North Greece Research Articles

Jurisprudence of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission: Albania Claims

Albania ranks among the smallest and poorest countries in Europe, located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas just north of Greece. It gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912 (accounting for the fact that a majority of the population is Muslim) and subsisted as a monarchy for much of the interwar period. Albania was occupied by Italy (and then Nazi Germany) for all of the Second World War. Communist partisans expelled the Germans in 1944, without the assistance of Soviet forces, and thus began nearly a half-century of a totalitarian, isolationist rule by an extremely repressive Communist regime under the leadership of Enver Hoxha and Ramiz Alia. This regime was definitively overthrown in 1991. Since that time, Albania has been periodically wracked by civil and political unrest, leading to substantial violence in 1997 that was quelled only with the brief deployment of a UN multinational protection force.

Security of ownership versus public benefit: a case study for land taking for infrastructure in Greece, as an EU member state

This paper presents the results of a 4 year research (Internet, existing literature, interviews with experts from the public and private sectors, Ministry records) on the general legislative and technical aspects and the procedures implemented in Greece, an European Union (EU) member State since 1981. It is a study of compulsory land acquisition and is a case study focused on collecting and analysing recent information about land taking procedures and practices in Greece with an emphasis on current major highway projects. Included is a study of the legal framework; the legislative amendments adopted progressively through recent years; and the existing conflicts among the various Greek courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union and between interpretation of the Greek legislation and the practices in free market economies. Additional problems with the land acquisition process are investigated. This case study focuses on the investigation of emerged problems, and the legislative changes made, due to pressure for a number of major infrastructure projects for the 2004 Olympic Games and motorway projects commissioned by the Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks. These consist of major transportation road networks in the areas of Northwestern Greece (Ionia Odos), North Greece (Egnatia Odos), Attica peninsula (Attiki Odos) and the Peloponnesus (Olympia Odos). An effort is made in this study to develop strategic recommendations for improving the protection of private property in Greece; harmonising land expropriation practices with the European approach; and for simplifying and accelerating the adjudication process and the achievement of more transparent and just compensation.

Characterization of ancient Greek coins using non-destructive TOF neutron diffraction

The characterization of ten ancient Greek silver coins from the Treasure collection of Gazoros (CH IX 61) found in Serres- North Greece; as well as two silver coin replicas, has been carried out using a polychromatic neutron beam of large cross-section to obtain diffraction patterns from the entire objects. The diffraction profiles indicate that there are three distinct categories of coins. The first one is a set of three coins consisting mainly of silver and copper alloy phases with high quantities of Cu2O and CuCl . The second group is formed of coins with high silver/ copper alloy ratio and the third is a collection of five coins consisting of very high purity silver. The comparison between the diffraction profiles of the original coins to those of the replicas present distinct variations that may be used to differentiate the different groups.

Academic Performance at the First Grade of Secondary Schools (Gymnasium) of Students Who Attended Small Rural Primary School

Aims: The aim of this research was to investigate the progress of students who study at Small Rural Primary School (SRPS), made in the first three grades of high school, based on their school performance since there is not such an empirical research in Greek bibliography. Study Design: An empirical Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Primary education University of Ioannina between September 2007 to June 2010. Methodology: The sample was taken from three prefectures of North Greece. Choosing by lot from the high schools of the above prefectures, there were chosen those high schools which accommodated students from the three types of SRPS. From those students were chosen those ones that attended SRPS during their six year attendance in primary school. As far as the social background of the students there was no problem, as they all came from agricultural families with medium or inferior educational level of the parents. Based on the above criteria the sample consisted of 146 students. Results: Summing up the findings of this research, a general statement is inferred: That SRPS are able to provide essential and adequate teaching work, reversing the opposite viewpoint. From the findings of the research, also we conclude that they can be combined with the corresponding findings of other researches contacted internationally and which lead to the estimation that there should be a differentiated approach of SRPS towards the elevation and the support of their educational and teaching work. The tendency therefore, of the educational policy as well as that of the rulers (those in office) should head for its functional improvement and not unsubstantiated logic of its “abolition”. Research Article British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 2(2): 85-102, 2012 86 Conclusion: Concluding, it is stressed that with the present research is covered an essential bibliographical gap, whereas simultaneously new horizons for research and approach of SRPS open.

