Proceedings

6 pages, 1305 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Radial Growth Characteristics and Climate on the East and West Banks of the Nestos River, Greece: Vegetation Strategic Management Insights

by Panagiotis P. Koulelis, Evangelia Avramidou, Evangelia Korakaki and Alexandra Solomou

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117019 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

In Greece, water scarcity is a key factor limiting forest growth, with a strong correlation observed between water availability and tree ring growth in Mediterranean forests. The LIFE-PRIMED project in the Nestos Delta, northeastern Greece, studied tree growth patterns on both riverbanks, noting [...] Read more.

In Greece, water scarcity is a key factor limiting forest growth, with a strong correlation observed between water availability and tree ring growth in Mediterranean forests. The LIFE-PRIMED project in the Nestos Delta, northeastern Greece, studied tree growth patterns on both riverbanks, noting significant fluctuations towards the east and varying increases towards the west. The drought index revealed a decrease in drought over time, and no clear link between tree growth and drought conditions was found. Severe droughts and dam-induced flooding appear to affect tree growth by altering hydrological patterns. Years of significant decline with notable growth deviations include 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2007, and 2017 in the eastern region, and 2002, 2004, 2007, and 2017 in the western region. Significant droughts in 1990, 1993, and 2001 had limited immediate impact but may have affected growth in subsequent years. Further research is needed to understand the impact of climatic conditions and prolonged floods on tree growth to improve management decisions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

5 pages, 181 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Consumers’ Attitudes Towards Novel Products: The Case of Cereal Bars with Sea Buckthorn

by Stefanos A. Nastis, Anastasios Michailidis, Chrysanthi Charatsari, Evgenia Karamouzi, Dimitra Lazaridou, Evagelos D. Lioutas, Efstratios Loizou, Fotios Chatzitheodoridis, Maria Loizou, Anna Michailidou, Evangelia Michailidou, Fani Mantzouridou, Panagiotis Panopoulos, Dimitrios Tsolis and Paraskevi Liakopoulou

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117018 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Hippophae (sea buckthorn) is a plant valued for its berries in food manufacturing and medicinal properties. Despite growing research on its benefits, consumer perceptions of sea buckthorn-based products remain underexplored. This study examines Greek consumers’ attitudes toward cereal bars enriched with sea buckthorn, [...] Read more.

Hippophae (sea buckthorn) is a plant valued for its berries in food manufacturing and medicinal properties. Despite growing research on its benefits, consumer perceptions of sea buckthorn-based products remain underexplored. This study examines Greek consumers’ attitudes toward cereal bars enriched with sea buckthorn, developed within a project focused on high-nutritional-value foods. Key factors include awareness, taste, safety, health benefits, trust, convenience, price, appearance, quality certification, environmental friendliness, and support for small-scale farmers. Results show moderate willingness to buy due to perceived health benefits and sustainability, but marketing should address sensory profile and trust to build a robust market. Full article

7 pages, 870 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Simulation Scenarios of Red Palm Weevil Dispersion in Corfu, Greece

by Evangelos Alvanitopoulos, Ioannis Karydis and Markos Avlonitis

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117017 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation study investigating the possible dispersal of the red palm weevil, a highly destructive pest affecting various palm species, across the island of Corfu, Greece. The simulation incorporates ecological modeling and geographical data to analyze the dynamics and the [...] Read more.

