bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of surficial sediments in the Southern Evoikos and Petalioi Gulfs, Greece
Authors: KARAGEORGIS A.P. , ANAGNOSTOU CH. , SIOULAS A. , ELEFTHERIADIS G. , TSIRAMBIDES A.
Published: May 2013

A series of 123 surficial sediment samples from the Southern Evoikos and Petalioi Gulfs was studied for grain-size properties, carbonate content and mineralogical composition. Distribution of the sediments revealed two sedimentary provinces. The first concerns the Southern Evoikos Gulf, characterised by silty sediments with relatively low carbonate content. Quartz, feldspars, micas, clay and carbonate minerals are the major mineralogical components of the sediments. These sediments are the result of the Asopos River supply during Holocene and they contribute to the formation of smooth bottom morphology. The second province concerns the Petalioi Gulf (Northern and Southern), where the surficial sediments are mainly sandy and characterised by very high carbonate content. Their mineralogical composition reflects the lithology of the drainage basin. Since the modern terrigenous solid supply is limited, these sediments are not considered as products of recent sedimentation, but older deposits (relict sands). Their presence at such depths is justified by sea-level fluctuations and their preservation is due to the low sedimentation rate in the Petalioi Gulf, in combination with the strong hydrodynamic status of the area.
GIS applications for the investigation of hydrometeorological and biochemical conditions of coastal areas
Authors: KARAGEORGIS A.P. , MIKHAILOV N. , DRAKOPOULOU P. , VORONTSOV A. , ANAGNOSTOU CH. , LYKIARDOPOULOS A.
Published: May 2013

The paper discusses the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the aspects of marine environmental research, as approached by Russian and Greek groups. The scientific teams apply the same GIS platform in both cases, but with a different orientation, according to the particular driving forces of the projects involved.In general, the Russian team manipulates GIS as a subsystem of problem-oriented applications in order to enlarge the possibilities to run non-standard user programs. The subsystem of problem-oriented applications (POA) is designed for the following: (1) analysis of data and information to implement applied tasks; (2) preparation of output information products of the system in the form of hard and electronic copies in accordance with the required formats; and (3) dissemination of information products according to the users requirements. The Greek group focuses on the GIS use as a tool for joining different layers of spatial information in the marine area under investigation. Also, incorporated in the GIS is the drainage basin that supplies the marine area with water, sediment load and also human derived substances. Layers of hypsometry, bathymetry, hydrography, river network, roads, cities, satellite images etc., have been introduced into the system, obtaining significant feedback information. Also, there are developed the relations of the former layers with the marine sampling stations network and the database that describes the station's properties.The two groups benefit particularly by the exchange of ideas and methods, as different consideration is undertaken to resolve marine research issues.
The biology and ecology of Valencia letourneuxi Sauvage 1880 (Valenciidae) - Prospects for conservation
Authors: BARBIERI R. , DAOULAS CH. , PSARRAS TH. , STOUMBOUDI M.TH. , ECONOMOU A.N.
Published: May 2013

Data are provided on the distribution, abundance, early development and biology of the endangered Greek endemic species Valencia letourneuxi Sauvage 1880, along with a record of its occurrence at new localities. V. letourneuxi is a small-bodied and short-lived insectivorous species, exhibiting cryptic colouration and sexual dimorphism. It matures in the first year of life, reproduces serially in late spring and summer, and deposits spherical eggs, around 2 mm, on aquatic plants. Most morphometric characters show size-specific trends, which complicate comparisons among populations or with other species. Of specific systematic importance is the relative position of the anal and dorsal fins, which remains almost unaltered throughout development, and allows safe distinction from A. fasciatus. The species was found mostly in deep areas with clean and slow running water, usually associated with freshwater springs. Rich submerged vegetation is the prominent ecological feature of all sites in which the species was found. Using as criteria of rarity the limited geographic distribution, the confinement of the species in few localities of each aquatic system and the low local densities, V. letourneuxi can be characterised as a "restricted and locally rare species". The restricted distribution, coupled with the narrow ecological requirements, makes the species vulnerable to extinction. Its disappearance from at least four aquatic systems and the serious population decline in a number of other systems seems to be connected with habitat loss or degradation caused by human activities. The prospects of conservation are discussed.
Geochemical characteristics of late Quaternary sediments from the southern Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: SIOULAS A. , ANAGNOSTOU CH. , KARAGEORGIS A.P. , GARBE-SCHONBERG C.D.
Published: May 2013

Ten cores from the southern Aegean Sea have been logged for their lithological composition and seventy-three sub-samples were analysed for the determination of major and trace elements concentrations. Four lithological units were identified, namely, mud, volcanic, turbidite and sapropel. On the basis of the “Z-2” Minoan ash layer radiocarbon age sedimentation rates for the southern Aegean Sea were estimated at 3.26 to 4.15 cm kyr -1. Simple correlation analysis revealed three groups of elements associated with: (1) biogenic carbonates; (2) terrigenous alumino-silicates and (3) sapropelic layers. R-mode factor analysis applied on the carbonate-free corrected data-set defined four significant factors: (1) the “detrital alumino-silicate factor” represented by Si, Al, Na, K, Rb, Zr, Pb and inversely related to Ca, Mg, and Sr; (2) a “hydrothermal factor” loaded with Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Fe; (3) the “volcanic ash factor” with high loadings for Ti, Al, Fe, Na and (4) a “sapropel factor” represented by Ba, Mo, and Zn. High factor scores for the “hydrothermal factor” were observed in sediment samples proximal to Nisyros Isl., suggesting a potential hydrothermal influence. Red-brown oxides and crusts dredged from this area support further this possibility. The use of factor analysis enabled for a better understanding of the chemical elements associations that remained obscured by correlation analysis.
Distribution of phytobenthos along the coast of Lebanon
Authors: LAKKIS S. , NOVEL-LAKKIS V.
Published: May 2013

