University of Thessaly

Intercultural conflict is expressed as struggle due to a perceived incompatibility of values, norms, face orientations, goals, scarce resources, processes, and/or outcomes between at least two parties from different cultural communities in an interactive situation (Ting-Toomey and Oetzel 2001) [...]

ABSTRACT Thirty years after the Salamanca Declaration, teachers’ attitudes remain a key factor in the success of inclusive education. Research indicates that inclusion is often perceived as a greater challenge in secondary education compared to primary education, particularly in terms of institutional implementation. This study systematically reviews 28 articles to examine secondary school teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education and the predictors shaping these attitudes, following the PRISMA guidelines. The findings reveal that secondary school teachers hold diverse and often ambivalent attitudes towards inclusion, with many perceiving it as an entitlement for certain student groups rather than an unconditional human right. Key predictors include systemic and professional challenges, such as resource availability, teacher training, and the type of student needs. These insights inform practical strategies and research directions aimed at fostering inclusive communities in secondary education.

Myzus persicae (Sulzer), is a major global pest whose control is challenged by widespread insecticide resistance. This study assessed the resistance status of M. persicae populations collected in Greece (2021-2025), using diagnostic bioassays with insecticides (acetamiprid, flupyradifurone, flonicamid, sulfoxaflor and FliPPER) and a newly developed, highly sensitive droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) panel targeting seven key resistance mutations (vgsc: super-kdr M918T/L and kdr L1014F - pyrethroid resistance; acetyl-CoA carboxylase: A2666V - keto-enol resistance; AChE: MACE S431F - dimethyl carbamates resistance; nAChR: R81T and T74I linked to CYP6CY3 overexpression - resistance to nAChR competitive modulators). Bioassays revealed frequent cross-resistance cases. Notably, we report the first case of resistance to flonicamid. FliPPER (fatty acids potassium salts) showed the highest resistance frequency (50.0%) and sulfoxaflor the lowest (1.7%). The ddPCR analysis (on 634 aphids) confirmed the presence of six resistance mutations. The mutation T74I was almost fixed across all populations (mean resistant allele frequency of 99.9%). Other key mutations (MACE, kdr/super-kdr and R81T) were present at moderate-to-high frequencies, with the M918L super-kdr variant showing a notable increase. Myzus persicae in Greece exhibits a high level of genetic variability, leading to severe and dynamic resistance problems. The widespread metabolic resistance (CYP6CY3 overexpression) which has been found to compromise neonicotinoids and fluryradifurone and the emergence of flonicamid resistance complicate the implementation of integrated pest management. The ddPCR panel provides a valid, evidence-based tool for large-scale monitoring of resistance and decision-making, essential for managing this difficult to control pest. However, bioassays are also useful when molecular markers are not available. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Addressing principal challenges in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding requires a holistic approach. A combined strategy was implemented to assess seven genotypes (landraces and commercial varieties) for yield potential, stability and resistance to bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) under Mediterranean low-input conditions. Pure-line selection and prognostic breeding together with SSR and CAPS-SCAR marker-assisted selection (MAS) formed the core methodology. Significant variation was detected across 24 morpho-agronomic descriptors, while SSR revealed 48.57% polymorphic loci and private alleles in specific landraces. High genetic coefficients of variation and high heritability were recorded for yield-related traits. Phenotypical evaluation showed diverse responses to BCMV, with mild symptoms predominating (52.14%). Entries G1 (45%) and G5 (35%) exhibited the highest frequency of the symptomless resistant phenotype. Molecular screening at I and bc-3/eIF4E loci confirmed G5's robust dominant I gene profile, while G1 included individuals carrying both the dominant I gene and recessive bc-3, offering a valuable source for pyramiding resistance. Additionally, G1 (LI = 2.35; 100%) performed strongly in productivity, whereas G2 (SI = 3.1; 100%) and G7 (SI = 2.8; 89.7%) exhibited exceptional stability. Overall, the mixed-model approach highlighted the complementary characteristics of the tested genotypes and identified G1, G2, G5 and G7 as promising candidates for future breeding programs targeting high yield, low-input adaptability and resistance to BCMV.

Online misinformation has grown significantly with the widespread use of the internet and the ease of sharing content through social media, often without rigorous fact-checking or scientific validation. In this context, we examined the effect of trust in scientists and conspiracy beliefs on online misinformation susceptibility and fake news detection. A cross-sectional study was carried out. We used valid questionnaires to collect our data. Trust in scientists was assessed using the Trust in Scientists Scale. Conspiracy beliefs were measured using the Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire. Participants’ susceptibility to online misinformation was evaluated using the Online Misinformation Susceptibility Scale. Our multivariable analysis identified that lower trust in scientists is associated with higher online misinformation susceptibility. Participants who believed in conspiracy behaviors showed also higher levels of misinformation susceptibility. Our multivariable model showed that participants who believe in conspiracy beliefs had a lower ability to detect fake news. We found a positive association between trust in sciences and fake news detection. We identified a negative association between interest in politics and fake news detection. Our findings showed associations between trust in scientists, conspiracy beliefs, online misinformation susceptibility and fake news detection. Identification of predictors of these outcomes is crucial to define high-risk groups and develop appropriate interventions to confront these issues.

