Apulian Region Research Articles

Testing Some Pedo-Transfer Functions (PTFs) in Apulia Region. Evaluation on the Basis of Soil Particle Size Distribution and Organic Matter Content for Estimating Field Capacity and Wilting Point

The knowledge of soil water retention vs. soil water matric potential is applied to study irrigation and drainage scheduling, soil water storage capacity (plant available water), solute movement, plant growth and water stress. To measure field capacity and wilting point is expensive, laborious and is time consuming, so, frequently, matemathic models, called pedo-transfer functions (PTFs) are utilized to estimate field capacity and wilting point through physical-chemical soil characteristics. Six PTFs have been evaluated (Gupta and Larson, 1979; Rawls et al., 1982; De Jong et al., 1983; Rawls and Brakensiek, 1985; Saxton et al., 1986; Vereecken et al., 1989) by comparing measured soil moisture values with estimated ones at soil water matric potential of -33 and -1500 kPa. Soil samples were collected (361) from 185 pedons of Apulian Region (Southern Italy). Accuracy of the soil moisture predictions is quantified with Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) between estimated and measured water retention values. In Apulia Region the tested PTFs give different results on soils grouped on the basis of textural composition and organic matter (O.M.) content both at the Field Capacity (FC) and Wilting Point (WP). At the FC, Gupta and Larson model has given the best performance in Clayey (C), Sandy clay loam (SaCL), Sandy loam (SaL) and Silty (Si) soil, in loamy and tendency silty soils with O.M. content less than 1.9% and in tendency sandy soils with O.M. content less than 1.5% and greater than 2%; the Rawls model in Silty clay (SiC) and Silty loam (SiL) soils, in tendency clayey soils with O.M. less than 2.3% and in loamy and tendency silty soils with O.M. greater than 1.9%; the Rawls and Brakensiek model in tendency sandy soils with O.M. content between 1.5 and 2%; the Saxton model in Silty clay loam (SiCL), Loamy sand (LSa) soils and in tendency clayey soils with O.M. content greater than 2.3% and the Vereecken model in Sandy clay (SaC), Loamy (L), Clay loam (CL) and Sandy (Sa) soils. At the WP, the Gupta and Larson model has resulted the best in SiL, Si soils and, in general, in loamy and tendency silty and in tendency sandy soils with O.M. content greater than 1.9% and 2%, respectively; the Rawls model in Loamy soils and in loamy and tendency silty soils with O.M. between 1.0 and 1.9%; the De Jong model in C soils; the Rawls and Brakensiek model in SiC, SaC, CL, SiCL, SaCL soils and generally in tendency clayey soils with whatever O.M. content and in tendency sandy soils with O.M. content between 0.8 and 2%; the Saxton model in loamy and tendency silty soils with O.M. content less than 1% and in tendency sandy soils with O.M. less than 0.8%; the Vereecken model in SaL, Sa and LSa soils.

Simultaneous HPLC‐DAD‐MS (ESI+) determination of structural and geometrical isomers of carotenoids in mature grapes

Carotenoids are uniquely functional polyene pigments ubiquitous in nature; aside from being responsible for the color of a wide variety of vegetables, interest is being focused on food carotenoids due to their likely health benefits. From analytical point of view, it is important to unequivocally identify individual carotenoid compounds in many food stuffs. Therefore, isolation of standards from natural sources must be encouraged for accurate identifications. Like many fruits, mature grape berries contain numerous carotenoid compounds, mostly found in the skin at levels two to three times higher than in the pulp. Carotenoid compounds in a typical wine grape variety (Negroamaro) grown in Apulian region were investigated by reversed-phase C(30) (RP-30) HPLC-DAD-MS (ESI(+)) analysis. As a consequence of an unusual ionization process of carotenoids, their mass spectra registered in the positive ion mode comprised both protonated molecules and molecular ion radicals with little fragmentation. Additionally, selective collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments, together with fine structures of the UV-vis spectra, were used to differentiate structural and geometrical isomers. This technique allowed the simultaneous determination of regio- and cis-isomers of lutein (zeaxanthin, 9Z and 9'Z-lutein) and a cis-isomer of β-carotene (9Z- β-carotene), 5,6-epoxy xanthophylls (violaxanthin, (9'Z)-neoxanthin, lutein-5,6-epoxide) and 5,8-epoxy xanthophylls diasteroisomers (neochrome, auroxanthin, luteoxanthin, flavoxanthin, chrysanthemaxanthin).