A phytosociological study of the phytobenthos was carried out along the coast of Lebanon during 1996-97. Samples were collected seasonally at six sites, some of which showed distinct pollution signature. Quadrates of 0.04 m-2 were taken at selected stations fixed on transects perpendicular to the rocky shore and covering the supralittoral, the mediolittoral and infralittoral zones. The taxonomic composition, the abundance and species diversity of algal community were analysed in relation to environmental factors. A total of 230 taxa were identified during the period of survey. Several sources of pollution, resulted in the reduction of macroalgae biomass and of the taxonomic diversity. Several Indo-Pacific species were found within the different phytocoenoses of the area; most of them were introduced into the Levantine Basin through the Suez Canal. These species, that were introduced into the Eastern Mediterranean, formed permanent populations; some of them were highly spread and dominated over other endemic species or even they replaced them.
Driving factors of the potentially toxic and harmful species of Prorocentrum Ehrenberg in a semi-enclosed Mediterranean lagoon (Tunisia, SW Mediterranean)
Authors: SAHRAOUI I. , BOUCHOUICHA D. , HADJ MABROUK H. , SAKKA HLAILI A.
Published: May 2013

We analysed the dynamics of the potentially toxic and harmful species of Prorocentrum Ehrenberg in Bizerte lagoon (important aquaculture area, Northern Tunisia), substantiating the possible driving forces (temperature, salinity and nutrients), based on a two years database. We revealed that Prorocentrum spp. blooms of high magnitude (104 - 105 cells l-1) occurred mostly during the period of late winter to early spring. We found five species of Prorocentrum, two of which, P. lima and P. cordatum, the most common during the field, are confirmed agents of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning in various regions of the world ocean. Prorocentrum sp., P. micans, and P. gracile were however present only sporadically but with high cell abundances, exemplifying bloom densities. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that P. minimum and P. lima were much more abundant in eutrophied waters characterized here by high Chl a biomass, while P. gracile species occurred principally in warm waters. Furthermore, Prorocentrum sp. and P. micans seemed more likely to proliferate in saline waters with high concentrations of inorganic nutrients (nitrate, ammonia and phosphate). Our study calls attention to a possible intensification of DSP events in the Bizerte lagoon, given the propensity of Prorocentrum spp. to proliferate in a eutrophied system.
Effect of twine thickness on selectivity of gillnets for bogue, Boops boops,in Turkish waters
Authors: AYAZ A. , ALTINAGAC U. , OZEKINCI U. , OZEN O. , ALTIN A. , ISMEN A.
Published: May 2013

To investigate the effect of twine thickness on the selectivity of multifilament gillnet targeting bogue,Boops boops L., four different stations were sampled between March and November 2008 in the northern Aegean Sea. Gillnets with 22, 23, and 25 mm nominal mesh size (bar length) each having two different twine thicknesses (approximately 0.45 mm and 0.54 mm ∅) were applied for this purpose. The deviances from the SELECT method revealed that lognormal models provided the best fits for both of the twine thicknesses. Results from the two-way ANOVA analyses revealed that the mean total lengths increased with the mesh size (F = 87.36; df = 2; P < 0.0001) and decreased with the twine thickness (F = 46.12; df = 1; P < 0.0001). The 22 mm mesh size net (0.45 mm ∅) captured significantly larger fish than the 23 mm mesh size net (0.54 mm ∅) probably due to the higher elasticity and flexibility of the thinner twine. Thus, fisheries managers should take into consideration the twine thickness while advising mesh size regulations in gillnet fisheries.
The effects of dietary lipid and fibre levels on digestibility of diet and on the growth performance of sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo)
Authors: ADAMIDOU S. , RIGOS G. , MENTE E. , NENGAS I. , FOUNTOULAKI E.
Published: May 2013

In the present study, sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) were fed three experimental isonitrogenous diets composed of 45 g 100g-1 protein and varying lipid and fibre contents as follows: diet A: 45/10/1.5, B: 45/15/1.5 and C: 45/15/5. The effects of the diet composition were investigated by measuring digestibility, growth, carcass composition and haematological parameters. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for proteins, fats and carbohydrates, measured at high (26˚C) and low (16˚C) water temperatures in laboratory conditions, were not affected by the diet or temperature treatments. Growth was evaluated in a seven-month trial using animals held in sea cages. The specific growth rate (SGR) showed no significant differences among the treatments while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved in the fish that were fed a low-fat diet. A significant increase in body fat was detected in the fish that were fed high-fat diets. The blood serum total lipid levels were elevated for the fish that were fed diet C. In conclusion, a diet containing a protein/fat/fibre ratio of 45/10/1.5 g 100g-1 can result in satisfactory growth and an improved FCR value when compared with diets with higher fat and/or fibre levels, demonstrating that the required fat level for sharpsnout seabream is lower than 15 g 100g-1.
Marine litter from circalittoral and deeper bottoms off the Maltese islands (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: MIFSUD R. , DIMECH M. , SCHEMBRI P.J.
Published: May 2013

