Latium Region Research Articles

Biochemical Markers for Enological Potentiality in a Grapevine Aromatic Variety under Different Soil Types

Pedoclimatic conditions affect grape and wine quality. In particular, the relationship between soil and grape quality is at the core of the terroir definition. The study focuses on cv. Aleatico, an aromatic and autochthonous grapevine cultivar grown in the northern part of the Latium region (central Italy) in a heterogeneous environment (Protected Denomination of Origin Aleatico di Gradoli). Five subareas were selected to represent the environmental variability. The grape-ripening parameters, along with volatile and phenolic compounds in wines derived from the grapes from these growing areas, were analyzed to assess the relationship between soil traits and biochemical grape and wine parameters. Pedoclimatic analysis was carried out following official protocols for determination of soil texture and calculation of bioclimatic Thermal Index of Winkler. Solid-phase microextraction with gas-chromatographic and standard methods were used to measure volatile and phenolic compounds, respectively. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistical methods (analysis of variance and Pearson’s coefficient) and multivariate statistical analyses (principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis). The results showed a significant ‘soil effect’ on the biochemical composition of the grapes and wines. The soil had a significant effect on grape-ripening parameters, as the soil sand content (%) was highly correlated with concentration of total soluble solids and phenols. Soils with a sandy-loam texture and moderate skeleton content yielded the best wine performance in terms of aroma and phenolic content. The study highlighted the importance of microzonation, even in small winegrape growing areas, for more diverse and competitive wine production. The study enhances knowledge about the relationship between soil and grapevine aromatic varieties. Data indicated that identifying biochemical parameters may be indicators of enological potential according to geographic origin.

Hydrogeological map of Italy: the preliminary Sheet N. 348 Antrodoco (Central Italy)

The Geological Survey of Italy, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research is realizing the Sheet N.348 Antrodoco (Central Italy) of the Hydrogeological map of Italy as a cartographical test of the Italian hydrogeological survey and mapping guidelines, in the frame of the Italian Geological Cartography Project. The study area is characterized by structural units deeply involved in the Apennine Orogeny (Latium and Abruzzi region territory, Rieti and L’Aquila provinces) and including deposits of marine carbonate shelf, slope, basin and foredeep environments hosting relatively large amounts of groundwater resources. The map was realized to obtain the best possible representation of all hydrogeological elements deriving from field surveys, in order to characterize the hydrogeological asset. A control network for monthly measurement of surface and groundwater flow rates and hydrogeochemical parameters was performed. Data were uploaded in a geographic information system to perform the present preliminary hydrogeological cartography consisting in a main map showing the following hydrogeological complexes based on relative permeability degree (from bottom to top): i) calcareous (Jurassic-Cretaceous; high permeability); ii) calcareous-marly (Upper Cretaceous-Middle Eocene; intermediate permeability); iii) marly-calcareous and marly (Upper Eocene- Upper Miocene; low permeability); iv) flysch (Upper Miocene; low permeability); v) conglomeratic-sandy and detritic (Upper Pliocene- Pleistocene; intermediate permeability); vi) alluvial (Quaternary; low permeability). Among other elements shown in the main map there are hydrographical basin and sub-basin boundaries, stream gauging stations, meteo-climatic stations, streamwater-groundwater exchange processes, hydrostructure boundaries, point and linear spring flow rates, groundwater flow directions. Furthermore, complementary smaller-scale sketches at the margin of the main map were realized (e.g., hydrogeological structure map, hydrogeological complex map based on effective infiltration information, hydrogeological crosssections).

