Northwestern Greece Research Articles

Neotectonic study of Northwestern Greece

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a neotectonic map with active faults, at a scale of 1:500,000, of the northwestern Greece is presented and discussed. The elaboration of the Neotectonic Map chiefly aimed at the identification, mapping and assessment of the faults in the region of Epirus, for the added purpose of assessing the area’s seismic hazard. To this end, the related research was largely directed to the detailed study of the tectonic structures, which were classified as active, potentially active and non-active (or unknown age). It is noted that the activity of many old structures continues to this day, as shown by the Neotectonic analysis, in conjunction with the region’s seismicity. The presence of extensive scree deposits on the hanging wall of many faults also indicates their re-activation. For the final compilation and presentation of the map, geological, geomorphological and seismological data were used and assessed. The objective of this map is to provide information about the neotectonic evolution of northwestern Greece.

The importance of soil data availability on erosion modeling

The accurate estimation of soil erodibility is essential for the proper simulation of erosion. The parameter, describing the soil's susceptibility to the erosive actions of precipitation and surface runoff, is expressed in the RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) by the K factor. The latter is at most cases empirically estimated (due to the scarcity of soil data) discarding key attributes like organic matter content and granulometry. The study aims to assess the effect of the different K factor computation methodologies (empirical, based on bedrock lithology and stratigraphy; analytical, based on soil data) on soil erosion, at the Kalamas River catchment, located at Epirus, Northwestern Greece. To that end, RUSLE was implemented (both annually and multi-annually for the period 1987–02) at its two comprising subcatchments (Soulopoulo Bridge, Kioteki), once for every different K approximation. The study area's geology was described based on the Greek IGME (Institute of Geological and Mining Exploration) geological maps (1:50,000). The soil data (field samples) were provided by the Greek NAGREF (National Agricultural Research Foundation), the EU (European Union) and the Greek PCAGGCA (Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid). Provided that all other parameters (R, LS, C, P) remain unchanged, the model's results were depended on the alternative K factor values. Regarding the latter, the implementation (thus the K computation methodology) that performed best was the analytical one by displaying the highest convergence between simulated and “observed” {calculated based on field measurements, provided by the Greek PPC (Public Power Corporation)} sediment yield.

REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT: AMYNTEON MINE LANDSLIDES, GREECE

Abstract. Natural or man-made disasters are phenomena that can affect large areas and have many environmental, societal and economic impacts. Landslides are among the major disasters of large scale that may affect the natural environment as well as urban areas, often causing massive destruction, loss of property, or even fatalities worldwide. Developing tools that are effective for disaster management is imperative to monitor and mitigate their effect. Satellite data and remote sensing techniques, combined with geological data and studies can provide valuable information regarding monitoring of natural hazards in general and especially of landslides. This paper concerns the ex ante and ex post study of a complex set of landslides that occurred in the lignite mine of Amynteon in north-western Greece (June 2017), where large masses of Neogene lacustrine and Quaternary fluvial sediments were detached and moved. The study area is located at the transfer zone between the overlapping tips of two large NE-SW trending normal fault zones affecting the overlying sediments: the NW-dipping Anargyri fault and the SE-dipping Vegora fault. The fragmentation caused by these fault zones weakened the material cohesion, which was further degraded by mining activities and hydrogeological factors, leading to the catastrophic event. The landslide occurred in along the south faces of the mine, resulting to extended collapses, destruction of mining machinery, evacuation of the adjacent Anargyri village and a big financial impact that has not yet been determined. Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 satellite data acquired before and after the event are being used. Digital image processing techniques are applied for change detection. In addition, geological data are being used to provide information about the geological background of the area and landslides vulnerability. Visual interpretation of the area affected by the landslides is also being done, contributing to the overall study.