This paper presents a simulation study investigating the possible dispersal of the red palm weevil, a highly destructive pest affecting various palm species, across the island of Corfu, Greece. The simulation incorporates ecological modeling and geographical data to analyze the dynamics and the spread of red palm weevil populations over time and space. Key findings indicate that factors such as tree density and spatial distribution significantly influence infestation rates, with densely populated areas being more susceptible to rapid spreading. The study underscores the importance of early detection and targeted interventions to control red palm weevil populations and to mitigate their impact on affected regions. This research contributes to the development of effective pest management strategies that could potentially be adapted to address similar invasive species challenges in other agricultural contexts. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

6 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Alternative Protein Sources: Generation Y’s Food Neophobia, Entomophagy Acceptance, Self-Assessed Environmental Concern, and Intention to Recommend Entomophagy

by Irene (Eirini) Kamenidou, Spyridon Mamalis, Stergios Gkitsas, Aikaterini Stavrianea, Ifigeneia Mylona and Stavros Pavlidis

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117016 - 22 Apr 2025

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the Greek Generation Y cohorts’ food neophobia, intention to engage in entomophagy, self-assessed environmental concern, and intention to recommend entomophagy as an alternative to meat protein intake. Lastly, it groups participants based on the abovementioned [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper is to explore the Greek Generation Y cohorts’ food neophobia, intention to engage in entomophagy, self-assessed environmental concern, and intention to recommend entomophagy as an alternative to meat protein intake. Lastly, it groups participants based on the abovementioned variables. An online questionnaire applying a convenient sampling method collected data from 234 members of the Generation Y cohort. Regarding food neophobia, mean values (MVs) revealed that the statement “If I don’t like the look/appearance of a food/dish I won’t try it” was the highest rated (MV = 4.72 on a 7-point Likert scale). As to acceptance of entomophagy, the highest rated statement was “I would only try insect-based foods abroad (e.g., in the Far East)” with MV = 3.98 on a 7-point Likert scale. As to self-assessed environmental concern, the results revealed that participants answered that “I am quite interested in environmental issues, but they are not my immediate priority” (MV = 3.00 on a 5-point Likert-type scale) and they are not likely to recommend entomophagy to others (MV = 1.69 on a 5-point Likert-type scale). A K-means cluster analysis provided three clusters. Communication marketing and sustainability education are discussed to raise awareness of entomophagy and possible acceptance. Full article

7 pages, 184 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Quantitative Evaluation of Sustainable Weed Management Adoption Using Principal Component Analysis: Empirical Evidence from Greek Arable Farmers

by Efstratios Michalis, Athanasios Ragkos, Ilias Travlos and Chrysovalantis Malesios

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117015 - 22 Apr 2025

Abstract

Environmental degradation combined with the need to ensure food security for a rapidly growing world population has prompted the adoption of Sustainable Weed Management Practices (SWMPs), which are expected to reduce crop losses while preserving natural resources. However, evidence shows that farmers are [...] Read more.

Environmental degradation combined with the need to ensure food security for a rapidly growing world population has prompted the adoption of Sustainable Weed Management Practices (SWMPs), which are expected to reduce crop losses while preserving natural resources. However, evidence shows that farmers are reluctant to adopt them, and European farming remains dependent on chemical herbicides. The objective of this study is to analyze the adoption of SWMPs in Greece by identifying common factors that may explain the information (variance) included in each of two initial sets of variables, separately describing the following: (i) factors that hinder the adoption of SWMPs in Greece; (ii) factors and strategies to promote the use of SWMPs in the country. To achieve this purpose, 121 farmers cultivating annual arable crops in the Region of Thessaly in Central Greece were surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce both initial sets of variables and categorize farmers’ responses into two smaller sets of uncorrelated components (dimensions) without missing valuable information, the analysis yielded five factors that limit the adoption of SWMPs (“Costs and availability of resources”; “Environment and land ownership”; “Compatibility and easiness of use”; “Economic performance”; “Social capital and education”) as well as four factors to promote their use (“Policy, research and Cooperatives”; “Training and mandatory regulations”; “Technology and networking”; “Targeted approaches”). The derived factors can be used in terms of policy objectives, as each dimension represents different aspects to be considered when developing effective strategies and integrated policies for the evolution and further expansion of SWMPs. Full article

7 pages, 1351 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Performance Evaluation of Nine Potential Evapotranspiration Methods Against the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith Benchmark at the Broadleaf Forest of Taxiarchis in Northern Greece

by Nikolaos D. Proutsos, Stefanos P. Stefanidis and Panagiotis S. Stefanidis

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117014 - 22 Apr 2025

Abstract

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a critical component of the water cycle, driving plants’ growth and survival. This study focused on estimating the daily potential evapotranspiration (PET) in a forest site in Northern Greece and assessing the performance of nine empirical PET estimation methods. [...] Read more.

