Austrian Border Research Articles

First isolation and characterization of Brucella microti from wild boar

BackgroundBrucella microti was first isolated from common vole (Microtus arvalis) in the Czech Republic in Central Europe in 2007. As B. microti is the only Brucella species known to live in soil, its distribution, ecology, zoonotic potential, and genomic organization is of particular interest. The present paper is the first to report the isolation of B. microti from a wild boar (Sus scrofa), which is also the first isolation of this bacterial species in Hungary.ResultsThe B. microti isolate was cultured, after enrichment in Brucella-selective broth, from the submandibular lymph node of a female wild boar that was taken by hunters in Hungary near the Austrian border in September 2014. Histological and immunohistological examinations of the lymph node sections with B. abortus-, B. suis- and B. canis-specific sera gave negative results. The isolate did not require CO2 for growth, was oxidase, catalase, and urease positive, H2S negative, grew well in the presence of 20 μg/ml basic fuchsin and thionin, and had brownish pigmentation after three days of incubation. It gave strong positive agglutination with anti-A and anti-M but had a negative reaction with anti-R monospecific sera. The API 20 NE test identified it as Ochrobactrum anthropi with 99.9 % identity, and it showed B. microti-specific banding pattern in the Bruce- and Suis-ladder multiplex PCR systems. Whole genome re-sequencing identified 30 SNPs in orthologous loci when compared to the B. microti reference genome available in GenBank, and the MLVA analysis yielded a unique profile.ConclusionsGiven that the female wild boar did not develop any clinical disease, we hypothesize that this host species only harboured the bacterium, serving as a possible reservoir capable of maintaining and spreading this pathogen. The infectious source could have been either a rodent, a carcass that had been eaten or infection occurred via the boar rooting in soil. The low number of discovered SNPs suggests an unexpectedly high level of genetic homogeneity in this Brucella species.

Increased presence of the thermophilic mosquitoes and potential vectors Anopheles hyrcanus (Pallas 1771) and Culex modestus Ficalbi 1889 in Central Europe’s lower Dyje River basin (South Moravia, Czech Republic)

SummaryThe presence of the thermophilic species Anopheles hyrcanus in the lower Dyje River basin has been regularly monitored since 2008. Mosquito trapping has been conducted mainly in summer using EVS traps with CO2 as attractant. Anopheles hyrcanus and Culex modestus were studied in a group of ponds near the Czech–Austrian border. At the Sedlec location, occurrence of An. hyrcanus was low during 2008–2011, with around 1–9 individuals/trap/collection day. At the Lednice location on the edge of Mlýnský Pond, the first capture of An. hyrcanus occurred in 2010. In 2013, there was a sudden increase in the An. hyrcanus mosquito at all monitored locations. The largest presence was recorded at Sedlec and reached 524.4 individuals/trap/collection day. Culex modestus was one of the predominant species throughout the period. At Sedlec, the smallest finding was in 2009 (at 9.6 individuals) while the greatest was in 2010 (at 988.6 individuals/trap/collection day). At Lednice, the smallest finding was in 2011 (at 56.3 individuals) while the largest was in 2013 (at 3850 individuals/trap/collection day).

Vulkanland Case Study: Transformative Regional Development

After being an economic backwater, the southeastern Austrian border region enjoys economic boom today. The decisive factor for the turnaround was a regional development process that had its first steps in 1995. The region was suffering from low education, had the national lowest income rate, no industrial development, no infrastructure, little self-esteem and a lack of job opportunity. The initiators of the project were thinking of a different way of measuring progress and started imagining a future built on different standards. Due to profound research activities, the initiators came to the conclusion that mega projects won’t entail sustainable solutions or future-competence. Hence, they turned their focus to their habitat – their region. To in-valuate the living space, a new identity that was representative, gained recognition and reinforced the peoples self-confidence. In 2001 the new identity ‘Steirisches Vulkanland’ was born. The vision throughout the entire development process was to transform the border region with little chances into an innovative, worth living region ‘Steirisches Vulkanland’ within a period of 15 years. In 2010 their vision seems to be achieved, 79 municipalities together promote successfully local, green, self-sustaining businesses. Yet, the development process is still going on, heading for new, courageous, challenging visions like achieving energy independence by the year 2025.

Remembered: Elisabeth G. Kaveggia.

Remembered: Elisabeth G. Kaveggia.

The Effects of FDI on Innova tion Systems in Hungarian Regions: Where is the Synergy Generated?