P418Contemporary diagnostic yield of implantable loop recorders in patients from Northwestern Greece in the setting of economic crisis

P418Contemporary diagnostic yield of implantable loop recorders in patients from Northwestern Greece in the setting of economic crisis

Environmental Change Detection Study in the Wider Area of Lignite Mines

Environmental monitoring of mine areas offers critical information about how they affect both natural and man-made environment. The Ptolemaida-Amyntaio lignite center plays a very important role in electrical industry of Greece, since it is the main energy fuel. The spatial growth of the lignite mine causes land cover change in the wider area. This paper aims to detect land cover changes in the wider area of the mines, in northwestern Greece, between two time periods using Remote Sensing and Geoinformation system (RS and GIS) methods. For this purpose multispectral images for both times were acquired, from Landsat data and a supervised classification was applied. Finally, qualitative and quantitative results obtained through visual interpretation and digital change detection study indicate that there has been a great increase in mine areas, affecting both agricultural land and man-made environment.

Trace analysis of pesticide residues in sediments using liquid chromatography-high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

The present study describes the optimization and validation of an analytical method based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction and purification with dispersive solid-phase extraction(dSPE) before analysis, followed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution linear ion trap/Orbitrap (LTQ Orbitrap) mass spectrometry for the determination of 18 pesticides in sediment. To optimize process efficiency, parameters such as pH, extraction salts, sediment amount, and cleanup sorbents were evaluated. Identification was based on both accurate mass and retention time, and further confirmation was achieved by mass spectrometry fragmentation. The optimized analytical method demonstrated good validation characteristics, such as accuracy (recoveries from 70.8% to 106.2%), method quantification limits (below 10 ng g-1 for 89% of the pesticides selected), linearity (coefficient of determination greater than 0.9921 in all cases), precision (repeatability and reproducibility with standard deviations below 18% and 21%, respectively), and matrix effect (signal suppression was exhibited for almost all analytes). The overall method performance, expressed as process efficiency, ranged from 58.8% to 102.1%. The validated method was successfully applied to real samples collected along two rivers in northwestern Greece, revealing the presence of three selected pesticides but at levels below the method quantification limit.

First successful hand-rearing and release to the wild of two orphan brown bear cubs in Greece

The rehabilitation and release of orphan brown bears (Ursus arctos) to the wild is of increasing importance in the conservation and management of the species. In April 2011 two orphan male brown bears were found and rehabilitated for the first time at a dedicated Bear Rehabilitation Centre in Greece. In this case report we describe in detail the veterinary procedures and the feeding regime followed during the 9-month rehabilitation process. For the release on the 23rd of January 2012 the two bears were anaesthetized with a combination of xylazine and ketamine, and satellite collars were placed on them for post-release monitoring. Eight hours later the bears were anaesthetized with the same mixture for a second time, transported and placed into an artificial den in the wild; recovery from anaesthesia took place without complications. Three months later the bears left the den and started moving in the wider area of northwestern Greece. We conclude that rehabilitation and release of orphan bears is an important tool in the management and conservation of this endangered species in Greece.

Cycling as a Smart and Green Mode of Transport in Small Touristic Cities

Cycling as a mode of transport is a low-cost, health-improving way to travel and offers environmental benefits for the cities that promote it. It is only recently, though, with concerns over climate change, pollution, congestion, and obesity among others, that have cities throughout the world have begun to implement policies to promote cycling. In Greece, however, the use of the bicycle is limited. In Preveza, a small touristic city in Northwestern Greece where the use of the bicycle is prominent when compared to other Greek cities, there are efforts to promote cycling. Through the aid of a structured questionnaire, the residents evaluated the suitability of the city for cycling, the existing infrastructure, appropriate education, and behavior of cyclists and drivers. More than half of the residents use bicycles as their transportation and stated that bicycles are an inexpensive way of transport in the city and had the opinion that the state should encourage bicycle use by supporting subvention in bicycle acquisition. Two-thirds of the residents evaluated the cycling facilities of their city as adequate, but unsafe for young cyclists who do not follow the rules of transport. Adult cyclists, in contrast, were more loyal to the code, but stated that drivers did not respect their presence on the roads. This research provides important information on the perceived shortcomings of cycling as a transport mode in Preveza that may be of interest to towns/cities with similar characteristics.

