγμα σχέσεων, επιτρέπουν τη βαθύτερη κατανόηση των θεσμικών κατακτήσεων ή/και αντιστάσεων.

In 1969 Greece withdrew from the Council of Europe (CoE), following pressure exercised by various European countries, organisations, social movements and individuals in response to the brutal conduct of the military junta that had taken power by force on 21 April 1967. This volume brings together an international cast of noted historians, oral historians, political scientists, and legal scholars to investigate the perceptions, policies and roles of the key actors involved. These figures range from international organizations, states, and social movements to NGOs and individuals, critically demonstrating the extent of the legacy and long-term impact of the 'Greek Case' on international human rights. The 1969 'Greek Case' in the Council of Europe reveals how the pressure applied by the Council of Europe proved to be crucial for the international condemnation of the Colonels' regime, setting a precedent in international human rights cases for the significance of the collection of evidence on the use of torture.

In this letter, we demonstrate that a set of absorbing boundary conditions (ABCs) for numerical simulations of waves, proposed originally by Engquist and Majda and later generalized by Trefethen and Halpern, can alternatively be derived with the use of Pauli matrices algebra. Hence a novel approach to the derivation of one-way wave equations in electromagnetics is proposed. That is, the classical wave equation can be factorized into two two-dimensional wave equations with first-order time derivatives. Then, using suitable approximations, not only Engquist and Majda ABCs can be obtained, but also generalized ABCs proposed by Trefethen and Halpern, which are applicable to simulations of radiation problems.

We find ourselves in an ever-evolving environment, where the past fifty years have marked a pivotal moment in scientific thinking. This shift is particularly evident in the scientific approach to analyzing natural-induced hazards. Geohazards annually contribute significantly to loss of life and property, with mass movements standing out as widespread occurrences globally. The study of extreme events and their repercussions on landscape stability is a critical area in environmental research. In this paper, we showcase the advancements in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Remote Sensing (RS) for improved landslide assessments, leveraging developments in Earth Observation (EO) data analysis. We highlight the application of Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA), which have not traditionally been tailored for landslide studies but have proven effective in this context. The framework enables the translation of complex real-world landslide scenarios into analyzable objects through segmentation algorithms, applying subsequent classifications via rule-based or advanced Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. We demonstrate how ML has the potential to revolutionize geoscience data analysis and address major societal concerns presented by landslide hazards by tapping into the vast reserves of geoscience data. ML algorithms, particularly Random Forest (RF), integrated into an Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) workflow, demonstrated adaptability for sub-zone landslide mapping on a local scale. Given the increasing frequency of extreme meteorological events driven by climate change, the integration of UAV datasets, Structure from Motion (SfM), and advancements in OBIA and AI can respond effectively by enabling precise and accurate analysis of landslide and rockfall failures. Our results affirm that rotational landslides and their thematic sub-zones were adequately recognized and mapped through the ML procedure.

This research focuses on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) to balance economic growth with ecological preservation. It assesses Greek consumers' attitudes, satisfaction, and knowledge about green products through questionnaires, analyzing the interplay of these factors in consumer satisfaction and highlighting the role of awareness in the green market. The study also compares these findings with Romanian consumer behavior to understand cultural and socioeconomic influences. Results show that positive attitudes towards green products and access to information significantly enhance consumer satisfaction, a trend consistent across different cultures. However, a lack of sustainability knowledge among youth presents an educational opportunity. The study advocates for strategic educational efforts to support SCP, emphasizing the need for well-informed product design, fair pricing, and clear communication to promote sustainable consumer habits, contributing to the broader SCP discourse and guiding future sustainable economy policies.

This book explores the major challenges that the long-standing and diversely debated demise of postmodernism signifies for American literature, art, culture, history, and politics, in the present, third decade of the twenty-first century. Its scope comprises a vigorous discussion of all these diverse fields undertaken by distinguished scholars as well as junior researchers, U.S. Americanists and European Americanists alike. Focusing on socio-political and cultural developments in the contemporary U.S., their contributions highlight the interconnectedness of the geopolitical, economic, environmental and technological crises that define the historical present on global scale.

The present study delves into the structure and lexical organization of L1 and L2 mental lexicons. Indirect access to the mental lexicon is provided by semantic fluency tasks, which inform researchers about how the words are organized in the mental lexicon and retrieved when necessary. Here, two groups of participants were asked to retrieve as many words of the category fruits and vegetables as possible in two minutes. The first group is made up of native speakers of Spanish who responded in Spanish L1, whereas the second group is made up of native speakers of Greek who are learning Spanish foreign language (SFL) who responded first in Spanish FL and later in Greek L1. The three sets of responses were scrutinized and compared for similarities and differences. Results point to a retrieval mechanism based on L1-mediated access for SFL learners and slightly different structures of the mental lexicon. Even in very advanced learners, lexical organization and word retrieval in the FL resembles L1 organization.

Context. Jets from supermassive black holes at the centers of active galaxies are the most powerful and persistent sources of electromagnetic radiation in the Universe. To infer the physical conditions in the otherwise out-of-reach regions of extragalactic jets, we usually rely on fitting their spectral energy distributions (SEDs). The calculation of radiative models for the jet's non-thermal emission usually relies on numerical solvers of coupled partial differential equations. Aims: In this work, we use machine learning to tackle the problem of high computational complexity to significantly reduce the SED model evaluation time, which is necessary for SED fittings carried out with Bayesian inference methods. Methods: We computed the SEDs based on the synchrotron self-Compton model for blazar emission using the radiation code ATHEvA. We used them to train neural networks (NNs) to explore whether they can replace the original code, which is computationally expensive. Results: We find that a NN with gated recurrent unit neurons (GRUN) can effectively replace the ATHEvA leptonic code for this application, while it can be efficiently coupled with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and nested sampling algorithms for fitting purposes. We demonstrate this approach through an application to simulated data sets, as well as a subsequent application to observational data. Conclusions: We present a proof-of-concept application of NNs to blazar science as the first step in a list of future applications involving hadronic processes and even larger parameter spaces. We offer this tool to the community through a public repository. The results of our work are available in GitHub; https://github.com/tzavellas/blazar_ml. This includes: (a) the NN and accompanied code produced to train them, (b) code for visualization of results in python and jupyter notebooks with instructions, and (c) part of the ATHEvA datasets that can be used for evaluation and plotting examples.

In Southeastern Europe, archaeology extends beyond its traditional role as a scientific discipline, assuming a unique function as a medium for shaping alternative knowledge systems. This article explores the complex relationship between archaeology and the crafting of ancestral narratives in the region, illuminating how archaeological interpretations are employed to invent and sustain cultural identities. By analysing a range of archaeological case studies across the Balkans, this study investigates how archaeological evidence is appropriated and reshaped to advance ideological agendas, frequently diverging from established academic consensus. It contends that in Southeastern Europe, archaeology functions as a powerful instrument for legitimising territorial claims and cultural dominance, promoting narratives of continuity and primordial origins that deeply resonate within the collective psyche. Through the selective amplification of certain aspects of the past while marginalising others, archaeological discourse facilitates the construction of mythologised origin stories that reinforce nationalist ideologies and perpetuate historical tensions.

Ocean observing systems in coastal, shelf and marginal seas collect diverse oceanographic information supporting a wide range of socioeconomic needs, but observations are necessarily sparse in space and/or time due to practical limitations. Ocean analysis and forecast systems capitalize on such observations, producing data-constrained, four-dimensional oceanographic fields. Here we review efforts to quantify the impact of ocean observations, observing platforms, and networks of platforms on model products of the physical ocean state in coastal regions. Quantitative assessment must consider a variety of issues including observation operators that sample models, error of representativeness, and correlated uncertainty in observations. Observing System Experiments, Observing System Simulation Experiments, representer functions and array modes, observation impacts, and algorithms based on artificial intelligence all offer methods to evaluate data-based model performance improvements according to metrics that characterize oceanographic features of local interest. Applications from globally distributed coastal ocean modeling systems document broad adoption of quantitative methods, generally meaningful reductions in model-data discrepancies from observation assimilation, and support for assimilation of complementary data sets, including subsurface in situ observation platforms, across diverse coastal environments.

Preserving mitochondrial homeostasis is vital, particularly for the energetically demanding and metabolically active nerve cells. Mitophagy, the selective autophagic removal of mitochondria, stands out as a prominent mechanism for efficient mitochondrial turnover, which is crucial for proper neuronal development and function. Dysfunctional mitochondria and disrupted mitophagy pathways have been linked to a diverse array of neurological disorders. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, with its well-defined nervous system, serves as an excellent model to unravel the intricate involvement of mitophagy in developing neurons. This chapter describes the use of Rosella biosensor in C. elegans to monitor neuronal mitophagy, providing a user-friendly platform for screening genes and drugs affecting mitophagic pathways under physiological conditions or in the context of neurodevelopmental pathologies.

Plastiras artificial lake is formed upstream of an 83 m-high arched dam, at an altitude of 795.20 m above msl. A hydroelectric power plant constructed back in 1959, started functioning in 1960 with an average annual electricity production of 180 GWh. Moreover, its water provides potable supply, after treatment, to surrounding towns and essential agricultural irrigation to 140,000 acres of land. The 23.5 km² lake and its surroundings are extensively used for environmental recreational activities and the local ecosystem is sensitive to human activities and environmental factors.Recently the region was affected by two extreme weather events, in 2020 and 2023, evidently causing extensive mass wasting phenomena in the surrounding drainage basins and torrent discharge points into the lake. Especially after the “IANOS” Medicane (September 17-18, 2020), a systematic monitoring of the lake and its drainage was decided. A synergy of methodologies with state-of-the-art equipment was used, to evaluate the volumes of terrigenous sediment brought into the lake, drastically reducing the water storage capacity of the dam. The reference dataset was a single and multibeam survey carried out back in 2009, accompanied by a photogrammetric mapping of the lake coast at the maximum lake water level.Our 2023 surveys encompass more than 14,000 images which were acquired with a Trinity F90 UAS, flying at a relative height of 160 meters, covering a 200-meter-wide zone around the coast of the lake, with a 70% overlap between the images. Image capturing of the latter took place during the lowest lake water level so that most of this zone would be revealed from the water's surface. The establishment of 15 Ground Control Points (GCPs) at certain locations around the lake increased the spatial credibility of the extracted 2.5 cm resolution Digital Terrain Model. For co-registration reasons, the same GCPs were also used as references during the multibeam survey, which was conducted at transects parallel and vertical to the shoreline routes, 20-90 meters apart, pending on the lake depth, to achieve a complete swath coverage of the lake bottom. The multibeam-sounding survey was carried out at near maximum lake water level, with continuous hourly monitoring of the water level and the water speed of sound.Both methodologies resulted in point-clouds which were unified, and a DTM of the entire lake bottom was constructed, representing the full extent of the water body during the highest water level. The latter was compared to the 2010 dataset and a significant change in the water volume was detected reaching almost 4 million m3. This is clearly related to the volume of sediments brought into the lake, by both sediment gravity flows entering the lake especially within the torrent inlets along the west coast while finer suspended sediment mostly settles in the deepest areas towards the dam.

This chapter presents strategies that teachers can use for preventing and dealing with students' behavior problems in the school community. These strategies are based on behavioral, cognitive behavioral, ecosystemic, and humanistic approaches. The basic premise of this chapter is that the effectiveness of prevention and intervention is enhanced when strategies from all these approaches are used by educators. The basic principles of behavioral, cognitive behavioral, ecosystemic, and humanistic models are briefly presented based on which, management strategies are described that teachers can implement to prevent and deal with children's behaviour problems as well as to increase desirable behaviours. These prevention and intervention programs are delivered at the individual, classroom, whole school, and family levels. Specific examples are given for all these strategies. Finally, two case studies or scenarios are presented with the aim of illuminating the effective use of these strategies in real situations within the school community.

This paper focuses on the archaeological sub-field of archaeogenetics, and the ways it may be deployed in current political discourse in order to substantiate nationalist claims of heredity as a blood-based relationship. Two case studies are discussed in order to show how, in modern Greece but also elsewhere, antique skeletal remains are seen as national relics as well as cultural icons. This generates a politically charged sort of “DNA archaeology,” only partially involving the ideas or actions of archaeology professionals but strongly affecting public receptions of, and responses to, the past. And this is because archaeogenetic discourse and its results – factual, exaggerated, or plainly fabricated – may be deployed by different stakeholders within contemporary societies in order to mobilize certain parts of the population or exclude others to the point of elimination, by means of their symbolic or even biological death.

Data augmentation is a promising technique in improving exploration and convergence speed in deep reinforcement learning methodologies. In this work, we propose a data augmentation framework based on generative models for creating completely novel states and increasing diversity. For this purpose, a diffusion model is used to generate artificial states (learning the distribution of original, collected states), while an additional model is trained to predict the action executed between two consecutive states. These models are combined to create synthetic data for cases of high and low immediate rewards, which are encountered less frequently during the agent’s interaction with the environment. During the training process, the synthetic samples are mixed with the actually observed data in order to speed up agent learning. The proposed methodology is tested on the Atari 2600 framework, producing realistic and diverse synthetic data which improve training in most cases. Specifically, the agent is evaluated on three heterogeneous games, achieving a reward increase of up to 31%, although the results indicate performance variance among the different environments. The augmentation models are independent of the learning process and can be integrated to different algorithms, as well as different environments, with slight adaptations.

This paper investigates case assignment in prepositional phrases in Ancient Greek and presents evidence that it is determined by the function of the PP and not by the preposition. It is shown that most of the prepositional lexical items involve a root and a formative with prepositional categorizing function, providing evidence for a decomposition approach which suggests that the prepositional lexical item is a morphosyntactic formation that lexicalizes a functional structure which is responsible for its semantic and syntactic properties, including case assignment. This functional structure contains, among others, a categorizing p head, relevant to the lexicalization of the structure by means of a preposition, and a pCASE head, which is responsible for the case assigning properties of the structure. It is also argued that these two heads are distinct from each other as suggested by the way prepositions behave in terms of case assignment in prepositional prefixation constructions.

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a condition where the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis is activated earlier than normal, leading to premature development of secondary sexual characteristics before eight years of age in girls and nine years of age in boys. The purpose of this study was to critically and systematically evaluate the literature regarding CPP rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for relevant articles using the following MeSH terms: "COVID-19, "precocious puberty," "early puberty," "pediatric endocrinology," and "pandemic effects." We included studies calculating the risk of CPP before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We excluded studies looking at patients with an identifiable cause for CPP or with peripheral precocious puberty. The primary outcome was the prevalence of central precocious puberty during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. We analyzed data regarding anthropometric, biochemical, and pelvic ultrasound data between the two groups. Overall, 16 studies with 2.175 subjects were included, of which 1.818 were diagnosed with CPP. There was a rise in the number of new diagnoses of CPP during the COVID-19 pandemic (985 subjects) compared with the pre-pandemic period (833 subjects). The mean age of diagnosis in the first group was 7.42 years versus 7.54 years in the second group. Notably, CPP during the pandemic was associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) compared with the group of the pre-pandemic period (17.50 versus 17.08). The pandemic and lockdowns led to changes in lifestyle habits, social isolation, sleep disturbance, excess screen time, and increased stress levels. We hypothesize that these alterations influenced the increase in CPP frequency.

Through this study, the synergistic behavior of small-molecular-weight, amphiphilic surfactant molecules and the triblock copolymer Pluronic 188 was extensively evaluated based on their ability to formulate nanocarriers with novel properties for the delivery of class II and IV (biopharmaceutical classification system) chemotherapeutic compounds. The combination of four different surfactants at multiple weight ratios and twelve initially formulated nanosystems resulted in four hybrid delivery platforms, which were further studied in terms of multiple physicochemical characteristics, as well as their stability in protein-rich media (fetal bovine serum/phosphate-buffer saline). Finally, we obtained a single final nanoformulation that exhibited a high loading capacity (%EE ≥ 75%) and a sustained drug release profile under physiological conditions (model drug methotrexate), without altering the original physicochemical characteristics of the carrier. With a mean hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of less than 70 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.219, and no protein complexation, the system is a suitable candidate for in vivo, intravenous, and/or intramuscular administration. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of both loaded and unloaded carriers were evaluated through the examination of the upregulation or downregulation of apoptosis-related pathways. Multiple conventional 2D and 3D spheroidal conformations were used for these assessments, including HEK293, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cell lines, the results of which stressed the safety and biocompatibility of the empty nanocarrier. Additionally, experiments on Caenorhabditis elegans were conducted to evaluate the system's in vivo toxicity, focusing on developmental stages, egg-laying behavior, and locomotion. Nanosystems studied in terms of chemotherapeutic encapsulation have mostly focused on the physiochemical aspect of the development of such novel delivery platforms, with only few exceptions proceeding step-by-step from cellular 2D to 3D to in vivo experimentation. The present study offers a holistic view of the behavior of such a novel system, advancing our understanding of the capabilities of polymeric/surfactant-based nanodelivery platforms.

