Northwest Italy Research Articles

Frequency and severity of dental caries in foster care children of Turin, Italy: a retrospective cohort study.

Aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the frequency and severity of dental caries (DC) among foster care children in the city of Turin, in North West Italy, and to compare these data with those of a general paediatric population. From May 2016 to September 2018, 75 paediatric subjects between the age of 4 and 12, located in 11 residential child care communities were recruited. Instructions were provided concerning oral health, caries and correlation with dietary habits. Oral and dental examination were carried out to establish frequency and severity of caries (not-penetrating, nPC, corresponding to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) codes: 1-4, vs. penetrating, PC, corresponding to ICDAS codes: 5-6). Decayed, missed, filled teeth (DMFT) index was used. Data for comparison were acquired from the WHO Collaboration Center For Epidemiology and Community Dentistry of Milan (WHO-CCOMS), belonging to a nationwide sample of 2,141 Italian children. Only 13 subjects (17%) were caries-free; 187 caries were identified: 133 were PC, whereas 54 were nPC. Overall, 76% of the caries were found in deciduous teeth. Mean DMFT was 3.43 (D = 2.97; M = 0.24; F = 0.22). When the study data were compared to those from WHO-CCOMS, a significantly higher DMFT (3.43 vs 0.96; p <0.00001) and D (2.97 vs 0.62; p <0.00001) was detected. A significant higher frequency of caries in foster care children in Turin, Italy compared to the general population was detected.

Comparison of Surface Solar Irradiance from Ground Observations and Satellite Data (1990–2016) over a Complex Orography Region (Piedmont—Northwest Italy)

Climate Monitoring Satellite Application Facility (CM SAF) surface solar irradiance (SSI) products were compared with ground-based observations over the Piedmont region (north-western Italy) for the period 1990–2016. These products were SARAH-2.1 (Surface Solar Radiation DataSet—Heliosat version 2.1) and CLARA-A2 (Cloud, Albedo and Surface Radiation dataset version A2). The aim was to contribute to the discussion on the representativeness of satellite SSI data including a focus on high-elevation areas. The comparison between SSI averages shows that for low OCI (orographic complexity index) stations, satellite series have higher values than corresponding ground-based observations, whereas for high OCI stations, SSI values for satellite records are mainly lower than for ground stations. The comparison between SSI anomalies highlights that satellite records have an excellent performance in capturing SSI day-to-day variability of ground-based low OCI stations. In contrast, for high OCI stations, the agreement is much lower, due to the higher uncertainty in both satellite and ground-based records. Finally, if the temporal trends are considered, average low-elevation ground-based SSI observations show a positive trend, whereas satellite records do not highlight significant trends. Focusing on high-elevation stations, the observed trends for ground-based and satellite records are more similar with the only exception of summer. This divergence seems to be due to the relevant role of atmospheric aerosols on SSI trends.

Marzanoptera tersillae, a new balaenopterid genus and species from the Pliocene of Piedmont, north-west Italy

AbstractMarzanoptera tersillae gen. &amp; sp. nov., a new balaenopterid from the Pliocene of the Piedmont in north-west Italy, is described based on a partial skeleton and compared with other living and fossil baleen whales. Marzanoptera tersillae shares characters, such as the shape of the supraoccipital, glenoid fossa of the squamosal and zygomatic process of the squamosal, with ‘Balaenoptera’ bertae. We used a computed tomography scan to view parts of the skull that were otherwise impossible to observe, such as the periotic. A phylogenetic analysis based on 355 character states scored from 87 taxa revealed a well-resolved hypothesis of relationships for Balaenopteridae and a general phylogenetic hypothesis for chaeomysticetes. The monophyly of all superfamily- and family-rank clades and of crown balaenopterid species was confirmed. In addition, a monophyletic group including most basal thalassotherian taxa was recovered. The mollusc fauna associated with the specimen was autochtonous and constituted a residual fossil assemblage indicative of an environmental context located below the base of the storm wave, characterized by a low-energy hydrodynamic regimen. Many shark teeth have been found in close association or embedded within the bones, suggesting a possible scavenging action by two shark species on the whale carcass.