Peer victimization during preadolescence constitutes a significant public mental health concern, particularly for children with special educational needs (SEN). Family relational factors, and especially paternal acceptance-rejection, may influence children's psychosocial adjustment and vulnerability to victimization. The present study examined the associations between perceived paternal acceptance-rejection, multidimensional self-perception, and peer victimization among preadolescents with and without SEN. A total of 660 students attending the final grades of Greek primary schools (553 without SEN; 107 with formally identified SEN) completed standardized self-report measures of peer victimization, perceived paternal acceptance-rejection, and self-perception domains. Separate path analyses were conducted for each group to examine direct and indirect relational pathways. Among children without SEN, perceived paternal hostility/aggression was directly associated with peer victimization and indirectly associated through behavioral conduct problems and lower school competence. In contrast, among children with SEN, the absence of paternal warmth and perceived paternal indifference/rejection were directly associated with victimization, whereas paternal hostility was not significantly associated, and self-perception did not function as a mediator. Model fit indices indicated excellent fit in both groups. These findings suggest distinct paternal relational mechanisms underlying peer victimization depending on SEN status. Interventions aimed at preventing victimization may benefit from incorporating father-focused family components alongside school-based strategies, with particular emphasis on emotional warmth and support for children with SEN.

Biodiversity loss, resource stress, and climate impacts interact in ways that demand integrated and systems-based approaches. This study operationalises the “biodiversity nexus” by applying the JUNIPER system dynamics model to quantify interlinkages between Βiodiversity and the Water - Energy - Food - Transport - Health - Climate Nexus in Greece from 2000 -2019. By embedding species-level threats, ecosystem vulnerability, and cumulative pressures within a unified modelling environment, JUNIPER offers an actionable framework consistent with the IPBES Nexus Assessment for understanding how biophysical, socio-economic, and infrastructural drivers shape biodiversity outcomes.The results reveal persistent biodiversity stress, reflected in gradually declining Red List Index and Red List of Ecosystems Index values. While changes are subtle, they indicate the slow but cumulative deterioration characteristic of ecological systems under multiple interacting pressures. Agriculture emerges as a major source of biodiversity risk, particularly livestock intensity, nutrient loading, pesticide use, and irrigation demand, which together link water scarcity, land-use pressures, and agricultural emissions. Agriculture accounts for ~90% of freshwater withdrawals, demonstrating how water - food linkages strongly mediate biodiversity vulnerability.Energy and transport systems further contribute through air pollution, GHG emissions, and spatial infrastructure expansion. Despite progress toward renewables, continued fossil-fuel use and road-transport dependence generate sustained pressures on both biodiversity and public health. Climate change acts as a compounding stressor through rising temperatures and increased extremes. The Health module illustrates how environmental degradation undermines physical and mental wellbeing, reinforcing the interdependence of ecological integrity and human health.By highlighting the slow biodiversity response relative to more dynamic indicators such as GHG emissions or Quality of Life, this study underscores the need for governance approaches that minimise trade-offs, harness synergies, and support systemic transformation. JUNIPER identifies leverage points, including sustainable irrigation, dietary shifts, decarbonisation pathways, and greener mobility, that can deliver co-benefits across systems. As such, it provides a concrete tool for advancing integrated nexus thinking and informing more coherent, equitable, and sustainable responses to interconnected crises.

Peri-urban ecosystems represent underexplored habitats rich in entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) that can serve as valuable resources for managing insect pests. This study characterized the EPF communities in two peri-urban sites near Patras, Greece (Dasyllio and Elos), during 2018–2019. Soil samples were collected seasonally, and fungi were isolated using insect baiting with Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val and Sitophilus zeamais Motsch., a selective method favoring generalist, fast-acting entomopathogens. A total of 814 isolates were recovered. Of a randomly selected subset (n = 177) subjected to molecular identification, 46.9% were characterized as known EPF, while 53.1% were classified as putative EPF based on taxonomic affiliation (ITS sequence similarity ≥ 99%), pending confirmation of pathogenicity. The Dasyllio site yielded more isolates (63.4%) than Elos (36.6%). Seasonal trends strongly influenced EPF occurrence, with infective fungi peaking in spring and summer (p < 0.001), while community diversity remained stable throughout the year, with the highest evenness (Evenness Index = 0.93) observed in autumn. These results highlight peri-urban green spaces as reservoirs of diverse and ecologically stable EPF, suggesting their potential as sources of biocontrol agents for future development and seasonal integration into pest management strategies.

Background: Stroke continues to be a primary cause of death and disability which mainly affects patients who have high blood pressure. The research set out to determine how often strokes occur together with their associated clinical risk factors in this specific patient group. Methods: Our research applied a quantitative method to perform a cross-sectional study which included 1,024 patients who had hypertension. Our research team conducted an analysis of 15 variables which included numerical data about patient age and their blood pressure readings and cholesterol measurements and categorical data about their gender and their heart disease status. Our research team conducted statistical analyses to identify which factors most strongly predicted the development of stroke in our patient population. Variables significant only in univariate analysis (p<0.05) but not retained after adjustment are displayed in the Univariate‑only section. ORs are plotted on a logarithmic scale, follows conventions consistent with Stata 17, data analysis through descriptive statistics and machine learning approaches while using Python and Excel as their main software applications. Results: Our research findings demonstrated that 25% of patients with hypertension developed strokes while age emerged as the most critical factor which increased stroke risk. The highest occurrence of 45% appeared in patients who were 70 years old or older. The research showed that glucose levels above 126 mg/dL together with obesity defined by a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher served as important predictive factors which achieved statistical significance through p-values of 0.002 and 0.01. The presence of heart disease was also linked to increased stroke risk (p 0.001), emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments in this demographic. Conclusion: The research findings reveal an urgent requirement for focused treatment programs which target adjustable risk elements including patient age and high blood sugar levels and excess body weight in people with hypertension. Our research shows that active control of these risk elements will lower the chance of stroke development which proves that patients need to follow specific lifestyle changes and maintain their health through scheduled checkups to achieve better results for their condition.