State of the art: Italian carbonatites and their potential for critical-metal deposits

This paper is an updated overview, including many new data, of what is known about Italian alkaline–carbonatite complexes, plus a new description of a carbothermal residua-related district, and its potential for mineral deposits. The Italian carbonatite occurrences can be divided into two belts. The first is a 350km long and 75km wide belt along the Apennines mountain range mainly with primary extrusive carbonatites generally from monogenic volcanoes and from the Vulture volcanic complex; the second belt is 60km long and 20km wide in the Northern Latium region in which carbothermal residua carbonatites and fluorite mineralisation deposited by high-temperature fluids rich in CO2, SO2 and fluorine are occurring in caldera volcanoes. Several of the raw materials, such as Light Rare Earth Elements, vanadium, niobium, zirconium, fluorite and phosphate are identified as critical as well as other commodities, occur in Italian carbonatites and alkaline rocks. At the Pianciano quarry (Bracciano) fluorite-rich ore (fluor-ore=fluorite in a mineralised gangue) is actually exploited as flux for cement, but Rare Earth Elements (+V) could be a notable by-product (300,000metric tonnes, equivalent to 4.2% of European resources). Pyrochlore, monazite, apatite, and britholite bearing subvolcanic rocks in ejecta from the Vulture volcano are of a near-economic grade, but their geological constraints are not known. A conceptual framework of combined geological and geochemical data improves the general understanding of this regional magmatic system, aimed at laying the foundations of a future geological model disclosing unrecognised potential exploration targets. However, this paper is not intended for direct use by the exploration industry; rather it is principally aimed at mineralogists and petrologists who could develop strategies for the identification of unexposed or unrecognised deposits.

Molecular detection and characterization of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks from Central Italy

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of rickettsial pathogens in ticks from Central Italy. A total of 113 ticks hailed from Latium and Tuscany regions were identified and tested by PCR to detect gltA, ompA, ompB genes of Rickettsia. Positive amplicons were sequenced and identified at species level. Ticks were analyzed individually or in pools. The percentage of positivity for SFG rickettsiae was 12.4%, expressed as minimum infection rate (MIR) assuming that one tick was positive in each positive pool. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in Hyalomma marginatum, Rickettsia monacensis in Ixodes ricinus and Rickettsia massiliae and Rickettsia conorii in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. These findings confirm the circulation of pathogenic rickettsiae in Latium and Tuscany regions. To our knowledge this is the first report of R. massiliae in Latium region.

Sustainable viticulture: The carbon-sink function of the vineyard agro-ecosystem

In addition to food production, tree crop-based agrosystems can provide other ecosystem services (ES) such as soil fertility maintenance, soil and water retention and landscape preservation. Tree crops can also act as carbon (C) storage facilities and climate change mitigating systems. We focus on the nature of viticulture as a provider of ES, in particular C storage. This study has been carried out focusing on two different wine-grape growing areas in central Italy (Latium region; natural and peri-urban hilly areas) where the vines (Vitis vinifera sativa L., cv Merlot) were cultivated according to two different management techniques (conventional vs organic farming). Grapevine C storage levels were analyzed in the two main vine C pools during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons, i.e., above-ground and below-ground biomass, in accordance with the Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) methodology. In order to quantify C sequestration at the vineyard level, we determined soil C sequestration and soil functionality through the measurement of Total Organic Carbon (TOC), microbial biomass and soil and grapevine root respiration. To conclude, the net C balance was assessed at both the grapevine and the vineyard scale.Although the highest dry matter partitioning in the grapevines was measured in the above-ground organs, the root systems contributed to between 9 and 26% of the total vine C fixation. The soil’s C fixation was maximized in the organically managed vineyards (73.35tCha−1). The CO2 sequestration of one hectare of vineyard ranged between 5.72 (±0.07) and 7.23(±1.11)tCha−1year−1. Soil respiration represented the main (99%) CO2 emission source in the vineyard agro-ecosystems.The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the soil physical characteristics, the grapevine’s biological properties, and the vineyard’s management techniques, like those handling the inter-row space that highly differ in the organic and conventional farming, turned out to be the main factors influencing the soil’s C storage and consequently the vineyard’s C balance.Together, these findings prove that vineyards can act as C sinks, if properly managed. Furthermore, vineyards could represent a crucial cropping system able to provide pivotal ecological services such as carbon dioxide sequestration. Viticulture can also contribute to the preservation and regulation of natural resources –, such as soil and agricultural landscapes, according to the new European Commune Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Sphaceloma coryli: A Reemerging Pathogen Causing Heavy Losses on Hazelnut in Southern Italy.

