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Concentration of heavy metals in the blood plasma of grazing-cattle of the smelter in Mitrovica
No full textThe accumulation of heavy metals in animals depends on the concentration in the soil, pasture, duration of exposure and the way of absorption of metals into the blood and other tissues. The aim of the research is to identify the level of lead (Pb), and some heavy metals in the blood plasma of cattle, as a bio-indicator of exposure to pollutants and determine the toxic index of pollution. The determination of the level of metals was carried out in 73 samples of blood plasma of cattle, in 4 locations at different distances from the smelter (2km, 3km, 5km and 40km - controls). The results show the highest level of heavy metal exposure in: location 1 Pb is (0.571 ppm), Cu (1.327 ppm) and Fe (6.376 ppm), while in the control location, there is a lower level of concentration in Pb (0.264 ppm), Cu (0.568 ppm) and Fe (2.363 ppm), compared to the others. The average values plasma Fe in location 1 (6.376 ppm) and 2 (5.946 ppm), is relatively small (Dif.=0.43 ppm), in location 3 there is a moderate decrease compared to the others and the control. Location 1 consistently shows the highest HPI values for all three heavy metals in bovine plasma, indicating higher exposure to pollutants (Pb, Cu and Fe). There are significant differences in the levels of Cu contamination between locations (F statistic = 11.214, p < 0.0001). The average values of Cd, Zn and Hg, in the 3 locations near the smelter and in location 4, are below the detection level. The research results confirm that: no matter how high or low the concentration values of heavy metals in the blood plasma are, they present negative effects on exposed organisms even after two decades from the closure of the smelter. Heavy metal pollution, especially lead (Pb), in long-term-chronic exposure environments, endangers animal and human health
Testifying for the Pylos Disaster: Who/What “bears witness for the witness?”
No full textIn his two seminars on Le Témoignage (1992-1994) and in Sovereignties in Question: The Poetics of Paul Celan (2005), Jacques Derrida provides a rich archive on the politics and poetics of testimony and the question of who or what can testify for the disasters of the human in the past and the present, and what language can be adequate to the task. Derrida deconstructs the idea of a transparent and pure testimony, which, he suggests, is by default contaminated by silences, breaks, cuts, incoherences, lacunae as well as the hesitation and traumatism of the witnesses that cannot fully translate their experience, bound on their senses and visceral responses, into rational logos. Derrida dramatizes the potential of poetic discourse to inherit, inscribe and disseminate a testimony that does not correspond to the common understanding of legal testimony or of a coherent, chronologically linear narrative. Reading Derrida’s archive on testimony in apposition with selected poems by Paul Celan, this article aims to testify for a contemporary disaster, namely the shipwreck of the Adriana trawler carrying refugees from Africa to Europe, a few miles from the Greek city of Pylos, on June 14th, 2023, in order to probe the possible and impossible witnesses of the disaster and what their testimonies can flesh out about a historical and political reading of the catastrophic event. The paper constellates a series of fragments, that is, media coverage of the shipwreck, photographs before and after the disaster and survivors’ testimonies, in order to suggest that not only humans, but also poems and (audio)visual materials should be taken as witnesses for this unique event that tends to occur again and again in the Mediterranean and other sea and land crossings around the globe
Detection of Potential Fire Hazard Points in Electrical Networks Using Thermal Cameras and Their Mapping
No full text This project aims to develop an advanced system for detecting potential fire hazard points along power transmission networks using thermal cameras and GPS technology. Focusing on areas where transmission lines are close to vegetation, the objective is to create a comprehensive risk map that will assist utility companies and authorities in preventive maintenance and fire mitigation efforts. Thermal cameras capable of detecting temperature anomalies indicative of overheating will be mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles or other mobile units to inspect the network. These cameras will record real-time temperature data, identifying sensitive points. Simultaneously, GPS coordinates will be logged for each identified hazard point. In addition to recording thermal anomalies, this project will utilize a Geographic Information System (GIS) to visualize the spatial distribution of these risks and map them
