Different Regions Of Greece Research Articles

Back Cover: Volatile metabolites or pollen characteristics as regional markers of monofloral thyme honey?

Sep Sci plus 2018, 1, 83–92 DOI: 10.1002/sscp.201700027 The cover picture shows the geographical differentiation of monofloral thyme honeys collected from four different regions in Greece by using specific volatile metabolites and chemometric tools. The classification rate was 100% using the original and 92.3% the cross validation method. On the other hand, the usual method for honey botanical origin differentiation, namely melissopalynology, did not assist in classifying honeys according to production area based on Thymus spp. pollen grain percentages.

Volatile metabolites or pollen characteristics as regional markers of monofloral thyme honey?

AbstractThirty‐one monofloral thyme honeys were collected from professional beekeepers from four different regions in Greece during harvesting year 2012–2013. Aqueous solutions of honeys were subjected to headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to record complete volatile pattern, whereas pollen screening was accomplished using the melissopalynological analysis. The primary objective was to investigate the volatile pattern and whether specific volatile metabolites or pollen grain percentages could serve as regional markers. Results showed that 37 volatile compounds, belonging to different classes, were identified and semi‐quantified, using the internal standard method. Application of multivariate analysis showed that ten volatile metabolites recorded significant variations (p<0.05) according to geographical origin of thyme honey. Linear discriminant analysis classified honeys according to geographical origin providing a classification rate of 92.3% using the cross validation method based on the statistically significant volatile metabolites. This was not the case for the overall correct classification rate based on pollen grain percentages which was only 51.6%. Volatile compounds analysis, apart from the specific information on the development of monofloral thyme honey aroma, proved to be a fast and more accurate tool for its discrimination according to production area, compared to melissopalynology.

Epidemiological investigation o„f Mycoplasmas, M. gallisepticum, M. synoviae and M. meleagridis i poultry flocks in Greece.

The results of an investigation for the detection of abs to Mg, Ms and Mm in poultry farms in different regions in Greece are presented. For this purpose during the years of 1997-2000,1449 serum samples were examined, from which 1296 were originated from 72 chicken flocks (27 broiler; 19 layer, 22 breeder and 4 back-yard poultry), 75 from 4 turkey flocks, 58 from 3 flocks of partriges and 20 from 1 ostrich flock. The method used was the R.S.A. test (as a screening test) in combination with HI test. The incidence of Ms for broilers, layers and breeders was over 3 1% of the examined flocks, while the Mg in all the commercial chicken flocks was 17-25%. In back - yard poultry the incidence of Ms was 75% and to Mg 50%. In turkeys and partriges the incidence of Ms was 50% and 66% of the flocks respectively, while the positive flocks for Mg was 25-33%. The turkeys were negative for abs to Mm. The ostrich flock was also negative for abs to Mg and Ms. The results of our investigation indicate that the incidence of mycoplasmas in poultry, especially to Ms, is high in Greece. As a conclusion for the eradication of mycoplasmosis, it is necessary for the poultry industry and for the country, to follow the instruction included in 90/539/EEC directive and to take strickt hygienic measures in order to eliminate the microorganisms from the poultry flocks.

Consumers' perceptions on green and smart furniture innovation

Ecological and intelligent furniture appears to gain popularity since both smart multi-functionality and eco-sensitivity seem to grow. On the other hand, an emergent stream of the entrepreneurship literature regards the involvement of customers in the definition and creation of value to new products and services as vital; value creation strategies focus actually on the location and exploitation of the various dimensions along which customers perceive value. The study investigates the perceptions of consumers of the third age regarding the attractiveness of green smart furniture (GSF) products. The research contains data from a random sample of 399 consumers from different regions of Greece during 2013. The data were recorded, processed and analysed via the statistical package SPSSWIN ver 20.0. According to the findings, third age consumers' everyday living and its difficulties regarding the use of furniture seem to play the most significant role, along with health improvement support and environmental protection. However, price plays also a crucial role.