In 2013 to 2014, a disease causing severe crop losses was observed in several growing areas of the Campania region in southern Italy. Disease symptoms consisted of necrotic spots on leaves, bracts, and shells along with vein necrosis. Nuts were necrotic or aborted and symptomatic fruit dropped prematurely. A fungus was consistently isolated from symptomatic tissues and morphologically identified as Sphaceloma coryli. The fungus was first reported in France and Italy (Campania) over 30 years ago and was not subsequently documented until 2006 in the Latium region of Italy. When artificially inoculated on healthy hazelnut plants, disease symptoms were reproduced. The teleomorph of S. coryli was recorded for the first time on overwintering tissues of hazelnut trees. It was also induced in vitro. The morphology of asci and ascospores together with phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer sequences indicated that the teleomorph is an undescribed species within the genus Elsinoë for which the name of Elsinoë coryli is proposed. Optimum temperatures for ascospore and conidium germination and mycelium growth were determined in vitro. The inhibition effect of some commercial fungicides on S. coryli was also evaluated in vitro.

Are ET and PV Patients Two Similar Populations As Concern Thrombotic Risk Factors?

Thrombotic events are major complications in patients (pts) affected by Essential Thrombocytemia (ET) and Polycytemia Vera (PV). To compare thrombotic risk in these 2 groups, we evaluated retrospectively our database of 1249 ET and 623 PV pts diagnosed and followed in 11 hematological centers in the Latium region between 1/1980 and 12/2010: the diagnosis was done according to PVSG, WHO 2001 and 2008criteria based on the time of first observation. Baseline features of ET pts: 797F/452M,median age 62.9 yrs (range 19-96),median WBC count 8.8 x 109/L (range 1.2-57.7), median PLT count 812 x 109/L (range 457-3582), median Hb level 14.0 g/dl (range 6-20.5), JAK-2V617F positivity 59.7% with a median allele burden of 19,6% (range 0.2- 99.9), spleen enlargement in 18.7% of pts, previous thrombosis223/1239 evaluable pts (17.9%) [arterial 176/223 (14.1%), venous 47/223 (3.8%)]. Baseline features of PV pts: 289F/334M, median age 63.0yrs (range 21-91), median WBC count 10.1 x 109/L (range 3.5-37.6), median PLT count 457 x 109/L (range 169-1790), median Hb level 18.2 g/dl (range 10.5-24.8), JAK-2V617F positivity 94.3% with a median allele burden of 59.1% (range 0.3-99.9), spleen enlargement in 42% of patients, previous thrombosis 146/617 evaluable pts (23.7%)[arterial 114/617 (18.5%), venous 32/617 (5,2%)].in the ET cohort, after a median follow-up of 7.7 yrs, thrombotic complications were seen in 107/1141 evaluable pts (9.4%) [arterial60 (5.25%), venous 47 (4.11%)]; in the PV cohort, after a median follow-up of 8.5 yrs, thrombotic complications were seen in 107/623pts (17.2%) [arterial 67 (10.8%),venous 40 (6.4%)].All common risk factors for thrombosis were evaluated in multivariate analysis, searching the cut-off number for continuous variables with ROC curves. The significant variables at multivariate analysis for ET and PV pts are shown in the table; age, previous thromboses and spleen enlargement were risk factors in ET pts, while previous thromboses and JAK-2V617F allele burden were risk factors in PV pts. PLT count above ROC value seemed to be a protective factor in both cohorts. In conclusion, in contrast with the tendency to evaluate in a similar manner the thrombotic risk of PV and ET, data from our retrospective database showed that these 2 groups should be considered populations with different risk factors for thrombosis. Table 1Putative prognostic factorsPolycythemia VeraEssential ThrombocythemiaHR95% C.I.pHR95% C.I .pPrevious thromboses2,311,13 - 4,740,021,871,08 -3,230,026Age ≥ 60 y1,540,79 - 2,990,211,901,18 - 3,060,009JAK2V617FPV: allelic burden ≥ 81% ET: pos1,951,03 - 3,710,040,760,48 - 1,210,25Plt countPV ≥ 452.109/L ET ≥ 944.109/L0,490,25 - 0,950,040,520,31 - 0,890,017Spleen enlargement0,670,34 -1,310,241,711,02 - 2,890,04CV risk factors (at least 1)0,920,41 - 2,030,830,870,51 - 1,490,62WBCPV ≥ 10,175.109/L ET ≥ 9,630.109/L1,090,57 - 2,080,801,410,89 -2,260,15 DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Groundwater chemical status assessment considering geochemical background: an example from Northern Latium (Central Italy)