The "twin birth" of a positron and an electron by a photon in the presence of a nucleus, known as Bethe-Heitler pair production, is a key process in astroparticle physics. The Bethe-Heitler process offers a way of channeling energy stored in a population of relativistic protons (or nuclei) to relativistic pairs with extended distributions. Contrary to accelerated leptons, whose maximum energy is limited by radiative losses, the maximal energy of pairs is determined by the kinematics of the process and can be as high as the parent proton energy. We take a closer look at the features of the injected pair distribution, and provide a novel empirical function that describes the spectrum of pairs produced by interactions of single-energy protons with single-energy photons. The function is the kernel of the Bethe-Heitler pair production spectrum that replaces a double numerical integration involving the complex differential cross section of the process, and can be easily implemented in numerical codes. We further examine under which conditions Bethe-Heitler pairs produced in blazar jets can emit γ-ray photons via synchrotron radiation, thus providing an alternative to the inverse Compton scattering process for high-energy emission in jetted active galactic nuclei. For this purpose, we create 36 numerical models using the code ATHEνA optimized so that the Bethe-Heitler synchrotron emission dominates their γ-ray emission. After taking into consideration the broadband spectral characteristics of the source, the jet energetics, and the properties of radiation fields present in the blazar environment, we conclude that γ-rays in high-synchrotron-peaked blazars are unlikely to be produced by Bethe-Heitler pairs, because the emitting region is found to be opaque in photon-photon pair production at photon energies ≳ 10 GeV. On the contrary, γ-ray spectra of low-synchrotron-peaked blazars may arise from Bethe-Heitler pairs in regions of the jet with typical transverse size ∼ 1015 – 1016 cm and co-moving magnetic field 50 – 500 G. For such cases, an external thermal target photon field with temperatures T ∼ 4 · 102– 6 · 103 K is needed. The latter values could point to the dusty torus of the AGN. Interestingly, a Bethe-Heitler-dominated high-energy component is mostly found in models of intermediate-synchrotron peaked blazars, for a wide range of magnetic fields and source radii.

OBJECTIVES: An increasing number of women living with HIV are transitioning through midlife and menopause. Women living with HIV may experience earlier menopause and a higher symptom burden than women without HIV, but more evidence is needed. Data collection on menopause in women living with HIV is scarce and often not standardized. We sought to assess how menopause data are collected in cohorts and studies of women living with HIV. METHODS: This was a literature review conducted within the PubMed database. We included original studies and cohorts assessing menopause and/or menopausal symptoms in women living with HIV. Study characteristics and menopause data collection, including the definition of menopause, symptom assessment tools, and measurement of biomedical parameters, were noted and summarized systematically in data tables. RESULTS: We included 40 articles describing 37 separate studies published between 2000 and 2023; 27 of these were conducted in high-income countries, the majority in the USA (n = 16). Ten studies were from low- and middle-income countries; four of these were conducted in Brazil. In 20 studies, menopause was defined according to the World Health Organization's definition of over 12 months of amenorrhea. Twelve studies used the Menopause Rating Scale to characterize menopausal symptoms, five studies used other specified symptom assessment tools, and 12 studies used a study-specific tool. CONCLUSIONS: Menopause data collection in women living with HIV is heterogeneous. We propose that standardized tools should be used to enable comparisons between studies and countries, thereby improving the quality of research and clinical treatment. Further research into the validity of menopausal symptom scoring tools is warranted.

Although there is extensive research on the adulthood criteria endorsed by emerging adults, there is very limited evidence on the comparison between emerging adults and their parents regarding this issue. Moreover, in these comparison studies, only quantitative methodology was used. Therefore, the present study uses a mixed-method design to investigate similarities and differences in the prevalence of the endorsed adulthood criteria between emerging adults and their parents, between male and female emerging adults, and between fathers and mothers. Participants were 251 emerging adult students, aged 18.0 to 25.9 (M = 19.9; 50.2% females), and 341 parents of these emerging adults, aged 33.6 to 61.9 (M = 50.4; 58.4% mothers). They completed the Markers of Adulthood Scale and named the three criteria that they considered most important for a person to be considered an adult. An inductive-deductive coding scheme was used. The analyses exhibited a high consensus between emerging adults and their parents in the endorsement of adulthood criteria. Only criteria related to Independence and to the Self were reported more frequently by emerging adults than their parents. A strong agreement between genders in both age groups was also found. The contribution of this study is twofold. First, it supports the idea that in Greece adulthood is a construct that is largely shared by emerging adults and their parents. Second, it illustrates how a mixed-method design can complement quantitative studies and extend their findings.

Survivin belongs to a family of proteins that promote cellular proliferation and inhibit cellular apoptosis. Its overexpression in various cancer types has led to its recognition as an important marker for cancer diagnosis and treatment. In this work, we compare two approaches for the immunochemical detection of survivin through surface-enhanced fluorescence or Raman spectroscopy using surfaces with nanowires decorated with silver nanoparticles in the form of dendrites or aggregates as immunoassays substrates. In both substrates, a two-step non-competitive immunoassay was developed using a pair of specific monoclonal antibodies, one for detection and the other for capture. The detection antibody was biotinylated and combined with streptavidin labeled with rhodamine for the detection of surface-enhanced fluorescence, while, for the detection via Raman spectroscopy, streptavidin labeled with peroxidase was used and the signal was obtained after the application of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) precipitating substrate. It was found that the substrate with the silver dendrites provided higher fluorescence signal intensity compared to the substrate with the silver aggregates, while the opposite was observed for the Raman signal. Thus, the best substrate was used for each detection method. A detection limit of 12.5 pg/mL was achieved with both detection approaches along with a linear dynamic range up to 500 pg/mL, enabling survivin determination in human serum samples from both healthy and ovarian cancer patients for cancer diagnosis and monitoring purposes.

ABSTRACT The Lake Volvi area, part of the region of Macedonia (northern Greece), is a biodiversity hotspot, located in the central part of a major communication corridor connecting the western and eastern parts of the Balkans. The sediment succession from Lake Volvi is investigated here to provide a unique high-resolution pollen and geochemical record for the last 2000 years combining palaeoecological and historical methods, implementing the concept of consilience. The palaeoecological data document the environmental dynamics since the occupation of the area by the Romans. The vegetation changes reveal the development of wetland habitats and the variations of the mixed deciduous oak and thermophilous?mesophilous forests, as well as cereal cultivation, grazing and arboriculture, whose intensity varied over time. Archaeological data are available for the 1st millennium ce, but detailed historical evidence becomes accessible from the 13th century  ce onwards through Byzantine and Ottoman documents. Both historical and palaeoecological data indicate that the 16th century was the period of strongest population pressure on the environment of the Volvi region. However, for other periods, it is possible to observe disagreements between the proxies. We demonstrate that these contradictions can be resolved with a more complex understanding of the region's social?ecological dynamics.

The Eastern Anatolia suffered devastation following two major earthquakes on 6 February 2023 causing collapse of numerous structures and resulting in tens of thousands of human casualties, injuries, and displacements. This research endeavors to elucidate factors related to building properties and earthquake environmental effects (EEEs) that control the grade and distribution of structural damage in southeastern Turkey. The outcomes delineated herein originate from post-event field surveys conducted by the authors shortly after the earthquakes. The field surveys encompassed geological mapping techniques alongside novel methodologies, such as the utilization of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).In terms of building construction characteristics, deficiencies such as inadequate compliance with building codes, arbitrary urban planning solutions, and inferior construction practices represent primary factors that contributes significantly to the disaster. Regarding geological factors, both primary and secondary EEEs played a significant role in controlling the severity and distribution of building damage. Primary EEEs, in particular coseismic surface ruptures along segments of the East Anatolian Fault (EAF), intersected with urban regions exhibited severe to severe structural damage (e.g. Gölbaşı, Balkar, Sekeroba, Nurdağı, İslahiye, Hassa towns etc.). Liquefaction along with lateral spreading and subsidence near water bodies (sea, existing and former lakes and rivers in the affected area) resulted in damage indicative of compromised building foundation load-bearing capacity (e.g. İskenderun, Gölbaşı and Antakya cities). Typical damage included sinking and tilting of buildings, damage due to pounding of adjacent structures, as well as outspread multi-layer and pancake-type collapse. Earthquake-triggered landslides (ETILs) predominantly affected mountainous and semi-mountainous villages. The collision of the mobilized rock fragments with adjacent structures and the presence of structures within the landslide boundaries are the main mechanisms of building damage due to ETILs. The synergy of high landslide susceptibility and liquefaction potential resulted in destruction in several urban centers of the earthquake-affected area (e.g. Kahramanmaraş city).

Numerous people are applying for bank loans as a result of the banking industry’s expansion, but because banks only have a certain amount of assets to lend to, they can only do so to a certain number of applicants. Therefore, the banking industry is very interested in finding ways to reduce the risk factor involved in choosing the safe applicant in order to save lots of bank resources. These days, machine learning greatly reduces the amount of work needed to choose the safe applicant. Taking this into account, a novel weights and structure determination (WASD) neural network has been built to meet the aforementioned two challenges of credit approval and loan approval, as well as to handle the unique characteristics of each. Motivated by the observation that WASD neural networks outperform conventional back-propagation neural networks in terms of sluggish training speed and being stuck in local minima, we created a bio-inspired WASD algorithm for binary classification problems (BWASD) for best adapting to the credit or loan approval model by utilizing the metaheuristic beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm to improve the learning procedure of the WASD algorithm. Theoretical and experimental study demonstrate superior performance and problem adaptability. Furthermore, we provide a complete MATLAB package to support our experiments together with full implementation and extensive installation instructions.

The largest part of earthquake debris is generated by the collapse during the strong ground motion and the urgent demolition of severely damaged structures during the emergency response and recovery. One of the first and most significant actions during the response and recovery phases is the management of the disaster debris. It constitutes one of the most important challenges for all involved in disaster management, as it poses significant hazards to both the environment and the public health in the affected area. The hazards are attributed to the occurrence of hazardous materials in collapse and demolition debris.Many such challenges and related hazards emerged in the southeastern Türkiye in early February 2023, when two major earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 struck a densely built-up area comprising 11 provinces with many large urban centers such as large cities and towns and extensive rural areas with countless villages.The synergy of the strong ground motion combined with the generation of extensive primary effects, such as coseismic surface ruptures, and the triggering of secondary effects, including liquefaction and landslides among others, resulted in tens of thousands of totally and partially collapsed buildings and large parts of residential areas being flattened. This fact led to a volume of debris considered as the largest since the 1994 Northridge earthquake, an earthquake debris volume difficult to manage even in organized countries.During post-event field surveys conducted by the authors in the affected area, several disposal sites set up in the most affected provinces were detected and checked for suitability. The field surveys comprised the deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the disaster field and the use of satellite imagery back in the laboratory for assessing properties of sites and their surrounding areas as well as for monitoring implemented debris management activities. It is concluded that all sites had characteristics that did not allow them to be classified as safe sites for earthquake debris treatment and disposal. This is mainly attributed to their proximity to areas, where thousands of people live and work on a daily basis. As regards the environmental impact, these sites were operating within or close to surface water bodies. This situation reveals a rush for rapid debris removal and recovery resulting in serious omissions in the preparation of disaster management plans and concessions in their implementation. In this context, effective debris management measures are also proposed: (i) sorting of hazardous materials, (ii) appropriate treatment for chemicals and heavy metals, (iii) 3R (reuse, reduce, recycle) activities, (iv) systematic monitoring of environmental parameters and hazardous substances, (v) storage in sites with safe operation standards, (vi) strict application of international best practices and procedures for limiting asbestos adverse effects on public health.

Disasters arising from geophysical hazards have the potential to trigger extensive structural damage upon the built environment within the impacted area. A substantial proportion of debris generated from earthquakes is a consequence of structural collapse during the ground motion, coupled with the urgent demolition of severely damaged and unstable structures in the course of emergency response and recovery. Among the foremost and pivotal measures undertaken during disaster management is the effective management of the generated debris. This task stands as one of the paramount challenges faced by those involved, given its inherent hazards to both the natural environment and public health. These hazards emanate from the presence of hazardous materials within debris from collapses and demolitions.Numerous challenges and associated hazards emerged in southeastern Turkey after two devastating earthquakes on 6 February 2023 with Mw=7.8 and Mw=7.5 respectively. These seismic events affected a densely populated region encompassing 11 provinces, which included numerous sizable urban centers, such as large cities and towns, along with extensive rural areas comprising countless villages.The convergence of intense ground motion, accompanied by the occurrence of widespread primary effects, such as coseismic surface ruptures, and the triggering of secondary effects, including mainly but not limited to liquefaction and landslides, culminated in the total or partial collapse of tens of thousands of structures and the extensive leveling of residential areas. This fact gave rise to a debris volume deemed the largest since the 1994 Northridge earthquake and challenging to manage, even within well-organized nations.In the course of post-event field surveys conducted by the authors within the earthquake-stricken area, various disposal sites established in the most severely affected provinces were identified and assessed for suitability. The field surveys included the utilization of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the disaster-affected areas, complemented by the examination of satellite imagery in the laboratory to evaluate the characteristics of the sites and their immediate surroundings and to monitor the ongoing debris management activities.The findings indicate that none of the identified sites possessed attributes qualifying them as safe for the treatment and disposal of earthquake debris. Primarily, this inadequacy is attributed to their close proximity to areas densely populated with thousands of residents who engage in daily activities. Furthermore, from the environmental viewpoint, these sites operated either within or in close proximity to surface water bodies. This situation reveals a rush for rapid debris removal and recovery resulting in serious omissions in the preparation of disaster management plans and concessions in their implementation. Consequently, recommendations for effective debris management measures are also proposed in the context of this research based on existing scientific knowledge and operational expertise.

The concept of more electric aircraft (MEA) has gained popularity over the last few decades. As the power level of electric loads is constantly increasing, the installation of advanced protection systems becomes of paramount importance. In this context, this paper presents the design process and experimental validation of a solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB), utilizing gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor switches, under various faulty conditions. In addition, a thermal analysis was carried out in the PLECS simulation platform to find the most appropriate design for the heat dissipation system. Experimental results on the developed GaN SSCB hardware prototype verify its functionality and good performance.

This paper analyzes the impact of the European economy digitalization on the financial performance of the European SMEs during COVID-19. Using a panel data from 2017 to 2022 of 12,179 European SMEs and a European transformed digitalization index, we find that financial performance of SMEs is significantly and negatively associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Digitalization of the European economy significantly increases SMEs’ financial performance measured by various performance measurements and mediates the COVID-19 negative effect. Digitalization is more significant during COVID-19 era compared to the pre-pandemic period. Our results are robust to alternative performance measures.

Membrane proteins are sorted to the plasma membrane (PM) via Golgi-dependent trafficking. However, our recent studies challenged the essentiality of Golgi in the biogenesis of specific transporters. Here, we investigate the trafficking mechanisms of membrane proteins by following the localization of the polarized R-SNARE SynA versus the non-polarized transporter UapA, synchronously co-expressed in wild-type or isogenic genetic backgrounds repressible for conventional cargo secretion. In wild-type, the two cargoes dynamically label distinct secretory compartments, highlighted by the finding that, unlike SynA, UapA does not colocalize with the late-Golgi. In line with early partitioning into distinct secretory carriers, the two cargoes collapse in distinct ERES in a background. Trafficking via distinct cargo-specific carriers is further supported by showing that repression of proteins essential for conventional cargo secretion does not affect UapA trafficking, while blocking SynA secretion. Overall, this work establishes the existence of distinct, cargo-dependent, trafficking mechanisms, initiating at ERES and being differently dependent on Golgi and SNARE interactions.

On September 4, 2023, Storm Daniel moved inland from the Ionian Sea, intensifying due to the warmth of the post-summer Mediterranean Sea, resulting in intense rainfall and thunderstorms over the Balkans. Central Greece was particularly affected, experiencing the highest daily rainfall totals recorded in the region.The storm caused widespread devastation, especially in the Thessaly region, with significant impacts including intense erosion, mass movement phenomena triggered by rainfall, damages from strong winds, inundation, agricultural land damage, loss of life and injuries, impacts on residences and businesses, as well as a substantial toll on the environment and cultural sites.This study focuses on Storm Daniel and its effects in Thessaly, Greece, by creating a database of distinct impact elements based on field surveys and public records. Through this archive, the study explores the range of its impacts, developing a systematic categorization to provide an in-depth understanding of the types and mechanisms of these impacts.Examining extreme storms through post-flood surveys and emphasizing their impacts can enhance our comprehension of associated risks. This knowledge will facilitate more accurate predictions and strategic planning for such events, contributing to improved emergency management and recovery efforts. Anticipating the impacts becomes crucial, particularly in the context of the projected increase in the frequency of such events due to climate change, thereby strengthening our preparedness.