Hidden soils and their carbon stocks at high-elevation in the European Alps (North-West Italy)

Alpine soils store large quantities of total organic carbon (TOC). Given their high sensitivity to climate change, they may release large amounts of CO2 in a warming climate scenario. Thus, it is important to know their C stocks in order to estimate its possible release. While C stocks of forest, dwarf shrub and alpine grassland soils are well documented, little is known about soils and C stocks in high-elevated periglacial environments dominated by frost-driven processes. The object of this study is the periglacial environment of the Stolenberg Plateau (LTER site Istituto Mosso, 3030 m a.s.l.), at the foot of the Monte Rosa Massif (NW Italian Alps). The plateau is mostly covered by a thick stony layer, organized in periglacial blockfields and blockstreams. The plant cover reaches only 3–5%. During the construction of a chair lift, open trenches revealed, unexpectedly, well-developed soils under the active periglacial stone cover. In particular, thick (30–65 cm) and dark TOC-rich A horizons were observed. Below these Umbric horizons, Cambic Bw ones were developed but discontinuous. Despite the lack of vegetation, C stocks were remarkably high (up to ~ 5 kg m−2), comparable to vegetated soils at lower elevation. Non-invasive geophysical methods revealed that these hidden soils were widespread on the plateau under the stony cover, with a mean thickness of around 50 cm. These TOC-rich soils, without vegetation and covered by periglacial landforms, represent a unique pedoenvironment suggesting new perspectives on the actual C-stocks at high-elevation sites, which are probably underestimated.

Social inequalities in heat-attributable mortality in the city of Turin, northwest of Italy: a time series analysis from 1982 to 2018

BackgroundUnderstanding context specific heat-health risks in urban areas is important, especially given anticipated severe increases in summer temperatures due to climate change effects. We investigate social inequalities in the association between daily temperatures and mortality in summer in the city of Turin for the period 1982–2018 among different social and demographic groups such as sex, age, educational level, marital status and household occupants.MethodsMortality data are represented by individual all-cause mortality counts for the summer months between 1982 and 2018. Socioeconomic level and daily mean temperature were assigned to each deceased. A time series Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear models was fitted to capture the complex nonlinear dependency between daily mortality and temperature in summer. The mortality risk due to heat is represented by the Relative Risk (RR) at the 99th percentile of daily summer temperatures for each population subgroup.ResultsAll-cause mortality risk is higher among women (1.88; 95% CI = 1.77, 2.00) and the elderly (2.13; 95% CI = 1.94, 2.33). With regard to education, the highest significant effects for men is observed among higher education levels (1.66; 95% CI = 1.38, 1.99), while risks for women is higher for the lower educational level (1.93; 95% CI = 1.79, 2.08). Results on marital status highlighted a stronger association for widower in men (1.66; 95% CI = 1.38, 2.00) and for separated and divorced in women (2.11; 95% CI = 1.51, 2.94). The risk ratio of household occupants reveals a stronger association for men who lived alone (1.61; 95% CI = 1.39, 1.86), while for women results are almost equivalent between alone and not alone groups.ConclusionsThe associations between heat and mortality is unequal across different aspects of social vulnerability, and, inter alia, factors influencing the population vulnerability to temperatures can be related to demographic, social, and economic aspects. A number of issues are identified and recommendations for the prioritisation of further research are provided. A better knowledge of these effect modifiers is needed to identify the axes of social inequality across the most vulnerable population sub-groups.

The 120-Day COVID-19 Epidemic in the Metropolitan Area of Turin, Italy

Background: This research aimed at study the impact of covid-19 epidemic on several aspects of the metropolitan area of Turin, a large city located in the north-west of Italy. A multidimensional perspective that considered economic, social, cultural and environmental data about the area was adopted.Methods: 121 items of open daily data from 1 January to 30 April 2020 were collected related to several variables including number of positive cases, stock values of companies located in Turin, particulate matter and traffic vehicles, traffic on local online websites, energy consumption, research trends for the keyword “coronavirus”, grant requests submitted to a philanthropic foundation. We developed a path analysis model in which the growing number of positive cases acted as an independent variable influencing the other variables.Findings: the rise of covid-19 epidemic and the subsequent lockdown was significant associated with all the variables considered excluding the grants requested to a philanthropic foundation. While the epidemic was growing, there were a significant change in the trend of stock values of two important companies of the area. Citizens increased their use of internet and there was a growing interest in the pandemic identified by Google research. Electricity consumption, traffic and particulate matter decreased.Interpretation: data confirm our expectation, covid-19 epidemic and subsequent lockdown radically changed the daily life and functioning of a large metropolitan area, influencing all the aspects we considered, from the economic status of two important companies to the traffic and electricity consumption. Funding: We did not receive any funding for the research.Declaration of Interests: None to declare.