During the 2005 leg of the MEDITS trawl survey, benthic anthropogenic debris around the Maltese Islands (central Mediterranean) was quantified for the first time, with the aim of studying its abundance and distribution in the area. 357 items were sampled from 3.5 km2 of swept area. Each item was recorded, measured and its planar and surface areas were estimated. Plastic (47%), metal and glass (13% respectively) were the most prevalent types of litter in terms of number. Limestone slabs, sacks and fabric were the items with the highest planar and surface area per item. This suggests that it is also important to consider the size of debris items as well as numerical abundance in assessing impact of litter on benthic organisms. An attempt was made to correlate anthropogenic and environmental variables, including fishing activities and wave parameters, to litter abundance and distribution but no interpretable correlations were found, implying that litter abundance and distribution depends on factors other than those considered.
From bonito to anchovy: a reconstruction of Turkey’s marine fisheries catches (1950-2010)
Authors: ULMAN A. , BEKISOGLU S. , ZENGIN M.A , KNUDSEN S. , UNAL V. , MATHEWS C. , HARPER S. , ZELLER D. , PAULY D.
Published: May 2013

Turkey’s marine fisheries catches were estimated for the 1950-2010 time period using a reconstruction approach, which estimated all fisheries removals, including unreported landings, recreational landings and discards.  We added these estimates to the ‘official’ data, as reported in TURKSTAT, which are also available from the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  The total reconstructed catch for the 1950-2010 time period (inclusive of the reported data) is approximately 32 million t, or 74% more than the 18.4 million t of reported data. This added approximately 13.6 million t to the reported data, consisting of 6.9 million t of unreported landings, 2.6 million t of discards, 2.4 million t of recreational catches, and 1.7 million t of subsistence catches.  In 2010, total reported marine landings for Turkey were 445,680 t and the total reconstructed catch was 763,760 t, or 73% more than the reported data.   The main unreported taxon by tonnage was European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) due to its sheer high proportion of catch.  The major reasons for underreporting include a general distrust fishers have towards the taxing system combined with inefficient fisheries monitoring and surveillance capabilities.  Accounting for all fisheries components is crucial in understanding the development of fisheries resources, improving management, and reducing threats to the domestic food security of Turkey.
Using guarding net to reduce regularly discarded invertebrates in trammel net fisheries operating on seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) in Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea)
Authors: AYDIN I. , GOKCE G. , METIN C.
Published: May 2013

Prohibition of both beach and boat seines and trawl fishery along the İzmir Bay coasts in the Aegean Sea signifies intensive usage of gillnets and trammel nets, for catching red mullet (Mullus spp.) species in particular. Trials were realized between March 2009 and February 2010 with trammel nets in the areas on the boundaries of the sea grass (Posidonia oceanica) meadows in the Bay. Guarding net (selvedge) was attached to the lead line of experimental nets (Exp1-Exp2) - 36 and 40 mm inner panel. Differences for discard amounts between control group nets (C1-C2) (having the same inner panel as the experimental nets), used by commercial fishermen, and experimental nets are 54.7% for C1-Exp1 and 62.8% for C2-Exp2 (p<0.05). Use of nets with selvedge not only reduced regularly discarded invertebrates (Hexaplex trunculus, Bolinus brandaris, Maja spp.) in the region, but also avoided net damage caused by these species.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for Weight Predictions of Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus RATHBUN, 1896) Using Predictor Variables
Authors: TURELI BILEN C. , KOKCU P. , IBRIKCI T.
Published: May 2013

An evaluation of the performance of artificial networks (ANNs) to estimate the weights of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) catches in Yumurtalık Cove (Iskenderun Bay) that uses measured predictor variables is presented, including carapace width (CW), sex (male, female and female with eggs), and sampling month. Blue crabs (n=410) were collected each month between 15 September 1996 and 15 May 1998. Sex, CW, and sampling month were used and specified in the input layer of the network. The weights of the blue crabs were utilized in the output layer of the network. A multi-layer perception architecture model was used and was calibrated with the Levenberg Marguardt (LM) algorithm. Finally, the values were determined by the ANN model using the actual data. The mean square error (MSE) was measured as 3.3, and the best results had a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.93. We compared the predictive capacity of the general linear model (GLM) versus the Artificial Neural Network model (ANN) for the estimation of the weights of blue crabs from independent field data. The results indicated the higher performance capacity of the ANN to predict weights compared to the GLM (R=0.97 vs. R=0.95, raw variable) when evaluated against independent field data.
A new alien crab for the Mediterranean Sea: Xanthias lamarckii (H. Milne Edwards, 1834) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Xanthidae)
Authors: CORSINI-FOKA M. , KONDYLATOS G. , PANCUCCI-PAPADOPOULOU M.A.
Published: May 2013