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a critical component of the water cycle, driving plants’ growth and survival. This study focused on estimating the daily potential evapotranspiration (PET) in a forest site in Northern Greece and assessing the performance of nine empirical PET estimation methods. These methods, categorized into mass-transfer, temperature-based, and radiation-based models, were compared against the widely used FAO-56 Penman–Monteith benchmark. The results highlight significant seasonal and monthly variations in vegetation water requirements. Among the methods tested, radiation-based models, particularly the Makkink equation, outperformed the others, followed by the Turc and Priestley–Taylor models. Temperature-based methods showed moderate performance and could serve as viable alternatives in forests with limited data availability, though local calibration is advisable. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 3043 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

School Mediation: The Alternative Method of Peaceful Resolution of Disputes and Conflicts in the Field of Education

by Chrysanthi Koutkou and Dimitris Paschaloudis

Proceedings 2024, 111(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024111025 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

The institution of mediation as a method of alternative dispute resolution has recently entered the school environment. The present study was conducted to explore the views of primary and secondary school teachers on the forms of violence in schools, the factors that influence [...] Read more.

The institution of mediation as a method of alternative dispute resolution has recently entered the school environment. The present study was conducted to explore the views of primary and secondary school teachers on the forms of violence in schools, the factors that influence its occurrence, the consequences of the phenomenon, and the effectiveness of schools in combating violence in relation to the institution of School Mediation. The research was exclusively conducted electronically through a questionnaire, and quantitative analysis was carried out, documenting the importance of the role of School Mediation in effectively preventing and addressing violence and bullying in schools. The benefits of its implementation are manifold, including preventing and averting conflicts, improving school culture, developing empathy, enhancing personal and social skills, reducing delinquent behavior among students, and fostering a safe school climate. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 2427 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Spatiotemporal Patterns of Olive Fruit Fly Movements: Impact of Variety, Temperature, and Altitude in Five Olive Oil Production Areas in Greece

by Stratis Sentas, Sofia Zafeirelli, Giorgos Stavrianakis and Thanasis Kizos

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117011 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

Olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) is a pest affecting olive production, causing both qualitative and quantitative damage in all regions of the Mediterranean. This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of olive fruit fly populations obtained from an extensive trap network in [...] Read more.

Olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) is a pest affecting olive production, causing both qualitative and quantitative damage in all regions of the Mediterranean. This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of olive fruit fly populations obtained from an extensive trap network in five olive-growing regions of Greece—Chalkidiki, Samos, Lesvos, Lasithi, and Chania—over a two-year period (2022–2023). The aim was to understand if and how factors such as variety, temperature, and altitude affect the population of the olive fruit fly. Using Geographical Information System (GIS) tools and spatial analysis, we correlated olive fruit fly numbers with temperature thresholds and altitude categories to analyze different patterns of pest movement. The results show significant variation in population dynamics based on these factors: altitudes, region, and a temperature threshold (at least above 32 °C). These insights are necessary for developing effective and sustainable pest management practices while considering spatial and temporal variability of olive fruit fly movements. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

4 pages, 1263 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Economic Losses Due to Climatic Damage in Viticulture: Adaptation Proposals

by Antonella Di Fonzo, Simonetta De Leo, Marco Gaito, Guido Bonati and Sabrina Giuca

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117013 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

In the wine production chain, climate change affects the yields and quality of the wine. Several studies have found that high temperatures have a significant impact on the value of wine production. In this context, adaptation measures represent a good practice to face [...] Read more.