The evaluation of the chemical status of groundwater bodies, pursuant to the European Groundwater Directive 2006/118/EC, requires the assessment of the natural background levels when concentration exceeds the national standards. In large part of Italy, including the case-study region Latium, the presence of substances of natural origin has long been recognized. Nonetheless, a systematic assessment of background levels is still missing. Guidelines have been published both at the European and Italian level, but there are still unanswered questions, including the appropriate geographical scale, the time and spatial variation. In this paper, the evaluation of the groundwater chemical status at the groundwater body scale for the Latium region for the above-mentioned elements is presented. We used the preselection method, choosing the 95th percentile of the preselected datasets for various groundwater bodies. Results show that the natural background levels differ at the groundwater body scale reflecting the complexity of the geological asset. At a smaller scale, the variation of the background even at short distances may be dramatic, and this should be considered especially when dealing with site scale assessment. Conversely, the time variation of the considered parameters seems to be modest. In the case-study region, the chemical status assessment considering the background levels would result “good” as for the exceedances of arsenic and fluoride, solving the problem of erroneous classification of water bodies characterized by contamination of natural origin.

Arsenic removal from naturally contaminated waters: a review of methods combining chemical and biological treatments

The presence of arsenic (As) in aquatic environments is often attributable to geogenic processes occurring within aquifers. Arsenic exists in two prevalent oxidation states, with the trivalent arsenite [As(III)] exerting stronger toxicity effects on the aquatic biota than the pentavalent arsenate [As(V)]. The review evaluates the literature available on the main arsenic removal technologies and the application of combined chemical and biological treatments. We provide a synthetic outlook on the potential strategies of biological As(III) oxidation to As(V) by means of cell-detoxifying mechanisms or metabolic processes with the aim to enhance As removal efficiency. Furthermore, the role of microorganisms in the mobility of arsenic in natural systems as well as the distribution of As-resistant bacteria, potentially suitable for arsenic removal, is discussed in the context of a case study carried out in Latium region (Italy), which is known for arsenic contamination of waters.

Uranium natural levels in water and soils: assessment of the Italian situation in relation to quality standards for drinking water

In view of the establishment of quality standards for uranium in drinking water by the European and Italian authorities, we report a comprehensive overview of the Italian situation regarding uranium concentrations in natural waters. More than 3100 data on waters all over Italy are reviewed in addition to new data for Latium Region (Central Italy) where relatively high concentrations in rocks are long been known. Our study evidences that uranium in bedrock is not the main factor ruling uranium presence in fresh and groundwater, indicating that redox conditions as well as bicarbonates and silicates control solution equilibria and accordingly the uranium content in waters. At present, and considering the provisional guideline value of 30 μg/L established by [WHO (2012) Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality. World Health Organization, Geneva], no critical situation is envisaged in Italy, but this can be overruled if lower limits will be actually imposed. There is also a need of further studies on uranium speciation in water and of wider epidemiological studies to assess its real toxicity to overcome the uncertainties that have so far hampered the definition of reliable water quality standards.