Συμβατότητα των ομάδων αίματος
No full textΗ παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζει τη διερεύνηση της συμβατότητας ομάδων αίματος μέσω μιας πειραματικής προσομοίωσης, στην οποία συμμετείχαν μαθητές Β' Γυμνασίου. Στο πείραμα χρησιμοποιήθηκαν απλά υλικά, όπως χρώματα ζαχαροπλαστικής για τις ομάδες αίματος (Α,Β,ΑΒ και Ο) και χρυσόσκονη για το αντιγόνο D, για να γίνει αναπαράσταση πιθανών μεταγγίσεων καθώς και των αντιδράσεων που συμβαίνουν σε αυτές. Το πείραμα περιελάμβανε την ανάμειξη τεχνητού αίματος μεταξύ «δότη» και «δέκτη» για κάθε ομάδα αίματος και καταγραφή των παρατηρήσεων. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι μεταξύ συμβατών ομάδων αίματος δεν πραγματοποιείται καμία αλλαγή χρώματος ή ομοιογένειας, επομένως οι εν λόγω μεταγγίσεις των ατόμων είναι επιτρεπτές. Αντιθέτως οι μεταγγίσεις μεταξύ μη συμβατών ομάδων οδηγούν σε αλλαγή χρώματος ή ομοιογένειας που υποδεικνύουν αιμοσυγκόλληση και πιθανό θάνατο του δέκτη. Τα αποτελέσματα του πειράματος υποστηρίζουν τη θεωρία του συστήματος ABO και του Rhesus παράγοντα, καθώς η προσομοίωση με χρώματα ζαχαροπλαστικής ήταν ιδιαίτερα αποτελεσματική στην απεικόνιση και την κατανόηση των επιτρεπτών και μη μεταγγίσεων
Συλλογή και επεξεργασία καιρικών δεδομένων με χρήση Arduino
No full textΗ παρούσα εργασία αφορά τη συλλογή, καταγραφή και παρουσίαση καιρικών δεδομένων από μαθητές με δύο τρόπους. Ο πρώτος με κλασικά όργανα μέτρησης και ο δεύτερος με τη χρήση Arduino με χρήση αισθητήρων.Το ερευνητικό ερώτημα αφορά τη σύγκριση των δύο μεθόδων ως προς την αξιοπιστία .Οι μαθητές συλλέγουν δεδομένα αξιοποιώντας όργανα μέτρησης στην περιοχή της Νέας Σμύρνης Αττικής. Χρησιμοποιείται θερμόμετρο υδραργύρου και ηλεκτρονικό υγρόμετρο. Επίσης καταγράφονται ημέρες με βροχόπτωση, ηλιοφάνεια, νεφοκάλυψη και χιονόπτωση. Τα αποτελέσματα παρουσιάζονται σε μορφή διαγράμματος με το εργαλείο excel. Στη δεύτερη μέθοδο αξιοποιείται η πλακέτα Arduino Uno. Για την ακρβέστερη καταγραφή και περαιτέρω σύγκριση αξιοποιούνται δύο πλακέτες με αισθητήρες θερμοκρασίας, υγρασίας και βροχόπτωσης. Οι πληροφορίες αποθηκεύονται και προβάλλονται σε συνδεδεμένο υπολογιστή και σε οθόνη lcd, όπου αποθηκεύονται σε πίνακα
 
ICONIC SUPERCARS: ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AND PERFORMANCE EVOLUTION
No full textThis report explores the realm of iconic supercars, focusing on five groundbreaking models that have redefined the automotive landscape through cutting-edge technology, unmatched performance, and forward-thinking design. These vehicles—LaFerrari, McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder, Apollo Intensa Emozione, and Koenigsegg Agera RS—represent the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering. Each combines raw power with advanced materials, hybridization, and aerodynamic precision. This report outlines their individual attributes, highlights key innovations, and discusses how these machines reflect the evolving values of speed, efficiency, and engineering artistry in contemporary supercar development
Attitudes and perceptions for Covid-19 of migrants & refugees living in a camp: Quantitative Study.
No full textBackground: The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly altered daily life worldwide. Both the virus itself and the preventive measures implemented to limit its transmission generated heightened levels of stress and fear. Refugees and migrants, owing to their inherent vulnerabilities, encountered additional challenges in coping with these circumstances.
Method and Material: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of the refugee population residing in shelter facilities in Northern Greece, regarding the Covid-19 infection and the impact of the infection on their mental health status and daily behavior patterns. The “Psychological and Behavioral Response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic” questionnaire was administrated to a random sample of 66 men and 54 women who were living in the Refugee-Migrant Center, in the suburbs of Thessaloniki during the period of March-April 2021.