In this study, we show how internationalization and foreign-owned firms influence synergies in the regional innovation systems of Hungary. We first distinguish three innovation system functions (knowledge exploitation, knowledge exploration, and organizational control) operating in regions and study their interactions using entropy statistics. The functions and their interactions are measured by analysing the distribution of firms in terms of geographical location, organizational size (number of employees), technologies (NACE codes of the OECD), and ownership (foreign versus domestic share in registered stock) in the 2005. Synergy is defined as mutual information among the three dimensions; a fourth dimension is added in order to bring internationalization (FDI) into the model. The factor is relevant since the four-dimensional model explains the GDP contributions to regional development in Hungary, whereas the three-dimensional model does not. We find that regional innovation systems in Hungary are self-organized differently, in relation to a relatively small number of foreign firms. These firms have a large positive effect on synergy in regions between the Hungarian capital and the Austrian border. However, FDI has negative effects on domestic synergy in the lagging eastern and southern provinces of the country.

Distribution of two invasive mosquito species in Slovenia in 2013

In the recent years there has been growing interest in the establishment and spread of invasive mosquito species in Europe. Apart from the most dispersed, Aedes albopictus, there are five other alien aedine mosquito species spreading in Europe. Their spreading represents a considerable threat for public health as they can serve as vectors of mosquito-borne diseases. A survey in whole Slovenia was performed in 2013 to determine the distribution of invasive mosquitoes. The study was based on the search for invasive mosquito larvae in artificial water containers at the cemeteries, around human dwellings and in used tires at vulcanizing companies. Additionally, a call for citizens to report any nuisance from unusual mosquitoes was published in local media. With the study we have revealed the presence of two invasive mosquito species in Slovenia, Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus. Altogether we caught 494 larvae of Ae. albopictus and 1318 larvae of Ae. japonicus. The results show that Ae. albopictus is present mostly in Southwestern and central part of the country, with some isolated locations in other parts of Slovenia. Nevertheless, Ae. japonicus was found in a large part of the investigated area. This species was previously collected from a small area near the Austrian border in 2011, and in only two years it has colonized the majority of Northeastern part of Slovenia. In Slovenia no systematic mosquito surveillance or control is currently done. There are only some minor projects, which are carried out by local institutions at a regional level. Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus are spreading fast and they both present high nuisance for the humans, as well as a public health risk since transmitting vector borne diseases. Therefore an effective national monitoring program of invasive mosquito species is highly needed. With well planned, long term strategy we will be able to detect and control their occurrence, monitor their pathogens and prevent the establishment of new foci of mosquito-borne diseases.

Geoarchaeology of the Middle Palaeolithic locality at Znojmo, southern Moravia

Geoarchaeology and Quaternary geology investigations in the Dyje/Thaya River Basin along the present South Moravian–Austrian border performed during the last five years have significantly completed former evidence on the pre-Upper Palaeolithic (>40 ka BP) occupation in this Central European region. Numerous surface-exposed localities (>50) have been mapped at patterned geomorphic positions associated with relicts of the Early and Middle Pleistocene alluvia of the former Dyje/Thaya River drainage system. Concentrations of presumably early Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 8–5) sites are contextually linked to the 30–50 m-high terraces built by massive sandy gravels overlying the pre-Quaternary sedimentary formations or the weathered granitic bedrock. Relative chronological proxy indicators (the differential artifact surface abrasion degree and patination, and the non-uniform stone-tool working technologies) attest, together with the specific geomorphic positions of single sites, to several stages of early human occupation, encompassing a long time span of the Middle and early Late Pleistocene.The key and most recently investigated site with typical Middle Palaeolithic stone tool inventories was discovered in a stratified geological position at Znojmo – Přímětice sealed in colluviated slope deposits. The geoarchaeology of the locality testifies to an early human adaptation with local raw material exploitation as well as complex palaeoenvironmental processes prior to site burial. A diagnostic cultural record of a series of typified polyhedral cores, retouched, notched and pointed flakes as well as finished tools (including the characteristic side-scraper forms) was concentrated within an area of ca. 10 × 15 m in a gleyed poly-modal (clayey-gravelly) formation overlain by a thin (30–50 cm) erosional loessic cover. The palaeo-setting of this workshop-occupation site points to its strategic geomorphic position in the broader Dyje valley, with a variety of local raw material sources used for expedient lithic industries' production – alluvial terrace gravels and vein quartz from a surface-exposed pre-Quaternary bedrock forming a relief elevation in the nearby site vicinity. The aeolian abrasion of the lithic inventories and admixture of angular quartz grains in the cultural geology context attest to intensive (presumably glacial) winds blowing over the exposed palaeo-surface prior to site burial.The variety of the pre-Upper Palaeolithic, mostly rudimentarily made core-and-flake lithic industries found in diverse (colluvial, sub-aerial, pedogenic) geological contexts points to several stages of earlier Pleistocene inhabitation of the southern Moravia with specific landscape exploitation patterns and cultural adaptation strategies.

