System In Greece Research Articles

Social Change and The Greek Welfare State Crisis (2010-2020)

This article attempts to utilize the concept of social change for the study of transformations in the Greek welfare state during the period of the multiple crises it is currently experiencing (2010–2020). This will be done through an analysis of the changes taking place in the Greek social security system, the backbone of social policy in Greece. The main argument is that, although there are fundamental differences in the development of the Greek welfare state compared to the welfare model of Western European countries, in the last decade there has been a convergence towards a neoliberal model of social policy. The elaboration of this claim will examine those theories of social change that attempt to explain the transition from the Keynesian to the neoliberal welfare state both in the period after 1970 and in the period after the Great Recession of 2008. The development of the Greek social security system over time is then examined, with a particular focus on the decade from 2010–2020. This will show that, despite the different context for the development of the social security system in Greece, the reforms imposed by austerity policies in the last decade have led to a convergence with the model of the neoliberal welfare state. The trend towards residualization and privatization of the social security system with a focus solely on the management of extreme poverty can be observed as one of the mechanisms of social change that are being adopted.

Evaluating the Forecast Skill of a Hydrometeorological Modelling System in Greece

A hydrometeorological forecasting system has been operating at the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW) of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) since September 2015. The system consists of the Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model, the WRF-Hydro hydrological model, and the HEC-RAS hydraulic–hydrodynamic model. The system provides daily 120 h weather forecasts focusing on Greece (4 km horizontal resolution) and hydrological forecasts for the Spercheios and Evrotas rivers in Greece (100 m horizontal resolution), also providing flash flood inundation forecasts when needed (5 m horizontal resolution). The main aim of this study is to evaluate precipitation forecasts produced in a 4-year period (September 2015–August 2019) using measurements from meteorological stations across Greece. Water level forecasts for the Evrotas and Spercheios rivers were also evaluated using measurements from hydrological stations operated by the IMBRIW. Moreover, the forecast skill of the chained meteorological–hydrological–hydraulic operation of the system was investigated during a catastrophic flash flood in the Evrotas river. The results indicated that the system provided skillful precipitation and water level forecasts. The best evaluation results were yielded during rainy periods. They also demonstrated that timely flash flood forecasting products could benefit flood warning and emergency responses due to their efficiency and increased lead time.

Source Process-Related Delays in Earthquake Early Warning for Example Cases in Greece

ABSTRACTWe explore a hypothetical zero-latency earthquake early warning (EEW) system in Greece, aiming to provide alerts before warning thresholds of the intensity of ground motion are exceeded. Within the seismotectonic context of Greece, both shallow- and intermediate-depth earthquakes (along the Hellenic subduction zone) are plausible and, thus, examined. Using regionally applicable attenuation relations, we combine and adjust the methodologies of Minson et al. (2018) and Hoshiba (2020) to examine what are the minimum magnitudes required to invoke the warning thresholds at the user site. With simple modeling, we examine how fast an alert can be issued and what is the available warning time when taking into account delays due to finite-fault rupture propagation, alongside other delays. These computations are merged with delays introduced due to the present-day configuration of the Greek national monitoring network (varying spatial density of permanent monitoring stations). This approach serves as a tool to assess the feasibility of an EEW system at specific sites and to redesign the national permanent monitoring network to serve such a system more effectively (we provide results for four sites.). Warning times for on-land crustal earthquakes are found to be shorter, whereas for intermediate-depth earthquakes in Greece an EEW system is feasible (provides warning times of several tens of seconds at large cities, e.g., on Crete Island) even with the current configuration of the national monitoring network, which is quite sparse in the southern part of the country. The current network configuration also provides sufficient early warning (e.g., of the order of 10 s for a warning threshold of 0.05g) at the center of Athens from earthquakes of the eastern Gulf of Corinth—a zone posing elevated hazard in the broader area of the Greek capital. Several additional assumptions and factors affecting the operability of an EEW system in Greece (i.e., source process complexity and uncertainty in attenuation laws) are also discussed.

