Limassol District Research Articles

Environmental aspects of remote sensing for the classification of asbestos industry impact on the landscape changes in Cyprus

Abstract. The Industrial Revolution led to the commercial exploitation of asbestos in Cyprus. Cyprus has the second largest asbestos deposits in Europe, after Italy. Even though most of the extracted asbestos was exported, Cyprus had two operational asbestos manufacturing plants. Production increased steadily until 1980, with mining activities ending in 1988. These activities have left a significant mark on the environment. The key example of post-asbestos landscape in Cyprus is the opencast mine at Amiandos in the Limassol District, where large amounts of asbestos were mined. This has had a considerable impact on the natural environment and land use including the disposal of asbestos residues and asbestos-cement waste. Temporal analysis of land use changes from 1963 to 2014 reveals shifts in exploitation areas and vegetation cover. Though challenges persist, including asbestos-containing waste, efforts to restore vegetation in the mine area are evident. The evolution from sparse and undeveloped vegetation to a lush and diverse ecosystem is important for restoring ecological balance and restoring habitats for local fauna and flora. This research provides critical insights into the historical context, environmental impacts, and remediation efforts related to asbestos mining in Cyprus.

Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) Assessment: Evaluating Risks Associated with Human-Made Activities along the Limassol Coastline, Cyprus

Coastal risk assessment is crucial for coastal management and decision making, especially in areas already experiencing the negative impacts of climate change. This study aims to investigate the coastal vulnerability due to climate change and human activities in an area west of the Limassol district’s coastline, in Cyprus, on which there have been limited studies. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted utilising the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) by exploiting eight key parameters: land cover, coastal slope, shoreline erosion rates, tidal range, significant wave height, coastal elevation, sea-level rise, and coastal geomorphology. These parameters were assessed utilising remote sensing (RS) data and Geographical Information Systems (GISs) along a 36.1 km stretch of coastline. The results exhibited varying risk levels of coastal vulnerability, mainly highlighting a coastal area where the Kouris River estuary is highly vulnerable. The study underscores the need for targeted coastal management strategies to address the risks associated with coastal erosion. Additionally, the CVI developed in this study can be exploited as a tool for decision makers, empowering them to prioritise areas for intervention and bolster the resilience of coastal areas in the face of environmental changes.

First record of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae) in Cyprus

Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellapé, 2006, originally from Australia, has become a cosmopolitan alien species associated with Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae). In this study, the species is recorded for the first time in Cyprus from the Limassol district and the Akrotiri UK Sovereign Base Area. The adverse socioeconomic impacts of the species on the island are briefly discussed.

Historical dynamics of the human-environment interactions in Cyprus during the 12th-10th millennia cal. BP: The last 30 years contributions of the Amathous area (Limassol district)

The interdisciplinary approach and analytical tools applied in the last 30 years in the Amathous region (Cyprus), especially at the sites of Shillourokambos and Klimonas, generated a huge quantity of archaeological, geoarchaeological and bioarchaeological data. They significantly contributed to document the interactions between the early Neolithic human societies and the environment and natural resources of an isolated island, during this pivotal period when both the climate and the human subsistence strategies went through radical changes. This paper briefly reviews these changes through several insights: hydrological changes and their impact on the establishment and preservation of Neolithic sites; plant and vertebrate faunal evolution, especially as a consequence of the introduction of new wild and domestic species in the island; birth and evolution of the commensal fauna (e.g. mice, cats); local domestication of wild boar and goats; adaptation and intensification of cultivation and breeding to the local environments. Altogether, these insights can provide a heuristic model at a regional scale to further understand the incipient human niche construction of the Eastern Mediterranean area.

First record of the invasive Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictus in Cyprus based on information collected by citizen scientists

Aedes invasive mosquitoes are a serious human health concern worldwide. The Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictus is considered one of the world’s worst invasive alien species. It is a nuisance species and a vector of arboviruses andDirofilaria spp., causing negative socio-economic impacts. This article reports the detection ofAe. albopictus by citizens on the island of Cyprus for the first time. Specimens were collected from urban sites situated within Limassol district. Records were verified by experts, using both morphological and molecular methods. Given both the human health risks associated withAe. albopictus and with the recent rediscovery ofAe. aegypti on the island, intensive monitoring efforts and collaboration between the authorities are required to assess the current distribution of theseAedes invasive mosquitoes and rapidly implement elimination measures. Citizen scientists should be encouraged to monitorAedes invasive mosquitoes as this could significantly contribute to the surveillance and control efforts undertaken by the authorities.

