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Summarization: Alternative tourism has gained considerable interest among consumers and enterprises in the tourism sector, creating new opportunities for providing high quality and innovative tourist services, while contributing to sustainable development. The Internet plays a key role as a tool for promoting alternative tourism. Motivated by this, this article presents an original research on the evaluation of the content features of the websites of enterprises involved with alternative tourism services in the region of Chania, Greece. The sample consists of 28 websites evaluated over 11 performance criteria through the ELECTRE III multicriteria method. The websites are ranked in a benchmarking context and the results of the evaluation are used to identify the most successful practices, as well as the website features that require improvements for the enterprises to take advantage of the opportunities that arise in the new era of technological innovation in the tourism sector. Presented on: IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management

Adjuvant therapy; Breast cancer; Olaparib Terapia adyuvante; Cáncer de mama; Olaparib Teràpia adjuvant; Càncer de mama; Olaparib Background The randomized, double-blind OlympiA trial compared 1 year of the oral poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, olaparib, to matching placebo as adjuvant therapy for patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 (gBRCA1/2pv) and high-risk, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, early breast cancer (EBC). The first pre-specified interim analysis (IA) previously demonstrated statistically significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and distant disease-free survival (DDFS). The olaparib group had fewer deaths than the placebo group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance for overall survival (OS). We now report the pre-specified second IA of OS with updates of IDFS, DDFS, and safety. Patients and methods One thousand eight hundred and thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to olaparib or placebo following (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy if indicated. Endocrine therapy was given concurrently with study medication for hormone receptor-positive cancers. Statistical significance for OS at this IA required P < 0.015. Results With a median follow-up of 3.5 years, the second IA of OS demonstrated significant improvement in the olaparib group relative to the placebo group [hazard ratio 0.68; 98.5% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.97; P = 0.009]. Four-year OS was 89.8% in the olaparib group and 86.4% in the placebo group (Δ 3.4%, 95% CI −0.1% to 6.8%). Four-year IDFS for the olaparib group versus placebo group was 82.7% versus 75.4% (Δ 7.3%, 95% CI 3.0% to 11.5%) and 4-year DDFS was 86.5% versus 79.1% (Δ 7.4%, 95% CI 3.6% to 11.3%), respectively. Subset analyses for OS, IDFS, and DDFS demonstrated benefit across major subgroups. No new safety signals were identified including no new cases of acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. Conclusion With 3.5 years of median follow-up, OlympiA demonstrates statistically significant improvement in OS with adjuvant olaparib compared with placebo for gBRCA1/2pv-associated EBC and maintained improvements in the previously reported, statistically significant endpoints of IDFS and DDFS with no new safety signals. Funding for this work, which was conducted as a collaborative partnership among the Breast International Group, NRG Oncology, Frontier Science, AstraZeneca, and Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, U.S.A. (MSD), was provided by the National Institutes of Health (grant numbers: U10CA 180868, UG1CA 189867, and U10CA 180822) and by AstraZeneca as part of an alliance between AstraZeneca and MSD. Provision of olaparib and placebo was from AstraZeneca.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of public health importance, infecting all warm-blooded animals, including chickens. Undercooked chicken meat or relevant products such as sausages could lead to human infections. In free-range, organic and slow-growth farming systems where the susceptibility period for chickens is extended, more knowledge about potential risk factors is essential. This study is the first seroepidemiological survey in different regions and types of chicken farms in Greece, using a major tachyzoite surface antigen-based ELISA (TgSAG1), combined with magnetic-capture PCR (mc-PCR) and bioassay for the isolation of strains from the chickens’ tissues. Potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in these hosts were also investigated. Additionally, the co-existence of T. gondii and Eimeria spp. infections was assessed to elucidate epidemiological links between these two protozoan infections. Overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 9.5%. Of the backyard chickens sampled, 41.2% were seropositive and 70% of the organic and free-range layer farms had at least one T. gondii seropositive hen. No serologically positive broilers were found, although mc-PCR revealed a positive sample, highlighting the importance of accurate early-infection direct detection of T. gondii infections to ensure public health. T. gondii isolates obtained by mouse bioassay were genotyped. All belonged to type II (ToxoDB#3) as confirmed also by microsatellite typing. Production system, type of nutrition, and feeding system automation were identified as the most significant risk factors, while no association was found between the presence of cats and T. gondii seropositivity as calculated on both a farm level and per individual bird sampled.

In April 2020, a coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak was identified among migrants/refugees in Greece. Overall, 155 of 450 hosted migrants and two of 46 employees were infected (attack rates: 34.4% and 4.3%, respectively). The mean age of infected migrants was 24.9 years (3 days-68 years). In addition, 177 community contacts were tested negative. Cases were cohorted in separate rooms from people tested negative. Surfaces were cleaned and disinfected daily. The implementation of measures for the containment of the outbreak was challenging due to language barriers and lack of space for cohorting. At that time, there was no official recommendation to the general population regarding the use of masks or other personal protective equipment. Extensive testing of vulnerable populations and building trust in order to report symptoms and comply with the recommendations are essential.

A systematic study of the influence of the chemical substitution pattern of semiconducting polymers carrying side chain perylene diimide (PDI) groups is presented. Semiconducting polymers based on perflurophenyl quinoline (5FQ) were modified via a readily accessible nucleophilic substitution reaction. The perfluorophenyl group was studied as an electron-withdrawing reactive functionality on semiconducting polymers that can undergo fast nucleophilic aromatic substitution. A PDI molecule, functionalized with one phenol group on the bay area, was used for the substitution of the fluorine atom at the para position in 6-vinylphenyl-(2-perfluorophenyl)-4-phenyl quinoline. The final product was polymerized under free radical polymerization providing polymers of 5FQ incorporated with PDI side groups. Alternatively, the post-polymerization modification of the fluorine atoms at the para position of the 5FQ homopolymer with the PhOH-di-EH-PDI was also successfully tested. In this case, the PDI units were partially introduced to the perflurophenyl quinoline moieties of the homopolymer. The para-fluoro aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction was confirmed and estimated via 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopies. The two different polymer architectures, namely, fully or partially modified with PDI units, were studied in terms of their optical and electrochemical properties, while their morphology was evaluated using TEM analysis, revealing polymers of tailor-made optoelectronic and morphological properties. This work provides a novel molecule-designing method for semiconducting materials of controlled properties.

