Rebranding the World with SPHINX

At the conference will be presented the results of a part of the researcher's postdoctoral work, which extends the results of the doctoral dissertation by creating a digital database (SPHINX). This database will function as a website showcasing (projecting) the existing tangible and intangible networks of the landscape so that the user understands and experiences it holistically. The adopted methodology will be prepared and implemented as a pilot in the area of Boeotia. The main purpose is to reconstituting and highlighting the cultural identity of the field of application but also of any other area -various spatial/urban global scale- where the digital system SPHINX will be applied.Crystallizing the above, it becomes clear that the present adopted methodology aims to highlight the cultural identity of an area with a field of research in Boeotia. The landscape, with any cultural production that emerges from it -as an element of its definition- constitutes an anthropological structure (anthropology of space). At the same time the landscape constitutes the expression of its inner meaning through a strong symbolic system.It is worth noting that in support of the author's doctoral dissertation, the seven-member examination committee considered the sphinx system to be innovative. In this article the term innovative will be adopted based on the critique of this committee

Membrane filtration for wastewater treatment applications

An existing physicochemical treatment is tried to be optimized controlling different parameters of sedimentation part and raw materials use. Wastewater from a dye industry is collected and characterised. The first batch is treated using a coagulation-flocculation process to remove large particles remaining in the sludge (primary treatment). The product is completely separated in supernatant solution and sludge. Supernatant is sampling for different flocculants concentration. A new polyelectrolyte (PDADMAC) is tested in terms of alkalinity and the results are compared with current electrolyte (PAC). Supernatant from primary treatment process is fed to ultrafiltration unit (UF) (secondary treatment). The permeate outlet from UF is fed to nanofiltration (NF) where almost all organics and solids are removed. A tertiary treatment refines the water product of nanofiltration membranes using commercial polymeric membranes with embedded aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Before applying the hybrid membranes a full detailed study has been carried out in terms of CNTs embedment, water and wastewater flux permeability and SEM microscopy. Polymeric membranes embedded with CNTs have been made in the laboratory with spin coating method and by ultrafiltration unit size exclusion is tested using PEGs solutions

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Continuum of Care in European Union Countries in 2013: Data and Challenges.

BACKGROUND.: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has set a "90-90-90" target to curb the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic by 2020, but methods used to assess whether countries have reached this target are not standardized, hindering comparisons. METHODS.: Through a collaboration formed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) with European HIV cohorts and surveillance agencies, we constructed a standardized, 4-stage continuum of HIV care for 11 European Union countries for 2013. Stages were defined as (1) number of people living with HIV in the country by end of 2013; (2) proportion of stage 1 ever diagnosed; (3) proportion of stage 2 that ever initiated ART; and (4) proportion of stage 3 who became virally suppressed (≤200 copies/mL). Case surveillance data were used primarily to derive stages 1 (using back-calculation models) and 2, and cohort data for stages 3 and 4. RESULTS.: In 2013, 674500 people in the 11 countries were estimated to be living with HIV, ranging from 5500 to 153400 in each country. Overall HIV prevalence was 0.22% (range, 0.09%-0.36%). Overall proportions of each previous stage were 84% diagnosed, 84% on ART, and 85% virally suppressed (60% of people living with HIV). Two countries achieved ≥90% for all stages, and more than half had reached ≥90% for at least 1 stage. CONCLUSIONS.: European Union countries are nearing the 90-90-90 target. Reducing the proportion undiagnosed remains the greatest barrier to achieving this target, suggesting that further efforts are needed to improve HIV testing rates. Standardizing methods to derive comparable continuums of care remains a challenge

Trends in HIV surveillance data in the EU/EEA, 2005 to 2014: New HIV diagnoses still increasing in men who have sex with men

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission remains significant in Europe. Rates of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have declined, but not in all countries. New HIV diagnoses have increased among native and foreign-born men who have sex with men. Median CD4+T-cell count at diagnosis has increased, but not in all groups, and late diagnosis remains common. HIV infection and AIDS can be eliminated in Europe with resolute prevention measures, early diagnosis and access to effective treatment