An online emergency medical management information system using mobile computing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way technology affects the provision of prehospital emergency care, upgrading the quality of services offered and significantly reducing the risk of premature termination of the patients. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the development of the eEKAB, a pilot emergency medical information system that simulates the main services offered by the Greek National Instant Aid Centre (EKAB). The eEKAB was developed on an agile system methodology. From a technical perspective, the features and the technology were mainly chosen to provide reliable and user-friendly interfaces that will attract many users. eEKAB is based on three important pillars for offering health care to the patients: the “On-time Incident Reporting”, the “On-time Arrival at the Incident” and “Transfer to the Health Center”. According to the literature review, the emergency medical services (EMS) systems that combine all the features are very few. Findings It reduces the total time of the EMS procedures and it allows for an easier management of EMS, by providing a better allocation of human resources and a better geographical distribution of ambulances. The evaluation displayed that it is a very helpful application for the ambulance drivers as it reduces the ambulance response time to arrive in the patient's location and contributes significantly to the general performance of the prehospital medical care system. Also, the survey verified the importance of implementing eEKAB on a larger scale beyond the pilot usage. It is worth mentioning that the younger ambulance drivers had a more positive view for the purpose of the application. Research limitations/implications The paper clearly identifies implications for further research. Regarding interoperability, the mobile app cooperates with the Operational Center of EKAB, while further collaboration could be achieved with other operational ambulance handling center, mainly, of the private sector. The system can evolve to include better communications among the EKAB departments. Particularly, the ambulance crew as well as the doctors should be informed with more incident features such as the emergency signal so that they know whether to open the siren, the patient's name, etc. The authors are currently working on implementing some features to provide effective medical health services to the patient in the ambulance. Practical implications eEKAB will have very significant implications in case of its enforcement, such as the reduction of the total time of EMS procedures with a corresponding reduction of the operating costs of an accident management system and an ambulance fleet handling system while in parallel informing in time the doctors/clinics. It will provide better distribution of ambulances as well as of total human resources. It will greatly assist ambulance drivers, while reducing ambulance response time to reach the patient's location. In other words, the authors will have a better performance of the whole prehospital care system. Social implications Providing emergency care before the hospital is of great importance for upgrading the quality of health services provided at the accident site, thus significantly reducing the risk of premature death of patients. This in itself has a significant social implication. Originality/value The paper demonstrates a solid understanding in the field of the EMS systems and the corresponding medical services offered. It proposes the development of an effective, feasible and innovative EMS information system that will improve the existing emergency health care system in Greece (EKAB). An in depth literature review and presentation of the adopted new technologies and the respective architecture take place. An evaluation and statistical validation were conducted for proving the high applicability of eEKAB in case of real-life running.

Status and codification of karst aquifer systems in Greece

Karst groundwater is an important natural resource for the water supply. The karst aquifer systems of Greece are developed within carbonate sedimentary (limestone, dolomite) and metamorphic rocks (marbles) and contribute significantly to water supply for domestic and irrigation use. They are discharged through springs: submarine, coastal brackish and inland freshwater springs. This review presents the general characteristics of karst aquifers focusing on hydraulic properties. Evaluation of the results shows that the hydraulic parameters of the karstic aquifer systems range within a large scale of values depending on karstification, tectonics and stratigraphy. High values of transmissivity and specific capacity are recorded in the upper stratigraphically levels of the karstic aquifer systems. In addition, a total of 229 different karst systems were classified according to five criteria: 1) Lithology, 2) Position, 3) Quality status, 4) Exploitation and quantitative status and 5) Discharge of springs. The majority (80%) of karst systems is developed in sedimentary rocks (limestones) and is of good water quality and quantitative status. Poor water quality status is recorded in coastal karst aquifers (mainly on islands) due to seawater intrusion phenomena. Finally, this work summarizes the characteristics of the karst aquifers in Greece in order to ensure the sustainable management of groundwater resources.

Tourism education and training system in Greece. The transition from 20th to 21st century

Tourism represents one of the most prosperous sources of income in Greece and its contribution to the country’s GDP is acknowledged by all economic factors. To this day, however, a stable and reliable educational-vocational system in the field of tourism has yet to be developed. Τhe country makes constant efforts to improve the education provided in this department, without having a clear orientation. The present study aims to analyze the course of the public education of tourism over time, whilst indicating the weaknesses of the corresponding policy and providing relevant suggestions to the topic.

Anguillicola (Anguillicoides) crassus: Morphometric characteristics and pathogenicity in eels (Anguilla anguilla) in Greece.