A Targeted Metabolomic Procedure for the Identification of Isophorone Related Compounds in Honey

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the origin of isophorone related compounds, often called as norisoprenoids, in natural products such as honey. Norisoprenoids are volatile compounds and therefore may be identified and semi-quantified using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. In that sense, the reproducible and non-invasive method of headspace solid phase micro extraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS/MS), representing a targeted metabolomics procedure, was applied to 163 honey samples. Honeys belonged to four different floral types and were collected from sixteen different regions in Greece. Results showed that total isophorone content (TIC) was greatly affected by honey botanical origin and was positively correlated with moisture content using Pearson’s correlation (r=0.84) (p<0.05).

Greek Teachers’ Attitude towards Multiculturalism: Psychometric Properties of the Teacher Multicultural Attitudes Survey Scale (TMAS)

Τhe aim of the present study is to adapt the “Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey (TMAS)” developed by Ponterotto, Baluch, Greig, & Rivera (1998), to Greek teachers. More specifically, it examines the reliability and validity of the “Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey (TMAS)” as an appropriate instrument for the evaluation of Greek teachers’ multicultural attitudes. The Greek version of the questionnaire was administered to 273 teachers from different regions of Greece and its validity and reliability were tested. The data analysis led to a three-factor structure. The results indicated that the Greek version of the “Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey (TMAS)” is a reliable psychometric tool and can be used to evaluate Greek teachers’ style toward multiculturalism.

Serological prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in dairy goats and ewes diagnosed with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Greece.

Coxiella burnetii is an obligatory intracellular bacterial pathogen causing the zoonotic disease Q fever. The most common reservoirs of C. burnetiiare wild mammals, birds and ticks. Pregnant domestic ruminants infected with this bacterium are also a major source of human infection. The serological prevalence of C. burnetii in goats and sheep diagnosed with adverse pregnancy outcomes was assessed by undertaking a survey on 800 dairy goats and 800 dairy ewes reared in four different regions of Greece (Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, and Peloponnese). A stratified sampling was carried out, taking also as a criterion the age of the animals. Serum antibodies were analyzed by a commercial ELISA according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Generally, there was a statistically significantly higher serological prevalence of C. burnetii (14.4%) in goats compared to sheep (8%). Serological prevalence was higher in adults (15.5% in goats and 8.5% in sheep) compared to yearlings (7.4% in goats and 4.6% in sheep). The prevalence increased significantly with age only in goats. Finally, all animals reared in Peloponnese had a prevalence significantly higher (21% in goats and 18% in sheep) than animals reared in the other three regions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report that associates C. burnetii with reproductive disturbances of domestic ruminants in Greece. However, considering the importance of coxiellosis for public health, further investigations are required on its epidemiology regarding abortion, premature delivery, stillbirth and weak offspring in small ruminants, as well as in other domestic and wild animal species.

HPLC-DAD-FLD Method for Simultaneous Determination of Mycotoxins in Wheat Bran.

Aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A and zearalenone are the most important mycotoxins that everyone on its own, in groups or simultaneously contaminate cereals. The external layers of cereal grains (bran) apart from health promoting ingredients are also the most contaminated part with reference to mycotoxin's presence. Therefore, consumption of a high fiber wheat-based diet represent an increased risk to consumer's health. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and reliable high performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of these mycotoxins in wheat bran (WB). A double extraction was applied with phosphate buffered saline/methanol and for the clean-up a multi-immunoaffinity column was utilized. The detection was carried out with diode-array and fluorescence detectors linked with a post-column photochemical reactor. After optimization of the chromatographic conditions, all mycotoxins were eluted within ~26 min. Limits of detection for each mycotoxin (0.12-12.58 µg/kg) were below the maximum levels provisioned by European Union regulations. Good linearity was observed for the analytes (r2 ≥ 0.9980). The recovery of analyzed mycotoxins ranged from 70.2 to 105.8%, with a relative standard deviation <12%. The method was successfully applied to quantify mycotoxins in 34 WB samples obtained after pearling of grains that were collected from different regions of Greece.

