bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of myelopathy caused by a solitary spinal osteochondroma in a young cat
Authors: Heblinski Nikola , Schmökel Hugo
Published: January 2017

Case summary

A 10-month-old, male castrated, domestic shorthair cat was presented with fast-progressing ataxia of the pelvic limbs. MRI and CT were performed, revealing a bony proliferation at T11, with mass effect and laterodorsal compression of the spinal cord. After hemilaminectomy and the removal of the bony mass, the cat recovered uneventfully. At the 1 year follow-up, the cat did not show any neurological deficits or signs of recurrence.

Relevance and novel information

Solitary osteochondroma as a cause of neurological deficits in the pelvic limb has been described in dogs and humans, but, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reported feline cases described in the literature, in which CT and MRI were performed in combination with the successful removal of the lesion and an excellent outcome for the patient.
Contracting to improve public service provision
Authors: Poulsen Stine Munk , Hansen Jesper Rosenberg
Published: January 2017

There is a huge discussion on whether an increased use of contracting out will increase public efficiency, and that the public sector needs to use the private sector more to increase innovation. However, contracting (in-or-out) is not the only option. The phenomenon of using both internal and external suppliers simultaneously, i.e. concurrent sourcing, has previously only been examined to a limited extent. Two effects are typically mentioned for concurrent sourcing: first, an efficiency effect from enhanced possibilities for benchmarking and controlling both internal and external supplier; and second, a knowledge effect from enhanced possibilities of knowledge sharing and learning between the internal and external production. However, these effects may differ depending on which supplier is producing the largest share of the total production. We propose a typology containing four distinct concurrent sourcing strategies by combining the aim of concurrent sourcing (efficiency versus knowledge oriented) and the amount produced internally and externally.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN CYCLISTS
Authors: Sousa Daniel , Sassul Nicolás
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

About a group of cyclists, professionals / amateurs, Mountain bike, road and triathlon; achieve a good diagnosis of the disease, with a good clinical examination and sectorized according EGM injury evoked potentials.

Methods:

Clinical examination and accurate test with different signs of pathology. EGM with evocative potential and conduction velocity.

Results:

After 25 track cyclists, 18 professionals, 22 male and 3 female; for 24 months. Through good clinical examination and EMG. We got that 70% had direct compression injuries Carpal tunnel for poor support on the handlebars. The rest were cervical praxis, by poor body position on the bike, taking cervico very steep angles / dorsal, during competitions or training for more than 2 hrs.

Conclusion:

A good prevention work with our teacher / cyclist in the position of deposrtista in ciclo simulador. Work in the gym, on tone and elongation of the upper limb. A good EGM, made with a specialist physiatrist. It leads to the correct diagnosis, leads to a good final treatment; which agreed that:* Cervical praxis, had good results with treatment Conservative / FST / vit.B12.* The Carpal tunnel own injuries, treatment was quirúrg. (Open surgery) with subsequent FST / vit..B12 with satisfactory return in time to sporting activity.
Are Tendinopathies really a common injury in volleyball?
Authors: Bustos Aldo , Locaso Fernando
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

To perform a description of tendinopathies as an injury in volleyball high performance.

Methods:

An observational and prospective study was conducted from 2014-2016 in the senior Argentinian volleyball team. The same was held by two observers. Moreover, 78 athletes were evaluated. We support Dvorak’s claims that an injury is determined by the loss of at least one training session or a match.

Results:

78 players were exposed to 21812 hours of training and matches. As a result 37 injuries were evaluated in 31 players. Taking into account tendinopathies, it can be said that 34 players consulted 412 times, showing a prevalence of 43.5% of the whole enquires but when we refer to the same pathology as injury the average lowers, presenting 8 lesions in 6 players and showing a prevalence of 7.6% as injuries. Incidence of tendon injuries is 0.32 per 1000 hours of exposure Tendon Injuries: 5 were patellar, 2 supraspinatus, 1 aquiles. 5 Slight, 2 moderate, 1 severe.

Conclusion:

Clearly, tendinopathy is a common problem in this sport but it is not a common cause of injury. This is demonstrated in prevalence rates whereas 43.5 % just consulted and 7,6 % suffer from real injuries. We think this might be due to several factors such as, advances in medical therapy, preventive protocols and increase in thresholds of pain that high-performance athletes can bear. In our experience this pathology was shown to be the third leading cause of injuries. In 2016 we did not deal with any case of injury for tendinopathy.
Results of arthroscopic meniscal repair
Authors: Orlowski María Belén , Arroquy Damián , Chahla Jorge , Guiñazú Jorge , Bisso Martín Carboni , Vilaseca Tomás
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

Currently the arthroscopic treatment of meniscal pathology has become one of the most common procedures in orthopedic practice and although in most cases meniscectomy is done, meniscal sutures are the treatment of choice when a reparable lesion is diagnosed, especially in young patients. It has been reported that the meniscal repair leads to a lower incidence of developing degenerative changes in the long-term when compared with meniscectomy and nonsurgical treatment of meniscal injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the success rate of meniscal repair achieved in our sports medicine practice.