Several studies have evaluated different versions of the Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO) around the world and some shortened versions of the instrument have also been constructed. The aim of this study was to develop the first brief Greek-language version of the IPO (IPO-Brief-GR) to be used for clinical screening and research purposes regarding personality pathology defined according to Kernberg's object relations model of personality organization. Data were collected from a community sample of 543 Greek emerging adults aged 18–29 years (M = 21.45, SD = 2.51) with the 83-item IPO, from which a 30-item version was constructed, based on confirmatory factor analysis of the full measure. The psychometric properties of the IPO-Brief-GR were then examined. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a four-factor structure best fitted the data, that is, primitive defenses/identity diffusion, reality testing, aggression, and moral values. Criterion validity and internal consistency reliability were also supported. Measurement invariance across gender using an exact protocol approach (i.e., configural, metric, scalar) was found allowing latent mean comparisons. These preliminary findings support the reliability and validity of the IPO-Brief-GR for the assessment of borderline personality organization and indicate the need for further research into the psychometric properties and clinical utility of this measure.

The work is part of a larger project of teaching interdisciplinary teaching of physics concepts in biology within the science education class. It concerns the application of a thought experiment (ThE) about the movement of water in tracheophytes under different gravity conditions, i.e., the behavior of plants on another planet, forexample the Moon or Mars. The ThE was designed and implemented in a science class of 25 students who were instructed to perform it in a simulation environment using a software file that we created with the help of Interactive Physics software. The evaluation of the ThE carried out with a written questionnaire showed that theuse of such educational procedures can significantly help students to better understand the concepts related to capillary phenomena, the way water is transported to plants from roots to leaves and, generally, to contribute tothe interdisciplinary teaching of physics concepts in modules related to the teaching of biological phenomena and functions.

Motivated by the increasing demand for alternative assets that can contribute to reducing portfolio risk under inflationary environments, this paper examines the volatility spillovers between collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and various assets used for protection against inflation, including equities, bonds, crude oil, commodities, gold, bitcoin, shipping and real estate. The applied methodology comprehends the time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) model of Antonakakis et al (2020), which relies on the classical Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) approach, for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021. The empirical findings show moderate levels of dynamic connectedness; albeit several external shocks, such as the oil price plummet, the US-China trade war and COVID-19, strengthened the interconnection among the assets. Equities, commodities, bitcoin, real estate and gold form the net senders of spillovers, whereas bonds, shipping, CLOs and crude oil absorb the spread shocks. Moreover, we evaluate the hedging ability of CLOs within a portfolio of inflation hedges by estimating hedge ratios and optimal weights by utilizing conditional variance estimations (DCC). Our results indicate that CLOs possess impeccable hedging ability, as the short position in their volatility provides high hedging effectiveness for all investors holding long-positions in the volatility of the remaining assets. Our analysis highlights the importance of CLOs and their relevance to portfolio diversification.

Kalymnos Island features extensive vertical limestone cliffs that span throughout the entire onshore area, establishing it as one of the world's premier locations for sports climbing. Drawing thousands of tourists and climbers annually, Kalymnos captivates with its unparalleled natural beauty and unique geomorphological relief. The absence of vegetation and the prevalence of large limestone vertical cliffs contribute to a distinctive geological setting, showcasing detached boulders throughout the island and positioning it as an ideal site for studying rockfall events worldwide. To investigate this peculiar geological landscape, contemporary close-range remote sensing techniques such as UAS images photogrammetric processing, terrestrial LiDAR point clouds, and high-resolution satellite imagery within a GIS platform are employed. This integrated approach facilitates the creation of detailed terrain models and enables the identification of spatial boulder distribution on the downslope areas of steep carbonate cliffs. Moreover, the diachronic study of the detected high-risk locations delineated the surface changes at the foot of the steep slopes where several back analyses were performed. Utilizing these quantitative techniques provides valuable information for designing protective measures for the stability of the slopes, highlighting the safe climbing routes for the athletes and the infrastructure at the cliff bases. Strategies involve anchoring individual rock blocks, removing unsafe rock masses, and implementing restraining nets or dynamic rockfall barriers at strategic locations along the route trail to mitigate risks effectively.

Federations of Infrastructure Service Providers (InfSPs) has emerged as a practice to successfully serve demanding applications in cloud- and edge-computing environments, by overcoming the limitations of each such provider (in terms of available resources, geographic coverage etc.). In this paper, we develop innovative effective mechanisms and policies for the decentralized management of InfSP federations, considering the needs both for resource allocation meeting service composition requirements and for performing a fair and efficient distribution of profits. Resource allocation is performed by means of a greedy algorithm that includes an opportunistic and an adjustment phase. For determining the payments of participating InfSPs, we introduce an innovative sealed-bid reverse auction that combines VCG and first-price auction mechanisms; these are coupled with a sophisticated federation wallet management mechanism serving as a sink for the federation revenues. This hybrid mechanism possesses several nice properties including efficiency, long-term budget balance, truthfulness and individual rationality. Moreover, we present how our solution can be implemented in a decentralized, privacy-preserving and trustworthy manner over a blockchain, achieving bid privacy, non-repudiation and public verifiability. Our approach is evaluated by means of extensive experiments, the results of which reveal that resource allocation is either optimal or very close thereto, while individual InfSP profits as well as total federation profits are maximized. Moreover, the results confirm that the VCG mechanism alone cannot guarantee budget balance, thus justifying the necessity for our hybrid sophisticated solution.

Given the increasing importance of adjusting to university life and achieving happiness, identifying the effective role of emotional intelligence and psychological needs’ satisfaction in enhancing students’ well-being is crucial. This study investigated the relation between emotional intelligence, psychological need satisfaction, and university students’ happiness. Data were collected from 205 university students (mean age: 23.35; predominantly female) at the University of Crete. Participants completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale. The analysis began with a correlation matrix to explore preliminary relations among the key variables. A multiple-linear regression analysis was then conducted to predict happiness levels based on observed correlations. Following this, a multiple-mediation analysis examined how emotional intelligence affects happiness through psychological needs satisfaction. The results indicated a positive association between emotional intelligence and happiness, with psychological needs’ satisfaction also positively correlating with happiness. Specifically, the use and regulation of emotion, competence, and autonomy significantly predicted happiness. Path analysis revealed that emotional intelligence indirectly influences happiness, particularly through competence. The results indicate that high emotional intelligence, through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, is significantly associated with university students’ happiness. The study suggests that institutions should guide students in emotional intelligence and competence to increase happiness during their studies.

The present paper addresses employment and occupational prospects in Greece, in the period 2011-2022, highlighting the dynamic, stagnant and declining occupations and it also  addresses employment and occupational prospects in the near future (2022-2030). The role that Lifelong Learning  can play in an environment of abrupt changes is also discussed. The study reveals that in the period 2011-2022, the total employment rates in Greece increased by 1.0%, with the creation of 43,002 new jobs. A large number of jobs was created for general and keyboard clerks, health professionals and information and communication technology professionals but on the other hand, a large number of jobs were destructed. Therefore, the employment and occupational prospects in Greece in the near future require further attention. The estimates presented in this paper concern the time period 2022-2030, in a two-digit occupation code and they are derived from the application of the Oxford model (Oxford Global Economic Model - GEM), which is managed by NKUA, in the framework of its eLearning program. In this time period, according to relevant estimates, the total employment rates in Greece are expected to decrease by 3.4%, with a loss of 143,998 jobs in total. This negative development, that is expected to take place in an environment of increased production (estimates of the Oxford model), indicate a paradox that is  a period of economic growth which is not followed by the creation of new jobs (jobless growth). In light of this evidence, employment and occupational prospects and Lifelong learning are interlinked and often considered a favored topic for researchers, practitioners, policy makers and politicians. As occupations, dynamic, stagnant or declining, include certain tasks and skills, their evolution (and mainly in the dynamic ones) provide the necessary information areas in which long term strategy of Lifelong Learning should target. However, there seems to be a distance between policy, strategy and action. The paper suggests a more careful mapping of the job market, the lifelong learning programmes and the trainees’ prospective profiles. It also addresses the need to focus on those who rarely participate in lifelong learning programmes and are considered to also be the dropout rates from formal educational processes.

Forthcoming (cite as):  Kamberidou, Irene (2024). Engendering Technology in the Digital Age: Women’s Agency, Entrepreneurship and Multitasking Whirlpool. Presentation at the international conference Politics of Technologies in the Digital Age, Nov. 21-23, 2024. Organizers: University of Ioannina (Department of Philosophy), the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Department of Sociology), and Ionian University (Department of History): https://politicsoftechnologies.org/ https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/3420001   

El estudio examina los estereotipos culturales sobre España entre aprendices griegos de español, evaluando si reflejan la realidad actual española y su alcance global. Para ello, se aplica una prueba de disponibilidad léxica a estudiantes griegos de nivel B2, analizando sus respuestas sobre "España" en dos niveles. Primero, se examinan las respuestas más disponibles según su grado de novedad para comprobar si representan el pasado o la realidad actual española. Luego, se comparan los vocablos más disponibles de los estudiantes griegos con las respuestas de participantes de otros estudios de diferentes nacionalidades para determinar si son estereotipos localizados o globalizados. Los resultados indican que la mayoría de los estudiantes griegos ven a España de forma estereotipada y tradicional, y que esta visión es global.

Although Schema Therapy has emerged as an effective treatment for a large range of psychopathology, there is limited research on its effectiveness with children and adolescents, especially for preventive purposes, in individual or group settings and with the involvement of parents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of a newly developed group prevention program based on Schema Therapy (rationale, principles, and techniques) for children and their parents. It is a psychoeducational, developmentally-appropriate program addressing core emotional needs, early maladaptive schemas, schema modes, coping styles, and parent-child relationship with the aim of preventing the emergence of psychopathology in children. Participants were 90 Greek children (aged 9-13) who attended 16 weekly meetings and their parents who attended 10 biweekly meetings. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated with pre-and-post-intervention assessment (i.e., pre-experimental design). Children’s early maladaptive schemas (self-reports) and strengths and difficulties (self- and parent-reports), as well as parents’ early maladaptive schemas (self-reports) were assessed. Results showed a significant decrease in most early maladaptive schemas of children and in many early maladaptive schemas of parents. A significant decrease was found in children’s emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems and total difficulties score and a significant increase in prosocial behavior. The supporting evidence for the effectiveness of the program and the necessity of evidence-based prevention programs based on Schema Therapy for children and parents are discussed.

{Human existence and progress hinge on sustainability and resilience, especially in the Anthropocene Era, where the diversity of nature plays a critical role. Central to this endeavor is the realm of geoethics, which not only reshapes the role of geosciences but also fosters the development of ethical behavior and practices in our interaction with the Earth. This paper presents a conceptual framework that integrates the seemingly disparate domains of geoethics, geoenvironmental education, and the sense of place. By conducting a systematic review using the keywords “Geoethics AND Education” and “Geoethics AND place” across global databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and JSTOR, up to October 2023, we seek to uncover evidence illuminating the potential connections between these concepts. Out of n = 98 records identified

The aim of this study is to understand the family history of people pathologically engaging in gambling in rural Greece along with the factors and effects (suicidal thoughts/attempts) related thereto, according to participants’ perspective. Qualitative in nature, the study was based on 32 semi-structured interviews carried out with adults who attended a Treatment Facility for pathological gambling in Heraklion Crete, in Greece. A past family history of excessive gambling was reported by most of the participants, while in many cases were reported a family history of alcohol misuse. Participants perceived self-characteristics, losses/traumatic experiences, paternal and nuclear family characteristics, work-related problems, peers who also gamble and upbringing practices influenced by culture as principal pathological gambling factors. Participants also reported that pathological gambling has various effects on one’s psychological mood, behavior, and relationship patterns with self and others. Most participants also reported having suicidal thoughts, whereas a few of them mentioned at least one suicide attempt. The study concludes that pathological gambling in the current population is associated with a past family history of excessive gambling or alcohol misuse. Multiple factors also seem to contribute to its manifestation and to such adverse effects, such as suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Understanding the geochemistry and contamination of rivers affected by anthropogenic activities is paramount to water resources management. The Asopos river basin in central Greece is facing environmental quality deterioration threats due to industrial, urban and agricultural activities. Here, the geochemistry of river sediments and adjacent soil in terms of major and trace elements (Al, Ca, Mg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and the geochemical composition of surface water in terms of major ions, trace elements and nutrients along the Asopos river basin were determined. In addition, this study characterized potential nitrate sources through the analysis of stable isotope composition of NO3− (δ15Ν-ΝΟ3− and δ18Ο-ΝΟ3−). Results indicated that specific chemical constituents including nutrients (NO2−, NH4+, PO43−) and major ions (Na+, Cl−) were highest in the urban, industrialized and downstream areas. On the other hand, nitrate (NO3−) concentration in river water (median 7.9 mg/L) showed a decreasing trend from the upstream agricultural sites to the urban area and even more in the downstream of the urban area sites. Ionic ratios (NO3−/Cl−) and δ15Ν-ΝΟ3− values (range from +10.2 ‰ to +15.7 ‰), complemented with a Bayesian isotope mixing model, clearly showed the influence of organic wastes from septic systems and industries operating in the urban area on river nitrate geochemistry. The interpretation of geochemical data of soil and river sediment samples demonstrated the strong influence of local geology on Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni content, with isolated samples showing elevated concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, mostly within the industrialized urban environment. The calculation of enrichment factors based on the national background concentrations provided limited insights into the origin of geogenic metals. Overall, this study highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to assess the impact of the geological background and anthropogenic activities on river waters and sediments.

This paper explores an innovative educational program designed to protect and promote the geocultural heritage of Minoan Crete. The program applies environmental education and sustainability principles while integrating theater in education, a novel approach that significantly impacts participants’ perspectives. By effectively combining these elements, the program fosters environmental awareness, deepens cultural appreciation, and instills sustainable behaviors in both the local population and visitors. This interdisciplinary approach, blending geocultural heritage into environmental education, promotes an understanding of the delicate balance between nature and human interaction during the Minoan era. The paper also examines the program’s potential for broader community engagement and policy influence, emphasizing how its educational outcomes could result in meaningful changes at both community and policy levels. We advocate for the preservation of Minoan Crete’s geocultural heritage and its sustainable future through a unique blend of educational strategies, marking a milestone in heritage conservation.

On 6 February 2023, East Anatolia was devastated by two major earthquakes resulting in hundreds of thousands of collapses and tens of thousands of human casualties, and injured and homeless people. These high numbers are attributed to the extensive heavy and very heavy structural damage corresponding to damage grades 4 and 5 in terms of the European Macroseismic Scale EMS-98 that were caused in the earthquake-affected area.The obvious reasons that contributed to the disaster comprised the large magnitude of the earthquakes, the generation of the first earthquake during the night that found the majority of the population in their homes, the demographic characteristics of the region that include densely built-up and populated areas as well as the proximity of many residential areas to the ruptured faults. Furthermore, the synergy of significant factors, which are strongly related to the seismotectonic setting of the area, the earthquake environmental effects (EEEs) and the characteristics of the affected structures resulted in one of the largest earthquake disasters in the modern history of the country.The aim of this study is to highlight the factors related to building properties and the generation of EEEs that control the grade and the spatial distribution of building damage in the studied earthquake-affected areas of southeastern Turkey. The results of this study are based on field surveys conducted by the authors shortly after the earthquakes (7 to 11 February) and after almost 2 months (31 March to 6 April). The field survey comprising conventional methods of geological mapping and modern and innovative methodologies such as deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).In regards to the building construction properties, the loose enforcement of the building code, the random urban planning solutions and the poor construction standards are the main construction deficiencies that led to one of the largest disasters in Turkey’s recent history.Regarding geological factors, the triggering of primary and secondary EEEs largely shaped the grade and distribution of damage. Where coseismic surface ruptures intersected with the built environment, heavy to very heavy structural damage was observed. This was evident in many cases along the ruptured segments of the East Anatolian Fault Zone. Liquefaction observed close to waterbodies caused damage typical of building foundation load-bearing capacity loss. The earthquake-triggered landslides affected mainly mountainous and semi-mountainous settlements characterized with pre-earthquake high related susceptibility. The high susceptibility to generation of EEEs was extensively confirmed in many cases resulting in extensive damage.