Gamification Design Framework Based on SDT for Student Motivation

Gamification is a new technique in instructional design that gains more and more attention in the elearning field. The implementation of gamification systems varies on different fields, such as sales, web design, marketing, education etc. There are many examples of applied gamification, such as international companies that use game elements in their applications in order to increase the users' motivation through a gamified process. In this paper we outline the design of a gamified scenario with the use of structural and content gamification to increase student intrinsic motivation based on the Self-Determination Theory. Besides, the use of game elements, thus game-design techniques, make the learning process more “fun” and maintain the realistic purpose of its situation. However, the process of increasing motivation has a level of complexity, since rewards and other game elements trigger extrinsic motivation. As such this study investigates students' intrinsic motivation by designing and implementing an eClass through practical usage of gamification based on the core components of Self Determination Theory (SDT), so as to improve student engagement in class. According to the findings the use of gamification in learning and instructional design can improve student motivation. This gamified elearning course can be used as an instructional tool to increase the levels of motivation and achieve all the learning outcomes and goals with the higher success rate in online education. Further research is required to confirm these theoretical findings

Cultural identity and landscape correlations: the example of Boeotia

In the context of the present thesis the author attempts to develop an innovative system for managing the material and immaterial cultural resources of a geographic region. This system aims to showcase and promote the cultural identity of a region. The thesis focused on the area of Boeotia which is located at the centre of the Greek land and constitutes an eternal crossroads of peoples and cultures, a never ending workshop of myths, legends and traditions. Additionally, it consists the meeting place between gods and heroes, a central point of interest for the Greek mythology and history and the birthplace of great events which marked the –western- world. The investigation of a location reveals its multilevel structure and composition, namely the three levels of its existence –physical, emotional, spiritual-. In parallel, by analising the landscape you come across the outcome of the overall and collective perception of a location’s physiognomy. Besides, the location as an entity with unique characteristics possesses Myth and Logic. Therefore, it becomes clear that the process of perceiving and the landscape’s appreciation consitutes a rather complex exercise. This is true because this is not just a quantitative exercise but a combination of the material elements, the collective phycological and ideological resources and their interrelations (network). The map as a tool and process of mapping were used for the development of the innovative SPHINX system. Twenty two (22) sets of maps (100 maps) were produced –where the numerous attributes of a location are illustrated- which function as forms’ condensers (thickenings, dilutions, vibrations). The SPHINX syxtem is mainly based on superimposing one –or more- maps on top of another one –or more- and consitutes a continuous search of landscapes (networks of events, incidents, continuously changing, multiple grids and communications (of every type), interconnections). These landscapes, as dynamic and timeless fields of cultural insription and manifestation, seek their deepening and reading within the sphere of meanings and symbols. The process of compiling maps can bring up, through the projected concept of palimpsest, the continously vibrating images of the –boeotic- landscape through the complexes of multilayered dynamic topological systems and networks inscribed on holographic surfaces. In this way the –ultimate- past will function as a condensed sprout of information, which emerges as curvature of the timespace into to future. This thesis aims to showcase the potential of the reading-diagnosis, of the organisation and of the enhancement of a region’s cultural identity but mainly to showcase and promote an area of universal uniqueness, such as Boeotia, which includes cultural attributes unparallel on a global scale, while projecting a cultural, political and financial vision. The aforementioned