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Media battles in the cybersphere: analyzing news and social media agendas during the 2015 Greek bailout referendum
No full textRecording of Historic Buildings and Monuments for FEA: Current Practices and Future Directions
No full textCultural heritage (CH) sites and monuments share significant historical and cultural value, but at the same time, these are highly vulnerable to deterioration due to age, construction methods, and materials used. Therefore, stability studies for CH structures through numerical analyses allow researchers and stakeholders to safeguard them against time and exposure to hazards. To obtain reliable results for stability studies, detailed and accurate geometric documentation is needed prior to any modeling or simulation. In this context, geomatics technologies like LiDAR and photogrammetry can offer great support in documenting their structural integrity, providing efficient, non-invasive data collection methods that generate 3D point clouds. Nevertheless, despite the benefits, geomatic methods remain underutilized in structural engineering due to limitations in converting 3D point clouds directly for use in finite element modeling (FEM) analysis. The paper aims to review current approaches for the generation of FE models for structural analysis employing data obtained from 3D digital surveys. Each approach is described in detail, providing examples from literature and highlighting its advantages and disadvantages. Studies show that analysis accuracy depends strongly on point cloud level of detail, underlining the importance of precise geomatic surveys. Emerging workflows and semi-automated methods enable point clouds to be integrated with BIM (building information modeling) and FEM, thereby enhancing the contribution that laser scanning techniques and 3D modeling provide for the analysis of the stability of structures belonging to cultural heritage
Διερεύνηση παραγόντων που επιδρούν στη μετατροπή του πόνου σε χρόνιο σε ασθενείς μετά από νοσηλεία στη Μονάδα Εντατικής Θεραπείας
No full textBackground: Pain among non-communicative ICU patients is a major issue, not only during their ICU stay, but also after discharge. Recognition of risk factors associated with the transition from acute to chronic pain could enhance identification of patients at high risk for chronic pain, and guide development of clinical interventions to manage and prevent it.
Aim: Investigation of potential chronic pain risk factors in adult non-communicative ICU patients.
Method: This prospective, repeated measures study was conducted in two phases. At Phase I, in-ICU, demographic and clinical data was collected for 5 consecutive days upon admission. At Phase II, post-ICU, self-reported data on pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and health related quality of life (HRQoL), at 1 (Τ1), 3 (Τ2), 6 (Τ3) and 12 (Τ4) months was collected.
Results: 123 patients were enrolled, 87 of whom survived the ICU. 59 patients were analysed at Phase II. More than half of ICU patients experienced pain during their stay, and in the months post-ICU. Chronic pain was significantly associated with ICU length of stay (LOS), presence of PTSD symptoms and impaired HRQoL.
Conclusion: More than half of ICU patients experienced pain and more than half of ICU survivors experienced chronic pain. Longer ICU LOS was significantly associated with higher odds of chronic pain, which in turn was linked to PTSD-related symptoms and lower HRQoL after ICU discharge.Εισαγωγή: Ο πόνος στους μη επικοινωνούντες ασθενείς ΜΕΘ αποτελεί σημαντικό πρόβλημα τόσο στη διάρκεια της νοσηλείας τους, όσο και μετά από αυτή. Η αναγνώριση των παραγόντων που επιδρούν στη μετατροπή του πόνου σε χρόνιο, μπορεί να οδηγήσει στην έγκαιρη αναγνώριση των ασθενών σε υψηλό κίνδυνο εμφάνισης χρόνιου πόνου και να οδηγήσει στην ανάπτυξη στοχευμένων κλινικών πρακτικών για την αποφυγή του.
Σκοπός: Η διερεύνηση των παραγόντων που επιδρούν στη μετατροπή του πόνου σε χρόνιο μετά από νοσηλεία στη ΜΕΘ, σε μη-επικοινωνούντες ασθενείς.