A single specimen of Xanthias lamarckii was collected on March 2013 from the shallow waters of Chtenia, a rocky islet near Rhodes Island, south-eastern Aegean Sea. The occurrence of this Indo-West Pacific species is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean waters and documents the ongoing process of biological invasion of the basin. The vector of introduction of X. lamarckii is unknown so far, waiting for future information on establishment and spread of the species in its new environment.
Monitoring temporal changes of the surface water area of the Burullus and Manzala lagoons using automatic techniques applied to a Landsat satellite data series of the Nile Delta coast
Authors: DEWIDAR KH.M.
Published: May 2013

This study introduces the automated shoreline techniques used to monitor the temporal change of surface water area of the Burullus and Manzala lagoons. In this study, a series of Landsat image data are acquired at intermittent intervals between 1972 and 2006 for the Burullus lagoon and between 1972 and 2007 for the Manzala lagoon. All Landsat images were radiometrically calibrated and converted to reflectance values. The reflectance values of each date were atmospherically corrected using the 6S model. The automated shoreline technique was checked against field observations by using GPS over the four seasons for each lagoon during reconnaissance for the shoreline boundary. The accuracy of the extracted shoreline boundary for each lagoon was validated by calculating the area of a big aquaculture farm in the study area from satellite imagery and the available topographic maps. The resulting accuracy of this technique used was approximately 97.5%. From the spatial temporal analysis of the satellite data, the results indicate that the rate change of aquatic surface area of the Manzala lagoon is –7.3 km2/yr and for the Burullus lagoon -2.7 km2/yr during the approximately 35 year period of study. The changes which were detected in this study indicate that the surface water area of Manzala lagoon and Burullus lagoon have decreased to 62.6% and 61.9 respectively of their original size during this time.
Aliens in Egyptian Mediterranean waters. A check-list of Erythrean fish with new records
Authors: HALIM Y. , RIZKALLA S.
Published: May 2013

The historical role of the Suez Canal as a pathway for migrations between the Red sea and the Mediterranean is recalled. A check-list of 42 immigrant Erythrean fish in Egyptian Mediterranean waters is given. The list comprises four new records. 17 of the immigrant species are commercially exploited, whereas 15 are known from single records. While the Erythrean fish as invasive species are beneficial to local fisheries, in our view, they do not have an important impact upon the ecosystem.
A comparative study on the abundance and elemental composition of POM in three interconnected basins: the Black, the Marmara and the Mediterranean Seas
Authors: COBAN-YILDIZ Y. , TUGRUL S. , EDIGER D. , YILMAZ A. , POLAT C.
Published: May 2013

The abundance and elemental composition of suspended particulate organic matter in the upper layers of the interconnected Mediterranean, Marmara and Black Seas having different ecosystems were determined in 1990-1998. The aim was principally to compare the C:N:P ratio of seston and understand factors controlling the seston composition in near- and off-shore waters of these seas. In the Marmara Sea, euphotic zone average particulate concentrations varied regionally and seasonally between 10-35 ìM for POC, 0.4-4.5 ìM for PON and 0.05-0.45 ìM for PP. These concentrations are mostly above the off-shore Black Sea values but much greater than those measured in the open waters of the north-eastern Mediterranean whose near-shore data are comparable with the seston content of the deep Black Sea. Comparison of C:N:P ratios of seston reveals that atmospheric and land-based phosphorus input influences the C:P and N:P ratios in the near-shore waters. Apparent nutrient deficiencies observed in the water column were not as remarkable in the elemental composition of seston. Unexpectedly, in the NE Mediterranean, N:P ratios from regression analyses of particulate data are very low (7-9) in the coastal region but slightly increase to levels of 10-15 in the open sea. In the Sea of Marmara, the N:P ratios (7-12) of seston are as low as in the Mediterranean, being consistent with the particulate ratios of the Black Sea inflow and NO3:PO4 ratios of the Marmara sub-halocline water. The Black Sea seston is relatively rich in carbonaceous compounds with N:P ratio ranging merely between 15-17 in the open sea but 9-27 in coastal waters where riverine discharges markedly influence the stoichiometry of seston.
Seasonal steady-state budgets of nutrients and stoichiometric calculations in an Eastern Mediterranean lagoon (Papas Lagoon-Greece)
Authors: KRASAKOPOULOU E. , PAGOU K.
Published: May 2013

The Papas Lagoon is an enclosed, small shallow water body in western Greece. The lagoon is naturally affected by eutrophication phenomena, but occasionally during the summer season, dystrophic crises occur, related to the decomposition of large beds of macroalgae. Physicochemical data collected monthly, from June 1998 to September 1999, were compiled and coupled with historical meteorological data, in order to construct seasonal water, salt and nutrients budgets using a single box single layer LOICZ model. Nutrients and other hydrochemical parameters exhibit great spatial and temporal variations. The non-conservative dissolved inorganic phosphorus flux (ΔDIP) is always positive, thus indicating that the system acts as a net source of DIP for the adjacent coastal waters. Higher values were estimated  uring summer and autumn, probably due to organic matter mineralisation and release of DIP from surficial sediments in the reduced environment. In contrast to the ΔDIP, the non-conservative balance of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (ΔDIN) is negative for most of the year, except for the summer, indicating the dominance of DIN removal processes in the Papas Lagoon. The Ulva growth and decomposition processes seem likely to be of essential importance for the evaluation of the non-conservative DIN fluxes. During the investigated period the amount of organic carbon respired and mineralized is greater than that produced by gross photosynthesis and the Papas Lagoon is a net heterotrophic system. Losses of DIN via denitrification appear to dominate over its inputs through nitrogen fixation throughout the year.
Marine alien species in Greek Seas: Additions and amendments by 2010
Authors: ZENETOS A. , KATSANEVAKIS S. , POURSANIDIS D. , CROCETTA F. , DAMALAS D. , APOSTOLOPOULOS G. , GRAVILI C. , VARDALA-THEODOROU E. , MALAQUIAS M.
Published: May 2013

