National Documentation Centre - EKT journals
Not a member yet
23927 research outputs found
Sort by
Colonization of the Mediterranean Sea by the Lessepsian invasive jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda (Forskål, 1775) – a systematic review
No full textThe colonization of the Mediterranean Sea by Cassiopea andromeda underscores the complex interaction of biological, environmental, and anthropogenic factors influencing the spread of invasive species. This study describes the dispersal of C. andromeda across the Mediterranean basin and updates its current distribution. Starting from the initial introduction via the Suez Canal, we uncovered key stages of colonization across the Mediterranean, and discussed the role that salinity, dispersal vectors, and local genetic adaptations might have had in shaping its distribution. Through a comprehensive review of historical records, environmental parameters, and life cycle constraints, we identify three distinct colonization periods: a slow initial colonization, a rapid expansion phase, and a restricted westward spread, culminating in its appearance in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon in southwestern Mediterranean. Our findings suggest that salinity could have acted as a modulator of the spread velocity, delaying colonization in suboptimal conditions and potentially driving local adaptations. This work highlights the synergistic effects of anthropogenic activities and environmental stressors on the spread of marine invasives, providing insights to develop management strategies for C. andromeda and other invasive species in coastal ecosystems
Humeral osteochondrosis in dogs: Long-term outcomes of 10 clinical cases
No full textHumeral osteochondrosis (HO) is a complex growth cartilage disorder characterized by disruption in the process of endochondral ossification. This disorder, often seen in dogs, involves the separation of a segment of articular cartilage from the underlying bone, leading to degenerative joint disease and lameness. This retrospective study aims to compare the outcomes of conservative and surgical treatment of HO in ten instances. The study was conducted at the Surgery and Obstetrics Unit of the Companion Animal Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Nine client-owned dogs of varying breeds, both sexes, aged 4–8 months, and weighing 10–35 kg participated in the study. The duration of lameness prior to their first consultation ranged from 1 to 3 months. All participants were thoroughly examined clinically, orthopedically and radiographically. This helped in determining both the location of osteochondrosis, whether in the shoulder or elbow joint, and the degree of severity. One dog, diagnosed with bilateral HO, accounted for two of the ten cases. Nine cases exhibited lesions on the caudal aspect of the humeral head, whereas one showed them in the medial part of trochlea humeri. Six cases underwent surgical treatment, which included the removal of the cartilage flap, curettage, and drilling of the subchondral bed. The remaining four cases received conservative treatment such as activity restriction, weight reduction and administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Progress was evaluated through a dog mobility questionnaire completed by the owners. Findings showed that 1-month post-operation, surgically treated dogs, except for two, returned to full activity. The two exceptions experienced low-grade lameness post-strenuous exercise. Dogs receiving conservative treatment were not restricted, and their response to medical therapy varied, showing degrees of lameness, especially when conditions were favorable for the manifestation of osteoarthritis. The results obtained suggest that dogs treated surgically demonstrated better long-term functional outcomes compared to those treated conservatively. Recurrent lameness in some of them appears to be due to the development of degenerative changes in the joint
Comparison of colony initiation success of queen bees (Bombus terrestris L.) fed diets with different pollen sources
