The attainment of adult status in Greece is a neglected research issue. Sociodemographic changes and the severity and long duration of the global financial crisis in this country (2008–2018) may have contributed to the delayed entry into adulthood, especially among university students. In this study, conducted during the financial crisis (2015), 814 university students (ages 18–25; M = 19.9) provided information on subjective adult status, subjective adult status with significant others, achievement of adulthood criteria, and several personal and contextual variables. Results showed that two thirds of the sample felt in-between adolescence and adulthood, thus supporting the existence of the emerging adulthood period. They felt more adult in work, university, and romantic relationships, and less adult with parents, friends, and siblings. The criteria achieved most 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. Age, gender, parents' educational level, financial constraints, and financial concerns significantly and differentially predicted the achievement of several adulthood markers. Results provide insight into the attainment of adult status in a specific cohort of Greek youth during the aftermath of the Global Recession and underline the need for continuing research on the transition to adulthood in more recent cohorts of youth in this cultural context.
We perform a theoretical investigation of the electron–surface optical phonon (SOP) interaction in Van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) formed by monolayer graphene (1LG) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), using eigenenergies obtained from the tight-binding Hamiltonian for electrons. Our analysis reveals that the SOP interaction strength strongly depends on the specific TMDC material. TMDC layers generate localized SOP modes near the 1LG/TMDC interface, serving as effective scattering centers for graphene carriers through long-range Fröhlich coupling. This interaction leads to resonant coupling of electronic sub-levels with SOP, resulting in Rabi splitting of the electronon energy levels. We further explore the influence of different TMDCs, such as WS2, WSe2, MoS2, and MoSe2, on transport properties such as SOP-limited mobility, resistivity, conductivity, and scattering rates across various temperatures and charge carrier densities. Our analysis confirms that at elevated temperatures and low carrier densities, surface optical phonon scattering becomes a dominant factor in determining resistivity. Additionally, we investigate the Auger recombination process at the 1LG/TMDC interface, showing that both Auger and SOP scattering rates increase significantly at room temperature and higher, ultimately converging to constant values as the temperature rises. In contrast, their impact is minimal at lower temperatures. These results highlight the potential of 1LG/TMDC-based vdWHs for controlling key processes, such as SOP interactions and Auger recombination, paving the way for high-performance nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.
Heterojunction formation between BiVO4 nanomaterials and benchmark semiconductor photocatalysts has been keenly pursued as a promising approach to improve charge transport and charge separation via interfacial electron transfer for the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of recalcitrant pharmaceutical pollutants. In this work, a heterostructured TiO2/Mo-BiVO4 bilayer photoanode was fabricated by the deposition of a mesoporous TiO2 overlayer using the benchmark P25 titania catalyst on top of Mo-doped BiVO4 inverse opal films as the supporting layer, which intrinsically absorbs visible light below 490 nm, while offering improved charge transport. A porous P25/Mo-BiVO4 bilayer structure was produced from the densification of the inverse opal underlayer after post-thermal annealing, which was evaluated on photocurrent generation in aqueous electrolyte and the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of the refractory anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen under back-side illumination by visible and UV–Vis light. Significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical performance on both photocurrent density and pharmaceutical degradation was achieved for the bilayer structure with respect to the additive effect of the constituent layers, which was related to the improved light harvesting arising from the backscattering by the mesoporous TiO2 layer in combination with the favorable charge transfer at the TiO2/Mo-BiVO4 interface.
A new giant outburst of the Be X-ray binary RX J0520.5-6932 was detected and subsequently observed with several space-borne and ground-based instruments. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the optical and X-ray data, focusing on the spectral and timing characteristics of selected X-ray observations. A joint fit of spectra from simultaneous observations performed by the X-ray telescope (XRT) on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (Swift) and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope ARray (NuSTAR) provides broad-band parameter constraints, including a cyclotron resonant scattering feature (CRSF) at $32.2_{-0.7}^{+0.8}$ keV with no significant energy change since 2014, and a weaker Fe line. Independent spectral analyses of observations by the Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy, Einstein Probe (EP), Swift-XRT, and NuSTAR demonstrate the consistency of parameters across different bands. Luminosity variations during the current outburst were tracked. The light curve of the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) aligns with the X-ray data in both 2014 and 2024. Spin evolution over 10 yr is studied after adding Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor data, improving the orbital parameters, with an estimated orbital period of 24.39 d, slightly differing from OGLE data. Despite intrinsic spin-up during outbursts, a spin-down of $\sim$0.04 s over 10.3 yr is suggested. For the new outburst, the pulse profiles indicate a complicated energy-dependent shape, with decreases around 15 and 25 keV in the pulsed fraction, a first for an extragalactic source. Phase-resolved NuSTAR data indicate variations in parameters such as flux, photon index, and CRSF energy with rotation phase.