An update of the inventory of alien marine species from the coastal and offshore waters of Greece is presented. Records were compiled based on the existing scientific and grey literature, including the HCMR database of Greek alien species (ELNAIS), technical reports, scientific congresses, academic dissertations, websites, and unpublished/personal observations. 47 species were added to the inventory, including 34 invertebrates, one vertebrate (fish), three plants, eight protozoa, and one cyanobacterium. With the new records, the inventory of alien marine species of Greece now includes a total of 237 species (33 macrophytes, 131 invertebrates, 42 vertebrates, two bacteria and 29 protozoans). Among these, the presence of the gastropodHypselodoris infucata, the bivalvesDendrostrea frons and Septifer forskaliand the chondrichthyan Rhizoprionodon acutus is reported here for the first time. Based on molecular analysis, the occurrence of Bulla arabica in Greek waters is confirmed, and the suggestion that previous records of Bulla ampulla in the Mediterranean should be considered as misidentification of B. arabica is further supported. The acclimitization status of earlier records was revised in the light of new data, and thus the fishEnchelycore anatina, Seriola fasciata andTylerius spinosissimus, the red algaeHypnea cornuta and Sarconema scinaioides, the scyphomedusaCassiopea andromeda, the cephalopodSepioteuthis lessoniana, the nudibranchChromodoris annulata and the bivalvesGastrochaena cymbium andPseudochama corbieri were upgraded from casual records to established populations. The increased rate of introductions of warm water species confirms previous findings, which link the rate of introduction in the eastern Mediterranean to climate change.
Length-Length and Length-Weight Relationships in Nephrops norvegicus from the Aegean Sea (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: AYDIN I. , AYDIN C.
Published: May 2013

The objective of this study was to determine the length-length, length-width and length-weight relationships inNephrops norvegicus as a basis for conversions. A total of 659 specimens were collected with trawl gears from the commercial trawler “Hapuloğlu” between 17 and 21 August 2008 in international waters of the middle Aegean Sea. Morphometric equations for the conversions of length and weight were constructed for females, males, and combined sexes. Females were generally smaller than males, and size-frequency distributions total length (TL), carapace length (CL), and body width (BW) revealed significant differences between females and males
Ecological Evaluation Index continuous formula (EEI-c) application: a step forward for functional groups, the formula and reference condition values
Authors: ORFANIDIS S. , PANAYOTIDIS P. , UGLAND K.
Published: May 2013

The Ecological Evaluation Index continuous formula (EEI-c) was designed to estimate the habitat- based ecological status of rocky coastal and sedimentary transitional waters using shallow benthic macrophyte communities as bioindicators. This study aimed to remedy the weaknesses of the currently used EEI methodology in: (1) ecological status groups (ESG), (2) the formula, and (3) reference condition values. A cluster analysis of twelve species traits was used to delineate ESGs. Two main clusters (ESG I, late-successional; ESG II, opportunistic) were identified that were hierarchically divided into three and two sub-clusters, respectively: ESG I comprised thick perennial (IA), thick plastic (IB) and shade-adapted plastic (IC) coastal water species, and angiosperm plastic (IA), thick plastic (IB) and shade-adapted plastic (IC) transitional water species. ESG II comprised fleshy opportunistic (IIB) and filamentous sheet-like opportunistic (IIA) species both in coastal and transitional waters. To avoid discrete jumps at the boundaries between predefined ecological categories, a hyperbolic model that approximates the index values and expresses the ecosystem status in continuous numbers was developed. Seventy-four quantitative and destructive samples of the upper infralittoralCystoseira crinita and coastal lagoonRuppia cirrhosa communities from tentative pristine to less impacted sites in Greece verified 10 as an ‘ideal’ EEI-c reference condition value.
On the distribution of Percnon gibbesi (H. Milne Edwards, 1853) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Plagusiidae) along the Tunisian coast
Authors: SGHAIER Y.R. , ZAKHAMA-SRAIEB R. , CHARFI-CHEIKHROUHA F.
Published: May 2013

The subtropical crab, Percnon gibbesi is established along the Tunisian coasts. This crab was recorded by underwater observation from Malloula, Tabarka, El-Haouaria, Yasmine Hammamet, Monastir marina and the Kuriat Islands. These new observations increase the known distribution of P. gibbesi in the south Mediterranean basin.
Competition between static gear of the small-scale fisheries in Algarve waters (southern Portugal)
Authors: ERZINI K. , GONCALVES J.M.S. , BENTES L. , LINO P.G. , RIBEIRO J. , MOUTOPOULOS D.K. , STERGIOU K.I.
Published: May 2013

