Environment In Italy Research Articles

Watering and agricultural development:evolution of water usage and effects on the product value

Fitting to different environments in Italy, agriculture developed crops and techniques strongly characterized by local specificities so that it originated different agricultural systems in which irrigation practice, acquires itself really different peculiarities. For decades it has been observed the reduction of agricultural lands, and in the last years even a reduction has concerned to irrigated surfaces. In spite of a deeply transformed framework, characterized by a new agriculture role (multifunctional), the importance of irrigation in activating development process has not faded. In particular Southern regions, irrigation water availability represents the efficiency crucial factor and the fundamental input for the diffusion of more profitable crops, hence irrigation represents the essential factor of productive quality and efficiency as much as the instrument capable to increase of value ensemble of mediterranean production specificities and characters. &nbsp

Feeding and oviposition of Anoplophora chinensis on ornamental and forest trees

Studies were conducted on maturation feeding and oviposition of Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a recently introduced quarantine pest in Europe on different plant species of great importance for urban and forest environments in Italy. The tested plant species were Aesculus hippocastanum, Acer negundo, A. campestris, Castanea sativa, Corylus avellana, Platanus x acerifolia, Quercus petrea, Q. pubescens, Q. rubra, Tilia platyphyllos, Ulmus minor and U. pumila. Tested adults of A. chinensis originated from a population of a recently infested site in Italy (Rome) and all experiments were conducted in a walk-in insect cage under quarantine conditions. Adults of A. chinensis showed a maturation feeding preference for twigs of Acer species (A. negundo and A. campestris) and for C. avellana. In the oviposition experiments conducted on bolts of tested plant species, A. chinensis females did not show clear preferences and some data did not reflect the preferences shown during the feeding experiments. Nevertheless, A. negundo and A. campestris were well accepted plant species for oviposition besides A. hippocastanum and T. platyphyllos.

Source, occurrence and fate of antibiotics in the Italian aquatic environment

Aim of this study was to provide an up-to-date assessment of the antibiotics contaminating the aqueous environment in Italy, for a better understanding of risks for the ecosystem and human health. Antibiotics were first listed in order of their theoretical environmental loads, then were measured in wastewater of some sewage treatment plants (STPs) and in rivers in Italy. Macrolides, particularly clarithromycin and spiramycin, and quinolones, particularly ciprofloxacin and l-floxacin/ofloxacin, were the most abundant antibiotics in untreated wastewater. Several of them were not removed in STPs and still remained in the treated wastewater, and a total estimate of 7–14 tons of active principles were discharged annually into the aqueous environment in Italy through this route. Results of the analysis of rivers in northern Italy agreed with these figures, with an average load of 5 kg/day, or about 1.8 tons/year, of antibiotics flowing in the River Po, at sampling sites covering a basin comprising about one-fifth of the Italian population. In conclusion, antibiotics, particularly macrolides and quinolones, are widespread environmental contaminants, and urban STPs are confirmed a major source of the contamination.

Occurrence of actinosporean stages (Myxozoa) in the Nera River system (Umbria, central Italy)

We investigate the oligochaetes populations in the Nera River systems (central Italy) in order to highlight the occurrence of actinosporean stages in this natural environment. The survey was carried out during 2 years of monitoring 24 stations upstream and downstream the 12 trout farm along the rivers. In four of the 24 sites, oligochaetes releasing Echinactinomyxon and Aurantiactinomyxon types spore were collected. The actinospores observed were described morphologically, by transmission electron microscopy and by molecular analysis. Histological observations of the infected oligochaetes were carried out. A single morphotype of the collective group Echinactinomyxon were detected showing the presence of branches at the distal end of the caudal processes. The morphological and morphometrical characters showed that the Echinactinomyxon type herein described is a novel phenotype. This data has to be confirmed by the molecular comparison with sequences not yet available in GenBank. The molecular analysis of the Aurantiactinomyxon type, showed high genetic similarity (99.8%) with the two alternate stages of Chloromyxum truttae even if our type showed some differences in morphology stressing the importance of combining the two methods to avoid misidentifications. This is the first survey carried out in natural environment in Italy. Further analyses on fish population are required in order to detect myxosporean stage in the vertebrate hosts and confirm the molecular data.