Dermal Lesions and Skin Cancer in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Receiving Immunosuppressive Therapy

Background:Anti-TNFa medications represent the first effective biologic therapy for IBD that has largely revolutionized treatment. The aim of this study was to quantify the risk of MM and other skin cancers among patients from Northern Greece area with IBD who take immunosuppressive or biologic anti-TNF medications.Methods:The current study was conducted during a 3-year period (2014-2016). Clinical history and metabolic data of all patients were extracted from the IBD database that is kept since 1980. 101 patients with IBD from Northwestern Greece, were studied.Results:The mean age of enrolled patients was 44.2±15.9 years old ranging from 17 years to 77 years old. No sun burn was reported from the 44.6% of the patients, 53.5% presented mild reticular veins in the face, and lack of any elastosis was noticed in 60.4%. The occurrence of two cases with squamous and basal cell carcinoma is an important finding. The absence of any case with MM should not quiet down but should strengthen our efforts for further implementation of preventive measures.Conclusions:Furthermore, education of patients to avoid deleterious sun exposure may help decrease MM incidence.

Modern Laments in Northwestern Greece, Their Importance in Social and Musical Life and the “Making” of Oral Tradition

Having as a starting point a typical phrase -“all our songs once were laments”- repeated to the researcher during fieldwork, this study aims to explore the multiple ways in which lament practices become part of other musical practices in community life or change their functionalities and how they contribute to music making. Though the meaning of this typical phrase seems to be inexplicable, nonetheless as a general feeling it is shared by most of the people in the field. Starting from the Epirot instrumental ‘moiroloi’, extensive field research reveals that many vocal practices considered by former researchers to be imitations of instrumental musical practices, are in fact, definite lament vocal practices-cries, embodied and reformed in different ways in other musical contexts and serving in this way different social purposes. Furthermore, multiple functionalities of lament practices in social life reveal their transformations into songs and the ways they contribute to music making in oral tradition while at the same time confirming the flexibility of the border between lament and song established by previous researchers.

Effects of recycled and grey water on the growth of ornamental shrubs used in urban green spaces of north-western Greece

Worldwide efforts for water conservation has led to successful reuse of water for irrigation. This is particularly important for countries that demonstrate water scarcity phenomena as in Southern Europe, especially during the summer, due to increased summer temperatures, low precipitation and increased demands for water for irrigation and tourism. Irrigation of urban green spaces uses considerable amounts of water and water reuse constitutes a sustainable, practice. However, the application of reusable water for irrigation purposes faces the potential risk of exhibiting toxicity in plants, as it usually contains high concentrations of dissolved salts. Therefore, a field study was undertaken at the Technological Educational Institute of Epirus (TEIEP, Arta, Greece) from May to October 2014 in order to assess the effects of irrigation using recycled water and greywater on the quality and growth of ornamental shrubs. Three irrigation treatments were applied to six shrub species namely Abelia chinensis, Ligustrum japonicum, Photinia serrulata, Viburnum tinus, Pittosporum tobira and Thuja occidentalis. Irrigation treatments constituted of tertiary treated wastewater provided by the Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant, grey water captured from TEIEP's facilities and tap water provided by the local municipal potable water supply network. Plant quality (overall status of plant determined by photographs), was rated on a five point scale at regular intervals and plant growth assessed by the measurement of height and mean width, and the calculation of growth index at fortnight intervals. Results showed that the different irrigation treatments affected both the visual quality and growth of plant species differently. Therefore depending on the plant species, irrigation with tap water could be replaced or supplemented by irrigation with grey water or/and recycled water.

Comparative analysis of sediment yield estimations using different empirical soil erosion models

ABSTRACTThe study aims to evaluate the performance of different empirical soil erosion models (EPM, USLE, Koutsoyiannis and Tarla, RUSLE) in mountainous Mediterranean-type catchments. The study area comprises the Arachthos, Kalamas, Upper Acheloos and Venetikos river basins, located in northwestern Greece. The methodology followed includes both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The former refers to the specific attributes of the models and the latter to the estimated sediment yield results. The results were initially validated against observed sediment yield values. The ambiguous reliability of such measurements led to their replacement by simulated ones, estimated using the sediment rating curve methodology. In the latter analysis, the models performed better, with more accurate results. Overall, the RUSLE corresponded best to such basins. Finally, the performance of seven empirical equations (Syvitski, Avendano Salas et al., Dendy and Bolton, Lu et al., Webb and Griffiths, Zarris et al.) was assessed, yielding relatively poor results.

Public perception on measures needed for the ecological restoration of Grecian juniper silvopastoral woodlands

The Grecian juniper silvopastoral woodland is considered very rare in the European context. It is restricted in north-western Greece (Prespa basin), and the type of habitat they support is a priority one, according to the EU Directive 92/43/EEC. Last decades, due to abandonment of traditional practices (fuel-wood cutting and livestock grazing) the woodland appears to decline. The most important threat for the Prespa juniper woodland seems to be the invasion of deciduous broad-leaved species. The LIFE+ JunEx project set in its mail goals the restoration of the woodland through specific concrete actions that support and promote the traditional uses of woodland resources, like grazing. The purpose of the study was to explore the views of social and institutional groups operating around the silvopastoral woodland and the formulation of measures that contribute to its ecological restoration. The first phase of the research (February 2014) was conducted with questionnaires addressed to social groups in the region. It was found that the main factors forming the perception of social groups are (a) the advantages and benefits of the habitat type (15.8%), (b) threats (14.9%), (c) interdisciplinary complementarity of livestock management and Forestry (9.2%), (d) cost effectiveness (8.6%), (e) present condition (8.6%), and (f) direct degradation of wood-standing capital (7.5%). The second phase of the research (June 2016) included a simulation exercise on the institutional environment of the LIFE+ JunEx project actions and held within a summer school. It was found that common factors affect the perception of societal and institutional groups with emphasis on the economic benefits and the interdisciplinary complementarity of livestock management and forestry.

Screening of mushrooms bioactivity: piceatannol was identified as a bioactive ingredient in the order Cantharellales

Wild edible mushroom species are appreciated for consumption due to their high nutritional value. The aim of the present study was to examine in vitro beneficial bioactivity of mushroom extracts and to investigate the molecular identity of the active ingredients. In this regard, methanol extracts of 29 different wild edible mushroom species, that are traditionally consumed by residents in the National Park of North Pindos in North-Western Greece, were examined for antioxidant, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and pro-apoptotic activities towards a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and by flow cytometry. Certain mushroom species exhibited high antioxidant activity, which was related to their high content in total phenols and flavonoids. Methanol extracts of Cantharellus cibarius, Cantharellus cinereus, Craterellus cornucopioides and Hydnum repandum, which belong to the order Cantharellales, exhibited high cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis–necrosis to A549 cells. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Mass Spectrometry analysis revealed as an active ingredient piceatannol ((E)-4-[2-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]1,2-benzenediol-3,3′,4,5′-tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene). Piceatannol, according to our best knowledge, is identified for the first time in wild edible mushrooms. Experiments with authentic piceatannol confirmed the potent antiproliferative activity of this compound. Tested mushrooms are promising sources of bioactive compounds.

Seasonal variations of natural radionuclides, minor and trace elements in lake sediments and water in a lignite mining area of North-Western Greece

The radiological and chemical pollution of a cluster of four lakes in a lignite mining area of North-Western Greece was investigated using a variety of analytical techniques. Alpha spectrometry was applied to measure the activity concentrations of the uranium radioisotopes (U-234, U-235, and U-238) in waters. The mass activities of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in sediments were measured by high-resolution gamma spectrometry. Furthermore, the determination of the minor and trace elements was carried out by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in both water and sediments samples, respectively. Pollution levels were also evaluated by calculating enrichment factors (EFs), contamination factors (CFs) and pollution load index (PLI). The data were discussed taking into account several parameters such as the distance from the pollution source, temperature, and location and showed that the environmental impact in this region could not be considered as negligible. The deviation of the isotopic ratio of U-234/U-238 from the equilibrium value indicated waters with intensive dissolution of uranium. The activity values in both waters and sediments found to be low in cool periods and increased in warm periods. Moreover, the concentrations of the elements U, Zn, and Fe were raised in water samples indicating possible pollution as well as the CFs and PLI denoted accumulation in the sediments and moderate to severe contamination for Zn and Cr in some cases.

Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) along the production chain of dairy products in north-western Greece

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the production chain of dairy products. Of 367 tested samples (36 bulk tank milk (BTM), 19 dairy products, 72 human, 185 animal, 55 equipment), 212 (57.8%) were found positive for S. aureus. Almost all isolates (99.6%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial and 13.3% were multi-drug resistant (MDR), exhibiting resistance to three or more antibiotic classes. Eleven samples (3%) were found contaminated by MRSA carrying the mecA gene. None of the MRSA isolates carried the mecC or the Pandon-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) genes. Four spa types were identified among the MRSA isolates: t127, t3586, t1773, t4038, with t127 being the most prevalent (7 out of 11). Two of them, t3586 and t1773, were isolated for the first time in Greece. Furthermore, Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis indicated clonal circulation through the dairy production chain. The presence of MDR S. aureus, and especially MRSA, in animals and dairy products represents a potential threat for the spread of this pathogen in the community. The results indicated that human, animal and environmental sources could be involved in the contamination of dairy products along their production chain and therefore further investigation of contamination sources is needed to control the dispersion of MRSA in the community.

S-WAVE SPECTRAL ANALYSIS AND ESTIMATION OF SPECTRAL PARAMETERS IN NORTHWESTERN GREECE

During a 12-month period (August 1998 - June 1999), a dense microseismic network of 44 portable seismographs, was installed in Epirus - Northwestern Greece, by the Seismological Laboratory, of the University of Patras and recorded 1368 earthquakes. We selected a subset of 200 well recorded events, with duration magnitude ranging from 1.61 to 2.92 and focal depths ranging from a few hundred meters to 35km; the majority was in the 0-10km range. This study uses this high quality dataset to (i)calculate the earthquake spectra and source parameters; (ii) perform linear regression between Seismic Moment (M0) and the source parameters Source Radius (r), Stress Drop (Δσ) and Displacement (s); (iii) correlate source parameter’s distribution with the tectonics of the area. Finally, we compare the derived empirical laws with similar studies.

Chemical characterization and receptor modeling of PM10 in the surroundings of the opencast lignite mines of Western Macedonia, Greece.

The Western Macedonian Lignite Center (WMLC) in northwestern Greece is the major lignite center in the Balkans feeding four major power plants of total power exceeding 4GW. Concentrations of PM10 (i.e., particulate matters with diameters ≤10μm) are the main concern in the region, and the high levels observed are often attributed to the activities related to power generation. In this study, the contribution of fugitive dust emissions from the opencast lignite mines to the ambient levels of PM10 in the surroundings was estimated by performing chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor modeling. For this purpose, PM10 samples were concurrently collected at four receptor sites located in the periphery of the mine area during the cold and the warm periods of the year (November-December 2011 and August-September 2012), and analyzed for a total of 26 macro- and trace elements and ionic species (sulfate, nitrate, chloride). The robotic chemical mass balance (RCMB) model was employed for source identification/apportionment of PM10 at each receptor site using as inputs the ambient concentrations and the chemical profiles of various sources including the major mine operations, the fly ash escaping the electrostatic filters of the power plants, and other primary and secondary sources. Mean measured PM10 concentrations at the different sites ranged from 38 to 72μgm-3. The estimated total contribution of mines ranged between 9 and 22% in the cold period increasing to 36-42% in the dry warm period. Other significant sources were vehicular traffic, biomass burning, and secondary sulfate and nitrate aerosol. These results imply that more efficient measures to prevent and suppress fugitive dust emissions from the mines are needed.

Emerging Cases of Pertussis Among Early Infants Born to Unvaccinated Mothers, an Infectious Disease Long Absent in Northwestern Greece.

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3D printing as a means of learning and communication: The 3Ducation project revisited

This research project explores to what extent the utilization of open-source 3D printers and 3D design software could serve as means of learning and communication. The principles of non-formal education aligned with the concept of constructionism are used to create an experimental educational scenario focused on geocultural tourism for persons with visual impairments. This paper documents our experience and presents our findings from a 25-day long project, which took place in Zagori, northwestern Greece. 11 high school students from Portugal designed and manufactured natural and cultural heritage artifacts carrying messages in the Braille language. The objects were then handed to people with visual impairments with a twofold aim. First, to enable the communication among persons with and without visual impairments; and, second, to empower students to participate in training projects through open educational procedures. We conclude that open educational practices can boost students’ active engagement in educational processes. Finally, 3D printing encourages a meaningful communication among people with and without visual impairments via the tangible exploration of geocultural components.