Parallel fishing trials with 0.30 mm diameter monofilament gill nets and longlines using small hooks were carried out in the Algarve (southern Portugal) over a one-year period, 1997-1998, with the objective of comparing species composition, catch rates, discards and size ranges. Four hook sizes of 'Mustad' brand, round bent, flatted sea hooks (numbers 15, 13, 12 and 11) and four mesh sizes of 25, 30, 35 and 40 mm (nominal bar length) of gill nets were used in the trials. Overall, 84 species were caught, with gill nets taking 71 species and longlines 54 species and with 41 species caught by both gears. The amount of discarding was higher for gill nets than for longlines. The catch species composition differed between the two gears, with the commercially valuable sea breams dominating the longline catches whereas small pelagics were relatively more important in the gill nets. Multivariate analysis showed a clear separation between the different sizes of the two gears both in terms of numbers and weights per species. Algarve gill netters and longliners fish the same species assemblage on the same fishing grounds, but have clearly different impacts in terms of catch species composition, catch rates and sizes. This information will be useful for the improved management of these small-scale, multi-species, multi-gear fisheries, where different gears compete for scarce resources. In particular this study provides a basis for a more rational allocation of licenses and control of fishing effort.
Rainwater in Egypt: quantity, distribution and harvesting
Authors: ABDEL-SHAFY H.I. , EL-SAHARTY A.A. , REGELSBERGER M. , PLATZER C.
Published: May 2013

Egypt has limited water resources, and it will be under water stress within the year 2030. Therefore, Egypt should consider the natural and non-conventional water resources to overcome such problem. Rain harvesting is one solution; but not all; particularly on the north coast by the Mediterranean Sea and the Red sea. In this paper, the rainwater issue is reviewed and discussed in terms of the quantities and distribution at different selected areas in Egypt. The amount of rain falls at different location in Egypt was collected for a period of 16 months. The data indicated that rainfall in Egypt is very scarce, with an annual average of 12 mm and ranges from 0 mm/year in the desert to 200 mm/year in the north coastal region. The maximum total amount of rain does not exceed 1.8 billion m3per year. However, the average annual amount of rainfall water that is effectively utilized for agriculture purposes is estimated to be 1 billion m3. Harvesting pilot plant was constructed and implemented in Alexandria directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The harvested rain was used for irrigation and treated for drinking. It was, therefore, recommended to develop sustainable catchments at appropriate locations in the rain-fed areas at the north coast as well as cost effective grafting of the indigenous technologies with the innovative techniques.
First occurrence of Scarus ghobban (Actinopterygii: Scaridae) in the coastal waters of Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: IOANNOU G. , MICHAILIDIS N. , LOUCAIDES A. , MANITARAS I.
Published: May 2013

The first occurrence of the Indo-Pacific blue-barred parrotfish (Scarus ghobban) in the coastal waters of Cyprus is reported. The finding corroborates the establishment of this Lessepsian immigrant along the Levantine coasts.
Historical and contemporary records of the angular rough shark Oxynotus centrina (Chondrichthyes; Oxynotidae) in Turkish waters
Authors: KABASAKAL H.
Published: May 2013

During the last 58 years, only 12 angular rough sharks were recorded in Turkish waters. Rare captures of the species in the area needs an immediate action for the conservation of O. centrina. To protect the habitat of O. centrina, strict regulations should be implemented for diving in the localities, where the angular rough sharks occur regularly. Protecting the habitat of the angular rough shark is an urgent need before subjecting O. centrina to 100% protection in the seas of Turkey.
First record of the broad-banded cardinal fish Apogon fasciatus (White, 1790) from Turkey
Authors: TURAN C. , YAGLIOGLU D. , ERGUDEN D. , GURLEK M. , SONMEZ B.
Published: May 2013

Two specimens of the alien cardinal fish Apogon fasciatus (White, 1790) are recorded for the first time from Turkey and second time from the Mediterranean Sea. This is the fourth Indo-Pacific apogonid species documented in the Mediterranean Sea, and the introduction of this species to the eastern Mediterranean is due to migration from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal.
Shift in Sabella spallanzanii (Polychaeta, Sabellidae) spawning period in the Central Mediterranean Sea: a consequence of climate change?
Authors: GIANGRANDE A. , LICCIANO M. , MUSCO L. , STABILI L.
Published: May 2013

Sabella spallanzanii is a large tubicolous filter feeder polychaete common in the Mediterranean fouling assemblages where it plays an important role in structuring the community. Its reproductive biology is well known and had been investigated since 1993. During the past few years a shift in its reproductive period has been observed. In 2008 the presence of ripe eggs in the females was observed at least two months in advance compared to the past. This was confirmed during the 2009 when spawning and fertilization were observed three months in advance compared to the past. Possible causes of this shift may be related to the increasing surface temperature in the Central Mediterranean Sea.
Antibacterial drugs in products originating from aquaculture: assessing the risks to public welfare
Authors: RIGOS G. , BITCHAVA K. , NENGAS I.
Published: May 2013