Methods:

Between 2006 and 2015, 62 meniscal tears in 58 patients with a mean age of 31 years (range 15-58) were repaired. Mean follow-up was 52 months (range 6-120 months). In 16 patients (28%) was associated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. The repair techniques used included outside-in sutures, inside-out sutures, all-inside sutures and a combination of techniques. Failure of the repair was defined by the requirement for repeat knee arthroscopy and partial or subtotal meniscectomy. The indication of arthroscopic revision was based on the presence of mechanical symptoms, after the suture.

Results:

Failure of meniscus repair occurred in four patients (failure rate: 6.45%), one case was associated with ACL reconstruction (failure rate: 6.25%) and 3 had undergone isolated meniscal suture (failure rate: 8%). The average time for the reoperation was 15 months (4-24). We had no intraoperative complications.

Conclusion:

The reported failure rate of meniscal repair in stable knees varies between 12% and 43%, with reports that demonstrate a clinical success rate of 100%. In this study, we obtained a success rate of 93.5%. These results are slightly higher than those in the literature, which can be attributed to careful selection of patients and the fact that clinical success tends to be better than the assessed arthroscopically. In summary, we consider the meniscal repair as a successful option in the treatment of meniscal rupture. Due to the importance it has recovered in the last time preserving the meniscus, in the future we should greatly increase our rate of meniscal suture. We hold that careful selection of patients and the type of injury to repair, optimizes the success of meniscal repairs.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with cadaveric graft in Adolescents with Active Growth Cartilage
Authors: Mantilla Ronnald , Rosell Italo , Pedregal Carlos , Revoredo Rafael , Makino Arturo
Published: January 2017

The immature skeleton ACL reconstruction is controversial, due to the possibility of injuring the physis, producing discrepancies in length and angular deformities. The purpose of this study, is presenting our experience of 11 cases, describing the surgical technique Arthroscopic intra-articular respecting them physis.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to present our surgical technique, control and monitoring in patients with active growth cartilage.

Material and Methods:

Between 2010 and 2015 treated 11 patients from 12 to 16 years, with a injury of the ACL with active growth cartilage evaluated clinically and radiologically. We use a scale of Tanner, x-ray of wrist and MRI for evaluation. They showed no tibial spine avulsions. The acute injury was inclusive criterion. We indicate Arthroscopic cadaveric graft reconstruction, without passing through the physis. We use rehabilitation protocol, immobilizer and crutches. Tracking through scale IKDC and resonance. Description of the surgical technique: Arthroscopic portals habitual plus supramedial accesory portal, identified the injury of the ACL; using fluoroscopy identified the physis active, put kirschner’s pins as guides without crossing them physis, drilled tunnels, check indemnity of the physis, spent the graft, fixing femoral with endobutton and tibial with biodegradable screw.

Results:

Of the 11 patients, there were 3 meniscal injuries, only 1 sutured. We didn’t have cartilaginous lesions. One patient presented surface Erythema that solved with antibiotic. Slight pain according to scale of pain. Not instability was present. The 60% had sport return without complications. There were no failures of the graft or comorbidities. They showed no growth disorders.

Conclusion:

The discussion is in repair without producing complications, considering that the natural evolution will lead to a potential damage. Authors show reports of shortening by perforation of the physis, our series presents one more technique to cosider to not alter bone growth by closing early the physis in addition to avoid instability.
Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee. About A Case
Authors: Astore Ignacio , Agotegaray Juan Ignacio , Comba Ignacio , Bisiach Luciana
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans is a pathology that affects the superficial articular cartilage and subchondral bone in patients with open physes. Treatment of this disease is based on patient’s age and the stage of the disease.

Methods:

16-year-old patient, athlete, with a history of knee pain on the right side of acute onset, without traumatic history. A physical examination shows pain in the external compartment of the knee. MRI shows a stable lesion that involves the external femoral condyle, over a posterior area of 16 mm by 20mm. Crutches are indicate for walking without body burden. Symptoms continue for six months and there are no changes in MRI. It is decided to do a stabilization with a Herbert type screw. After the surgery, pain persists and in x-ray controls, osteointegration is not observed. Osteosynthesis material is extracted and mosaicplasty is performed. We used Guhl’s intraoperative classification.

Results:

In this case, for a young patient with Guhl’s lesion type III, the reduction with a Herbert type screw was indicated, as the lesion was stable, of a significant size and congruent. Lesion progressed to type IV in 6 months. Thus, mosaicplasty was performed, obtaining a good functional result according to the physical exam, with a complete range of flexion and extension. A second-look arthroscopic assessment was carried out 2 months after surgery, showing osteointegration and stability of the allogenic graft.

Conclusion:

The variable of stability of the fragment is very important when determining the treatment. Most of the stable lesions can be successfully treated with a conservative treatment. Also, it has been demonstrated that young patients have a higher rate of healing. Instead, unstable lesions require surgical treatment.
Our Experience with Patello femoral joint replacement
Authors: Ramos Pablo , Arteaga Gonzalo , Vargas Medardo , Naranjo Juan
Published: January 2017

Background:

Ten to fifteen percent of knee arthritis is reported to be isolated patellofemoral arthritis. Total knee arthroplasty is not recommended for isolated patella femoral arthritis particularly in young patients. We present the retrospective review our series in 7 years.