One of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Detected in Cyprus

Native to the Neotropics, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863) has been unintentionally introduced around the world, heavily impacting native ant biodiversity, societies, and economies as well as human and animal health due to its potentially dangerous stings. Herein we report on the first record of W. auropunctata in Cyprus. Specimens were collected from plant nurseries and tourist facilities in Paphos and Limassol district. Wasmannia auropunctata is believed to spread via the horticultural pathway to locations with sufficient humidity. Further research is necessary to determine the distribution and assess possible negative impacts of W. auropunctata to native biodiversity, society, the economy and human health in Cyprus.

Prehistoric human remains reviewed: Palaeopathology and palaeodiet in Neolithic and Chalcolithic Cyprus, Limassol district

The current paper presents the results from the recent reexamination of osteological material deriving from Ceramic Neolithic and Chalcolithic sites of the Limassol district, Cyprus. The available skeletal material was macroscopically examined in order to identify possible palaeopathological lesions, while stable isotope analyses (carbon and nitrogen) were conducted aiming to reconstruct past diets. Although only a small percentage of the samples provided acceptable collagen, this study still offers valuable insights into the economic strategies and everyday practices during the mid-5th to late-4th millennium B.C. It is also noted, that nearly all the available skeletal material from the Ceramic Neolithic period on the island was sampled. This study, therefore, provides a useful basis for future comparative research.

Assessing quality of life in patients with heart failure in Cyprus

Background Heart failure is a chronic disease with a serious impact on patients' quality of life which is influenced by several factors. Aims The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of life of patients with heart failure in the city of Limassol in Cyprus. Methods The proposed study is characteristically descriptive quantitative research. The sample includes 99 patients with heart failure in Limassol Hospital, using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire in the Greek Language. The data were collected from October 2017 to November 2017. Findings Our sample consisted of 99 individuals from the Limassol district, 40 (40.4%) were females and the average age of the patients was 68.5±14 years. Patients with heart failure who had a primary education averaged 9.69 points on the quality of life scale. This is lower than patients with higher education (b=9.69 P=0.057), lower physical health by 7.35 points (b=7.35 P=0.008) and lower by 2.26 Social health units (b=2.26 P=0.030). Conclusion Patients with heart failure experience many and complex problems. Through this research, it appears that different dimensions of quality of life are affected, such as physical, social and emotional health. The older the age of the patient, the lower levels of education and the sex of the patient have an impact on the quality of life of patients with heart failure.

A 3D BASED APPROACH TO THE ARCHITECTURAL STUDY OF THE ROMAN BATH AT THE SANCTUARY OF APOLLO HYLATES (KOURION, CYPRUS).

Abstract. Roman baths represented a popular social practice of everyday life, cited in numerous literary sources and testified by ample archaeological remains all over the Roman Empire. Although regional studies have contributed extensively to our knowledge about how baths functioned and what was their social role in various regions of the Mediterranean, their study in Cyprus is yet to be developed. Moreover, despite the increasing availability of devices and techniques for 3D documentation, various characteristics, especially in relation to the heating and water supply system of the baths, were omitted and were not properly and accurately documented. The pilot case study outlined in this paper presents the 3D documentation of the Roman bath, excavated in the 1950s, within the area of the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates at Kourion (Limassol district). The creation of an accurate 3D model of the documented area through image and range based techniques combined with topographic data, allows the detailed analysis of architectural elements and their decorative features. At the same time, it enables accurate measurements of the site, which are used as input for the archaeological interpretation and virtual reconstruction of the original shape of the bath. In addition, this project aims to answer a number of archaeological research questions related to Roman baths such as their architectural features, function mode, and technological elements related to heating techniques.

First record of the sisal weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus, in Cyprus

In May 2013, numerous adults of a coleopteran insect species that later was identified as the sisal weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), were accidentally captured in both pitfall and funnel traps placed across Cyprus for the monitoring of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). S. acupunctatus was found for the first time in the Germasogeia area of the Limassol district (34°71′81″N, 33°08′56″E) and in the Kissonerga area of the Paphos district (34°81′67″N, 32°40′00″E). During 2013 and early 2014, numerous adults of this species were also collected from red palm weevil traps from all over Cyprus

The occurrence of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Greece and Cyprus and the risk against the native greek palm tree Phoenix theophrasti

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleopiera: Curculionidae), is the most important pest of palm trees in the world. In the last decade R. ferrugineus has invaded the Mediterranean basin where it causes severe damage in date palm cultivations as well as in ornamental palm trees. R. ferrugineus has been found for first time in Greece in Hersonissos (Heraklion district, Crete) infesting Phoenix canariensis, on November 11th, 2005 and for first time in Cyprus in Limassol district on August 20th, 2006, infesting also P. canariensis. Afterwards, R. ferrugineus has been found in Rhodos island, Greece, on 15/9/2006 and in Oropos and Ellinikon (Attiki district, Greece) on 5/12/2006 and 27/12/2006 respectively, infesting mainly P. canariensis. In Cyprus it has also been found in October 2006 in Larnaca, Famagusta and Paphos districts. In laboratory experimentation the susceptibility of the native Greek palm tree Phoenix theophrasti in R. ferrugineus was proved.