No full textThis study examined the effect of feeding diets with different pollen sources to queen bees (Bombus terrestris) on the initiation of the colony. 120 fertile queen bees that healthily emerged from diapause were randomly distributed to six diet groups of different pollen sources: i) Poppy pollen (PP), ii) Chestnut pollen (CP), iii) Labdanum pollen (LP), iv) Poppy-Chestnut pollen (PPCP), v) Poppy-Labdanum pollen (PPLP) and vi) Chestnut-Labdanum pollen (CPLP). In addition, groups were fed sugar syrup (50 brix) ad libitum. During the rearing of queens, the room temperature and relative humidity were 27-28 °C and 50%, respectively. It was found that pollen consumption differed among the groups (P<0.01); highest and lowest in the PPCP and CP groups, respectively. The worker bee emergence time was earliest and latest in the LP and PP groups, respectively (P<0.05). Furthermore, the number of worker bees in the first brood varied among the groups (P<0.01), higher in the PPCP compared with the rest of the groups. On the other hand, the weight of queen and worker bees, first egg-laying time, and survival rate did not differ among the groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, this study suggested that the supplementation of bee diets with multi-floral poppy-chestnut pollen could enhance colony initiation of queen bumblebees
Enterococcus faecium as a causative agent of death of Small-Tailed Han sheep farmed in Tongliao region of China: A case study
No full textIn order to determine the cause of death of 27 Small-Tailed Han sheep in a Small-Tailed Han sheep farm in Tongliao, China, we characterized Gram-positive coccobacillus isolated from dead Small-Tailed Han sheep. We have also conducted a preliminary study on the resistance mechanism and pathogenesis of the pathogen. In this study, substantial organs (heart, liver, spleen and kidney) of infected and dead sheep and blood samples of sick sheep were used as test materials. Tests such as isolation and culture of bacteria, antimicrobial susceptibility test, 16S rDNA gene identification, resistance genes detection, and pathological section observation were performed. Better growth of isolated strain on sheep blood agar medium was observed. Antimicrobial susceptibility test found florfenicol (25 mm) and amikacin (25 mm) to have the best bacteriostatic effect. The isolated strain (GenBank sequence number OP430848.1) showed 99.90% similarity to the 16S rDNA fragment of Enterococcus faecium published on GenBank. The isolate was found to harbor cfr, tetM, and ant(6)-I resistance genes. The results of pathological tissue sections showed pathological changes in the substantial organs (heart, liver, spleen and kidney) of the diseased sheep. This test provides a reference for the diagnosis, treatment, and resistance investigation of pathogenic Enterococcus faecium of sheep origin
Knowledges, beliefs and practices on radiation protection of non-radiologists physicians who use ionizing radiation and participate in radioscopically guided procedures
No full textBackground: Technical innovations have spread the use of ionizing radiation in daily clinical practice. About one third to half medical decisions are guided by radiological examinations. This review aims to evaluate current literature relating non-radiologists physicians' knowledge and practices of radiation safety.
Method and Material: A literature search from the MEDLINE and CINAHL databases was performed where original articles were retrieved, published in the English language from the past 10 years.
Results: While almost all physicians use lead aprons not all of them use thyroid protectors and very few of them use lead gowns and goggles. Also the majority of physicians do not use a dosimeter badge. The major reason for not using radiation protection equipment is their unavailability. Physicians have low levels of knowledge about radiological safety. Longer length of service, having attended a radiation protection and safety course, increased frequency of ordering imaging per day and specialty are factors that affect positively physicians’ level of knowledge. Although occupational radiation exposure has been associated with leukemia and nonmalignant thyroid nodular disease, increased risk of cancer, cataract, headache and fatigue, eye symptoms with most common the red eyes, very few physicians have read articles on radiation safety or have received training.