Objectives:

The aim of this presentation is to describe our experience in the management of patellofemoral osteoarthritis with the use of the partial patellofemoral arthroplasty, as well as to delineate the pitfalls and causes of revision in our initial series of 153 cases.

Methods:

between 2009 and 2016, our group performed 157 patellofemoral arthroplasties (PFA) 74% being in women, and 26% in men, the mean age for women was 58 yrs. And 38 yrs. for men, our initial 13 cases were managed with the Avon prosthesis (Stryker Corporation Kalamazoo, Michigan), and then we switched to the Vanguard PF (Zimmer-Biomet Warsaw In), both systems are an On-Lay design that is more flexible for addressing dysplastic trochleas that are more common in our population.

Results:

We performed a Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for the assessment of the success of the procedure and obtained 87% of patients with excellent results (95 to 100), 10% with fair results (70 to 90) and 3% with poor outcomes (50), we performed a total of 3 revisions due to pain or progress to global arthritis.

Conclusion:

The PFA is a successful, safe and reproducible surgery that can be used in the group of patients that have isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. It requires a thorough knowledge of the patello femoral joint biomechanics, and physiopathology.
Mycotic Infection post ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Costa-Paz Matias , Ayerza Miguel , Carbo Lisandro , Sanchez Marisa , Yacuzzi Carlos , Muscolo Luis
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

There are several studies in literature of septic arthritis after the ACL arthroscopic reconstruction related to bacterial germs. However, fungi infection is likely infrequent generating a massive bone loss with a catastrophic result. The purpose of this study was to describe preventive measures to decrease the mycotic infection after ACL reconstruction.

Methods:

Since 2005, we have diagnosed and treated 22 immunocompetent patients who underwent a surgery of an ACL lesion in other institutions in the country. Form these cases, we analyzed 19 which developed mycotic infection and an oncologic debridement was performed to control the pathology. In this series, we considered the initial surgery, the number of toilettes performed until their referral, magnitude of bone loss and final outcome. There were 5 other patients who consulted for mucormycosis, who finally were treated in other hospitals.

Results:

Epidemiology of mucormycosis is not clear. The exact cause is unknown due to heterogeneous data, different places and surgeons, facilities and type of surgical instruments in this series. In spite of not knowing the cause of the infection, several alternatives were evaluated in a non systematic way. Most of them related to the surgery room, sterilization place of the surgical tools, use of sterilizing liquids, cleanliness of lumen and cannulated bits. Instruments used during surgery were also evaluated: fields, shaver blades, drill types, ACL reconstruction fixation method. It is doubtful if the type of graft to reconstruct the ACL had any relation with infections. Among ideal preventive measures, the following are described: Surgery room with temperature and humidity control. Not using sterilizing liquids. Optimal preparation of surgical tools with adequate cleanliness of lumen and cannulated bits performed by adequate personnel. Sterilize in the same place where the surgery will be performed. Use of adequate instruments. The use of the central third of the patellar tendon had less incidence of infection.

Conclusion:

Taking into account these preventive measures, the incidence of this aggressive and devastating complication should be decreased.
Systematic review of interventions to improve patient uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD
Authors: Jones Arwel W. , Taylor Abigail , Gowler Holly , O'Kelly Noel , Ghosh Sudip , Bridle Christopher
Published: January 2017

Pulmonary rehabilitation is considered a key management strategy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its effectiveness is undermined by poor patient uptake and completion. The aim of this review was to identify, select and synthesise the available evidence on interventions for improving uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD.

Electronic databases and trial registers were searched for randomised trials evaluating the effect of an intervention compared with a concurrent control group on patient uptake and completion. The primary outcomes were the number of participants who attended a baseline assessment and at least one session of pulmonary rehabilitation (uptake), and the number of participants who received a discharge assessment (completion).

Only one quasi-randomised study (n=115) (of 2468 records identified) met the review inclusion criteria and was assessed as having a high risk of bias. The point estimate of effect did, however, indicate greater programme completion and attendance rates in participants allocated to pulmonary rehabilitation plus a tablet computer (enabled with support for exercise training) compared with controls (pulmonary rehabilitation only).

There is insufficient evidence to guide clinical practice on interventions for improving patient uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD. Despite increasing awareness of patient barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation, our review highlights the existing under-appreciation of interventional trials in this area. This knowledge gap should be viewed as an area of research priority due to its likely impact in undermining wider implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation and restricting patient access to a treatment considered the cornerstone of COPD.
Geotechnical Aspects of the 2015 Mw 8.3 Illapel Megathrust Earthquake Sequence in Chile
Authors: Candia Gabriel , de Pascale Gregory P. , Montalva Gonzalo , Ledezma Christian
Published: January 2017