In the wine production chain, climate change affects the yields and quality of the wine. Several studies have found that high temperatures have a significant impact on the value of wine production. In this context, adaptation measures represent a good practice to face the damage caused by negative climatic events. Since these practices have a cost, this study aims to provide an estimate of economic convenience for their adoption, using the methodology developed within the LIFE Adaptation in Agriculture project. In this paper, four measures used in winemaking processes and useful for reducing damage induced from climatic events were analyzed. The findings show that the adaptation measures considered in the wine sector usually have an initial investment cost of medium/high. Large farms, due to their size and resources, can opt for one or more measures with a greater ease of cost depreciation. Overall, the analysis shows that although the implementation of measures presents medium/high investment costs, it is always appropriate to assess the specific business case, even where the results indicate a lower degree of cost-effectiveness. When deciding on the adoption of measures, it should be kept in mind that costs depend not only on farm characteristics but also on the choice of implementation method and staff training and specific public subsidies. Full article

4 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Multidimensional and Multiscale Evaluation Framework Considering Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem Nexus

by Leonidas Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Dimitra Despoina Tosiliani, Vasileios Angelopoulos, Veronica Bonomelli, Georgios Kleftodimos, Marios Vasileiou, Christina Kleisiari, Asimina Oikonomou, Paolo Prosperi, Hatem Belhouchette and George Vlontzos

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117012 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

The agricultural sector in the Mediterranean Basin is the largest consumer of water, using 70% of freshwater resources for crop irrigation, which accounts for 85% of the region’s agricultural output. With climate change and population growth expected to reduce water availability, energy management [...] Read more.

The agricultural sector in the Mediterranean Basin is the largest consumer of water, using 70% of freshwater resources for crop irrigation, which accounts for 85% of the region’s agricultural output. With climate change and population growth expected to reduce water availability, energy management also poses a significant challenge, as 7% of commercial energy is used for freshwater supply. The DIONYSUS project aims to develop practical adaptation solutions for efficient resource use through innovative business models, focusing on four demonstration sites in Egypt, Greece, Morocco, and Italy. It seeks to promote a transition to a Green Economy by engaging stakeholders and utilizing a Cross-Sectoral Nexus adaptation tool. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

5 pages, 625 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Thornthwaite’s Water Balance Components in Greece with the Use of Gridded Data

by Nikolaos D. Proutsos, Ioannis X. Tsiros, Stefanos P. Stefanidis, Areti Tseliou and Efi Evangelinou

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117010 - 18 Apr 2025

Abstract

Thornthwaite’s water balance approach serves as a fundamental tool for assessing hydrological dynamics, particularly in regions vulnerable to aridity and water stress. This study evaluates the performance of gridded datasets in estimating Thornthwaite’s water balance attributes in Greece, leveraging climatic averages of the [...] Read more.

Thornthwaite’s water balance approach serves as a fundamental tool for assessing hydrological dynamics, particularly in regions vulnerable to aridity and water stress. This study evaluates the performance of gridded datasets in estimating Thornthwaite’s water balance attributes in Greece, leveraging climatic averages of the period 1960–1997. Ground station data from 91 meteorological sites and gridded data from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) of the University of East Anglia were utilized to assess key water balance components. The results indicate that while gridded datasets offer an alternative for regions with limited ground data, local calibration is required due to notable discrepancies. More specifically, it was found that gridded data tended to underestimate precipitation, with estimates approximately 25% lower compared to ground station data. The potential evapotranspiration (PET) estimates using gridded data were more accurate, with underestimation on the order of 10%. Moreover, the gridded data produced overestimations for all of the water balance key components including soil moisture (St), monthly changes in soil moisture (ΔSt), and actual evapotranspiration (AE) compared to the ground station data. The water surplus (S) estimates showed a significant dispersion of values when using the gridded data, particularly in regions characterized by more arid conditions. In addition, the application of gridded data led to a great increase in the aridity index (AI) values, altering the desertification classification of sites from semi-arid to sub-humid or humid categories. These findings underscore the importance of careful consideration when utilizing gridded datasets for hydrological and bioclimatic assessments, particularly in Mediterranean climate regions characterized by a complex topography and temporal climatic variability. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 1843 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Novel Low-Cost System for Xylella fastidiosa Early Detection Using Electrical Conductivity Probes

by Nikolaos Marios Polymenakos, Ioannis Vlachos, Ioannis Karydis and Markos Avlonitis

