The Board of Directors in Greek Football Clubs: 2005-2014

Boards pf Directors of the Greek Syper Leagu

Spatial variability and trends of the rain intensity over Greece

In this study, the spatial and temporal variability of the mean annual rain intensity in Greece are examined during a 41-year period (1962–2002). The meteorological datasets concern monthly rain amounts (mm) and the respective monthly durations (h) recorded at thirty two meteorological stations of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, which are uniformly distributed on Greek territory, in order to calculate the mean monthly rain intensity. All the rain time series used in the analysis were tested by the application of the short-cut Bartlett test of homogeneity. The spatial distribution of the mean annual rain intensity is studied using the Kriging interpolation method, while the temporal variability, concerning the mean annual rain intensity trends along with their significance (Mann-Kendall test), is analysed. <br><br> The findings of the analysis show that statistically significant negative trends (95% confidence level) appear mainly in the west sub-regions of Greece, while statistically significant positive trends (95% confidence level) appear in the wider area of Athens and the complex of Cyclades Islands. Further analysis concerning the seasonal rain intensity is needed, because there are different seasonal patterns, taking into account that, convective rain in Greece occurs mainly within the summer season

Heterogeneity in pre-monsoon aerosol types over the Arabian Sea deduced from ship-borne measurements of spectral AODs

Ship-borne sunphotometer measurements obtained in the Arabian Sea (AS) in the pre-monsoon season (18 April–10 May 2006) during a cruise campaign (ICARB) have been used to retrieve the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD; &amp;tau;) and the Ångström wavelength exponent (α). The continents surrounding the AS produce natural and anthropogenic aerosols that have distinctive influences on α and its spectral distribution. The α values were estimated by means of the least-squares method over the spectral bands 340–1020 nm and 340–870 nm. The spectral distribution of AOD in logarithmic co-ordinates could be fit using a 2nd order polynomial with higher accuracy in the wavelength band 340–1020 nm than in the 340–870 nm band. A polynomial fit analytically parameterizes the observed wavelength dependencies of AOD with least errors in spectral variation of α and yields accurate estimates of the coefficients (&lt;i&gt;a&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; and &lt;i&gt;a&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;). The coarse-mode (positive curvature in the ln&amp;tau;&lt;sub&gt;&amp;lambda;&lt;/sub&gt; vs. ln&amp;lambda;) aerosols are mainly depicted in the Northern part of the AS closely associated with the nearby arid areas while fine-mode aerosols are mainly observed over the far and coastal AS regions. In the study period the mean AOD at 500 nm is 0.25&amp;plusmn;0.11 and the α&lt;sub&gt;340-1020&lt;/sub&gt; is 0.90&amp;plusmn;0.19. The α&lt;sub&gt;340-870&lt;/sub&gt; exhibits similar values (0.92&amp;plusmn;0.18), while significant differences revealed for the constant terms of the polynomial fit (&lt;i&gt;a&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; and &lt;i&gt;a&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) proportionally to the wavelength band used for their determination. Observed day-to-day variability in the aerosol load and optical properties are direct consequence of the local winds and air-mass trajectories along with the position of the ship

LANDSLIDE MOVEMENTS RELATED TO PRECIPITATION. ANALYSIS OF A STATISTICAL SAMPLE FROM THE GREEK AREA

It is known that the Greek area the majority of landslides have been triggered by heavy precipitation. This paper examines the statistical properties of precipitation directly related to the landslides in the Greek area. A database was constructed for the period 1980-1988, where for each landslide the daily maximum, the monthly and the annual precipitation totals were recorded. All these data were introduced in a GIS environment. Finally, a statistical analysis was carried out to study the relation between precipitation and landslide movement

Assessing heat-related health risk in Europe via the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)

In this work the potential of the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) as a heat-related health risk indicator in Europe is demonstrated. The UTCI is a bioclimate index that uses a multi-node human heat balance model to represent the heat stress induced by meteorological conditions to the human body. Using 38 years of meteorological reanalysis data, UTCI maps were computed to assess the thermal bioclimate of Europe for the summer season. Patterns of heat stress conditions and non-thermal stress regions are identified across Europe. An increase in heat stress up to 1°C is observed during recent decades. Correlation with mortality data from 17 European countries revealed that the relationship between the UTCI and death counts depends on the bioclimate of the country, and death counts increase in conditions of moderate and strong stress, i.e. when UTCI is above 26°C and 32°C. The UTCI’s ability to represent mortality patterns is demonstrated for the 2003 European heatwave. These findings confirm the importance of UTCI as a bioclimatic index that is able to both capture the thermal bioclimatic variability of Europe, and relate such variability with the effects it has on human health