As aquaculture expands to meet human demand and compensate for pessimistic forecasts of fisheries catches, usage of antibacterial agents to combat or forestall bacterial diseases is still a necessity, although effective vaccines and improved hygiene have aided drastically to this battle. The hazards for the consumer perspective arising from the imprudent use of such chemicals can be detrimental especially if the residues persist above legal tolerance. These may include selection and dissemination of resistant bacteria, disruption of the colonization barrier in the human intestinal flora and allergic reactions. In cases that unlawful drugs reached the consumer via consumption of aquatic products, human health may be jeopardized even further. The present review article assesses these risks on human health.
Updated records and range expansion of alien marine macrophytes in Greece (2009)
Authors: TSIAMIS K. , MONTESANTO B. , PANAYOTIDIS P. , KATSAROS C. , VERLAQUE M.
Published: May 2013

In the present study the list of alien marine macrophytes already recorded on Greek coasts has been revised in the light of recent studies and new observations. In comparison  to 2008, the total number consists of 32 taxa, and the classification as established, casual and debatable species has been modified, with a total of 14, 5 and 13 species respectively. An interesting increase in established species from 9 taxa in 2008 to 14 taxa in 2009 is noted. With 23 taxa listed, Rhodobionta is the best represented group, followed by Chlorobionta (4 taxa) and Chromobionta (4 taxa), while seagrasses (Streptobionta) are represented by only one species. Several new records, one new entry and two putative additions are considered here, while two other taxa previously assumed introduced are excluded from the list of aliens.
Alpha-amylase inhibition kinetics by caulerpenyne
Authors: CENGIZ S. , CAVAS L. , YURDAKOC K.
Published: May 2013

Many algae have important secretions which are generally used for defensive purposes. These secretions take attentions of a lot of researchers who are wondering if these metabolites can be used for medical researches or not. Among these metabolites, caulerpenyne (CYN) which is the main metabolite of Caulerpa species, have had an important place in Caulerpa researches since the results related to its determined properties such as cytotoxic, antiviral, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects have been proven by many scientific reports. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of CYN isolated from C. prolifera on alpha-amylase was investigated. The inhibition experiments were done with CYN by spectrophotometric determination method. In order to evaluate the type of inhibition Lineweaver–Burk plot was produced. The results obtained from enzyme kinetic studies exhibited an un-competitive type of inhibition, which is characterized by the difference of Vmax and KM from those of the free enzyme, of alpha-amylase in the presence of CYN. The present study showed that Caulerpa species can be a potential target for producing diabetic drugs in the light of the results obtained for CYN.
Sipunculan Fauna in the Fethiye-Gφηek Specially Protected Area (Turkey, Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: ACIK S.
Published: May 2013

This study deals with sipunculan species collected from 0 to 31 m depths at 83 stations in the Fethiye-Göçek Specially Protected Area (Turkey). A total of 7 species and 1397 individuals belonging to four families were  encountered. Among the species, Nephasoma (Nephasoma) rimicola is new to the eastern Mediterranean fauna and 5 species are new to the marine fauna of the southern coast of Turkey. Phascolosoma (Phascolosoma) stephensoni has the highest dominance and frequency index values in the area. Aspidosiphon (Aspidosiphon) elegans and Apionsoma (Apionsoma) misakianum are alien species. Of the biotopes examined, Posidonia oceanica was characterized by the highest number of species (6 species). In the present study, brief descriptions of the species, and their distributional and ecological characteristics are given and discussed.
Season and size effects: changes in the quality of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.)
Authors: RODRIGUEZ R. , FOUNTOULAKI E. , GRIGORAKIS K. , ALEXIS M. , FLOS R.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of the harvesting season and fish size on the final quality of cage farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). Morphometric analysis, fat stores estimation, fillet composition analysis, fillet fatty acids profile determination and sensory analysis were carried out on a commercially-sized cage farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) population in April, June, July and November. Both season and size had a significant effect in morphometric characteristics. The most pronounced size effect was the change of fish shape, becoming rounder with fish growth, the increase of filleting yield and condition index. An increase of both peritoneal and perivisceral fat was observed in summer months. In general size had little effect on muscle composition. A significant size effect was observed in the fillet lipid content, which increased with it. Fillet lipid content was unexpected lower in the warm period (June-July). This can be possibly attributed to feeding restrictions that may have occurred, due to anoxic incidents related to high temperatures.Slight seasonal differentiations occurred in the muscle fatty acids. No significant differences were found in the organoleptic characteristics of the two size groups compared.
First record of Paraprionospio coora Wilson, 1990 (Polychaeta: Spionidae) from the Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: YOKOYAMA H. , DAGLI E. , CINAR M.E.
Published: May 2013

The spionid polychaete Paraprionospio pinnata (Ehlers, 1901) has been widely reported from the Mediterranean Sea. We examined some specimens belonging to the genera Paraprionospio that had been collected from the Aegean Sea, Sea of Marmara and the Spanish Mediterranean coast, and identified them as Paraprionospio coora Wilson, 1990, which is new to the Mediterranean fauna. This finding indicates that P. coora has a widespread geographical distribution in Australia, Far East and the Mediterranean, and suggests that the previous records of P. pinnata from the Mediterranean are questionable.
Alien foraminifers from Greek coastal areas (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: KOUKOUSIOURA O. , DIMIZA M.D. , TRIANTAPHYLLOU M.V.
Published: May 2013

