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Chreos and Philotês in Homeric Ethics: Beyond Enlightenment and Reverence
No full textThis article offers a philosophical reinterpretation of Homeric ethics by bringing into debate the opposing views of Peter J. Ahrensdorf, Richard Ruderman, and Darrell Dobbs. Ahrensdorf and Ruderman highlight the whimsical, capricious, selfish, and morally indifferent behavior of the Homeric gods. Given these divine flaws, humans lack perfect safeguards against calamities caused by fate (Moîra) and necessity or by their flawed judgments. For both authors, rational judgment serves as the most reliable antidote to suffering and destruction. Ruderman, in particular, interprets Homer as a defender of “enlightenment,” grounded in the rejection of false hopes on divine providence, which in the Homeric context is considered unreliable and untrustworthy. Blind faith in gods, he argued, indulges thymos, the most self-assertive innermost human longing that incites rampant anger, often culminating in hubris (extreme moral transgression). In contrast, Dobbs focuses on Homer’s Odyssey and defends a vision of reverence as morally stabilising. For him, rational action cannot guarantee morality and justice. More importantly, the instrumentality of rationalism can lead to recklessness and hubris. Reverence for divine powers, on the other hand, encourages moral resilience, even in the face of suffering imposed by the gods themselves or Moîra. This article evaluates both positions and argues that neither rational autonomy nor reverence alone suffices to secure justice and well-being. It another another aspect of Ahrensdorf’s interpretation of the Iliad: the virtue of friendship (or philotês), which (in the author’s view) is best exemplified by the character of Achilles. Drawing on Plato, Aristotle, and Empedocles, I explain that since philotês is grounded in a sense of chreos (moral necessity), it lays the foundations for a stable community of solidarity anchored in mutual recognition and respect. Thus, chreos and philotês emerge as the twin foundations of Homeric ethics
Thriving in the dark: a new record and new species of Annelida (Lamarck, 1802) from a Balearic anchialine cave (Western Mediterranean Sea)
No full textAnchialine caves are singular aquatic environments of significant conservation interest, defined by darkness, constant temperature, and low levels of nutrients and dissolved oxygen, as well as vertically stratified water layers. Due to their challenging accessibility, these caves represent one of the few remaining unexplored frontiers on Earth, hosting short-range endemics and ecologically specialized communities highly susceptible to anthropogenic disturbances. Exploration of a cave in the northern region of Mallorca, Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean), has revealed the presence of a new genus and species of Polynoidae, Pollentia perezi Capa, Pons & Jaume, 2022, with presumed deep-sea affinities. Further exploration of this cave system showed two additional polychaetes. The first is a new species of Polycirrus (Terebellidae), whereas the second, Vermiliopsis labiata (Costa, 1861) (Serpulidae), previously known to inhabit marine environments, represents the first record of this species in an achialine cave. Notably, neither the terebellid nor the serpulid exhibits apparent morphological adaptations to their cave habitat. Our study combines morphological and molecular analyses to characterise the polychaete fauna of the Cova des Bastons, Mallorca, and increases the number of taxa associated with Mediterranean anchialine environments
Winning in the era of global change: new findings on the invasive fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) along the Italian coasts obtained using Citizen Science
No full textInvasive species and other factors contributing to global change can interact, leading to potentially synergistic impacts on marine ecosystems and the services they provide. The ongoing spread of the invasive, thermophilic and stinging fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Amphinomidae) along the Italian coasts has attracted special attention from the scientific community and the public. In 2021, we established the citizen science project “Monitoraggio Vermocane” (Fireworm Monitoring) to fill key gaps in knowledge related to the ecology, reproductive biology, current range expansion and possible impacts of H. carunculata. Over three years, more than 600 records were provided by professional divers and sea users using social networks. Data analysis revealed that 1) H. carunculata scavenges frequently on fishery waste, which may attract fireworms to anthropized areas and promote their growth, increasing the likelihood of human/fireworm interaction. Fireworms may also act as opportunistic consumers and kleptoparasites on ecosystem engineer anthozoans, which are already threatened due to heat stress and mechanical damage. 2) Fireworm spawning is linked to the lunar cycle, occurring during the summer throughout the Central Mediterranean at a depth of 2-16 m. The body posture and movement, and the aggregation of worms, may optimize their reproductive effort. 3) The range of H. carunculata is still expanding along the Tyrrhenian coasts and in Sardinia. These findings suggest that H. carunculata is emerging as a potential “winner” of human-driven changes in the Mediterranean Sea. Further studies based on both experiments and participatory science are needed to better assess the risk and damage associated with its expansion
New records of introduced species in the Mediterranean Sea (December 2025)
No full textNew records of introduced species in the Mediterranean Sea (December 2025
Exploring Temporal Patterns of American Foulbrood Disease in Türkiye Through the Seasonal-Trend Decomposition (STL) Method
No full textAmerican Foulbrood (AFB), a highly dangerous and fatal disease of honey bees, is accountable for significant economic losses in harvesting of honey. This study analyzes temporal changes in reported numbers of AFB outbreaks and cases using a new analytical tool, STL decomposition. Time-series analyses were carried out using data supplied over an 18-year period beginning in January 2005 to uncover trends and the existence of seasonal fluctuations to enable beeking industry strategies to track and manage this significant bee diseases. STL, a seasonal-trend decomposition method developed using locally weighted regression, was used for visual statistical analysis to model the monthly number for AFB outbreaks and cases. To investigate the importance of the seasonality, a logistic regression model was employed. A total of 18483 AFB cases were recorded in Türkiye from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2022, with a mean of 86 cases per month. STL decomposition demonstrated that the outbreak trend cycle was more flexible, whereas the case trend cycle abruptly rose and fell between 2018 and 2019. The STL decompositon revealed that the highest seasonal peaks of AFB incidence occurred in the spring and summer. This disease was more likely to occur throughout these two seasons (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.16–2.37 and OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.36–2.75, respectively, with autumn regarded as reference). These findings can make significant contributions to the fight against the disease, further increasing regional competitiveness in honey production, better use of existing resources and meeting the increasing demand for honey products.