On 6 February 2023, the Eastern Anatolia experienced significant devastation due to two major seismic events, leading to the collapse of hundreds of thousands of structures and causing tens of thousands of human casualties, injuries, and homeless people. The substantial magnitude of these impacts is attributed to the extensive occurrence of heavy and very heavy structural damage, categorized as damage grades 4 and 5 according to the European Macroseismic Scale EMS-98, within the earthquake-affected area.The discernible factors contributing to the disaster encompassed the substantial magnitude of the earthquakes, the occurrence of the initial seismic event during nighttime, thereby locating a considerable portion of the population within their residences, and the demographic attributes of the region characterized by densely constructed and populated zones, coupled with the close proximity of numerous residential areas to the ruptured faults. Additionally, the confluence of significant factors, closely associated with the seismotectonic context of the region, the effects of earthquake environmental effects, and the characteristics of the impacted structures, culminated in one of the most extensive earthquake disasters in the recent history of Turkey.This study aims to highlight the factors controlling associated with building properties and the manifestation of earthquake environmental effects that govern the severity and spatial dispersion of structural damage within the earthquake-affected regions under study in the southeastern Turkey. The findings presented herein derive from field surveys undertaken by the authors in the immediate aftermath of the seismic events (7th to 11th February) and subsequently, almost two months later (31st March to 6th April). The field surveys included conventional techniques of geological mapping alongside innovative methodologies, including the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).With regard to building construction characteristics, insufficient adherence to building codes, arbitrary urban planning solutions, and substandard construction practices constitute primary deficiencies contributed to the disaster. Concerning geological factors, the generation of both primary and secondary earthquake environmental effects significantly influenced the intensity and distribution of damage. Locations where coseismic surface ruptures intersected with built-up areas exhibited heavy to very heavy structural damage, as evidenced along the ruptured segments of the East Anatolian Fault Zone. Liquefaction proximal to water bodies resulted in damage indicative of building foundation load-bearing capacity. Earthquake-triggered landslides predominantly impacted mountainous and semi-mountainous villages and areas characterized by pre-existing susceptibility. The substantial susceptibility to EEEs generation was extensively corroborated in numerous cases, leading to widespread damage. The presented information highlights the pivotal role of such studies in informing hazard mitigation and facilitating disaster risk reduction measures.

We are presenting a geopolitical analysis of power redistribution in the Geopolitical Complex of the Eastern Mediterranean, as defned by the Greek-Cypriot-Turkish-Israeli-Egyptian pentagon. The factor causing the reallocation of power in the Geopolitical Complex examined isTurkey’s policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a focus on the illegal Turkish-Libyan Memorandum of Understanding. Therefore, this analysis covers bilateral relations and tensions between Greece and Turkey andother international poles of power (France, Italy, Germany, the USA, and Russia) and their projection in the Eastern Mediterranean. Under the aforementioned perspective, we examine the converging factors upon which this analysis is focused: (a) the debate concerning the direct or indirect projection of power in the area, (b) the opportunities for cooperation between Greece and France in the defensesector, and (c) the advantages of creating a new Southeastern Mediterranean architecture of security in the context of NATO.

This study investigates the impact of green roof (GR) implementations as a mitigation strategy for urban heating during an extreme heat wave event in Athens, Greece, from 28 July to 5 August 2021. Three GR scenarios were simulated, namely 100% grass coverage, 100% sedum coverage, and 50% grass coverage, using the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) in conjunction with the multi-layer urban-canopy-model BEP&BEM (Building Effect Parameterization/Building Energy Model) and extra urban land-use categories from Local Climate Zones (LCZ). Based on the results, GRs alter the local heat balance in the Greater Area of Athens (GAA), leading to a total temperature reduction. The 100% grass coverage proved to be the most effective, particularly during daytime, reducing the 2 m temperature field by approximately 0.7 ∘C (mean value) in the GAA. In some locations, temperature reductions exceeded 2 ∘C, depending on the local characteristics and the direction of the prevailing winds. Grass offered superior cooling effects compared to sedum, although sedum is more resilient to dry and moderate climates. The extent of vegetation coverage played an important role in the effectiveness of GRs. Reducing the coverage by 50% significantly reduced the cooling benefits, highlighting the importance of maximizing vegetation coverage to achieve notable temperature reductions.

The Byzantine Commonwealth stands out in the annals of history as an indelible construct which exercised a profound influence on the preservation and continual reinvigoration of the Greek cultural heritage. Functioning as the custodian of ancient Greek legacies, it served as a bulwark against the tides of time and also facilitated the dissemination of these cultural elements to the burgeoning civilizations of the Medieval Age. As the ultimate bastion of the Hellenistic tradition, the Commonwealth evolved into a “crucible”, wherein profound Christian theological inquiries flourished, thus laying the groundwork for an authentically ecumenical Orthodoxy. This epochal transformation served as the cornerstone for the delineation of the spiritual and intellectual contours that came to define the Eastern world in its entirety. Hellenism served not only as a cultural foundation but also as a dynamic force in fostering national consciousness and resistance against conquering powers. In the end, the resilience of Byzantine culture contributed significantly to the formation of modern Neo-Hellenic/Neo-Byzantine identities, influencing contemporary sociopolitical movements and policies. This paper offers a review of key historical events and philosophical shifts which defined this long process and shaped the development of modern East European nations. It also highlights the complex interplay between historical heritage and modern national identity  

The stability of nonlinear systems in the control domain has been extensively studied using different versions of the algebraic Riccati equation (ARE). This leads to the focus of this work: the search for the time-varying quaternion ARE (TQARE) Hermitian solution. The zeroing neural network (ZNN) method, which has shown significant success at solving time-varying problems, is used to do this. We present a novel ZNN model called ’ZQ-ARE’ that effectively solves the TQARE by finding only Hermitian solutions. The model works quite effectively, as demonstrated by one application to quadrotor control and three simulation tests. Specifically, in three simulation tests, the ZQ-ARE model finds the TQARE Hermitian solution under various initial conditions, and we also demonstrate that the convergence rate of the solution can be adjusted. Furthermore, we show that adapting the ZQ-ARE solution to the state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) technique stabilizes a quadrotor’s flight control system faster than the traditional differential-algebraic Riccati equation solution.

A fraction of the active supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies in our Universe are capable of launching extreme kiloparsec-long relativistic jets. These jets are known multiband (radio to γ-ray) and multimessenger (neutrino) emitters, and some of them have been monitored over decades at all accessible wavelengths. However, several open questions remain unanswered about the processes powering these highly energetic phenomena. These jets intrinsically produce soft-to-hard X-ray emission that extends from E>0.1keV up to E>100keV, and simultaneous broadband X-ray coverage, combined with excellent timing and imaging capabilities, is required to uncover the physics of jets. Indeed, truly simultaneous soft-to-hard X-ray coverage, in synergy with current and upcoming high-energy facilities (such as IXPE, COSI, CTAO, etc.) and neutrino detectors (e.g., IceCube), would enable us to disentangle the particle population responsible for the high-energy radiation from these jets. A sensitive hard X-ray survey (F20−80keV<10−15ergcm−2s−1) could unveil the bulk of their population in the early Universe. Acceleration and radiative processes responsible for the majority of their X-ray emission would be pinned down by microsecond timing capabilities at both soft and hard X-rays. Furthermore, imaging jet structures for the first time in the hard X-ray regime could unravel the origin of their high-energy emission. The proposed Probe-class mission concept High Energy X-ray Probe (HEX-P) combines all these required capabilities, making it the crucial next-generation X-ray telescope in the multi-messenger, time-domain era. HEX-P will be the ideal mission to unravel the science behind the most powerful accelerators in the Universe.

In light of the recent research in low-dimensional bismuth structures as spin-active materials and topological insulators, we present a comprehensive characterization of the Bi/Au(111) interface. The nuanced evolution of Bi phases upon deposition in ultrahigh vacuum (UHC) on a Au(111) surface is investigated from semidisordered clusters to few-layer Bi(110) thin films. Particular attention is devoted to the high-coverage, submonolayer phases, commonly grouped under the (P×√3) nomenclature. We bring forth a new model, refining the current iunderstanding of the Bi/Au(111) interface and demonstrating the existence of submonolayer moiré superstructures, whose geometry and superperiodicity depend on their coverage. This tuneable periodicity paves the way for their use as tailored buffer and templating layers for epitaxial growth of thin films on Au(111). Finally, we clarify the growth mode of multilayer Bi(110) as bilayer-by-bilayer, allowing precise thickness control of anisotropically strained thin films. This holistic understanding of the structural properties of the material was enabled by the synergy of several experimental techniques, namely low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM, STS), and X-ray standing waves (XSW), further corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) simulations.

We investigate conditions for the extendibility of continuous algebra homomorphisms ϕ from the Fourier algebra A(F ) of a locally compact group F to the Fourier-Stieltjes algebra B(G) of a locally compact group G to maps between the corresponding L∞ algebras which are weak* continuous. When ϕ is completely bounded and F is amenable, it is induced by a piecewise affine map α : Y → F where Y ⊆ G. We show that extendibility of ϕ is equivalent to α being an open map. We also study the dual problem for contractive homomorphismsϕ : L1 (F ) → M (G). We show that ϕ induces a w* continuous homomorphism between the von Neumann algebras of the groups if and only if the naturally associated map θ (Greenleaf [1965], Stokke [2011]) is a proper map.

Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) is a rare neurodegenerative condition, characterized by the bilateral loss of vision due to the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Its primary cause is linked to mutations in OPA1 gene, which ultimately affect mitochondrial structure and function. The current lack of successful treatments for ADOA emphasizes the need to investigate the mechanisms driving disease pathogenesis and exploit the potential of animal models for preclinical trials. Among such models, Caenorhabditis elegans stands out as a powerful tool, due its simplicity, its genetic tractability, and its relevance to human biology. Despite the lack of a visual system, the presence of mutated OPA1 in the nematode recapitulates ADOA pathology, by stimulating key pathogenic features of the human condition that can be studied in a fast and relatively non-laborious manner. Here, we provide a detailed guide on how to assess the therapeutic efficacy of chemical compounds, in either small or large scale, by evaluating three crucial phenotypes of humanized ADOA model nematodes, that express pathogenic human OPA1 in their GABAergic motor neurons: axonal mitochondria number, neuronal cell death and defecation cycle time. The described methods can deepen our understanding of ADOA pathogenesis and offer a practical framework for developing novel treatment schemes, providing hope for improved therapeutic outcomes and a better quality of life for individuals affected by this currently incurable condition.

For air quality management, while numerical tools are mainly evaluated to assess their performances on absolute concentrations, this study assesses the impact of their settings on the robustness of model responses to emission reduction strategies for the main criteria pollutants. The effect of the spatial resolution and chemistry schemes is investigated. We show that whereas the spatial resolution is not a crucial setting (except for NO2), the chemistry scheme has more impact, particularly when assessing hourly values of the absolute potential of concentrations. The analysis of model responses under the various configurations triggered an analysis of the impact of using online models, like WRF-chem or WRF-CHIMERE, which accounts for the impact of aerosol concentrations on meteorology. This study informs the air quality modeling community on what extent some model settings can affect the expected model responses to emission changes. We suggest to not activate online effects when analyzing the effect of an emission reduction strategy to avoid any confusion in the interpretation of results even if an online simulation should represent better the reality.

There is limited research on the role of childhood trauma in personality pathology according to Kernberg’s psychodynamic model of internalized object relations. Because childhood trauma reflects the disruptions of these relations, it is expected to predict borderline personality organization, especially at the threshold of adulthood. Therefore, the main aim of this retrospective study was to examine the impact of childhood trauma on borderline personality organization in a community sample of emerging adults. Participants were 543 Greek individuals aged 18-29 (M = 21.45; 58.6% females; 85.1% university students). They completed the Greek versions of the Traumatic Antecedents Questionnaire (TAQ) and the Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO), which were tested for their factorial structure, reliability, and measurement invariance across gender, as few empirical data exist on the psychometric properties of these measures. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the TAQ consisted of four factors, namely positive experiences, abuse, traumatic life events, and family chaos. The five-factor theoretical structure of the IPO, namely primitive defenses, identity diffusion, reality testing, aggression, and moral values, was confirmed. Low to moderate links between childhood trauma and borderline personality organization were found, with stronger links emerging for abuse and family chaos. Structural equation modeling showed that the various forms of childhood trauma across the age periods studied (i.e., 0-6, 7-12, 13-18) significantly and differentially predicted the dimensions of borderline personality organization. The finding that stronger links emerged when trauma occurred in older ages may be attributed to the retrospective method of the study. Gender differences were also found; for example, personality pathology was more likely in men when abuse and traumatic life events occurred in younger ages and abuse was a more important risk factor for personality pathology in women. This study highlights the impact of childhood adversity on personality pathology in emerging adulthood, provides empirical support for Kernberg’s psychodynamic model, and has useful implications for trauma-informed early screening, prevention, and intervention regarding personality pathology in young people. Limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are outlined.

The projected increase in frequency of flood extremes, attributed to climate change, poses a significant threat to coastal regions throughout the Mediterranean. Consequences encompass extensive geomorphological changes, infrastructural degradation, property damage, pollution of the aquatic environment, and other adverse socio-economic impacts, also threating the blue economy—a vital economic driver of the region. Acknowledging the pivotal role of coastal areas as critical nodes for both economic activities and ecologically valuable natural landscapes, it becomes imperative to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms and extents to which extreme flood events can impact these vulnerable coastal zones. This work focuses on exploring the impacts on the coastline of recent extreme storm events in the Eastern Mediterranean. The study aims to explore and classify the typology of effects, the severity of impacts and examine their spatial distribution as means to contribute to an improved understanding of extreme storm and flooding consequences in the region.

A family of zeroing neural networks based on new nonlinear activation functions is proposed for solving various time-varying linear matrix equations (TVLME). The proposed neural network dynamical systems, symbolized as Li-VPZNN1 and Li-VPZNN2, include an exponential parameter in nonlinear activation function (AF) that leads to faster convergence to the theoretical result compared to previous categories of nonlinearly activated neural networks. Theoretical analysis as well as numerical tests in MATLAB's environment confirm the efficiency and accelerated convergence property of the novel dynamics.

Cultural logic is a set of cultural scripts and patterns organized around a central theme. The cultural logics of dignity, honor, and face describe different ways of evaluating a person’s worth and maintaining cooperation. These cultural logics vary in prevalence across cultures. In this study, we collaboratively develop and validate a measure capturing these cultural logics, which will allow us to map world cultures based on the prevalence of these logics. We will further explore the interrelationsof dignity, honor, and face with prosocial behavior, values, moral beliefs, and religiosity as well as examine the generalizability of these relationships across cultures. Finally, we will explore historical antecedents (e.g., resource scarcity) and current correlates (e.g., inequality) of the country-level prevalence of these cultural logics. This study will generate a new dataset of country scores for dignity, honor, and face that will be available for future comparative research. It will also providetheoretical insights for researchers and practitioners interested in cooperation and social behavior within and between cultures.

The utilization of hybrid plasmonic metal/semiconductor materials for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as a promising approach towards the development of advanced SERS substrates in terms of sensitivity{,} uniformity{,} stability{,} and reusability{,} based on the synergy of the powerful electromagnetic mechanism with the chemical amplification and functionality of semiconductor supports. In this work{,} co-assembled WO3/TiO2 inverse opal films were utilized as photonic crystal scaffolds of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles in order to optimally combine plasmonic{,} charge transfer and slow photon effects for ultrasensitive{,} recyclable SERS sensing. Compositional and photonic band gap engineering of the Ag-decorated WO3/TiO2 photonic crystal substrates provided insight to the interplay of plasmonic enhancement assisted by slow light propagation in the inverse opal structure and charge transfer between the analyte and the heterostructured substrate. Highly sensitive detection of 4─mercaptobenzoic acid as a non-resonant analyte was achieved down to 10-13 M for the optimal Ag─WO3/TiO2 substrate with good uniformity and excellent recyclability due to its enhanced photocatalytic self-cleaning capacity. Comparative performance tests along with photoelectrochemical evaluation showed a significant contribution of cascade electron transfer from plasmonic Ag to the staggered WO3/TiO2 heterojunctions and the analyte{,} providing an additional charge transfer pathway to promote the substrate-to-molecule interaction for the design of efficient and versatile metal/metal oxide SERS platforms.

El vocabulario forma parte integral del sistema lingüístico y constituye un indicador importante de la competencia comunicativa del hablante de lengua extranjera. Sin embargo, la evaluación de ese vocabulario es una tarea especialmente compleja debido a las múltiples dimensiones que supone el conocimiento léxico. La prueba de disponibilidad léxica es una herramienta útil al aportar diferentes tipos de información relacionados con los conocimientos léxicos del aprendiz de lengua extranjera. Reconociendo el potencial de dicha herramienta para recoger respuestas pertenecientes a diferentes clases de palabras, el presente estudio persiguió explorar cómo se relacionan las características cognitivas de diferentes centros de interés con la categoría gramatical de las respuestas de aprendices de español como lengua extranjera (ELE) en una prueba de disponibilidad léxica. En concreto, se examinó cómo varía la categoría gramatical de las respuestas a partir de siete estímulos pertenecientes a diferentes categorías cognitivas a medida que se avanza en la competencia lingüística en ELE. Participaron en el estudio 140 estudiantes griegos de ELE de los niveles de referencia A, B y C, quienes llevaron a cabo una prueba de disponibilidad léxica en la modalidad escrita. En dicha prueba, se incluyeron los centros de interés ‘La casa’, ‘Comida y bebida’, ‘Profesiones y oficios’, ‘El campo’, ‘La ciudad’, ‘Celebraciones y fiestas’ y ‘Acciones diarias’. Tras cuantificar las diferentes categorías gramaticales en cada centro de interés en los tres niveles de referencia, los resultados mostraron que la categoría gramatical de las respuestas se ve influida por las características cognitivas tanto de las respuestas como de los centros de interés.