Isolated lepromatous conjunctivo‐corneal granuloma in a cat from Italy

To describe a case of a conjunctivo-corneal mass in a cat associated with acid-fast bacilli. A 2-year-old female black European Short-Hair cat, living outdoors in a suburban environment in Italy, was referred for evaluation of a nodular, vascularized mass of 2 weeks duration. The mass involved the dorsal bulbar conjunctiva at the temporal canthus of OS and invaded the sclera and cornea. Routine ophthalmic and systemic examination, serologic testing, cytology and histology of the mass were performed. Mycobacterium specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of variable regions 1, 2 and 3 of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was also performed. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and giant cells with intracytoplasmic acid-fast bacilli were seen on cytological examination. The histological examination confirmed the presence of a granulomatous lesion with acid-fast bacilli within macrophages. Bacteriological culture of the material from the lesion was negative for Mycobacterium spp. Mycobacterium 16S rRNA gene specific PCR was positive. A diagnosis of feline leprosy was made. The owners refused any treatment, and 1 year later the lesion was still present. Veterinary ophthalmologists should be aware of conjunctivo-corneal leproma as an unusual symptom of leprosy.

Probing an Information and Wired Environment in Italy's Piedmont Region

Probing an Information and Wired Environment in Italy's Piedmont Region

Effect of genotype and environment on fatty acid composition of Lupinus albus L. seed

Six cultivars of Lupinus albus L. (white lupin) were grown in two subcontinental-climate environments and one Mediterranean-climate environment in Italy, to assess the influence of genotypic (G) and genotype×environment (GE) interaction effects on grain yield and grain content of oil, total saturated fatty acids (FAs), polyunsaturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, and ω−3/ω−6 FA ratio. The variance of genotypic effects was much larger than the GE interaction variance for all variables, except for grain yield, indicating that oil content and FA composition of different varieties can be assessed reliably in just a few test environments. Gas-chromatographic analyses highlighted that linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid were in the range 1.76–4.76mg/g flour (7.79–15.81% of total FAs) and 1.17–3.14mg/g flour (5.40–10.36% of total FAs), respectively. As a consequence, the analysed lupin seeds exhibited a very favourable ω−3/ω−6 FA ratio, ranging from 0.49 to 0.79.

Pharmaceuticals in the Environment in Italy: Causes, Occurrence, Effects and Control

Environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals is an emerging issue. Until recently, information on medicinal substances released into the environment was scant, but several studies have now been published. Data are, however, usually scattered and a systematic approach to this subject is generally lacking. Moreover, because of differences in the prevalence of diseases, treatment habits and options, or simply for market reasons, the pollution profile can differ significantly in different countries. The aim of this work is to review the papers dealing with environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals in Italy, with the aim of providing a comprehensive view on a national scale. Papers related to environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals in Italy were reviewed, in order to offer a comprehensive view of this subject. Topics included analysis, occurrence, monitoring, modelling, treatment, control of the emissions, and ecotoxicological effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment. The literature suggests that pharmaceuticals are widespread contaminants, entering the environment from a myriad of scattered points. Patients, in case of drugs for human use, or animals for veterinary drugs, are the main sources of contamination. Pharmaceuticals can be ranked according to environmental loads, predicted by multiplying sales figures by the rate of metabolism in man or animals. Priority pharmaceuticals, i.e. the molecules of concern for the environment, can be measured in waste and surface water by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the loads detected are generally comparable to the predicted ones. Pharmaceuticals are designed to stimulate a response in humans and animals at low doses, with a very specific target, so the implications for human health and the environment need to be assessed. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that pharmaceutical principles, taken singularly or in combinations, and concentrations close to those detected in the environment, may have ecotoxicological effects. The sewage system is an important point in the control of contamination, but sewage treatment plants are not able efficiently to abate a substantial part of water-borne pharmaceuticals. Several variables play a role, however, in the processes of waste water treatment, and could be specifically adjusted to improve the efficiency of drug abatement, mitigating the potential environmental hazards. Pharmaceuticals in the environment are becoming a subject of global concern, with potential environmental consequences. Further knowledge of the causes, occurrence and effects of drugs as environmental pollutants is necessary for a better understanding of this ecological issue, as well as to improve abatement strategies, and to mitigate subtle environmental consequences.