Results: Most respondents reported adherence to hygiene measures (88%–100%). Non-asylum holders exhibited a greater psychological impact (73%), primarily due to anxiety and fear (90%). Compliance with hygiene measures was reported by 81% of those who had previously been ill, compared to 96% among those who had not contracted the disease.
Conclusions: This study identified significant effects at both psychological and behavioral levels. Heightened anxiety and fear influenced participants across the sample, leading many to avoid routine daily activities. The majority demonstrated adherence to government-mandated preventive measures. However, individuals who perceived the situation as less severe than portrayed exhibited lower levels of psychological impact compared to those with more pessimistic views
Uterine Transplants – Considerations of Legal Frameworks, Access for Transgender Women, and Ethical Considerations
No full textΟι μεταμοσχεύσεις μήτρας (UTx) κερδίζουν γρήγορα δημοτικότητα ως μέθοδος τεχνητής αναπαραγωγής. Αφορούν μια χειρουργική επέμβαση κατά την οποία μια υγιής μήτρα μεταμοσχεύεται από ένα άτομο σε ένα άλλο. Μέχρι σήμερα, οι διαδικασίες UTx έχουν πραγματοποιηθεί σε γυναίκες με ταυτότητα φύλου (cisgender) που αντιμετωπίζουν κάποιο είδος υπογονιμότητας. Αν και αυτή η διαδικασία δεν προσφέρεται επί του παρόντος ως συνήθης θεραπεία σε καμία χώρα παγκοσμίως, είναι απαραίτητο να προσδιοριστούν τα βασικά ηθικά και νομικά ζητήματα, προκειμένου να καθοριστεί εάν οι ισχύοντες νόμοι για τη μεταμόσχευση οργάνων είναι κατάλληλοι ή εάν απαιτείται νέα νομοθεσία. Θα υποστηρίξω ότι η μέθοδος αυτή έχει ιδιαίτερη πολυπλοκότητα, που απαιτεί ένα ξεχωριστό σύνολο νομοθετικών διατάξεων. Η ειδική νομοθεσία για την UTx θα συμβάλει στην καταπολέμηση των ανισοτήτων και στην πρόληψη του εξαναγκασμού σε διεθνές επίπεδο.Uterine transplantations (UTx) are rapidly gaining popularity as an artificial reproductive technique (ART). Uterine transplantations (UTx) refer to a surgical procedure whereby a healthy uterus is transplanted from one person to another. Up to date, UTx procedures have been performed on cisgender women who struggle with some sort of infertility, whether that be Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility or Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a disorder where someone is born without a uterus. Though this procedure is not currently offered as routine treatment in any country worldwide, it is essential to determine the key ethical and legal debates surrounding the procedure in order to determine whether current organ transplantation laws are adequate for this procedure, or if new legislation is necessary in order to capture the complex nature of the procedure. UTX not only involves the routine complexities of any organ donations, such as kidney donations, but it also creates a unique level of added harm for both the donor and the recipient. Currently, no country has suggested to bring forward specific legislation regarding this procedure. However, I will argue that it is essential to view this ART as a different level of organ donation, thus requiring an individual set of legislation. UTx specific legislation will aid to combat inequalities and prevent coercion at an international level. This article will establish three main considerations regarding this procedure. Firstly, I will ask whether a new legal framework is required in order to deal with the issue of uterine transplants, or will it be sufficient to apply current rules regarding organ transplantations? I will analyse laws regarding access to UTx in the following countries: Sweden, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, and the United States., I will seek to establish the medical and ethical considerations regarding access to uterus transplants for transgender women, how it would be physiologically possible, and the importance of allowing access to uterus transplants for this subgroup of women. I will seek to point out a myriad of ethical issues that arise from the procedure, such as deceased donations, fair distribution, whether the procedure should be made available for cisgender and transgender men, the principle of harm and whether this level of harm to the donor and to the recipient could be ethically acceptable, and finally, the right to procreate and where UTx lies within this right. Ultimately, I will seek to establish that a new and innovative set of legislation should be implemented in order to encapsulate the complex nature of UTx