La presse hellénique éditée à Paris initialement en langue grecque voit émerger, à partir de la seconde moitié du xixe siècle, des périodiques rédigés en français. Ce choix peut être imputé aux conditions du paysage médiatique français après 1881 propices à l’émergence de nouveaux titres. L’adoption du français comme langue d’expression reflète également les besoins et les pratiques sociales de la communauté grecque ainsi que sa volonté d’occidentalisation. La langue française est aussi perçue par les éditeurs et journalistes grecs installés à Paris comme un outil susceptible de leur permettre d’intervenir dans le dialogue entamé sur le sort du pays au niveau européen. Quoique très hétérogène, cette presse témoigne des aspirations des émigrés et présente une cohérence idéologique qui détermine largement ses contenus éditoriaux. Elle constitue un puissant vecteur de propagande au service de la nation grecque et devient un lieu actif de transferts culturels entre la France et la Grèce.

El objeto del presente trabajo es examinar cómo el nivel lingüístico de los aprendices de una lengua extranjera afecta a las asociaciones léxicas que realizan estos en su lexicón mental. El lexicón mental es un sistema altamente estructurado y organizado de distintas formas en redes interrelacionadas. Entre las palabras se establecen asociaciones de diferentes tipos (p.e. semánticas, fonológicas, enciclopédicas). No obstante, estas asociaciones no son estables, ya que el lexicón mental es un sistema dinámico que crece y se reorganiza cada vez que se almacena una nueva unidad léxica o cada vez que se aprende una nueva información sobre una palabra ya almacenada. Con el fin de examinar dichas asociaciones y su evolución, utilizamos una prueba asociativa, la cual permite la activación del léxico productivo mediante una palabra estímulo, haciendo posible de este modo la observación de cómo se organiza el lexicón mental. En nuestro trabajo sometemos a dos grupos de participantes de diferente nivel lingüístico a la realización de una prueba de disponibilidad léxica. Más específicamente, analizamos las respuestas de un grupo de alumnos griegos de ELE de nivel B1 y otro de nivel C1. Evaluamos aspectos cuantitativos y cualitativos de las respuestas en el centro de interés “Comida y bebida”. Los resultados del estudio indican que el nivel lingüístico en lengua extranjera afecta a la cantidad de las asociaciones léxicas realizadas por los participantes, mientras que no influye de una manera decisiva en el tipo de asociaciones léxicas generadas.

FurE is a H symporter specific for the cellular uptake of uric acid, allantoin, uracil, and toxic nucleobase analogues in the fungus nidulans. Being member of the NCS1 protein family, FurE is structurally related to the APC-superfamily of transporters. APC-type transporters are characterised by a 5+5 inverted repeat fold made of ten transmembrane segments (TMS1-10) and function through the rocking-bundle mechanism. Most APC-type transporters possess two extra C-terminal TMS segments (TMS11-12), the function of which remains elusive. Here we present a systematic mutational analysis of TMS11-12 of FurE and show that two specific aromatic residues in TMS12, Trp473 and Tyr484, are essential for ER-exit and trafficking to the plasma membrane (PM). Molecular modeling shows that Trp473 and Tyr484 might be essential through dynamic interactions with residues in TMS2 (Leu91), TMS3 (Phe111), TMS10 (Val404, Asp406) and other aromatic residues in TMS12. Genetic analysis confirms the essential role of Phe111, Asp406 and TMS12 aromatic residues in FurE ER-exit. We further show that co-expression of FurE-Y484F or FurE-W473A with wild-type FurE leads to a dominant negative phenotype, compatible with the concept that FurE molecules oligomerize or partition in specific microdomains to achieve concentrative ER-exit and traffic to the PM. Importantly, truncated FurE versions lacking TMS11-12 are unable to reproduce a negative effect on the trafficking of co-expressed wild-type FurE. Overall, we show that TMS11-12 acts as an intramolecular chaperone for proper FurE folding, which seems to provide a structural code for FurE partitioning in ER-exit sites.

Context. Recent associations of high-energy neutrinos with active galactic nuclei (AGN) have revived the interest in leptohadronic models of radiation from astrophysical sources. The rapid increase in the amount of acquired multi-messenger data will require fast numerical models that may be applied to large source samples. Aims: We develop a time-dependent leptohadronic code, LeHaMoC, that offers several notable benefits compared to other existing codes, such as versatility and speed. Methods: LeHaMoC solves the Fokker-Planck equations of photons and relativistic particles (i.e. electrons, positrons, protons, and neutrinos) produced in a homogeneous magnetized source that may also be expanding. The code utilizes a fully implicit difference scheme that allows fast computation of steady-state and dynamically evolving physical problems. Results: We first present test cases where we compare the numerical results obtained with LeHaMoC against exact analytical solutions and numerical results computed with ATHEvA, a well-tested code of similar philosophy but a different numerical implementation. We find a good agreement (within 10-30%) with the numerical results obtained with ATHEvA without evidence of systematic differences. We then demonstrate the capabilities of the code through illustrative examples. First, we fit the spectral energy distribution from a jetted AGN in the context of a synchrotron-self Compton model and a proton-synchrotron model using Bayesian inference. Second, we compute the high-energy neutrino signal and the electromagnetic cascade induced by hadronic interactions in the corona of NGC 1068. Conclusions: LeHaMoC is easily customized to model a variety of high-energy astrophysical sources and has the potential to become a widely utilized tool in multi-messenger astrophysics. Instructions for downloading the code, accessing online documentation, and reproducing applications presented in this paper can be found at https://github.com/mariapetro/LeHaMoC Github repository.

Plasmonic photocatalysis based on metal-semiconductor heterojunctions is considered a key strategy to evade the inherent limitations of poor light harvesting and charge separation of semiconductor photocatalysts. It can be profitably combined with three-dimensional photonic crystals (PCs) that offer an ideal scaffold for loading plasmonic nanoparticles and a unique architecture to intensify photon capture. In this work{,} Mo-doped BiVO4 inverse opals were applied as visible light-responsive photonic hosts of Ag and/or Au plasmonic nanoparticles in order to exploit the synergy of plasmonic and photonic amplification effects with interfacial charge transfer for the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of recalcitrant pharmaceutical contaminants under visible light. Photoelectrochemical evaluation indicated a major contribution from hot spot-assisted local field enhancement{,} most pronounced for Ag/Mo-BiVO4 PCs due to the spectral overlap of the localized surface plasmon resonance with the electronic absorption and blue-edge slow photon region of Mo-BiVO4 PCs{,} in contrast to weak plasmonic sensitization effects for the Au-modified PCs. The diverse band alignment at the metal-semiconductor interfaces resulted in the enhanced photoelectrocatalytic degradation of tetracycline broad spectrum antibiotic by Ag/Mo-BiVO4 and the refractory ibuprofen drug by (Ag{,}Au)/Mo-BiVO4{,} attributed to the enhanced charge separation by electron transfer toward Ag nanoparticles. Combination of visible light activated semiconductor PCs and plasmonic nanoparticles with suitable band alignment and photonic band gap may provide a versatile approach for the rational design of efficient plasmonic-photonic photoeletrocatalysts.

A minimalist approach to the linear stability problem in fluid dynamics is developed that ensures efficiency by utilizing only the essential elements required to find the eigenvalues for given boundary conditions. It is shown that the problem is equivalent to a single first-order ordinary differential equation, and that studying the argument of the unknown complex function in the eigenvalue space is sufficient to find the dispersion relation. The method is applied to a model for relativistic magnetized astrophysical jets.

In this study, we attempt to provide insight into the complex interplay between loneliness/solitude and the writing gift from the early years of life. Theories and research on giftedness, loneliness/solitude, and on the links between them suggest that creative literary production and loneliness/solitude are associated. To further illustrate these associations, we briefly discuss loneliness and solitude in childhood, adult life, and work of four gifted writers: Hans Christian Andersen, Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Beatrix Helen Potter. The theoretical framework of this study is twofold: various psychoanalytic formulations and Bruner’s social constructivist and intersubjective conceptualisation of the narrative gift. The main conclusion of this study is that gifted writers have, paradoxically, an intense experience of both painful and beneficial aloneness, which is the inevitable outcome of the writing gift but also becomes the inspiration and motive force for ars poetica.

The recent unprecedented progress in ageing research and drug discovery brings together fundamental research and clinical applications to advance the goal of promoting healthy longevity in the human population. We, from the gathering at the Aging Research and Drug Discovery Meeting in 2023, summarised the latest developments in healthspan biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), biomarkers and clocks, geroscience, and clinical trials and interventions for healthy longevity. Moreover, we provide an overview of academic research and the biotech industry focused on targeting ageing as the root of age-related diseases to combat multimorbidity and extend healthspan. We propose that the integration of generative AI, cutting-edge biological technology, and longevity medicine is essential for extending the productive and healthy human lifespan.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder representing a major burden on families and society. Some of the main pathological hallmarks of AD are the accumulation of amyloid plaques (Aβ) and tau neurofibrillary tangles. However, it is still unclear how Aβ and tau aggregates promote specific phenotypic outcomes and lead to excessive oxidative DNA damage, neuronal cell death and eventually to loss of memory. Here we utilized a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of human tauopathy to investigate the role of DNA glycosylases in disease development and progression. Transgenic nematodes expressing a pro-aggregate form of tau displayed altered mitochondrial content, decreased lifespan, and cognitive dysfunction. Genetic ablation of either of the two DNA glycosylases found in C. elegans, NTH-1 and UNG-1, improved mitochondrial function, lifespan, and memory impairment. NTH-1 depletion resulted in a dramatic increase of differentially expressed genes, which was not apparent in UNG-1 deficient nematodes. Our findings clearly show that in addition to its enzymatic activity, NTH-1 has non-canonical functions highlighting its modulation as a potential therapeutic intervention to tackle tau-mediated pathology.

Mitophagy, the selective removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, is pivotal for the maintenance of neuronal function and survival. MEC-12/α-tubulin contributes to neuronal physiology through the regulation of microtubule assembly, intracellular transport and mitochondrial distribution. However, its role in mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy remains obscure. Here, we demonstrate that MEC-12 influences mitochondrial morphology under basal conditions and regulates the axonal mitochondrial population. Impairment of MEC-12 results in compromised axonal mitophagy under both basal conditions and oxidative stress. Our results uncover the critical role of MEC-12/α-tubulin for maintaining a healthy mitochondrial population in axons and highlight the complex interplay between microtubules, mitophagy and neuronal health.

Unhealthy aging poses a global challenge with profound healthcare and socioeconomic implications. Slowing down the aging process offers a promising approach to reduce the burden of a number of age-related diseases, such as dementia, and promoting healthy longevity in the old population. In response to the challenge of the aging population and with a view to the future, Norway and the United Kingdom are fostering collaborations, supported by a "Money Follows Cooperation agreement" between the 2 nations. The inaugural Norway-UK joint meeting on aging and dementia gathered leading experts on aging and dementia from the 2 nations to share their latest discoveries in related fields. Since aging is an international challenge, and to foster collaborations, we also invited leading scholars from 11 additional countries to join this event. This report provides a summary of the conference, highlighting recent progress on molecular aging mechanisms, genetic risk factors, DNA damage and repair, mitophagy, autophagy, as well as progress on a series of clinical trials (eg, using NAD+ precursors). The meeting facilitated dialogue among policymakers, administrative leaders, researchers, and clinical experts, aiming to promote international research collaborations and to translate findings into clinical applications and interventions to advance healthy aging.

The use of nature-based solutions (NbS) to address the risks posed by hydro-meteorological hazards have not yet become part of the mainstream policy response, and one of the main reasons cited for this, is the lack of evidence that they can effectively reduce disaster risk. This paper addresses this issue, by providing model-based evidence from five European case studies which demonstrate the effectiveness of five different NbS in reducing the magnitude of the hazard and thus risk, in present-day and possible future climates. In OAL-Austria, the hazard is a deep-seated landslide, and the NbS analysed is afforestation. Modelling results show that in today's climate and a landcover scenario of mature forest, a reduction in landslide velocity of 27.6% could be achieved. In OAL-Germany, the hazard is river flooding and the NbS analysed is managed grazing with removal of woody vegetation. Modelling results show that the NbS could potentially reduce maximum flood water depth in the near-future (2031-2060) and far-future (2070-2099), by 0.036m and 0.155m, respectively. In OAL-Greece, the hazard is river flooding, and the NbS is upscaled natural storage reservoirs. Modelling results show that in a possible future climate the upscaled NbS show most potential in reducing the total flooded area by up to 1.26 km2. In OAL-Ireland, the hazard is surface and river flooding, and the NbS is green roofs. Results from a modelled upscaling analysis under two different climate scenarios show that both maximum flood water depth, and total flooded area were able to be reduced. In OAL-UK, the hazard is shallow landslides, and the NbS is high-density planting of two different tree species. Modelling results under two different climate scenarios show that both tree species were able to improve slope stability, and that this increased over time as the NbS matured. The significance of these results is discussed within the context of the performance of the NbS over time, to different magnitude type events, impact with stakeholders in engendering wider support for the adoption of the NbS in the OALs, and the uncertainty in the modelling analyses.

This study aims to address the challenges associated with rockfall assessment and monitoring, focusing on the coastal cliffs of “Navagio Shipwreck Beach” in Zakynthos. A complete time-series analysis was conducted using state-of-the-art methodologies including a 2020 survey using unmanned aerial systems (UASs) and two subsequent surveys, incorporating terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and UAS survey techniques in 2023. Achieving high precision and accuracy in georeferencing involving direct georeferencing, the utilization of pseudo ground control points (pGCPs), and integrating post-processing kinematics (PPK) with global navigation satellite system (GNSS) permanent stations’ RINEX data is necessary for co-registering the multitemporal models effectively. For the change detection analysis, UAS surveys were utilized, employing the multiscale model-to-model cloud comparison (M3C2) algorithm, while TLS data were used in a validation methodology due to their very high-resolution model. The synergy of these advanced technologies and methodologies offers a comprehensive understanding of rockfall dynamics, aiding in effective assessment and monitoring strategies for coastal cliffs prone to rockfall risk.

Museums are called to respond to contemporary challenges and contribute to the formation of more progressive societies. One of the major challenges of our time is climate change and sustainability, and museums could construct cocreated narratives around climate and implement targeted actions for the audiences through their sensorial and affective experiences. More specifically, Geology and Paleontology museums are repositories of knowledge on geoheritage and geoconservation, recognized for their scientific, pedagogical, cultural, and recreational values. The educational potential of geological and paleontological exhibits could be used in informal education activities regarding the climate emergency and the need for sustainability. Taking the above into consideration, this study focuses on both the creation and the evaluation of an educational program for the Natural History Museum of Arsakeio Campus in Psychicko. According to our findings, students really enjoyed their experience in the Museum, gained knowledge regarding mass extinctions driven by climate change, and suggested ways to tackle the current problems and promote our planet’s sustainability.

Ideas concerning the role, function, and nature of labor unions and their leadership can be found in 19th century economics literature. Even since this early period, a division between orthodox and non-orthodox approaches toward the study of labor unions can be discerned.  The orthodox framework was formed in the late 19th century with the gradual establishment of Marginalism, and it consolidated itself with the dominance of early neoclassical economics. Orthodox economic theory did not devote much attention to the economic analysis of unions. On the contrary and during the same period, non-orthodox economists such as Sidney and Beatrice Webb and early institutionalists (e.g. Richard Ely), had paid considerable attention to the study of unions, perceiving them as politico-economic organizations and emphasizing their wider role as social institutions (McNulty, 1980). The legacy of those two approaches continued in the 20th century and contemporary analyses of labor unions. The orthodox approach (originating mainly from the work of John Dunlop), generally conceives unions as purely economic units, analogous to firms, which can be studied by applying the standard tools of microeconomic theory. In this framework, the notion of union leadership plays a minimum role. In contrast, the non-orthodox viewpoint (originating mainly from Arthur Ross’ works), embraces a holistic, institutional-political-based attitude to labor unionism (Kaufman, 2002).