Gastric conduit reconstruction after esophagectomy with right gastroepiploic artery absence: a case report

Gastric conduit reconstruction is the standard choice after esophagectomy. Conduit’s vascular supply is of primary importance mainly based on right gastroepiploic vessels. A 57-year-old male with absent right gastroepiploic artery, due to a duodenal bleeding ulcer treated with gastroduodenal artery ligation 10 years ago, was treated for gastroesophageal cancer and required esophagectomy. Surgical merits of this troublesome scenario are highlighted. Previous surgical history is highly important for patients requiring complex surgery as esophagectomy. The use of the stomach as conduit after esophagectomy is always the primary option; however vascular supply of it should not be compromised. Variations are rare and careful planning may overcome obstacles as in this case

Identification of the Aerosol Types over Athens, Greece: The Influence of Air-Mass Transport

Aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD550) and fine-mode (FM) fraction data from Terra-MODIS were obtained over the Greater Athens Area covering the period February 2000–December 2005. Based on both AOD550 and FM values three main aerosol types have been discriminated corresponding to urban/industrial aerosols, clean maritime conditions, and coarse-mode, probably desert dust, particles. Five main sectors were identified for the classification of the air-mass trajectories, which were further used in the analysis of the (AOD550 and FM data for the three aerosol types). The HYSPLIT model was used to compute back trajectories at three altitudes to investigate the relation between AOD550-FM and wind sector depending on the altitude. The accumulation of local pollution is favored in spring and corresponds to air masses at lower altitudes originating from Eastern Europe and the Balkan. Clean maritime conditions are rare over Athens, limited in the winter season and associated with air masses from the Western or Northwestern sector. The coarse-mode particles origin seems to be more complicated proportionally to the season. Thus, in summer the Northern sector dominates, while in the other seasons, and especially in spring, the air masses belong to the Southern sector enriched with Saharan dust aerosols

Virtual reality simulation training in laparoscopic suturing and knot-tying: a narrative review

Background and Objective: The evolving domain of surgical training, particularly in laparoscopic suturing, relies on technological advancements. This review explores the complex landscape of virtual reality (VR) simulators, focusing on their role in laparoscopic suturing training. The primary objective is to assess challenges and advancements within laparoscopic suturing methodologies, emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches in VR surgical education. / Methods: A comprehensive literature search on 5 independent databases provided studies and reviews from the last decade. Recent advancements in laparoscopic suturing training were a key focus, with specific attention to haptic feedback challenges in VR simulations, technology integration in education, and evidence-based curriculum for skills development. The review aimed to offer a comprehensive overview of challenges, advancements and gaps in VR laparoscopic suturing training. / Key Content and Findings: VR simulation training emerges as pivotal for laparoscopic suturing skill development. While box trainers have limitations, VR provides immersive experiences, enhancing psychomotor abilities. The importance of trainee involvement, early exposure, and customized training durations is emphasized for effective skill development. This review explores heterogeneity in VR educational tools for laparoscopic suturing, emphasizing the significance of haptic feedback. Some studies show conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of haptic-enhanced VR, demanding further research and cost-benefit analyses. Examples provided highlight the need for evidence-based curriculum in laparoscopic suturing training. / Conclusions: Laparoscopic suturing skills demand innovative training tools. VR simulators prove transformative in simplifying complex information and engaging trainees effectively. While promising, achieving VR’s full potential requires ongoing efforts to refine haptic feedback realism, develop evidencebased curriculum, and comprehensively evaluate effectiveness. The review calls for wider delivery of relevant VR training programs. Ultimately, the goal is safer, more proficient, and patient-friendly minimally invasive surgical procedures through advanced training methodologies

Retroperitoneal Solitary Fibrous Tumor: A “Patternless” Tumor

Introduction. Solitary fibrous tumor is a rare type of mesenchymal, spindle-cell tumor reported mostly in the pleura. Retroperitoneal occurrence is rare and histopathological diagnosis is challenging. Case Presentation. A 55-year-old woman with nonspecific abdominal pain was found to have a retroperitoneal/pelvic mass adjacent to the upper rectum. The patient underwent surgical resection in clear margins of this pelvic tumor, entering the total mesenteric excision surgical plane. Final histopathology revealed a solitary fibrous tumor and the case is presented herein. Discussion. Solitary fibrous tumor in the retroperitoneum is rarely found in the literature and to the best of our knowledge less than a hundred cases are described so far. Histopathological diagnosis is mostly based on a “patternless pattern” on microscopic examination, which is a storiform arrangement of spindle cells combined with a “hemangiopericytoma-like appearance” and increased vascularity of the lesion. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and recurrence rates are generally low