Use of Lactobacillus plantarum and Glucose to Control the Fermentation of “Bella di Cerignola” Table Olives, a Traditional Variety of Apulian Region (Southern Italy)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of Lactobacillus plantarum, isolated from table olives "Bella di Cerignola," a traditional variety of Apulian region (Southern Italy), as a starter for this kind of food. We focused on the interaction of the starter with the natural occurring microflora, the quantitative/qualitative composition of yeast population, the decrease of pH, and the content of organic acids. After a preliminary characterization, 3 strains of Lb. plantarum, selected for their probiotic and technological performances, were used as a multiple-strain starter and inoculated (approximately 2%) in olives, processed according to Spanish style, brined at 8% and 10% of NaCl and added with 0.5% of glucose. The combination of the starter and glucose assured a correct fermentation course, decreasing the pH up to a safe value (4.3 to 4.5) and controlled the growth of yeasts. The concentrations of both L- and D-lactic acids increased throughout the fermentation, while citric and malic acids (both the isomers D and L) remained at low levels (0.2 to 0.4 g/L). Concerning yeast species, Candida guilliermondii was mainly isolated at the beginning (7 to 14 d), while C. famata prevailed at the end of fermentation. To the question "How to standardize and maintain quality of "Bella di Cerignola" olives (Southern Italy)" we can suggest the following answer: use Lb. plantarum and a low amount of glucose (0.5%). The result is a decrease of the pH below the safety break point.

Analysis of Carotenoids in Grapes To Predict Norisoprenoid Varietal Aroma of Wines from Apulia

To determine a correlation between carotenoid precursors in grapes and norisoprenoid varietal aroma of wine, carotenoids were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-MS (ESI+) from four representative wine grape varieties of the Apulian region (Chardonnay, Merlot, Negroamaro, Primitivo) in two years of study (2006-2007), and C13-norisoprenoid aroma potential, DeltaC (microg/kg), was calculated from the difference of total carotenoid concentration between veraison and maturity. C13-norisoprenoids were analyzed by GC-MS in the obtained wines from 2006 and 2007 vintages. Higher DeltaC values, found in Chardonnay and Merlot grapes, corresponded to higher norisoprenoid contents in the respective wines, particularly characterized by highly flavorant compounds such as beta-damascenone and 3-oxo-alpha-ionol. A linear regression was determined that was significant at the 0.01% level (F=36.12, p=0.00096) with R=0.9261, between grape DeltaC values and total norisoprenoid contents in wine. These findings support the hypothesis that DeltaC could be a useful technological tool to predict norisoprenoid aroma of wine and, consequently, to identify grapes with higher aroma potential.

RNA extraction method for the PCR detection of hepatitis A virus in shellfish

Viruses are the leading cause of foodborne illness associated with the consumption of raw or slightly-cooked contaminated shellfish. This study evaluated the E.Z.N.A. Mollusc RNA extraction and purification kit for the detection of HAV in shellfish. The E.Z.N.A. method, based on the cationic detergent, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, in conjunction with a selective RNA binding silica matrix, efficiently isolated viral RNA with a detection limit of 1 TCID 50/ml by hemi-nested PCR. This method proved to be faster and less expensive than PEG precipitation-based procedures. It is also technically undemanding, requiring no extensive processing steps or excess manipulation, minimizing RNA degradation and ensuring the absence of PCR inhibitors. The E.Z.N.A. method applied to HAV screening of shellfish samples from the Apulian region, revealed a high level of contamination. These results confirm that conventional faecal indicators are unreliable for demonstrating the presence or absence of viruses.