The anticipated rise in extreme flood events in the Eastern Mediterranean region indicates an increase in significant societal impacts that have the potential to extend beyond the flooded areas and affect multiple sectors. Despite the criticality of understanding storm and flood risk and how they propagate in modern interconnected societies, the scope and complexity of storm- and flood-triggered cascading effects are still poorly comprehended. This study explores the effects created by the extreme Storm Daniel, occurring in Thessaly, Greece in 2023, aiming to gather new evidence on the types and scale of these cascading effects by analyzing its impacts in the region through fieldwork and official data collection. The results, as a contribution to existing knowledge on cascade effects, provide insights into the nature, the extent, the propagation mechanisms, and the consequences of these triggering events leading to diverse cascade effects. The study identifies the interactions between different phenomena following this extreme storm event to offer a better understanding of how impacts propagate, and therefore a better understanding of future challenges connected with this type of cascading hazards framework, ultimately contributing to predicting and mitigating associated risks.
The increasing frequency and severity of extreme storms and floods in the Eastern Mediterranean under climate change pose significant challenges for modern societies. These events often trigger cascading effects that extend far beyond the immediate disaster zone, disrupting interconnected systems such as power, transportation, and communication networks. Despite advancements in flood risk management and growing awareness of cascading hazards, the mechanisms driving these interdependencies and their broader impacts remain poorly understood. This study investigates the cascading effects triggered by the catastrophic Storm Daniel, which struck Thessaly, Greece, in September 2023, as a case study to explore the nature, scale, and ways of impact propagation.This work also provides an analysis of cascading effects, based on evidence on historical storm and flood disaster impacts in the Mediterranean region, identifying the interactions between primary hazards (flooding, landslides, erosion) and secondary consequences as well as the diverse sectors that suffer impacts. The analysis reveals different propagation mechanisms of these effects, highlighting the vulnerability of interconnected systems as well as the vulnerability of the natural and the built environment. The cascading effects identified underscore systemic risks of modern societies posed by extreme events, particularly in urban areas with dense, interdependent, and critical infrastructure.The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on cascading disasters, addressing critical knowledge gaps in understanding how extreme weather events propagate through modern societal systems. These insights are particularly relevant in the context of climate change, which is expected to amplify the frequency and intensity of such events.
Bullying poses significant challenges to adolescent health and well-being. This time-trend study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bullying behaviors and associated emotional and behavioral difficulties among Greek adolescents. Data were collected from two cross-sectional surveys in 2016 (n = 1574) and 2023 (n = 5753) conducted in Greece. Both samples comprised students aged 12–16 years, with near-equal gender distribution (2016, 53.4% girls; 2023, 54.5% girls) and a predominance of urban residents (approximately 73% in both samples). Traditional and cyberbullying experiences were assessed via structured questionnaires, while mental health outcomes were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Post-pandemic findings revealed substantial increases in bullying involvement; traditional bullying victimization rose from 12.4% to 21.7%, and cyberbullying victimization increased from 4.0% to 11.6%. Correspondingly, mean SDQ total scores increased significantly from 8.59 to 14.16, reflecting heightened emotional and behavioral problems. Logistic regression analyses identified male gender, urban residence, and non-traditional family structures as significant predictors of bullying involvement. These results underscore the amplified burden of bullying and mental health difficulties in the post-pandemic era, highlighting the urgent need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies to address both traditional and cyberbullying within diverse sociodemographic contexts.
Τhe idea that social influences and social interactions play a central role on individual economic decisions has had a long presence in the history of economics. With the emergence of marginalism, this idea went into background and the concept of atomistic individual became established in mainstream economic rationality. Starting in the 1970’s, there were some attempts to reintroduce non-atomistic preferences in mainstream microeconomic theory in the form of social interactions, interdependent preferences, keeping up with the Joneses, social identity, social preferences, and status concerns. Social preferences have started to have a growing impact among mainstream microeconomics with the advent of behavioral economics, but still they are not in the hard core of the standard theory of choice. The paper argues that atomistic preferences are still prevalent, especially in the form of the assumption of representative agent. It also focuses on the role of methodological individualism and on the theoretical implications of relaxing the assumption of atomistic individual, as main explanations of the resilience of the mainstream economic rationality.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health challenge in India but there is a lack of high-quality data on its clinical characteristics and outcomes. We aimed to describe the TBI population of a tertiary care center in India, identify predictors of inpatient mortality, and assess the performance of existing prognostic tools.METHODS:We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients admitted to a high-volume tertiary care center in Vellore, India, after a TBI between 2013 and 2019.RESULTS:
Telehealth holds the potential to expand healthcare access for people who use drugs (PWUD). However, limited data exist on their digital infrastructure access, a prerequisite for telehealth participation. We studied digital healthcare accessibility among PWUD.
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.
In early 2024, the largest full-scale exercise (FSE) for earthquakes and related geohazards in Greece was implemented in Crete Island (southern Greece). Crete is characterized by intense seismicity with historical and recent destructive earthquakes with considerable impact on both the natural and built environment and subsequently on the population. The uniqueness of this FSE lies in the creation and coordination of a multi-agency, multijurisdictional, and multidisciplinary environment in which a multitude of central, regional, and local stakeholders and a large percentage of the total population of Crete actively participated. This paper constitutes a descriptive study focusing on the main steps of the exercise management cycle comprising planning, implementation, and evaluation of the FSE. Furthermore, emphasis is given on its purpose and objectives, its main events and subsequent incidents, the participants and their roles, as well as the material developed and distributed to the participants. Through this study, the implemented actions for increasing preparedness of the Civil Protection mechanism in case of earthquakes and related geohazards are highlighted aiming to inform the scientific community and operational staff and to contribute to the seismic risk reduction of regions worldwide with similar seismotectonic and demographic characteristics with Crete. Furthermore, suggestions are made for the integration of multi-hazard episodes in the FSE scenario in order that the Civil Protection authorities will be prepared to handle the synergy of hazards of different types that may arise during a post-earthquake period that create compounding challenges during the emergency response and further increase recovery time.