Keywords: American Foulbrood; Honey bee diseases; Seasonal trend; STL method; Time-series analysis
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation boosts antioxidant and antibacterial effects in Allium species, potentially replacing chicken antibiotics
No full textThis study aimed to enhance the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of extract of purple onion (OE, Allium cepa L.) and chive (CE, Allium schoenoprasum) bulbs through Lactobacillus plantarum-mediated fermentation regarding their antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity. Among seven isolates from local free-range chicken feces, LA24 was selected for its highest survival rate (89%) against the antibacterial activities of both OE and CE. It was identified as L. plantarum 1582 through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and was utilized for the CE and OE fermentation study. Fermentation significantly increased the total phenolic content (TPC) of both extracts. Specifically, the TPC of fermented purple onion extract (FOE) increased from 4,16 to 11,63 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, while the TPC of fermented chive extract (FCE) increased from 8,51 to 23,45 mg GAE/g. Furthermore, both FOE and FCE exhibited enhanced antioxidant activities. The DPPH radical scavenging activity, measured by IC50 values, improved from 17,14 to 11,21 mg/mL for FOE and from 4.63 to 3,18 mg/mL for FCE. Both extracts also demonstrated increased reducing power following fermentation. Importantly, FCE showed stronger antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., key pathogens associated with diarrhea in broiler chickens, compared to FOE. In vivo studies in chickens confirmed the transient colonization potential of L. plantarum 1582 in the chicken gut. These findings suggest that fermented Allium extracts, particularly FCE, hold promise as natural antibiotic alternatives in poultry feed, contributing to improved antioxidant status and disease resistance
Determination of organochlorine compounds in the starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) in different áreas of the Caspian Sea
No full textNowadays, the presence of organochlorine pesticides in aquatic ecosystems is one of the main environmental concerns, due to the persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic nature of these compounds. In the Caspian Sea, the largest inland body of water in the world, there is a unique ecosystem, which is inhabited by extremely valuable species, like sturgeons. In view of that preoccupation for the aforementioned pesticides, and the critical state of the sturgeon population, our aim in this work was to evaluate their concentration in those animals throughout the Caspian Sea. For this purpose, a total of 40 adult starry sturgeons was obtained within a repopulation programme in the northern and southern coastal waters of this sea. First, the marginal pectoral fin was extracted from them, and then they were set free. The samples from each area were analysed together, and the concentration of several pesticides was ascertained. The latter were lower than the quantification limit for most of the organochlorine compounds evaluated in the different regions investigated. However, it was possible to quantify aldrin, epoxyheptachlor, heptachlor, D.D.E and dieldrin. Given the scant fat content in the study matrix, the detection of some organochlorine substances above the quantification limit in the samples obtained in this work was a reason for concern. That is why we recommend going on evaluating and adopting measures to alleviate organochlorine pollution in this region
Influence of various energy sources in rations on fattening performance and profitability in yearling lambs
No full textThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of rations created with different energy sources on the fattening performance and economic profit of male yearling lamb rations. The energy sources of the rations used in the study were barley (Experiment-1), wheat (Experiment -2), and corn (Experiment -3). The animal material of the study consisted of male yearlings lambs of the Morkaraman breed, aged 7.5-8 months and with an average body weight of 44 kg.. The study consisted of 27 animals in total, 9 animals in each group, with 3 replications and 3 animals in each replication. In the study, male yearlings lambs were subjected to a 56-day fattening trial. At the end of the experiment, significant differences were found among the groups in terms of body weight, avarage daily gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). The experiment-2 group had the highest body weight, avarage daily gain, and feed intake during the entire fattening period. The experiment-1 and especially experiment-2 groups performed well during the first 28 days of the fattening research. Experiment-2 performed the best in terms of feed conversion ratio, followed by experiment-1 and experiment-3. Between the 29-56th days of the fattening period, the experiment-3 groups performance improved. On the other hand, it was determined that the performance of experiment-1 and experiment-2 decreased between 29-56 days of the fattening period compared to 0-28 days. When the cost of the 1 kg ration used in the research was examined, it was determined that the lowest cost ration belonged to experiment-3, and experiment-1 and experiment-2 were the same. Parallel to the ration costs, it was determined that the lowest cost per 1 kg of body weight gain was in experiment-3, while the highest cost was in experiment-1. However, when examining both the income and profit from body weight gain, they determined that experiment-2 was significantly better than the other groups. In conclusion, the best performance and economic gain in male yearlings lambs fed with rations composed of different energy sources were obtained from wheat-based rations
Genetic characterisation of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato infecting ruminants in the Republic of North Macedonia L.
No full textThis study aimed to characterize Echinococcus genotypes infecting ruminants in North Macedonia and estimate their epidemiological significance and possible public health implications. Samples from 69 ruminants were collected between 2021 and 2022, with one cyst per animal analyzed for genetic diversity through amplification and sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) mitochondrial gene. Using the neighbor-joining method, phylogenetic analysis of the sequenced data was performed using MAFFT for sequence alignment, trimming, and tree construction with MEGAX. Phylogenetic analysis identified two major genotypes: G1 and G3. Among the samples, 38/61 sheep (62.3%) were G1, and 23/61 sheep (37.7%) were G3. Both G1 and G3 genotypes were detected in 4/8 isolates (50%) in cattle. This study provides the first molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus (s.s.) genotypes (G1 and G3) in North Macedonian ruminants. The predominance of these highly zoonotic genotypes highlights significant public health risks and underscores the urgent need for integrated surveillance programs targeting both animal and human populations. These findings provide essential baseline data for implementing targeted control strategies in this endemic region
The Outdoor education as a pedagogical framework for inclusion and sustainable learning: The example of Forest Schools
No full textΗ υπαίθρια εκπαίδευση (ΥΕ) αναδεικνύεται διεθνώς ως ένα δυναμικό παιδαγωγικό πλαίσιο που επαναπροσδιορίζει τη μάθηση μέσα από τη βιωματική εμπλοκή, τη συστηματική σχέση με τον τόπο και τη συναισθηματική σύνδεση με το φυσικό περιβάλλον. Το παρόν άρθρο εξετάζει κριτικά τον ρόλο της ΥΕ ως ένα συμπεριληπτικό και προσανατολισμένο στη βιωσιμότητα εκπαιδευτικό πλαίσιο, με έμφαση στους ετερογενείς μαθητικούς πληθυσμούς και, ειδικότερα στα παιδιά με ειδικές εκπαιδευτικές ανάγκες και άλλου είδους μαθησιακές και κοινωνικές ποικιλομορφίες. Μέσα από θεωρητική ανάλυση και σύνθεση ερευνητικών δεδομένων, το άρθρο αποσαφηνίζει θεμελιώδη στοιχεία της ΥΕ και της παιδαγωγικής, με επίκεντρο τον τόπο, αξιοποιώντας το παράδειγμα των Σχολείων του Δάσους ως καθιερωμένο μοντέλο εκπαιδευτικής πρακτικής. Επιπλέον, αναλύει τους παιδαγωγικούς μηχανισμούς μέσω των οποίων η συστηματική και επαναλαμβανόμενη επαφή με τη φύση ενισχύει τη γνωστική ανάπτυξη, τη συναισθηματική ευημερία, την κοινωνική συμμετοχή και την περιβαλλοντική υπευθυνότητα των μαθητών/τριών. Παράλληλα, αναδεικνύονται προκλήσεις που περιορίζουν την αποτελεσματική ενσωμάτωση της ΥΕ στο τυπικό σχολικό πλαίσιο. Συνολικά, η ανάλυση υποδεικνύει ότι, υπό προϋποθέσεις συστηματικής υποστήριξης, η ΥΕ μπορεί να συμβάλει ουσιαστικά στη διαμόρφωση πιο συμπεριληπτικών, βιώσιμων και μαθητοκεντρικών εκπαιδευτικών περιβαλλόντων.Outdoor education (OE) is increasingly recognised internationally as a dynamic pedagogical framework that redefines learning through experiential engagement, place-based relationships, and meaningful emotional connections with the natural environment. The present paper critically examines OE as an inclusive and sustainability-oriented educational approach, with particular emphasis on diverse learners; children with special educational needs and diverse learning and social profiles. Drawing on theoretical analysis and a synthesis of contemporary research, the core foundations of OE and place-based education are outlined, using Forest School as an established model of practice. The analysis explores the pedagogical mechanisms through which regular and long-term engagement with nature supports cognitive development, emotional well-being, social participation, and environmental responsibility. It also highlights key challenges that constrain the effective implementation of OE in formal schooling, including pedagogical misconceptions, risk-averse educational cultures, and limited institutional and professional support. Overall, the analysis suggests that, when systematically embedded and adequately supported, OE can contribute meaningfully to the development of more inclusive, sustainable, and learner-centred educational environments