bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of waist-worn actigraphy monitors for the assessment of sleep in older adults with and without Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Khou Christina S , Rendzia Brady , Watts Amber
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Evaluate differences in sleep characteristics between older adults with and without mild Alzheimer’s disease using waist-worn actigraphy monitors.

Methods

Actigraph GT3X+ monitors and self-reported sleep and activity logs were used for one week and compared between older adults (N = 85) with (n = 35) and without Alzheimer’s disease (n = 51).

Results

Participants with Alzheimer’s disease had greater total sleep time and spent more time in bed than nonimpaired older adults. Estimates for sleep efficiency and total sleep time for the total sample were elevated compared to previous studies of wrist-worn devices in similar populations, while estimates of sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset for the total sample were lower.

Conclusions

Actigraphy-based sleep studies in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease should consider discrepancies between objective and subjective estimates of sleep and monitor placement to maximize the ability to measure both activity and sleep.
Russia’s centralized authoritarianism in the disguise of democratic federalism: Evidence from the September 2017 sub-national elections
Authors: Golosov Grigorii V
Published: July 2018

While formally a federation that vests significant powers in the sub-national bodies of government and leaves it for its federal units and municipalities to decide who will govern them by conducting elections, the Russian Federation is effectively a centralized authoritarian state. This paper uses evidence from the September 2017 sub-national elections in Russia to examine the role of formal political institutions in sustaining the country’s political regime. The analysis shows that the political domination of the pro-government party over the regional political assemblies is sustained by a complex combination of party regulations and electoral rules. In particular, gubernatorial elections are organized and conducted in a way that ensures the victories of the incumbent governors who are effectively appointed by the president of Russia.
Intramural Ectopic Pregnancy Following Myomectomy
Authors: Vagg Deanne , Arsala Lima , Kathurusinghe Shamitha , Ang W. Catarina
Published: July 2018

Intramural pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy with early diagnosis essential for prevention of severe hemorrhage and uterine rupture. We report a rare case of an intramural ectopic pregnancy at 12 weeks gestation in a woman 1 year post open myomectomy. Both transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were utilized as diagnostic aids in this case. The rare nature of this clinical scenario and lack of guidelines for management made clinical decision making difficult. Due to the size and location of the gestational sac, hysterectomy was deemed to be the safest modality, and a midline laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingectomy was performed.
Bilateral acute depigmentation of iris: 3-year follow-up of a case
Authors: Atilgan Cemile Ucgul , Kosekahya Pinar , Caglayan Mehtap , Berker Nilufer
Published: July 2018

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) usually affecting young women, is a newly defined clinical diagnosis with bilateral symmetrical pigment loss of iris stroma without iris transillumination defect. Herein, we want to share the results of a 3-year-long follow-up of a 23-year old female patient with BADI. She was admitted to our clinic with a complaint of discoloration of both her brown irises. An ocular evaluation of the patient revealed symmetrical pigment deposition in trabecular meshwork. No iris transillumination defect, pupillary sphincter paralysis, keratic precipitates, and inflammatory reaction in anterior chamber were seen. The depigmented iris stroma became repigmented symmetrically after 3-year follow-up period. Although it is rare, BADI should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the diseases with bilateral iris depigmentation.
Magnetic field assisted finishing process for super-finished Ti alloy implant and its 3D surface characterization
Authors: Barman Anwesa , Das Manas
Published: July 2018

Titanium alloy is used in medical industries due to its biocompatibility. Requirement of implant’s surface roughness and surface topography depends mainly upon its application. In the present study, application of titanium alloy is considered as femoral knee joint implant. The capability of magnetic field assisted finishing (MFAF) process and the polishing tool to provide implant worthy surface is analyzed here. In MFAF process, magnetorheological fluid mixed with abrasive powder in acidic base medium is used as the finishing medium. Characterization of the finished surface is carried out by analyzing 3D surface roughness parameters. The selected 3D surface parameters ( Sa, Spk, Sk and Svk) are considered due to their importance concerning load-bearing articulating surface of knee joint implant. Statistical design of experiment is used for experimental study and subsequently process parameters are optimized. From experimental investigation, the values of Sa, Spk, Sk and Svk are obtained as 11.32 nm, 15.82 nm, 6.51 nm and 41.15 nm, respectively, at optimum process parameter condition. The optimum process parameter values are 901 rpm of the tool, 0.60-mm working gap and 4.30 hrs of finishing time. The obtained values of 3D surface roughness parameters are in the nanometer range and the surface topography will render better wear properties, performance and longer implant life. Further confirmation experiments support the optimized values. The effect of individual process parameter on output responses is also analyzed.
Prediction of cardiovascular disease among hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors
Authors: Armenian Saro H. , Yang Dongyun , Teh Jennifer Berano , Atencio Liezl C. , Gonzales Alicia , Wong F. Lennie , Leisenring Wendy M. , Forman Stephen J. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Chow Eric J.
Published: July 2018

Key Points

We identified distinct groups of HCT survivors at low, intermediate, and high risk of developing late-occurring CVD. The prediction model had good discrimination across outcomes and was validated in an external cohort of HCT survivors.
Prevalence of Homologous Recombination–Related Gene Mutations Across Multiple Cancer Types
Authors: Heeke Arielle L. , Pishvaian Michael J. , Lynce Filipa , Xiu Joanne , Brody Jonathan R. , Chen Wang-Juh , Baker Tabari M. , Marshall John L. , Isaacs Claudine
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The prevalence of homologous recombination DNA damage repair (HR-DDR) deficiencies among all tumor lineages is not well characterized. Therapy directed toward homologous recombination DDR deficiency (HRD) is now approved in ovarian and breast cancer, and there may be additional opportunities for benefit for patients with other cancers. Comprehensive evaluations for HRD are limited in part by the lack of a uniform, cost-effective method for testing and defining HRD.