Editorial to the Special Issue: Individuals, relationships and community in the digital era
No full textΤο παρόν ειδικό τεύχος παρουσιάζει εμπειρικές έρευνες και θεωρητικές επεξεργασίες που εξετάζουν την επίδραση των Τεχνολογιών Πληροφορίας και Επικοινωνιών (ΤΠΕ) στο άτομο, στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και στην κοινότητα. Η πρόσβαση στις ΤΠΕ και η χρήση τους έχουν καταστεί πιο εύκολες και πιο οικονομικά προσιτές από ποτέ, επιτρέποντας σε ευρύτερα τμήματα του πληθυσμού να εμπλακούν με αυτές. Η χρήση τους εντάθηκε περαιτέρω κατά την περίοδο της πανδημίας COVID-19, εξέλιξη που αποτυπώνεται αναπόφευκτα στη σύγχρονη έρευνα. Τα άρθρα που περιλαμβάνονται στο τεύχος αναδεικνύουν την πολυδιάστατη επίδραση των νέων τεχνολογιών σε διαφορετικά ζητήματα. Ορισμένες μελέτες εστιάζουν στον ρόλο των ΤΠΕ στη διαμόρφωση της ταυτότητας, στο μέτρο που η τεχνολογική εμπλοκή δύναται να επηρεάζει την αυτοαντίληψη και την ανάπτυξη της ταυτότητας του ατόμου. Όπως αναμενόταν, σημαντικό μέρος του τεύχους αφορά τη χρήση των ΤΠΕ στην ψυχοθεραπεία, εξετάζοντας τόσο τις δυνατότητες που προσφέρουν όσο και τις ηθικές και δεοντολογικές προκλήσεις που ανακύπτουν, καθώς και τους τρόπους με τους οποίους οι προκλήσεις αυτές μπορούν να αντιμετωπιστούν ή τουλάχιστον να αναγνωριστούν. Αντίστοιχοι προβληματισμοί αναδεικνύονται και σε σχέση με τη χρήση των ΤΠΕ στον χώρο της εκπαίδευσης. Επιπλέον, το τεύχος περιλαμβάνει μελέτες που αφορούν την προβληματική χρήση των ΤΠΕ και τις συνέπειές της σε διαφορετικούς πληθυσμούς. Τέλος, εξετάζεται η επίδραση των ΤΠΕ στις ερωτικές σχέσεις, μέσω μελέτης που εστιάζει στον ρόλο τους στην αναζήτηση συντρόφου. Συνολικά, οι μελέτες υπογραμμίζουν τον κεντρικό στόχο του παρόντος ειδικού τεύχους: οι ΤΠΕ είναι πλέον βαθιά ενσωματωμένες σε ατομικό, διαπροσωπικό και κοινωνικό επίπεδο, και η επιστημονική έρευνα μπορεί να καθοδηγήσει τη βέλτιστη χρήση τους, λαμβάνοντας παράλληλα υπόψη τις δυνητικά προβληματικές τους διαστάσεις.The present special issue presents empirical studies and theoretical contributions that examine the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on individuals, interpersonal relationships, and the community. Access to and use of ICTs have become more accessible and affordable than ever before, enabling broader segments of the population to engage with them. Their use was further intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, a development inevitably reflected in contemporary research. The articles included capture the multifaceted influence of new technologies across diverse population groups. Several contributions examine the role of ICTs in shaping identity, insofar as technological engagement may influence individuals’ self-concept and identity development. As expected, a substantial focus concerns the use of ICTs in psychotherapy, addressing both the opportunities they offer and the ethical and deontological challenges they raise, as well as ways to manage or acknowledge these challenges. Similar concerns are raised regarding the use of ICTs in education. Also, the issue includes studies on problematic ICTs use and its consequences for different populations. Finally, the influence of ICTs on romantic relationships is addressed, including a study focusing on their impact on partner seeking. Overall, the contributions underscore the central aim of this special issue: ICTs are now deeply embedded at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels, and research can guide their optimal use while addressing their potentially problematic dimensions
The Competition between the US and China for AI Dominance
No full textThis article aims to comparatively study the strategic approaches of the two superpowers, in conquering Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a focus on American innovation in private sector leadership, to maintain superiority, relative to the People's Republic of China, and their focus on state-supported projects, merging military and civilian AI applications with strong national policies that also aim at AI superiority. By mapping the context of the technological race for leadership between the United States and the People's Republic of China, this paper will illustrate why the current competition is decisive and characterized primarily by the speed of AI development