The impact of metal contacts on the electrical properties of SiN dielectric film in MEMS capacitors is investigated. The investigation is performed employing MIM and MEMS capacitors with Au and Ni contacts. A resistive switching like behaviour is monitored in the case of Ni contacts. This behaviour is attributed to the presence of deep traps in SiN and the effect of different metal contacts as revealed from Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Current (TSDC) assessment. Specifically, TSDC showed that the resistive switching is a contact/interface dominated effect.
Brain organoids are in vitro 3D cultures generated in the lab from human induced pluripotent stem cells or embryonic stem cells and can mimic the human brain structure and function. Specifically, they reproduce to some extent in vivo developmental events as they consist of diverse cell types, such as apical radial glial cells, intermediate progenitors, basal radial glial cells, and neurons forming stratified cortical layers similar to what is observed in the human brain in vivo. Due to cytoarchitecture similarities between the human brain and brain organoids, the latter have been proposed as excellent models for studying human brain development and disease. Thus, genome manipulation in brain organoids is crucial for investigating the functions of specific genes and mutations that have been associated with brain-related disorders. For this reason, gene manipulation has been implemented in brain organoids in the last few years. Here, we describe a step-by-step protocol for gene expression manipulation and analyses in brain organoids via acute electroporation that we have optimized based on the in vivo electroporation that has been widely used in animal models. This easy-to-apply protocol is fast and robust and facilitates the precise spatiotemporal manipulation of the expression of any gene of interest.
Flash floods have been responsible for some of the most catastrophic events globally. The extensive range of effects and the varying severity of impacts present significant challenges in accurately understanding the damage caused by a flood event, thereby hindering our capacity to predict future consequences. When evaluating flood impacts and their severity, most existing approaches rely on qualitative descriptions (e.g., major, catastrophic, etc.) or examine the impacts from a single perspective or discipline, such as economic losses. In this study, the Flash Flood Impact Severity Scale (FFISS) is employed to evaluate, map, and categorize the impacts of two flash floods that occurred in the Lilas River in Greece in 2009 and 2020. The goal of this application is to analyze the varying severity levels and how one flood event can influence the impacts of a subsequent event. The methodology involved extensive fieldwork, including the collection of ground-based and aerial observations using UAV technology to document the impacts. These observations were subsequently georeferenced, followed by applying the Flash Flood Impact Severity Scale (FFISS) and creating detailed maps to assess and evaluate the severity of impacts associated with the two flood events. The results indicate that, despite the higher water levels during the second flood, areas previously affected show lower severity values. This reduction is attributed to the community’s gradual adaptation, improvements in infrastructure, and significant local widening of the river channel. Conversely, newly flooded areas during the second event exhibit high severity levels. Overall, applying the FFISS reveals spatial patterns of impact severity, offering insights into the local nature of floods while suggesting a potential reduction in overall risk during the post-flood period.
(1) Background: The present study examines the effects of fire on the ecosystem services of forest ecosystems in Greece. Being a Mediterranean country, Greece has been affected by fires of increasing intensity and frequency in recent years; (2) Methods: Information was extracted from 56 articles published in the period January 1997–March 2024 that were selected after an extensive literature review; (3) Results: An increasing trend in the number of published articles over time was observed. Studies on regulating and maintenance services prevailed. The majority of studies reported on thermo-Mediterranean ecosystems, with Pinus halepensis Mill forests being the most common ecosystems affected by fires. The effects of fire were primarily negative on provisioning and cultural services, as well as on the control of erosion rates, regulation of the hydrologic cycle, atmospheric composition, and climate regulation. Most effects on plant diversity were found to be positive, while positive and neutral effects were also recorded for pollination. The most pronounced negative or positive effects were noted for the first two years after the fire. The spatial mapping of the results showed that the areas most affected by the fires in Greece are Eastern Attica, Euboea, Western Attica, and most regional units of the Peloponnese; (4) Conclusions: In the era of climate change and changing fire regimes in the Mediterranean, there is a need to further research the impact of fire on ecosystem services, as this will help in the better protection and management of the most vulnerable forest ecosystems.
