Royal Society of Chemistry

Costas Demetzos Professor Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Director in the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens President of Hellenic Pharmaceutical Society (HPS)

Open Access Journal

Gorgoneion and Gorgon- Medusa - A Critical Research Review

to Identify Marsh/Lake at Kastrouli Late Mycenaean Settlement (Desfina, Greece)

Responsibility in Companies and Institutions for Sustainable Technology Development

Scientific Culture, Vol.6, No.1

for Characterization and Provenance of Ceramic Artifacts from late Helladic Kastrouli Settlement, Delphi (Central Greece)

3 D Reconstruction of Cultural Heritage Site as an Educational Approach

Der FDP-Politiker Alexander Graf Lambsdorff sorgt sich um die Europäische Union - für ihn steckt das Projekt in einer Sackgasse.

The COVID-19 confinement has shed light on many issues. It has been an enlightening experience. And now, it is our duty to remember, it is essential not to forget. And we must realize that —since we can now finally express ourselves freely, after remaining silent and submissive for so many centuries— the time has come for us to participate, to listen and to reconcile, to take action, to build a new future, to defeat the huge media power which should be seen as a terrible “weapon of mass distraction”, using the fortunate expression coined by Soledad Gallego.

COVID-19 pandemic control must draw on the expertise of virologists, epidmiologists, psychologists, but also matematicians and other disciplines. Among them, physics offers its own tools and theories that can explain the mechanisms of spreading the disease, its localization and suppression. This work is based on the premise that social systems with thier interactions are too complex to be modelled in a simple way by straight-cut analytical models. The same applies to the biological processes in livig organisms. Therefore, empirical physical models are often used as useful approximations that c

We review the basic aspects of quantum chaos (wave chaos) in mixed-type Hamiltonian systems with divided phase space, where regular regions containing the invariant tori coexist with the chaotic regions. The quantum evolution of classically chaotic bound systems does not possess the sensitive dependence on initial conditions, and thus no chaotic behaviour occurs, as the motion is always almost periodic. However, the study of the stationary solutions of the Schr¨odinger equation in the quantum phase space (Wigner functions or Husimi functions) reveals precise analogy of the structure of the cla

Based on high quality surgery and scientific data, scientists and surgeons are committed to protecting patients as well as healthcare staff and hereby provide this Guidance to address the special issues circumstances related to the exponential spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during this pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated on March 11th, 2020 in its Situation Report – 51, that “….the assessment that the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be characterized as a pandemic” [1]. On Thursday, March 12th, 2020 the German Government decided to postpone all justifiable elective admissions and surgical procedures and directed interventions to increase capacities in terms of patient beds, intensive care unit (ICU) beds, and ventilators [2]. This was followed on March 19th, 2020 by regulations from the Bavarian State Ministry of Health

In this article, it is argued that in the process of cultural transfer, literary translation and reception, the recipient will often transform the cultural rules and literary discourse in the original texts to make them fit the rules and discourse of the recipient reader/audience to target the taste of new readers. This phenomenon, which we call literary ‘domestic appropriation’, is a kind of transformation on a deeper level. Domestic appropriation is what can we get from literary variation, and it is the core part of variation studies. In cultural and literary exchange and dialogue between Ch

Foregrounding the disabled and vulnerable bodies in British writer Indra Sinha’s novel Animal’s People (2007), this article contends that the disability and vulnerability of the human body provides an approach for re-thinking the relationship between the human and non-human world in the Anthropocene. The article seeks understandings about how conceptions of corporeal disability are intertwined with ideas about the non-human world; it also analyzes the vulnerability of the human body to toxic environments. “Disabled and vulnerable bodies in Indra Sinha’s Animal’s People” offers a close reading

During the last decade the world is astonished and becoming more and more fascinated by the dramatic progress of P.R. China in all respects, particularly in science and technology. It appears a rather involving quest to understand this process, the roots of which I believe have emanated from the far reaching heritage of Confucius’ teachings. For, as

Since the dawn of civilization, there have been epidemics and pandemics. They are, in reality, an unintended consequence of civilization. Prehistoric societies (our ancestors), surely have been affected by diseases, but they had few opportunities to exchange germs outside their own culture since the earliest humans lived in small isolated bands. The condition shifted drastically when, about 10,000 years ago, the agricultural revolution replaced a nomadic, hunting-gathering society, with a sedentary lifestyle. Here we present our views on the causes of pandemics, the human and natural causal fa

No individual bios or species bios can live independently. The 8 C’s (communication and cooperation, competence and competition, contemplation and communication, compassion and cultivation), are present in all bios. They define in their specific human settings us as individuals and our networks, including state and non-state bios in religions and corporations. We humans are not eusocial as ants and bees; thus, we have a species-specifically developed bio-ethics in religions and philosophies from the Vedic ‘tat tvam asi’ to Jesus’ ‘love your neighbor’ and Fritz Jahr’s ‘bioethical imperative’...