First report of Shallot virus X infecting shallot in Italy

Shallot ( Allium ascalonicum ) is an annual vegetable cultivated for its edible bulb. In Italy, cultivars of regional origin are mainly grown for local markets. During a survey on viruses infecting garlic in the Latium region (central…

Submersible Spectrofluorometer for Real-Time Sensing of Water Quality.

In this work, we present a newly developed submersible spectrofluorometer (patent pending) applied to real-time sensing of water quality, suitable for monitoring some important indicators of the ecological status of natural waters such as chlorophyll-a, oil and protein-like material. For the optomechanical realization of the apparatus, a novel conceptual design has been adopted in order to avoid filters and pumps while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio. The elimination of filters and pumps has the advantage of greater system simplicity and especially of avoiding the risk of sample degradation. The use of light-emitting diodes as an excitation source instead of Xe lamps or laser diodes helped save on size, weight, power consumption and costs. For sensor calibration we performed measurements on water samples with added chlorophyll prepared in the laboratory. The sensor functionality was tested during field campaigns conducted at Albano Lake in Latium Region of Italy as well as in the Herzliya Harbor, a few kilometers North East of Tel Aviv in Israel. The obtained results are reported in the paper. The sensitivity achieved for chlorophyll-a detection was found to be at least 0.2 µg/L.

Viral and Antibody Prevalence of Hepatitis E in European Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) and Hunters at Zoonotic Risk in the Latium Region

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a member of the genus Hepevirus within the family Hepeviridae. Hepatitis E is recognized as a zoonosis, and swine and wild boars (Sus scrofa) are known reservoirs of HEV infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of HEV in wild boars and hunters exposed to infection in central Italy (Latium region). During the hunting season, blood samples were collected from 228 wild boars and 20 hunters. The seroprevalence of HEV infection was determined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, previously validated for use in man, pigs and wild boars. The estimated HEV seroprevalence in wild boars and in hunters was 40.7% (93/228; 95% confidence interval [CI] 34.4-47.1%) and 25% (5/20; 95% CI 6.1-43.9%), respectively. Liver samples were collected from the boars and HEV RNA was detected by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Fifty-five of 164 tested wild boar liver samples (33.5%; 95% CI 26.2-40.7%) and three of 20 (15.0%; 95% CI 1.3-28.7%) tested human serum samples were positive for HEV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences obtained from PCR products indicated that the HEV strains present in wild boars and the human population all belonged to genotype 3, supporting the zoonotic role of wild boars in the spread of HEV infection.

Sinkhole susceptibility, Lazio Region, central Italy

Lazio is a region particularly affected by catastrophic sinkhole collapse. For some areas sinkholes appear to be sporadic, whilst other areas are particularly affected by sinkholes. These events can cause considerable damage when they occur in an urban area or in areas with transport networks. For several years, the Lazio Region has conducted studies on sinkholes in order to define areas prone to this phenomenon. This study involved the use of cartographic sources, historical documentation, as well as field trips, in order to construct an inventory of sinkhole cases in the region, as well as to identify sinkhole prone areas (SPAs). The inventory allowed each sinkhole case to be analysed within the geological and hydrogeological setting, as well as the surrounding vegetation and degree of urbanisation, in which it occurred. Correlations were also performed with tectonic and structural trends, and with triggering factors, such as earthquakes. Some predisposing variables to sinkhole phenomena are then selected. The application of multivariate logistic regression and geospatial analyses allows the selection of the most significant factors, as well as their optimal weights used to construct a sinkhole susceptibility map of the Latium Region at the 1:250,000 scale. The identification of the susceptibility grade of SPAs will help in the management of these areas, based on the risk level.