Applicability of a forecasting chain in a different morphological environment in Italy

Abstract. The operational meteo-hydrological forecasting chain of the Liguria Region (NW Italy) is applied to a different morphoclimatic environment, such as the Emilia Romagna Region (N Italy). Modification to the chain, both in models and in procedures, are introduced to overcome problems related to medium dimension catchments (A≈1000km2), characterized by complex altimetry profiles and antropical interventions along the river. The main feature of the original operational procedure, that is the probabilistic approach, is maintained. Hydraulic hazard reduction through artificial reservoirs management is exploited with reference to a specific event occurred on the Reno basin (Emilia Romagna Region).

Identification of the pharmaceuticals for human use contaminating the Italian aquatic environment

A predictive approach seems useful to identify pharmaceuticals in the environment and give an idea of overall levels of contamination, so as to restrict monitoring to those molecules most likely to be contaminants. We propose an approach based on two parts. The first is to rank the molecules according to the predicted environmental loads; the second is to refine the list by analysing the pharmaceuticals in sewage treatment plants (STPs) and comparing the concentrations with levels previously measured in surface water. This approach identified a restricted group of priority pollutants (ofloxacin, furosemide, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide, carbamazepine, ibuprofen, spiramycin, bezafibrate, erythromycin, lincomycin and clarithromycin) in the aquatic environment in Italy, for further studies and monitoring.

A History of Union Struggles for Control of the Work Environment in Italy

The article describes, from a diachronic perspective, the struggle to enhance workers' health conditions in Italy throughout the twentieth century. The authors adopt the workers' viewpoint, highlighting the relevance of trade unions' so-called "participatory model," and sketching the recent impact of European legislation on the country's laws.

Building Energy and Environment Performance System (BEEPS): a programme for building energy certification in Italy

This paper deals with the Kyoto protocol implication for the built environment. This work relates to a research study undertaken by the Ministry for the Environment in Italy and the Department of Fisica Tecnica at the University La Sapienza of Rome aimed at defining an instrument to use in the calculation of the energy performance in existing buildings in Italy. This instrument would make allowances for climactic conditions, indoor comfort conditions and associated costs as established by the European Union (Working Party on National Environmental Policy, Policy Instruments for Environmentally Sustainable Buildings, ENV/EPOC/WPNEP (2001)6). It was established that the European Community would promote actions in the sustainable building sector with the intent to: · reduce CO2 emissions; · minimize waste; · prevent pollution in indoor environments. Following the acknowledgement of official directives regarding the operational strategies of high energy consumption buildings (Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings, 2002/91/CE), a program for the energy certification of buildings and the calculation of the building and its building services was begun in Italy (BEEPS, Building Energy and Environment Performance System). This program is divided into two phases: the first phase deals with an individual evaluation of the existing buildings, available on the Internet, aimed at providing an initial, simplified calculation, while the next phase is a more in-depth study of the buildings that have not met the minimum standards from the individual evaluation. The code that has been developed will use parameters such as: resource consumption, environmental impact, indoor environment quality, materials used, and economic costs. The software will be implemented through three distinct calculation sections: the building envelope, the installed equipment and the indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The three sections will be calculated using an analytical life-cycle technique that supplies a balance of matter and energy and takes into consideration the entire life-cycle of the materials, products or services. Data collection will be carried out via the Internet.