Jànos Veres: the man behind the needle

It has now been 30 years since the Hungarian physician Janos Veres died. There is hardly an individual who has become so well known years after his death. The reason for this is the advent of minimally invasive surgery. Surgeons worldwide use his needle to create the capnoperitoneum. But who was Janos Veres? To whom ought we pay tribute for the most frequently used access to the peritoneal and pleural cavity? Janos Veres was born on November 14, 1903, in Kismajteny (about 130 km south of Budapest), where his father worked for the railway company. He was educated at a Catholic school in Debrecen. From a young age, he exhibited a natural aptitude for the arts, especially painting (Fig. 1). His wish to study fine arts did not materialize. Instead, he enrolled as a medical student and graduated with an MD in 1927 from the University of Debrecen. After spending several months at the department of forensic pathology, he commenced work in the internal medicine department in Szombathely Hospital, close to the Austrian border. After earning his PhD degree on September 14, 1932, where his work dealt with the clinical features and treatment of tularemia, he was appointed head of department of 45 beds in Kapuvar. Here he gained extensive experience in treating pulmonary disorders, especially tuberculosis. At that time, lung collapse by artificial pneumothorax was used to exclude and rest the infected part of the lung from ventilation. Veres designed his needle specifically for this purpose—the safe creation of pneumothorax, a procedure he personally performed 862 times in the year 1933. He published a description of this invention in an obscure Hungarian journal. His invention remained unknown to the rest of the world until 1938, when he published his invention in German, which permitted his technique and method to become widespread [1, 2]. In 1933 he married Amalia Falko, with whom he had two sons, Janos, born in 1934, and Miklos, born 3 years later. In World War II, when Veres was 41 years old, he was conscripted into the army until the end of the war. A few months after his rehabilitation to civilian life, in August 1948, he was reinstated as chairman of his old unit. According to accounts from colleagues, in addition to being an excellent physician, Veres was a cultured and sensible man. There has some dispute on the correct spelling of his family name. However, in his original birth certificate, it is written as VERES (Fig. 2). His firstborn son, Janos, also became a doctor of internal medicine and moved to practice in Germany. His second son, Miklos, had poliomyelitis and had no chance for further education in their small town. Because of his son’s disability, Veres resigned from his position and moved to Budapest to enable and assist his son to study fine arts. Miklos became an accomplished painter. During his professional life, Veres worked in various hospitals in Budapest and was highly respected as a consultant. He had other scientific interests in addition to tularemia, including carbon dioxide snow treatments for peripheral arterial disease. He remarried after the death of his wife. With his second wife, Dr. Marta Veres, he had a daughter who also became a doctor; she specialized as a psychiatrist in Budapest. After retiring in 1973, Veres continued his work at the famous St. Gellert Hotel in Budapest. Veres died on January 27, 1979. W. U. Wayand (&) Ludwig Boltzmann Institut f. operative Laparoskopie, AKh Linz GmbH, 2. Chirurgische Abteilung, Krankenhausstrase 9, 4021 Linz, Austria e-mail: wolfgang.wayand@akh.linz.at

Diverse Effects of FDI in Regional Innovation Systems: Synergy Measurement, Complexity Theory, and Entropy Statistics

The aim of this study is to show regional differences as local effects of foreign investments in the dual economy of Hungary. We first introduce three knowledge functions (knowledge exploitation, knowledge exploration, and organizational control) of innovation systems. These functions are operationalized using entropy statistics. Regional innovation systems can then be expected to self-organize in terms of a synergy — that is, reduction of uncertainty — among these functions. Analyzing one-, two-, three-, and four-dimensional entropies of high-tech and medium-tech firms, and knowledge-intensive services, we measure the synergy among the distributions of geographical addresses, organizational size (number of employees), and technologies (NACE codes of the OECD). Synergy is defined as mutual information among these three dimensions; the fourth dimension is used to bring internationalization into the model. Our results show that regional innovation systems in Hungary are self-organized differently, in relation to a small set of foreign firms that have an overwhelming positive effect in regions between the Hungarian capital and the Austrian border. Foreign direct investment, however, has negative effects on local economies and disturbs the domestic synergy in the lagging Eastern and Southern provinces of the country.