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117009 - 18 Apr 2025

Abstract

Xylella fastidiosa is a devastating pathogen that has significantly impacted olive cultivation, particularly in Southern Italy, since 2013. Monitoring and early identification are crucial for managing the spread of this disease and minimising associated economic losses. This study presents a low-cost system employing [...] Read more.

Xylella fastidiosa is a devastating pathogen that has significantly impacted olive cultivation, particularly in Southern Italy, since 2013. Monitoring and early identification are crucial for managing the spread of this disease and minimising associated economic losses. This study presents a low-cost system employing electrical conductivity (EC) probes to monitor the water status of olive tree stems, enabling the early detection of X. fastidiosa. The system provides real-time data by detecting changes in EC, which are possibly correlated with the presence of the pathogen. In contrast to traditional detection methods like PCR, which are expensive and require laboratory facilities, this system offers a practical, field-deployable, and sustainable solution. In a testbed, EC probes were installed on an olive tree in Southern Italy, with data transmitted via a GSM network to a central server for analysis. Powered by solar energy, the system successfully detected changes in the stem’s water content, which were subsequently confirmed to be associated with pathogen presence. This low-cost EC probe system initially demonstrates promising potential for the early detection of X. fastidiosa, enabling proactive management strategies. Future research will focus on improving the system’s sensitivity and conducting extensive field trials across diverse environments and applications. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 156 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Farmers’ Perceptions of the Organic Product Certification Procedure: A Preliminary Investigation in North Greece

by Achilleas Kontogeorgos and Evdokia Stergiopoulou

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117008 - 18 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper examines farmers’ perceptions about organic certification procedures by focusing on the complexity and effectiveness of the procedures required. Also, this paper tries to shed some light on the challenges faced by farmers in implementing the certification specifications and looks for ways [...] Read more.

This paper examines farmers’ perceptions about organic certification procedures by focusing on the complexity and effectiveness of the procedures required. Also, this paper tries to shed some light on the challenges faced by farmers in implementing the certification specifications and looks for ways to improve the process. Overall, investigating farmers’ perceptions of the organic certification standards is an important step toward promoting and improving organic agriculture, as it helps to tailor the certification system to better meet farmers’ needs and concerns. The conducted analysis first provides some valuable insights into the general knowledge of farmers’ motivations and preferences for adopting organic farming. The analysis revealed the influence of concurrent agricultural activities (conventional and organic) on the perceptions and preferences of farmers. Thus, this study highlights the differences between organic and conventional growers regarding compliance issues and perceptions of specifications, adding depth and practical significance to this study. Overall, the research constitutes an important contribution to the understanding of organic agriculture, deepening the general knowledge of farmers’ motivations and preferences in this field. Full article

7 pages, 1171 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Residents’ Views and Perceptions for the Use and Design of the Urban Green Infrastructure to the Second Largest Municipality of Metropolitan Area of Thessaloniki

by Paraskevi Karanikola, Stilianos Tampakis, Aikaterini Karipidou-Kanari and Antonios Tampakis

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117007 - 18 Apr 2025

Abstract

Urban green infrastructure captures an appreciation of urban green as essential infrastructure that is as important to a good quality of urban life as technical or social infrastructures. The approach emphasizes the multitude of services and functions performed by urban green, all of [...] Read more.