Methods

Molecular profiles of 52,426 tumors were reviewed to identify pathogenic mutations in the HR-DDR genes ARID1A, ATM, ATRX, BAP1, BARD1, BLM, BRCA1/2, BRIP1, CHEK1/2, FANCA/C/D2/E/F/G/L, MRE11A, NBN, PALB2, RAD50, RAD51, RAD51B, or WRN. From solid tumors submitted to Caris Life Sciences, molecular profiles were generated using next-generation sequencing (NGS; average read depth, 500×). A total of 17,566 tumors were sequenced with NGS600 (n = 592 genes), and 34,860 tumors underwent hotspot Illumina MiSeq platform testing (n = 47 genes).

Results

Of the tumors that underwent NGS600 testing, the overall frequency of HR-DDR mutations detected was 17.4%, and the most commonly mutated lineages were endometrial (34.4%; n = 1,475), biliary tract (28.9%; n = 343), bladder (23.9%; n = 201), hepatocellular (20.9%; n = 115), gastroesophageal (20.8%; n = 619), and ovarian (20.0%; n = 2,489). Least commonly mutated lineages included GI stromal (3.7%; n = 108), head and neck (6.8%; n = 206), and sarcoma (9.3%; n = 592). ARID1A was the most commonly mutated gene (7.2%), followed by BRCA2 (3.0%), BRCA1 (2.8%), ATM (1.3%), ATRX (1.3%), and CHEK2 (1.3%).

Conclusions

HR-DDR mutations were seen in 17.4% of tumors across 21 cancer lineages, providing a path to explore the role of HRD-directed therapies, including poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors, DNA-damaging chemotherapies, and newer agents such as ATR inhibitors.
Anomalies in the valve morphogenesis of the centric diatom alga Aulacoseira islandica caused by microtubule inhibitors
Authors: Yekaterina Bedoshvili , Ksenia Gneusheva , Maria Popova , Alexey Morozov , Yelena Likhoshway
Published: July 2018

Of all unicellular organisms possessing a cell wall, diatoms are the most adept at micro- and nanoscale embellishment of their frustules. Elements of their cell walls are formed inside the cell under cytoskeletal control. In this work, we used laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy to describe the major stages of cell wall formation in the centric diatom algae Aulacoseira islandica and to study the effect of various microtubule inhibitors on the morphogenesis of frustule elements. Our results show that colchicine inhibits karyokinesis and cytokinesis in A. islandica colonies. In contrast, valve morphogenesis is changed, rather than inhibited altogether. In normal cells, this process starts simultaneously in both daughter cells, beginning with the formation of two adjacent discs that later become valve faces and connecting spines. Under colchicine treatment, however, the cleavage furrow is blocked and a single lateral valve forms on the side of the cylindrical frustule. As a result, a single hollow pipe forms instead of two separate drinking glass-shaped frustules; such pipes can form up to 35% of all forming frustules. Colchicine inhibits the formation of connecting spines, whereas paclitaxel causes spines to form a complex, branching shape. At the same time, inhibitors do not affect the formation of areolae (openings) in the frustule. We discuss the possibility that various processes of the diatom frustule morphogenesis are controlled by two different mechanisms – membrane-related micromorphogenesis and cytoskeleton-mediated macromorphogenesis.
On the origin of the human germline
Authors: Kobayashi Toshihiro , Surani M. Azim
Published: July 2018

In mice, primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of eggs and sperm, originate from pregastrulation postimplantation embryos. By contrast, the origin of human PGCs (hPGCs) has been less clear and has been difficult to study because of the technical and ethical constraints that limit direct studies on human embryos. In recent years, however, in vitro simulation models using human pluripotent stem cells, together with surrogate non-rodent mammalian embryos, have provided insights and experimental approaches to address this issue. Here, we review these studies, which suggest that the posterior epiblast and/or the nascent amnion in pregastrulation human embryos is a likely source of hPGCs, and that a different gene regulatory network controls PGCs in humans compared with in the mouse. Such studies on the origins and mechanisms of hPGC specification prompt further consideration of the somatic cell fate decisions that occur during early human development.
Mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of fluctuating thermal regimes in insect cold tolerance
Authors: Colinet Hervé , Rinehart Joseph P. , Yocum George D. , Greenlee Kendra J.
Published: July 2018