Yeasts isolated from olive mill wastewaters from southern Italy: technological characterization and potential use for phenol removal

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) samples from two traditional varieties (Peranzana and Ogliarola Garganica) of Apulian region (southern Italy) and produced through continuous and traditional methods were microbiologically and chemically examined; thus, 104 yeasts were isolated and selected for further analyses. The strains were identified as Candida boidinii, Pichia holstii, Pichia membranifaciens, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and analyzed to assess their suitability to metabolize phenols. Based on phenol metabolism, 27 strains were selected and inoculated into OMW aliquots to determine their ability to reduce phenols in vivo; then, five strains (identified with the codes 682-C. boidinii and 625, 642, 647, and 941-P. holstii) were used as a cocktail in wastewaters for a final validation step. In this last experiment, the effects of the temperature (10-30 degrees C) and (NH(4))(2)SO(4) (0.0-6.0 g l(-1)) were studied through a central composite design approach, and the results highlighted that the cocktail was able to reduce phenols by 40% at 10 degrees C with 6.0 g l(-1) of (NH(4))(2)SO(4) added.

Carotenoid and Chlorophyll‐Derived Compounds in Some Wine Grapes Grown in Apulian Region

Carotenoid compounds in wine grapes (Chardonnay, Merlot, Primitivo, Negroamaro) grown in Apulian region were investigated by chromatographic and spectrometric analyses. Cis-isomers of lutein and beta-carotene (9Z, 9'Z-lutein and 9Z-beta-carotene) and 5,6-epoxyxanthophylls were detected: 9'Z-neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and 5,6-epoxylutein. Moreover, zeaxanthin was efficiently resolved from lutein by a selective factor > 1 (alpha= 1.06) and was found in high amounts (50 to 300 microg/kg) in the grape extracts analyzed in 3 y of study (2006 to 2008). At grape maturity, beta-carotene had concentration approximately 2-to 4-fold higher than (all-E)-lutein in all varieties. Because carotenoids are potential precursors of aroma compounds, it was determined carotenoids change DeltaC (microg/kg), from the difference of total carotenoids concentration between veraison and maturity. Chardonnay and Merlot had the highest DeltaC values and principal component analysis showed that they were characterized by 5,6-epoxyxanthophylls derivatives and zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene derivatives, respectively. An important effect of vintage on DeltaC values in the analyzed grapes was also observed. A strong positive correlation was determined between DeltaC and temperature data that seem to be responsible for the difference of DeltaC in the Chardonnay and Merlot compared to the Primitivo and Negroamaro varieties.

Variation of structural and functional metrics in macrophyte communities within two habitats of eastern Mediterranean coastal lagoons: natural versus human effects

1. The variation of structural (multi-dimensional scaling plot of Bray–Curtis similarity, species number, Shannon–Weaver index, percentage coverage) and functional (Ecological State Group (ESG) I percentage coverage, ESG II percentage coverage, Ecological Evaluation Index (EEI)) metrics in benthic macrophyte communities was studied in two different habitats: (a) mud with submerged angiosperms (MA), and (b) mud with macroalgae (MM), in three eastern Mediterranean coastal lagoons. One lagoon was in northern Greece (Agiasma, Nestos Delta, Eastern Macedonia region) and two in south-eastern Italy (Cesine and Margherita of Savoia, Apulian region). 2. The aim was to differentiate metric variation caused by human or natural processes and thereby to (1) select reliable metrics and (2) develop user-friendly protocols for cost-effective monitoring programmes for coastal lagoon water quality. 3. Eight different sites dominated by macrophyte communities characterized by two angiosperms (Ruppia cirrhosa and R. maritima), two opportunistic macroalgae (Ulva sp. and Chaetomorpha linum), and Cyanobacteria colonies were quantitatively and destructively sampled twice. 4. Structural metrics showed highest heterogeneity at a local site-specific scale, while functional metrics showed highest heterogeneity at the scale of habitat. As a result the structural metrics appeared inappropriate as indicators of lagoon water quality changes. By contrast shifts of habitat dominated by angiosperms to opportunistic macroalgae owing to nutrient excess, especially nitrogen, can be identified by functional metrics, especially with EEI. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An outbreak of hepatitis A in Southern Italy: the case for vaccinating food handlers