AN ASSESSMENT OF NEW FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS ABOUT AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES

The Common Agricultural Policy pays particular attention to the decline of young farmers in the European Union. For this reason, plenty of different policy measures and motives for new entrants in agriculture there have been established. The main objectives of this paper are to investigate the characteristics of new farmers according to their participation in Agricultural Cooperatives and to identify what makes new farmers participate (or not) in Agricultural Cooperatives. Both research questions will advance the knowledge of policy makers and practitioners on new farmers’ expectations and perceptions and through them, to come to distinctive conclusions about the measures and the actions needed to promote agricultural cooperatives as a viable solution for new entrants in the agricultural sector. For this reason, a survey was conducted in different regions of Greece (northern, central and southern) during an educational course designed for new farmers. More specifically, a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed among 250 new farmers participating in the measure 112 ‘Setting up of young farmers’ (Common Agricultural Policy, Pillar II). The results of the survey indicate low trust in the cooperative organization, leading to low rates of active participation and commitment to agricultural cooperatives.

Differentiation of Fresh Greek Orange Juice of the Merlin Cultivar According to Geographical Origin Based on the Combination of Organic Acid and Sugar Content as well as Physicochemical Parameters Using Chemometrics

The aim of the present study was to differentiate fresh Greek orange juice prepared from the Merlin cultivar according to geographical origin, based on organic acid/sugar content, and physicochemical parameter analysis, using chemometrics. For this purpose, oranges were collected during the harvesting period 2013–2014 from four different regions in Greece where Merlin oranges are produced. The analysis of organic acids and sugars was performed using a modified high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC–DAD/RI) method. Applying MANOVA and LDA analysis to the collected data, orange juices were successfully classified according to geographical origin (correct classification rate 83.3%). For validation purposes of the applied model, oranges from the harvesting period 2014–2015 were also collected and new instrumental and chemometric analysis carried out involving orange juice from both harvesting periods. Cumulative results showed that the classification rate remained practically constant, recording a correct classification rate of 80.4%, confirming the discriminatory power of the applied model. In order to further improve the overall classification rate, physicochemical parameter data were subjected to chemometric analysis along with organic acid and sugar content data. Results showed that the combination of organic acids, sugars, and physicochemical parameters somewhat increased the overall correct prediction rate to 82.0%. Present results enhance the potential of multi-parameter analysis for the correct geographical differentiation of Greek fresh orange juice, aiding to product quality and authenticity control.

Internet Usage in Primary and Secondary School Children: A Multi-Center, School-Based, Cross-Sectional Study in Greece

Background: Little is known regarding the Internet activities of children, although Internet habits and pathological usage have been previously described in adolescents. Objectives: This study aimed in describing Internet use in both primary and secondary school children in order to early detect habits with high risks of developing pathological Internet use. Patients and Methods: 2,473 children from 26 primary (aged from 6 to 12) and 16 secondary schools (12 - 15 years old) from seven different regions in Greece participated. Participants answered questions regarding their Internet activities and demographics. Results: 367 (40.9 %) children from primary and 707 (44.9 %) from secondary schools played online games daily, while 115 (12.8 %) and 965 (61.2 %) respectively had a Facebook profile. The boys played games and used Facebook more than girls [primary: OR = 1.2, 95% CI (1.0, 1.9), secondary school: OR = 2.3, 95% CI (1.9, 2.9), and [OR = 2.1, 95% CI (1.3, 3.2), OR = 1.3, 95% (1.1, 1.6), accordingly]. Students with home Internet access were more likely to use online games and go on Facebook. Conclusions: The male gender and home Internet access are both associated with the higher usage of online games and Facebook, while profiles in Facebook are illegally created at the first years of primary school. Since both Internet activities have been repetitively associated with pathological Internet usage, educators and social services should work on increasing awareness in young children and their parents.