The 2015 Illapel earthquake sequence in Central Chile, occurred along the subduction zone interface in a known seismic gap, with moment magnitudes of M w 8.3, M w 7.1, and M w 7.6. The main event triggered tsunami waves that damaged structures along the coast, while the surface ground motion induced localized liquefaction, settlement of bridge abutments, rockfall, debris flow, and collapse in several adobe structures. Because of the strict seismic codes in Chile, damage to modern engineered infrastructure was limited, although there was widespread tsunami-induced damage to one-story and two-stories residential homes adjacent to the shoreline. Soon after the earthquake, shear wave measurements were performed at selected potentially liquefiable sites to test recent V S-based liquefaction susceptibility approaches. This paper describes the effects that this earthquake sequence and tsunami had on a number of retaining structures, bridge abutments, and cuts along Chile's main highway (Route 5). Since tsunami waves redistribute coastal and near shore sand along the coast, liquefaction evidence in coastal zones with tsunami waves is sometimes obscured within minutes because the tsunami waves entrain and deposit sand that covers or erodes evidence of liquefaction (e.g., lateral spread or sand blows). This suggests that liquefaction occurrence and hazard may be under estimated in coastal zones. Importantly, the areas that experienced the greatest coseismic slip, appeared to have the largest volumes of rockfall that impacted roads, which suggests that coseismic slip maps, generated immediately after the shaking stops, can provide a first order indication about where to expect damage during future major events.
Permissible Parameter Ranges of Access Hole Geometries for WUF-W Connections
Authors: Han Sang Whan , Kim Nam Hun
Published: January 2017

The welded unreinforced flange-welded web (WUF-W) connection is one of seven prequalified connections for special moment frames (SMF) specified in AISC 358-10 (2010). Previous studies reported that the cyclic behavior of WUF-W connections was strongly affected by weld access hole geometry, and some WUF-W connections did not satisfy the requirements for SMF connections. For investigating in detail the effect of access hole configurations on the cyclic behavior of WUF-W connections, this study conducts three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analyses. This study shows that the seismic behavior of WUF-W connections are strongly affected by two configuration parameters, access hole slope and length of flat portion. To satisfy the requirement for SMF connections, this study proposes a range of the access hole slope and length of flat portion for WUF-W connections considering different span-to-depth ratios, beam depths, and material types.
Ground Motion Prediction Equations for the Vertical Ground Motion Component Based on the NGA-W2 Database
Authors: Gülerce Zeynep , Kamai Ronnie , Abrahamson Norman A. , Silva Walter J.
Published: January 2017

Empirical ground motion models for the vertical component from shallow crustal earthquakes in active tectonic regions are derived using the PEER NGA-West2 database. The model is applicable to magnitudes 3.0–8.0, distances of 0–300 km, and spectral periods of 0–10 s. The model input parameters are the same as used by Abrahamson et al. (2014) except that the nonlinear site response and depth to bedrock effects are evaluated but found to be insignificant. Regional differences in large distance attenuation and site amplification scaling between California, Japan, China, Taiwan, Italy, and the Middle East are included. Scaling for the hanging-wall effect is incorporated using the constraints from numerical simulations by Donahue and Abrahamson (2014) . The standard deviation is magnitude dependent with smaller magnitudes leading to larger standard deviations at short periods but smaller standard deviations at long periods. The vertical ground motion model developed in this study can be paired with the horizontal component model proposed by Abrahamson et al. (2014) to produce a V/H ratio. For applications where the horizontal spectrum is derived from the weighted average of several horizontal ground motion models, a V/H model derived directly from the V/H data (such as Gülerce and Abrahamson 2011 ) should be preferred.
Fernand Braudel, Brazil, and the Empire of French Social Science
Authors: Merkel Ian
Published: January 2017

These previously untranslated essays by Fernand Braudel are invaluable sources for understanding the social sciences in a formative moment, as well as the relationship between French intellectuals and the colonial world. Published in Portuguese at the University of São Paulo during Braudel's tenure there between 1935 and 1938, they are translated into English here to make them more widely available to historians of France. “The Concept of a New Country” compares and contrasts the semicolonial relationship of Brazil and Algeria to Europe, and “The Teaching of History and Its Guidelines” sheds light onto Braudel's specific interdisciplinary interventions and how Brazil was part of a restructuring of the field of history in France. As a preface to the essays, I contextualize Braudel's tenure in Brazil and develop certain arguments of the essays so that readers less familiar with Brazil and the French university missions can grasp their full implications.

Ces essais de Fernand Braudel, nouvellement traduits, sont des sources pour comprendre les sciences sociales à un moment formateur, ainsi que le rapport entre les intellectuels français et le monde colonial. Publiés en portugais à l'Université de São Paulo pendant que Braudel y donnait des cours entre 1935 et 1938, ils sont publiés ici en anglais pour les rendre plus accessibles aux historiens étrangers. « The Concept of a New Country » compare le rapport semi-colonial du Brésil et de l'Algérie avec l'Europe, et « The Teaching of History and Its Guidelines » offre une perspective sur l'interdisciplinarité braudelienne, comme sur la manière dont le Brésil a contribué à la restructuration du champ de l'histoire en France. Dans sa préface à ces essais, Ian Merkel analyse le séjour de Braudel au Brésil, pour que les lecteurs puissent mieux comprendre les missions universitaires françaises et leur importance.
Comedy and Metacomedy: Eugene O’neill’sDesire Under the Elmsand Its Antecedents
Authors: Pettit Alexander
Published: January 2017

