We conducted a systematic review to investigate avian influenza outbreaks and to explore their distribution, upon avian influenza subtype, country, avian species and other relating details as no comprehensive epidemiological analysis of global avian influenza outbreaks from 2010 to 2016 exists. Data was collated from four databases (Scopus, Web of Science Core Correlation, PubMed and SpringerLink electronic journal) and a global electronic reporting system (ProMED mail), using PRISMA and ORION systematic approaches. One hundred seventy three avian influenza virus outbreaks were identified and included in this review, alongside 198 ProMED mail reports. Our research identified that the majority of the reported outbreaks occurred in 2016 (22.2%). These outbreaks were located in China (13.6%) and referred to commercial poultry farms (56.1%). The most common subtype reported in these outbreaks was H5N1 (38.2%), while almost 82.5% of the subtypes were highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. There were differences noticed between ProMED mail and the scientific literature screened. Avian influenza virus has been proved to be able to contaminate all types of avian species, including commercial poultry farms, wild birds, backyard domestic animals, live poultry, game birds and mixed poultry. The study focused on wet markets, slaughterhouses, wild habitats, zoos and natural parks, in both developed and developing countries. The impact of avian influenza virus seems disproportionate and could potentially burden the already existing disparities in the public health domain. Therefore, a collaboration between all the involved health sectors is considered to be more than necessary.

Clusters of outbreaks or cases of legionellosis have been linked to fountains. The function of fountains, along with their inadequate design and poor sanitation, in combination with the warm Mediterranean climate, can favor the proliferation of Legionella in water systems. Public fountains in Mediterranean cities may pose a significant risk for public health due to the aerosolization of water. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted on Legionella and the risk of infection in humans through fountains. In our study, the presence and quantity of Legionella spp. in fifteen external public fountains were investigated. Two samplings were performed in two different periods (dry and wet). Sixty samples were collected, quantified and analyzed with a culture ISO method. The operation of all fountains was evaluated twice using a standardized checklist. In accordance with their operation, a ranking factor (R factor) was suggested. Finally, based on these results, a quantitative microbial risk assessment was performed. Thirty water samples taken from the fountains (100%) during the dry sampling period were positive for Legionella (mean log concentration: 3.64 ± 0.45 cfu/L), whereas 24 water samples taken from the fountains during the wet period were Legionella-positive (mean log concentration: 2.36 ± 1.23 cfu/L). All fountains were classified as unsatisfactory according to the checklist for the evaluation of their function. A statistically significant correlation was found between Legionella concentration and the assessment score. The risk of Legionella infection was estimated in both periods, with higher risk in the dry period. The surveillance and risk assessment of Legionella spp. in the fountains of Patras confirmed a high prevalence and a high risk to public health.

Environmental performance of food and beverages is inextricably linked to the sustainable management of water resources. Water consumption is thoroughly analysed by calculating direct and indirect water usage through the water footprint model, particularly for products that are meant for export. Whilst the water-intensive grape growing industry has been extensively studied for wine production, the water use for grapes intended for drying has not been evaluated. PDO Vostizza Corinthian currants primarily export raisins that are derived from grape varieties in SW Greece that have a long history of economic, cultural, and social importance. Despite studies on the water consumption of grapevines for wine production, there is a gap in research for raisin vineyards. The water footprint model was utilised to comprehensively calculate the water usage in food production, considering direct and indirect consumption through blue, green, and grey components. This study specifically focussed on assessing the water footprint in 1 kg of currants produced on semi-mountainous and mountainous fields over a 3-year period with varying precipitation patterns. The study uses precision agriculture techniques with field-level data and modelling a site-specific water footprint estimation. Actual local and field data were used to calculate the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) using CROPWAT 8.0. The water footprints of five scenarios were calculated to encompass common practises and soil-climatic differences in the cultivation area. The Water Footprints (WFs) of vineyards under water stress ranged from 567 to 1,182 m³tn⁻¹ for dry grapes and from 178 to 346 m³tn⁻¹ for fresh grapes depending on the scenario and year of production due to fluctuations in yield and precipitation. The significant climatic adaptation of Vitis vinifera L. sp. black Corinth, var. Apyrena resulted in low WFs in consistent with its overall environmental performance.

In the present study, the standardized, aqueous extract of earthworm humus, BioremiqΤΜ by Green Arsenal, which in Hungary, its country of origin, is licensed for use in organic crops as a growth enhancer and natural fertilizer. During April and July 2021, the effect of the product on the insect populations, present in an irrigated, conventional, productive olive grove, in Vartholomio, Prefecture of Ilia, was recorded. The product is reported to aid soil fertility restoration, plant growth stimulation, reduction of the negative effects of adverse weather conditions and increase of tolerance to various plant pathogens and pests. The analysis of its components shows a high content of macro- and trace elements, natural enzymes and hormones that contribute to healthy plant growth, while they seem to improve soil structure, improving the ability of plants to absorb nutrients, resulting in a quality and quantity produce increase. It is recommended for frequent use at all kinds of crops, mainly olive and various vegetables, and is applied both by foliar application and root irrigation. For the requirements of the study, we selected an 11-year-old olive grove, where the variety “Koroneiki” is cultivated, at of 7 x 7m distance. The experimental plot consisted of three rows of ten trees each: row E (application of BioremiqΤΜ), row M (no intervention) and row C (according to the producer's program). In row E, five Bioremiq® applications were performed, every 15 days, the first with root irrigation, the following foliarly, with 3L and 1L / acre respectively, according to the manufacturer's instructions. To record the insect populations, 10 days after each application, 4 branches (~ 20cm) were sampled from each tree, one from each side, a total of 40 branches from each row, 120 from the entire plot. Each branch was placed individually in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator until completion of the study. Significant presence of the harmful insects Prays oleae, Palpita unionalis, Euphyllura olivina and Liothrips oleae was recorded, while we also detected a scattered presence of Rhynchites cribripennis, Dasyneura oleae, Drosophila suzuki, Chrysopa sp. and Mantis religiosa and of the mites Tetranychus urticae and Eriophyes oleae. The results were studied on Excel for trend visualization and then put into SPSS for statistical comparison. There was an obvious trend of population decline, probably also due to climatic factors; nevertheless, a clear statistically significant difference was observed between the BioremiqΤΜ and conventionally treated rows compared to the control, for all insect species. A statistically significant difference (paired value t-test) between BioremiqΤΜ and the control was clear for L. oleae (p value = 0.033) and P. unionalis (p value = 0.317), at 95% significance level.