University of Patras

About: University of Patras is a education organization based out in Pátrai, Greece. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 13372 authors who have published 31263 publications receiving 677159 citations. The organization is also known as: Panepistímio Patrón.

Turn-On Luminescence Sensing and Real-Time Detection of Traces of Water in Organic Solvents by a Flexible Metal-Organic Framework

Abstract: The development of efficient sensors for the determination of the water content in organic solvents is highly desirable for a number of chemical industries. Presented herein is a Mg(2+) metal-organic framework (MOF), which exhibits the remarkable capability to rapidly detect traces of water (0.05-5 % v/v) in various organic solvents through an unusual turn-on luminescence sensing mechanism. The extraordinary sensitivity and fast response of this MOF for water, and its reusability make it one of the most powerful water sensors known.

An investigation of earthquake induced pounding between adjacent buildings

Abstract: The response of adjacent buildings in city blocks to several strong earthquakes is analysed, taking into account the mutual collisions, or pounding, resulting from insufficient or non-existing separation distances. The buildings are idealized as lumped-mass, shear beam type, multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems with bilinear force-deformation characteristics and with bases supported on translational and rocking spring-dashpots. Collisions between adjacent masses can occur at any level and are simulated by means of viscoelastic impact elements. Using five real earthquake motions the effects of the following factors are investigated: building configuration and relative size, seismic separation distance and impact element properties. It is found that pounding can cause high overstresses, mainly when the colliding buildings have significantly different heights, periods or masses. This suggests a possibility for introducing a set of conditions into the codes, combined with some special measures, as an alternative to the seismic separation requirement.

Consumers’ willingness to pay for origin labelled wine: A Greek case study

Abstract: Quality agricultural products are assuming an increasingly important role in European Union (EU) agricultural and food policies. The potential for differentiating quality products and services on a regional basis has been recognised and legislation has been introduced for protecting the geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and quality foodstuffs. Today, marketing strategies for quality products attempt to explore these new opportunities, trying to build on the products’ reputation and the image of their region of origin. This study employs a dichotomous choice model to identify the socio‐economic characteristics that influence Greek consumers’ willingness to pay for an origin labelled wine. The results indicate that wine consumers’ willingness to pay varies only according to social and demographic characteristics. Furthermore, the mean willingness to pay was estimated using two alternative econometric specifications of the dichotomous choice model. We have found that non‐quality wine consumers are willing to pay double the price of a bottle of normal table wine if the alternative provides for a guarantee of the place of origin of the wine. Their decision is found to be dependent only upon education and affiliation with the place of origin. The model specifications are compared and useful conclusions referring to price policy for origin labelled wines and their marketing are drawn.