The accurate representation of mixed-phase monsoon clouds and their phase distribution is of great importance for numerical models used to predict monsoon rainfall. Therefore, it is essential for these models to correctly capture the phase fraction of clouds, which includes the proportions of liquid and ice. Ice particle formation in clouds occurs through primary ice production and secondary ice production (SIP). Most weather and climate models tend to overlook secondary SIP mechanisms, often only including rime-splintering. This oversight can introduce biases in the phase partitioning of mixed-phase clouds and monsoon rainfall predictions. In this study, we investigate the roles of three major SIP mechanisms: Hallett-Mossop (HM), droplet shattering (DS), and ice-ice collision (IIC) in mixed-phase monsoon clouds. This investigation is the first of its kind and was conducted using high-resolution simulations of mixed-phase convective clouds observed during the fourth phase of the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) over a rain shadow region of India. The default cloud microphysical scheme, which originally included only the HM process, was modified to incorporate additional SIP mechanisms such as DS and IIC. The simulated cloud parameters, including liquid and ice water content and ice number concentration, showed good agreement with airborne measurements. Our findings indicate that IIC is the predominant SIP mechanism, contributing 90 % to the total ice production through SIP. The inclusion of the three SIP mechanisms resulted in an enhancement of ice concentration by three to four orders of magnitude at temperatures warmer than -20 °C. SIP significantly influenced various cloud parameters between 0 to −20 °C, including total ice number concentration, ice crystal mass, rimed mass, liquid water content, and phase fraction. It also influenced the Ice Water Path (IWP), Liquid Water Path (LWP), and cloud top temperature. The rates of several mixed-phase processes were also affected by the SIP mechanisms. Overall, SIP led to a 15 % reduction in accumulated surface precipitation.
Flash floods have been the cause of some of the most devastating events worldwide. The wide diversity of the effects, as well as the variety in the severity of the impacts, lead to major obstacles in obtaining a realistic understanding of the damages caused by a flood event, thus hampering at the same time our ability to predict future impacts. In assessing flood impacts and their severity, most existing methods use a qualitative characterization (e.g., major, catastrophic, etc.) or view the impacts from a single viewpoint or discipline (e.g., economic losses). In this study, we apply the Flash Flood Impact Severity Scale (FFISS) to assess, map, and classify the impacts of two flash floods from the Lilas River in Greece in 2009 and 2020. This application aims to discuss the different severity levels in terms of how one flood can affect the impacts of the next event. The methodology encompasses comprehensive field research, including the collection of ground-based and aerial observations utilizing UAV technology to document the impacts. These observations are subsequently georeferenced, followed by application of the Flash Flood Impact Severity Scale (FFISS) and generation of detailed maps to assess and evaluate the severity of the impacts associated with the two flood events. The results show that despite the higher water stage of the second flood, the impacts in previously hit areas indicate lower severity values, attributed to the gradual adaptation of the community and its infrastructure, as well as significant local widening of the river channel. On the contrary, high severity remains an issue in newly flooded areas during the second event. Overall, the application of the FFISS can show the spatial patterns of severity impacts, providing insights into the nature of floods locally but also indicating a potential reduction in the overall risk in the post-flood period.
This study explores the lived experiences of Greek emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on perceived psychoemotional and social impacts and future outlooks. Using a qualitative longitudinal approach, we conducted two timeframes: March 2020 and June 2021, with thirty-four participants (M = 21.14 years old) initially responding to online open-ended questions, followed by in-depth interviews with six. Thematic analysis identified two main themes: ‘emotional shifts’ and ‘transitioning to adulthood’. Participants expressed a range of emotions, including sadness and nostalgia, leading to feelings of loneliness from being separated from loved ones. Throughout both timeframes, they reported fear and anxiety about contracting or spreading the virus. However, they also recognised positive changes during the first lockdown, such as personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life, which translated into ‘relational clearings’ during the second lockdown. Additionally, participants acknowledged their increased responsibility to comply with restrictions and formulated practical future plans reflecting a ‘here-and-now’ mindset. Our findings are discussed in relation to existing literature.
Given the critical role of zeroing neural networks (ZNN) in various fields and the practical demand for models in effectively resisting real-time noise, this study introduces a novel anti-noise integral zeroing neural network (AN-IZNN) model alongside its enhanced counterpart (EAN-IZNN), for the applications of matrix problem solving. Theoretical analysis demonstrates their ability to achieve convergence even under different noise conditions. Both theoretical analyses and simulation validations highlight the superior performance of the proposed models over existing neural network models. Notably, the root mean square error of the proposed AN-IZNN and EAN-IZNN models is reduced by 92.6249% and 91.4178%, respectively, compared to scenarios without the proposed method, demonstrating the effectiveness of the solution.
BACKGROUND & AIMS: The year 2023 marked the 10-year anniversary of the launch of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Monitoring HCV treatment trends by country, region, and globally is important to assess progress toward the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination targets. Additionally, the historical patterns can help predict the treatment uptake for future therapies for other liver diseases. METHODS: The number of people living with HCV (PLHCV) treated between 2014-2023 across 119 countries was estimated using national HCV registries, reported DAA sales data, pharmaceutical companies' reports, and estimates provided by national experts. For the countries with no available data, the average estimate of the corresponding Global Burden of Disease region was used. RESULTS: An estimated 13,816,000 (95% uncertainty intervals: 13,221,000-16,415,000) PLHCV were treated, of whom 12,748,000 (12,226,000-15,231,000) were treated with DAAs, of which 11,081,000 (10,542,000-13,338,000) were sofosbuvir-based DAA regimens. Country-level data accounted for 97% of these estimates. In high-income countries, there was a 41% drop in treatment from its peak, and reimbursement was a large predictor of treatment. In low- and middle-income countries, price played an important role in expanding treatment access through the public and private markets, and treatment continues to increase slowly after a sharp drop at the end of the Egyptian national program. CONCLUSIONS: In the last 10 years, 21% of all HCV infections were treated with DAAs. Regional and temporal variations highlight the importance of active screening strategies. Without program enhancements, the number of treated PLHCV stalled in every country/region, which may not reflect a lower prevalence but may instead reflect the diminishing returns of existing strategies. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Long-term hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Since 2014, these infections can be effectively treated with 8-12 weeks of oral therapies. In 2015, the World Health Organization established targets to eliminate HCV by 2030, which included treatment targets for member countries. The current study examines HCV treatment patterns across 119 countries and regions from 2014 to 2023 to assess the impact of national programs. This study can assist physicians and policymakers in understanding treatment patterns within similar regions or income groups and in utilizing historical data to refine their strategies in the future.