Anguillicola (Anguillicoides) crassus is a swimbladder nematode parasite of Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758). The present study investigates the morphology and pathogenicity of A. crassus in European eel, as well as, the effects of different aquatic environments on the infection of A. crassus, in Greece. A total of 268 nematodes were collected from four estuarine systems in Greece. In all collected parasites, measurements carried out to define the morphological characteristics of parasites: parasite length and width, oesophagus max length and max width. Τhe mean parasite length was 23.50mm (95% CI: 22.42-24.58) for females, 12.95mm (95% CI: 12.25-13.64) for the males and 6.39mm (95% CI: 5.27-7.50) for the juveniles. The mean parasite width was 1.99mm (95% CI: 1.88-2.10) for females, 0.93mm (95% CI: 0.86-1.00) for males and 0.51mm (95% CI: 0.39-0.64) for juveniles. In total, the mean intensity was found 3.15 (95% CI: 2.53-3.78), while the highest mean intensity per eel was 8.00 (95% CI: 0.00-29.51) in Tholi Lagoon and the lowest was 2.20 (95% CI: 0.36-4.04) in Amvrakikos Gulf. Longitudinal and transverse histological sections of two adults A. crassus and two swimbladders were carried out. Multiple granules were observed, as a tissue reaction of the organism to swath around the 4th stage larvae (L4) that have entered the swimbladder. Molecular analysis was performed on three female adults A. crassus derived from eel specimens coming from the Vistonis estuarine system. The high reproductive capacity of the parasite reveals that A. anguilla has low effective defense mechanisms against the parasite. Also, the morphometric variations of the A. crassus seems to have a plastic feature which is being differently expressed when exposed to various environments.

Antidiabetic and Other Therapies Used in Subjects with Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease in a Hospital-Based Clinic Population in Greece.

(1) Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Greece, in a population from hospital-based diabetes clinics (n = 1759), the overall prevalence of diabetic chronic kidney disease (DCKD) was 45% including mild, moderate, and severe CKD. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze how T2DM patients with mild-to-severe CKD are managed by diabetologists in Greece and assess the achievement rates in glycemic, blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) control. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study took place from June 2015 to March 2016 and collected data from diabetes centers in public hospitals all over Greece. (3) Results: With regard to the anti-diabetes treatment, most participants were on metformin, DPP-4 (Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors) inhibitors and insulin. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers were the most prescribed medications for hypertension. For the management of dyslipidemia, most participants were on statins. For patients with DCKD, the levels of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL-C were 7.2%, 137.7/76.9 mmHg and 95.9 mg/dL, respectively (mean values). (4) Conclusions: The outcomes of this study suggest that management of DCKD can be further improved and should be enhanced. These results may contribute to the whole health care system in Greece. In addition, the better understanding of therapeutic strategies used by diabetologists treating these patients offers educational benefits to primary care physicians, which can result in an overall more successful and efficient management of subjects with T2DM and DCKD.

Reconnecting to nature amidst crisis: harnessing capacities and mobilities for livelihood and land transformations in the Greek back-to-the-land trend

The 2008 Greek crisis has resulted in unexpected social-ecological transformations, including a back-to-the-land trend whereby people seek to reconnect to land-based activities. While it's been theorized that back-to-the-land trends contribute to enhancing people's resilience and may play a role in the growth of sustainable farming and rural revitalization, much remains unknown regarding the processes involved. Based on a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 76 interviews of Greek back-to-the-landers, this article provides an in-depth assessment of the resources mobilized to go back-to-the-land as well as livelihood and land management outcomes. This article argues that using a livelihood approach contributes to further understanding counterurbanisation and back-to-the-land movements by shedding light on how people transform their livelihoods. The article posits that back-to-the-land trends need to be approached as livelihood transformations that are linked to a diverse set of mobilities and assets, rather than solely a migration process. The research shows that the Greek back-to-the-land trend is not homogeneous, ranging from subsistence to market-oriented small-scale farms and involves both rural and urban spaces; yet it is mostly ‘invisible’ to the State. These different types of back-to-the-land strategies reflect different initial starting points and may shift once capacity is acquired, illustrating the dynamic nature of back-to-the-land transformations. For instance, people with limited initial land knowledge experimented on urban plots before farming in rural areas. Most opted to engage in small-scale organic farming, hinting at the importance of the back-to-land trend for the growth of sustainable food systems in Greece. While going back-to-the-land helped households cope with crisis, there were limits to their ability to make a living and enhance their capacity without external support, especially in the context of a long-term crisis. Different back-to-the-land strategies require targeted support at different stages to ensure their viability and long-term sustainability.

Dynamic investigation and optimization of a solar-fed trigeneration system

The main goal of this investigation is the detailed analysis of a solar-driven trigeneration system under dynamic operation. Parabolic trough solar collectors are coupled with a sensible storage tank and feed a trigeneration unit which includes an organic Rankine cycle for electricity production and an absorption heat pump for heating and cooling production. The absorption heat pump is driven by the waste heat from the organic Rankine cycle condenser which operates at 120 °C. The total configuration is investigated on a dynamic basis by using the TRNSYS software. The analysis is conducted for locations in Greece and in Cyprus, while the majority of the results are presented for Athens. Firstly, the unit is optimized and it is found that for a solar field area of 100 m2, the optimum tank energetically has 1 m3 storage volume and the optimum heat source mass flow rate is 0.125 kg s−1. The results show that the system is able to operate efficiently for 8 months, from March up to October with a mean yearly energy efficiency of 36.43%. The results indicate that Athens is the best location for a solar-driven system in Greece, while Larnaca in Cyprus is the overall best location due to its higher solar potential. More specifically, the simple payback period in Athens is found at 12 years while in Larnaca at 7.8 years.

From Recession to Depression? Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety, Traumatic Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece: A Multi-Center, Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to adversely affect the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs). The public healthcare system in Greece was already facing serious challenges at the outset of the outbreak following years of austerity and an escalating refugee crisis. This multi-center, cross-sectional study aims to assess the levels and associated risk factors of anxiety, depression, traumatic stress and burnout of frontline staff in Greece. A total of 464 self-selected HCWs in six reference hospitals completed a questionnaire comprising sociodemographic and work-related information and validated psychometric scales. The proportion of HCWs with symptoms of moderate/severe depression, anxiety and traumatic stress were 30%, 25% and 33%, respectively. Burnout levels were particularly high with 65% of respondents scoring moderate/severe in emotional exhaustion, 92% severe in depersonalization and 51% low/moderate in personal accomplishment. Predictive factors of adverse psychological outcomes included fear, perceived stress, risk of infection, lack of protective equipment and low social support. The psychological burden associated with COVID-19 in healthcare professionals in Greece is considerable, with more than half experiencing at least mild mental health difficulties. Findings signal the need for immediate organizational and individually tailored interventions to enhance resilience and support wellbeing under pandemic conditions.

Evaluation of Sustainability Determinants of Small Farming Systems via Participatory Modeling and Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Processes: The Case Study of Heliciculture in Greece

Feasibility and sustainability of small-scale farming systems are the most critical factors that determine future investments of urban agro-farming while promoting eco-systematic livelihood development and biodiversity. The determination and the diversification of the ambivalent and heterogeneous factors that affect the investment decision making of small farming systems is studied in this work via the application of participatory modeling methodology of regional stakeholders. Defuzzification of the participants' categorical feedback is succeeded applying Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) to set the pairwise weight matrix of the determinants suggested by the stakeholders. At a second phase, an innovative Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) model is utilized to determine the weighted inter-causalities between all agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic criteria from the F-AHP output. Apart from the concept circumscription, we use the FCM to provide an in-depth scenario analysis including steady state and dynamic evaluation of driver concepts to receiver concepts in the model. The methodology is applied for the case study of heliciculture farming systems in Greece. Results show that sustainability is affected primarily by agricultural and inventory factors and secondarily by social and environmental factors identifying such cradle-to-farm gate life cycle assessment to be of low carbon footprint.

Integrative medicine models

Patients with chronic pain and chronic diseases are looking for ways to combat the health implications, to alleviate the side effects of treatments and to improve their quality of life. The medical community is constantly looking for ways to provide the comprehensive health care that patients need. In this context, more pluralistic healthcare systems began to develop, combining conventional and complementary approaches in a coordinated way and to varying degrees. These systems are referred to as Integrative (UK) or Integrated (USA) Medicine. Two dominant models of Integrative Medicine have been developed. The first is a selective combination of Complementary Therapies used as add-on to the treatment proposed by conventional medicine, based on evidence from Research and Practice (Supplementary Model). The second includes only Evidence-Based Complementary Treatments that are integrated in the usual care (Collaborative Model). These two models have different levels of autonomy, control and responsibility among the participating health professionals. Despite their differences, both models focus on the patient and offer a holistic approach. In Greece, a Supplementary Model of Integrated Medicine is offered at the Pain Clinic of Aretaieion Hospital. This model selectively combines various Complementary Treatments such as Reflexology, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Psychological support, etc., as add-on to the conventional treatments thereby maximizing the beneficial results and can serve as a pioneering example for the development of Integrated Medicine systems in Greece. A well-designed model of Integrated Medicine, combining every possible means and every available treatment and that includes all the necessary safety checks can be particularly effective in achieving the goal of any medical system. The goal of a comprehensive treatment of the disease and its side effects across all aspects of the patient’s life.

Comparative analysis of systems of higher education management in Greece and Italy

The article touches upon in details and presents the governing bodies of the higher education systems in Greece and Italy, emphasizes the similarities and differences in the education process in the universities of the above-mentioned countries. It mentions their management pecularities, as well as reveals the importance and role of higher education in the progressive development of each of these countries. At the same time, this article covers favorable conditions for the productive conduct of the education process in universities and the correct approach to solving various issues regarding higher education in Greece and Italy. Key words: University; higher education system; management; assessment system; admission; academic freedom; structure of higher education, educational degrees.

Medical education in Greece: Necessary reforms need to be re-considered

For the past years, and even more now with the major challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are faced with the inadequacies that undermine the healthcare system in Greece. As healthcare system performance and medical education are directly and reciprocally linked, a substantial part of healthcare services’ dysfunctions could be partially attributed to the training of the young doctors. Thus, in order to improve the performance of the healthcare system in the best interest of patients and communities, the education of healthcare personnel should be a priority. By reviewing the existing literature in combination with our experience we attempt to delineate the weak points of the undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in Greece. Additionally, based on medical curricula from other countries, we suggest reforms in order to achieve a uniform, clinically oriented, emphasis on training in public health issues in undergraduate medical education. Reforms are also suggested for postgraduate training with regard not only to specialization curricula, but also to the accredited institutions which provide specialty training. Finally, the necessity for Continuing Medical Education (CME) is underlined; medical education must have a continuum that begins with undergraduate training but does not end there; it is life-long learning.

A Probabilistic Approach to Analyze Wind Energy Curtailment in Non-Interconnected Greek Islands Based on Typical Wind Year Meteorological Data

Wind energy and photovoltaic solar energy (PV) are the most mature renewable energy technologies and are widely used to increase renewable energy penetration in non-interconnected Greek islands. However, their penetration is restricted due to technical issues related to the safe operation of autonomous power systems, the current conventional power infrastructure and their variable power output. In this framework, renewable energy curtailment is sometimes a necessity to ensure the balance between demand and supply. The ability of autonomous power systems to absorb wind and PV power is related to the load demand profile, the type and the flexibility of conventional power plants, the size of power system and the spatial dispersion of wind farms. In this connection, a probabilistic approach for estimating wind energy curtailment is thoroughly applied in most of the autonomous power systems in Greece, using detailed information about load demand and conventional power supply. In parallel, high resolution mesoscale model-based hourly wind data for typical meteorological wind year are used to represent the wind features in all the sites of interest. Technical constraints imposed by the local power system operator, related to the commitment of conventional power plants and the load dispatch strategies are taken into account to maximize renewable energy penetration levels. Finally, application for wide ranges of wind and PV capacity and the thorough analysis of the parameters leads to the presentation of comparable results and conclusions, which could be widely used to predict wind energy curtailment in non-interconnected power systems.