During an eleven-year period that began in 1913 with the composition of his first play, Eugene O’Neill repeatedly experimented with New Comic forms. His seven “metacomedies” from this period—most focally Bread and Butter, “Anna Christie,” and Desire under the Elms—render grotesque the inseparably erotic, familial, and financial tendencies of comic plot. In Desire under the Elms, for example, lovers are brought together but placed under arrest. The metacomedies record O’Neill’s reaction against the coalescent endings common to two modes of drama that he knew well: the melodrama of his father’s generation and the melodramatic-cum-realistic Broadway fare of his own youth. Textual history has impeded their categorical recognition: in 1924, when Desire under the Elms was first published and performed, 39 percent of O’Neill’s oeuvre (seventeen of forty-four plays), but just 19 percent of his staged work (five of twenty-six plays) and 16 percent of his published work (four of twenty-five), was comic or metacomic. It is no wonder, then, that the metacomic O’Neill has remained invisible, at cost to our understanding of his early dramatic practice. The other plays principally at issue are A Wife for a Life, The Movie Man, The Personal Equation, and The Straw.
Ptf1a+,ela3l− cells are developmentally maintained progenitors for exocrine regeneration following extreme loss of acinar cells in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Schmitner Nicole , Kohno Kenji , Meyer Dirk
Published: January 2017

The exocrine pancreas displays a significant capacity for regeneration and renewal. In humans and mammalian model systems, the partial loss of exocrine tissue, such as after acute pancreatitis or partial pancreatectomy induces rapid recovery via expansion of surviving acinar cells. In mouse it was further found that an almost complete removal of acinar cells initiates regeneration from a currently not well-defined progenitor pool. Here we used the zebrafish as an alternative model to study cellular mechanisms of exocrine regeneration following an almost complete removal of acinar cells. We introduced and validated two novel transgenic approaches for genetically encoded conditional cell ablation in the zebrafish, either by caspase8 induced apoptosis or by rendering cells sensitive to diphtheria toxin. By using the ela3l promoter for exocrine specific expression, we show that both approaches allowed cell-type specific removal of >95% of acinar tissue in larval and adult zebrafish without causing any signs of unspecific side effects. We find that zebrafish larvae are able to recover from a virtually complete acinar tissue ablation within 2 weeks. Using short-term lineage tracing experiments and EdU incorporation assays, we exclude duct-associated Notch-responsive cells as the source of regeneration. Rather, a rare population of slowly dividing ela3l-negative cells expressing ptf1a and CPA was identified as the origin of the newly forming exocrine cells. Cells are actively maintained as revealed by a constant number of these cells at different larval stages and after repeated cell ablation. These cells establish ela3l expression about 4-6 days after ablation without signs of increased proliferation in-between. With onset of ela3l expression cells initiate rapid proliferation leading to fast expansion of the ela3l-positive population. Finally, we show that this proliferation was blocked by overexpression of the Wnt-signaling antagonist dkk1b. In conclusion the data demonstrated a conserved requirement for Wnt-signaling in exocrine tissue expansion and they revealed a potential novel progenitor or stem-cell population as source for exocrine neogenesis after complete loss of acinar cells.
Heterogeneity, Demand for Insurance, and Adverse Selection
Authors: Spinnewijn Johannes
Published: January 2017

Recent evidence underlines the importance of demand frictions distorting insurance choices. Heterogeneous frictions cause the willingness to pay for insurance to be biased upward (relative to value) for those purchasing insurance, but downward for those who remain uninsured. The paper integrates this finding with standard methods for evaluating welfare in insurance markets and demonstrates how welfare conclusions regarding adversely selected markets are affected. The demand frictions framework also makes qualitatively different predictions about the desirability of policies, such as insurance subsidies and mandates, commonly used to tackle adverse selection. (JEL D11, D81, D82, G22, G28)
The Geochemical Atlas of European ground water with emphasis on Hellas
Authors: Demetriades A. , Reimann C. , Birke M.
Published: January 2017

A first impression of the geochemistry and quality of European ground water was obtained by using bottled mineral water as a sampling medium. In total, 1785 bottled waters were purchased from supermarkets of forty European countries, representing 1247 wells/drill holes/springs at 884 locations. All bottled waters were analysed for 72 parameters at the laboratories of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) in Germany.The European geochemical maps give a first impression of the natural variation in ground water at the continental scale. The majority of European bottled waters are classified as of Ca-HCO3 type, because of the widespread carbonate lithologies, but there is considerable variation from Na-HCO3 type related to granitic rocks to Na-Cl type associated with deep saline brines. Since, the dominating lithology in Hellas comprises limestone, dolomitic limestone, marble, and maficultramafic rocks (ophiolites), the dominant major ions in Hellenic bottled waters are Ca2+, Mg2+, CO32- and HCO3-, and are, thus, classified in the Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3- hydrochemical facies. The source aquifers of Hellenic bottled water are apparently continuously replenished by fresh water.Chromium, V and U are discussed, because of their importance in Hellenic ground water. In Europe, the former is clearly related to ophiolites, whereas V indicates the presence of recent volcanism and basaltic rocks, and U is associated with granitic intrusions and Bunter (central England) and Keuper (central Europe) sandstone of early and late Triassic, respectively. It can, therefore, be concluded that geology is one of the key factors influencing the observed element concentrations for a significant number of elements.
The "Petra Thymianon" from Chios; Its various types and the correlation of their characteristics with potential applications
Authors: Laskaridis K. , Patronis M.
Published: January 2017