Insects exposed to low temperature often have high mortality or exhibit sublethal effects. A growing number of recent studies have shown beneficial effects of exposing insects to recurrent brief warm pulses during low-temperature stress (fluctuating thermal regime, FTR). The physiological underpinnings of the beneficial effects of FTR on cold survival have been extensively studied over the past few years. Profiling with various ‘-omics’ techniques has provided supporting evidence for different physiological responses between insects exposed to FTR and constant low temperature. Evidence from transcriptomic, metabolomic and lipidomic studies points to a system-wide loss of homeostasis at low temperature that can be counterbalanced by repair mechanisms under FTR. Although there has been considerable progress in understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of FTR, here we discuss how many areas still lack clarity, such as the precise role(s) of heat shock proteins, compatible solutes or the identification of regulators and key players involved in the observed homeostatic responses. FTR can be particularly beneficial in applied settings, such as for model insects used in research, integrated pest management and pollination services. We also explain how the application of FTR techniques in large-scale facilities may require overcoming some logistical and technical constraints. FTR definitively enhances survival at low temperature in insects, but before it can be widely used, we suggest that the possible fitness and energy costs of FTR must be explored more thoroughly. Although FTR is not ecologically relevant, similar processes may operate in settings where temperatures fluctuate naturally.
Rapid embryonic accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain of an altricial bird with an aquatic-based maternal diet
Authors: Price Edwin R. , Sirsat Sarah K. G. , Sirsat Tushar S. , Venables Barney J. , Dzialowski Edward M.
Published: July 2018

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important and abundant fatty acid moiety in vertebrate brains. We measured brain phospholipid composition during development in red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), an altricial species that breeds in aquatic habitats. We also manipulated diet by feeding nestlings fish oil or sunflower oil. Finally, we assessed selective uptake of yolk by comparing the yolk fatty acid composition of freshly laid eggs and day-old hatchlings. Relative to other altricial species, blackbirds achieved high DHA in brain phospholipids (20% of phospholipid fatty acids in day-old hatchlings). This was not a result of selective uptake from the yolk, but rather a consequence of a high proportion of DHA in the yolk (2.5% of total lipids) at laying. Our dietary study confirmed that nestling brains are sensitive to fatty acid supply. Red-winged blackbirds may be able to advance cognitive development relative to other altricial species due to their aquatic maternal diet.
Dehydration/Hydration Behavior of Layered Double Hydroxide for Chemical Heat Storage
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuru , Mizutani Yosuke , Aoki Masakazu
Published: July 2018

Dehydration and rehydration behavior of a layered double hydroxide (LDH), Mg2Al(OH)6.2Cl0.8·nH2O, was investigated. The dehydration proceeds in two steps; at first interlayer water is released from 50 °C, then dehydration condensation of hydroxyl groups starts from 300 °C. Interlayer anion Cl− is also desorbed as HCl during the second dehydration. The mole fraction of water removed by dehydration before the HCl desorption was estimated by thermogravimetric analysis; 1.85 mol-H2O/mol-LDH. The dehydrated material, without HCl loss, was quantitatively hydrated by refluxing in water for 480 min.
THE MILLSTONES OF PETROTA THRACE COUNTY, GREECE
Authors: Κοσιάρης Γ. , Μιχαήλ Κ.
Published: July 2018

The surrounding area of Petrota village - Rhodopi County, West Thrace - consists , mainly, of volcanic rocks (rhyolites, rhyodacites, tuffs, volcanic breccias and lahars). In the pyroclastic formations a quarry for millstones has been developed. Engraved or halfcarved handmills, larger millstones, tubs and cisterns can be seen and they are witnesses of the art and skill of the stone cutters. Larger millstones which needed animal or water power to be rotate were also carved. Some of them are abandoned on the floor of the quarry or lay lower near the river bank. On the quarry walls can be seen all the stages of carving and cuttering the millstones : a drawing circle - the first stage, close to it the beginning of the carving and nearby the fully carved but still uncuttered millstones. Amazing is also the underground quarrying and carving the millostones. Having in mind the size of the walls, the underground excavation and the bulk of dums we can roughly estimate the number of carved millstones which probably reaches several thousands of millstones of different sizes. The beginning of quarrying and carving of millstones of Petrota is not known but surely it could be traced back to the depth of the ages, not excluding the prehistoric period. The activity of the quarry ended a little before the II World War. A similar quarry in almost the same rock is located near the Petrota village of Evros County.
MlNERALOGICAL AND STABLE ISOTOPIC STUDY OF ANCIENT WHITE MARBLE QUARRIES IN LARISA, THESSALY, GREECE
Authors: Melfos V.
Published: July 2018

