Morphological and geochemical characterization of the particulate deposits and the black crust from the Triumphal Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki, Greece: Implications for deterioration assessment.

In the present study, 12 particulate deposits and one black crust sample were collected from the Triumphal Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki, Greece and characterized by employing a multi-analytical approach including chemical analysis of trace elements and ionic species, as well as scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) to gain information about the micromorphology and the chemical composition in terms of major elements. In addition, one unaltered marble sample, e.g. the marble directly beneath the black crust, was examined by microscopic and isotopic methods to characterize its texture and origin. The particulate deposits consist mainly of calcite, quartz, aluminosilicate mineral phases, several metal oxides of Fe, Ti and FeCr with Mn and Cu. They also include bird droppings enriched in P and S, and plant residuals. The black crust has a similar mineral composition and is dominated by calcite with traces of quartz and halite, whereas P- and S-enriched particles are common. In both cases a coating on calcite crystals with a thin crust rich in Ca, Ba and S is commonly observed and is attributed to the previous conservation works. Concentrations of As, Zn, Pb, Cu, nitrate, sulfate, chloride and acetate were significantly higher in particle deposits than in the black crust as opposed to Fe, Co, Ni and formates that were at the same level. The traffic-related trace elements Pb, Zn and Cu and most ions were significantly higher in low-altitude deposition samples. The current marble deterioration is induced by a combination of factors, including mechanical, physico-chemical and biological processes.

Adoption of ICT by Elderly with Hip Fracture After a Fall.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) of elderly with hip fracture after a fall. Demographic and clinical data using a general questionnaire were obtained from 67 elderly patients with a hip fracture after fall and compared with 67 gender-age matched elderly healthy controls regarding their knowledge and use of ICT-based devices. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted at p=0.05. 25.4% of the patients vs 10.5% of the controls uses ICT-based devices (p=0.024). Among patients, the demographic factors significantly associated with the use of ICT-based devices included area of residence, educational level and financial status (p<0.001 to p=0.045). In conclusion, based on a small sample, it seems that the adoption of ICT by the elderly vulnerable populations is limited.

GIS Mapping and Monitoring of Health Problems Among the Elderly.

The electronic survey in conjunction with GIS in the current study aims at presenting the needs and health problems of the elderly in individual Open Elderly Care Centres in Greece. The online GIS survey enables the continuous monitoring and developing of the health problems of the elderly and helps them in their early care by the healthcare units. GIS survey123 is a customizable tool, which can be used to conduct research that is then published on an Android, iOS, and web platform. The ArcGIS software was used for the geographic mapping of data collected from a wide range of sources, so that health care professionals can investigate the factors associated with the onset of the diseases. Also, direct geographic mapping aims at identifying health problems of the elderly in Greece and transferring information to health care professionals in order to impose proper control measures in a very small period of time.

Geographic Mapping of Use and Knowledge of the Existence of Projects or ICT-Based Devices in Dementia Care.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) from community-based patients, while the results were visualized on maps by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Of the 779 participants, 37.4% of the patients responded that they were aware of the availability of ICTs available for dementia, with only 9.2% responding that they were using individual devices. It was apparent that 94.7% of those with a university education had knowledge of ICT and 47.4% of them did use, unlike patients with lower levels of education. In conclusion, based on a small sample of the Greek population, the knowledge and use of ICTs is still on a limited scale and mainly concerns patients with high socioeconomic status.

Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescent Students in Greek High Schools.

Depressive symptoms in adolescence have been a subject of considerable controversy in terms of their nature, severity and identification. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the presence of depressive symptoms in Greek adolescent high school students and to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics. For that purpose, a cross-sectional study design was conducted in two public schools in Megalopolis, Greece, from April 2012 to July 2012, using a self-administered questionnaire based on DSM-IV. The target population involved 222 high school students and the response rate was 74.75%. Data was analyzed using trend χ(2) test, student's t-test and bivariate analysis. The analysis of survey data was conducted using the SPSS (19.0). Main findings demonstrate that 3.6% had symptoms of major depressive episode. Furthermore, depressive symptoms were significantly higher in girls, while statistically significant relationships were found between students' physical (P<0.01) and mental health (P<0.008), students' experiences in school (P<0.02), students' experiences with friends (P<0.008) and the frequency of depressive symptoms. Overall, the study results reveal that depressive symptoms can occur in adolescents. Early diagnosis, as well as the need for psychological care at adolescence is necessary for the prevention of major depressive disorders.