Τα εφυαλωμένα αγγεία των Φιλίππων. Η συνέχεια μιας παλαιάς τεχνικής

The article deals with the glazed pottery found in the early christian cityof Philippoi (North Greece). During the excavations conducted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, from 1988 to 1994, a great amount of glazedKitchen Ware and pitchers were found. The glazed pottery of Philippoi is dated back to the 5th and 6th c. and continues a tradition that goes back to roman period, since Philippoi was a roman colony of the second half of the 1stc. B.C. At the same time, a well organized glassworkshop was found inside theearly christian city, providing us indications for the existence of a dynamiceconomy, which permits the function of workshops inside the city. The products of those workshops satisfy the entire or a great part of the needs of thecitizens.The glazed cover of the Philippoi pottery is of various qualities as well asof colours which vary from dark or light oil-green and dark oil-brown, to yellow, yellow-brown or dark brown. Generally speaking, the glazed cover iswell attached to the ceramic material, covering the external surface. This, among other things, leads us to the conclusion that the glazed pottery ofPhilippoi follows the 4th and 5th c. traditions of various regions of RomanEmpire, bearing no immediate resemblance to the pottery of the same timethat comes from Constantinople (Saraçhane).The presence of the external glazed layer on Kitchen Ware favors thelack of humidity during the preparation of the food. On the other side, we cansuggest that the glazed cover of pitchers meets probably the satisfaction ofaesthetic needs rather than practical, though we cannot completely be sureabout that.The glazed pottery was probably an alternative to the usage of glass objects since the new conditions, after the 4th c. recognition of Christianity asthe official religion of the empire, created enormous demands for glasswareused in the ecclesiastical and private worship. As a result, we may assume thatthe glass and glazed ware are two parralel and different ways to cover theeveryday needs of households and churches.

Stability and maturity of thickened wastewater sludge treated in pilot-scale sludge treatment wetlands

Thickened wastewater activated sludge was treated in 13 pilot-scale sludge treatment wetlands of various configurations that operated continuously for three years in North Greece. Sludge was loaded for approximately 2.5 years, and the beds were left to rest for the remaining period. Three different sludge loading rates were used that represented three different population equivalents. Residual sludge stability and maturity were monitored for the last year. Sludge was regularly sampled and microbial respiration activity indices were measured via a static respiration assay. The phytotoxicity of sludge was quantified via a seed germination bioassay. Measurements of total solids, organic matter, total coliforms, pH and electrical conductivity were also made. According to microbial respiration activity measurements, the sludge end-product was classified as stable. The germination index of the final product exceeded 100% in most wetland units, while final pH values were approximately 6.5. The presence of plants positively affected the stability and maturity of the residual sludge end-product. Passive aeration did not significantly affect the quality of the residual sludge, while the addition of chromium at high concentrations hindered the sludge decomposition process. Conclusively, sludge treatment wetlands can be successfully used, not only to dewater, but also to stabilize and mature wastewater sludge after approximately a four-month resting phase.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine sediment of Thermaikos Gulf, Greece

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations were determined in marine sediment samples collected from 7 different locations around Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. PBDEs were detected in all sampling sites and their average total concentration (ΣPBDEs) ranged from 0.26 to 4.92 ng g−1 d.w. Concentrations were an order of magnitude higher in locations outlining the inner part of the Gulf, which were also closer to industrial areas, sewage treatment plant discharges, the city's harbour and landfill area. These findings suggest pollution in the aquatic ecosystem from industrial and urban activities in the area. Congener profiles exhibit predominance of BDE-209, while concentrations of other PBDE congeners were usually lower, when compared to similar studies from other countries globally, indicating that Thermaikos Gulf is among the low-polluted areas. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among the higher polluted sampling stations. Statistically significant differences also existed between sampling stations with high and low PBDE concentrations. Correlations between congeners suggested local contamination sources; however, specific point sources of pollution were not established.