Financial, Economic Crisis and Quality in Health Services Provision, New Challenges to Improve Quality Policy in the Healthcare System of Greece

Greece has been severely affected by the global financial and economic crisis, with far-reaching economic, social and political consequences. In 2013, the country was already experiencing its fifth year of recession and was operating within suffocating tax measures. Prior to the crisis, the Greek healthcare system suffered from a wide range of problems. Therefore, it was vulnerable to economic fluctuations and was not properly prepared to meet the changing needs of the population. The aim of this study was firstly to investigate the effect of the economic crisis on the quality of health care in Greece and secondly to propose methods to improve the quality policy of the Greek Health System. A literature review was carried out in order to collect all available information of the relevant literature sources in both Greek and international English-language bibliography. The effects of the economic crisis on the Greek national healthcare system were recorded extendedly. In particular, the effects of the economic crisis on access to health services, the effectiveness of hospital care, the quality of health care provided, the transparency and oversight are analysed. In summary, the need to re-examine and promote a public debate on the health budget, not only in economic terms, but as a development tool for the well-being of citizens, is emphasized. In conclusion, restoring the social values that govern the health care system is a prerequisite for creating a new model for sustainable development

Achieving change in the Healthcare Sector

Individual health is an essential prerequisite for achieving quality of life. Healthcare is a basic function of a well-functioning social system. Contemporary changes at economic, social and demographic level require healthcare to show a high adaptive capacity to adapt to the inevitable change. Healthcare change processes need to involve different professional sectors and create an active commitment while avoiding competition and conflicts between the parties involved. In order to ensure long-term sustainability in change, inertia must be overcome. Integration of services is also an important element of sustainability and integration of functions. A service that can be more easily integrated into wider clinical systems seems to have a higher probability of sustainability, partly due to easier support from the stakeholders. It also makes it more difficult to remove these services without having a significant impact on the rest of the system. One of the dangers is that the change can become a part of the system and it is considered for granted and not as a project that requires constant development. Therefore, sustainability should be considered as a constantly evolving rather than a final steady state. In Greece, the goal today is to have a patient-centered health care system with a shifted balance of power from the healthcare provider to the consumer. In order to achieve this, it is important to improve the coordination throughout the healthcare system. Effective co-operation between providers is essential to transform the healthcare system in Greece.

Free and open-source GIS-integrated hydrogeological analysis tool: an application for coastal aquifer systems

This paper demonstrates the application of a recently developed free and open-source GIS-integrated hydrochemical–hydrogeological analysis tool (named AkvaGIS) for the management and interpretation of hydrogeological data with respect to a coastal aquifer system. The aforementioned tool is composed of a geospatial database implemented in Spatialite, complemented with a set of developed tools for the analysis, interpretation, and visualization of groundwater quality parameters and hydrogeological data. This ICT tool is part of the FREEWAT platform, an open-source and public domain GIS-integrated modelling environment based on groundwater flow and solute transport numerical models, including a water management and planning module. The case study that was used to perform a demonstration of the aforementioned tool, is a coastal aquifer system in Greece, suffering from both seawater intrusion and nitrate contamination as a result of extensive agricultural activities. It involves a complex hydrogeological environment incorporating karst and granular aquifer layers, subjected to different exploitation conditions. AkvaGIS was proved a useful ICT tool for the analysis and interpretation of the collected hydrogeological/hydrochemical data and results, which may be considered as a valuable tool for analyzing different aspects of aquifer systems.

Isolation and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from milk of dairy goats under low-input farm management in Greece

The presence of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in raw milk is a challenge for veterinarians and public health professionals. In this study, we investigated the presence and clonality of S. aureus and MRSA in milk of individual dairy goats with subclinical mastitis reared under the low-input farming system in Greece and determined the isolates’ enterotoxin gene carriage and their ability to form biofilms. S. aureus was isolated from 162 out of the 559 milk samples examined (29 %) and one isolate per S. aureus-positive sample was further characterized. S. aureus isolates were very closely related even among farms of distant geographical regions. Nine S. aureus isolates carried a functional mecA gene and were classified as MRSA. The S. aureus protein A (spa) typing in the MRSA isolates showed that four belonged to spa type t127 (44.4 %), three to t2049 (33.3 %) and two to t7947 (22.2 %). The spa type t7947 is reported for the first time in Greece. The MRSA isolates originated from two very distantly located farms, one located in the island of Skopelos and the other in Central Macedonia. Four of the MRSA isolates carried the staphylococcal enterotoxin genes sea or sec. Most of the isolates (92 % of S. aureus and 77.8 % of the MRSA) possessed moderate or weak biofilm-formation ability. Raw milk from low-input goat herds may serve as a potential vector of antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus to raw-milk consumers.