Conclusions: The inadequate level of radiation knowledge can lead to increased radiation exposure and risk for complications to healthcare professionals and patients. Healthcare organizations must ensure the adequate procurement of personal protective equipment so it is available to physicians who use ionizing radiation
Care and support of patients with end-stage respiratory disease on home mechanical ventilation – Ethical and legal issues
No full textHome mechanical ventilation (HMV), either invasive or non-invasive, can play a vital role in managing respiratory insufficiency in patients with end-stage lung diseases. However, a range of ethical considerations arise, due to its impact on patients, families, physicians and healthcare systems. Key ethical concerns include obtaining informed consent, evaluating patients’ decision-making capacity, addressing the potential withdrawal of ventilation, and managing the emotional and practical burden placed on family members. These issues require careful, patient-centered deliberation. At the same time, the development of a clear and comprehensive legal framework governing home health care (HHC) services remains a significant challenge. This review aims to gather and present information from the existing literature regarding the ethical and legal perspective of HMV, as well as illustrate the greek legal framework about home health care. A detailed legislation is indeed demanded in order to determine each party’s role (physicians, families, patients), minimise ethical issues and render HHC an equal alternative model of patient-oriented therapy. Despite the legal framework, the implementation of Hospital-at-Home (HaH) in Greece is still in its infancy, raising ethical concerns about unequal access to palliative care, regional disparities, and the disproportionate burden placed on patients and families managing end-stage diseases at home
The Corps of Greek Alkimos (SEA): Education, Organization, and Activities
No full textΤο Σώμα Ελλήνων Αλκίμων (ΣΕΑ) συνιστά ένα χαρακτηριστικό παράδειγμα οργανωμένης προσπάθειας πολιτικής και ιδεολογικής διαπαιδαγώγησης της νεολαίας σε περιόδους αυταρχικής διακυβέρνησης. Η εργασία εξετάζει τη διαχρονική πορεία του θεσμού, από την ιδεολογική του έμπνευση και τις πρώτες του μορφές στη Σμύρνη, έως την επίσημη θεσμοθέτησή του στον Πειραιά και την κορύφωση της δράσης του κατά τη διάρκεια της δικτατορίας των συνταγματαρχών (1967–1974). Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίδεται στη στρατιωτική οργάνωση, τη χρήση αρχαιοπρεπών προτύπων, τη δομή της εκπαίδευσης και την αξιοποίηση του αθλητισμού, των παρελάσεων και των κατασκηνώσεων ως μέσων ενίσχυσης της πειθαρχίας και του εθνικιστικού πνεύματος. Η μελέτη στηρίζεται σε πλήθος πρωτογενών πηγών, διοικητικών εγγράφων και κανονισμών λειτουργίας, καθώς και σε επιλεγμένη δευτερογενή βιβλιογραφία από το πεδίο της σύγχρονης ιστοριογραφίας και της εκπαιδευτικής πολιτικής. Μέσα από την αποτίμηση του ρόλου και των ορίων της οργάνωσης, αναδεικνύεται η σχέση ανάμεσα στην πολιτική εξουσία, την αγωγή και τη νεολαία, καθώς και η αδυναμία κάθε μορφής ιδεολογικής χειραγώγησης να επικρατήσει μακροπρόθεσμα έναντι της κοινωνικής δυναμικής και της δημοκρατικής συνείδησης. Το ΣΕΑ, τελικά, αποτυπώνεται ως ιστορικό τεκμήριο μιας εποχής έντασης μεταξύ εξουσίας και παιδείας, με σημαντικά διδάγματα για τον ρόλο της αγωγής στη διαμόρφωση της συλλογικής ταυτότητας.The Soma Ellinon Alkimon (Corps of Greek Alkimos) represents a paradigmatic case of a state-sponsored attempt to politically and ideologically educate youth during periods of authoritarian rule. This study explores the historical evolution of the institution—from its ideological origins and early forms in Smyrna, through its formal establishment in Piraeus, to its full development under the military junta of 1967–1974. Emphasis is placed on its military structure, the appropriation of classical Greek symbolism, and its educational model, which incorporated athletics, parades, and camps to instill discipline and nationalist sentiment. The analysis draws upon a wide range of primary sources, administrative documents, and organizational statutes, as well as selected secondary literature from the fields of modern historiography and educational policy. Through the critical assessment of the institution’s goals and limitations, the study highlights the interplay between political power, youth education, and social identity formation. Despite state efforts to control the ideological orientation of the younger generation, the SEA ultimately failed to establish lasting influence. It now stands as a historical testament to the inherent tension between authoritarian governance and educational autonomy, offering valuable insight into the sociopolitical use of pedagogy and its implications for democratic societies
Οι ιδιατερότητες και οι προοπτικές εξέλιξης της διαδικασίας της οπτικοακουστικής παραγωγής και της δημιουργίας animation σε περιβάλλον διευρυμένης πραγματικότητας (ΔΠ/XR) στην εποχή της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης (ΤΝ/ΑΙ)
No full textΣε αυτήν την εργασία διερευνούνται οι δυναμικές που προκύπτουν από τη σύγκλιση της Διευρυμένης Πραγματικότητας (ΔΠ/XR) με την Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη (ΤΝ/AI) στον τομέα της σύγχρονης οπτικοακουστικής παραγωγής και της δημιουργίας animation. Καθώς η XR εμπειρία μετασχηματίζει τις μορφές αφήγησης και εμβύθισης, η AI επιταχύνει και αυτοματοποιεί διαδικασίες όπως η δημιουργία χαρακτήρων, η παραγωγή περιεχομένου και η προσαρμογή εμπειριών στον χρήστη. Το άρθρο αναλύει τις τεχνολογικές, αφηγηματικές και αισθητικές επιπτώσεις αυτών των εξελίξεων, παρουσιάζοντας παραδείγματα έργων και εφαρμογών από τη διεθνή σκηνή στο πεδίο των εγκαταστάσεων και των βίντεο παιχνιδιών. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται στις δημιουργικές ροές εργασίας που διαμορφώνονται από εργαλεία τεχνητής νοημοσύνης, καθώς και στις προκλήσεις που ανακύπτουν για τους δημιουργούς. Η μελέτη καταλήγει στη διαπίστωση ότι η μελλοντική ανάπτυξη της XR παραγωγής θα βασίζεται σε διεπιστημονική συνεργασία και στην αξιοποίηση της συν-δημιουργίας ανθρώπου και μηχανής.This paper explores the intersection of Extended Reality (XR) technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of contemporary audiovisual production and animation creation. As XR environments—encompassing Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality—redefine the boundaries of immersive media, the integration of AI reshapes creative workflows, narrative structures, and production methodologies. This study identifies key transformations in XR-based animation, such as AI-assisted character generation, procedural content creation, and personalized interactivity. By analyzing case studies, technological frameworks, and current industry trends, the paper highlights both the technical challenges and the artistic opportunities that emerge in this rapidly evolving field of installations and video games. The conclusion reflects on the future role of interdisciplinary collaboration, intelligent tools, and human–machine co-creation in XR storytelling
Ecological Translation: Karen Bakker and Digital Conservationism
No full textΤο παρόν άρθρο διερευνά τη διασταύρωση του δικαίου, της τεχνολογίας και της περιβαλλοντικής ηθικής μέσα από το έργο της Κάρεν Μπάκερ (Karen Bakker) για τον ψηφιακό περιβαλλοντισμό, και ειδικότερα την έννοια της ψηφιακής συντήρησης της φύσης. Το κεντρικό ερώτημα που τίθεται είναι πώς θα άλλαζε το ισχύον νομικό πλαίσιο, εάν οι άνθρωποι μπορούσαν να επικοινωνούν απευθείας με μη ανθρώπινες οντότητες, όπως τα οικοσυστήματα ή τα ζώα, με τις οποίες συνυπάρχουν. Αν και το ερώτημα αυτό δεν εξετάζεται ρητά στο βιβλίο της Μπάκερ Gaia’s Web, σχετίζεται ωστόσο με τα ευρύτερα ζητήματα της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης, της αλγοριθμικής διακυβέρνησης και του περιβαλλοντικού δικαίου. Η υπεράσπιση από την Μπάκερ της αξιοποίησης των ψηφιακών τεχνολογιών για την παρακολούθηση και τη διατήρηση του περιβάλλοντος υποδηλώνει ότι η τεχνητή νοημοσύνη θα μπορούσε να γεφυρώσει το χάσμα μεταξύ ανθρώπινης και μη ανθρώπινης επικοινωνίας, οδηγώντας ενδεχομένως στη νομική αναγνώριση δικαιωμάτων μη ανθρώπινων οργανισμών. Το άρθρο ασκεί κριτική σε αυτή την άποψη, εξετάζοντας ζητήματα που αφορούν τον βιοπολιτικό έλεγχο, τους κινδύνους της τεχνολογικής επιτήρησης και τις προκλήσεις της εκπροσώπησης μη ανθρώπινων οντοτήτων με νομικούς όρους. Επιπλέον, εξετάζει εκ νέου την έννοια του «φυσικού συμβολαίου», λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τον εξελισσόμενο ρόλο του δικαίου στην αναγνώριση της αυτονομίας του μη ανθρώπινου κόσμου.