Abstract Ocean water clarity, influenced by marine chlorophyll concentration, significantly alters the distribution of shortwave radiation in the water column. This work aims to assess the effects of varying chlorophyll on the upper-ocean physical properties and their subsequent impact on the atmosphere, using a coupled ocean-atmosphere regional model for the Mediterranean and Black Seas. We performed 11-year (2011–2021) twin-simulation experiments based on different chlorophyll concentrations to estimate the penetration of solar radiation in the ocean. The first simulation used a monthly climatology field of chlorophyll concentrations derived from satellite observations, while in the second experiment, the chlorophyll concentration was kept constant at 0.05 mgm−3 \$\mathrm{m}\mathrm{g}\ {\mathrm{m}}^{-3}\$, representing clear water conditions. Results show that radiative heating driven by chlorophyll amplifies the seasonal cycle of temperature in the upper layers, leading to increased surface warming in summer and surface cooling in winter. Also, higher surface chlorophyll contributes to cooling in subsurface layers throughout the year due to its shading effect. The temperature response to chlorophyll variations is controlled by the mixed layer depth and a balance between (a) direct near-surface radiative heating due to the chlorophyll absorption and (b) indirect cooling resulting from vertical turbulent mixing processes with subsurface waters. The atmosphere moderates the seasonal sea surface temperature (SST) response caused by chlorophyll differential heating primarily through changes in latent heat flux. Ultimately, our simulations suggest that increased surface chlorophyll concentrations enhance the Mediterranean overturning circulation, highlighting the necessity of incorporating realistic optical forcing into regional climate modeling studies.
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.
The main objective of modern organizations is to acquire a long-term competitive advantage, so that they may cope with the requirements of organizations' complex and unstable environment. In this context, several companies try to transform themselves into Learning Organizations. The aim of this paper is to reveal whether the awarded companies in Greece, in terms of working environment, provide learning opportunities to their employees within their working environment. The quantitative method was employed, and a reliable questionnaire was filled by 80 employees, who work for an awarded company as one of the best companies in Greece, by a certified international organization called "Great Place to Work", DLOQ-Dimensions of the Organization Learning Questionnaire with 55 items, was selected as a valid and reliable instrument, in order to evaluate the dimensions of organizational learning and organizational performance. The findings of the current research, indicate that the company under study, has the characteristics of a Learning Organization and that the adoption of the seven dimensions of the Learning Organization has a positive impact on organizational performance. According to the study results, the subject company, identifies the importance of developing a learning culture in order to increase its performance and due to this fact, it takes all actions required for the development and training of human resources, so that it may reach its objectives.
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.
Functional somatic symptoms (FSSs) in children—such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle pain without clear medical explanations—pose a significant clinical challenge, often leading to repeated healthcare visits and impairments in daily functioning. While the role of parental psychological factors in shaping children’s FSSs has been suggested, empirical evidence remains limited and fragmented. This study addresses this gap by systematically examining the associations between parents’ reflective functioning, emotion regulation, alexithymia, and physical and mental health, and the frequency and severity of children’s FSSs. A total of 339 parents of children aged 6–12 completed surveys assessing their capacity to understand mental states, regulate emotions, and identify or describe feelings, as well as their self-reported physical and mental health. They also indicated whether their child experienced FSSs (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) more than once per week. Results revealed that parents of children with FSSs reported significantly lower levels of reflective functioning (lower certainty, higher uncertainty), higher alexithymic traits, and greater emotion regulation difficulties, alongside poorer physical and mental health indices. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that emotion regulation difficulties and poorer mental health significantly increased the likelihood of a child exhibiting FSSs, while lower reflective functioning also emerged as a significant predictor. Furthermore, multiple linear regression indicated that emotion regulation challenges and poor mental health predicted greater severity of FSSs. These findings offer novel insights into how parents’ psychological and health characteristics can shape children’s somatic symptom expression, highlighting the need for family-focused interventions. By identifying and addressing parental emotional and cognitive difficulties, clinicians may be able to mitigate the intergenerational transmission of maladaptive stress responses, ultimately reducing the burden of FSSs in children.