The threat of alluviation of lakes resulting from torrents (case study: lake volvi, north greece)

Lakes or natural reservoirs are usually formed by the water supplied by torrents runoff. Furthermore, runoff, according to the torrential environment that forms the watershed (climate, geology, vegetation and relief) is usually associated with debris fl ow. As a result, many lakes and reservoirs are undergoing an alluviation process which leads to an important reduction of their total capacity. In fact, long-term process of torrents may threaten their existence. Lakes and reservoirs have an important role since the impounding water is used for multi purposes such as municipal supply, irrigation and recreation. Often, lakes form wetlands that are really important and are protected by national or international treaties. In this paper, the methodology we use involve the analysis of torrential environment (potential) of the lake Volvi watershed. Moreover, the mean annual sediment yield calculated according to Gavrilovic method so as to assess the risk of alluviation. Also, Kronfellner‐Kraus method used in order to take under consideration the sediment that can fl ow into the lake after an extraordinary fl ood event. Finally, fl ood control works proposed so as minimize the threat of alluviation. The present study shows that the torrential environment (potential) is rather moderate, although during intense rainfalls great volume of water and

Length-weight relationships of 13 species from a flow regulated Balkan river

The length–weight relationships of 13 species from river Nestos (North Greece) were calculated in the present study, seven of which are presented for the first time. Significant length–weight relationships with high correlation coefficient were found for all species. The value of the parameter b varied between 2.36 and 3.27 (mean value ± SE: 3.05 ± 0.06).

Genetic monitoring and effects of stocking practices on small Cyprinus carpio populations

The ability to detect genetic differences both in space and time is crucial for conserving genetic variation. It can reveal genetic diversity and genetic composition changes of declining native populations that are supported through stocking with captive bred individuals. The present study was designed to analyse the temporal stability of a declining common carp (Cyprinus carpio) population from Lake Volvi (North Greece). Polymorphism was evaluated using seven microsatellite loci at two sampling time points (separated by 12 years). The genetic variability of four additional populations (from two rivers and two lakes) in Northern Greece was also investigated for comparison. Heterozygosity values (0.692–0.868) and allelic richness (8.530–11.148) were high for all studied populations and comparable to other European populations. However, the analysis of temporal common carp samples from Lake Volvi revealed a significant change in their genetic composition and admixture analysis demonstrated significant introgression of stocked individuals into the native population. Both temporal and point estimate methods revealed low effective size (Ne = 61–171.3) for this population, possibly a result of an ancient genetic bottleneck that led to population decline and/or recent anthropogenic interventions. This low Ne has rendered the native population vulnerable to alteration of its genetic composition. Our study demonstrates that enhancement programs should be applied cautiously, especially for small populations. Moreover, it underlines the need for temporal analyses, which may contribute to the evaluation of previous management policies and to future decision making.

Estimation and evaluation of GPS geoid heights using an artificial neural network model

The aim of the present study is the employment of the artificial neural network (ANN) model in the estimation and evaluation of geoid heights. For that reason, a number of control points with known orthometric heights in the region of North Greece were measured by GPS and used to test the presented algorithms. The derived ANN geoid heights are compared to those produced by a well-known conventional method through a combined gravimetric geoid. In order to evaluate the computed heights, numerical tests were carried out for points distributed inside and at the borders of the study area. The obtained results show that the ANN model is a competitive approach with certain advantages.

Performance and modeling of a vertical flow constructed wetland–maturation pond system

A 32-month monitoring program is presented in a vertical flow constructed wetland facility, located in North Greece. The monitoring campaigns were organized every 15 days. Water quality samples were collected at the inlet, at four intermediate points (i.e., at the end of each treatment stage) and at the outlet of the system. Temperature, electrical conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) were measured in-situ with the use of appropriate instruments at the same points of water sample collection. Water samples were analyzed for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, total phosphorus (TP), ortho-phosphate (OP), total suspended solids (TSS) and total coliforms (TC). Mean removal efficiencies for the monitoring period were: 90.8% for BOD, 89.0% for COD, 83.9% for TKN, 83.8% for ammonia, 38.8% for TP, 17.4% for OP, 90.4% for TSS and 99.9% for TC, indicating, for most pollutant, excellent performance of this constructed wetland (CW) system under Mediterranean climate conditions. Results showed that organic matter, TSS, TKN, ammonia, TP, OP and TC removal is not significantly affected by temperature. The collected removal data were used to produce appropriate parameter values for first-order k-C* models and develop simple models based on stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) analysis, in an effort to predict CW performance. These models were verified using data from another facility located in the same region. The results showed that the predictions correlate well with measured values, leading to the conclusion that the first-order models and the developed SMLR models are useful tools in the design of vertical flow (VF) CWs.