Quarrying activity concerning “Pétra Thymianón” (= Thymianá Stone) is located in the homonymous region of Chios Island. This structural stone is experientially classified into four commercial types, bearing the quarrymen jargon names: “Hemískliri” (= Medium Hard), “Triandafylli” (= Rose Pink), “Malaki” (= Soft), “Melidjani” (= Purple). All those types consist mainly of carbonates. In a lesser extent, quartz, leaf-shaped minerals, and iron oxides – hydroxides occur. Geologically, Thymianá Stone is characterized as “Carbonaceous - Ferruginous Pelite”. It is a sedimentary thin-bedded rock with alternating layers of calcareous pelite and ultra fine-grained sandstone. Very low grade metamorphism is also present. The quarry production consists of blocks, being cut to slabs for paving and flooring and to shaped stone units for masonry. In this study, the physical mechanical properties of the various Thymianá Stone types have been determined according to the relevant EN Standards. Furthermore, the physical meaning of the quarrymen jargon has been established in connection with the stone types’ quality characteristics and potential applications.
Results for the shallow structure of the broader region of Chania by HVSR measurements of ambient noise and their validation using simulation of ambient noise and independent geological information.
Authors: Papadopoulos I. , Papazachos C. , Savvaidis A. , Theodoulidis N. , Vallianatos F. , Tsourlos P.
Published: January 2017

The city of Chania is located at the Western-North part of the island of Crete. It is mostly built over Neogene sediments of unknown thickness. In the southern part of the city the Chania basin is developed, filled mainly by Quaternary deposits overlyingthe deep Neogene sediments. In this complex geological setting, we conducted over 200 single station measurements of ambient noise, aiming to estimate the predominant frequency of the subsurface formations. The obtained results for the HVSR data show a different behavior between sites located on Neogene and Quaternarydeposits. In general, Neogene sediments show a single peak at low frequencies (below 1Hz, typically in the range 0.4-0.6Hz), indicating a very thick layer overlying the bedrock (Trypalion and Plattenkalk limestones). On the other hand, measurements at Quaternary deposits show two peaks, with the first one similar to the Neogene formations, while the second one is identified at higher frequencies, typically~0.8-4.0 Hz. Simulation of ambient noise 1-D models show a good correlation between the experimental and theoretical HVSR curves, especially when the initial model consists of two layers (typically Neogene sediments overlying high-velocity bedrock formations) with a clear identification of the lower frequency HVSR peak, while for three layered models (typically Quaternary sediments and underlying softerNeogene and Neogene/bedrock high-velocity formations) results are more complicated, although both HVSR frequencies can be partly reconstructed.
Rockfall hazard in Greece.
Authors: Saroglou H.
Published: January 2017

The geological structure of Greece (frequent occurrence of rock formations, existence of faults and fracturing of rocks), the steep topography and mountainous terrain as well as its high seismicity, creates a significant rockfall hazard. During the last decades, rockfalls in Greece are becoming a frequent phenomenon due to the increase of intense rainfall events but also due to the extension of human activities in mountainous areas.   The paper presents rockfall hazard in Greece trough an inventory of rockfalls and investigates  the  correlation  of  specific  factors,  namely:  a)  triggering  mechanism (rainfall, seismicity), b) slope angle, c) lithology, d) fault presence, e) block size in the  probability of occurrence of these, based on a statistical approach. The time and space frequency of the events is also investigated. Finally, the impact of the events on human and infrastructures (transportation infrastructure, inhabited areas, archaeological sites) is discussed.
Natural and human hazard assessment of the archaeological sites of Paphos area (Cyprus) with the use of remote sensing and GIS.
Authors: Alexakis D. D. , Agapiou A. , Themistocleous K. , Lysandrou V. , Sarris A. , Hadjimitsis D. G.
Published: January 2017

The study focuses on the creation of an innovative methodology for the development of a risk assessment model for the archaeological sites of western Cyprus (Paphos district). On site observation is the most common way for monitoring cultural heritage sites and monuments in Cyprus. However, this procedure which includes data collection,  periodical  observations,  and  multivariate  risk  assessment  analysis,  is practically difficult to be accomplished with the traditional practices and methods since it is time consuming and cost insufficient. Thus, the use of modern technologies such as Remote Sensing and GIS is anticipated to provide a tool of directives for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage sites from anthropogenic and environmental threats. These technologies provide  to scientists integrated monitoring capabilities and have the unique advantage to store and manipulate a large amount of spatial and attribute data simultaneously. This study aims to integrate both satellite remote sensing techniques and GIS in a multidisciplinary approach, for monitoring natural and anthropogenic hazards with the use of archived and up-to-dated multi-temporal remotely sensed images in the study area, namely in areas nearby cultural heritage sites and monuments in Paphos area (Cyprus).According to the results, extensive construction and building development has taken placein the broader area. It was also proved that vast number of sites is established on areas prone to erosion and landslide phenomena.
Producing landslide susceptibility maps by applying expert knowledge in a GIS - based environment.
Authors: Tsangaratos P. , Rozos D.
Published: January 2017