The present study provides additional data on the distributional range of six alien foraminiferal species in living assemblages from Greek coastal areas (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean). Amphistegina lobiferaLARSEN 1976, Sorites orbiculus (FORSK L 1775) and Coscinospira hemprichii EHRENBERG 1839 are well established in Greek coastal areas, whereas Triloculina fichteliana D'ORBIGNY 1839, Planogypsina acervalis (BRADY 1884) and Cymbaloporetta plana (CUSHMAN 1924), are recorded for the first time in this paper. The occurrence of these species in a number of sites in the Aegean Sea establishes their presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Northernmost occurrence of Hemiramphus far (Actinopterygii: Hemiramphidae) in the Aegean Sea
Authors: AKCA N. , BILECENOGLU M.
Published: May 2013

A new record of Hemiramphus far from the northern Aegean Sea is presented, based on a single specimen collected off Eski Foça shores, Turkey. Further individuals were observed (but not collected) in the same area, indicating an established population.
Terminal investment induced by a bacteriophage in a rhizosphere bacterium
Authors: Poisot Timothée , Bell Thomas , Martinez Esteban , Gougat-Barbera Claire , Hochberg Michael E
Published: May 2013

Despite knowledge about microbial responses to abiotic stress, few studies have investigated stress responses to antagonistic species, such as competitors, predators and pathogens. While it is often assumed that interacting populations of bacteria and phage will coevolve resistance and exploitation strategies, an alternative is that individual bacteria tolerate or evade phage predation through inducible responses to phage presence. Using the microbial modelPseudomonas fluorescensSBW25 and its lytic DNA phage SBW25Φ2, we demonstrate the existence of an inducible response in the form of a transient increase in population growth rate, and found that the response was induced by phage binding. This response was accompanied by a decrease in bacterial cell size, which we propose to be an associated cost. We discuss these results in the context of bacterial ecology and phage-bacteria co-evolution.
Journals of semiotics in the world
Authors: Kull Kalevi , Maran Timo
Published: May 2013

Hereby we provide a list of all semiotic journals currently published in the world, which includes 53 titles. From among these, 42 are printed on paper (among them six international journals on general semiotics, 16 journals specializing in some branch of semiotics, and 20 regional semiotics journals), while 11 appear only as electronic publications. All in all, these journals publish articles in 16 languages.
O potrzebie monografii (użycia) IPA
Authors: Rybka Piotr
Published: May 2013

On the need of a monograph on (the use of) IPA

The article provides the rationale for a forthcoming monograph on the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet. The study presents the arguments in the form of questions, and answers them at length. The questions fall into three groups: phonetic, graphical and practical issues. From the last category, the problem of selecting an appropriate font and a way to conveniently use it can be mentioned. The phonetic issues that need to be explained in the context of an international transcription include: transcription of Polish sounds normally described as prepalatal, dental, and alveolar, as well as the value of phonation, and alaryngeal speech symbols. Graphic problems include such issues as: means of transcribing archiphonemes, asynchronous and polysegmental articulations, lowered variants of Polish phonemes /m/ and /n/, and others. The paper also mentions typographical matters, such as italic variants of phonetic symbols and small capitals. The article concludes with an overview of the possible audience of the planned monograph, and an enumeration of reasons for a compilation of a study containing answers to the above-mentioned questions.
„Człowiekiem się rodzę, osobą się staję”. Relacje semantyczne między leksemami osoba i człowiek we współczesnej polszczyźnie
Authors: Kostrzewa Dorota
Published: May 2013

“Człowiekiem się rodzę, osobą się staję” ‘I am born a man and become a person’. Semantic relations between the lexemes osoba ‘person’ and człowiek ‘man’ in modern Polish

The paper attempts to determine the scope of realization of two synonymous words in modern Polish: człowiek/ludzie ‘man/people’, and osoba/osoby ‘person/persons’. A semantic analysis of the two has been conducted based on lexicographic sources and corpus texts, and led to the conclusion that no hierarchy exists in the semantic relation between them. Due to its stylistic neutrality, accommodation requirements, and deviation of reference towards the feminine gender, the understanding of the lexeme osoba ‘person’ complements the semantic field of the word człowiek ‘man’, which is marked for all aspects and directed towards description of representatives of the masculine gender. Moreover, having no stylistic connotations, the lexeme osoba ‘person’ is very frequent in journalistic texts, much more so than the noun człowiek ‘man’.
Nieuświadamiane archaizmy w polskich związkach frazeologicznych
Authors: Piela Agnieszka
Published: May 2013

Hidden archaisms within Polish phraseological units

The fact that a language is a strongly conservative creation, lingering behind the extra-linguistic reality, is clearly visible from the still-existing phraseological units containing an archaic word. However, not all the phraseological units with an archaic lexeme are contemporarily treated as units containing an old, fossilized word. We notice that, according to some language users, some of the above-mentioned units seem to have been quite recent creations of Polish language, e.g.: mówić, powiedzieć itp. coś bez ogródek; być, pojawić się, znaleźć się na tapecie; bez pardonu; czyjaś noga nie postanie, nie postała gdzieś; mówić, odpowiadać, pytać z przekąsem; nie dziwota; wziąć, brać kogoś na spytki; świątek (i) piątek. There are a few reasons why these archaic components take on an „un-archaic” character in the given phraseological units such as: motivational transitions, the placement of isolated language units within word formation nests, the process of identifying them with a newly-created word formations. Through such mechanisms the boundary between what is obsolate and contemporary within a language is becoming very vague. This is the way how history melts with the present time.