Urban green infrastructure captures an appreciation of urban green as essential infrastructure that is as important to a good quality of urban life as technical or social infrastructures. The approach emphasizes the multitude of services and functions performed by urban green, all of which impact the quality of life and sustainability. We design green spaces; we pass from the meaning of the maintenance of a natural landscape to the designing and construction of an artificial landscape that makes the users feel close to nature or to a beautiful and useful environment. Regarding the landscapes of Kalamaria, most of the residents find them more artificial than natural, and the design of the green spaces in their municipality is simple. The unity between green spaces and neighboring buildings is also evaluated as important, and the functionality of the green spaces that are different spaces satisfies different users, which is considered important. Then, the respondents asked how important it is that urban green constitutes an imitation of nature. Also, the infrastructure is the dominant element of the park. There is unity between green spaces and neighboring buildings, and the green space helps with the socialization of immigrants and refugees. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 2418 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

On Transforming FoodEx2 to a Standardized and Interoperable Thesaurus

by Yannis Marketakis, Athina Kritsotaki, Anastasia Axaridou, Pavlos Fafalios, Michalis Mountantonakis and Yannis Tzitzikas

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117006 - 18 Apr 2025

Abstract

Food resource management plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges related to food security, sustainability, public health, and economic development. To facilitate the collection and identification of food resources, various collections and systems have emerged from the scientific community. One such system [...] Read more.

Food resource management plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges related to food security, sustainability, public health, and economic development. To facilitate the collection and identification of food resources, various collections and systems have emerged from the scientific community. One such system is FoodEx2, which has been developed by the European Food Safety Authority and is used for classifying and describing food-related information. In this paper, we describe how FoodEx2 can be transformed into a standardized thesaurus using well-established technologies and standards that enhance its interoperability and exchange of data resources. The new thesaurus also promotes its usage through the adoption of unique and global identifiers for its contents and through a variety of tools that can be used for accessing and visualizing it. In addition, we describe how the thesaurus can be reconstructed from the original sources as they evolve. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

6 pages, 402 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Unveiling the Secrets of Embeddings: Does the Importance of Agricultural Terms Relate to the Context They Occur In?

by Hercules Panoutsopoulos, Panagiotis Stamatelopoulos, Xu Wang and Christopher Brewster

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117005 - 18 Apr 2025

Abstract

Advances in language modeling have provided affordances for term extraction based on the capture of the lexical context and its semantics and encoding this in real-valued vectors (embeddings). Term importance is usually computed using quantitative measures, ignoring the semantic context. Until now, there [...] Read more.

Advances in language modeling have provided affordances for term extraction based on the capture of the lexical context and its semantics and encoding this in real-valued vectors (embeddings). Term importance is usually computed using quantitative measures, ignoring the semantic context. Until now, there has been limited or no research on the effect of context on term importance using machine learning methods. In this paper, we investigate whether there is a relation between the importance of agricultural terms and the context of their occurrence as represented by text embeddings. Using a dataset of almost 33.7 K AGRIS abstracts containing 50 concepts randomly extracted from AGROVOC, we computed the correlation between the concept tf-idf scores and each of three semantic distances (cosine similarity of embeddings) used as a proxy to context: (i) the semantic distances of the various occurrences of the concept; (ii) the semantic distances between the concept and the abstracts that it appears in; (iii) the semantic distances of the abstracts in which the concept occurs. Embeddings were generated using Agriculture-BERT. We present a methodology and initial results from the computation of correlations. The novelty of our work is in the systematic investigation of the relation between term importance and semantic context. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

6 pages, 1626 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Building a Global Aquatic Resource Knowledge Base for Fisheries

by Yannis Marketakis, Yannis Tzitzikas, Aureliano Gentile, Anton Ellenbroek and Marc Taconet

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117004 - 17 Apr 2025

Abstract

Fisheries management is a complex task aiming to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish populations and the ecosystems they depend on. To achieve those goals, it is essential that the fisheries are described with precise and non-ambiguous information. Different agencies are reporting fisheries [...] Read more.