The present work focuses on the white marbles which were extracted in Larisa prefecture, Central Greece, during the antiquity. Three characteristic ancient quarries, which are located in the Kastri village (Aghia area), in Kalochori (Sykourio area) and in Gonnoi (Tembi area), were selected for the present study. Data obtained from the extraction techniques are combined with the geological, mineralogical and stable isotopie features in order to determine these marble ancient sources. The average 513C and δ180 values of the Kastri marble are +2.80%o and 4.51 %o and of the Kalochori marble +0.87%o and -8.33%o. At Gonnoi ancient quarrying sites, the isotopie results are heterogeneous: +1.05%o ö13C, -4.65%o δ180 for Gonnoi 1 A, +1 89%o 513C, -7.97%0 δ180 for Gonnoi 1B, +2.27%o 513C, -3.12%o δ180 for Gonnoi 3.
CONTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICAL TOMOGRAPH AND SEISMIC REFRACTION IN SITE SELECTION FOR A DAM AT KOUNTOURA, CHANIA
Authors: Βαφείδης Α. , Hamdan H. , Ανδρονικίδης Ν. , Δασύρας Α. , Κρητικάκης Γ. , Κουκαδάκη Μ. , Κουμάκης Ν. , Λαμπαθάκης Σ. , Μανούτσογλου Ε. , Οικονόμου Ν. , Παπακωνσταντίνου Κ. , Σπανουδάκης Ν.
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the results from a geophysical survey conducted at Kountoura vergion, Chania. The aim of this survey was to estimate the thickness of the geological formations in the area where a dam is going to be constructed. Electrical tomography and seismic refraction were utilized in order to indicate the location of four drill holes. VLF, well logging and drill hole sampling were carried out. A 3D model was constructed indicating the relief of the underlying neogene marls covered by recent deposits and neogene conglomerates whose thickness ranges from 2-30m. This model does not show any major faults, which may affect the construction of the dam. The relief of the neogene marls is mainly affected by the paleorelief of the phyllite-quartzites and the underlying carbonates. One of the wells shows the weathered layer of phylite-quartzites at depth less than 20 m. This survey shows that the geophysical method give useful information regarding the site selection for the dam at Kountoura.
2-D GEOELECTRICAL SURVEY FOR THE PRELIMINARY ROUTE OF THE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE INSTALLATION AT ALISTRATI CAVES, N. GREECE
Authors: Atzemoglou A. , Tsourlos P. , Vasiliadis C.
Published: July 2018

An extensive 2-D geoelectrical survey was carried out at the Alistrati caves, prefecture of Serres, Ν. Greece, as part of a preliminary route survey for the planned natural gas pipeline that was about to cross these regions of Northern Greece. Geophysics can play a significant role in this procedure. Synthetic modeling and inversion examples presented in this work support the above claim. The dipole-dipole array was used with inter-electrode spacing of 5m and maximum dipole separation of n equal to 8 dipole spacing. Two groups of personnel, including geophysicists and technicians, worked for one month to realize this survey. The number of measurements is really enormous for such type of research. A total of 7616 measurements (952 electrode points) were obtained. The area of investigation was chosen on the basis of the local geological conditions, which appeared to favor the existence of void structures. The survey line had a length of approximately 5 km. The 2-D geoelectrical survey proved to be an effective tool for delineating the subsurface lithology and structure of the surveyed area. Most importantly, the technique proved successful in locating highly karstified areas and can be used to aid void mapping as well as to provide useful information about their general setting.
APPLICATION OF CLEAN ALGORITHM IN INCOMPLETE MICROTREMORS RECORDINGS
Authors: Hloupis G. , Moisidi M. , Vallianatos F. , Makris J. P. , Stonham J. , Triantis D.
Published: July 2018

The reconstruction of gapped microtremors recordings with the aid of CLEAN algorithm, which originally developed for spectral analysis of unevenly spaced time series, is studied. As proved in previous relative studies the algorithm has the ability to "clean" the spectrum of a discrete signal from artifacts and additionally (through an Inverse DFT) to reconstruct the signal in time domain. We studied the algorithm's effectiveness of reconstruction in microtremors recordings. We saw that for continuous gap with length up to 10% of the total length of microtremor recording, the algorithm was able to reconstruct efficiently.
ANISOTROPY OF MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY (AMS) IN VOLCANIC FORMATIONS: THEORY AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM RECENT VOLCANICS OF BROADER AEGEAN.
Authors: Zananiri I. , Kondopoulou D.
Published: July 2018

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is a physical property of rocks widely used in petrofabric studies and other applications. It is based on the measurement of low-field magnetic susceptibility in different directions along a sample. From this process several scalar properties arise, defining the magnitude and symmetry of the AMS ellipsoid, along with the magnetic foliation, namely the magnetic fabric. Imaging the sense of magma flow in dykes is an important task for volcanology; the magnetic fabric provides a fast and accurate way to infer this flow direction. Moreover, the AMS technique can be used in order to distinguish sills and dykes, a task that is almost impossible by using only field observations. Finally in the case of lava flows, the method can be applied to define the local flow conditions and to indicate the position of the "paleo" source region. However, this technique is quite new in Greece. Some preliminary results from volcanic formations of continental Greece and Southern Aegean are presented (Aegina, Almopia, Elatia, Gavra, Kos, Patmos, Samos, Samothraki and Santorini).
ΑΞΙΟΛΟΓΗΣΗ TOY ΔΕΙΚΤΗ ΒΛΑΣΤΗΣΗΣ TVI ME ΤΗ ΣΥΝΔΡΟΜΗ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΩΡΙΑΣ ΠΙΘΑΝΟΤΗΤΩΝ
Authors: Σκιάνης Γ. Αιμ. , Βαϊόπουλος Δ. , Νικολακόπουλος Κ.
Published: July 2018

In the present paper the statistical behaviour of the Transformed Vegetation Index TVI is studied. TVI is defined by: (equation No1) - or, alternatively, by: (equation No2) u is the numerical value of the vegetation index, χ and y are the brightness values of the near infrared and red zones, respectively. Relation (1) defines the vegetation index TVI. Relation (2) defines the vegetation index TVI'. Using appropriate distributions to describe the histograms of χ and y channels, and taking into account certain theorems from probability theory, the expressions for the distributions of TVI and TVI' values are deduced. According to these expressions, the standard deviation of TVI image is larger than that of TVI', as well as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). The prevailing value of the TVI' histogram is located at the right part of the tonality range. Therefore, according to the mathematical analysis, the TVI image has a better contrast than that of the NDVI and TVI' images. The TVI' has a diffuse luminance. The theoretical predictions were tested with a Landsat 7 ETM image of Zakynthos Island (western Greece) and they were found to be in accordance with the satellite data. It was also observed that lineaments with a dark tonality are expressed more clearly in the TVI image than in the TVI' image. The general conclusion is that the TVI vegetation index is preferable from TVI', since the former produces images with a larger standard deviation and a better contrast than the latter. The results and conclusions of this paper may be useful in geological and environmental research , for mapping regions with a different vegetation cover.
THE PSACHNA (EVIA ISLAND) EARTHQUAKE SWARM OF JUNE 2003
Authors: Benetatos C. , Kiratzi A. , Kementzetzidou K. , Roumelioti Z. , Karakaisis G. , Scordilis E. , Latoussakis I. , Drakatos G.
Published: July 2018

Evia Island (Greece) lies in a transition zone from strike-slip faulting in the east, due to the strands of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) that enter to the Aegean Sea, to normal faulting in the west along central Greece. In June 2003 a series of moderate events occurred in central Evia whose source parameters are investigated. These earthquakes caused serious damage to almost 20 residencies mainly in the town of Psachna. The sequence could be identified as an earthquake swarm with earthquake magnitudes in the range of 3 < M < 4.9. We used the Ρ and S arrivals at the stations of the National Seismic Network to relocate the events using the double-difference algorithm. All Ρ and S phase pickings were made by us using the broad band records from the network operated by the Geodynamic Institute of Athens. The relocated epicenters define a pronounced ENE- WSW zone, parallel to the high topography of the area. All depths are shallow from 1 to 8 Km. Regional waveform modeling was applied to determine the focal mechanisms of the larger events and FPFIT for the focal mechanisms of the smaller magnitude events. The majority of the focal mechanisms indicate normal faulting along almost E-W striking planes suggesting that deformation is mainly taken by normal faulting with a minor dextral horizontal motion. Normal faults with a N-S strike have been also observed showing that the E-W extension is present as it is observed in other parts of the Aegean region. Evia Island and its pattern of deformation is very interesting from the seismotectonic point of view. The fact that no large magnitude earthquake has occurred in Evia Island during instrumental times, makes the study of this earthquake swarm important. Previous work (Kiratzi, 2002) has shown that the deformation in northern Evia Island is taken up mainly by strike-slip faulting. Moreover, depending on the orientation of the activated faults in respect to the present state stress field, dextral or sinistral horizontal motion is observed. The Psachna earthquakes showed that an almost N-S extensional field prevails in central Evia Island with a few strikeslip focal mechanisms, suggesting that this part is mostly affected by the normal faulting system of central Greece.
A TOOL FOR COLLECTING, QUERYING AND MINING MACROSEISMIC DATA
Authors: Kalogeras I. S. , Marketos G. , Theodoridis Y.
Published: July 2018

SEISMO-SURFER is a tool for collecting, querying and mining seismic data being developed in Java programming language using Oracle database system. The objective is to combine recent research trends and results in the fields of spatial and spatio-temporal databases, data warehouses and data mining, as well as well established visualization techniques for geographical information. The database of the tool is automatically updated from remote sources while existing possibilities allow the querying on different earthquakes parameters, the analysis of the data for extraction of useful information and the graphical representation of the results via maps, charts etc. In the present work, we extend SEISMO-SURFER to include macroseismic data collected by the Geodynamic Institute and filled in a relative database. More specifically, the seismic parameters of the strong earthquakes, stored into the SEISMO-SURFER database, are linked to the macroseismic intensities observed at different sites. Administrative information for each site, local surface geology, tectonic lines, damage photographs and detailed descriptions from newspapers are also included. University of Piraeus and Geodynamic Institute are working together to continuously update and develop SEISMO-SURFER, concerning the data included, the variety of parameters stored and the mining algorithms supported for exploiting knowledge.
SEISIMPACT-THES: A SCENARIO EARTHQUAKE AFFECTING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT OF THE PREFECTURE OF THESSALONIKI
Authors: Kiratzi A. , Roumelioti Z. , Benetatos Ch. , Theodulidis N. , Savvaidis A. , Panou A. , Tziavos I. N. , Savvaidis P. , Hatzigogos Th. , Koutoupes S. , Karantonis G.
Published: July 2018