Comparison in asthma and allergy prevalence in the two major cities in Greece: the ISAAC phase II survey

Background Variability in the prevalence of allergic diseases has been detected not only between different countries, but also between cities with similar national and different socio-economic or climatic characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of childhood asthma and allergies and which factors are associated with them, in the two largest Greek cities, Athens and Thessaloniki. Methods Two thousand and twenty-three Greek 9-10-year-old schoolchildren from Athens (Central Greece) and Thessaloniki (North Greece, more humid), were included in ISAAC-II study. All participants followed the ISAAC-II protocol by questionnaire, skin prick testing and flexural dermatitis examination. Results Compared with Athens, the prevalence of current wheezing (8.4% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.002), lifetime asthma (11.5% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.004), atopic current asthma (3.2% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.02), allergic rhinitis (8.2% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.007), and hay fever (21.7% vs. 12.5%, p < 0.001) were higher in Thessaloniki. The overall sensitisation rate was also higher in Thessaloniki than in Athens (25.2% vs. 16%, p < 0.001) with more prevalent sensitising due to the perennial allergens ( D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, Alternaria tenuis) and cat dander. Perennial allergens sensitisation was a risk factor for current asthma in both cities. Conclusion A higher prevalence of asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, and sensitisation rate was detected in Greek schoolchildren living in Thessaloniki compared to those in Athens. Allergy to mites and mould was more prevalent in Thessaloniki. The more humid weather of Thessaloniki may be implicated.

Using surface and cross-hole resistivity tomography in an urban environment: An example of imaging the foundations of the ancient wall in Thessaloniki, North Greece

This work describes the application of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique, in both surface and cross-hole modes, for subsurface exploration in an urban environment. The objective was to image the foundations of the Thessaloniki city walls (Region of Macedonia, North Greece) at locations that will be affected by the construction of a new underground Metro line. The surface ERT survey was performed along lines crossing directly over the wall on areas where it had partly collapsed. ERT surveys were also applied at places where the main over ground structure of the walls had been completely destroyed and what is left now is primarily only the ancient subsurface foundations. In addition, the present day ground surface is partially covered by concrete pavement slabs. In both cases, nonconventional electrodes were partially used to carry out a number of ERTs on the ground surface. This was necessary in order not to destroy the pavement slabs and most importantly not to damage in any way the monuments. An example of cross-hole ERT is also presented. Cross-hole ERTs were conducted because detailed measurements employing surface ERT were not possible due to limitations imposed by the urban environment. The way that the boreholes were instrumented is also presented. The combined surface and borehole tomographies produced images of the buried structures allowing the assessment of their geometrical shape and of the dimensions of the foundations of the ancient wall.

SRTM 3″ DEM (versions 1, 2, 3, 4) validation by means of extensive kinematic GPS measurements: a case study from North Greece

In 2000, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) provided for the first time a global high-quality digital elevation model (DEM) at resolution levels of one and three arcseconds, using single-pass synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry. In January and February 2008, an extensive four-day kinematic global positioning system (GPS) (KGPS) campaign was carried out in the vicinity of the city of Thessaloniki (North Greece), during which more than 60 000 points were collected, providing an unprecedented density of measurements in the order of 20 points km−2. The purpose of the present study was to assess the vertical accuracy of the four versions of SRTM 3″ DEMs that are currently available over the Internet for public use, on the basis of the KGPS data collected.

Modeling multifunctionality of agriculture at a farm-level: The case of kerkini district, Northern Greece

Multifuncionality has become a central concern at both conceptual and empirical levels. In this study, a comparative evaluation of the economic performance of conventional and multifunctional farms (mainly organic farms) was conducted for the Lake Kerkini region (North Greece) with the use of mixed integer non-linear programming method. The economic performance of farms was evaluated in terms of farm income, resource allocation, production level and production mix. The results indicate that multifunctional farms have overall better economic performance and young farm managers are keener to adopt multifunctional farming than the older ones. Differences between the model results and the observed facts are attributed to the structural characteristics of the farms, along with the CAP measures and the existence of multiple objectives, beyond maximization of net farm returns.