Hemoglobin levels and circulating blasts are two easily evaluable diagnostic parameters highly predictive of leukemic transformation in primary myelofibrosis

To predict leukemic transformation (LT), we evaluated easily detectable diagnostic parameters in 338 patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) followed in the Latium region (Italy) between 1981 and 2010. Forty patients (11.8%) progressed to leukemia, with a resulting 10-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) rates of 72%. Hb (<10g/dL), and circulating blasts (≥1%) were the only two independent prognostic for LT at the multivariate analysis. Two hundred-fifty patients with both the two parameters available were grouped as follows: low risk (none or one factor)=216 patients; high risk (both factors)=31 patients. The median LFS times were 269 and 45 months for the low and high-risk groups, respectively (P<.0001). The LT predictive power of these two parameters was confirmed in an external series of 270 PMF patients from Tuscany, in whom the median LFS was not reached and 61 months for the low and high risk groups, respectively (P<.0001). These results establish anemia and circulating blasts, two easily and universally available parameters, as strong predictors of LT in PMF and may help to improve prognostic stratification of these patients particularly in countries with low resources where more sophisticated molecular testing is unavailable.

The provenance of the Pompeii cooking wares: Insights from LA–ICP-MS trace element analyses

Cooking wares, is the most attested pottery group found in the I.E. (=Impianto Elettrico) 1980–1981 excavations at Pompeii. Typological classification and macroscopic observations on fabric types suggested the presence of products of different provenances. The following archaeometric study aims to verify archaeological assumptions regarding two selected ceramic groups characterized by similar volcanic temper: one of supposed local manufacture and one likely to have been produced in the Latium region. LA–ICP–MS analyses on selected volcanic phases (clinopyroxenes) occurring in ceramic temper, were compared with those occurring in the juvenile products of Latium and Campania volcanic districts suggested as provenance areas. Significant trace elements (V, Sr, Zr, Y and REE) and statistical approach distinguished the two investigated magmatic provinces, corroborating the archaeological hypothesis.

First Report of Phytophthora hydropathica Causing Wilting and Shoot Dieback on Viburnum in Italy

The genus Viburnum comprises over 150 species of shrubs and small trees such as Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus L.), which is one of the most widely used ornamental plants in private and public gardens. Furthermore, it commonly forms stands of natural woodland in the Mediterranean area. In autumn 2012, a survey was conducted to determine the presence of Phytophthora ramorum on Viburnum in commercial nurseries in the Latium region where wilting, dieback, and death of twigs were observed on 30% of the Laurustinus plants. A Phytophthora species was consistently recovered from soil rich in feeder roots from potted Laurustinus plants showing symptoms. Soil samples were baited with rhododendron leaves. Small pieces of leaf tissue cut from the margin of lesions were plated on P5ARPH selective medium (4). Pure cultures, obtained by single-hypha transfers on potato dextrose agar (PDA), were petaloid. Sporangia formation was induced on pepper seeds (3). Sporangia were almost spherical, ovoid or obpyriform, non-papillate and non-caducous, measuring 36.6 to 71.4 × 33.4 to 48.3 μm (average 53.3 × 37.4 μm) with a length/width ratio of 1.4. Chlamydospores were terminal and 25.2 to 37.9 μm in diameter. Isolates were considered heterothallic because they did not produce gametangia in culture or on the host. All isolates examined had 30 to 35°C as optimum temperatures. Based on these morphological characteristics, the isolates were identified as Phytophthora hydropathica (2). Morphological identification was confirmed by internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and mitochondrial partial cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 (CoxII) with BLAST analysis in the NCBI database revealing 99% identity with ITS and 100% identity with CoxII. The sequences of the three isolates AB234, AB235, and AB236 were deposited in European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) with the accession nos. HG934148, HG934149, and HG934150 for ITS and HG934151, HG934152, and HG934153 for CoxII, respectively. Pathogenicity tests were conducted in the greenhouse on a total of six 1-year-old shoots cut from V. tinus plants with two inoculation points each. Mycelial plugs cut from the margins of actively growing 8-day-old cultures on PDA were inserted through the epidermis into the phloem. Controls were treated as described above except that sterile PDA plugs replaced the inoculum. Shoots were incubated in test tubes with sterile water in the dark at 24 ± 2°C. After 2 weeks, lesions were evident at the inoculation points and symptoms were similar to those caused by natural infection. P. hydropathica was consistently re-isolated from the margin of lesions, while controls remained symptomless. In the United States in 2008, P. hydropathica was described as spreading from irrigation water to Rhododendron catawbiense and Kalmia latifolia (2). This pathogen can also attack several other horticultural crops (1), but to our knowledge, this is the first report of P. hydropathica causing wilting and shoot dieback on V. tinus.