We present a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis, phase evolution and valence state of vanadium (V) in V1−xFexO2 (x = 0 %, 0.5 %, 0.75 %, 1.0 %) compounds. Polycrystalline samples have been synthesized with solid-state reaction method, followed by thermal annealing. X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analyzed by Le Bail method revealed the transformation from monoclinic (M1) phase (space group: P21∕c) to triclinic (T) one with increasing Fe concentration. Additionally, a monoclinic (M2) phase (space group: C2∕m) emerged at 1.0 % Fe doping. Temperature-dependent XRPD and diffuse reflectance measurements elucidated the phase transitions during heating cycles, showing the impact of Fe doping on the system’s behavior. The construction of a complete phase diagram for the V1−xFexO2 system (x ≤ 1.0 %) was achieved, addressing ambiguities in the low-Fe concentration region. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) further confirmed the influence of Fe doping on the vanadium valence states, indicating an increase of V5+ sites and therefore a lattice distortion and stabilization of the triclinic phase. The metal-insulator transition temperature (TMIT) appears to be almost constant. Post-annealing led to the reinstatement of the M1 phase in all samples, and a modified phase diagram was constructed. The accompanied decrease of V5+ ions contributed to the destabilization of the T and M2 phases, favoring the thermodynamically stable M1 phase. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex phase behavior of V1−xFexO2 compounds, showcasing a significant interplay between charge redistribution, the vanadium valence state, and the oxygen defects of the system.
A Bay of Biscay model configuration is used as a test case to assess the data-based consistency of ensemble-based ocean model uncertainties of several types: [A] built-in stochastic parameterizations at regional ocean scales, [B] ocean model response to a global atmospheric model ensemble and [C] both A and B simultaneously. Ensembles of varying length were generated. In addition to a seasonal-range ensemble, three medium-range ensembles were carried out over successive overlapping segments permitting to compare consistency metrics for different lead times. The largest spread was obtained for the C case, although most of the model uncertainties were attributable to the stochastic ocean parameterizations in A. We addressed the question of which ensemble type and lead time was able to provide the most realistic model uncertainties given observations of SST, sea level, and Chlorophyll a, using a theoretical and diagnostic consistency analysis framework expanded from Vervatis et al. (2021a). In our results, consistency was satisfactory for the stochastic ensembles of types A and C, for the “aged” error cases (but only marginally with respect to the “young” error cases), and whenever physical and biogeochemical uncertainty processes were active in the region and could be detected by the observational networks, such as the onset of the spring shoaling of the thermocline and the phytoplankton abundance primary bloom. Sea level empirical consistency was improved when a wide range of low- to high-frequency errors were included in the signal of dynamic atmospheric process in the data and in the model inverse barometer. These findings provide additional insight that can help configure ensemble-based methods in academic studies and in operational ocean forecasting systems.
Also used as ‘Start-up Research Tool and Reading List’ - recommended material and research tool for students, scholars and researchers: contains hundreds of academic / scientific papers, articles and studies globally. -------------------------------------------------------------------1790 Direct citations since 2003 (updated April 3, 2025) ......1790 ετεροαναφορές/παραπομπές/αναφορές—απευθείας στο έργο—σε επιστημονικά περιοδικά, βιβλία, πρακτικά συνεδρίων, διδακτορικές διατριβές, μεταπτυχιακές διατριβές, κεφάλαια βιβλίων, κ.ά. (από το 2003 έως 03/04/2025).
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 macrocyclic biquinazoline ligand, H-Mabiq, presents a central and a peripheral site for the coordination of metal ions, making the adsorption on solid surfaces promising for the creation of self-assembled bimetallic two-dimensional platforms. Here, we apply an on-surface metalation strategy under ultra-high vacuum conditions to guide the synthesis of metalated species and study sequential metalation patterns. We find that cobalt (as well as iron) metalation on the Ag(111) surface preferentially occurs at the macrocyclic centre without further metal coordination to the peripheral site. Nevertheless, starting from a densely packed, self-assembled H-Mabiq monolayer, the modification of the central cavity by Co is accompanied by an unusual, metalation-induced phase transformation which gives evidence of modified lateral / interfacial interactions. The selective metalation of one molecular site opens up an on-surface route to create bimetallic networks incorporating select metal ions at different locations.
Adolescence is a pivotal developmental period during which personality traits begin to crystallize and significantly impact mental health and behavioral outcomes. This review synthesizes existing literature on the role of personality traits in adolescence, with a particular focus on longitudinal studies and dimensional assessments. Key personality traits, such as conscientiousness, emotional stability, and extraversion, are associated with positive outcomes, including mental well-being and pro-social behavior. In contrast, traits such as neuroticism and impulsivity, as well as callous-unemotional traits, are linked to internalizing disorders, substance use, and antisocial behavior. Longitudinal research demonstrates that personality traits exhibit both stability and malleability during adolescence, offering critical insights into how these traits predict long-term outcomes, such as academic achievement, mental health disorders, and criminal behavior. The review identifies several research gaps, including the need for more cross-cultural studies and investigations into under-researched traits like openness to experience. Policy implications include the integration of personality assessments into mental health screening programs and the development of tailored interventions that focus on emotional regulation, self-control, and pro-social behaviors. By addressing these gaps and advancing intervention strategies, researchers and clinicians can better support adolescents in developing healthy personality traits that foster long-term mental well-being and positive behavioral outcomes.
We have theoretically investigated surface magnetoplasmons (SMPs) in an yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) sandwiched waveguide. The dispersion demonstrated that this waveguide can support topological unidirectional SMPs. Based on unidirectional SMPs, magnetically controllable multimode interference (MMI) is verified in both symmetric and asymmetric waveguides. Due to the coupling between the modes along two YIG–air interfaces, the asymmetric waveguide supports a unidirectional even mode within a single-mode frequency range. Moreover, these modes are topologically protected when a disorder is introduced. Utilizing robust unidirectional SMP MMI (USMMI), tunable splitters have been achieved. It has been demonstrated that mode conversion between different modes can be realized. These results provide many degrees of freedom to manipulate topological waves.