In this paper two semi - quantative approaches, from the domain of Multi criteria decision analysis, such as Rock Engineering Systems (RES) and Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) are implemented for weighting and ranking landslide related factors in an objective manner. Through the use of GIS these approaches provide a highly accurate landslide susceptibility map. For this purpose and in order to automate the process, the Expert Knowledge for Landslide Assessment Tool (EKLATool) was developed as an extension tightly integrated in the ArcMap environment, using ArcObjects and Visual Basic script codes. The EKLATool was implemented in an area of Xanthi Prefecture, Greece, where a spatial database of landslide incidence was  available
Metamorphic record in metalherzolite pockets within the Virsini metaharzburgite from the Kechros HP metamorphic complex in Eastern Rhodope, Greece.
Authors: Mposkos E. , Perraki M.
Published: January 2017

The Virsini antigorite serpentinite from the Kechros HP metamorphic complex in eastern Rhodope is a serpentinized harzburgite with pockets of lherzolitic composition. In the metalherzolites the mantle assemblage is Ol-1+Opx+Cpx-1+Cr-Spl. The metamorphic assemblage is Atg+Ol-2+Cpx-2+Ol-3+Chl+Tr+Cr-Mag. Antigorite and Cr-magnetite formed in an early stage of the metamorphic event. With increase in metamorphic grade olivine (Ol-2) was formed at the expense of antigorite and with further increase tremolite, olivine (Ol-3) and chlorite were formed at the expense of clinopyroxene and antigorite. P-T conditions of ≈1.7 GPa/≈570 oC are recorded in neighbouring eclogites. For the temperature of 570 oC the reaction Di+Atg→Ol+Tr+H2O occurs at pressure of ~1.2 GPa suggesting that the stability field of the mineral assemblage Atg+Ol+Tr in the metalherzolite is crossed during decompression.
Synthesis and characterization of four new halloysite–TiO2 nanocomposites.
Authors: Papoulis D. , Komarneni S. , Toli D. , Panagiotaras D. , Bakalis S.
Published: January 2017

The synthesis as well as the characterization of small-sized TiO2 particles supported on Halloysite are presented. Hallloysite from Utah, USA as well as from Limnos, island Greece, were used to synthesize two nanocomposites for each halloysite with TiO2 to halloysite weight ratios of 80: 20 and 60:40 and compare with published data of well formed nanocomposites of intermediate proportion (70-30) that were previously studied. All nanocomposites were prepared by deposition of anatase (TiO2) on the halloysite tubes using a sol–gel method under hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C. Phase composition, particle morphology and physical properties of these samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Attenuated Total Reflection using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and N2 surface area analysis by BET. Preparation of all halloysite–TiO2 nanocomposites led to the anticipated good dispersion of anatase particles on halloysite surfaces. ATR-FTIR results revealed the formation of hydrogen bonding between anatase and the outer surfaces of halloysite tubes. All halloysite-TiO2 nanocomposites largely showed interparticle mesopores of about 5.7nm and high SSAs.
Petrography and zircon morphology of syntectonic granitoids rocks of Hafafit area, South Eastern Desert (Egypt).
Authors: Thabet I. , Kilias A. , Koroneos A. , Kamh S.
Published: January 2017

The study deals with the petrography of the granitoid rocks intruding the five (A to E) domes of Hafafit Culmination. The morphological characteristics of zircon crystals are also examined, in order to elucidate the genesis of zircon and their host Hafafit granitoids. The granitoid rocks are tonalites, granodiorites and quartz diorites, all exhibiting gneissic texture. The zircon crystals from all the rock types intruding each one of the domes are examined in detail for colour, inclusions, crystal length, crystal width, elongation ratio, crystal form and habit, degree of roundness and corrosion, and are distinguished in groups on the basis of the previous characteristics. Two generations of zircons have been recognized; the first generation with magmatic features and the second one with post magmatic features. The first generation of zircon is attributed to the subduction, magmatic and deformation events while the second generation of zircon is attributed to metamorphism.
Rockfall hazard and risk assessment of road slopes.
Authors: Andrianopoulos A. , Saroglou H. , Tsiambaos G.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents and compares the main methods of hazard and risk assessment for road slopes. Hazard assessment is achieved by rating several parameters such as the slope’s geometry, traffic conditions, the geology and the rockmass properties, weather conditions, historical rockfall data etc. A hazard assessment can also be executed using 2D or 3D trajectory models, by combining the frequency of a rockfall and the kinetic energy of a falling rock. Several methodologies have been developed for risk assessment, varying from simplistic approaches to comprehensive probabilistic or quantitative risk assessment methods. Finally, the most suitable methods were used in order to assess the level of hazard and risk as an example (the data from two sections of the national road at Tempi Gorge, Greece) where many rockfall events occurred in the past few years.
Engineering geological behaviour of recent conglomerate deposits in dam foundation. The case of Agiokampos dam in Thessaly, Cen- tral Greece.
Authors: Marinos V. , Lazaridou S. , Perleros V. , Sotiropoulou K.
Published: January 2017

