Molise Region Research Articles

A Highly Condensed Social Fact: Food Citizenship, Individual Responsibility, and Social Commitment

The paper is based on the crucial value of food as “a condensed social fact”. The analysis focuses on food narratives, responsible consumption, battles for the food emancipation of subaltern and low-income subjects, and attention to the quality, fairness, and traceability of food products as an expression of individual agency, as well as an expression of public engagement with food democracy/citizenship conflicts and frictions. Preliminarily, the paper moves from a discussion of collective agency on food strategies and representations to a critical approach to food democracy and sustainable society. This public arena for food debates is then confronted with personal behaviors embodying food citizenship in the contemporary scenario of socio-economic and environmental transition. The paper addresses the following sustainable development goals: responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), ending hunger, food security, improved nutrition, sustainable agriculture (SDG 2), and health and well-being (SDG 3). Starting from the democratic/neoliberal dichotomy, the paper will consider food governmentality as a positive alternative to food emancipation and democracy, as well as a personal need and a neo-communitarian political approach opposed to agroindustry and food consumerism and dispossession. Three case studies, all situated in the central–southern Italian region of Molise, will discuss different models of food citizenship and governmentality, as well as the relationship between individual responsibility and desires and collective commitment and perspectives. These issues will be framed within a rural economy paradigm and articulated through an ethnographic methodology: local data collection, emic/ethic representations, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. This long-term observation has been realized in the framework of several projects that were coordinated and developed by the authors, who worked for several years in the regional territory, especially on projects focusing on local/regional/national policies of sustainable rural development and bio-cultural heritage conservation and valorization according to the mission of the research center, which they founded and coordinated over the last seven years. The case studies and discussion allow for some final consideration of the impact of individual and community agencies on the achievement of SDGs, the presence of not exclusively consumeristic and hedonistic behaviors, and the growing attention to ecological concerns being paid food producers and distributors, as well as new forms of rural–urban circularity and entanglements aiming toward greater awareness and democratization of food access, security, and sustainable agriculture.

Zootechnical Brown Trout (Salmo trutta L. 1758) Ovarian Fluid Fails to Upregulate the Swimming Performances of Native Mediterranean Brown Trout (Salmo cettii Rafinesque, 1810) Sperm in the Biferno River

In external fertilizer fish, ovarian fluid (OF) seems to play a key role in fertilization success, improving spermatozoa swimming performance. These OF/sperm interaction mechanisms are frequently species-specific and/or population-specific and could decrease the risk of genetic introgression of wild populations from introduced or escaped zootechnical individuals. The Mediterranean brown trout (Salmo cettii) is threatened by genetic introgression with strains of domestic brown trout (Salmo trutta) that were introduced for recreational purposes. The aim of our study was to test if native S. cettii females, rather than zootechnical S. trutta, produce OF with a greater ability to upregulate the sperm motility of conspecific males. Thus, we compared the sperm swimming performances of males inhabiting the Biferno River (Molise region—Southern Italy) activated in native S. cettii vs. zootechnical S. trutta female’s OFs. In our study, native females’ OFs (20% diluted), compared to spring water, has the ability to significantly boost the sperm performance of the autochthonous males, while zootechnical S. trutta fails. These preliminary results suggest that OF-sperm interactions could potentially influence or direct the hybridization mechanisms involving the native Mediterranean trout inhabiting the Biferno River and the domestic lineage of brown trout introduced in the past.

Recent Trends of Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Causing Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Herds in Abruzzo and Molise Regions, Italy.