Gök Kırmızı ve Neorealizm

Written by Giuseppe Berto at Texas prison camp, “The Sky is Red” narrates the struggle of four orphan youngsters for life during the Second World War. Even though the book was written in the USA, far from the realities and cultural environment of Italy, it exhibits the post-war poverty of Italy. The book was evaluated within the environment of Neorealism and awarded with Florence Literature Prize in 1948 as the most successful post-war novel for its content, narrative technique, language, political and religious messages.

The Invisible Landscape: Subsoil, Environment and the Italian Legislation on the Cultural Heritage

The study examines the Italian legislation on the cultural heritage and the environment, and points out the cultural gaps from the point of view of the definition and comprehension of these matters, and the delays surrounding the management of the cultural heritage in the territory. While theoretical debate on the environment in Italy has received a strong impulse in recent years, the cultural heritage continues to be governed by generally outdated laws of an essentially restrictive and punitive nature. The environment and cultural heritage are also seen by the Italian legislation as two separate entities, with negative consequences at the level of the protection, safeguarding and evaluation of the heritage. The study also puts forward a unified, dynamic view of the human environment (the interaction between human beings and the environment), which includes both the visible and invisible landscapes, the latter existing concealed beneath the surface. The proposed concept of the subsoil is that of a structured universe, in whose understanding and interpretation archaeology plays a determining role. By protecting and safeguarding only what ‘we can see’, i.e. the environmental and historic landscape above the soil, the law forgets that this is nothing other than the product of a series of partial landscapes fossilized and stratified in the course of time. By seeking out a new definition of the human environment, the study advances a conception that takes into account continuing transformations while not excluding an intuitive and emotional approach.

The Invisible Landscape: Subsoil, Environment and the Italian Legislation on the Cultural Heritage

The study examines the Italian legislation on the cultural heritage and the environment, and points out the cultural gaps from the point of view of the definition and comprehension of these matters, and the delays surrounding the management of the cultural heritage in the territory. While theoretical debate on the environment in Italy has received a strong impulse in recent years, the cultural heritage continues to be governed by generally outdated laws of an essentially restrictive and punitive nature. The environment and cultural heritage are also seen by the Italian legislation as two separate entities, with negative consequences at the level of the protection, safeguarding and evaluation of the heritage. The study also puts forward a unified, dynamic view of the human environment (the interaction between human beings and the environment), which includes both the visible and invisible landscapes, the latter existing concealed beneath the surface. The proposed concept of the subsoil is that of a structured universe, in whose understanding and interpretation archaeology plays a determining role. By protecting and safeguarding only what ‘we can see’, i.e. the environmental and historic landscape above the soil, the law forgets that this is nothing other than the product of a series of partial landscapes fossilized and stratified in the course of time. By seeking out a new definition of the human environment, the study advances a conception that takes into account continuing transformations while not excluding an intuitive and emotional approach.

Habitat selection and group formation pattern of fallow deer Dama dama in a submediterranean environment

We analyzed the patterns of association between sex and age classes of fallow deer Dama dama in addition to the modification of aggregation patterns as a function or the degree of cover in different habitats in a coastal submediterranean environment in Italy. Deer preferred large open grasslands, small clearings, woods and marshes. Habitat selection varied strongly according to sex, and there were also ecological differences among males of different age classes. Adult females were mostly in family groups, with subadults and fawns. These groups were very stable in time and space. On the contrary bachelor herds were unstable social associations, adapting their size to the local degree of cover. In open grasslands males and females sometimes formed mixed groups with group size similarly being adapted to degree of cover. The possibility that random events fully explained fallow deer aggregation patterns was excluded, while the existence of non‐linear mechanisms of aggregation was shown. The persistence of antipredator strategies in this managed population may account for these findings.