A typical example of dam foundation on Neogenic conglomerate deposits is presented in this paper. The case of Agiokampos dam in east Thessaly in central Greece. The level of natural compactness and the nature of the cementing material are crucial elements for the strength, the bearing capacity and the permeability of these formations. These conglomerates of medium consistency, do not allow relying on traditional sampling and tests in the boreholes. Lugeon tests are meaningless and falling head tests are recommended. Back analysis on slopes is certainly a useful tool for approaching the strength parameters of the global rock mass. Thus it is understood that the engineering geological assessment before any testing and analysis is of prime importance.Due to the fine nature of the cement, permeability is generally low and no leakages are expected. However, an impermeable grout curtain must be created due to some higher values. Conglomerates are not easily groutable and a combination of a diaphragm wall is suggested. Finally, a carpet grouting is designed since the surficial zone is susceptible to internal erosion.
Time series analysis of the NOANET CGPS stations
Authors: Chousianitis K. , Ganas A. , Papanikolaou M. , Argyrakis P. , Drakatos G. , Makropoulos K.
Published: January 2017

The National Observatory of Athens has begun installing permanent GPS stations on February 2006 including a EUREF permanent station in Attica, NOA1. Currently the National Observatory of Athens operates 20 continuous GPS stations around Greece all sampling at 1-s and transmitting real-time data to Athens. Several stations also sample at 0.2-s (5 Hz) and record the data in the ring buffer for a period of 1-2 days. Their location is carefully selected so that both geological and seismotectonic criteria are fulfilled. All stations are situated close to major seismogenic structures of Greece such as the Cephalonia Transform Fault (CTF) in the Ionian Sea (VLSM, PONT, SPAN, KIPO), and the two North Anatolian Fault branches in the North Aegean Sea (PRKV, LEMN ). We describe the CGPS data archiving and processing procedures, used to combine into a uniform velocity solution the observations of all the NOANET stations, accounting for the seasonal (annual and semiannual) signals, and considering the off-sets in the coordinate time-series.
Assessment of the quality of calcination of marbles from Thassos Island using Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction
Authors: Leontakianakos G. , Baziotis I. , Profitis E. , Chatzitheodoridis E. , Tsimas S.
Published: January 2017

The degree of calcination of a dolomitic and a calcitic marble from Thassos Island, was investigated, by combining both Raman spectroscopy (RS) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The samples were prepared in isometric 2 cm cubes and calcined at three different temperatures, 900, 1050 and 1200 0C for 2 hours in order to produce quick lime. RS was applied at the lime sample’s surface and inner (near core) part after gently crushing. XRD was applied on the bulk rock specimens in order to verify the transformation process during heating of the raw material. Quality control of the applied calcination procedure is provided through the hydration of quick lime. The rise in solution temperature suggests the chemical “reactivity” of the produced slaked lime. Raman and XRD results revealed the presence of unburned quantities of calcite and dolomite on samples that were calcined at 900 0C. Furthermore, temperatures of 1050 and 1200 0C have shown comparable mineralogical features signifying evenly the conversion of carbonate minerals to their oxide equivalents, proving the completion of the calcination process. Finally, reactivity tests showed that the highest reactivity value of the produced quicklime, for both marbles is observed at the temperature of 1050 0C.
Correlations between mechanical and geometrical parameters in aggregates: a tool for quality assessment and control
Authors: Xirouchakis D.
Published: January 2017

Correlations between mechanical and geometrical parameters in aggregates can be used as quality and performance prediction tools. I evaluated the following parameter pairs: dry and wet resistance to wear (MDE & MDS), and resistance to fragmentation (LA); polishing resistance and abrasion (PSV–AAV); and flakiness and shape index (FI–SI). The data set comprises slags, sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks tested according to EN standard test methods. FI and SI are positively correlated (r = 0.83) and can be well described by the 1:1 line. Wet and dry resistance to wear are strongly correlated (r = 0.98) with MDE ≈ 2·MDS. Dry resistance to fragmentation (LA) and wet resistance to wear (MDE) are well correlated (r = 0.81), and can be described with the equation LA = 4.95×MDE 0,61 (R2 = 0.69). According to the PSV–AAV correlation, aggregates are divided into two groups with contrasting behavior. Limestones and slags (r = −0.49 to −0.69) exhibit high polishing for high abrasion resistance (high PSV–low AAV), whereas sandstones and mafic to intermediate volcanics (r = 0.44 to 0.39) exhibit high polishing for low abrasion resistance (high PSV–high AAV). Peridotites belong to either PSV–AAV group depending on the soft minerals.