In an Editorial (April 21, p 1549), Viktor Orbán, currently third-time reelected prime minister of Hungary, was suggested as not delivering health for his nation. Since this opinion is based on certain health-care indicators, I should like to supplement with additional data. The Editors state that “Under Orbán’s leadership, the number of new cases of HIV/AIDS has more than doubled in a decade, rising from 1·0 per 100 000 in 2005 to 2·7 per 100 000 in 2015.” Since the population of Hungary is about 10 million, these figures represent 107 new cases in 2005, and 271 new cases in 2015...

It is increasingly evident that carcinogenesis, in the vast majority of cancers, cannot be explained simply through an accumulation of somatic mutations, or epigenetics, the stem cell theory, or the Warburg effect. Here, decades of thinking based on incorrect assumptions has resulted in an incorrect hypothesis on the origin of cancer. Many papers studying DNA, genetics, RNA, miRNA, proteomics, and epigenetics have increased our understanding of biology. Our paradigm, though more complex, is more reliable and plausible. It states that cancer originates from a disruption of homeostasis. This ess

Background: Arsenic-contaminated drinkingwater (ACDW) represents a major global public health problem. A few previous studies suggested that consuming ACDW may be associated with elevated risk for depression. Aim: Since depression is the most relevant risk factor for suicide, we hypothesized that consumption of ACDW may be also associated with suicide. Method: To investigate this, we compared the age-standardized suicide rates (SSR) of 1639 Hungarian settlements with low (r10 μg/l), intermediate (11–30 μg/l), high (31–50 μg/l) and very high (Z51 μg/l) levels of arsenic in drinking water...

Beyond both being biphasic/bidirectional disorders (hypo)mania and essential hypertension share a surprising number of similarities and an overlap between their genetics, biological background, underlying personality and temperamental factors, precipitating factors, comorbidity and response to treatment, indicating a possibly partially shared biological background. Based on theoretical knowledge, similarities related to characteristics, manifestation and course, and the results of pharmacological studies related to the effects and side effects of pharmacotherapies used in...

The risk of suicidal behaviour in mood disorders is an inherent phenomenon and in patients with major mood disorders it strongly relates to the presence and severity of depressive episode. Suicidal behaviour in patients with mood disorders is state and severity dependent that means that suicidality markedly decreases or vanishes after clinical recovery. However, since the majority of mood disorder patients never commit and more than half of them never attempt suicide, special clinical characteristics of the illness as well as some personality, familial and psycho-social factors should also...

Am zeitlichen Beginn der medizinischen Schweigepflicht steht der hippokratische Eid der Antike mit einer religiös-ethischen und nicht justiziablen Forderung nach Verschwiegenheit. Die entscheidende Zäsur der Neuzeit – Vorbild für viele Länder – ist der französische Code Pénal Impérial von 1810 mit dem Verständnis der im Mittelalter weniger und seit der Renaissance wiederholt behandelten Schweigepflicht als Rechtspflicht. In der Tradition der Vergangenheit fordert die Genfer Deklaration der World Medical Association von 1948 Verschwiegenheit über den Tod des Kranken hinaus...

We made a deliberate decision to become scientists and not philosophers, because science offers the opportunity to test ideas using the scientific method. And once we began our formal training as scientists, the greatest challenge beyond formulating a testable or refutable hypothesis was designing appropriate controls for an experiment. In theory, this seems trivial, but in practice, it is often difficult. But where and when did this concept of controlling an experiment start? ...

The modern food industry is among the key partners of today’s global tourism. As part of the tourism processes, tourists buy and consume local food in the local catering facilities. Furthermore, tourists are usually willing to try out gastronomy specialties during their travels. Food safety is important for tourists although it is not always part of their conscious behavior in the destination. Food safety standards are regulated by international contracts based on the analysis of more half a century’s experiences. Within processes related to the changes in the external environment, ...