This article explores the intersection of law, technology and environmental ethics through Karen Bakker’s work on digital conservationism. The central question posed is how the current legal framework would change if humans could communicate directly with non-human entities, such as ecosystems or animals, that coexist with us. This question, although not explicitly addressed in Backer’s book Gaia’s Web, nevertheless touches on the broader issues of artificial intelligence, algorithmic governance and environmental law. Backer’s advocacy of using digital technologies to monitor and conserve the environment suggests that AI could bridge the gap between human and non-human communication, potentially leading to legal recognition of the rights of non-human organisms. The article critiques this view by examining questions relating to biopolitical control, the dangers of technological surveillance, and the challenges of representing non-human entities in legal terms. Furthermore, it re-examines the concept of the “natural contract,” taking into account the changing role of law in recognizing the autonomy of the non-human world.
 
From innovation to maintenance: Environmental dimensions of technological accumulation
No full textΗ κυρίαρχη αφήγηση για την τεχνολογική πρόοδο βασίζεται στην ιδέα της συνεχούς καινοτομίας, με στόχο τη βελτίωση της παραγωγικότητας και τη διαχείριση περιβαλλοντικών προκλήσεων μέσω τεχνολογικών λύσεων. Ωστόσο, αυτή η προσέγγιση συχνά αγνοεί τις επιπτώσεις της τεχνολογικής ανάπτυξης στο περιβάλλον, καθώς και τις πολιτικές και κοινωνικές σχέσεις που τη διαμορφώνουν. Το άρθρο αυτό προτείνει μια εναλλακτική οπτική, εστιάζοντας στην έννοια της τεχνολογικής διατήρησης (technological maintenance) ως αντίβαρο στη λογική της προγραμματισμένης απαξίωσης (planned obsolescence) και της τεχνοδιόρθωσης (technofix). Αναδεικνύει τη σημασία της συντήρησης, της επισκευής και της επαναχρησιμοποίησης τεχνολογιών ως στρατηγικές για τη μείωση της εξόρυξης πρώτων υλών, τον περιορισμό των ηλεκτρονικών αποβλήτων και τη διατήρηση βιώσιμων τεχνολογικών υποδομών. Η έμφαση στη διατήρηση ως εναλλακτική προσέγγιση προτείνει μια πιο βιώσιμη σχέση με την τεχνολογία, αμφισβητώντας το αφήγημα της αέναης τεχνολογικής προόδου. Το άρθρο υποστηρίζει ότι η μετάβαση προς ένα βιώσιμο μέλλον δεν είναι απλώς τεχνική διαδικασία, αλλά κοινωνικοτεχνικός μετασχηματισμός, όπου η διατήρηση μπορεί να λειτουργήσει ως εργαλείο επαναδιαπραγμάτευσης των σχέσεων εξουσίας, της κατανομής πόρων και της διαχείρισης των τεχνολογικών υποδομών σε ένα περιβάλλον αυξανόμενης κλιματικής κρίσης.The dominant narrative of technological progress is rooted in the idea of continuous innovation aimed at enhancing productivity and addressing environmental challenges through technological solutions. However, this approach frequently overlooks the environmental impacts of technological development, as well as the political and social dynamics that influence it. This article proposes an alternative perspective, emphasizing the concept of technological maintenance as a counterbalance to the logic of planned obsolescence and technofixes. It underscores the importance of maintaining, repairing, and reusing technology as strategies to reduce raw material extraction, minimize e-waste, and sustain technological infrastructures in an environmentally responsible manner. By prioritizing conservation as an alternative approach, the article suggests fostering a more sustainable relationship with technology, challenging the prevailing narrative of perpetual technological progress. It argues that the transition to a sustainable future is not merely a technical process but a socio-technical transformation, where conservation can serve as a tool for renegotiating power dynamics, resource allocation, and the management of technological infrastructure in the face of an escalating climate crisis