We report an outbreak of hepatitis A that occurred in the city of Bari (Apulian region) in June 2002. Overall, 26 cases were observed over a 4-week period. These were traced back to the index case, a food handler who prepared various food products for sale over the counter at a store in the district (OR 5.36, CI 95% 1.58-19.25). Laboratory investigations confirmed that the outbreak was due to a point source and identified a new genotype IB variant. There is a possible indication for administration of hepatitis A vaccine to food handlers, although further evidence of an acceptable cost-benefit ratio needs to be ascertained.

An Ethno‐linguistic Approach to the Role of Services in Knowledge Transfer: The Case of the Innovation Relay Centre of Southern Italy 1

Abstract Given the recent resurgence of interest in the economics of language, this paper develops an original model addressing the issue of services role in knowledge transfer by merging economic literature regarding services and technology transfer with linguistic and semiotic theories. The heuristic virtues of the model are then tested by analyzing the case of the Innovation Relay Centre (IRC) of the Apulian region in Southern Italy. This choice was due both to the strong presence in the region of small and medium sized enterprises, and to the well known lack of social capital among local firms. The model has proved to be effective in explaining IRC activity. Moreover it has allowed for the identification of strengths and weaknesses which could be useful for the elaboration of future innovation policies.

Epidemiological case survey of medical malpractice in some medical and surgical specialties

According to the common view held by the general public, doctors can never make professional mistakes, as if by virtue of their profession they were bound to be infallible. Moreover, when mistakes do occur in the medical field they are seen in a personal light, being attributed to an individual professional figure who is expected to answer for them in both the penal and the civil field. In this paper, the authors made a retrospective analysis of 37 of all the 725 legal suits filed in some hospitals of the Apulian region (South Italy) during the period between 1991 and 2000, being all those lodged against operators in the neurological, urological, otorhino-laryngoiatric and cardiosurgical fields, recorded in the Archives of the Health Services of Bari, Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto or in those of our Forensic Department following consultations on medical and surgical responsibility.

Geotechnical properties of the Pleistocene clays of the Pappadai Valley, Taranto, Italy

Abstract This paper presents a set of experimental data that characterizes the Lower Pleistocene Pappadai Blue Clay in the Pappadai Valley, Taranto, southern Italy. Basic geotechnical classification data are given, along with the results of chemical and mineralogical analyses which describe the variations of the properties of the clay for various vertical profiles through the deposit. These results reflect the near complete history of a sedimentary basin, add to the database for the blue clays of the Apulian Region, and provide a full description of the distribution of properties of a blue clay deposit. The variations of the properties of the clay can be related to the depositional history, to micropalaeontological studies, and to weathering process subsequent to deposition. The microstructure of the clay is studied using a scanning electron microscope. Of particular interest are the relationships between the geological history of sedimentation, which is known with reasonable accuracy, and aspects of the mechanical behaviour of the clay.

The Erosion Along The Apulian Coast Near The Ofanto River

The Adriatic coast between the towns of Trani and Manfi-edonia in the Apulian Region in the South East of Italy, has seen changed of its morphology due to the effects of the human action. In the middle of this coast is located the Ofanto river. Its solid transport diminished during the second half of the 1900th directly influencing the coastal morphology. Other influence on the coastal evolution is related to the presence of coastal structures, coastal roads, resorts and houses along the coast in the neighbour of the river mouth. The river mouth is included between the port of Margherita di Savoia and the port of Barletta. Either the presence of those ports and the hydrological changes of the river caused the significant erosion of the coast. The analysis reported in the paper has been developed using the information obtained fi-om historical maps and surveys and studying the hydrological rate data provided by he ministry surveys along the river. Even the information of the Municipalities and of the local population were very important to understand the evolution of the coast.