aim can be achieved by making use of the SPHINX system, which will consist a growth driver for the development of a holistic financial programme, foundation of a modern multifaceted plan, targeting the financial structure and development of Boeotia as well as other areas (whatever its scale), aiming to provide a perpetual prosperity. Therefore, the present research will function as a stepping stone for future researches, for the support and development of the project itsself and for other relevant research projects. In conclusion, the author –through the thesis- attemps to encourage, to ask questions, to guide, to influence the individual in order for them to understand that the values, the way of life and the social structure should be defined by them (the human being), with the aim to elevate themselves to the transcendence where they will be accompanied by the eternal cosmogonic archetypes. Therefore, is it evident that the present thesis showcases the continuous and timeless insription of the human footprint on the spacetime as the manifestation of the spirit of the location (Genius Locci).Εξετάζοντας κανείς τον τόπο αντιλαμβάνεται την πολυεπίπεδη δομή και σύνθεσή του, δηλαδή τα τρία επίπεδα ύπαρξής του (πραγματικό, συναισθηματικό, πνευματικό), ενώ αναλύοντας το τοπίο έρχεται αντιμέτωπος με το αποτέλεσμα της συνολικής και συλλογικής αντίληψης της φυσιογνωμίας ενός τόπου. Ο τόπος, άλλωστε, ως οντότητα με ιδιάζοντα χαρακτηριστικά, έχει Μύθο και Λόγο. Επομένως, γίνεται σαφές ότι η διαδικασία αντίληψης και η εκτίμηση του τοπίου συνιστά ένα φαινόμενο ιδιαιτέρως πολύπλοκο, καθόσον δεν εμπεριέχονται μόνον ποσοτικά μεγέθη αλλά ο συνδυασμός των υλικών αποθεμάτων, του συλλογικού ψυχικού και ιδεολογικού δυναμικού καθώς και των μεταξύ τους σχέσεων (δίκτυο). Προκειμένου για τη δημιουργία του καινοτόμου συστήματος SPHINX επιλέχθηκε το εργαλείο του χάρτη κι η διαδικασία της χαρτογράφησης. Ειδικότερα, κατασκευάστηκαν είκοσι δύο (22) οικογένειες χαρτών (100 χάρτες) -όπου απεικονίζονται οι πολυάριθμες ποιότητες του τόπου- οι οποίοι λειτουργούν ως πυκνωτές μορφωμάτων (πυκνώσεις, αραιώσεις, δονήσεις). Το σύστημα SPHINX στηρίζεται κυρίως στην εφαρμογή ενός –ή περισσοτέρων- χάρτη επάνω σ’έναν άλλο –ή και περισσότερους- και συνιστά μια συνεχή αναζήτηση τοπίων (δίκτυα γεγονότων, συμβάντων, διαρκώς μεταβαλλόμενων, πολλαπλών πλεγμάτων και επικοινωνιών (κάθε είδους), διασυνδέσεων). Τα τοπία αυτά, ως δυναμικά και διαχρονικά πεδία εγγραφής και έκφανσης του πολιτισμού, αναζητούν την εμβάθυνση και ανάγνωσή τους στη σφαίρα των σημασιών και των συμβόλων. Η διαδικασία της σύνθεσης χαρτών δύναται να αναδείξει, μέσω της προβαλλόμενης έννοιας του παλίμψηστου, τις συνεχώς παλλόμενες εικόνες του –βοιωτικού- τοπίου μέσω των συμπλεγμάτων πολυεπίπεδων τοπολογικών δυναμικών συστημάτων και δικτύων εγγεγραμμένων σε ολογραφικές επιφάνειες. Με τον τρόπο αυτό το –απώτατο- παρελθόν θα λειτουργεί ως συμπυκνωμένη φύτρα πληροφοριών, που ξεπροβάλλει ως κύρτωση του χωροχρόνου στο μέλλον. Πρόθεση της διατριβής είναι η ανάδειξη της δυνατότητας της ανάγνωσης-διάγνωσης, της οργάνωσης και της ενίσχυσης της πολιτισμικής ταυτότητας μιας περιοχής αλλά κυρίως η ανάδειξη και η προώθηση μιας περιοχής παγκόσμιας μοναδικότητας, όπως η Βοιωτία, που εμπεριέχει πολιτιστικά στοιχεία μη συγκρίσιμα σε παγκόσμια κλίμακα, προβάλλοντας ταυτόχρονα ένα πολιτιστικό, πολιτικό και οικονομικό όραμα. Η προαναφερθείσα ανάδειξη δύναται να επιτευχθεί με την εφαρμογή του συστήματος SPHINX, το οποίο θα αποτελέσει μοχλό ανάπτυξης για την κατάρτιση ενός ολοκληρωμένου οικονομικού προγράμματος, βάση ενός σύγχρονου πολυμερούς σχεδιασμού, με σκοπό την οικονομική δομή κι ανάπτυξη τόσο της Βοιωτίας όσο και της εκάστοτε περιοχής (οποιασδήποτε κλίμακας), με σκοπό την ευημερία της στο διηνεκές. Επομένως, η έρευνα αυτή θα λειτουργήσει ως εφαλτήριο τόσο για νέες έρευνες τόσο για την υποστήριξη κι εξέλιξη του ίδιου του πονήματος όσο και για άλλα παρεμφερή ερευνητικά προγράμματα. Καταλήγοντας, μέσω της εκπόνησης της διατριβής η γράφουσα επιχειρεί να ενθαρρύνει, να προβληματίσει, να καθοδηγήσει, να επηρεάσει τον άνθρωπο προκειμένου να συλλογιστεί ότι οι αξίες, ο τρόπος ζωής κι η οργάνωση της κοινωνίας θα πρέπει να ορίζονται από τον ίδιο (τον άνθρωπο), με σκοπό την ατομική του ανύψωση στο υπερβατικό επίπεδο, όπου θα βρίσκεται πλαισιωμένος από τα αιώνια κοσμογονικά αρχέτυπα. Επομένως, γίνεται αντιληπτό ότι μέσω της διδακτορικής διατριβής αναδύεται η διαρκής και διαχρονική διαδικασία εγγραφής του ανθρωπογενούς αποτυπώματος στο χωροχρονικό συνεχές ως η έκφραση και το πνεύμα του τόπου (Genius Locci)

Assessment of HIV Prevalence and Sexual Behaviours Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Cyprus, 2011–2012

Background : Men who have sex with men (MSM) comprise the most vulnerable group for HIV infection. Aim of this study was the estimation (1) of HIV prevalence and (2) sexual behaviours among MSM in Cyprus. Sample and Methods time location sampling has been used to recruit a representative sample of MSM in Cyprus during January 2011 to January 2012. Self completed questionnaires and Orasure oral fluid collection kits were distributed to men who were frequented in gay venues. Ethical approval was obtained by the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee.Results 200 MSM participated in the study. The response rate was quite high (89%). HIV prevalence was 2.5%. The mean age was 29 ± 6.6 years old while 74.9% of MSM identified themselves as gay. The prevalence of last unprotected anal intercourse was 30% while the last unprotected oral sex was 87.7%. The percentage of the participants who reported they have used alcohol and cocaine before or during the last sexual contact were around 60% and 10% respectively. One out of three has not been tested for HIV the last 12 months neither they know where they can get tested for HIV. Concerning HIV transmission modes knowledge, 22% of MSM answered correctly in the 5 questions, according to UNGASS guidance. In the univariate analysis, cocaine use, education level and type of sexual partner were independently associated with the unprotected anal intercourse.Conclusion The prevalence of HIV infection in MSM in Cyprus remains stable at low levels similar to other Central European countries. The high response rate indicates the broad acceptance of such studies. Knowledge awareness campaigns should be implemented regarding the transmission modes and risky sexual behaviours as well as interventions for the promotion of HIV testing

Secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma of sigmoid colon in a patient with multiple myeloma: a case report

Abstract Background Extramedullary plasmacytoma is an uncommon tumor that most often involves the nasopharynx or upper respiratory tract. Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a type of plasma cell neoplasm that can present as a primary tumor or secondary to another plasma cell neoplasm, such as multiple myeloma. Secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma is usually noted in the advanced stages of the disease. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract occurs in approximately 10% of cases. Case presentation A 71-year-old Caucasian woman with known diverticular disease of the colon and multiple myeloma diagnosed 3 years previously, with monoclonal bands of immunoglobulin A, lambda light chains, and multiple osteolytic lesions, presented to our hospital with abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, and pneumoperitoneum. She underwent left colectomy for diverticulitis with perforation, and an extramedullary secondary colonic plasmacytoma was found in histopathological examination of the sigmoid colon. Conclusions Plasmacytoma is known to occur in extraosseous sites. The stomach and small intestine are the most commonly involved sites in the gastrointestinal tract. Secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the colon is rare. Colonic plasmacytoma may have varying clinical presentations, such as inflammatory bowel disease and multiple colonic strictures. Although these cases are rare, treating physicians as well as radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons should be aware of this entity