Land Cover Changes along the Iron Curtain 1990–2006

The article analyses land cover changes along the Iron Curtain in the period 1990–2006. CORINE land cover state and land cover change datasets are used to evaluate differences in land cover structure in 1990 and in land cover changes between the eastern (from former German Democratic Republic to Hungary) and western (former Federal Republic of Germany and Austria) border sections along the Iron Curtain. The results confirm different representation of individual land cover categories on the eastern and western sides. Different intensity of changes at the eastern and western border sections has been confirmed, too. More intense land cover changes were detected in the “East” after 1990. The highest intensity of changes was recorded at the Czech border sections where rather strong process of afforestation took place, together with retreat of intensive agriculture (changes on more than 8% of the area between 1990 and 2000). On the contrary, the Austrian border section was the most stable area (changes only on 0.13% of the area).

Europeanisation within Austria’s healthcare system: path-dependent usages of Europe in border regions

During the last couple of years, sociological approaches in European studies have gained increasing attention from scholars. The “usages of Europe“ approach looks at the opportunities and resources that the EU provides for national actors to advance their interests, from a bottom-up perspective. As European rules on cross-border healthcare have been threatening the principle of the territoriality of healthcare services, the article analyses two cross-border healthcare projects in Austrian border regions to determine if and how actors’ strategies have been Europeanised, and whether their actions could destructure national welfare boundaries. In order to explain how these regional actors incorporate European resources into their strategies a combination of the “usages of Europe” approach with Historical Institutionalism is suggested.

Spatio-temporal investigation of flowering dates and pollen counts in the topographically complex Zugspitze area on the German–Austrian border

Flowering behavior of the major allergenic species Betula pendula Roth (silver birch), Dactylis glomerata L. (cocksfoot) and Alopecurus pratensis L. (meadow foxtail), was examined by phenological observations in 2009 along an altitudinal gradient (from 700 m up to 1,700 m a.s.l.) in the topographically complex Zugspitze area on the German–Austrian border. The results were compared with pollen counts derived from pollen traps located at different altitudes (720 m, 1,503 m, 2,650 m a.s.l.). Phenological onset dates showed a great dependence on altitude and on exposition. Altitudinal gradients of the two grass species showed a delay of between 6 and 7 days (100 m)−1 and can be interpreted as a temperature response rate varying between −9 and −10 days (1 °C)−1. For birch phenophases, the altitudinal gradients were ca. 3 days (100 m)−1, corresponding to temperature response rates of circa −7 days (1 °C)−1. Northern and western exposed birch trees at the same altitude showed large differences in flowering dates (5–7 days). A comparison of phenological and aerobiological data in the phenological survey area revealed good agreement in the start of season dates, especially at lower altitude. Therefore, it was local pollen emissions, not long- or medium-range pollen transport that accounted for the timing of the aerobiological start of the season. Pollen counts at the highest and vegetation-free site were particularly affected by medium-range transport. More pronounced responses to altitude and therefore to temperature for the analyzed grass species indicate a greater temperature sensitivity. This suggests that further temperature increase could result in a remarkably earlier grass pollen season and, in turn, lead to major consequences for human health. Particular wind patterns can contribute to high and medically relevant pollen concentrations even at high elevation sites, implying less favourable conditions for those people allergic to pollen.

Spatial and temporal determinants of genetic structure in Gentianella bohemica

The biennial plant Gentianella bohemica is a subendemic of the Bohemian Massif, where it occurs in seminatural grasslands. It has become rare in recent decades as a result of profound changes in land use. Using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) fingerprint data, we investigated the genetic structure within and among populations of G. bohemica in Bavaria, the Czech Republic, and the Austrian border region. The aim of our study was (1) to analyze the genetic structure among populations and to discuss these findings in the context of present and historical patterns of connectivity and isolation of populations, (2) to analyze genetic structure among consecutive generations (cohorts of two consecutive years), and (3) to investigate relationships between intrapopulational diversity and effective population size (Ne) as well as plant traits. (1) The German populations were strongly isolated from each other (pairwise FST= 0.29–0.60) and from all other populations (FST= 0.24–0.49). We found a pattern of near panmixis among the latter (FST= 0.15–0.35) with geographical distance explaining only 8% of the genetic variance. These results were congruent with a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and analysis using STRUCTURE to identify genetically coherent groups. These findings are in line with the strong physical barrier and historical constraints, resulting in separation of the German populations from the others. (2) We found pronounced genetic differences between consecutive cohorts of the German populations (pairwise FST= 0.23 and 0.31), which can be explained by local population history (land use, disturbance). (3) Genetic diversity within populations (Shannon index, HSh) was significantly correlated with Ne (RS= 0.733) and reflected a loss of diversity due to several demographic bottlenecks. Overall, we found that the genetic structure in G. bohemica is strongly influenced by historical periods of high connectivity and isolation as well as by marked demographic fluctuations in declining populations.