Mapping the variability of carbonation progress using GIS techniques and field data: a case study of the Limassol district

Carbonation-induced corrosion of the steel reinforcement is the major deterioration factor of the RC infrastructures in urban areas. Carbonation progress in concrete is influenced by the exposure and environmental conditions prevailing at each area. Therefore, the rate of deterioration due to carbonation varies at different areas. Field measurements can quantify this carbonation progress for specific structures and areas. However, the scattered nature of individual field data offers little information to be considered for the assessment of existing structures or the design of new structures. This study aims to bridge this gap and shows that individual field data can be combined to characterise an area using GIS mapping tools. A generated map can depict the variability of carbonation progress with the geographical location. Measurements of the carbonation depth of several buildings at different locations in the Limassol district have been provided by a construction laboratory. Such information can be used to depict the carbonation progress on each structure through the calculation of the carbonation factor and then portray its value using mapping techniques. The result is a corrosion risk map of the Limassol district depicting the variability of carbonation progress with geographical locations. This can be used by engineers and managing authorities as a prediction tool for the initiation of carbonation-induced corrosion in existing structures and also at design stage to set the durability requirements of the concrete cover depth.

Optimal site selection for sitting a solar park using multi-criteria decision analysis and geographical information systems

Abstract. Among the renewable power sources, solar power is rapidly becoming popular because it is inexhaustible, clean, and dependable. It has also become more efficient since the power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells has increased. Following these trends, solar power will become more affordable in years to come and considerable investments are to be expected. Despite the size of solar plants, the sitting procedure is a crucial factor for their efficiency and financial viability. Many aspects influence such a decision: legal, environmental, technical, and financial to name a few. This paper describes a general integrated framework to evaluate land suitability for the optimal placement of photovoltaic solar power plants, which is based on a combination of a geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing techniques, and multi-criteria decision-making methods. An application of the proposed framework for the Limassol district in Cyprus is further illustrated. The combination of a GIS and multi-criteria methods produces an excellent analysis tool that creates an extensive database of spatial and non-spatial data, which will be used to simplify problems as well as solve and promote the use of multiple criteria. A set of environmental, economic, social, and technical constrains, based on recent Cypriot legislation, European's Union policies, and expert advice, identifies the potential sites for solar park installation. The pairwise comparison method in the context of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to estimate the criteria weights in order to establish their relative importance in site evaluation. In addition, four different methods to combine information layers and check their sensitivity were used. The first considered all the criteria as being equally important and assigned them equal weight, whereas the others grouped the criteria and graded them according to their objective perceived importance. The overall suitability of the study region for sitting solar parks is appraised through the summation rule. Strict application of the framework depicts 3.0 % of the study region scoring a best-suitability index for solar resource exploitation, hence minimizing the risk in a potential investment. However, using different weighting schemes for criteria, suitable areas may reach up to 83 % of the study region. The suggested methodological framework applied can be easily utilized by potential investors and renewable energy developers, through a front end web-based application with proper GUI for personalized weighting schemes.

The gros grand and the gros petit of Hugh IV of Cyprus.

Summary. — The silver gros grands and gros petits of Hugh IV of Cyprus (1324-59) can be classified into two main series, distinguished by a double line or a small cross at the throat. It is probable, but debateable, that these series are from two mints, and if so we may suppose that they were located at Nicosia and Famagusta respectively. Coins with a large letter С in the field, and others in a crude, irregular style, may be from other, minor mints but this is not certain. The large letter В in the field is not a mint-mark. In all, the gros were struck from fewer than 150 obverse dies, and the gros petits from about 40 obverse dies. The article includes a detailed list of the coins of Hugh IV in the Galini hoard, and also those in a hoard from the Limassol district, together with metrological data.

Archaeological News from Cyprus, 1975

Previous articleNext article No AccessArchaeological News from Cyprus, 1975Kyriakos NicolaouKyriakos Nicolaou Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by American Journal of Archaeology Volume 81, Number 4Fall 1977 The journal of the Archaeological Institute of America Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.2307/503282 Copyright © 1977 by the Archaeological Institute of America. All rights reserved.PDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.