Das Gegensatzpaar Begrenzung und Entgrenzung, Endlichkeit und Unendlichkeit, Zeitlichkeit und Ewigkeit dynamisiert den gesamten Kosmos. Als Mikrokosmos bildet der Mensch ein Selbst, „ein Verhältnis“, wie Kierkegaard sagt, „das sich zu sich selbst verhält, und, indem es sich zu sich selbst verhält, zu einem Andern sich verhält.“ Dieser Andere ist Gott. Solange der Mensch in der Subjekt-Objekt-Spaltung gefangen ist, erscheint ihm der Tod als Grenze, als „Widerspruch des Lebens“ . Durch den Anteil des Menschen an der Unendlichkeit ist der Tod jedoch nicht „das Letzte“, sondern

The feasibility of formulating the Singularity of Nature was enunciated by Einstein's mathematical formula, demonstrating the equivalency of energy and mass (E=mc2). Despite that statement of principle, it has proven impossible to achieve this goal scientifically by directly merging biology and physics into one continuum. More recently, it has been realized that biology can be traced to its origins by reducing evolutionary biology to cell-cell signaling, the unicellular state being seen as a continuum from genotype to phenotype. Mechanistically, Self-referential Self-organization founded on

Seit der Antike wird über die Position der Medizin zwischen Wissenschaft (scientia) und Kunst (ars) sowie im Spektrum der Natur- und Geisteswissenschaften nachgedacht. Bis in die Gegenwart sind die Auffassungen nicht einheitlich, werden weiterhin die Akzente unterschiedlich gesetzt, abweichend auch für die verschiedenen medizinischen Disziplinen und therapeutischen Situationen. Ebenso vielfältig sind die Vorstellungen über die Heilkraft der Künste oder ihren Beitrag für Diagnostik und Therapie sowie die praktischen Umsetzungen im medizinischen Alltag. Die naturwissenschaftliche Medizin steht

Digitalisation has been regarded by politicians and economic leaders as a new superior opportunity to continue and accelerate economic growth. Growth in its recent capitalistic understanding cannot, however, solve the global crises, climate change, narrowing of biodiversity, accumulation of wealth in the hands of a minority or arms race and use of violence as conflict treatment. Economic growth is part of the problem, not its solution. Recognising the meaning of economic cooperation is needed to prevent the capitalist drive of competition leading to the destruction of societies and the market

Das Konzept der Polymedialität entwickelte ich bereits 2003 während der Realisierung des Projekts »Strophes« – ein Werk, das ich speziell für die Dresdner Aufführung im Foyer der Gläsernen Manufaktur von Volkswagen komponierte. Hier setzte ich zum ersten Mal zusammen mit meiner Musik zusätzlich das Automobil als kreatives Instrument ein und auch zur ›Unterstützung‹ des Dirigenten: Mit dem Automobil wurden Signale gegeben (u. a. Hupe, Scheinwerfer), was das synchrone Spiel der Musiker ermöglichte. »Sound of Vladivostok« wurde in einer wesentlich größeren Dimension und...

The use of renewable energy resources (RES) can have multiple positive effects on the development of regional and local economies. This sector has been indicating a significant and undiminished growth as well as is sensitive to maintain its environmental image. However, to sustain the sector’s success, a rather complex system of environmental, economic, social and political requirements has to be fulfilled. Among them, this study intends to focus on some relevant social aspects. Public attitudes to RES are closely related to the level of knowledge on the various technologies that, ...

Die Rede vom Abendland ist wieder en vogue. Sie begegnet heute bevorzugt im Umfeld politisch rechter Gruppierungen, die zeitgenössische Herausforderungen populistisch aufgreifen und mit Tabubrüchen von sich reden machen. Der Begriff „Abendland“ wird dabei gerade nicht mit supranational europäischen Positionen verbunden, sondern auf national deutsche Interessen enggeführt. Zusätzliche Verwirrung entsteht, wenn darüber hinaus das „christliche Abendland“ bemüht wird. Gruppierungen, die diese Begriffe im Munde führen, fallen nämlich vermehrt mit Aussagen auf, die vom christlichen Ethos ebenso...

The role of ubiquitous proteins (UPs) and their corresponding enzymes have been underestimated in carcinogenesis as the focus of much research revolved around measuring mutations and/or other genetic epiphenomena as surrogate markers of cancer and cancer progression. Over the past three decades, the scientific community has come to realize that the concentration on microdissection of cancer cells without accounting for the neighborhood in which these cells reside, i.e., the stroma, fails to reflect the true nature of cancer biology. UPs are fundamental for cellular homeostasis and phylogenetic

A pathogenic (biological or chemical) stimulus is the earliest information received by a cell that can result in the disruption of homeostasis with consequent development of disease. Chronic inflammation involves many cell types with numerous cytokines and signaling pathways, the release of different components by the cells, and the crosstalk provoked by such stimuli involving subclinical chronic inflammation and is mechanistically manifold. Exosomes secrete chemicals that trigger the epithelium to produce exosome-like nanoparticles promoting chronic inflammation. Small molecules, together...

The shortage of nursing staff in Germany compromises public healthcare in deference to profits explaining why this is on the daily political and media agenda. In Germany, over a 22 year period, significant savings were achieved by decreases in: (1) hospital beds by −29.3% saving 119 000 beds, (2) patient care and treatment days by −23% saving 43.1 million patient days, and (3) length of hospital stay in days by −39% saving 4.7 days. This occurred together with the parallel increase of treated patient cases by +26.5% with an additional burden of 4.1 million patients. Since 2010, as bi

The interdisciplinary field of archaeometry covers a wide range of subject categories and disciplines in relation to science and humanities. It is a well-established academic field of study and accredited part of higher education. Since its inception, the nomenclature designation of archaeometry signifies the appropriate methodology applied to archaeological materials and questions emerging from this field, regarding monuments, artifacts, and the reconstruction and management of landscape bearing cultural assets. The measurements of tangible culture denote significant information, such as...

Ancient Greek civilizations developed technological solutions to problems of access to and disposal of water but this prompted the need to take judicial action. This paper offers an overview of the judicial implications of Ancient civilizations developments or adaptations of technological applications aimed at exploiting natural resources. Thus, from the earliest times, Greek societies prepared legislation to solve disputes, define access to the water resources, and regulate waste- and storm-water disposal. On the one hand, evidence suggests that from the Archaic through the Hellenistic period

This study has two aims. The theoretical aim is to analyse three essential pre-conditions of an Authentic Sustainability Curriculum (ASC). The theoretical analysis involves the definition of authenticity through the learning outcomes (LOs) framework called Authentic Minimum (AM). The empirical aim is to gauge students’ views on economic growth, sustainability and mindfulness.

The ancient civilizations of China and Greece, in the east and the west, have both subsequently deeply influenced other civilizations, regionally and across the world. Water management played a significant role in both civilizations and evidence demonstrates that many principles and technologies were generated by them, throughout both civilizations' long histories. As a result, they significantly influenced the ancient world broadly, some of which are still functioning up till this present time. This study comprises the following: methodology, hydrogeology, aqueducts and water impounds,...

From the beginning of the Bronze Age (ca. 3200–1100 BC), domestic wastewater (sewage) has been used for irrigation and aquaculture by a number of civilizations including those that developed in China and the Orient, Egypt, the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and Crete. In historic times (ca. 1000 BC−330 AD), wastewater was disposed of or used for irrigation and fertilization purposes by the Greek and later Roman civilizations, especially in areas surrounding important cities (e.g., Athens and Rome). In more recent times, the practice of land application of wastewater for disposal and agricultural..

A new transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary field that emerges in pedagogics is commented. Arts coupled with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is the STEM with Arts (STEAM). It introduces students and educators to an holistic approach in classroom. STEAM removes limitations and replaces them with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation. This editorial commentary introduces to Scientific Culture readers to the current status and potential of this field and initiates a further step to encompass Culture, as well. This is the STEMAC (Science, Technology, Engineering,...

Water scarcity and water availability puts significant constraints in the social and economic development of many regions and countries around the world, especially the arid and semi-arid regions, as well as deteriorates the quality of life. The current problem of water scarcity consists of the adverse result of ineffective water resource management and policies, as well as the availability of water in these regions. This paper presents a methodological overview of a sustainable water resource management framework through technical and scientific analyses of water scarcity management in...

Significant characteristics of the Minoan civilization were: (a) their peaceful living with their environment and neighbors (although the Minoans dominated in the Mediterranean for almost two millennia, in none of the numerous wars and/or conflicts that occurred in the region were they directly or indirectly involved) and (b) technological developments that are unprecedented in world history, as shown by the numerous paradigms on water resources technologies used and water, wastewater, and stormwater management. These paradigms are relevant to water supply, fountains, cisterns used to store...

The incidence of breast cancer has risen steadily over the last half a century, partially due to earlier detection. Nevertheless, the mortality rate has remained relatively constant (27 per 100.000 women). Although we are beginning to understand the risk factors for breast cancer, including environmental sources (e.g. mutagen exposure) and personal choices (e.g. late first childbirth age and high dietary fat intake), the further identification of mechanisms underlying the development and progression of breast cancer is of major public health importance.