Environmental impact assessment of a new thermal power plant Šoštanj Block 6 in highly complex terrain

Slovenia is starting an important investment – Block 6 of the thermal power plant in Sostanj located in the Velenje basin and characterised by very complex terrain. Air pollution examination as part of the environmental impact assessment is an interesting example of usage of the modern Lagrangian particle model Spray coupled with the diagnostic mass consistent wind field model Minerve for the determination of the appropriate height for the combined cooling tower. In addition, a separate study was done on a larger domain to evaluate possibilities of trans-boundary pollution, as the location is only 25 km from the Austrian border.

Origin and age of the Eisenkappel gabbro to granite suite (Carinthia, SE Austrian Alps)

The northern part of the Karawanken plutonic belt is a gabbro–granite complex located just north of the Periadriatic lineament near the Slovenian–Austrian border. Petrographic and geochemical studies of the Eisenkappel intrusive complex indicate that this multiphase plutonic suite developed by a combination of crystal accumulation, fractional crystallization and assimilation processes, magma mixing and mingling. The mafic rocks are alkaline and have within-plate geochemical characteristics, indicating anorogenic magmatism in an extensional setting and derivation from an enriched mantle source. The mafic melts triggered partial melting of the crust and the formation of granite. The granitic rocks are alkalic, metaluminous and have the high Fe/Fe+Mg characteristics of within-plate plutons. Temperature and pressure conditions, derived from amphibole-plagioclase and different amphibole thermobarometers, suggest that the analysed Eisenkappel gabbros crystallized at around 1000±20°C and 380–470MPa, whereas the granitic rock crystallized at T≤800±20°C and≤350MPa. Mineral-whole rock Sm–Nd analyses of two cumulate gabbros yielded 249±8.4Ma and 250±26Ma (εNd: +3.6), garnet-whole rock Sm–Nd analyses of two silicic samples yielded well-constrained ages of 238.4±1.9Ma and 242.1±2.1Ma (εNd: −2.6).

Diversity of vegetative compatibility types and mating types of Cryphonectria parasitica in Slovenia and occurrence of associated Cryphonectria hypovirus 1

Cryphonectria parasitica, the causal agent of chestnut blight, has been present in Slovenia since at least 1950. To improve understanding of its diversity, 254 isolates of the fungus from 11 Slovenian populations were sampled. Fifteen vegetative compatibility (vc) types were identified. The dominant vc type was EU‐13, comprising 40·1% of all isolates tested, followed by EU‐1 (19·7%), EU‐2 (12·2%) and EU‐12 (9%). The vc type diversity in the most diverse population sampled in Slovenia was higher than in the populations found previously in northern Italy and Croatia. Both mating types and perithecia were observed in surveyed populations. Natural hypovirulence was found in six out of seven populations tested, with frequencies ranging from 72·2% in the population sampled near the Croatian border to 11·1% in the population sampled near the Austrian border. All identified hypoviral isolates (21) belonged to the Italian subtype of Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 and were closely related to the hypoviruses found in other European countries. Despite the high vc type diversity, incidence of hypovirulence was also high, indicating widespread natural biological control of the disease.

A suburban inter-dike river reach of a large river: Modern morphological and sedimentary changes (the Bratislava reach of the Danube River, Slovakia)