Social inequalities differences in the association between summer temperatures and mortality in the city of Turin, northwest of Italy. A distributed lag non-linear time series analysis from 1982 to 2018

Social inequalities differences in the association between summer temperatures and mortality in the city of Turin, northwest of Italy: a distributed lag non-linear time series analysis from 1982 to 2018AimTo investigate social inequalities in the association between summer temperatures and mortality in the city of Turin for the period 1982-2018. As a measure of and socioeconomic position, we used the educational level, the marital status, the employment status and the number of dwelling’s occupants of the deceased, diversifying the analysis by gender and sub-categories.MethodsMortality data are represented by individual all-causes mortality counts for the summer periods from 1982 to 2018. Socioeconomic position and daily mean temperature were assigned to each deceased. A time series Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear models was fitted to capture the complex nonlinear dependency between mortality and summer temperatures.Results The mortality risk grows with age in both genders, and we found a statistically significant association for all the age-groups. With regards to education, the higher risk corresponded to the highest educational levels. Temperature-mortality association was more evident for non-mate people than for married people, with higher risks for women. Results on the employment status highlighted a strong association over people retired from work and in people in other conditions. For the number of dwelling occupants, we found a strong association for those who lived in a crowded environment, followed by people who lived in an isolated context.ConclusionsAssociations between heat and mortality are unequal across different aspects of social vulnerability, and, inter alia, factors influencing the population vulnerability to temperatures can be related to demographic, social, and economic aspects. A better knowledge of these effect modifiers is needed to identify the axes of inequality across the most vulnerable population groups.

Modeling technology retrofit scenarios for the conversion of condominium into an energy community: An Italian case study

This work aims to investigate what kind of impact retrofit scenarios have on “building energy communities” in view of the European Union climate targets on CO2 emission reduction, energy efficiency, and the share of renewable energy.Data-driven retrofit scenarios have been simulated considering a condominium constituted by eighty-seven units, located in the North-West of Italy. Different technology mixes (including roof-top photovoltaic, air-source heat pump, battery energy storage, and electric vehicles chargers) supplying for the electric and head demands have been simulated. The techno-economic feasibility of each retrofit scenario has been evaluated along with its compliance with the EU climate target by a multi-criteria analysis. The retrofit with roof-top photovoltaic systems always leads to positive environmental and economic indicators. Besides, it also reaches the highest internal rate of return of 18.2%. The air-water heat pump helps in reducing the total primary energy demand of −26% and the CO2 emission of −30%. Nonetheless, it introduces electric load-volatility on the electric grid that appears to be even more challenging than the photovoltaic intermittency. This issue can be conditioned by installing a storage system smoothing the heat pump load-volatility. The charge of electric vehicles within the condominium also has a global positive effect as it increasing the self-consumption up to 9.5%.The multi-criteria analysis shows that the diffusion of condominium energy communities by itself does not guarantee the pursue of the European Union decarbonization roadmap. In fact, if the purpose of condominium energy communities is not well channeled to the citizen, by giving them other forms of incentives besides the economic ones, they might still opt for the economic benefit over the environmental one jeopardizing the potential benefit related to energy communities initiatives.

The Utilization of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index to Map Habitat Quality in Turin (Italy)

The integration of ecosystem service mapping in decision-making is crucial to place effective urban design and sustainable planning solutions. Nonetheless, often ecosystem service maps are the product of different data inputs that influences the final modeling output thus affecting final decisions, especially when a finer and site-specific assessment is required to design practical and effective solutions. In this work, the city of Turin (Northwest Italy) was selected as a test site for an empirical experiment of ecosystem service mapping using the software Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST): two habitat quality models of the city were compared in a Geographic Information System environment, the first using the “traditional” sensitivity employed during the LIFE SAM4CP European research while the second using the natural difference vegetation index to re-assign the sensitivity scores. Results demonstrate that the integration of site-specific information in the habitat quality input model generates a different result, which is capable of differentiating all those dense built-up areas of the dense settlement system that provide ecosystem supporting functions at the city-level. These differences were analyzed to define new green hotspots in the compact city while furnishing a new perspective for sustainable city planning.

Field collection of egg parasitoids of Pentatomidae and Scutelleridae in Northwest Italy and their efficacy in parasitizing Halyomorpha halys under laboratory conditions

