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The degree of preservation and the extractability of organic molecules in both archaeological and paleontological skeletal material has been the objective of many studies during the last decades and have shown extremely promising and interesting results (Schweitzer et al., 1997, 2007; Poulakakis et al., 2002; Schmidt-Schultz & Schultz, 2004; Dotsika et al., 2011). Studies on such molecules via various protocols of extraction as well as isotopic and spectroscopic analyses (Stathopoulou et al., 2008; Dotsika et al., 2011; Kontopoulos et al., 2019) have led to important information concerning evolutionary, environmental and diagenetic issues. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in skeletal material and its preservation in fossil material may indicate the preservation of other extremely important biomolecules such as DNA (Turner-Walker et al., 2008). This paper aims to present results concerning the evaluation of organic preservation as well as the extraction and quantification of collagen in samples from the Quaternary locations of Tilos and Dispilio (Greece) and Aghia Napa (Cyprus). Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR and NIR) was applied to all samples, prior to extraction in means of collagen prescreening and following extraction (where successful), to study the exact composition of the extracts and examine the correlation between collagen preservation and the samples' diagenetic profile (Stathopoulou et al., 2008; Kuczumow et al., 2010; Cleland et al., 2015; Stathopoulou et al., 2019). The extraction of collagen was attempted via modifications of the Longin (1971) method and specifically those of Maspero et al. (2011), Semal and Orban (1995) and Ambrose (1990). According to our results, only the Ambrose method led to successful collagen extraction and specifically only in the Dispilio samples. The collagen yield values for this material varied significantly (0,3–6,1% w/w) and seemed to strongly correlate to the different contexts found within the archaeological site. The IR analysis of the extracted Dispilio collagen indicated the presence of impurities such as carbonates and subsequently raised questions relating to the efficacy of the extraction method. Issues concerning geochemical and diagenetic parameters within the strata of the waterlogged site of Dispilio that could be connected to the different collagen yield as well as the methodological problems that emerged during the attempted extraction in all samples are discussed as well as the applicability of these methods on samples with reduced organic content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessment of MBT plants in Spain, Greece and Cyprus. • Optimal solution should be built upon a thorough sorting and recyclables recovery line. • Main revenues are contributed by the corrugated cardboard, the HDPE, and metals. • The high calorific value non-recycled materials should be used as alternative fuel. • Plants that mix the organic fraction with other organics achieve better quality compost. Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT; called "dirty" Materials Recovery Facilities in the U.S.) is a waste management method, developed mostly in Europe, which combines sorting of recyclable materials (metals, paper, plastics, glass) with composting/digestion of green/ food wastes and, in some cases production of a fuel material. In 2018–19, the authors visited six MBT facilities in Europe that use different approaches for the recovery of materials and energy from mixed MSW. These plants were studied with respect to feedstock composition, operating conditions, capital expenditure, financial viability and environmental impacts. The compost product of most facilities examined did not comply with agricultural standards and, therefore, it was classified as compost-like output (CLO) and used as daily cover in landfills. The best composting practice used source separated organic materials (yard and other green wastes) and yielded a marketable compost. MBT plants that did not include the recovery of fuel materials had lower landfill diversion rates and, also, lower capital and operating costs. It was concluded that an MBT plant must include a very efficient sorting and recyclables recovery line and charge a sufficient gate fee. Also, in addition to the recycled products, there should be a stream to recover fuel materials sent to a power plant or cement plant, thus increasing revenue, and landfill diversion, and maximizing greenhouse gas (GHG) savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper looks at teachers’ perceptions of difficulties and emotions about a recent policy initiative in the Greek-Cypriot educational system to promote peaceful coexistence. This policy initiative by the government sparked strong emotional reactions. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of the intersection between tensions at the larger socio-political landscape and teachers’ emotional readiness to deal with this policy initiative. To do so, the paper draws on the findings of a quantitative and a qualitative study conducted during the end of the 2008–2009 school year. Possible implications are discussed for educational policy and teacher education. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The production and consumption of avocado has increased significantly over the past years, experiencing a steady expansion into new markets around the world. This review paper focuses on avocado cultivation in its new markets with hot-summer Mediterranean climate. A significant literature gap exists on the viability of this crop in such data environments which experience limited availability of water in the summer exacerbated by climate change and potential salinity issues in irrigation water, typical in coastal regions. Strategies for handling salinity usually aim at preventing the build-up of salts in the root zone, while studies on the response of avocado trees to saline water have shown that it is highly influenced by rootstock selection. In this review paper priority is given to the appropriate irrigation water characteristics both in terms of quantity and quality for different tree sizes, soil characteristics and irrigation methods, including the use of reclaimed wastewater. Also, the effects of irrigation (frequency/amount) on fruit productivity are studied. This review also highlights the role of fertigation as well as the importance of a soil moisture and salinity monitoring. It is strongly suggested to use soil moisture sensor networks (precision agriculture) in avocado cultivations, to optimize irrigation management and promote water sustainability. Given the increasing dynamic in the expansion of this crop, especially in European countries with this climate type such as southern Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, among others, this review paper is expected to provide guidance on avocado cultivation in these regions with focus on its viability under water scarcity and salinity conditions. [Display omitted] • Avocado cultivation is rapidly expanding in hot-summer Mediterranean climate regions. • Salinity and water scarcity are important issues limiting yields in these regions. • Irrigation frequency and amount are crucial parameters for fruit productivity. • Precision agriculture techniques should be adopted for increased avocado yields. • Fertigation is recommended to increase the efficiency of fertilization in avocados. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports passive and active radon concentrations in indoor air and drinking waters in Cyprus and Greece (Attica, Crete) together with exposure–dose estimations. Passive indoor radon concentrations in Cyprus ranged between and (arithmetic mean, A.M., ). Active indoor radon concentrations in Attica ranged between and (A.M. ) and in Crete, between () and (A.M. ). The radon concentrations in drinking waters in Cyprus ranged between () and (A.M. ) and in Greece between and (A.M. ). Radon is the main source of exposure and dose in both Greek and Cypriot population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines the troubled relationship between Greece and the western alliance following the collapse of the military regime in Athens and the invasion of Cyprus. U.S. Congressional reports and the Greek parliamentary proceeding reveal the geopolitical significance of Greece to the western alliance and the frustration of the government in Athens regarding its foreign policy objectives. The Greeks might have questioned the benefits of being part of an alliance; however, it is evident that Greece's diplomatic isolation compelled her leadership to strengthen her links with the western camp. Hence, the present study assesses the attitude of the Greek government toward the Atlantic alliance and the US over the issues of NATO membership and the military installations in Greece and challenges the notion of “independence,” or else the need for detachment from the western alliance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]