Μέθοδος: Προοπτική μελέτη παρατήρησης με επαναλαμβανόμενες μετρήσεις, που διεξήχθη σε δύο φάσεις. Η Φάση Ι, εντός ΜΕΘ, περιλάμβανε την καταγραφή δημογραφικών και κλινικών χαρακτηριστικών των ασθενών για 5 συνεχόμενες μέρες από την εισαγωγή τους. Η Φάση ΙΙ, μετά τη ΜΕΘ, περιλάμβανε αξιολόγηση του πόνου, των συμπτωμάτων μετατραυματικού στρες (PTSD) και της σχετιζόμενης με την υγεία ποιότητας ζωής (HRQoL) μετά από 1 (Τ1), 3 (Τ2), 6 (Τ3) και 12 (Τ4) μήνες.
Αποτελέσματα: 123 ασθενείς συμπεριλήφθηκαν στη μελέτη, 87 από αυτούς επέζησαν και 59 αναλύθηκαν για διερεύνηση του χρόνιου πόνου. Περισσότεροι από τους μισούς ασθενείς εμφάνισαν πόνο τόσο στη διάρκεια της Φάσης Ι, όσο και στη διάρκεια της Φάσης ΙΙ. Η παρουσία χρόνιου πόνου σχετίστηκε σημαντικά με τη διάρκεια νοσηλείας στη ΜΕΘ, εμφάνιση συμπτωμάτων PTSD και χαμηλότερου επιπέδου HRQoL.
Συμπέρασμα: Περισσότεροι από τους μισούς μη-επικοινωνούντες ασθενείς ΜΕΘ εμφάνισαν πόνο, και περισσότεροι από τους μισούς επιζήσαντες εμφάνισαν χρόνιο πόνο. Η μεγαλύτερη διάρκεια νοσηλείας στη ΜΕΘ σχετίστηκε με μεγαλύτερο κίνδυνο για εμφάνιση χρόνιου πόνου. Η παρουσία χρόνιου πόνου σχετίστηκε με αυξημένο κίνδυνο για εμφάνιση συμπτωμάτων PTSD και μειωμένου επιπέδου HRQoL.Δρ. Ελισάβετ Παπαθανάσσογλου, Καθηγήτρια, University of Alberta
Δρ. Μαρία Καρανικόλα, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου
Δρ. Μαργαρίτα Γιαννακοπούλου, Καθηγήτρια, Εθνικό Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Δρ. Μαρία Κυράνου, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου
Εξωτερικό μέλος Επιτροπής: Dr Nikolaos Efstathiou, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham, College of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and MidwiferyComplete
The Contribution of Basil Essential Oil and Ascorbic Acid Application to the Preservation of Fresh Basil During Shelf Life
No full textFresh basil is a widely used herb with distinct attributes (aroma and taste); however, it has a quite limited shelf life. The investigation and use of natural products to preserve fresh commodities is gradually increasing over the years. The current work aimed to investigate the impacts of basil essential oils (EOs) and ascorbic acid (AA) (at varying concentrations and times of submersion) on the quality characteristics of fresh basil stored for 6 days at 4°C. Basil respiration rates were increased with AA application (0.5%-5 min). Basil's EO profile was changed during the storage period, with the three main components to be linalool, eucalyptol and eugenol. Among the applied treatments, basil EO 1 min (0.001% and 0.01%), AA 1%-1 min, and AA 0.5%-5 min resulted in increased antioxidant capacity and total flavonoids content of fresh basil. This increase suggests a product with increased nutritional value. In addition, both AA and basil EO applications were able to lower the microbial load (aerobic plate count, yeast and filamentous fungi) of fresh basil, contributing to the product's storability. Overall, the examined natural products (AA and basil EO) could be considered as putative postharvest preservative means for fresh basil. However, such applications should be further investigated for commercialization and upscaling as well as for other types of commodities and herbs.This research was funded by the PRIMA StopMedWaste project, which is funded by PRIMA, a program supported by the European Union with co-funding by the Funding Agencies of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), Cyprus
Descriptor: Archaeological cropmark synthetic signatures (ACSS)
No full textWith the advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, research in the domain of remote sensing archaeology may be greatly assisted by new tools available. Nevertheless, a major barrier relies on the scarcity of existing ground truthing remote sensing data, which eventually hinders training effective models, acquiring general understanding, and performing predictive modeling. In this article, we introduce an extensive dataset of synthetic hyperspectral signatures (ACSS)—of 1 nm interval—simulating cropmarks spectral measurements, which can be used as a proxy indicator for the detection of shallow buried archaeological remains. Simulation generation involved: 1) encoding the observed hyperspectral ground truth signatures, collected over a barley test field, into leaf and canopy bio-physical parameter values, via inversion of the radiative transfer model PROSAIL; and 2) modeling the statistics of the physical parameters by a joint pdf, sampling this distribution, and then running PROSAIL forward to generate two types of simulated signatures, i.e., over buried remains (cropmarks) and over pure soil. The dataset includes 10 000 synthetic signatures from each type in comma-separated value (csv) file format, as well as a Python generator script. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that such an extensive spectral cube has been published, which can be further reused by the scientific community to better understand the formation of cropmarks and optimize archaeological proxies through the development of targeted remote sensing archaeological AI models and architectures. We therefore anticipate that ACSS can be a starting point for the development of targeted data resources in the field of remote sensing archaeology that will facilitate model building toward addressing important questions, which are otherwise hard to answer
Διεπαγγελματική συνεργασία και εργασιακή ικανοποίηση ιατρικού και νοσηλευτικού προσωπικού
No full textIn an ever-evolving economic and professional landscape, healthcare organizations are
required to respond flexibly to increasing demands while balancing resource management
and human capital. In Cyprus, the implementation of the General Healthcare System,
introduced significant challenges for healthcare institutions, such as meeting growing
healthcare needs, managing higher costs, and addressing rising public expectations.
Within the context of limited resources, there is a pressing need to enhance the quality of
care, patient safety, and operational efficiency. It is therefore essential to leverage all
factors that can improve productivity and satisfaction without incurring additional
financial burden. At the same time, such efforts contribute to fostering positive working
conditions through a climate of collaboration and job satisfaction—factors that may
enhance organizational effectiveness, empower healthcare professionals, reduce
dissatisfaction, and mitigate staff turnover intentions.Σε ένα διαρκώς μεταβαλλόμενο οικονομικό και εργασιακό περιβάλλον, οι οργανισμοί
υγείας καλούνται να ανταποκρίνονται ευέλικτα στις αυξανόμενες ανάγκες,
εξισορροπώντας την οικονομία πόρων και ανθρώπινου δυναμικού. Στην Κύπρο, η
εφαρμογή του ΓεΣΥ φέρνει προκλήσεις για τα νοσηλευτήρια, όπως η κάλυψη αυξημένων
υγειονομικών αναγκών, το υψηλότερο κόστος και οι απαιτήσεις των πολιτών. Μέσα σε
περιορισμένους πόρους, γίνεται επιτακτική η ανάγκη για βελτίωση της ποιότητας
φροντίδας, της ασφάλειας των ασθενών και της αποδοτικότητας. Είναι, λοιπόν,
απαραίτητη η αξιοποίηση όλων των παραμέτρων που ενισχύουν την παραγωγικότητα και
την ικανοποίηση χωρίς επιπλέον οικονομική επιβάρυνση. Παράλληλα, οδηγούν στη
δημιουργία θετικών συνθηκών εργασίας μέσα από ένα κλίμα συνεργασίας και εργασιακής
ικανοποίησης που ενδεχομένως να συμβάλει στη βελτίωση της αποτελεσματικότητας, της
ενδυνάμωση των επαγγελματιών υγείας, της μείωσης της δυσαρέσκειας και της πρόθεσης
φυγής.Δρ Παπασταύρου Ευρυδίκη, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια Τμήμα
Νοσηλευτικής, Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου
Δρ Αντρέας Χαραλάμπους, Καθηγητής Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής,
Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου
Εξεταστική Επιτροπή
Δρ Μιχάλης Ροβίθης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ελληνικό Μεσογειακό Πανεπιστήμιο
(Εξωτερικό μέλος)
Δρ Νίκος Μιτλεττον, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, Τεχνολογικό
Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου (Εσωτερικό μέλος)
Δρ Αναστάσιος Μερκούρης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής,
Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου (Επιβλέπων)Complete
Urban Green Spaces and People’s Well-being: the Limassol District Analysis
No full textRapid urbanization is challenging the quality of life of people living in urban environment, by consuming available Urban Green Spaces (UGS), minimizing their quantity. UGS are widely acknowledged for their ecological and social benefits. Yet, a subjective well-being (SWB) analysis might enrich context-specific research of how UGS influence residents’ well-being. As the relevant literature indicates, a gap exists in this topic when it comes to Cyprus and more specifically Limassol District.