Investigating the impact of botanical origin and harvesting period on carbon stable isotope ratio values (13C/12C) and different parameter analysis of Greek unifloral honeys: A chemometric approach for correct botanical discrimination

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of botanical origin and harvesting period on carbon stable isotope ratio (13C/12C), colour intensity (CI), radical scavenging activity (%RSA), P and Sn content of Greek unifloral honeys. Thus, twenty‐four honey samples were collected during harvesting periods 2011–2012 and 2012–2013, from four different regions in Greece. 13C/12C ratios and minerals were determined using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and inductively coupled plasma optical–emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), respectively. CI and %RSA were measured using spectrophotometric assays. Results showed that only 13C/12C values and %RSA were affected by both botanical origin and harvesting period (P &lt; 0.05). Applying then chemometric analyses to the collected data set, honeys were correctly classified according to honey type (correct classification rate 87.5% and 79.2% using the original and cross‐validation method, respectively). The use of different origin parameters has the potential to aid in honey authentication.

Evaluation of agronomical and qualitative characteristics of Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) germplasm for breeding purposes.

Oregano ( Origanum vulgare ) is one of the most commercially valued species with remarkable biological properties, while its world trade and consumption is steadily increased. In order to identify a standardized plant material of Greek Oregano ( Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum ), sixteen native populations collected from different regions of Greece, were evaluated for their essential oil yield and composition. A breeding program was initiated for the most effective populations, concerning the most desirable biochemical, agronomic and morphological characteristics, using pedigree method and honeycomb design for plant selection.

Characterization and geographical discrimination of Greek pine and thyme honeys based on their mineral content, using chemometrics

The aim of the present study was: (1) to determine the mineral content of pine and thyme honeys produced in different regions in Greece and (2) differentiate pine and thyme honeys according to their geographical origin, based on selected minerals using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). For this purpose, 39 pine and 42 honey samples were collected from 9 different regions in Greece known to produce such types of honey. Twenty five minerals (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Ti, Tl, V, and Zn) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Results showed that pine and thyme honeys recorded variations in their mineral content according to geographical origin. A comparison between the two honey types revealed that pine honeys possessed 92.5 % higher total mineral content, compared to thyme honeys. This was also documented, by measuring electrical conductivity of pine and thyme honeys (mean ± SD values of 1.10 ± 0.27 and 0.40 ± 0.05, respectively) which gave an excellent Pearson’s correlation (r = 1) with their total mineral content. In addition, applying MANOVA and LDA to the mineral content of each honey type, honeys were satisfactorily correctly classified according to geographical origin. The correct prediction rates were 84.6 and 83.3 % for pine and thyme honeys, respectively, using the cross-validation method. Present results showed that selected minerals in combination with chemometrics may aid to the geographical differentiation of Greek honeys.

Genetic diversity of Greek sheep breeds and transhumant populations utilizing microsatellite markers

Genetic variation in 13 local sheep breeds, raised in different regions of Greece, was assessed using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers and was compared with that of three transhumant populations from the Greek Prefectures of Epirus, Sterea Ellada and Thessaly. The total number of alleles per marker ranged from 8 to 32 alleles, and transhumant samples exhibited higher values for allelic number, observed/expected heterozygosity and allelic richness than the local ones. Estimates of inbreeding coefficient (FIS) were significant only in the transhumant population of Epirus (*P<0.05). The genetic differentiation of the native breeds was low (FST=4.9%), indicating admixture, though all analyses provided clear evidence for the isolation of Thraki and Sarakatsaniko breeds. Differentiation of the three transhumant populations was much lower (FST=0.2%), indicating a high rate of gene flow between them. The admixture analysis, using Bayesian methods, suggested that many different local breeds have been used for breeding purposes in each of the three transhumant populations. Among the breeds with high proportion of membership to transhumant farming was Karagouniko which, as already known from literature, is used for the upgrading of numerous sheep populations in Greece.

Phenolic profile, colour intensity, and radical scavenging activity of Greek unifloral honeys

The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant properties [selected polyphenol content (SPC), radical scavenging activity] and colour intensity of Greek unifloral honeys. For this purpose, one hundred and seventy honey samples of different botanical origin (thyme, pine, orange blossom, and fir) were collected during the harvesting period 2011 and 2012 from thirteen different regions in Greece. The phenolic profile was evaluated based on the quantification of syringic acid, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and chrysin using high performance liquid chromatography. Radical scavenging activity and colour intensity were estimated using spectrometric assays. Honey samples analysed showed variations in the SPC (3.86 ± 0.67 to 65.79 ± 8.08 mg/kg), colour intensity (164 ± 49 to 517 ± 110 mAU) and % radical scavenging activity (% RSA) (17.24 ± 5.50 to 50.38 ± 19.17), depending on botanical origin. On the basis of results obtained, the tested honey samples may be considered as easily accessible natural sources of antioxidants and valuable supplements to the daily diet.