Changes of the photosynthetic behaviour in annual C&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; species at late successional stage under environmental drought conditions

Differences in structural, physiological, and biochemical features between C3 and C4 species resulted in different wateruse efficiencies and different adaptations to climate. This paper aimed at investigating, at a late successional stage, the water-use efficiency of two forage species, Dichanthium ischaemum and Dasypyrum villosum, which exhibit different growth forms (perenial, annual) and photosynthetic mechanisms (C4 and C3, respectively). The annual C3 species Avena fatua, at an early successional stage, was included in our experiments to contrast its behaviour against D. villosum. The experiment was conducted during the growing season in low-elevation grasslands of North Greece. Midday leaf water potential, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were measured. Instantaneous water-use efficiency (WUE) and intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi) were calculated in D. ischaemum, D. villosum, and A. fatua. The results suggest that, under natural rainfall conditions, the annual C3 grass species D. villosum exhibits a similar WUE with higher values of WUEi than the perennial C4 species D. ischaemum at late stage of succession on the low elevation Mediterranean grasslands. Moreover, A. fatua at an early successional stage, exhibited different photosynthetic behaviour than D. villosum at a late successional stage. These findings indicate that the annual C3 species D. villosum under drought and at a late successional stage seems to modify the WUE obtaining values similar to those of C4 species. The extent to which the ecophysiological characteristics of D. villosum are environmentally or intrinsically determined remains to be answered.

Spatial and temporal changes of water quality, and SWAT modeling of Vosvozis river basin, North Greece

The results of an investigation of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Vosvozis river in Northern Greece is presented. For the purposes of this study, three gaging stations were installed along Vosvozis river, where water quantity and quality measurements were conducted for the period August 2005 to November 2006. Water discharge, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in situ using appropriate equipment. The collected water samples were analyzed in the laboratory for the determination of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium nitrogen, total Kjeldalh nitrogen (TKN), orthophosphate (OP), total phosphorus (TP), COD, and BOD. Agricultural diffuse sources provided the major source of nitrate nitrogen loads during the wet period. During the dry period (from June to October), the major nutrient (N, P) and COD, BOD sources were point sources. The trophic status of Vosvozis river during the monitoring period was determined as eutrophic, based on Dodds classification scheme. Moreover, the SWAT model was used to simulate hydrographs and nutrient loads. SWAT was validated with the measured data. Predicted hydrographs and pollutographs were plotted against observed values and showed good agreement. The validated model was used to test eight alternative scenarios concerning different cropping management approaches. The results of these scenarios indicate that nonpoint source pollution is the prevailing type of pollution in the study area. The SWAT model was found to satisfactorily simulate processes in ephemeral river basins and is an effective tool in water resources management.

On-site treatment of domestic wastewater using a small-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland

A small-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland, located in North Greece, was designed and constructed to treat wastewater from a single-family residence. A three-year monitoring program was undertaken to evaluate the performance of this system. The monitoring campaigns were organized every 7 days. Water quality samples were collected at the inlet, at intermediate points (i.e. at the end of each treatment stage) and at the outlet of the system. Temperature, electrical conductivity, pH and DO were measured in-situ with the use of appropriate instruments at the same points of water sample collection. Water samples were analyzed for BOD, COD, TKN, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, total phosphorus (TP), ortho-phosphate (OP), total suspended solids (TSS) and total coliforms (TC). Mean removal efficiencies for the monitoring period were: 86.5% for BOD, 84.6% for COD, 83.7% for TKN, 82.2% for ammonia, 63.1% for OP, 63.3% for TP, 79.3% for TSS and 99.9% for TC. Furthermore, based on statistical testing, TKN, ammonia and TP removal efficiencies showed dependence on temperature. The paper presents facility description, study details and monitoring results. The study shows that the use of constructed wetlands in wastewater treatment is a good option for single-family residences in rural areas.

Constructed wetlands for wastewater and activated sludge treatment in north Greece: a review

Constructed wetlands used for the treatment of urban, industrial and agricultural wastewater have become very popular treatment systems all over the world. In Greece, these systems are not very common, although the climate is favourable for their use. During recent years, there have been several attempts for the implementation of these systems in Greece, which include, among others, pilot-scale systems used for research, and full-scale systems designed and/or constructed to serve settlements or families. The purpose of this paper is the presentation of systems operating in Northern Greece, which have been studied by the Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology of Democritus University of Thrace and others. A comparison is made of different system types, and the effect of various design and operational parameters is presented. Current research shows the good and continuous performance of these systems.