Hence, this thesis is trying to identify the relationship between the UGS, their spatial characteristics and the residents’ SWB in Limassol District, Cyprus. It employs a mixed-methods approach, combining Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis to objectively quantify UGS attributes (e.g., quantity, quality, accessibility) with a structured survey designed to gather data on SWB levels, UGS perceptions, and perceived climate change impacts. The results can eventually guide data-driven urban planning and assist in the development of more climate and resident resilient municipalities.Complete
Dual Learning Dynamics: Career Options for Agri-Food Students in Kazakhstan
No full textThe successful implementation of the German-originated dual learning system in various national settings inspired Kazakhstan to introduce this approach to address the shortage of specialists. The self-employed status of professionals in the agri-food industry raises concerns about the intentions of young individuals to remain in the industry. This study aims to identify factors influencing the intentions of students and graduates to remain with the same employer in the agri-food industry, change employers in the same industry or leave the industry altogether. The study evaluated 651 learners undertaking dual learning (hence dual) and 217 learners undertaking traditional education (hence non-dual). Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model provided the theoretical framework for designing satisfaction dimensions potentially influencing the career intentions of students and graduates. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to examine the career intentions of both dual and non-dual groups. The dual learners demonstrated a stronger association between tested factors (satisfaction and motivation) and intention to remain with the company/industry than the non-dual learners. Despite positive outcomes in retaining skilled professionals, concerns remain regarding the career intentions of young people in the agri-food industry. Stakeholders should provide career development opportunities and incentives to attract and retain young individuals within the agri-food sector
Operation performance of a ground source heat pump system in the mediterranean climate zone. First results
No full textThis paper presents the configuration and performance of a Low Enthalpy Geothermal System successfully installed and utilized in the Mediterranean climate zone. Additionally, it examines the performance of different types of Ground Heat Exchangers (GHE), all installed in the same System. The Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) of the system consists of vertical ground heat exchangers (GHEs) in five different configurations, one double helicoidal coil in a well and an open loop (well) system. The entire system is constantly monitored by a Building Management System (BMS) that records the energy, volume flow, incoming and outgoing temperature at critical points of the system. Based on the recorded values, the performance of the System was analyzed in a heating and a cooling working mode, after examining the power flows in and out from critical points of the System. Results show higher heat exchange values inside the open well, both in heating and cooling mode suggesting the usage of this type of GHE, where applicable. Additionally, the electric power consumed by the chillers which are the largest electricity consumers within the System, is approximately five times lower than the power placed in the building by the Geothermal System (SCOP between 4.5 and 5). In terms of primary energy savings, we can say with confidence the GSHP systems working under Mediterranean climate zone conditions, can be consider as high efficiency solutions, verifying the theoretical efficiency given by the manufacturer of the GSHP