Record of Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willing and Phenacoccus madeirensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on new host ornamental plants in Greece

Summary Two invasive mealybug species, Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink and Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), have been recorded on new species of ornamental plants in diff erent regions of Greece. Phenacoccus peruvianus was recorded in Athens on Cestrum nocturnum L. (Solanaceae) in September 2013. Phenacoccus madeirensis was found in Kalamata (Peloponnese) on Aloysia citriodora Palau (Verbenaceae) in May 2014 and on Osteospermum jucundum (Phillips) (Asteraceae) in July 2014. This is the first record of O. jucundum as host plant of P. madeirensis

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Dementia in Greece

Introduction. Dementia’s prevalence increases due to population aging. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic profile of Greek patients with dementia and the differences in management between the urban and rural population. Methods. A cross sectional study was carried out including 161 randomly selected specialists from different regions in Greece who filled in a structured questionnaire relating to patients with dementia, regarding various sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results. A total of 4580 patients (52% males) with dementia were recorded. Mean age was 73.6 years and 31% lived in rural areas. The Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) was used in 87% of cases. In the urban areas the diagnosis of dementia was made in an earlier stage of the disease in comparison to the rural areas (P=0.013). Higher comorbidity and a higher percentage of low education were evident in rural residents (P&lt;0.001), while higher medication usage was observed in urban patients (P=0.04). Conclusions. The results implicate the need for improvement in health care delivery in Greek rural areas and health care professionals’ training to achieve a proper treatment of dementias and increase the quality of life among the elderly habitants of remote areas.

Botanical discrimination of Greek unifloral honeys with physico-chemical and chemometric analyses

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility of characterisation and classification of Greek unifloral honeys (pine, thyme, fir and orange blossom) according to botanical origin using volatile compounds, conventional physico-chemical parameters and chemometric analyses (MANOVA and Linear Discriminant Analysis). For this purpose, 119 honey samples were collected during the harvesting period 2011 from 14 different regions in Greece known to produce unifloral honey of good quality. Physico-chemical analysis included the identification and semi quantification of fifty five volatile compounds performed by Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy and the determination of conventional quality parameters such as pH, free, lactonic, total acidity, electrical conductivity, moisture, ash, lactonic/free acidity ratio and colour parameters L∗, a∗, b∗. Results showed that using 40 diverse variables (30 volatile compounds of different classes and 10 physico-chemical parameters) the honey samples were satisfactorily classified according to botanical origin using volatile compounds (84.0% correct prediction), physicochemical parameters (97.5% correct prediction), and the combination of both (95.8% correct prediction) indicating that multi element analysis comprises a powerful tool for honey discrimination purposes.

Floral authentication of Greek unifloral honeys based on the combination of phenolic compounds, physicochemical parameters and chemometrics

Greek unifloral honeys (pine, thyme, fir, orange blossom) were characterized and classified according to botanical origin based on phenolic compound content and conventional physicochemical parameters using MANOVA and Linear Discriminant Analysis. One hundred and nineteen honey samples were collected during the harvesting period 2011 from 14 different regions in Greece known to produce unifloral honey of good quality. The analysis of phenolic compounds quercetin (3,5,7,3′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone), myricetin (3,5,7,3′,4′,5′-hexahydroxyflavone), kaempferol (3,5,7,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone), chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavanone), and syringic acid (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid), was performed by high pressure liquid chromatography. Conventional quality parameter analysis included the determination of: pH, free, lactonic and total acidity, electrical conductivity, moisture, ash, as well as lactonic/free acidity ratio and colour parameters L*, a*, and b*. Using 4 phenolic compounds and 10 conventional quality parameters honey samples were satisfactorily classified (96.6% correct prediction) according to botanical origin.