Aerosol Particle Scavenging by Fog and Haze Droplets

Droplet imprints in thin gelatin layers have been used for the investigation of coarse particles embedded in fog (haze) droplets in comparison to interstitial particles. Droplet samples were taken in less polluted regions of Missouri and Illinois and also in more polluted marine-urban environment in Italy. Considerable differences in particle size distribution and particle location inside the droplets have been found in samples collected on four sampling sites. The deduced relationships can be applied for the description of the aerosol scavenging process in fogs. The pollution of fog (haze) droplets may be related to the droplet mean volume radius and may depend on temperature and on atmospheric humidity. An orientative study of the deposited particle composition indicated important relationships between coarse particles of different origin (soil minerals, industrial and urban pollutants, sea salt).

Effect of phenological stages on dry matter and quality components in lucerne

Lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.) is widely grown in European countries under irrigated and under rainfed conditions. Herbage production and nutritive value are related to the phenological stage of the plants at harvest. Eight cultivars were evaluated under two harvest managements (early and normal harvest, 40% of tillers at green bud and at flowering, respectively) and in two environments in Italy (Lodi and Foggia). The experiments started in 1989 at Foggia and 1990 at Lodi. Three years harvests at each site were considered. Early harvest treatment reduced dry matter (DM) yield at both locations (11.3% at Foggia and 23.6% at Lodi), ground cover index at Lodi and increased leaf:stem ratios (24.6%) at Foggia. Differences in agronomic adaptation were found among cultivars. Crude protein (CP) contents at normal harvest were lower (5.0% in leaves and 8.7% in stems) than at early harvest. Percentages of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin (ADL) in leaves were influenced by harvesting time. As a consequence of the large interaction (year × harvest treatment × cut × cultivar), no statistically significant variations were found among cultivars in qualitative parameters of the herbage. Treatment effects on herbage quality were more evident in leaves than in stems and their contents on ADF, ADL and NDF were related to the phenological stage. Changing harvest time is more for influencing herbage quality than effective breeding.

Polychlorinated biphenyl, dibenzodioxin, and dibenzofuran occurrence in the general environment in Italy

Topsoil and sediment samples from the Italian general environment were assayed for PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs. PCB levels appear to range between 6.2 × 10 2 and 1.6 × 10 4 ng/kg in open areas and between 1.2 × 10 2 and 6.8 × 10 2 ng/kg in cave samples. PCDD plus PCDF levels, as TCDD equivalents (TE units), are between 1.0 × 10 −1 and 4.3 ngTE/kg in open areas, and between 5.7 × 10 −2 and 1.2 × 10 −1 ngTE/kg in cave samples. The less chlorinated PCB homologs seem to reach higher relative levels in cave sediments than in the topsoil of open areas, this probably due to a lower dissipation rate. PCDD plus PCDF levels (TE units) versus cumulative PCB levels provide highly significant linear regression in logarithmic coordinates.

Combining ability for breadmaking quality in wheat

Combining ability and heterotic patterns for grain yield, kernel weight, and seven traits related to breadmaking quality were determined in 45 F1 hybrid wheats and 18 parents grown in two environments in Italy. Significant, positive general combining ability (GCA) effects were observed for yield (cultivars Pandas and SK 7), protein content (Salmone) and for the alveograph parameters of dough strength W (Pandas, Saliente and Salmone), tenacity P (Irnerio, Kosutka and Saliente) and extensibility L (Pandas, Salgemma and Salmone). Although best-parent heterotic responses for yield were generally low (5–10%), they were evident at all levels of yield potential. Hybrid wheats tended to have high protein content, enhanced dough extensibility and weak gluten compared with the parents. However, a few hybrid combinations from crosses between high-yielding cultivars and good-quality cultivars had both good yield levels (> 7 t ha−1) and acceptable breadmaking properties (W > 250, P/L < 1). Significant positive correlations were found between protein content and dough extensibility, and between the SDS sedimentation volume and dough tenacity. The lack of correlation between yield and protein content in hybrid wheat could result from the high total biomass in hybrid genotypes.Key words: Breadmaking, combining ability, heterosis, protein content, Wheat, Triticum aestivum L.