We develop a full-wave electromagnetic (EM) theory for calculating the multipole decomposition in two-dimensional (2-D) structures consisting of isolated, arbitrarily shaped, inhomogeneous, anisotropic cylinders or a collection of such. To derive the multipole decomposition, we first solve the scattering problem by expanding the scattered electric field in divergenceless cylindrical vector wave functions (CVWFs) with unknown expansion coefficients that characterize the multipole response. These expansion coefficients are then expressed via contour integrals of the vectorial components of the scattered electric field evaluated via an electric field volume integral equation (EFVIE). The kernels of the EFVIE are the products of the tensorial 2-D Green’s function (GF) expansion and the equivalent 2-D volumetric electric and magnetic current densities. We validate the theory using the commercial finite element solver COMSOL Multiphysics. In the validation, we compute the multipole decomposition of the fields scattered from various 2-D structures and compare the results with alternative formulations. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the theory to study an emerging photonics application on oligomer-based highly directional switching using active media. This analysis addresses a critical gap in the current literature, where multipole theories exist primarily for three-dimensional (3-D) particles of isotropic materials. Our work enhances the understanding and utilization of the optical properties of 2-D, inhomogeneous, and anisotropic cylindrical structures, contributing to advancements in photonic and meta-optics technologies.
Research on environmental education in Greece highlights the urgent need to integrate climate change education into school curricula due to the severe impacts of the climate crisis. Despite growing social awareness, implementation is hindered by limited resources resulting from the economic crisis, fragmented content in textbooks, and inadequate legislation. Technological advancements present new opportunities for enhancing environmental education. This article reviews the current state of environmental education and proposes strategic directions to improve its effectiveness. A SWOT analysis identifies internal strengths and weaknesses, along with external opportunities and threats, while a PEST analysis evaluates political, economic, social, and technological influences. Based on these assessments, strategic goals and directions are outlined, focusing on the comprehensive integration of Environmental Education for Climate Change into Greece’s compulsory education system. Key proposals include the development of clear policies, structured guidelines, and curriculum adaptations to address the evolving challenges of climate change. A cohesive national framework is recommended to ensure the consistent implementation of environmental education across all educational levels. These initiatives aim to prepare future generations with the necessary knowledge and skills to mitigate and adapt to climate change, fostering a more sustainable society.
Existing research has shown that emotional intelligence (EI) and teacher self-efficacy (TSE) play an important role in the work of in-service teachers. However, there is limited research on these variables and their associations among pre-service teachers. Also, the cultural context is expected to influence EI and TSE. Therefore, this study examined the associations between EI and TSE in two cultures, Finland and Greece. A comprehensive evaluation of EI was done by including both trait EI and ability EI measures. Data from primary education student teachers from Finland (N = 82) and Greece (N = 117) were collected online. The measures of EI and TSE exhibited full configural and metric measurement invariance and partial scalar and residual/strict measurement invariance across cultures. Finnish students had significantly higher scores on all EI variables than Greek students, whereas Greek students scored higher on self-efficacy for student engagement. Structural equation modelling showed that trait EI was moderately associated with one facet of ability EI, namely emotional management, but not with emotional understanding, implying that trait EI and ability EI can be considered as partially distinct constructs. A statistically significant positive association between trait EI and TSE was found in Finland, whereas a statistically significant negative association between ability EI and TSE was found in Greece. The findings have important implications for the models of trait and ability EI, for understanding the links between trait and ability EI and TSE during the critical phase of teacher education in the two cultural contexts studied, and for culturally informed teacher education.
Extreme weather events, increasingly frequent in the Mediterranean due to climate change, pose significant risks by triggering hydrogeomorphic processes such as slope failures. These phenomena, particularly prevalent in tectonically active and steeply sloped coastal areas, present challenges for monitoring due to their spatial and temporal dynamics.Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and advanced photogrammetric techniques, including structure-from-motion (SfM) and multi-view stereo (MVS), have emerged as transformative tools for capturing high-resolution terrain data. This study employs UAS-aided photogrammetry alongside change detection methods, such as digital elevation models of differences (DoD) and cloud-to-cloud distance (C2C), to analyze geomorphic changes induced by extreme storms in highly visited and geologically dynamic coastal areas in Greece.The findings reveal the utility of UAS in providing detailed morphometric measurements, delineating areas of erosion and deposition, and identifying high-risk zones. These capabilities facilitate a deeper understanding of geomorphic processes, enabling informed risk assessment and management strategies. The study underscores the potential of integrating UAS and photogrammetry for continuous monitoring in regions with high socioeconomic and environmental value. This approach not only supports sustainable development by minimizing disruptions but also enhances safety standards in vulnerable, high-exposure coastal areas. Through this methodological framework, the research contributes to addressing the pressing need for resilient hazard management in the context of evolving climatic conditions.