The paper outlines contemporary geomorphic and sedimentary changes (1949–2007) in the suburban inter-dike reach of the Danube River in Bratislava underpinning requirements of its management. The studied river reach represents the right bank inter-dike area of a tectonically determined bend of the Danube River which is about 5 km long with a radius of 1.5 km. The landform and floodplain roughness classification schemes show variations in hydraulic and depositional conditions during flooding. Investigation of landform and floodplain roughness changes and the bank retreat rate is based on the multitemporal interpretation of aerial photographs. Sedimentological analysis of 10 borings and 20 pit exposures helped to delimit the morphostratigraphic units. The process and the rate of the vertical accretion of the modern floodplain were investigated by sedimentological and dendrochronological methods. The behaviour of the study reach is dependent on upstream dams in Austria. Dams produce changes in the suspended load regime and a steady riverbed erosion of 2 to 3.5 cm occurs upstream of the study river reach near the Slovak–Austrian border. The Čunovo dam downstream expediates upstream channel filling in spite of the ongoing channel gravel mining in the Danube channel. This has resulted in channel bed aggradation of about 1 m since 1992. The bank retreat of about 100 m during 1949–2007 was caused by the natural bank erosion processes as well as by channel straightening as a flood control measure for Bratislava. The bank shift resulted in the development of the new levee. The current overbank deposits differ from the older gravels, consisting of a fine-grained alluvium varying in thickness from 0.5 m to 1 m. The lithofacies of three flood deposits (March 2002, August 2002, and September 2007) were examined. Overbank sediments differentiate with distance from the bank and vertically. Suburban settings of the study reach and the flood control measures along with the external forcing (dams) induced changes in channel morphology as well as in floodplain roughness variability. This has resulted in changes in the present floodplain sedimentary conditions, channel forms and biodiversity. The landscape evolved through three distinct evolutionary phases.

Cause and effect relationship between foam formation and treated wastewater effluents in a transboundary river

The occurrence of foam at weirs in a lowland river in Austria and shortly after the Austrian border with Hungary, as well as, the associated protests from Hungarian locals led to investigations concerning the reasons for foam formation. Three aspects were the main subject of investigation, namely, (i) to assess the dimension of the appearing foam, (ii) to evaluate the reasons for the formation of foam, and (iii) to set abatement-measures. A 1 year monitoring programme included a close network of surface water sampling sites, as well as, the sampling of thirteen municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants along the river stretch. In addition to classical parameters (physical and chemical) the surface tension and tensides were analysed. Constant observation of foam formation in Hungary was achieved by the installation of an online webcam with combined data recording, which resulted in the development of a seven-stage foam index (0–6) for semi quantitative assessment of foam formation on the river. Also, the effluents of the wastewater treatment plants that were considered were the subject of standardised foaming tests. The basis of the tests was to detect, (i) foam on the sample and, (ii) the dilution of a sample at which no more foam could be observed. The dilution factor was used to calculate the foam potential of an effluent, which is an size for the potential volume of river water that may be foamed by waste water treatment plants’ effluents. The spatial distribution of foam along the river stretch, as well as, the results of the foam tests allowed the identification of three tanneries as the main contributors to foam, although wastewater from these tanneries is treated at wastewater treatment plants by the best available technology (biological treatment with nitrification and denitrification, sludge retention time >20 days, temperature in the activated sludge tank >20 °C). The implementation of an accepted degree of foam formation was desirable to develop measures to reduce the foam index. As no criterion exists for foam in rivers in Austria, as well as in Hungary, the not accepted degree of foam formation was defined as the limit at which population protests from Hungary arose. This approach resulted in a foam index higher than 3.5, which was observed with 40% probability during the investigation period. By developing and performing a simple mathematical regression model the required reduction of foam potential emissions could be calculated in order to minimize the foam index to an accepted standard. By the elimination of 75% of foam potential, a foam index lower than 3.5 would be assured with 95% probability based on long term discharge development.

De Clementi's Report: The Nineteenth Zionist Congress, Lucerne, 1935, as Viewed by an Italian DiplomatMassimo Adorno is a research associate in contemporary history at the University of Messina, Italy. The author would like to thank Mrs Angelita La Spada for help in preparing this article

Once the Fascist dictatorship completed its national political consolidation at the end of 1929, it directed more and more of its attention towards setting out an explicit Fascist foreign policy in...

The plant macro-remains from the Iceman site (Tisenjoch, Italian–Austrian border, eastern Alps): new results on the glacier mummy’s environment

Archaeobotanical studies are currently being carried out on all the plant remains retrieved from the high alpine site where the Iceman “Otzi” was found (3,210 m a.s.l.). Preliminary results already show a great diversity of species (121 taxa) mainly originating from lower regions, which must have been transported to the Tisenjoch site by a number of vectors. Spatial modelling has been carried out for one part of the plant remains unequivocally assignable to the Iceman. The resulting patterns indicate that post-depositional displacement processes have affected the material, and even the mummified body itself. It is demonstrated that the influence of cross-contamination resulting from the recovery attempts preceding the excavations can be ruled out by thorough selection of sampled areas and layers. The archaeobotanical results, together with current data from other research fields, strongly suggest that the Iceman had died in an area about 5 m south-west of the position where he was discovered in 1991.