In the framework of the "SEISIMPACT-THES" project (Koutoupes et al., 2004; Savvaidis et al., 2004) a GIS database has been designed to include information on a wide range of components related to seismic risk within the broader area of the prefecture of Thessaloniki. One of these components refers to the distribution of strong ground motion produced by large earthquakes and the ability of a potential future user of the database to retrieve information regarding the distribution of strong ground motion from past destructive earthquakes in the area of Thessaloniki, as well as relative information for realistic future scenario earthquakes in the same area. The selection of future scenario earthquakes that may affect this urban region of interest is based on a combined review of historical data, previous probabilistic and deterministic hazard assessments, seismotectonic and microseismicity studies, relocated seismicity in northern Greece and the experience gained from worldwide research. In this study we present the results from hypothetical rupture of one fault that is located at the suburbs of the city, the Asvestochori fault. Empirical relations applicable to Greece (Papazachos & Papazachou 2003), as well as seismicity information are combined to determine the dimensions of the scenario earthquake source. Strong ground motion for the selected scenario is simulated using the stochastic method for finite faults (Beresnev and Atkinson, 1997). Uncertainties due to unknown parameters such as the rupture initiation point and the distribution of slip on the fault plane are taken into account by examining a large number of random scenarios. The average values from these multiple scenarios are then used to compile maps of strong ground motion parameters (e.g. peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration). Although the examined scenario earthquake is moderate in size (Mw 5.2), the level of the resulting strong ground motion parameters is indicative of the potential destructiveness of the examined source. Due to the simplicity in the underlying assumptions of the stochastic method, the results of this study are a first-order approximation to the problem of defining expected shaking in the wider area of Thessaloniki. Other strong motion simulation methods of more deterministic character will also be applied for the same purpose in the framework of the SEISIMPACT-THES project.
PROPERTIES OF FORESHOCKS AND AFTERSHOCKS IN THE AREA OF GREECE
Authors: Kourouzidis M. C. , Karakaisis G. F. , Papazachos B. C. , Makropoulos C.
Published: July 2018

The results of the study of seismic sequences of all the mainshocks with M>5.6 during 1911-1965 and M>5.0 during 1966-1985 which occurred in the Aegean and surrounding area are presented. As regards the foreshocks, two relations have been proposed that can be used to determine (1) the probability that at least one foreshock, with magnitude Mf or larger, will precede a strong (M>6.0) earthquake, and (2) the probability for the largest foreshock to occur during t days before the mainshock. It was also found that the rate of foreshock occurrence, N(TS), increases as the time of the mainshock approaches and is described by a power-law function. The time and magnitude distribution of several foreshock sequences were also studied. The study of aftershock sequences concerned properties of their largest aftershock, the dependence of the duration and number of the aftershocks on the magnitude of the mainshock and the time and magnitude distribution of several aftershock sequences. The conclusion is that the study of a seismic excitation which is based on continuous monitoring and fast determination of the basic focal parameters of the earthquakes can contribute to clarify whether this activity evolves normally or not.
THE CRITICAL EARTHQUAKE MODEL: OBSERVATIONS IN CRITICAL AREAS OF THE BROADER AEGEAN AREA
Authors: Kourouzidis M. C. , Karakaisis G. F. , Papazachos B. C. , Makropoulos C.
Published: July 2018

The time variation of the cumulative Benioff strain, S, in several critical regions of past mainshocks which occurred in Greece and surrounding area has been examined, in an attempt to check the validity of the critical point concept. For this reason, data concerning the critical regions of twelve strong mainshocks, which have recently been defined by other scientists, have been used and intermediate-sized earthquakes which occurred before and after each mainshock were collected. It was found that the cumulative seismic crustal deformation released by these intermediate magnitude events was accelerating before all the mainshocks considered, whereas the deformation release rate during the respective postshock periods was, in general, lower than the preshock ones
GLOBAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SEISMIC FAULT PARAMETERS AND MOMENT MAGNITUDE OF EARTHQUAKES
Authors: Papazachos B. C. , Scordilis E. M. , Panagiotopoulos D. G. , Papazachos C. B. , Karakaisis G. F.
Published: July 2018

The most reliable of the globally available relative data have been used to derive empirical formulas which relate the subsurface fault length, L, the fault area, S, and fault width, w, with the moment magnitude, M. Separate such formulas have been derived for earthquakes generated by strike-slip faulting, by dip-slip faulting in continental regions and by dip-slip faulting in lithospheric subduction regions. The formula which relates the fault area with the magnitude is combined with the definition formulas of seismic moment and moment magnitude to derive also relations between the fault slip, u, and the moment magnitude for each of the three seismotectonic regimes. For a certain magnitude, the fault length is larger for strike-slip faults than for dip-slip faults, while the fault width is small for strike-slip faults, larger for dip-slip faults in continental regions and much larger for dip-slip faults in regions of lithospheric subduction. For a certain magnitude, fault slip is about the same for strike-slip faults and dip-slip faults in continental regions and smaller for dip-slip faults in regions of lithospheric subduction.
DECELERATING PRESHOCK SEISMIC DEFORMATION IN FAULT REGIONS DURING CRITICAL PERIODS
Authors: Papazachos C. , Scordilis E. , Karakaisis G. , Papazachos B.
Published: July 2018

We examine the behavior of the intermediate magnitude preshock activity in the fault region of a mainshock during the critical period, that is, in the period when accelerating seismic activity is observed in a broader region (critical region). For this purpose, data concerning 10 recent strong mainshocks (M=6.6-8.3) occurred since 1981 in Greece, Anatolia, Japan and California are used. It is observed that during the critical preshock period, decelerating seismic crustal deformation (Benioff strain) is observed in the fault region (within the fault zone and its close vicinity), whereas accelerating deformation is observed in the broader (critical) region. The dimension of the fault region where decelerating deformation is observed scales positively with the mainshock magnitude and negatively with the mean seismicity rate of this region. The duration of this decelerating deformation scales also negatively with the mean seismicity rate. The physical explanation and importance of these results for earthquake prediction are discussed
GEOSCIENCES IN THE CURICULLA AND STUDENTS BOOKS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION
Authors: Φέρμελη Γ. , Μαρκοπούλου-Διακαντώνη Α.
Published: July 2018