Coastal vs inland sensitivity to desertification: a diachronic analysis of biophysical and socioeconomic factors in Latium, Italy

The present study assesses the spatial distribution of a composite index of land sensitivity to desertification (called ISD) in the coastal area of Rome, including natural areas such as Castelporziano forest, compared with inland areas of Latium region, central Italy. Based on two partial indicators integrating 10 elementary variables (five biophysical attributes investigating climate, soil and vegetation, and five socioeconomic attributes assessing population pressure, changes in the use of land and human pressure), the ISD was calculated for two reference years (1970 and 2000) and at the municipal scale in Latium region. Results indicate a positive trend in the ISD in both coastal and inland areas with territorial disparities widening significantly over the studied period. Interestingly, coastal urban and peri-urban municipalities showed the highest growth rate in the ISD. These finding possibly reflects rising human pressure in lowland and coastal areas experiencing urbanization compared to internal hilly and mountain areas.

Risk Analysis within Feasibility Studies: An Application to Cost-Benefit Analysis for the Construction of a New Road

The present paper aims at testing new techniques of Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA), based on a Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS), to Cost-Benefit evaluation of transportation projects. Cost-Benefit analysis have been widely used for the evaluation of projects, especially in the phase of "feasibility study" in order to support decision makers in the choice between design alternatives compared to financial and socio economic performance indicators.However, the empirical experience has shown that investment appraisal can be affected by many elements of risk, due to system’s uncertainty and the multiplicity of interests involved [1,2] especially in a field such as the construction of a new road that will affect a community [3].Actually, the input and output variables of the model, can not always be determined with certainty by the analyst, but are influenced by elements of uncertainty due to numerous biases that "normally" connote a decision-making process in which multiple variables contribute to the formulation of the choice.QRA and MCS aims at quantify the uncertainty embedded in the appraisal model through a probabilistic approach, effectively accounts for every possible value that each variable within the model can take by use of various Probability Distribution Function (PDF). The resulting point estimate is then transformed into an interval estimate illustrated in terms of PDF.The proposed approach will be tested on an interesting case study regarding the economic evaluation of a new connection road in the Latium region of Italy. The results obtained shown that QRA and MCS can helps decision makers in taking more transparent and responsible behaviors in the decision making process.

Work-related symptoms in indoor environments: a puzzling problem for the occupational physician.

People who work indoors often manifest symptoms related to the work environment. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition closely associated with sealed, air-conditioned workplaces and is especially frequent in countries with a cold climate. However, it is also present in Mediterranean countries where artificial ventilation accompanies the natural one. The significance of personal factors, air quality perception, and psychosocial work conditions in relation to SBS and other work-related symptoms needs to be clarified. Workers from 28 companies in the Latium region of Italy were invited to answer a questionnaire during their routine medical examination at the workplace. A total of 4,029 out of 4,129 took part in the survey, giving a response rate of 97.6 %. A high percentage of workers (31.9 %) reported symptoms related to work, and two-thirds of the employees (65.4 %) complained of environmental problems. In logistic regression models, personal factors (gender, smoking habit, age, and atopy), anxiety and depression, environmental discomfort and job strain were associated both with symptoms of SBS and other work-related symptoms. There was a significant association between the perception of stuffy air, dry air, and electricity and cases of SBS. Some associations between symptoms and the work environment lacked biological plausibility. The occupational physician's task is to systematically monitor workers' symptoms and their perception of the work environment in order to analyze this relationship and indicates the best mode of preventing illness/discomfort. This paper provides a method and reference values.