This study aimed to investigate the recent trends of antibiotic resistance (AR) prevalence in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the milk of animals with clinical mastitis in areas of the Abruzzo and Molise regions in Central Italy. Fifty-four S. aureus isolates were obtained from routine testing for clinical mastitis agents carried out in the author institution in the years 2021 and 2022 and were analyzed for phenotypic resistance to eight antibiotics recommended for testing by European norms and belonging to the antibiotic classes used for mastitis treatment in milk-producing animals. Moreover, the presence of 14 transferable genetic determinants encoding resistance to the same antibiotics was analyzed using qPCR tests developed in this study. Phenotypic resistance to non-β-lactams was infrequent, with only one 2022 isolate resistant to clindamycin. However, resistance to the β-lactam cefoxitin at concentrations just above the threshold of 4 µg/mL was observed in 59.2% of isolates in both years, making these isolates classifiable as methicillin-resistant. The AR genotypes detected were the blaZ gene (50% of 2021 isolates and 44.4% of 2022 isolates), aphA3-blaZ- ermC/T (one 2021 isolate), aphA3-ant6-blaZ-ermC/T (one 2021 isolate), blaZ-ermB (one 2022 isolate) and mecA-mph (one 2022 isolate). An inquiry into the veterinarians who provided the samples, regarding the antimicrobials prescribed for mastitis treatment and criteria of usage, indicated a possible causal relation with the AR test results. The occurrence of AR genotypes did not increase in time, most probably reflecting how mastitis was treated and prevented in farms. However, the frequently observed cefoxitin resistance needs to be explained genotypically, further monitored and limited by modifying antibiotic usage practices. The identification of a mecA-positive isolate in 2022 suggests further investigation if this genotype is emerging locally.

Dietary Preferences of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Two Mediterranean Feeding Grounds: Does Prey Selection Change with Habitat Use throughout Their Life Cycle?

According to their life stage, the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is found in a wide range of habitats, from neritic to more oceanic areas. Their feeding habits are expected to change as they develop, along with habitat use. Juvenile sea turtles are hypothesized to feed on pelagic species in oceanic areas, shifting to more benthic prey during the subadult and adult stages. We analyzed the gastrointestinal content from 150 loggerhead sea turtles stranded and/or bycaught along the Adriatic coast of the Abruzzo and Molise regions (n = 89) and the Tyrrhenian coast of the Lazio and Campania regions (n = 61) from 2018 to 2021. Food items were identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and the frequency of occurrence was calculated for each taxon and most recurrent species to assess changes in prey selection during the development. The marine litter was categorized, and the frequency of occurrence was calculated for the ingestion of litter. The most recurrent taxonomic prey group recorded in the Adriatic sample was Arthropoda (94%), followed by Mollusca (63%) and Chordata (34%). In the Tyrrhenian sample, loggerhead sea turtles fed mostly on Mollusca (84%), Arthropoda (38%), and Chordata (26%). Surprisingly, the Adriatic-Tyrrhenian sample groups showed similar feeding behavior between juveniles, subadults, and adults. A similar correlation has been observed concerning the ingestion of litter. Moreover, this study confirms the opportunistic feeding behavior of loggerhead sea turtles and their high adaptability.

Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformations in Molise region (Italy): novel inventory and main geomorphological features

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformations (DSGSDs) identified in the Molise region (Italy), along the central-southern sector of the Apennines chain. These phenomena were detected and mapped through a combination of aerial-photo interpretation, morphological analyses, and field surveys, integrated through satellite SAR interferometry (InSAR). The obtained general map is organized in different sections: inventory map with identification of DSGSDs and main geological and orographic features, geostructural scheme, representative cross sections, list and characteristics of DSGSDs, geomorphometric maps, landslides map, and seismotectonic setting. This study allowed us to realize a complete inventory of DSGSDs in the Molise region and define the main characteristics of each phenomenon. Through this research, it was possible to establish a general correlation between the analyzed deformations and the geological and geomorphological setting of the region as well as with its geodynamic context.

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and plasticizers residues: role of bees and honey as bioindicators of environmental contamination.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and plasticizer residues are continuously released into the environment. The use of living organisms, such as Apis mellifera L. and honey, is advantageous as bioindicator of the environmental health status, instead of traditional monitoring methods, showing the ability to record spatial and temporal pollutant variations. The PAHs and heavy metal presence were determined in two sampling years (2017 and 2018) in five different locations in the Molise region (Italy), characterized by different pollution levels. During 2017, most PAHs in all samples were lower than limit of detection (LOD), while in 2018, their mean concentration in bee and honey samples was of 3μgkg-1 and 35μgkg-1, respectively. For heavy metals, lower values were detected in 2017 (Be, Cd, and V below LOD), while in 2018, the mean concentrations were higher, 138μgkg-1 and 69μgkg-1, in bees and honey, respectively. Honey has been used as indicator of the presence of phthalate esters and bisphenol A in the environment. The satisfactory results confirmed that both bees and honey are an important tool for environmental monitoring. The chemometric analysis highlighted the differences in terms of pollutant concentration and variability in the different areas, validating the suitability of these matrices as bioindicators.

The role of semen cryobanks for protecting endangered native salmonids: Advantages and perspectives as outlined by the LIFE Nat.Sal.Mo. project on Mediterranean brown trout (Molise region – Italy)

The Mediterranean brown trout is one of the most endangered freshwater species. A complicated network of climate and human influences has severely harmed its biodiversity. The introduction of alien trout is one of the most serious threats to native populations’ intraspecific diversity. In Molise region (south-Italy) an important conservation program (LIFE Nat.Sal.Mo project) has recently been proposed to preserve the genetic integrity of native Mediterranean trout. This project, alongside safeguarding and re-establishing the habitats’ usefulness aims to restore the genetic integrity of the autochthonous population. This is one of the major goals, and it is accomplished by employing frozen wild breeder semen in conjunction with proper fertilization techniques to carry out artificial reproduction to enhance genetic diversity in the progeny and maintain fitness within self-sustaining populations. In this regard, the implementation of the first European semen cryobank has played a strategic role for conserving extant genomic diversity of native population. The goal of this review is to outline the procedures developed and guidelines established for the creation of a Mediterranean trout sperm cryobank. Here, we specifically provide an overview of some of the main challenges associated with the implementation of semen cryobank, the results achieved, the prospects for restoring genetic integrity in native populations, and lastly, future views for hatchery management to preserve the wild biodiversity of native salmonid species. During the project timeframe 1,683 semen doses, from 150 native breeders were stored inside the cryobank. Our results clearly showed the efficiency of the freezing procedure used, both in vitro and in vivo. In fact, we recorded satisfactory values of post-thaw sperm motility and viability that ranged from 40% to 80%, and excellent fertilization rate in vivo, which ranged from 64% to 81%.

Predation of wolves on feral horses in Apennines Areas of Southern Italy: A Case Study Report

Although wolf predation on horses is generally low, it can be significant where horses are grazed extensively and there are low densities of wild prey, such as in Southern Europe. The economic damage of wolf predation on horses can have a major impact in certain situations involving free-ranging horse populations and the topic needs more attention. This is the case of Spain, Portugal and Italy where it is possible to find many examples of wolf predations on feral horses. The main factor predisposing horses to wolf pre¬dation worldwide is the free-ranging management system. In Italy special attention is given to the horses bred in a particular area of the Southern Apennines: the Pentro horses; they represent a rare endangered equine population of Molise Region with its owns genetic characterisation. The losses of horses caused by wolves predations increase exponentially from year to year. Considering the very low number of Pentro Horses, any prey represents a considerable loss from a morphological and genetical point of view. Consequently, the predation phenomena represent a considerable limit to the selection and maintenance of these horses. This is why it was decided to create a special database with the aim of monitoring, analyzing and preventing predatory phenomena and consequently to keep under control the number of predatory events by the wolf. The database was processed by collection of data concerning: when the predation take place, the age of the preyed equines, the type of injury and the parts of the body injured or removed by the wolf, the body location of the damage and the recognition and value of money compensation. The data collected evidenced how there is a need for innovative approaches to prop¬erly mitigate predation and support the traditional free-ranging husbandry system with its high ecologi¬cal and cultural value.

Assessing the Risk of Damages by Wild Boars (Sus Scrofa) in Italian Apennines. Preliminary Report

Wildlife, particularly wild ungulates, has experienced a significant demographic increase throughout Europe, especially in the last 30 years. The objective of this study was to create a preliminary impact map of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in the Molise region of the Italian Southern Apennines, and their correlation with road accidents. A GIS software was used to process a map, and the impact of wild boars was categorized based on land use. An analysis of the environmental characteristics of the neighboring raster was conducted, considering the presence of roads, particularly with respect to accident events. The georeferenced damages were superimposed onto the impact risk map. The geo-referenced damages caused by wild boars indicate that they are primarily concentrated in areas where road accidents have occurred and where there is a high risk of impact. These maps serve as a valuable starting point for managing wild boars in the region by optimizing strategies from technical and economic perspectives. This process must include population control by evaluating the Annual Useful Increase index (IUA), based on processes related to birth-immigration and mortality-emigration of the species.

Species of mosquitoes present in Abruzzo and Molise and their possible role as vector of Usutu and West Nile viruses.

In 2019, entomological survey on mosquitoes was carried out in Abruzzo and Molise regions in central Italy to obtain data on local mosquito fauna. Collection sites were selected based on a previous ecoregion classification of the territory. From 2019 to 2021 virological surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) on mosquitoes was carried out in the same regions, selecting ecoregions where virus circulation and vector presence were more likely, all mosquitoes were collected and identified, and the female mosquitoes were sorted in 3046 pools and tested for the presence of WNV and USUV by Real-time PCR. All pools tested negative for WND, while USUV was detected in 7 pools of Aedes caspius collected in Molise region, 17 pools of Culex pipiens s.l. (2 collected in Molise, 15 in Abruzzo), and 1 pool of Culiseta longiareolata collected in Molise. These results suggests the presence of an USUV enzootic cycle, maintained by Culex pipiens s.l. and Aedes caspius in both Italian regions, as well as providing a useful picture in terms of species presence and abundance for both regions. Ecoregions proved to be a very valuable tool in determining high risk areas for vector borne diseases.

Asylum Seekers in Small Villages: Spatial Proximity and Integration in Italian and French Villages

What happens when asylum seekers from African or Middle Eastern countries are resettled by authorities in small European villages? When they arrive, are they welcomed, or on the contrary, rejected by villagers? Generally speaking, overseas migrants usually wish to be resettled in large European cities. As for European villagers, they tend to form communities closed on themselves, so one might expect a rather cold reception. However, fieldwork in Italian and French villages where asylum-seeking migrants were resettled shows that this is not necessarily the case. Having observed resettlement experiences in the Italian region of Molise and the French region of Alsace, we discovered that, wherever migrants are hosted within the confines of a village, villagers get frequent opportunities to meet them, learn to communicate with them, and spontaneously offer help, especially to children, women, and whole families. The lack of a common language does not prevent day-to-day iwnteractions or development of interpersonal relations. Children go to school and are keen to learn the host society’s language; adult migrants receiving help want to reciprocate by working for free, thus allowing them to quickly learn European ways and skills. If most asylum seekers eventually leave for larger cities, the months spent in a village prove to be a useful step preparing them for further resettlement.

Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation in Molise region (Italy): Novel inventory and main geomorphological features

Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation in Molise region (Italy): Novel inventory and main geomorphological features

Effects of EOs vs. Antibiotics on E. coli Strains Isolated from Drinking Waters of Grazing Animals in the Upper Molise Region, Italy.

The health and safety of grazing animals was the subject of microbiological monitoring on natural source of drinking waters in the upper Molise region, Italy. Surface water samples, on spring-summer season, were collected and submitted to analyses using sterile membrane filtration, cultural medium, and incubation. The level of environmental microbial contamination (Total viable microbial count, yeasts and fungi) and faecal presence (Total and faecal coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonellae spp.) were carried out. By the selective microbiological screening, twenty-three E. coli strains from drinking waters were isolated and submitted to further studies to evaluate antibiotic resistance by antibiograms vs. three animal and two diffuse human antibiotics. Furthermore, after a fine chemical characterization by GC and GC-MS, three Essential Oils (EOs) of aromatic plants (Timus vulgaris, Melaleuca alternifolia, Cinnamomun verum) aromatograms were performed and results statistically compared. The effects of EOs vs. antibiotics on E. coli strains isolated from drinking waters showed a total absence of microbial resistance. In our experimental conditions, even if some suggestions will be further adopted for better managements of grazing animals, because the health and safety represent a guarantee for both animals and humans.