Geology does not exist, from 1997, as an independent discipline in greek secondary education. Geological subjects included in curriculum of "Geology-Geography" lesson in 1s t and 2n d grades of Junior High School as well geological issues included in optional lessons in 2n d grade of Lyceum "Issues of Environmental studies" and "Natural resources management". There are three ways to introduce geosciences in Greek educational system: a)Through "Geology- geography" lesson and cross-thematic projects that suggested from cross-thematic curriculum and «Flexible zone» in Junior High School, b)Through optional lessons in 2n d grade of Lyceum "Issues of Environmental studies" and "Natural resources management", and c)Through Environmental education projects in Junior High School and Lyceum.
HYDRAULIC AND STATISTICAL GRAIN-SIZE PARAMETERS OF PINDOS TURBIDITE DEPOSITS
Authors: Ananiadis G. , Vakalas I. , Kontopoulos N. , Zelilidis A.
Published: July 2018

Final closure of the Pindos ocean, resulted in collision of Apulia with Pelagonian microplates, produced voluminous clastic sediments that flowed southwards as turbidity currents in the form of submarine fans, giving rise to Pindos flysch during early Tertiary. Samples coming from thinbedded sandstones were collected from five cross-sections throughout Pindos flysch in order to determine the characteristics of the turbidity current between different areas. The hydraulic and grainsize statistical parameters showed that low energy turbidity currents deposited the analyzed sediments. Almost all samples show a positive skewness due to the competency of the unidirectional flow of the transporting media, where the coarse end of the size frequency curve is "chopped off'. The kurtosis values in combination with the sorting values are plotted to the turbidity filed. A correlation between the mean palaeoflow velocity and the grain size showed that the mean palaeoflow velocities related to sandy silt samples whereas the higher velocities with sandy samples.
PLEISTOCENE MARINE DEPOSITS OF THE AIGIALIA REGION (N. PELOPONNESUS)
Authors: Τρίκολας Κ. , Κοσκερίδου Ε. , Τσουρού Θ. , Ντρίνια Χ. , Αλεξούλη-Λειβαδίτη Α.
Published: July 2018

In Aigialia, and in the region of Aigion, after geological mapping, marine deposits of small extent and 3 to 60 m thick were found in altitudes by 30-820 m. These deposits are mainly composed of conglomeratic beds and sands and constitute remnants of marine terraces. In the marine deposits, fossils indicative of a coastal marine environment and age to Pleistocene, were found. The location and the altitude of the marine deposits have direct relation with the neotectonics of normal faults, the altitude of which exceeds 600 m. Based on the stratigraphy and the tectonics of the region, the age of the marine sediments is attributed to the Middle-Late Pleistocene.
IDENTIFICATION AND MONITORING OF FRESH WATER OUTFLOWS IN COASTAL AREAS: PILOT STUDY ON PSAHNA AREA / EVIA ISLAND - GREECE
Authors: Stefouli M. , Tsombos P.
Published: July 2018

Earth systems are interrelated in complex ways, which are inadequately understood. An improved understanding of these systems is necessary in order to develop effective policies for hydrologie management. Furthermore, the results should be communicated to decision-makers. The aim of the work has been to evaluate the applicability of the use of digital multi-temporal Landsat 5 / 7 images and aerial photography, for the mapping of local scale fresh water outflows, geological features and monitoring changes of the water outflows in coastal areas. "Psahna" map sheet (HAGS, 1977) in the Central part of Evia island in Greece has been used as pilot project area of study. Processing techniques have been applied for the: • Application of integrated image processing / GIS vector data techniques. • Image integration and creation of data fusion image products. • Automatic raster to vector conversion techniques, for the identification of the areal extent of changes in conditions of the water outflows through time and final map updating. The contribution of the remotely sensed data to the geologic / géomorphologie mapping and identification of changes of fresh water outflow through time is indicated with the processed satellite imagery for the pilot project area. Generally, the use of the remotely sensed images in map updating lies in the fact, that various hydrologie and geologic features can be mapped quickly for large areas while any temporal changes can be identified and evaluated. The satellite data seem to be a cost-effective solution for the map updating procedure. The cost to processing functions is well justifiable to a geologic / hydro-geologic-hydrologic map updating procedure. The system provides monitoring and feedback at appropriate spatial scales, using high resolution satellite remote sensing data and state of the art GIS techniques.
RECORDING OF THE CHANGES OF THE NATURAL GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT USING MAPS OF DIFFERENT ISSUE DATE. AN EXAMPLE FROM THE COASTAL ZONE OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN ATTICA
Authors: Βερυκίου-Παπασπυριδάκου Ε. , Σκυλοδήμου Χ. , Μπαθρέλλος Γ.
Published: July 2018