Abstract An isotype heterojunction n+-ZnO/n-Si photodetector is developed, showing adjustable wavelength-selective operation at self-powered conditions. Without an external bias voltage, the device can operate either as a broadband UV–vis–NIR or as a NIR-only photodetector, depending on the relative carrier concentrations of ZnO and silicon. In addition, the photodetector can be tuned to either broadband or NIR operation by the application of an external bias voltage, regardless of carrier concentrations. At negative bias, it demonstrates UV–vis–NIR photodetection, while at positive bias, NIR photodetection. Photovoltage and photocurrent measurements for pulsed illumination reveal a high-speed self-powered response, with rise and fall times <100 µs across the UV–vis–NIR. The device can be engineered to reproduce undistorted pulsed light with frequencies as high as 1 kHz. Self-powered responsivity reaches ≈70 mA W−1, which becomes ≈4 A W−1 with an applied external bias.
Έρευνα και Εφαρμογές στη Μουσική Ψυχολογία. 1st ed. (Αναγνωστοπούλου Χ, Τριανταφυλλάκη Α, Κόνιαρη Δ, Δρακουλάκη Κ). Θεσσαλονίκη: ΕΕΜΕ (Ελληνική Ένωση για τη Μουσική Εκπαίδευση); 2025 pp. 650.
Τριανταφυλλάκη Αγγελική. Μουσικές Ταυτότητες. In: Έρευνα και Εφαρμογές στη Μουσική Ψυχολογία, Αναγνωστοπούλου, Τριανταφυλλάκη, Δρακουλάκη, Κόνιαρη (Επιμ.). Θεσσαλονίκη : Ελληνική Ένωση για τη Μουσική Εκπαίδευση; 2025.
Έχει φύλο η επιχειρηματικότητα; Συνεχίζεται η έμφυλη κόπωση στον εργασιακό χώρο; Πώς διαχειρίζονται και τροποποιούν τα αναχρονιστικά στερεότυπα στον τομέα της επιχειρηματικότητας οι γυναίκες του 21ου αιώνα; Τι είδους γνώσεις και δεξιότητες απαιτούνται στον ψηφιακό κόσμο σήμερα για επαγγελματική εξέλιξη και επιτυχία στο επιχειρείν; Ερευνητικά δεδομένα με θέμα τη γυναίκα, το φύλο, την επιχειρηματικότητα και την ηγεσία (1974–2024) επιβεβαιώνουν ότι δεν έχουν αλλάξει πολλά. Παρά την πρόοδο που έχει σημειωθεί στην αναγνώριση των καινοτομιών και συνεισφορών των γυναικών στον τομέα της επιχειρηματικότητας, οι γυναίκες επιχειρηματίες υποεκπροσωπούνται παγκοσμίως. Οι γυάλινες οροφές δεν έχουν θρυμματιστεί ακόμα. Ερευνητικά στοιχεία του 21ου αιώνα -όπως και εκείνα του 20ού- εντοπίζουν ότι το έμφυλο χάσμα στην επιχειρηματικότητα προκύπτει εξαιτίας των έμφυλων διακρίσεων/στερεότυπων,της έλλειψης δεξιοτήτων μάρκετινγκ, διαθεσιμότητας οικονομικών πόρων και υπηρεσιών υποστήριξης, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της κακής πρόσβασης σε επιχειρηματικά δίκτυα, ακόμα και στο αναπτυσσόμενο-νέο ψηφιακό τοπίο. Τα ίδια ερωτήματα διερευνώνται σήμερα, καθώς οι έμφυλες διακρίσεις— που τώρα συμπεριλαμβάνουν και το ψηφιακό χάσμα—εξακολουθούν να υπάρχουν. Επιπροσθέτως, μολονότι οι ανεπτυγμένες και αναπτυσσόμενες χώρες αναγνωρίζουν ότι οι επιχειρηματικές δραστηριότητες των γυναικών συμβάλλουν στην κοινωνικοοικονομική ανάπτυξη και βιωσιμότητα, «η δίνη των πολλαπλών υποχρεώσεων/εργασιών» (multitasking whirlpool) εξακολουθεί να οδηγεί στην έμφυλη κόπωση, υποδεικνύοντας ότι έχουμε ακόμη πολύ δρόμο να διανύσουμε, ειδικά στις αναπτυσσόμενες οικονομίες. Αυτή η μελέτη επιδιώκει να απαντήσει στο ακόλουθο ερευνητικό ερώτημα: Μεταβάλλονται οι αντιλήψεις για την επαγγελματική επιτυχία τον 21ο αιώνα; Ο στόχος είναι να αναδειχθεί το είδος των γνώσεων και δεξιοτήτων που απαιτούνται στο ψηφιακό τοπίο και να εντοπισθούν τα χαρακτηριστικά μιας επιτυχημένης επιχειρηματία. Μελλοντικές κατευθύνσεις: να ρίξουμε λίγο φως σε γυναίκες-πρότυπα που διαπρέπουν στον κόσμο των startups (νεοφυείς επιχειρήσεις), στη γαλάζια οικονομία και στην αργυρή οικονομία.****ΕΠΙΣΗΣ ΒΛΕΠΕ ΜΟΝΙΜΗ ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΠΕΡΓΑΜΟ (PERGAMOS) ΤΟΥ ΕΚΠΑ:https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/3473838