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an epistemological adequacy (knowledge of the Nature of Science, NOS) contributes to a better understanding and the acceptance of the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection (ThENS). It was performed in two parts with the help of two questionnaires: 1. with students of Education, with a minimum familiarity to ThENS and NOS, before and after the application of a general biology course, and 2. with 200 Science Education teachers of various specialties who teach or have taught biology-related subjects. The education students showed some moderate levels of profi ciency regarding NOS that was improved statistically signifi cantly, even after a limited teaching intervention. An interesting founding was that, while their understanding of the ThENS was not very much improved by the course, it was found a positive correlation between their NOS familiarity and acceptance of evolution. As for the Science teachers, besides the above queries, some other variables were additionally investigated: E.g. to what extent, a better Epistemological Adequacy (knowledge of the Nature of Science) can infl uence their understanding and acceptance of the ThENS, or whether this affi liation could have been affected by their college or university instruction. The results showed a positive correlation between their epistemological adequacy and the acceptance and understanding of ThENS.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional guidelines for postmenopausal women differ. This study aimed to assess postmenopausal women's knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding nutrition during menopause and their dietary habits. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a menopause clinic, and data from 105 women were analyzed. A nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) questionnaire was designed, structured, and piloted before implementation, based on the Hellenic dietary guidelines. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Greek version, MedDietScore, and Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaires were administered. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of the women was 56.9 ± 4.6 years. The mean ± SD KAP score was 12.2 ± 3.5. Those who lived in rural areas had lower KAP scores than those who lived in urban areas ( P = 0.004). Of all the women, 74.5{%} knew the Mediterranean diet pyramid, whereas 9.8{%} knew the Hellenic dietary guidelines. Women who had read the guidelines showed better knowledge of Mediterranean diet food groups (Pearson, 0.309; P = 0.039). Knowledge of dairy services was correlated with consumption of dairy products ( P = 0.002). Furthermore, 76.4{%} were willing to participate in nutrition education programs. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire score was positively correlated with years of smoking ( P = 0.002). Physical activity correlated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet ( P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of postmenopausal Greek women in this study were unaware of the Hellenic dietary guidelines. In general, women's knowledge of nutrition during menopause was moderate. Greek postmenopausal women are willing to participate in nutrition education programs, which should raise awareness of healthy lifestyles through nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation.

Accurate modelling of air-sea processes is essential for reliable forecasts of Mediterranean tropical-like cyclones (also known as “Medicanes”). Medicanes occasionally develop in the Mediterranean causing extreme weather conditions with catastrophic potential due to excessive precipitation, windstorms, and coastal flooding. In this work, we investigate how the complexity of ocean-wave-atmosphere coupling and model initialization affect the simulated track and intensity of the Medicane Ianos (2020). Results indicate that the model's initial conditions and the cyclone's development stage are the main drivers of track position errors, while ocean and wave feedback have a significant impact on the intensity and evolution of the cyclone. Compared with an atmosphere-only simulation, an atmosphere-ocean coupled system reproduces the cyclone's SST cooling effect (up to 3.7 °C), in agreement also with the satellite observations thus, reducing the cyclone intensity, as estimated by the minimum MSLP, the 10-m wind speed and the surface enthalpy flux. Adding a wave model to the coupled system, further increases the magnitude of ocean cooling (by about 1.2 °C), due to increased sea surface roughness leading to increased wind stress and enhanced upper ocean mixing. Overall, surface waves are shown to have competing effects on cyclone intensity i.e., negative feedback via increasing the surface momentum flux and positive feedback via increasing the enthalpy flux, the latter being more sensitive to surface roughness rather than to SST modifications brought by the wave coupled system. The turbulent air-sea fluxes under high winds, appear to be very sensitive to sea-state patterns resolved by the coupled models, highlighting the need to improve forecasting systems for extreme weather events in the Mediterranean.

Metalloporphyrins on interfaces offer a rich playground for functional materials and hence have been subjected to intense scrutiny over the past decades. As the same porphyrin macrocycle on the same surface may exhibit vastly different physicochemical properties depending on the metal center and its substituents, it is vital to have a thorough structural and chemical characterization of such systems. Here, we explore the distinctions arising from coverage and macrocycle substituents on the closely related ruthenium octaethyl porphyrin and ruthenium tetrabenzo porphyrin on Ag(111). Our investigation employs a multitechnique approach in ultrahigh vacuum, combining scanning tunneling microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy, normal incidence X-ray standing wave, and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure, supported by density functional theory. This methodology allows for a thorough examination of the nuanced differences in the self-assembly, substrate modification, molecular conformation and adsorption height.Metalloporphyrins on interfaces offer a rich playground for functional materials and hence have been subjected to intense scrutiny over the past decades. As the same porphyrin macrocycle on the same surface may exhibit vastly different physicochemical properties depending on the metal center and its substituents, it is vital to have a thorough structural and chemical characterization of such systems. Here, we explore the distinctions arising from coverage and macrocycle substituents on the closely related ruthenium octaethyl porphyrin and ruthenium tetrabenzo porphyrin on Ag(111). Our investigation employs a multitechnique approach in ultrahigh vacuum, combining scanning tunneling microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy, normal incidence X-ray standing wave, and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure, supported by density functional theory. This methodology allows for a thorough examination of the nuanced differences in the self-assembly, substrate modification, molecular conformation and adsorption height.

Natural products are attractive components to tailor environmentally friendly advanced new materials. We present surface-confined metallosupramolecular engineering of coordination polymers using natural dyes as molecular building blocks: indigo and the related Tyrian purple. Both building blocks yield identical, well-defined coordination polymers composed of (1 dehydroindigo : 1 Fe) repeat units on two different silver single crystal surfaces. These polymers are characterized atomically by submolecular resolution scanning tunnelling microscopy, bond-resolving atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. On Ag(100) and on Ag(111), the trans configuration of dehydroindigo results in N,O-chelation in the polymer chains. On the more inert Ag(111) surface, the molecules additionally undergo thermally induced isomerization from the trans to the cis configuration and afford N,N- plus O,O-chelation. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the coordination polymers of the cis-isomers on Ag(111) and of the trans-isomers on Ag(100) are energetically favoured. Our results demonstrate post-synthetic linker isomerization in interfacial metal-organic nanosystems.

Theory and experiment went hand in hand in the work of Lord Rayleigh, in which the quest for rigor was a ubiquitous theme. To Rayleigh’s mind, though, and in contrast to mathematicians, physicists could proceed in their investigations without seeking absolute rigor. In his experimental practice, pursuing rigor involved the application of control strategies, which pervaded his work at various levels. Moreover, experimental control had various aims, such as standardizing measurement units in determining the ohm and validating experimental results in the discovery of argon. In the former case, Rayleigh and his team varied the design of their apparatus to control the experimental conditions. Dealing with errors was the main aim of their control practices and lay at the heart of their methodology. In the latter case, control was present in every step of the discovery process: the detection of discrepancies between the densities of atmospheric and “chemical” nitrogen, the identification of argon as a constituent of the atmosphere, and the subsequent exploration of its properties. The aim of this paper is to investigate and contrast the strategies of control employed in those two cases and to clarify their various purposes.

PURPOSE: Variants in the GNB1 gene, which encodes for the beta-1 subunit of G proteins, have been associated with intellectual development disorder (OMIM: 616973), characterized by developmental delay, infantile hypotonia, seizures, and psychiatric problems. GNB1 variants may also cause a multisystem disorder, with symptoms such as hearing and vision impairment, gastrointestinal disorders, genitourinary abnormalities, and growth delay. CASE PRESENTATIONS: We present two pediatric patients with two novel GNB1 variants. The first patient is a 12-year old Caucasian European female with a history of neonatal hypotonia, feeding difficulties, and failure to thrive for the first 2 years of life. Subsequently, she developed grade 3 obesity, hyperphagia, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) revealed a novel likely pathogenic variant in the GNB1 gene (NM{\_}002074.5:c.93{\_}94del, p.Gln32AspfsTer46), which is predicted to result in a loss or disruption of normal protein function through nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) or protein truncation. The second patient is a 2-year old Roma female with severe failure to thrive during infancy, congenital hypothyroidism, and transient hyperoxaluria. No developmental delay was identified. Genetic testing excluded primary hyperoxaluria and WES revealed to be a novel likely pathogenic variant {\{}NM{\_}002074.5:c.183G {\textgreater} T (NP{\_}002065.1:p.Met61Ile), which is predicted to have a damaging effect on the gene or gene product. CONCLUSION: We present two rare pediatric cases with novel GNB1 variants which highlight the phenotypic variability associated with disrupted GNB1 expression. GNB1 may serve as a candidate gene for severe early onset obesity, hyperphagia, neurodevelopmental delay, and other metabolic and endocrine disorders.}

The Promise of Ecumenical Interpretation pursues its ecumenical goals by allowing the Bible itself to serve as the point of commonality. The volume retains the Bible's centrality as a guideline for individual faith and for the institutional design of churches in the context of contemporary social conflicts. The authors--one Protestant, one Catholic, one Orthodox--present ten unifying theses on the understanding and function of a conception of Scripture under the sign of Sola Scriptura. They agree that only Scripture, when correctly understood, bears witness to good news for everyone, and that only a shared, expectant, and critical turn to Scripture makes sustainable ecumenism possible. This is the basis for bringing biblical insights to the conditions that make community life possible amid the global and local, ecclesiastical and social conflicts of the present.

This paper discusses certain aspects of the dominant cultural heritage discourse in Greece, and their effects on the construction, preservation, and diffusion of public memory; although my case studies will not be archaeological as such, I will be discussing the materialities political power is imbued with, and the ways in which it regenerates itself at their expense (a process in which Greek archaeology often interferes). Focusing on what we generally call “alien monuments,” that is, monuments that do not form part of the hegemonic culture, the paper discusses minority legacies, as they strive to rescue themselves from centrally waged wars on memory, and oblivion.

INTRODUCTION: Tanzania has a high adolescent birth rate and many sexually active adolescents do not have access to effective contraception. Teenage pregnancy is considered a high-risk pregnancy. Furthermore, it leads to social inequalities for both mother and offspring. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 12 adolescent mothers during their stay in the postnatal ward of the maternity department of a tertiary hospital in Zanzibar. The study took place between November and December 2022. Data were then analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: The main theme that emerged from the interview data was that pregnancy seemed to affect the lives of young girls in a negative way. The majority of pregnancies were unplanned, and the girls reported low family planning uptake. Another recurring theme was that girls had many οbstacles in their education prior to pregnancy, which left them uncertain about their future. Finally, despite the advice of local doctors, the majority of the girls received minimal prenatal care, mostly because they did not regard obstetric care to be a priority. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent pregnancy remains an important public health issue in Tanzania, despite significant measures by authorities to reduce it. Educational changes and professional opportunities as well as family planning services may enable young girls to achieve professional and personal goals while delaying motherhood into adulthood.

The long-standing tension between the two North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, Greece and Turkey, and their recurrent spats has often made them the subject of Western diplomatic and political attention. There are three external actors, the United States, NATO and the EU which have been particularly interested in Greek-Turkish relations and the security situation in the eastern Mediterranean. Of these three parties NATO has had the least significant role to play, while between the United States and the EU the former has the longer period of involvement in this part of the world and today continues to play a major, though arguably, less committed role. This chapter examines the overall US response to the turbulence between its two allies since the 1950s by placing it within the larger context of US foreign policy.

The present paper focuses on the recall of childhood experiences of adults who had at least one parent misusing alcohol and/or drugs. The study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the recall of these experiences in adulthood and their effect on relationships with significant others. Twelve (12) adults, who had experienced as children in their family’s drug and alcohol misuse were interviewed and their interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the qualitative study suggest that adults recall in their childhood the reversal of family roles and traumas that seem to affect their current relationships. The research findings indicate the necessity of supporting early enough children who grow up in families where alcohol and drug misuse are part of daily life and to create a therapeutic alliance in adult life in order to advance in their relationship with self and others.

Context. Relativistic shocks are present in all high-energy astrophysical processes involving relativistic plasma outflows interacting with their ambient medium. While they are well understood in the context of relativistic hydrodynamics and ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), there is a limited understanding of the properties related to their propagation in media characterized by finite electrical conductivity. Aims: This work presents a systematic method for the derivation and solution of the jump conditions for relativistic shocks propagating in MHD media with finite electrical conductivity. This method is applied to the numerical solution of the Riemann problem and the determination of the conditions inside the blastwave that is formed when ultrarelativistic magnetized ejecta interact with the circumburst medium during a gamma-ray burst. Methods: We derived the covariant relations expressing the jump conditions in a frame-independent manner. The resulting algebraic equations expressing the Rankine-Hugoniot conditions in the propagation medium's frame were then solved numerically. A variable adiabatic index equation of state was used in order to obtain a realistic description of the post-shock fluid's thermodynamics. This method was then employed for the solution of the Riemann problem for the case of a forward and a reverse shock, both of which form during the interaction of a gamma-ray burst ejecta with the circumburst medium. This allowed us to determine the kinematics of the resulting blastwave and the dynamical conditions in its interior. Results: Our solutions clearly depict the impact of the plasma's electrical conductivity in the properties of the post-shock medium. Two characteristic regimes are identified with respect to the value of a dimensionless parameter that has a linear dependence on the conductivity. For small values of this parameter, the shock affects only the hydrodynamic properties of the propagation medium and leaves its electromagnetic field unaffected. No current layer forms in the shock front; thus, we refer to this as the current-free regime. For large values of this parameter, the ideal MHD regime has been retrieved. We also show that the assumption of a finite electrical conductivity can lead to higher efficiencies in the conversion of the ejecta energy into thermal energy of the blastwave through the reverse shock. The theory developed in this work can be applied to the construction of Riemann solvers for resistive relativistic MHD (RR4MHD).

Alan Weinstein remarked that, working in the framework of diffeology, a construction from Noncommutative Differential Geometry might provide the non-trivial representations required for the geometric quantisation of a symplectic structure which is not integral. In this note we show that the construction we gave with P. Antonini does indeed provide non-trivial representations.

The projected increase in the frequency of extreme flood events in the Eastern Mediterranean region signifies profound societal impacts of various types beyond the actual inundated areas and across different sectors. However, the extent and complexity of the various cascade effects remain inadequately understood. This work focuses on collecting new evidence on the types and extent of these cascade effects drawing on recent and historical flood disasters in the region, in an effort to improve our understanding of the nature, the extent, the propagation mechanisms and the consequences of these far-rearching repercussions, Additionally, the study examines the interplay between various impacts to provide insights useful for enhancing preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the associated risks.

This manuscript presents a multidisciplinary study that proposes a methodology for delineating and categorizing vulnerability at rockfall risk areas to avoid human injuries and infrastructure damage caused by rockfalls. The presented workflow includes (i) classical geological mapping, (ii) the interpretation of high-resolution satellite data for observing the spatial distribution of fallen boulders, (iii) analytical hierarchy processing of spatial information within a Geographical Information System (GIS) platform, (iv) close-range remote sensing campaigns with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs), and (v) integrated simulation of rockfall events. This methodology was applied to Kalymnos Island, which belongs to the Dodecanese Islands complex of the southeastern Aegean Sea in Greece. It is characterized by unique geomorphological features, including extensive vertical limestone cliffs that span the island. These cliffs make it one of the world’s most densely concentrated areas for sport climbing. The results highlighted the areas that the local authorities need to focus on and suggested measures for increasing the safety of climbers and infrastructure.

This study investigated the influence of language – first language (L1)versus second language (L2) – on the experience and the expression ofthe emotion of guilt. Fifty-two Greek – Spanish bilinguals read twomoral scenarios that induced guilt in their L2 (Spanish) and rated theintensity with which they felt a series of emotions (moral scenario task).Then they were asked to recall and write about a real-life event thatmade them feel guilty in their L2 (autobiographical memory task). Amonth later they performed the same tasks in their L1. Content analysisand emotional vocabulary analysis were conducted to examine crosslinguisticdifferences in the expression of guilt. Overall, these bilingualsexperienced higher levels of guilt and regret when they read the moralscenarios in their L1 Greek. They also used a greater number of emotionwords in their autobiographical memories in L1. However, theyappeared to be more willing to talk about sensitive topics (e.g.infidelity, homosexuality, and death) in their L2. These findings haveimplications for both psychotherapy and L2 instruction.

Theoretical arguments as well as observations of young stellar objects (YSO) support the presence of a diversified circumstellar environment. A stellar jet is thought to account for most of the stellar spin down and disk wind outflow for the observed high mass loss rate, thus playing a major role in the launching of powerful jets. RY Tau, for instance, is an extensively studied intermediate mass pre-main sequence star. Observational data reveal a small scale jet called microjet. Nevertheless, it is not clear how the microjet shapes the jet observed at a large scale. The goal is to investigate the spatial stability and structure of the central jet at a large scale by mixing the stellar and disk components. We mix two existing analytical self-similar models for the disk and the stellar winds to build the initial set-ups. Instead of using a polytropic equation of state, we map from the analytical solutions, the heating and cooling sources. The heating exchange rate is controlled by two parameters, its spatial extent and its intensity. The central jet and the surrounding disk are strongly affected by these two parameters. We separate the results in three categories, which show different emissivity, temperature, and velocity maps. We reached this categorization by looking at the opening angle of the stellar solution. For cylindrically, well collimated jets, we have opening angles as low as 10 degrees between 8 and 10 au, and for the wider jets, we can reach 30 degrees with a morphology closer to radial solar winds. Our parametric study shows that the less heated the outflow is, the more collimated it appears. We also show that recollimation shocks appear consistently with UV observations in terms of temperature but not density.