This paper deals with the recording of the changes of the natural géomorphologie environment of the southwestern coastal zone of Attica through the comparison of two different series of maps. The first series is dated from 1882 until 1887 and the second is a recent one by the Geographic Military Service (GMS). Thirteen different regions were studied in total. When studying and comparing the regions on the maps along with the on site research, we observed that the natural geographical features of the coastal zone have been altered via the human interference. To be more specific, the coastal dunes have almost vanished and the old lagoons have been dried or banked up. Finally, the surface covered by the coastal dunes and the lagoons was also measured. It is remarkable to add that the whole region is characterized by intense filling up, artificial expansion of the land against the sea, dense construction of buildings, important tourist development, changes of the land use, public works, riverbed management and disappearance of the past flora and the forestry areas.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY PROBLEMS OF THE COASTAL ZONE AROUND ANCIENT ABDERA, XANTHI, N. GREECE.
Authors: Δελημάνη Π. , Ξειδάκης Γ.
Published: July 2018

The main engineering geology problems of the coastal zone around Ancient Abdera together with their causes are examined in this paper. The area studied extends from the coastal settlement of Mirodatc» up to the coastal settlement of Mandra, Xanhti prefecture, N. Greece. A geomorphology classification of coasts of the area is presented and maps of the ground inclination and geotechnical zone are constructed. The main geotechnical problems of the area appear to be: inundation of much of the area during winter period; foundation settlement; shallow water table; pollution of the groundwater and arbitrary construction in environmentally protected zones. The area of study gets special interest due to its continues human habitation since the 8 th B.C. century. As it has come but from archaeological and sentimentology studies, the Abdera bay has suffered (long shore bar) and land (torrents, load) results in quick filling in the ancient harbors, making them in navigable and forcing the habitants to more their harborworks further south to deeper sea water.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF AN HYDROGRAPHIC NETWORK TO THE INVESTIGATION OF THE NEOTECTONIC ACTIVITY: AN APPLICATION TO THE UPPER ACHELOOS RIVER.
Authors: Lykoudi E. , Angelaki M.
Published: July 2018

In this paper the relationship between the morphometric parameters of a drainage system and the neotectonic activity is investigated. The hydrographie network of the Upper Acheloos River was chosen as the study area. The whole network and especially its western-southwestern part appears to be in the rejuvenated stage of evolution, as it is concluded by the analysis of the parameters, associated with the shape and slope of the basins, and the slope of the respective streams. Furthermore, the shape of the drainage network and the structure of the basins suggest that not only the Alpine orogenesis but also the neotectonic activity controls the morphogenetic processes in the area
A Unified Constructive Algorithm For Second- Order Curves’ Foci Creation
Authors: Волошинов Д. , Voloshinov Denis
Published: July 2018

While using conventional tools for solving geometric problems, it is difficult to obtain and analyze results where imaginary geometric images appear. Despite the recognition of legitimacy and scientific value of imaginary solutions presenting in geometric constructions, the question on such solutions’ appropriateness and practical feasibility remains no completely clear up till now. That’s why, for most practitioners imaginary solutions are presented as something unattainable or unimportant. However, the introduction of imaginary geometric images into the practice of geometric modeling makes it possible to obtain solutions in an exhaustiveness, to develop unified algorithms for solving problems that were usually presented as either not solvable or reduced to solutions in partial settings. The use of computer technologies and the paradigm of constructive geometric modeling allow eliminate this problem’s acuteness, and direct efforts both at geometric theory’s improvement and introduction of scientific achievements in this area at the field of practical applications. Automation means for geometric experiment make it possible to find new regularities in seemingly well-known mathematical facts, to come to more general understanding of geometric concepts and images. This paper is devoted to analysis of some geometric schemes and to discussion of arising from it questions related to the theory of second-order curves creation by the methods of constructive synthesis. In the paper it has been demonstrated that the currently used definitions of second-order curves’ center and diameters contradict the principle of conics indistinguishability in projective geometry. The ways for eliminating of these contradictions have been proposed, and a unified algorithm for the second-order curves’ foci creation has been developed based on these ways.
On the Peculiarities of the Constructive Solution For Dandelin Spheres Problem
Authors: Волошинов Д. , Voloshinov Denis
Published: July 2018

This paper is devoted to analysis of Dandelin spheres problem based on the constructive geometric approach. In the paper it has been demonstrated that the traditional approach used to this problem solving leads to obtaining for only a limited set of heterogeneous solutions. Consideration of the problem in the context of plane and space’s projective properties by structural geometry’s methods allows interpret this problem’s results in a new way. In the paper it has been demonstrated that the solved problem has a purely projective nature and can be solved by a unified method, which is impossible to achieve if conduct reasoning and construct proofs only on affine geometry’s positions. The research’s scientific novelty is the discovery and theoretical justification of a new classification feature allowing classify as Dandelin spheres the set of spheres pairs with imaginary tangents to the quadric, as well as pairs of imaginary spheres with a unified principle for constructive interrelation of images, along with real solutions. The work’s practical significance lies in the extension of application areas for geometric modeling’s constructive methods to the solution of problems, in the impro vement of geometric theory, in the development of system for geometric modeling Simplex’s functional capabilities for tasks of objects and processes design automation. The algorithms presented in the paper demonstrate the deep projective nature and interrelation of such problems as Apollonius circles and spheres one, Dandelin spheres one and others, as well as lay the groundwork for researches in the direction of these problems’ multidimensional interpretations. The problem solution can be useful for second-order curves’ blending function realization by means of circles with a view to improve the tools of CAD-systems’ design automation without use of mathematical numerical methods for these purposes.