E-tourism refers to the broader integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the tourism sector and infrastructure. In this context, tourists can choose the travel destination, use price comparison sites and buy online tickets at low prices, while tourism entrepreneurs enhance their marketing strategies in response to the increasing demands of modern tourism Over the last few decades, alternative tourism has gained considerable interest among tourists and enterprises in the tourism industry. At the same time, it acts as an enabler and a facilitator of sustainable development. This paper presents an overview of the current situation of content characteristics of the websites of enterprises involved with alternative tourism services in Greece. The websites are evaluated according to 30 characteristics through multicriteria method. Furthermore, the final ranking of websites is presented to identify the most successful strategies, as well as the website that need improvements. According to the results, an e-tourism website model is suggested for the entrepreneurs to exploit the opportunities that arise in the digitalization transformation of the tourism industry.

PURPOSE Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) with endocrine therapy (ET) improves progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in hormone receptor–positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2–) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Although preclinical and clinical data demonstrate a benefit in changing ET and continuing a CDK4/6i at progression, no randomized prospective trials have evaluated this approach. METHODS In this investigator-initiated, phase II, double-blind placebo-controlled trial in patients with HR+/HER2– MBC whose cancer progressed during ET and CDK4/6i, participants switched ET (fulvestrant or exemestane) from ET used pre-random assignment and randomly assigned 1:1 to the CDK4/6i ribociclib versus placebo. PFS was the primary end point, defined as time from random assignment to disease progression or death. Assuming a median PFS of 3.8 months with placebo, we had 80% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.58 (corresponding to a median PFS of at least 6.5 months with ribociclib) with 120 patients randomly assigned using a one-sided log-rank test and significance level set at 2.5%. RESULTS Of the 119 randomly assigned participants, 103 (86.5%) previously received palbociclib and 14 participants received ribociclib (11.7%). There was a statistically significant PFS improvement for patients randomly assigned to switched ET plus ribociclib (median, 5.29 months; 95% CI, 3.02 to 8.12 months) versus switched ET plus placebo (median, 2.76 months; 95% CI, 2.66 to 3.25 months) HR, 0.57 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.85); P = .006. At 6 and 12 months, the PFS rate was 41.2% and 24.6% with ribociclib, respectively, compared with 23.9% and 7.4% with placebo. CONCLUSION In this randomized trial, there was a significant PFS benefit for patients with HR+/HER2– MBC who switched ET and received ribociclib compared with placebo after previous CDK4/6i and different ET.

To achieve long term protection of laying and breeding hens against aberrant egg production caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a vaccination programme incorporating both live-attenuated and inactivated IBV vaccines is required. High quality IBV vaccines of both types are widely available, but the number of IBV variants of global importance continues to increase and it is not possible to develop vaccines against each one of them. Therefore, it is desirable to perform studies under controlled conditions to determine which IBV vaccine(s) provide the best protection for laying hens against different IBV challenges. Previous vaccination and challenge studies have shown that it is possible to obtain relevant data in a small number of laying hens housed under conditions of strict isolation. The present work extends this finding by investigating the efficacy, against challenge with five IBV strains of global importance, of an IBV vaccination programme including two live-attenuated IBV vaccines (Massachusetts and 793B types) and three different commercially available inactivated vaccines each containing antigen against at least one IBV strain. The results reported here confirm the importance of IBV vaccination for laying hens, show that efficient live priming makes a beneficial contribution to this protection and confirm that inactivated IBV vaccines contribute significantly to effective protection against at least the five IBV challenge strains used here. Furthermore, we provide data to support the ���protectotype concept���, long-established using different live-attenuated IBV vaccines in young chickens, is valid in broadening protection against IBV challenges in laying birds. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSIBV vaccination is essential as an aid in protecting laying hens against IBV infection.Live priming is a beneficial part of the IBV vaccination programme.IBV inactivated vaccine improves IBV protection.Heterologous IBV protection is confirmed in laying hens. IBV vaccination is essential as an aid in protecting laying hens against IBV infection. Live priming is a beneficial part of the IBV vaccination programme. IBV inactivated vaccine improves IBV protection. Heterologous IBV protection is confirmed in laying hens.

National comprehensive cancer network guidelines recommend delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy in node-negative triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) if the tumor is 1 cm and consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy for T1b but not T1a disease. These recommendations are based upon sparse data on the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in T1a and T1b node-negative TNBC. Our objective was to clarify the benefits of chemotherapy for patients with T1N0 TNBC, stratified by tumor size.We performed a retrospective analysis of survival outcomes of TNBC patients at two academic institutions in the United States from 1999 to 2018. Primary tumor size, histology, and nodal status were based upon surgical pathology. The Kaplan-Meier plot and 5-year unadjusted survival probability were evaluated.Among 282 T1N0 TNBC cases, the status of adjuvant chemotherapy was known for 258. Mean follow-up was 5.3 years. Adjuvant chemotherapy was delivered to 30.5% of T1a, 64.7% T1b, and 83.9% T1c (p 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy were tumor size and grade 3 disease. Improved overall survival was associated with use of chemotherapy in patients with T1c disease (93.2% vs. 75.2% p = 0.008) but not T1a (100% vs. 100% p = 0.3778) or T1b (100% vs. 95.8% p = 0.2362) disease.Our data support current guidelines indicating benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in node-negative TNBC associated with T1c tumors but excellent outcomes were observed in the cases of T1a and T1b disease, regardless of whether adjuvant chemotherapy was delivered.

Purpose:As monotherapies, eribulin (chemotherapy) and pembrolizumab (immunotherapy) have shown promise for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). This phase Ib/II study examined eribulin plus pembrolizumab as a potential mTNBC treatment in first-line and later-line settings.Patients and Methods:In this open-label, single-arm, phase Ib/II study, eligible patients had mTNBC, measurable disease, and ≤2 prior systemic anticancer therapies in the metastatic setting. Patients were enrolled by number of prior systemic anticancer therapies (stratum 1: 0 vs stratum 2: 1–2) in the metastatic setting and further analyzed by tumor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression status. All patients received intravenous eribulin 1.4 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8, plus intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg on day 1, of 21-day cycles. The primary objectives were the safety, tolerability, and objective response rate (ORR) of this combination.Results:The study included 167 patients (phase Ib, n = 7; phase II, n = 160). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were fatigue (66%), nausea (58%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (41%), alopecia (40%), and constipation (37%). ORRs were 25.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.8–38.0] for stratum 1 (n = 66) and 21.8% (95% CI: 14.2–31.1) for stratum 2 (n = 101). Patients with PD-L1–positive tumors (combined positive score ≥1) had numerically higher ORR than those with PD-L1–negative tumors, particularly in stratum 1 [stratum 1: 34.5% (95% CI: 17.9–54.3) vs 16.1% (95% CI: 5.5–33.7); stratum 2, 24.4% (95% CI: 12.9–39.5) vs 18.2% (95% CI: 8.2–32.7)].Conclusions:Eribulin plus pembrolizumab was generally well tolerated and showed promising antitumor activity in mTNBC. Efficacy outcomes appeared influenced by line of therapy and PD-L1 status.

Supplementary Information

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease that is difficult to treat and portends a poor prognosis in many patients. Recent efforts to implement immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment landscape of TNBC have led to improved outcomes in a subset of patients both in the early stage and metastatic settings. However, a large portion of patients with TNBC remain resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors and have limited treatment options beyond cytotoxic chemotherapy. The interplay between the anti-tumor immune response and tumor metabolism contributes to immunotherapy response in the preclinical setting, and likely in the clinical setting as well. Specifically, tumor glycolysis and lactate production influence the tumor immune microenvironment through creation of metabolic competition with infiltrating immune cells, which impacts response to immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, we will focus on how glucose metabolism within TNBC tumors influences the response to immune checkpoint blockade and potential ways of harnessing this information to improve clinical outcomes.

Summary Postnatal brain neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) cluster in anatomically inaccessible stem cell niches, such as the subependymal zone (SEZ). Here, we describe a method for the isolation of NSPCs from live animals, which we term “milking.” The intracerebroventricular injection of a release cocktail, containing neuraminidase, integrin-β1-blocking antibody, and fibroblast growth factor 2, induces the controlled flow of NSPCs in the cerebrospinal fluid, where they are collected via liquid biopsies. Isolated cells retain key in vivo self-renewal properties and their cell-type profile reflects the cell composition of their source area, while the function of the niche is sustained even 8 months post-milking. By changing the target area more caudally, we also isolate oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) from the corpus callosum. This novel approach for sampling NSPCs and OPCs paves the way for performing longitudinal studies in experimental animals, for more in vivo relevant cell culture assays, and for future clinical neuro-regenerative applications., Graphical abstract, Highlights • Isolation of brain neural stem and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from live rats • Cells are induced to flow from their niche into the cerebrospinal fluid • Neurogenesis persists despite long-term ependymal damage/loss • Collected cells retain the properties of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells, McClenahan and colleagues describe a method enabling the isolation of neural stem and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from the brain of live rats. The compromise of the ependymal cell layer allows entry of cells into the cerebrospinal fluid, followed by liquid biopsies. The niche function is not affected and evidence indicates the possibility to transfer this method in the human brain.

In this work, the optical properties of red-light emitting materials used for active layers in functional red OLED devices were researched. The investigated materials are: a synthesized lab scale complex vinyl-quinoline pyridine homopolymer with Ir P[QPy-Ir-(PPy)2], as well as two commercially supplied materials, Poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) and Poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV). The samples were spin-coated on ITO/glass substrates. The characterization of the materials was carried out via Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL) and Electroluminescence Spectroscopy (EL). Through SE analysis the film thickness, the optical properties and the dielectric function were obtained. PL and EL spectra were derived and evaluated in terms of the emission profile and characteristics of the different photoactive materials. Finally, the colour stability and selectivity of each material were determined, and a comparative study of the red-light emitting materials was conducted.

White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (WOLEDs) have attracted an enormous interest because they can be implemented in numerous lighting applications as next-generation light sources. In this work, terpolymers bearing blue, yellow and red chromophores are used for the fabrication of WOLED devices. These systems provide easy tuning of white color by changing weight ratios between the chromophores. The optical and opto-electronic characterization is carried out by near infrared–visible-far ultraviolet (NIR–Vis–FUV) Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), Photoluminescence (PL), and Electroluminescence (EL), whereas the structural characterization is achieved by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), to provide valuable information toward the optimization and functionalization of these WOLED devices.

It is considered hard to teach programming in secondary education while achieving the aims of curriculum. However, when teaching is supported by suitable methodologies, learning can be ameliorated. Under this premise, this paper discusses different teaching approaches to programming in secondary education and examines the potential benefit of sound-alerts as a complementary teaching tool. Such alerts were created by pairing different sound stimuli to specific programming actions and operations. Both the selection of the sound stimuli, as well as the potential impact of the use of sound alerts on programming are evaluated through subjective studies. Results showed that participants preferred synthesized to natural (pre-recorded) stimuli for all types of alerts. It was also revealed that users prefer sound-alerts associated to pending actions, errors, successful code execution, conditional statements and code looping over alerts highlighting the step-by-step execution of the code. Finally, the test results showed that students understand both the meaning and the use of code commands more clearly when they use a sound-enriched programming environment instead of a conventional one. These results were the motivation for the initial creation of an audio and voice messages’ data base and the initial design of a new comprehensive educational tool using sound.

This report evaluates a new family of pyridine containing aromatic polyether sulfones as polymer electrolytes for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HTPEM FCs). The polymers are prepared by high temperature polyetherification reactions, yielding highly soluble polymers even with pyridine contents as high as 90%. Along with the pyridine content, crosslinking density is also tuned, leading to the enhancement of membrane properties such as film integrity, dimensional stability and doping ability in acidic media. The completion of the crosslinking reaction is enabled by a short thermal pre-treatment, preceding the doping step in H3PO4 85%. Both the linear and the crosslinked membranes show high thermal and oxidative stability. Membranes before and after crosslinking are integrated in single cells where their conductivity and performance are monitored, revealing conductivities above 7 × 10−2 S/cm at temperatures higher than 180 °C.

Acid-doped reinforced polymer electrolyte membranes for high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications (HT PEMFCs) are presented and spectroscopically studied. Fully aromatic polyethers are employed bearing main chain pyridine units as the proton accepting sites, which have two different substitution patterns of the pyridine units, namely, 2,5- or 2,6-pyridine. This fact enables control of the solubility and of the acid doping ability of the polymeric membranes. Reinforcement is accomplished via incorporation of a PTFE woven fabric during the casting procedure for fabrication of the membranes. High acid uptake of the reinforced membranes was maintained for the 2,6-pyridine-based copolymers with high pyridine unit content. Studies of the swelling behavior of these reinforced membranes revealed that they expand mainly along the z-axis, which helps to avoid extensive damage in case of humidity or temperature changes during the fuel cell operation. Additionally, spectroscopic techniques are employed, namely, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with depth profile, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure, and reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy, for the in-depth study of the two copolymer membranes doped with phosphoric acid. Through these spectroscopic evaluations, modifications in the membranes’ chemical structure, orientation, composition, and electronic structure after the reinforcement and doping processes were elaborated and unveiled.

Clozapine is the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Serious and even life-threatening adverse effects, mostly granulocytopenia, myocarditis, and constipation, are of great clinical concern and constitute a barrier to prescribing clozapine, thus depriving many eligible patients of a lifesaving treatment option. Interestingly, clozapine presents variable pharmacokinetics affected by numerous parameters, leading to significant inter- and intra-individual variation. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring of plasma clozapine levels confers a significant benefit in everyday clinical practice by increasing the confidence of the prescribing doctor to the drug and the adherence of the patient to the treatment, mainly by ensuring effective treatment and limited dose-related side effects. In the present systematic review, we aimed at identifying how a full range of adverse effects relates to plasma clozapine levels, using the Jadad grading system for assessing the quality of the available clinical evidence. Our findings indicate that EEG slowing, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, heart rate variability, hyperinsulinemia, metabolic syndrome, and constipation correlate to plasma clozapine levels, whereas QTc, myocarditis, sudden death, leucopenia, neutropenia, sialorrhea, are rather unrelated. Rapid dose escalation at the initiation of treatment might contribute to the emergence of myocarditis, or leucopenia. Strategies for managing adverse effects are different in these conditions and are discussed accordingly.

International audience

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a tool to characterize the entire genomic landscape of cancer and capture potential new targets and predictive biomarkers. Using state-of-the-art whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing (WGTS) analysis we interrogated a pan cancer cohort to nominate new treatment options. WGS was performed on 414 tumor/germline pairs from our pan cancer cohort of 355 patients, of which 103 had results of other commercial NGS assays. RNAseq data was available in 96 samples. We employed the Isabl GxT analytic platform and manually curated single base substitution (COSMIC v3) mutational signatures and structural variants (SVs). WGTS results were correlated with available clinico-pathologic data. High throughput drug screening that included PARP inhibitors and functional validation were performed in 61 matched patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTO). We found 5,129 SVs affecting at least one cancer gene in 88% of cases. High-confidence homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), determined by curation of mutational signatures and mutations/SVs affecting oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, was detected in 8.3% of solid tumors (e.g., prostate, pancreas, ovarian, uterine, breast, gallbladder, and stomach carcinomas). HRD status included tumors with BRCA1/2 wildtype and SVs impacting BRCA1/2, RAD51, ATM and other HRD genes. CDK12-loss associated genomic instability was detected in 7 cases including 3 cases of prostate adenocarcinoma. 93 gene fusions involving cancer genes were detected including known and novel fusions of potential significance (e.g., SLC45A3::ALK in metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, TMEM106A::BRCA1 in serious ovarian carcinoma, ESR1::EP300 in metastatic breast cancer). Some tumor cohorts demonstrated enrichment of drivers e.g., FGFR1 amplification in male breast cancer, rearrangements at the TERT locus in adrenocortical carcinoma, enrichment for repeat-mediated deletion attributed to mismatch repair (MMR) in gynecological carcinosarcoma, and SVs affecting FHIT in gastric adenocarcinoma. Drug screening of PDTO and functional testing with RAD51 immunofluorescence assay validated high-confidence HRD annotation. One example is a BRCA1/2 wildtype pancreatic adenocarcinoma with increased tandem duplications and SV (inversion) impacting BRCA2, and high-confidence HRD by our novel WGS classifier. Drug screening of the corresponding PDTO showed an enhanced response to Olaparib, in contrast to cases without HRD that did not. We have used state-of-the-art analysis of WGTS to improve the detection of targets and significant biomarkers in a pan cancer cohort, including HRD, CDK12-type genomic instability, pathogenic germline mutations and potential targetable novel fusions. A robust and clinically relevant ex vivo preclinical model allowed us to validate a WGS-based classifier that detects HRD even in cancers with wildtype BRCA1/2. Citation Format: Majd Al Assaad, Hui-Hsuan Kuo, Jones Nauseef, Max F. Levine, Gunes Gundem, Juan S. Medina-Martínez, Jyothi Manohar, Michael Sigouros, Ahmed Elsaeed, David Wilkes, Elli Papaemmanuil, Eloise Chapman, Scott T. Tagawa, Allyson Ocean, Cora N. Sternberg, Eleni Andreopoulou, Manish Shah, Andrea Sboner, Kevin Holcomb, David Nanus, Laura Martin, Olivier Elemento, Juan Miguel Mosquera. Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing of a pan cancer cohort unearths novel therapeutic avenues [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3437.

Implementation of environmental policies, is one of the European Commission's key priorities, as confirmed by its proposal for the 7th Environment Action Programme and the Roadmap to a resource-efficient Europe. Subsequently, the European Union revised its waste legislation to address these challenges more adequately. As a result, the EU's Waste Framework Directive and Landfill Directive set binding targets for recycling municipal waste and diverting biodegradable municipal waste from landfills. This paper deals with the monitoring of municipal waste management operations in Greece, in terms of technical content and ability to reach the targets of the initiatives. In addition, a more detailed report on waste indicators published by Eurostat will be based on an Exploratory Data Analysis and on a Univariate time-series prediction model. Finally, the overall aim of this study is to gain maximum insight into the data and understand its underlying structure through graphical representation, to achieve the most accurate forecast for the landfilling operation.

The synthesis and characterization of water-soluble copolymers containing N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAM) and a vinylic monomer containing an Iridium(III), Ir(III), complex substituted with the quinoline-based unit 2-(pyridin-2-ylo)-6-styrene-4-phenylquinoline (VQPy) as ligand are reported. These copolymers were prepared through pre- or post-polymerization complexation of Ir(III) with the VQPy units. The first methodology led to copolymer P1 having fully complexed VQPy units, whereas the latter methodology allowed the preparation of terpolymers containing free and Ir(III)-complexed VQPy units (copolymer P2). The optical properties of the copolymers were studied in detail through UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy in aqueous solution. It is shown that the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (ΜLCT) emission is prevailing in the case of P1, regardless of pH. In contrast, in the case of terpolymer P2 the MLCT emission of the Ir(III) complex is combined with the pH-responsive emission of free VQPy units, leading to characteristic pH-responsive color changes under UV illumination in the acidic pH region.

Objective: Frame Running (RaceRunning) allows people with moderate-to-severe mobility impairments to participate in physical activity using a 3-wheeled frame with a saddle and handlebars. The aim of this study was to investigate athlete-perceived impact of Frame Running on aspects of physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes.Design: Survey.Participants: Frame Running athletes aged 5 years and over.Methods: A survey was distributed to athletes through their club or sports organization.Results: The survey was completed by 115 athletes (53 females). Median age was 17 years (range 5-62 years) and 64 (57%) used a wheelchair or walker for distances over 50 m. Many felt that Frame Running stretched their muscles (n=93, 87%) and increased their self-confidence (n=63, 93%). Four (4%) reported extreme fatigue or sore muscles after training (n=17, 15%). Of the 110 athletes who had been participating in Frame Running for over 3 months, 46 (47%) reported being less out of breath during mobility tasks and 66 (66%) felt they had improved their functional mobility. However, 7 (7%) reported increased muscle tightness and 4 (4%) reported a Frame Running-related injury lasting more than 4 weeks.Conclusion: Frame Running is a safe physical activity with athlete-perceived benefits on physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes.

A route toward processable n-type terpolymers is presented herein based on the random donor-acceptor-donor-acceptor (D-A1)-(D-A2) molecular configuration. Carbazole is utilized as the electron donating unit (D) combined with perylene diimide (PDI) as the first electron acceptor (A1) and either one of two different benzothiadiazole (BTZ) derivatives (di-thienyl substituted-BTZ and di-3,4-ethylenedioxythienyl substituted-BTZ) as the second electron accepting unit (A2). Increasing the content of the PDI co-monomer resulted in terpolymers of higher molecular weights, enhanced solubility, and stronger n-type character. The physicochemical properties of the random PDI-Cz-BTZ derivatives are fine-tuned based on the feed ratio of the co-monomers. Photodiode devices were demonstrated, having photoactive layers composed of the rich in PDI terpolymer, namely, P4 having a 75% PDI content, and the PCE10 electron donor, under various ratios. For a range of P4 blend compositions, UV-Vis, is spectroscopy confirmed the strong absorption of the blend films across the 350-800 nm spectral region, and AFM imaging verified their low surface roughness. The study of the electro-optical device properties identified the 1:2 blending ratio as the optimum PCE10:P4 combination for maximum charge photogeneration efficiency. Despite the relatively deep LUMO energy of the n-type P4 terpolymer (ELUMO = -4.04 eV), trap-induced charge recombination losses were found to limit the PCE10:P4 photodiode performance. Unipolar devices of the P4-alone exhibited hole and electron mobility values of 2.2 × 10-4 and 6.3 × 10-5 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively.

Frame Running (RaceRunning) allows people with moderate-to-severe mobility impairments to participate in physical activity using a 3-wheeled frame with a saddle and handlebars. The aim of this study was to investigate athlete-perceived impact of Frame Running on aspects of physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes.Survey.Frame Running athletes aged 5 years and over.A survey was distributed to athletes through their club or sports organization.The survey was completed by 115 athletes (53 females). Median age was 17 years (range 5-62 years) and 64 (57%) used a wheelchair or walker for distances over 50 m. Many felt that Frame Running stretched their muscles (n = 93, 87%) and increased their self-confidence (n = 63, 93%). Four (4%) reported extreme fatigue or sore muscles after training (n = 17, 15%). Of the 110 athletes who had been participating in Frame Running for over 3 months, 46 (47%) reported being less out of breath during mobility tasks and 66 (66%) felt they had improved their functional mobility. However, 7 (7%) reported increased muscle tightness and 4 (4%) reported a Frame Running-related injury lasting more than 4 weeks.Frame Running is a safe physical activity with athlete-perceived benefits on physical fitness, functional mobility and psychosocial outcomes.

Preschool is a period of rapid development of skills and learning, the infant learns through family, school and especially through exploring the natural environment. The child, playing in an outdoor environment close to natural environment, naturally develops his talents, his creativity but also many motor skills, which otherwise, indoor learning environments would not give so many opportunities. Outdoor learning environments in natural environments contribute significantly to the learning of children, especially young children. This paper explains the importance of designing learning environments close to natural environment, something that parents have realized and now consciously choose such environments for their children's learning and development. This article examines the parameters involved, in detail which of the 7ps' elements of Educational Marketing most influence the choice of parents with children in East Thessaloniki to make decisions about their children attending Private Kindergartens with large yards, away from the urban environment and in areas close to natural environment and natural areas. The results of the research show that these parents are of a high educational level, graduates of a University or Technological Institute, with a Master's degree or Doctorate. Also, when parents are satisfied with the quality of the school space, the existence of pedagogical materials and toys for the employment of children, the existence of an outdoor large yard and outdoor activities with infrastructure and facilities away from the urban environment and close to natural environment then they choose this Pre-school education for their child's attendance, they recommend it voluntarily to acquaintances and friends and would choose their child to continue attending to a next level of education such as Primary School if there was one.

The aim of this thesis was to explore ways of testing social identity theory’s (Tajfel & Turner 1979) “self-esteem hypothesis”. Abrams and Hogg (1988) identified two corollaries of the self-­esteem hypothesis. The first is that successful intergroup discrimination enhances social identity and thus elevates self-esteem. The second suggests that, because of a motivational need for positive self-esteem, low self-esteem will motivate intergroup discrimination. The self-esteem hypothesis is one the most controversial issues of social identity theory in terms of the diverse findings obtained from studies conducted in this area. The empirical evidence remains equivocal for either corollary. In this thesis it was argued that the lack of firm empirical support for the self-esteem hypothesis may be due to misunderstandings related to design, measurement of self-esteem, and type of groups employed. This thesis examined these issues and studies were conducted to address them. Laboratory and real group studies were conducted. It was found that even when issues related to design, measurement, and type of groups were taken into consideration, there were additional factors which play an important role in testing the self­-esteem hypothesis. There was support for corollary two of the self-esteem hypothesis when real groups were employed and intergroup discrimination was operationalised as outgroup derogation and not as ingroup bias. Corollary one was supported when intergroup evaluations had an important outcome for the group and when the attributes of intergroup evaluations were positive. The implications of the findings of this thesis are discussed in the context of social identity theory and avenues for future research are suggested.

Background Aiming to the containment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, governments worldwide have implemented a series of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Many of them and especially school closures have impacted the circulation of multiple airborne pathogens among children and adolescents. This study investigates the incidence of influenza and invasive meningococcal disease among children aged 0-14 years in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data regarding the number of influenza-like illness cases, influenza-related paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and invasive meningococcal disease cases among children 0-14 years old were obtained from the National Public Health Organization. The incidence of the two diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020/2021) was compared with that of the six preceding seasons (2014-2019). Results A notable decrease was observed in both influenza and invasive meningococcal disease cases during the period 2020/2021 compared with the years 2014-2019. The mean annual rate of influenza-like illness cases and influenza-related PICU admissions in children 0-14 years old has reduced by 66.9% and 100%, respectively, while the mean annual invasive meningococcal disease rate has declined by 70%. Both weekly influenza-like illness and monthly invasive meningococcal disease rates were significantly decreased. Conclusions The activity of influenza and invasive meningococcal disease in the children and adolescents of Greece has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Reduced transmission is likely related to the public health measures that were implemented to control the pandemic. The value of these measures may have relevance to the future management of influenza or invasive meningococcal disease epidemics. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) respond to altered physiological conditions to alleviate the threat. Production of the 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) is up-regulated to protect proteins from degradation. Sequestosome-1 (p62) binds to altered proteins and the p62-protein complex is degraded by autophagy. P62 is also a regulator of intracellular kinase activity and cell differentiation. We hypothesized that the PBMC response to a malignant breast mass involves elevated production of HSP70 and a decrease in intracellular p62. In this study 46 women had their breast mass excised. PBMCs were isolated and intracellular levels of HSP70 and p62 were quantitated by ELISA. Differences between women with a benign or malignant breast mass were determined. A breast malignancy was diagnosed in 38 women (82.6%) while 8 had a benign lesion. Mean intracellular HSP70 levels were 79.3 ng/ml in PBMCs from women with a malignant lesion as opposed to 44.2 ng/ml in controls (p = 0.04). The mean PBMC p62 level was 2.3 ng/ml in women with a benign breast lesion as opposed to 0.6 ng/ml in those with breast cancer (p

In this study, novel copolymers consisting of blue and red chromophores are presented to induce emission tuning, enabling the definition of white light emission in a single polymeric layer. These aromatic polyether sulfones exhibit high molecular weights, excellent solubility and processability via solution deposition techniques. In addition, by carefully controlling the molar ratios of chromophores composition, the energy transfer mechanism, from blue to red chromophores, takes place enabling us to define properly the emission covering the entire range of the visible spectrum. The optical and photophysical properties of the monomers and copolymers were thoroughly investigated via NIR-Vis-far UV Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), Absorbance and Photoluminescence (PL). These copolymers are used as an emissive layer and applied in solution-processed WOLED devices. The fabricated WOLED devices have been subsequently studied and characterized in terms of their electroluminescence properties. Finally, the WOLED devices possess high color stability and demonstrate CIE Coordinates (0.33, 0.38), which approach closely the pure white light CIE coordinates.

Background Monitoring seasonal influenza Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) is key to inform vaccination strategies and sustain uptake. Pooling data across multiple seasons increases precision and allows for subgroup analyses, providing more conclusive evidence. Our aim was to assess VE against hospitalization with laboratory-confirmed influenza in Greece over six seasons, from 2013 to 2014 to 2018–2019, using routinely collected surveillance data. Methods Swab samples from hospitalized patients across the country were tested for influenza by RT-PCR. We used the test-negative design, with patients testing positive for influenza serving as cases and those testing negative serving as controls. VE was calculated as one minus the Odds Ratio (OR) for influenza vaccination, estimated by mixed-effects logistic regression and adjusted for age, sex, hospitalization type (being in intensive care or not), time from symptom onset to swabbing, and calendar time. Stratified estimates by age and hospitalization type were obtained, and also subgroup estimates by influenza type/subtype and season. Antigenic and genetic characterization of a subset of circulating influenza strains was performed. Results A total of 3,882 test-positive cases and 5,895 test-negative controls were analyzed. Across all seasons, adjusted VE was 45.5% (95% CI: 31.6–56.6) against all influenza, 62.8% against A(H1N1)pdm09 (95% CI: 40.7–76.7), 28.2% against A(H3N2) (95% CI: 12.0–41.3) and 45.5% against influenza B (95% CI: 29.1–58.1). VE was slightly lower for patients aged 60 years and over, and similar between patients hospitalized inside or outside intensive care. Circulating A(H1N1)pdm09 and B strains were antigenically similar to the vaccine strains, whereas A(H3N2) were not. Conclusion Our results confirm the public health benefits from seasonal influenza vaccination, despite the suboptimal effectiveness against A(H3N2) strains. Continued monitoring of VE is essential, and routinely collected surveillance data can be valuable in this regard.

Background: Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that trastuzumab resistance in HER2+ BC is mediated by cross-activation of alternative signaling pathways. Computational analysis and pooled whole-genome RNAi screens in HER2 transformed BC cell lines identified the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 axis as a master regulator pathway. The combination of trastuzumab plus ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, demonstrated synergistic tumor growth inhibition in mouse xenografts of HER2 transformed BC cell lines. These data provide the rationale for studying the efficacy of ruxolitinib and trastuzumab in a phase I/II trial. Design: This is an investigator-initiated, multi-center, open-label, phase I/II trial of ruxolitinib plus trastuzumab in patients (pts) with HER2+ MBC who have progressed on >2 HER2-directed therapies in the metastatic setting (including trastuzumab, pertuzumab and T-DM1, unless pt refusal). The phase I is an adaptive design with 10 pts to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D: 25 mg po BID, SABCS 2017). Phase II is a non-randomized open-label trial of 30 pts with trastuzumab plus ruxolitinib to compare progression free survival (PFS) against historical data with single-agent HER2-targeted therapy in HER+ MBC (Blackwell JCO 2010). The study was powered to detect a difference in median PFS of 8 weeks versus 13 weeks. Response was assessed by imaging every 9 weeks. Results: We accrued 28 pts from 10/14-8/18 and stopped early due to slow accrual. Of the 27 evaluable pts, 11 were in the phase I, of which 10 pts received 25 mg po BID (RP2D). Thus, 26 pts are included in the phase 2 study (pre-specified). Of the evaluable pts, the median age was 56 (range 32 - 77). Of these, 24 pts were postmenopausal (92%), 15 (58%) were estrogen receptor positive, and 24 (92%) had measurable disease, including 8 (33%) in lung and 4 (15%) in liver. The median number of prior lines of therapy in the metastatic setting was 4 (range: 2-9). Twenty-three pts (88.5%) received prior pertuzumab and 25 (96.1%) received prior T-DM1. As of 6/24/19, 2 pts remain on therapy at 46 and 72 weeks of follow-up. Twenty evaluable pts came off study due to progression, 3 due to death from disease, and 1 for adverse events. The median PFS was 10.7 weeks (95% CI: 7.1-15.1). The 6-month PFS is 21% (7%, 40%). The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were hematologic [anemia 13 (50%), neutropenia 10 (38%), thrombocytopenia 8 (31%)], fatigue 9 (35%), aspartate aminotransferase increase 4 (15%) and diarrhea 4 (15%). The most common grade 3 AEs were anemia 7 (27%), and neutropenia 6 (23%). Grade 4 or higher events were not observed. Response data in pts with measurable disease will be presented at SABCS. Conclusion: Ruxolitinib plus trastuzumab was a well-tolerated regimen that does not include cytotoxic chemotherapy. While the combination did not achieve the primary endpoint (median PFS), there was 6-month PFS of 21% in this heavily pre-treated HER2+ MBC population. Ongoing analyses will be done to determine factors that predict clinical benefit. Citation Format: Kevin Kalinsky, Shing Lee, Amy Tiersten, Della F Makower, Tessa Cigler, Lauren Franks, Prabhjot Mundi, Dow-Chung Chi, Lauren Blumberg, Naomi Sender, Magdalena Galazyn, Kristina Hosi, Anupama Goel, Paula Klein, Eleni Andreopoulou, Joseph Sparano, Katherine D Crew, Andrea Califano, Jose Silva, Dawn L Hershman. Phase I/II trial of ruxolitinib in combination with trastuzumab in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-19-32.

A face-to-face porphyrin dimer, (H2P)2 “porphyrin tweezer”, was explored as a photo- and redox-responsive host for the molecular recognition of an azafullerene (C59N) derivative bearing an amphoteric pentafluoroquinoline (FQ) domain. The intramolecular electronic coupling between the FQ substituent and the C59N cage, within the newly synthesized C59N-FQ dyad was evaluated, while the neutral and protonated form of the covalently attached FQ moiety were utilized as recognition motifs for the (H2P)2 tweezer. Complementary photophysical and electrochemical techniques were applied to investigate the electronic communication between the porphyrin-dimer (H2P)2 tweezer and the azafullerene cage as mediated by the FQ unit.

The present work aims at evaluating the concept of trait Emotional Intelligence (EI) and the correlation between EI variables and mental health problems in freshman year Greek medical students. Furthermore, we aim to reveal possible connections between these findings regarding gender and intended choice of medical specialty. A total of 206 first year students (81 males and 125 females) enrolled in the University of Patras School of Medicine in 2017, were invited voluntarily to complete on paper the TEIQue-LF for assessing trait EI, the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scale, as well as a demographic questionnaire. Male medical students did not differ from females in global trait EI (p = 0.292), however they scored significantly higher on self-esteem (p = 0.019), emotion regulation (p = 0.013), social awareness (p = 0.046), stress management (p = 0.050) and sociability (p = 0.050). Female medical students (n = 125) reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (p

The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) as a business strategy in the Greek food and drink industry, along with the examination of the Information Technology (IT) adoption in the field. A research project was carried out in the sector companies based in Greece, using the questionnaire method. Findings showed a strong relation between IT implementation and impact of IT on TQM. Company size also seemed to affect TQM implementation, and the majority of IT implementation constructs, while company performance was not significant in terms of net profit margin and value added per employee.

This article, which is based on the science of informatics and environmental technologies, deals with the implementation of informatics in environmental science and practice. It focuses on web-based GIS spatial data sharing application system design and its development, which records and represents specific environmental information with emphasis on habitats and land cover. The system development was made by using JavaScript, PHP as programming languages and Google Maps API. The application provides centralized environmental information with habitats and land cover. It addresses ordinary users and scientists, that not only have the willing to expand their knowledge in the field but also they have the privilege to explore the research area over the map. The users can render the overlay information of spatial habitat and land cover data layers, execute zooming, panning, and information querying functions. Its aim is to offer, to any interested citizen, scientist or organization, direct and reliable environmental information.

Learning is essential throughout human life. Accordingly, teachers and educators seek ways to strengthen learning. The use of play in the learning process seems to promote learning. Therefore, this research attempts to study how the integration of play in the learning process favors skills upgrading, using the quantitative research method and in particular the questionnaire. The sample consists of primary, secondary teachers and adult educators. In its context, variations in the attitudes of the participants in the sample arise, as regards their gender, the level of education, in which they work, and the years of service in it. The research results are in line with existing literature confirming the contribution of play to the improvement of skills and underline the need for further research and sensitization of the educational community so that it forms an integral part of the educational process, from formal up to adult education.

This paper presents “e-praxis”, a Web-based Decision Support System (DSS), to assist the land Characterization Acts (CA) issuing process, performed by the Greek Forest Service (GFS). The issue under investigation is the characterization of specific or wider land areas as sylvan (forest ecosystem in general) or not, based on the applicable legislation and the fundamental principles of Forest Ecology. The proposed DSS is a web application that bases its operation and functionality on a model built for the decoding of the relevant Forest Legislation and utilizes the “Rule-Based Reasoning” technique for the design and implementation of the decision model. Programming languages such as PHP, HTML and JavaScript were employed for the development of the application. The main goal of the DSS is the simplification -and to the possible extent - automation of the process together with the reduction of the required examination time. “E-praxis” also aims to document the decision process based on objective criteria so as to combat bureaucracy and potential corruption. The use of the application by the GFS can save time that can be committed to other significant tasks and strengthen the objectivity in decision making. The proposed DSS could also be exploited as a consultation tool for freelance foresters-scholars, be used as a training tool for newly appointed foresters of the GFS and as an educational tool for Forestry and Legal sciences students.

There is a clinical need to predict sensitivity of metastatic hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2−) breast cancer to endocrine therapy, and targeted RNA sequencing (RNAseq) offers diagnostic potential to measure both transcriptional activity and functional mutation. We developed the SETER/PR index to measure gene expression microarray probe sets that were correlated with hormone receptors (ESR1 and PGR) and robust to preanalytical and analytical influences. We tested SETER/PR index in biopsies of metastastic HR+/HER2− breast cancer against the treatment outcomes in 140 patients. Then we customized the SETER/PR assay to measure 18 informative, 10 reference transcripts, and sequence the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ESR1 using droplet-based targeted RNAseq, and tested that in residual RNA from 53 patients. Higher SETER/PR index in metastatic samples predicted longer PFS and OS when patients received endocrine therapy as next treatment, even after adjustment for clinical-pathologic risk factors (PFS: HR 0.534, 95% CI 0.299 to 0.955, p = 0.035; OS: HR 0.315, 95% CI 0.157 to 0.631, p = 0.001). Mutated ESR1 LBD was detected in 8/53 (15%) of metastases, involving 1−98% of ESR1 transcripts (all had high SETER/PR index). A signature based on probe sets with good preanalytical and analytical performance facilitated our customization of an accurate targeted RNAseq assay to measure both phenotype and genotype of ER-related transcription. Elevated SETER/PR was associated with prolonged sensitivity to endocrine therapy in patients with metastatic HR+/HER2− breast cancer, especially in the absence of mutated ESR1 transcript., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Frank-Kasper phases and liquid quasicrystals self-organize from supramolecular spheres of dendrimers, block copolymers, surfactants and other self-assembling molecules. These spheres are expected to be achiral due to their isotropic shape. Nevertheless, supramolecular spheres from short helical stacks of crown-like dendrimers self-organize a Pm3 n cubic (Frank-Kasper A15) phase which exhibits chirality on the macroscopic scale. However, the chirality of classic isotropic supramolecular micellar-like spheres, generated from conical dendrons, is unknown. Here we report a library of second and third generation biphenylpropyl dendrons with chiral groups at their apex that produces single-handed chiral supramolecular spheres. Up to 480 conical dendrons self-assemble to form micellar-like spheres, with a molar mass of up to 1.1 × 106 g/mol, that self-organize into a Pm3 n phase with chirality detectable on the macroscopic scale. This demonstration of chirality in micellar-like spheres of a Frank-Kasper phase raises the fundamental question whether micellar-like spheres forming 3D phases generated from other soft matter such as block copolymers, surfactants, and other molecules are chiral.

Interactive technologies enable dancers to control the music in real-time with their movement. This paper presents the design and development of a model which takes as input a dancer’s movement and outputs music, structurally related to dance, with the use of machine learning techniques. Both the technical and artistic aspects of the model development are described in detail. In particular, the paper compares the use of machine learning techniques to traditional coding, in interactive dance and music applications. Moreover, it describes the significant discrimination between movement sonification and dance musification and explains why the model presented here falls into the second category. Special focus is given to the implications of the COVID-19 restrictions regarding the established collaboration with the dancer.

Coccidiosis is one of the most notable diseases in chickens having a high economic impact on the poultry industry worldwide. The present study is the first attempt to epidemiologically investigate Eimeria spp. distribution and associated risk factors under different housing and production systems in three major regions in Greece. Faecal samples were obtained from 42 operations (broilers, floor housed, free range and organic layers, backyard farms). A questionnaire was obtained from included operations to acquire additional information regarding farm management, location, production rate and diseases history. Positivity level was 85.7%. All seven Eimeria species were identified, and the most prevalent ones were E. acervulina (79.3%) and E. tenella (65.5%). Single-species and mixed infections were detected in 20.7% and 79.3% of the flocks, respectively. Flock size, type of outdoor area, production system and presence of respiratory disease proved significant risk factors. Flock size up to 10,000 birds correlated strongly (p = 0.02) with higher E. tenella quantities. A very strong correlation (p 0.001) was found between the presence of respiratory disease and the average OPG level in broiler farms. Organic flocks showed higher prevalence of E. tenella (p = 0.023), while presence of vegetation at the outdoor area correlated strongly with E. brunetti (p 0.001). Molecular analysis and correlation results in this survey give strong indications although more studies are needed to further understand the involvement of different Eimeria species in various husbandry, production and management systems, to gain more knowledge about the sustainable control of coccidia in poultry.

Polyfōnía is a real-time portable vocal processing system which users can control by means of their fingers, without the use of gloves or wiring. Its vocal processors include a live looping system and a harmonizer. Motion detection is performed by a motion sensor. Through specific gestures, the user can develop and control real-time voice harmonies and live looping. The system's input is the microphone's audio signal and its output is the processed audio signal. The traditional foot-controlled vocal processors are not oriented towards the real-time vocal performer's needs, as their handling interferes with the posture and expressiveness of the performer's body, acting more as a communication barrier and a source of distraction. The goal of Polyfōnía is to offer, through new technologies and interactive performance, a more natural handling of vocal processors, without added components, highlighting them as a valuable tool for vocal artists in real-time conditions. It is intended to be used in conjunction with vocalists' standard performing techniques and aesthetics, as a means for expanding the possibilities of human voice and musical creation.