We investigate the effects of non-synchronous trading on volatility spillover for the G-7 equity markets during the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis (ESDC) and the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. For data synchronisation we utilise ΜΑ(1) adjusted return series to estimate the Baba-Engle-Kraft-Kroner (BEKK) and the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) models. We also consider the use of realised kernels as explanatory variables in the variance equation. In this set up, the contagion effects during crises periods are more perceptible, as the spikes are easier to interpret. We also check the robustness of our main results by applying, wavelet coherence analysis to G-7 major equity indices with realised kernels, as well as local Gaussian correlations (LGC). Our findings suggest the empirical significance of the synchronisation effects for the US and the other G-7 equity markets. We also conclude that realised kernels is an effective tool for mitigating non-synchronous effects. These results underline the significance of quantifying the synchronisation effects in equity markets as well as international portfolio diversification strategies.

The purpose of this research is to create a typology of the long-distance running community of Greece. The sample consisted of 3228 participants/runners in the "Athens Marathon. The Authentic". The variables used for the segmentation included the demographic, social, attitudinal, and behavioral characteristics of the individuals participating in running as a leisure time physical activity. A cluster analysis was implemented using Python K-Mode by creating a code and using the Elbow method because all the variables were categorical. The analysis yields five (5) different clusters, with some similarities but discernible differences, which distinguish each one of the clusters, making them unique. According to the recorded differences, each one of the clusters was assigned a name. The first cluster was named Leisure Health-Oriented Joggers, the second cluster Older Competitive Marathon Runners, the third Health Oriented Experienced Marathon Runners, the fourth Lonely Marathon Runners, and the fifth Sports Oriented Social Marathon Runners.  This is the first-ever presentation of a typology of the Greek running community. Moreover, such a typology could benefit the private and public sectors. Specifically, the segmentation of the running community could influence the sport industry in regard to services, products or merchandise as well as entrepreneurial initiatives. By focusing on the characteristics of each distinctive cluster, the public sector could use this as a guide in planning and implementing new physical activity policies, projects and programs.   Keywords: Marathon, Running movement, Physical Activity, Segmentation, Habits, Attitudes, Sport industry, Market segmentation, Gender gap  

Neuropsychiatric disorders, which are associated with stress hormone dysregulation, occur at different rates in men and women. Moreover, nowadays, preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrates that sex and gender can lead to differences in stress responses that predispose males and females to different expressions of similar pathologies. In this curated review, we focus on what is known about sex differences in classic mechanisms of stress response, such as glucocorticoid hormones and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), which are components of the hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis. Then, we present sex differences in neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin, dopamine, glutamate and GABA, as well as indices of neurodegeneration, such as amyloid β and Tau. Gonadal hormone effects, such as estrogens and testosterone, are also discussed throughout the review. We also review in detail preclinical data investigating sex differences caused by recentlyrecognized regulators of stress and disease, such as the immune system, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, as well neurosteroids. Finally, we discuss how understanding sex differences in stress responses, as well as in pharmacology, can be leveraged into novel, more efficacious therapeutics for all. Based on the supporting evidence, it is obvious that incorporating sex as a biological variable into preclinical research is imperative for the understanding and treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety and Alzheimer's disease.

Remotely sensed data play a crucial role in monitoring the El Niño/La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is an oceanic-atmospheric phenomenon occurring quasi-periodically with several impacts worldwide, such as specific biological and global climate responses. Since 1980, Earth has witnessed three strong ENSO events (1982–1983, 1997–1998, 2015–2016). In September 2022, La Niña entered its third year and was unlikely to continue through 2024. Instead, since 2022, forecasts have pointed to a transition from La Niña to a Neutral phase in the summer or late 2023. The onset of El Niño occurred around April 2023, and it is anticipated by sophisticated models to be a strong event through the Northern Hemisphere winter (December 2023–February 2024). The aim of this study is to demonstrate the ability of the combination of two new methods to improve the accuracy of the above claim because El Niño apart from climate anomalies, significantly impacts Earth’s ecosystems and human societies, regulating the spread of diseases by insects (e.g., malaria and dengue fever), and influencing nutrients, phytoplankton biomass, and primary productivity. This is done by exploring first the previous major El Niño events in the period January 1876–July 2023. Our calculations show that the ongoing 2023–2024 El Niño will not be the strongest.

In the past two decades, index-near-zero (INZ) modes and materials, with their spatial phase invariance and super coupling, gained increasing attention for applications in all-optical/quantum computing and communication. However, the modulation of INZ modes is typically complex and discontinuous, often achieved through intricate experimental methods, thereby hindering their widespread application. Here, we propose two deep-subwavelength magneto-optical one-way waveguides and discover three broadband tunable INZ modes, exhibiting predict able behavior dependent on the external magnetic field (EMF). By utilizing these INZ modes, we design broadband tunable all-optical phase modulators through straightforward EMF control. The tunable and predictable nature of INZ modes, combined with deep-subwavelength phase modulators, may advance miniaturized all-optical communication and computation.

Metasurfaces are capable of fully reshaping the wavefronts of incident beams in desiredmanners.However,therequirementforexternallightexcitationand the resonant nature of their meta-atoms, make challenging their on-chip integration. Here, we introduce the conceptanddesignofafreshclassof metasurfaces, driven by unidirectional guided waves, capable of arbitrary wavefront control based on the uniquedispersion properties of unidirectional guided waves rather than resonant meta-atoms. Upon experimentally demonstrating the feasibility of our designs in the microwave regime, we numerically validate the introduced principle through the design of several microwave meta-devices using metal-air-gyromagnetic unidirectional surface magneto-plasmons, agilely converting unidirectional guided modes into the wavefrontsof3DBesselbeams,focusedwaves,andcontrollablevortexbeams. We, further, numerically demonstrate sub-diffraction focusing, which is beyond the capability of conventional metasurfaces. Our unfamiliar yet prac tical designs may enable full, broadband manipulation of electromagnetic waves on deep subwavelength scales.

Active tuning of the scattering of particles and metasurfaces is a highly sought-after property for a host of electromagnetic and photonic applications, but it normally requires challenging-to-control tunable (reconfigurable) or active (gain) media. Here, we introduce the concepts of anisotropic virtual gain and oblique Kerker effect, where a completely lossy anisotropic medium behaves exactly as its anisotropic gain counterpart upon excitation by a synthetic complex-frequency wave. The strategy allows one to largely tune the magnitude and angle of a particle’s scattering simply by changing the shape (envelope) of the incoming radiation, rather than by an involved medium-tuning mechanism. The so-attained anisotropic virtual gain enables directional super-scattering at an oblique direction with fine-management of the scattering angle. Our study is based on analytical techniques that allow multipolar decomposition of the scattered field in agreement with full-wave simulations, and lays the foundations for a light management method.

The inevitable feedback between the environmental and energy crisis within the next decades can probably trigger and/or promote a global imbalance in both financial and public health terms. To handle this difficult situation, in the last decades, many different classes of materials have been recruited to assist in the management, production, and storage of so-called clean energy. Probably, ferromagnets, superconductors and ferroelectric/piezoelectric materials stand at the frontline of applications that relate to clean energy. For instance, ferromagnets are usually employed in wind turbines, superconductors are commonly used in storage facilities and ferroelectric/piezoelectric materials are employed for the harvesting of stray energy from the ambient environment. In this work, we focus on the wide family of ferroelectric/piezoelectric materials, reviewing their physical properties in close connection to their application in the field of clean energy. Among other compounds, we focus on the archetypal compound Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (or PZT), which is well studied and thus preferred for its reliable performance in applications. Also, we pay special attention to the advanced ferroelectric relaxor compound (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 (or PMN-xPT) due to its superior performance. The inhomogeneous composition that many kinds of such materials exhibit at the so-called morphotropic phase boundary is reviewed in connection to possible advantages that it may bring when applications are considered.

We aim to identify the key drivers of capital depletion under the adverse scenario by reverse engineering the EU-wide stress tests. Our sample consists of the banks that participated in the 2016, 2018 and 2021 EU-wide stress tests. We use three separate sets of variables, namely the bank-specific indicators, the macroeconomic parameters, and the banks’ exposures per loan portfolio. The results demonstrate that banks that are more profitable, more efficient, smaller, more exposed to corporate clients, less exposed to governments and having booked more impairments beforehand experience lower capital depletion under the adverse scenario. In addition, high rates of inflation imply more severe capital reductions, while high GDP leads to mild capital depletion. The asset mix on banks' balance sheets significantly affects the impact of stress test under the adverse scenario. Results are robust to alternative econometric approaches and provide important implications for both supervisors and banks.

Nanoparticle formation by Spark Discharge Aerosol Generation offers low-cost fabrication of nanoparticles, without the use of chemicals or vacuum. It produces aerosol particles of a few nanometers in size with high purity. In this work, copper-based - CuO (tenorite) and Cu- nanoparticles are produced, characterized and used to modify face mask air filters, achieving the introduction of antibacterial and antiviral properties. A range of characterization techniques have been employed, down to the atomic level. The majority of the particles are CuO (of a few nanometers in size that agglomerate to form aggregates), the remainder being a small number of larger Cu particles. The particles were deposited on various substrates, mainly fiber filters in order to study them and use them as biocidal agents. On face masks, their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E.coli) results in a 100% decrease in bacteria cell viability. Their antiviral activity on face masks results in a 90% reduction of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viability, 15 minutes post the application of the virus stock solution. This highlights the effectiveness of this approach, its simplicity, its low cost and its excellent environmental credentials.

Context. A correlation has been reported between the arrival directions of high-energy IceCube events and γ-ray blazars classified as intermediate- and high-synchrotron-peaked BL Lacs. Subsequent studies have investigated the optical properties of these sources, compiled and analyzed public multiwavelength data, and constrained their individual neutrino emission based on public IceCube point-source data. Aims. We provide a theoretical interpretation of public multiwavelength and neutrino point source data for the 32 BL Lac objects in the sample previously associated with an IceCube alert event. We combined the individual source results to draw conclusions regarding the multimesssenger properties of the sample and the required power in relativistic protons. Methods. We performed particle interaction modeling using open-source numerical simulation software. We constrained the model parameters using a novel and unique approach that simultaneously describes the host galaxy contribution, the observed synchrotron peak properties, the average multiwavelength fluxes, and, where possible, the IceCube point source constraints. Results. We show that a single-zone leptohadronic model can describe the multiwavelength broadband fluxes from all 32 IceCube candidates. In some cases, the model suggests that hadronic emission may contribute a considerable fraction of the γ-ray flux. The required power in relativistic protons ranges from a few percent to a factor of ten of the Eddington luminosity, which is energetically less demanding compared to other leptohadronic blazar models in recent literature. The model can describe the 68% confidence level IceCube flux for a large fraction of the masquerading BL Lacs in the sample, including TXS 0506+056; whereas, for true BL Lacs, the model predicts a low neutrino flux in the IceCube sensitivity range. Physically, this distinction is due to the presence of photons from broad line emission in masquerading BL Lacs, which increase the efficiency of hadronic interactions. The predicted neutrino flux peaks between a few petaelectronvolt and 100 PeV and scales positively with the flux in the gigaelectronvolt, megaelectronvolt, X-ray, and optical bands. Based on these results, we provide a list of the brightest neutrino emitters, which can be used for future searches targeting the 10–100 PeV regime.

In this edited volume, renowned scholars from around the globe rethink and update important political communication concepts in the light of the most recent changes that have been occurring in media environments. In particular, the authors discuss those caused by the use of social media in politics, e.g. prevalent disinformation, populism, political polarization, etc. This collection of key texts addresses the major concerns that arise in our rapidly changing media and political environments and provides a basis for discussions on the current state of political communication research. This makes this volume a must-read for students, researchers, and scholars of political communication, interested in a better understanding of key concepts and the current state of the research in the field. 

Static waste heat recovery, by means of thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules, constitutes a fast-growing energy harvesting technology on the way towards greener transportation. Many commercial solutions are already available for small internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, whereas further development and cost reductions of TEG devices expand their applicability at higher-power transportation means (i.e., ships and aircrafts). In this light, the integration of waste heat recovery based on TEG modules in a shipboard distribution network is studied in this work. Several voltage step-up techniques are considered, whereas the most suitable ones are assessed via the LTspice simulation platform. The design procedure of the selected LLC resonant converter is presented and analyzed in detail. Furthermore, a flexible control strategy is proposed, capable of either output voltage regulation (constant voltage) or maximum power point tracking (MPPT), according to the application demands. Finally, both simulations and experiments (on a suitable laboratory testbench) are performed. The obtained measurements indicate the high efficiency that can be achieved with the LLC converter for a wide operating area as well as the functionality and adequate performance of the control scheme in both operating conditions.

Teachers face many issues when trying to integrate digital resources (DR) into mathematics classes. This article applies an identity-based perspective to understand teachers’ roles in the practices that evolve in such classes. We focus on Victor, a Greek mathematics teacher, who, when viewed from levels beyond the classroom, experienced to become a reform-oriented teacher and a designer of DR. We explore how these experiences of professional identity shapes and is shaped by his work with DR at the classroom level. We show how Victor’s identity changed from ‘being a Mathematics teacher who struggles with inquiry-based teaching’ to ‘becoming a mathematics Teacher who uses DR to support inquiry-based learning’ and outline what fuelled these changes. Our results suggest the importance of connecting an identity perspective to classroom interactions and mathematics.

Oxidative stress refers to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and is often associated with numerous pathological conditions. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a widely used enzyme for evaluating oxidative stress, with numerous methods being developed for its detection in biological specimens like blood, urine, and saliva. In this study, a simple metal-assisted chemical etching method was employed for the fabrication of nanostructured silicon surfaces decorated with either silver dendrites or silver aggregates. Those surfaces were used as substrates for the immunochemical determination of SOD in synthetic saliva through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF). The immunoassay was based on a 3-step competitive assay format, which included, after the immunoreaction with the specific anti-SOD antibody, a reaction with a biotinylated secondary antibody and streptavidin. Streptavidin labeled with peroxidase was used in combination with a precipitating tetramethylbenzidine substrate for detection through SERS, whereas for SEF measurements, streptavidin labeled with the fluorescent dye Rhodamine Red-X was utilized. Both immunoassays were sensitive, with a detection limit of 0.01 μg/mL and a linear dynamic range from 0.03 to 3.3 μg/mL, enabling the evaluation of the oxidative stress status of an organism.

Oxidative stress is defined by an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species and the biological system’s ability to neutralize them. This condition is commonly linked to various pathological conditions [1]. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a widely used enzyme to assess oxidative stress, and various techniques have been developed for its detection in biological samples such as blood, urine, and saliva [2]. Surface-enhanced photoluminescence (PL) is a particularly sensitive method, offering minimal interference from the sample matrix [3]. In this work, silver nanostructured surfaces were implemented as substrates for the immunochemical determination of SOD in synthetic saliva through PL. The substrates were prepared using a single-step metal-assisted chemical etching method (MACE), resulting in the formation of silicon nanowires decorated with silver dendrites of approximately 1.5 μm in height [4]. For SOD detection, a three-step competitive immunoassay configuration was followed. Briefly, SOD was immobilized onto the substrates and then the functionalized substrates were incubated with mixtures of SOD with anti-SOD primary antibody, prepared either in assay buffer or synthetic saliva. Then, a solution of biotinylated anti-species specific antibody was added, followed by a reaction with streptavidin labelled with the fluorescent dye Rhodamine Red-X, and the signal was determined through an in-house developed optical set-up. The developed method presents similar or slightly lower sensitivity (detection limit 0.05 μg/mL) compared to the literature; however, it does not require labor-intensive sample pretreatment steps [5,6]. The aforementioned findings demonstrate the capability of the developed method to detect superoxide dismutase in natural saliva, in order to evaluate the oxidative stress status of an organism.

In this work, silicon nanowires were constructed by metal-assisted chemical etching and decorated with silver nanoparticles and used as substrates for the SERS determination of oxidative stress markers, namely glutathione, malondialdehyde and catalase. The assays were sensitive, with detection limits of 50 and 3.2 nM for glutathione and malondialdehyde, respectively, and 0.5 μg/mL for catalase, indicating the capability of the proposed substrates to be implemented for the determination of various oxidative stress markers.

The synergetic effects of electromagnetic and chemical enhancements via the combination of semiconductor nanomaterials with noble metal nanoparticles is crucial to the performance of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Here, WO3/TiO2 photonic crystal films in the form of three-dimensional inverse opals were fabricated via the co-assembly of polymer colloidal templates with water-soluble precursors in order to simultaneously grow both constituent metal oxides with tailored electronic properties and photonic band gaps. The surface modification of compositionally tuned WO3/TiO2 inverse opals by Ag nanoparticles is demonstrated to be an efficient method to boost SERS efficiency in the detection of 4−mercaptobenzoic acid via the synergy of plasmonic effects with charge transfer and slow-light trapping.

The goal of the study presented in this paper is to evaluate the performance of a proposed adaptive beamforming approach in cell-free massive multiple input multiple output (CF-mMIMO) orientations. To this end, mobile stations (MSs) can be served by multiple access points (APs) simultaneously. In the same context, the performance of a dynamic physical resource block (PRB) allocation approach isevaluated as well, where the set of assigned PRBs per active MS is constantly updated according to their signal strength and the amount of interference that cause to the rest of the co-channel MSs. Performance evaluation takes place in a two-tier wireless orientation, employing a system-level simulator designed for parallel Monte Carlo simulations. According to the presented results, a significant gain in energy efficiency (EE) can be achieved for medium data rate services when comparing the cell-free (CF) resource allocation approach to single AP links (non-CF). This is made feasible via cooperative beamforming, where on one hand, the radiation figures of the APs that serve a particularMSare jointly updated to ensure quality of service(QoS), and on the other hand, the effects of these updates on the other MSs are evaluated as well. Although EE for high data rate services decreases compared to the non-CF scenario, the proposed dynamic PRB allocation strategy significantly lowers the number of active radiating elements required to meet minimumQoS standards, thereby reducing both hardware and computational demands.

The recent discovery of astrophysical neutrinos from the Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068 suggests the presence of nonthermal protons within a compact "coronal" region close to the central black hole. The acceleration mechanism of these nonthermal protons remains elusive. We show that a large-scale magnetic reconnection layer, of the order of a few gravitational radii, may provide such a mechanism. In such a scenario, rough energy equipartition between magnetic fields, X-ray photons, and nonthermal protons is established in the reconnection region. Motivated by recent 3D particle-in-cell simulations of relativistic reconnection, we assume that the spectrum of accelerated protons is a broken power law, with the break energy being constrained by energy conservation (i.e., the energy density of accelerated protons is at most comparable to the magnetic energy density). The proton spectrum is ${{dn}}_{p}/{{dE}}_{p}\propto {E}_{p}^{-1}$ below the break and ${{dn}}_{p}/{{dE}}_{p}\propto {E}_{p}^{-s}$ above the break, with IceCube neutrino observations suggesting s ≃ 3. Protons above the break lose most of their energy within the reconnection layer via photohadronic collisions with the coronal X-rays, producing a neutrino signal in good agreement with the recent observations. Gamma rays injected in photohadronic collisions are cascaded to lower energies, sustaining the population of electron-positron pairs that makes the corona moderately Compton thick.

Context. Very high-energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV) observations of the blazar Mrk 501 with MAGIC in 2014 provided evidence for an unusual narrow spectral feature at about 3 TeV during an extreme X-ray flaring activity. The one-zone synchrotron-self Compton scenario, widely used in blazar broadband spectral modeling, fails to explain the narrow TeV component. Aims: Motivated by this rare observation, we propose an alternative model for the production of narrow features in the VHE spectra of flaring blazars. These spectral features may result from the decay of neutral pions (π0 bumps) that are in turn produced via interactions of protons (of tens of TeV energy) with energetic photons, whose density increases during hard X-ray flares. Methods: We explored the conditions needed for the emergence of narrow π0 bumps in VHE blazar spectra during X-ray flares reaching synchrotron energies ∼100 keV using time-dependent radiative transfer calculations. We focused on high-synchrotron peaked (HSP) blazars, which comprise the majority of VHE-detected extragalactic sources. Results: We find that synchrotron-dominated flares with peak energies ≳100 keV can be ideal periods for the search of π0 bumps in the VHE spectra of HSP blazars. The flaring region is optically thin to photopion production, its energy content is dominated by the relativistic proton population, and the inferred jet power is highly super-Eddington. Application of the model to the spectral energy distribution of Mrk 501 on MJD 56857.98 shows that the VHE spectrum of the flare is described well by the sum of a synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) component and a distinct π0 bump centered at 3 TeV. Spectral fitting of simulated SSC+π0 spectra for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) show that a π0 bump could be detected at a 5σ significance level with a 30-min exposure. Conclusions: A harder VHE γ-ray spectrum than the usual SSC prediction or, more occasionally, a distinct narrow bump at VHE energies during hard X-ray flares, can be suggestive of a relativistic hadronic component in blazar jets that otherwise would remain hidden. The production of narrow features or spectral hardenings due to π0 decay in the VHE spectra of blazars is testable with the advent of CTA.

We theoretically investigated the electron–surface optical phonon interaction across the long-range Fröhlich coupling in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, such as WS2, WSe2, MoS2, and MoSe2 monolayers, on SiC and hexagonal BN dielectric substrates. We employed the effective Hamiltonian in the K+(K−) valley of the hexagonal Brillouin zone to assess the electronic energy shifts induced by the interaction between electronic states and surface polar optical phonons. Our results indicate that the interaction between electrons and surface optical phonons depends upon the polar nature of the substrate. We have also calculated the polaronic oscillator strength, as well as the polaronic scattering rate of the lower polaron state in monolayer WS2, WSe2, MoS2, and MoSe2 on SiC and hexagonal BN dielectric substrates. As a result, we have theoretically proved the following: firstly, the enhancement of the polaronic scattering rate with temperature, and secondly, the notable influence of the careful selection of surrounding dielectrics on both the polaronic oscillator strength and the polaronic scattering rate. Thus, optimal dielectrics would be those exhibiting both elevated optical phonon energy and a high static dielectric constant.

This study delves into the exploration of wave propagation in spatially homogeneous systems governed by a Klein-Gordon–type equation with a periodically time-varying cutoff frequency. Through a combination of analytical calculations and numerical simulations, intriguing and distinctive features in the dispersion diagram of these systems are uncovered. Notably, the examined configurations demonstrate some remarkable transitions as the modulation frequency increases. These transitions encompass a transformation from a frequency gap to a wave-number (q) gap around q=0, with the transition point corresponding to a gapless Dirac dispersion with an exceptional point of degeneracy. Subsequently, the q gap undergoes a bifurcation into two symmetric gaps at positive and negative wave numbers. At this second transition point, the dispersion diagram takes the form of an imaginary Dirac dispersion relation and exhibits an isolated exceptional point at the center of the q=0 gap. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of wave dynamics in periodically modulated media, uncovering tunable phenomena.

The evolution of technology, particularly the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), earth observation datasets, and historical data such as aerial photographs, stand as fundamental tools for comprehending and reconstructing surface evolution and potential environmental changes. In addition, the active geodynamic phenomena in conjunction with climate crisis and the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena can cause abrupt events such as rockfalls and landslides, altering completely the morphology on both small and large scales.This study deals generally with the temporal evolution of landscapes and specifically focuses on the detection and quantification of a significant rockfall event that occurred at Kalamaki Beach on Zakynthos Island, Greece – a very popular summer destination. Utilizing UAS surveys conducted in July 2020 and July 2023, this research revealed a rockfall that has significantly altered the coastal morphology. During this period, two severe natural phenomena occurred, one of which could potentially be the cause of this rockfall event. Initially, the Mediterranean hurricane (‘medicane’) ‘Ianos’ made landfall in September 2020, affecting a large part of the country including the Ionian Islands. The result was severe damage to property and infrastructures, along with human casualties, induced by intense precipitation, flash flooding, strong winds, and wave action. Second, in September of 2022, an ML=5.4 earthquake struck between Cephalonia and Zakynthos Islands in the Ionian Sea, triggering considerable impact in both islands. The study employs satellite images postdating these natural disasters, to detect the source of the rockfall in Kalamaki Beach. Additionally, historical analog aerial images from 1996 and 2010 were used as assets for understanding the surface’s evolution. For the quantitative analysis, we applied 3D semi-automated change detection techniques such as the M3C2 algorithm, to estimate the volume of the rockfall.The results provide insights into the complex interplay between natural disasters and geological processes, shedding light on the dynamic nature of landscapes and the potential implications for visitor-preferred areas.This research not only contributes to our understanding of landscape evolution but also underscores the importance of integrating modern and historical datasets to decipher the dynamic processes shaping the Earth's surface. The methodology proposed, serves as a valuable approach for assessing and managing geological hazards in coastal regions affected by both climatic events and geodynamic activities.

Transacting entities online may still become victims of fraud, cyber-threats, low quality or performance, privacy loss, unfair pricing, biases in matching offers to requests, among others. Blockchain and other decentralized technologies may provide remedy towards trustworthy online transactions. This paper proposes a blockchain-based market framework that enables trustworthy transactions. We first define the functionalities that such a market framework should combine, namely mechanisms for service discovery, decentralized reputation, price determination, self-sovereign identities and verifiable credentials, fair exchanges, anonymity, asset digitization, cryptocurrencies, invoicing, and more. Then, we describe blockchain-based solutions for addressing each one of these functionalities. Finally, we exemplify the operation of the market in three real-world use cases.

Introduction is paper explores the potential impact of Fr. omas Joseph White’s impressive new book on the Trinity for the ecumenical dialogue between the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Churches. 1 In doing so, the paper responds to the editors’ kind request for an explicitly ecumenical approach to the book. erefore, this paper concentrates on the issue of the Trinity from an ecumenical perspective. But this is not a simple task. Before reading the book, the reader might have thought that Eastern and Western theologians had somehow reached a gentlemen’s agreement that the insertion of the Filioque clause in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed had happened sometime somewhere in the Wild West (namely, at the local Council of Toledo in 589). Building on an honest misunderstanding, the Latin Church gradually added to the initial statement of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, according to which the …

This study examines the impact of different turbidity products on the Aegean Sea surface physical characteristics, by performing twin-experiment simulations using a high-resolution regional ocean model. The turbidity products used include an in-situ based diffuse attenuation coefficient dataset at 490 nm (kd490, in m− 1) and a satellite derived kd490 product. Satellite turbidity products are broadly used in ocean simulations due to their spatiotemporal coverage and algorithm universality. Their validation and empirical components are trained mainly in phytoplankton driven regions and this may cause systematic differences in oligotrophic areas of variable optical properties’ composition. In the Aegean Sea, the in-situ based turbidity product accounts for the contribution of suspended particles in the solar heating profile, having further implications in the surface characteristics. The Aegean Sea upper-ocean thermohaline characteristics and general circulation patterns, reveal distinct differences between the twin-experiment simulations, showcasing mesoscale to locally induced impact of the turbidity variations. The turbidity impact on the air-sea interaction fluxes affects both thermodynamic processes i.e., solar radiation penetration and absorption in the water column, as well as dynamic processes i.e., momentum fluxes due to changes of the sea surface temperature and subsequently to the momentum drag coefficient. The Aegean Sea surface characteristics in the in-situ based turbidity product simulation, show a stronger decoupling between the North and the South Aegean Sea, when compared with the satellite derived turbidity product simulation. These results highlight the importance of incorporating more realistic turbidity products in ocean models, especially for optically complex regions such as the Aegean Sea.

Metamaterials are a fascinating class of photonic materials since they allow us to control optical responses (largely) at will. Besides being an intellectual challenge, adding time variations into spatial metamaterials increases the degrees of freedom to tune their effective response, which motivates their exploration. However, to exploit such materials in the future design of functional devices, we may wish to treat them at the effective level to avoid considering all the mesoscopic details. To permit such effective treatment, we describe here an eigenmode-based approach to homogenize spatiotemporal metamaterials composed of a periodic arrangement of scatterers made from a time-varying material. Practically, we consider the periodic arrangement of spheres within one layer. In our two-step homogenization scheme, we first temporally homogenize that metasurface using the eigenmodes of the bulk time-varying material. Following this, we perform spatial homogenization by inverting the Fresnel coefficients of a slab made from a stationary material. These steps effectively describe the optical response of the spatiotemporal metasurface as a homogeneous slab. We validate our results by comparing the optical observables, i.e., reflectivity and transmissivity, of the metasurface with those of the homogenized slab, and we assess the limitations of the homogenization.

Categorization and identification of typical exemplars within semantic categories is a universal skill of human cognition which is involved in language development. However, cultural, and experiential aspects might influence typicality effects. This paper examines the role of native language and culture on that categorization process and on typicality effects. Towards that objective, we had Spanish native speakers and Spanish FL learners whose mother tongue is Greek complete a category generation word association task. Data were analyzed within a network and graph theory framework as the best fitting for this type of data, bearing in mind previous descriptions of semantic memory. Results showed how, indeed, native speakers and learners of varying proficiency levels differ in their availability and production of typical exemplars, especially in slot-filler categories versus taxonomic categories. Lexical access during category generation might be determined by native language and culture. Additionally, natives’ mental lexicon seems to feature denser connections responsible for more efficient access.

Uncertainty profoundly shapes modern production models and the institutional framework of economies. This study investigates the assumption that heightened uncertainty leads to reduced innovation outcomes. Using an unbalanced panel dataset of 143 countries from 1997 to 2020, the analysis reveals that increased uncertainty significantly affects economies' innovation performance. Economic institutions play a critical role in this process, acting as safeguards or enhancers under high uncertainty. Uncertainty and economic institutions work in synergy, with uncertainty exerting a more prominent impact. In advanced economies, uncertainty and economic institutions negatively influence innovation outcomes, but these economies counteract uncertainty by increasing research and development (R&D) spending. Economic institutions may limit R&D expenditure but create an environment conducive to higher researcher employment. On the other hand, developing economies experience a stronger negative effect of uncertainty compared to advanced economies, and economic institutions require support to foster innovation production. Moreover, these economies have limited capacity to mitigate uncertainty through R&D investments. Overall, this study underscores the complex relationship between uncertainty, economic institutions, and innovation outcomes across different types of economies.

Coastal cliffs are one of the cases of steep terrains naturally vulnerable to a range of erosional processes, with rockfalls emerging as one of the most prevalent and hazardous. Although predicting rockfall occurrences remains challenging due to multi-faceted triggering factors such as extreme weather events, seismic activity, erosion, and human actions, technological advancements offer promising avenues for developing more robust and effective risk assessment methodologies. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), photogrammetry from Unmanned Aerial System images, and satellite imagery, coupled with the evolution of artificial intelligence, have revolutionized the field of rockfall assessment by enabling precise detection and quantification of 3D topographic changes, offering insights into rockfall dynamics.

Preparing prospective mathematics teachers to become teachers who recognize andrespond to students’ mathematical needs is challenging. In this study, we use the construct of critical incident as a tool to support prospective mathematics teachers’ reflection on their authentic fieldwork activities, notice students’ thinking, and link it to the complexity of mathematics teaching. Particularly, we aim to explore the characteristics and evolution of prospective mathematics teachers’ noticing of students’ mathematical thinking when critical incidents trigger reflective discussions. Critical incidents are moments in which students’ mathematical thinking becomes apparent and can provide teachers with opportunities to delve more deeply into the mathematics discussed in the lesson. In the study, twenty-two prospective mathematics teachers participated in fieldwork activities that included observing and teaching secondary school classrooms. The prospective teachers identified critical incidents from their observations and teaching, which were the foci for reflective discussion in university sessions. By characterizing the prospective teachers’ reflective talk in these discussions, we demonstrate the discussion’s evolution.In it, participants questioned learning and teaching mathematics and suggested alternate explanations. This characterization also shows that using critical incidents in the university discussions enabled the prospective teachers to link students’ thinking with the teacher’s teaching practices while supporting their reflection using classroom evidence. We emphasize the importance of descriptive talk in the discussion, which allows for deepening the prospective teachers’ reflections. Further, we explore the teacher educator’s contributions in those discussions, showing that the teacher educator mainly maintained the reflective talk by contextualizing the critical incidents and pressing the participants to explain further issues they raised in the discussions. Implications for mathematics teacher education are discussed.

The issue of interpersonal comparisons of utility is about the possibility (or not) of comparing the utility or welfare or the mental states in general, of different individuals. Embedded in the conceptual framework of utilitarianism, interpersonal comparisons were admissible in economics as part of the theoretical justification of welfare policies until the first decades of the twentieth century. Under the strong influence of the scientific philosophy of positivism as reflected in the works of early neoclassical economists and as epitomized by Lionel Robbins, utility comparisons were subsequently rejected as a value judgement. Robbins’ methodological stance is still prevalent among mainstream economists. Despite the explicit rejection of comparability by the majority of economists, interpersonal comparisons are necessary for many key policy issues, such as progressive taxation, social welfare policies, GDP-based welfare comparisons, cost–benefit analysis, and public goods provision. In this paper, the case of interpersonal utility comparisons is discussed as an illustrative example of the usefulness of the study of the role of value judgements, and generally of the interrelationship between ethics and economics. It is argued that the current tension between theory and policy practice might be resolved through the efforts of prominent economists and philosophers to challenge positivism, and especially its problematic treatment of value judgements and of ethical assumptions in general. The discussion also provides more strength to the view that policy makers and their economic advisers cannot avoid ethical questions in their analysis of the workings of the economic system