The role of agroforestry areas in the potential provision of ecosystem services: the case of the Molise Region.

Changes in land use and land cover represent the main cause of the loss of natural capital and the ecosystem services supply. Analyzing the dynamics and impacts of these changes is also important with respect to the implementation of the D.lgs 34/2018, which recognizes ecosystem services generated by forests and identifies payments for ecosystem services as innovative tools for sustainable forest management. mapping, quantification, and economic valuation of ecosystem services. In our study, we analyzed the change in the supply of ecosystem services in relation to land use and land cover dynamics that occurred between 1960 and 2018 in the Molise Region. 
 To do this type of analysis, we employed a methodology based on the GIS analysis of the agroforestry landscape transformation processes and qualitative matrices of potential supply of ecosystem services linked to land cover. The results obtained could be functional to the prediction of future scenarios and to the identification of adaptive strategies for the mitigation of impacts due to land cover changes at regional and national scales.

Seismic response of landslides to natural and man-induced ground vibrations: Evidence from the Petacciato coastal slope (central Italy)

This study focuses on the vibrational response of a landslide mass to natural and man-induced vibrations. The landslide is located in the Molise region (Italy) and involves a coastal slope extending approximately 5 km2, from the Petacciato village to the coastline. The landslide activity is well documented since 1909 with historical reactivations and resulted in severe damage to infrastructure and to the ancient village. This activity is characterised by a roto-translational mechanism involving blue clays, sands, and conglomerates of Pleistocene age. A multitemporal geomorphological analysis of the landslide activity allowed us to detect a retrogressive style corresponding to the crown area as well as a prograding toe that reaches the submerged nearshore. Seismic ambient noise measurements revealed that the local seismic amplification is strictly concentrated in the back-crown area, i.e., the area affected by the most recent retrogressive effects of the landslide mass. Moreover, ground vibrations generated by train transits were analysed to identify possible amplification phenomena of dynamic external input, that can occur inside the landslide mass with respect to the surrounding area. Therefore, a Spectral Aggravation Index (SAI) was defined by the ratio between the Fourier spectrum during train transit and that obtained for an equal time window in the absence of train traffic sources. The SAI was applied to compare the response to man-induced vibrations inside the landslide mass with the one outside, by computing a ratio of the SAI at different measurement points inside/outside the landslide mass. The obtained results highlight the intense activity of the landslide both in space and time, revealing a joining between the ongoing retreat areas, surveyed by multitemporal geomorphological analysis, and local seismic response, by geophysical investigations. On the other hand, most of the landslide mass from the middle- to downslope position is not resonant and its higher damping causes a lower intensity of ground motion in response to man-induced vibrations with respect to the surrounding areas.

Seismic Damage Scenarios Induced by Site Effects on Masonry Clustered Buildings: A Case Study in South Italy

ABSTRACT The present research aims to explore the influence of site effects on the seismic vulnerability of the historical centre of Baranello, a little town in the Molise Region of Italy. Structural and typological classification of the investigated urban area has been done according to the EMS-98 scale. The vulnerability assessment of the inspected historical buildings has been carried out through an appropriate survey form to identify the buildings most susceptible to seismic damage. Consequently, using the Post-Earthquake Damage and Safety Assessment (AeDES) form implemented by the Italian Civil Protection Department (DPC), the typological vulnerability curves of the built-up area have been derived based on the damages recorded after the 2002 Molise earthquake. Finally, a local amplification factor, which increases the severity of the seismic damage to the structures, has been taken into account based on the time-domain method. Results reveal that the local amplification effects significantly increase the expected damage, which should lead to the collapse of almost all the investigated buildings for epicentre distance of 5.0 km and magnitude of 6.0. This means that the proposed simplified approach can represent a useful tool to more appropriately foresee the seismic risk of urban centres.

Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains (Sequence Types 23 and 35) from Wildlife.

ABSTRACTThis report describes the draft genomes of two Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that were isolated from two wild boars collected during epidemiological surveillance and monitoring of wild fauna in the Abruzzo and Molise regions. The strains belonged to sequence type 23 (ST23) and ST35, which are frequently reported in clinical cases.

Analysis of the functional traits of Quercus cerris L. seedlings in the Molise region (southern Italy)

This study deals with the analysis of seedling fitness in three Quercus cerris wood stands, namely Selva di Castiglione (SC), Bosco della Ficora (BF) and Bosco di San Leo (BSL), developed in different lithological and physiographic conditions and subjected to different forestry practices. A phytosociological study was carried out for analysing the coenological features of the forest stands and to classify these latter from a syntaxonomic point of view. The Pignatti-Ellenberg index (PEi) was calculated on the matrix composed of the phytosociological relevés in order to highlight possible ecological differences or gradients among stands. The phenotypic parameters considered were the stem and root length and the leaf area, whereas the plant functional traits (PFTs) were specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf thickness (Lth) and chlorophyll content (CHL). The results showed that seedlings coming from different sampling sites exhibited similar values in all the phenotypic parameters. Instead, statistically significant differences were observed in the PFTs. The results suggested that the different adaptation strategies implemented by the seedlings are to be related to the physical environment of the sampling sites and to the different forest structures. The Selva di Castiglione forest stand (SC) exhibited better growth conditions for seedlings testified by higher values of SLA and CHL and lower values of LDMC and Lth. These were interpreted as greater investment in carbon production aimed at rapid development and renewal of the seedling rather than carbon storage aimed at ensuring leaf longevity.

Sense of Place, Biocultural Heritage, and Sustainable Knowledge and Practices in Three Italian Rural Regeneration Processes

This paper addresses sustainable development processes based on biocultural heritage, sense of place, and socio-cultural innovation and inclusiveness in the rural context, particularly focusing different scales of endogenous/neo-endogenous rural regeneration processes. Ethnographic and grounded case studies allow a critical analysis of different forms of rural development from a multidisciplinary perspective based on old and new rurality, rural and local communities’ participation, resilience and regeneration processes, sense of place, belongingness, and “restanza”. The three cases are situated in three areas of Italy: the ecomuseum of pastoralism in Pontebernardo in the northern region of Piedmont as a driver of local shared development pathways; the municipality of Castel del Giudice, in the Central-Southern region of Molise, enabling different and integrated local regeneration actions; and the Association “Casa delle AgriCulture”/Green Night Festival in Castiglione d’Otranto in the Southern region of Puglia as a performative opportunity to define innovative and transversal as well as community-oriented activities. In these contexts, different local regeneration programs were applied in order to provide a critical evaluation of the knowledge and practices of sustainability in terms of their entanglements with biocultural heritage and socio-cultural innovation. The present analysis insists on the impact of biocultural heritage in regeneration processes in rural regions and endogenous/neo-endogenous factors in rural sustainable development.

Honeybees as Bioindicators of Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban and Rural Areas in the South of Italy

The honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) has been used in several studies for monitoring the environmental health status in terms of pollution, due to its wide-ranging foraging flights. Based on this consideration, this study aimed to analyze heavy metal pollution in Molise Region (Italy), by investigating five sites characterized by different levels of contamination. Furthermore, the authors carried out a sampling activity for a long period, in order to obtain a complete dataset. In this way, detailed information about the status of the environments was able to be obtained. The main purpose of this work was to assess the health status of Molise Region and to confirm the suitability of honeybees as environmental bioindicators of heavy metal pollution, by analyzing their variability over time and space. Furthermore, the study compared the health status associated with contamination in terms of heavy metals with that in two different areas of Italy, using hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, to evaluate the correlation existing among the three different areas of Italy. Following the findings, the authors suggest the use of honeybees as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution in air quality studies.