Fisheries management is a complex task aiming to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish populations and the ecosystems they depend on. To achieve those goals, it is essential that the fisheries are described with precise and non-ambiguous information. Different agencies are reporting fisheries data by relying on several vocabularies or thesauri. Just indicatively, for the description of aquatic species, there are different official and widely used data sources that can be used. As a result, there are different identifiers or names for describing the same resource. In this paper, we describe the construction of a global aquatic resource knowledge base, which is the result of the integration of different data sources using semantic web technologies. By focusing on aquatic species, we show that the information provided by different data sources is complementary, and we provide a unified way for accessing them. We finally describe how the same process was adopted for other information domains as well. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

5 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Development and Laboratory Testing of a Bucket Milking Machine with Flow-Controlled Vacuum, Based on an NI Data Acquisition System

by Radu Roşca, Petru Cărlescu and Virgil Vlahidis

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117003 - 17 Apr 2025

Abstract

In the present paper, the idea of regulating the vacuum level by means of a variable frequency drive (VFD) in order to control the speed of the vacuum pump of a milking system was considered. Wet tests (using water instead of milk) were [...] Read more.

In the present paper, the idea of regulating the vacuum level by means of a variable frequency drive (VFD) in order to control the speed of the vacuum pump of a milking system was considered. Wet tests (using water instead of milk) were performed in order to tune the PID controller, which drives the VFD; then, the virtual instrument built using the LabVIEW environment was adapted in order to regulate the vacuum level as a function of the flow rate. The system was tested in order to verify vacuum stability and system response time. Wet tests have proven that the vacuum level in the system was affected by presence of the liquid column in the milk line; as a result, the standard deviation of the vacuum level was comprised between 0.067 kPa and 1.43 kPa (depending on the flow rate and vacuum level), while in the previous dry tests the standard error was comprised between 0.186 kPa and 0.194 kPa. Nevertheless, vacuum fluctuations did not exceed the imposed limit of ±2 kPa relative to the nominal vacuum in the flow-controlled vacuum system. In order to reduce the vacuum fluctuations, the original claw of the installation was replaced with a larger one, with a volume of 330 cm³; under these conditions, the standard deviation of the vacuum level decreased to 0.134–0.288 kPa. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

5 pages, 192 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Honey Cost: An Experimental Approach for Determining the Production Costs of Honey

by Concetta Cardillo, Antonio Giampaolo and Milena Verrascina

Proceedings 2025, 117(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025117002 - 17 Apr 2025

Abstract

The Honey Cost project, conceived and developed by the CREA Policies and Bioeconomics research center (CREA PB), will develop a methodology and tools for ad hoc data collection and evaluation of the bee and honey sector and sets up a sample survey on [...] Read more.

The Honey Cost project, conceived and developed by the CREA Policies and Bioeconomics research center (CREA PB), will develop a methodology and tools for ad hoc data collection and evaluation of the bee and honey sector and sets up a sample survey on it. The determination of the cost of honey production is carried out through a questionnaire, submitted to a sample of 434 farms with an economic size of at least EUR 8,000 of Standard Output. In the methodology adopted, three cost levels are envisaged, with the first level referring only to current expenses, the second level adding other general expenses, and, finally, the third level also adding the cost of family labor. The first survey, carried out in 2023, covered the two-year period of 2021–2022. It emerged that among the variable costs, those incurred for packaging and marketing represent, in percentage, the most important item, followed by nutrition costs, and their incidence varies depending on the farm type and on the economic size. Even among the components of general costs (depreciation and other non-direct expenses), a strong variability was found, and this attenuates when moving from small to large farms. The total production cost stands, as a sample average, at around EUR 9 per kilogram of honey produced. For many farms, this value is well above the price that is recognized by the market for their product. Full article

Journal Description

Proceedings

Vol. 115

12th CNN Workshop

Vol. 114

AdaptEdu 2024

Vol. 112

ABREAST Conference 2024

Vol. 110

Geoinformatics'2024

Vol. 109

ICC 2024

Vol. 108

Modern Metallurgy 2024

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI