Search Results (12)

The critically endangered fan mussel Pinna nobilis is under strict protection in the Mediterranean waters and exhibited a documented fishing history in Greece dating back to 19th and early of 20th centuries. The present study examined historical documentary evidence from Greek archives, technical reports, and oral testimonies to reconstruct traditional fishing methods and their ecological implications. Historical records revealed the widespread use of specialized fishing tools called “pinologos”, a Y-shaped iron attached to a wooden poles, deployed primarily in shallow waters (2–7 m depth) across various Greek coastal regions in the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Two types of fishing gear existed, a simple Y-shaped tong and a scissor-type gear, both designed to encircle and extract individual fan mussels, through quarter-turn rotation. Fishers selectively targeted only large, established individuals of fan mussel, as small specimens with thin shells were unsuitable for this method. Historical fishing pressure on the species was spatially and size-limited, unlike current basin-wide mortality events. These findings demonstrate that structured populations persisted even under traditional exploitation, suggesting potential for recovery if contemporary threats are mitigated. Management strategies should reference historical population structures as restoration targets. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients’ reports on their satisfaction with the care received often have been seen as a key quality indicator of hospital performance. However, the potential effect of different approaches to its measurement has not been adequately assessed in the health care setting. This study therefore aimed to methodologically compare two different response formats in patient satisfaction questionnaires—Likert scales and Item-Specific Response Options (ISRO)—within a Greek public hospital context. The aim was to comparatively explore resulting item- and scale-level score values, ceiling effects, acquiescence bias, and psychometric properties, including reliability and validity. Methods: An overall sample of 400 hospitalized patients at a National Health Service general university hospital was randomly assigned to two groups during February–March 2025. One group completed a Likert-scale questionnaire and the other a questionnaire, with the same content, that employed an ISRO format instead. The questionnaire items covered two aspects of the hospital experience, these being the satisfaction with doctors/nurses as well as the organization and planning of care. Statistical analysis involved Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests for normality, descriptive statistics, chi-square and Fisher’s exact test, t-tests, Mann–Whitney tests, ceiling effects, regressions, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), with measures of composite reliability and average variance extracted and model fit indices. Results: Our analysis identified differences in the distributions of patient responses for many items, including variations in median values and the proportion of positive answers. ISRO items tended to produce higher ratings for nursing care and overall satisfaction, whereas Likert items yielded higher scores in organizational aspects. However, the magnitude of these differences was generally small. Regression analysis, adjusting for length of stay, confirmed statistically significant but modest differences in scale scores between formats. Neither format was superior in terms of ceiling effects, whereas no consistent evidence of acquiescence bias was found. Psychometric testing showed that Likert scales had somewhat higher internal consistency reliability and convergent validity, while ISRO exhibited a better model fit in CFA. Conclusions: The item response format seems to affect reported satisfaction scores, yet the impact is rather limited in practical terms for decision-making. Since neither format is consistently superior, the choice between them should depend on study aims, respondent burden, and the intended use of satisfaction scores by policy makers. Moreover, concerns about acquiescence bias may have been overstated in the health care context. Future research should extend these comparisons with other instruments and larger and more diverse samples, as well as employ complementary methods to clarify how response format affects patient satisfaction measurement. Full article

The spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Mediterranean poses complex challenges for coastal fisheries, yet the perceptions and adaptive responses of small-scale fishers remain poorly understood. This study surveyed 70 professional fishers across Greek insular and mainland ports to assess fishers’ local ecological knowledge, awareness, and operational strategies related to eleven established marine NIS. Semi-structured interviews recorded demographic and effort profiles, recognition rates, perceived environmental and economic impacts, catch frequencies, gear damage, injury incidents, and behavioral changes. Fishers in the study area demonstrated high overall awareness (~95%), but variable recognition of less familiar taxa (e.g., bigfin reef squid, squirrelfish). Venomous and gear-damaging species (pufferfish, lionfish, rabbitfish) were predominantly viewed negatively, with significant reported gear losses (EUR 600–1345 yr⁻¹) and avoidance of high-incidence areas (25–30% of respondents). Conversely, commercially valuable NIS received more positive appraisals and are increasingly targeted. Spatial heterogeneity in perceptions and adaptations underscores the need for regionally tailored management that integrates fishers’ knowledge, promotes safe handling and selective exploitation of marketable NIS, and supports adaptive governance to mitigate ecological risks while enhancing socioeconomic resilience. Full article

Background: Claustrophobia is defined as the fear of enclosed spaces, and it is a rather common specific phobia. Although the Claustrophobia Questionnaire (CLQ) is a valid questionnaire to measure claustrophobia, there have been no studies validating this tool in Greek. Thus, our aim was to translate and validate the CLQ in Greek. Methods: We applied the forward–backward translation method to translate the English CLQ into Greek. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the two-factor model of the CLQ. We examined the convergent and divergent validity of the Greek CLQ by using the Fear Survey Schedule-III (FSS-III-CL), the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI-NL-N), and the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We examined the convergent validity of the Greek CLQ by calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the CLQ scores and scores on FSS-III-CL, NEO-FFI-NL-N, STAI-S (state anxiety), and STAI-T (trait anxiety). We examined the divergent validity of the Greek CLQ using the Fisher r-to-z transformation. To further evaluate the discriminant validity of the CLQ, we calculated the average variance extracted (AVE) score and the Composite Reliability (CR) score. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha to assess the reliability of the Greek CLQ. Results: Our CFA confirmed the two-factor model of the CLQ since all the model fit indices were very good. Standardized regression weights between the 26 items of the CLQ and the two factors ranged from 0.559 to 0.854. The convergent validity of the Greek CLQ was very good since it correlated strongly with the FSS-III-CL and moderately with the NEO-FFI-NL-N and the STAI. Additionally, the Greek CLQ correlated more highly with the FSS-III-CL than with the NEO-FFI-NL-N and the STAI, indicating very good divergent validity. The AVE for the suffocation factor was 0.573, while for the restriction factor, it was 0.543, which are both higher than the acceptable value of 0.50. Moreover, the CR score for the suffocation factor was 0.949, while for the restriction factor, it was 0.954. The reliability of the Greek CLQ was excellent since the ICC in test–retest study was 0.986 and the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.956. Conclusions: The Greek version of the CLQ is a reliable and valid tool to measure levels of claustrophobia among individuals. Full article

Human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) is the second most oncogenic high-risk HPV genotype, after HPV16, and is responsible for about 15% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. The integration of high-risk HPV DNA into the host genome leads to the disruption of the E1 and/or E2 genes, which is considered a risk factor for viral-induced carcinogenesis. This study examined the disruption events of HPV18 E1 and E2 genes in precancerous cervical lesions to investigate the rates and sites of gene disruption in the Greek population. The complete E1 and E2 genes were amplified using three and four overlapping primer sets, respectively. Extensive analysis revealed that the disruption/deletion events of the E1 and E2 genes were detected in all grades of cytology-determined lesions, with high frequency. E2 gene disruption was significantly related to LSIL+ cases (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.022). No significant association was found in the analysis of the E1 gene. Additionally, no preferential sites of E1/E2 gene disruption were detected. This is the first study to provide evidence of disruption events of the HPV18 E1 gene. The data from the current analysis suggest that disruption of the E2 gene could be a significant marker for the progression of cytology-determined cervical dysplasia. However, future studies are required to evaluate whether different geographic populations have particular profiles regarding the rates and sites of gene disruption to further determine population-specific biomarkers. Full article

The assessment of the economic impacts of marine invasive species is fundamental for adopting mitigation measures, yet such impacts have been underreported in the Mediterranean Sea. The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) is a toxic pufferfish that since its introduction has seriously disturbed small-scale fisheries along the eastern Mediterranean coast. This species depredates on fishing gears, causing damage to nets, longlines and commercial catches. To quantify its economic impact on small-scale fisheries, we interviewed 141 fishers from Crete (Cretan and Libyan Sea) and the Ionian Sea (Greece) during May 2020–December 2022. The mean annual economic cost resulting from L. sceleratus depredation was estimated at EUR 6315 ± 2620 per vessel in Crete and EUR 258 ± 120 in the Ionian Sea. Additionally, observer surveys carried out on board small-scale fishing vessels in Crete showed that depredation probability was significantly influenced by fishing depth, sea surface temperature, gear type (nets, longlines) and region (Cretan, Libyan Sea). L. sceleratus was caught more frequently and in higher numbers in the Libyan Sea. In response to depredation, fishers in Crete have altered their fishing tactics in terms of fishing in deeper waters, reducing fishing time and changing the technical characteristics of fishing gears. Our results underscore the adverse impacts of L. sceleratus on Greek small-scale fishers, emphasizing the need for region-specific management plans where the species establishes large populations. Full article

Fishing contributes significantly to food security and offers employment and income to many coastal communities worldwide. On the other hand, it has been recognized as a dangerous and demanding activity that involves high economic risk and uncertainty as well as outdoor work and interactions with nature, which makes fishing more of a way of life rather than just a way to make a living. Non-monetary attributes of fishing have been reported to affect fishers’ decision-making and management and can explain the resilience and sustainability of the sector, even in difficult economic circumstances that hinder profitability. This study uses multivariate statistical analysis to identify profiles of Greek fishers according to their motives and objectives and to link them to the main demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Overall, five fisher profiles are identified, including “profit maximizers”, “business-oriented” and “subsistence” fishers. Our analysis indicates that all fishers value the non-monetary attributes of the activity higher than monetary values like profit, though large-scale fishers seem to be more business-oriented than small-scale fishers. The identification and understanding of the objective profiles provide useful insights to researchers, advisors and policymakers regarding fishers’ decision-making and can ultimately lead to more efficient policy design and fisheries management. Full article

The effect of thermophilic species invasion in the eastern Mediterranean is well-noted in the literature. During the last decade in western Greek waters, small-scale fisheries (SSF) catches exhibit increased relative contribution of rabbitfishes, which have originated from the Red Sea and inhabited the country’s southeastern part since the Second World War. This study has used quantitative and qualitative information to assess the short-term economic effect of the rabbitfishes’ expansion in the SSF métier targeting the indigenous thermophilic parrotfish in the South Ionian Sea. The short-term micro-level negative economic effects of the rabbitfishes’ invasion and the corresponding adverse effects on fishers’ economic wealth have been estimated. The results indicate attitudinal differences among fishers, although their local ecological knowledge may enable them to avoid rabbitfishes’ hot spots and mitigate the respective economic losses, that particularly for smaller SSF vessels already seem to be quite important. As climate warming may further facilitate the expansion of rabbitfishes, outcompeting parrotfish, the latter métier may eventually become economically unsustainable. Fine-scale analysis at the métier level enables addressing the specificities of social-ecological systems and can contribute to informed and more effective decision making related to SSF, which is an important building block of Mediterranean coastal communities. Full article

The genetic diversity of 27 garlic accessions (local varieties/landraces) was investigated using five simple sequence repeat (SSR) and six inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The SSR genotyping revealed 26 different alleles, while 84 polymorphic bands were produced using the ISSR markers. The average polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.471 and 0.465 for the SSR and the ISSR markers, respectively. Compared to ISSRs, SSR markers revealed a higher level of redundancy, indicating potential duplicates among the accessions. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) based on both marker systems showed that most of the molecular diversity was attributable to differences within accessions, rather than among them. UPGMA, STRUCTURE, and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) based on the SSRs produced similar clustering results, although not in agreement with those produced by the ISSR markers. Fisher’s exact tests and multinomial logistic regression analyses identified significant associations between the chemical compounds, the morphological traits of the bulb, and specific SSR and ISSR loci. Our results provide a molecular basis for understanding the genetic diversity of Greek garlic landraces, which could be useful for the conservation and sustainable management of this crop. Potential markers fostering the selection of genotypes in garlic breeding have also been revealed. Full article

Appropriate governance structures are extremely important for fishery-dependent communities in developing integrated territorial development strategies and an adaptive capacity for change, including a climate one. This paper assesses to what extent fishery co-management schemes (e.g., fishery LAGs, being regional/local governance instruments in fishing communities) are strengthening sustainability. The latter includes improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources (RES), coping with the climate crisis, minimizing environmental impacts, and promoting a sustainable blue economy. For detecting the policy aspects of aligning climate neutrality and a sustainable blue economy, the research lens focuses on the Greek Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), given that these are mostly located in coastal/marine and insular territories with significant blue growth potential. To map and assess their capacity and efficiency in pursuing Green Deal objectives, a co-development process with FLAG managers was put in place. The results and findings of this process reveal the scarcity of sustainability and blue-economy-related strategies. The key conclusion is that a transition to a post-carbon blue economy on a local level requires an understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of fishery co-management schemes. The latter, being multi-sectoral structures, may boost dialogue and cooperation to harmonize local development strategies and EU policies. Maritime spatial planning (MSP), as an evolutionary governance process itself, can be a driver for making FLAGs evolve and strengthen commonization, blue justice, and equity for fishers. Full article

During 2019, Greece conducted a nationwide telephone survey in order to estimate the number of marine recreational fishers (MRF), to identify the main fishing methods, to estimate their effort, economic aspects of their activity and to evaluate certain perceptions of marine recreational fishing. MRF are estimated to be 7.93% of the country’s resident population. Three main fishing methods were identified, fishing from the shore, fishing by boat and spearfishing. It is estimated that Greek MRF carry out approximately 11,461,765 fishing trips/year, their total catch is 9350 t/year and the total yearly expenditure is 132,186,000 Euros. Marine recreational catches constitute one-third of the reported small scale coastal fisheries’ catches, with their main catches belonging to the Sparidae family. The majority of MRFs are aware of the rules and limits associated with their activity, however a significant percentage seems to ignore or deny their existence. The results of the study indicate the social and economic importance of the activity in Greece and clearly demonstrates the need for regular monitoring and field work in order to properly evaluate marine recreational fisheries and sustainably manage both the activity and fisheries resources in the country. Full article

Four advanced tritordeum lines were studied and compared to two commercial varieties of tritordeum and wheat cultivars in yield and quality features, in Greece. For this purpose, a two-year experiment was established in the Greek territory. The field experiment was set up in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with blocks, with different lines and varieties. Head emergence was calculated based on Growing Degree Days (GDDs), which was significantly affected by the year. The significance of differences between treatments was estimated by using Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test with significance level p = 0.05. The weight of 1000 seeds of the two commercial varieties differed from the equivalent weight of 1000 seeds of tritordeum lines, approximately 1 g. Yield was significantly affected by lines/varieties and year. Compared to tritordeum yield, wheat yield marked the highest values. This difference was almost 2 kg ha⁻¹. Gluten content was significantly affected by lines/varieties. The highest gluten content was firstly noticed at wheat GENESIS (34.2%) variety and secondly at tritordeum Aucan (33.2%) variety. Protein was higher in tritordeum lines HT-1704 (15.5%), HT-1707 (15.1%) and Aucan variety (15.2%) during the first experimental year. Tritordeum seems to have significant adaptability to dry conditions in Greece and significant yields compared to the existing commercial varieties and bread wheat. Full article