AbstractThe invasion of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has caused severe economic damage in crops in North America and Europe, motivating research to identify its natural enemies, both in native and invaded areas. In its Asian native range, the main natural enemies are egg parasitoids, among which the most effective are Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) and Trissolcus mitsukurii (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in China and Japan, respectively. In Europe, biology, host range, and impact of most native scelionid species are not well‐known. The present study aimed to investigate (1) presence and abundance of scelionid species that parasitize native Pentatomidae and Scutelleridae eggs in Northwest Italy, and (2) their ability to develop on H. halys eggs. During 4‐year field surveys, egg masses were collected and reared until bug nymph or adult parasitoid emergence. Then, the obtained scelionid females were tested for their ability to parasitize H. halys eggs in laboratory no‐choice experiments. Egg masses of all collected bug species were parasitized, and Telenomus spp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), Trissolcus belenus (Walker), and Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) were the most common parasitoids. In the laboratory, Trissolcus kozlovi Rjachovskij was the only species to significantly produce offspring from fresh H. halys eggs, whereas all tested Trissolcus species significantly induced host egg abortion (non‐reproductive effects). This study provides knowledge of the parasitoid species associated with native bugs, and represents a starting point to investigate the intricate interactions between native and exotic parasitoids recently found in northern Italy. These egg parasitoids could potentially be effective biocontrol agents of H. halys.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome Is Still a Rare Disease—Estimated Prevalence in the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Regions of Northwest Italy: Comment on the Article by Duarte‐García et al

We read with interest the recent article by Duarte-García, A. et al. where they reported an estimated prevalence of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) of 50 cases per 100,000 population. APS is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombotic events, pregnancy morbidity, or both in the presence of persistent positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). While APS is often held as the most common acquired thrombophilia, the global incidence and the prevalence of APS in the general population still need to be fully elucidated. Some reports estimate an incidence of 5 cases per 100,000 persons per year and a prevalence of 40-50 cases per 100.000 persons. Recently, several studies made further attempts to estimate the prevalence of aPL in different cohorts, such as young patients with stroke, patients with pregnancy morbidity, stroke, myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, and patients with first unprovoked thrombosis.

Temporal Dynamics of 'Ca. Phytoplasma mali' Load in the Insect Vector Cacopsylla melanoneura.

Simple SummaryCacopsylla melanoneura is a psyllid vector of the phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’, the causal agent of apple proliferation. It spends part of the year in apple orchards, then moves to conifers for aestivation and overwintering. The aim of this work was to analyze the quantity of phytoplasma inside the insect body throughout the year, during different life stages, in order to assess the relative acquisition efficiency and the vector infective risk. The phytoplasma was detected in all the life stages. The phytoplasma load significantly increased during the period spent on conifers, but in many cases also nymphs and newly emerged adults contained a sufficient quantity of phytoplasma to consider these stages infective. The obtained results allow us to optimize control strategies against the vector and thus against the spread of the disease.The transmission of phytoplasmas is the result of an intricate interplay involving pathogens, insect vectors and host plants. Knowledge of the vector’s competence during its lifespan allows us to define more sustainable well-timed control strategies targeted towards the most worrisome life stages. We investigated the temporal dynamics of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ load in Cacopsylla melanoneura in the different developmental stages in Northwest Italy. The phytoplasma load in the vector was evaluated in overwintering adults, nymphs and newly emerged adults after different acquisition access periods. Moreover, we followed the multiplication of the phytoplasma during the aestivation and the overwintering period on conifers. Our results confirmed the ability of remigrants to retain the phytoplasma until the end of winter. We also highlighted the high acquisition efficiency and vector competence, based on phytoplasma load, of nymphs and newly emerged adults. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to the management of overwintered C. melanoneura as soon as they return to the orchards, but also to newly emerged adults, particularly in orchards with a high infection rate and when the migration to conifers is delayed.

Effectiveness of Oncology Network model in pancreas cancer surgery in Piedmont, IT: a survival study

Abstract Background The Oncology Network of Piedmont and Aosta Valley (North-West Italy) was started in 2000 and fully established in 2010 as a regional organisational model offering multidisciplinary care by experienced reference centres for cancer diagnosis and surgical treatment. In particular, the San Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Turin is the regional reference centre for pancreatic cancer since 2015 (50-70 oncologic surgery operations performed annually). The aim of study is to assess the effectiveness of this model for pancreatic cancer surgery by comparing survival outcomes before and after the adoption of the Oncology Network model. Methods The study included 178 patients, aged 37-84, who underwent duodenocephalo- or total pancreatectomy for ductal cancer in the years 2007-2019. Clinical data were retrieved from surgical records, whereas the vital status was ascertained through an application connected to the Regional Registry Office. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival and the log-rank test was then used to compare survival rates between the two groups (before vs. after 2015). Cox's regression was employed to assess the difference between the groups, also adjusting for age, sex and ASA score. Results The median survival for included patients was 19 months. No significant differences were found between patients of the two groups (before vs. after 2015), neither considering all patients (p = 0.4) nor for any single ASA or age category (p-values ranging from 0.1 to 0.6). The multivariate Cox model accounting for ASA, age and sex confirmed absence of significant survival differences between the two groups. Conclusions Despite increased case complexity, due to the extension of surgery indication to more critical patients, the Oncology Network model allowed achieving an overall survival in pancreatic cancer surgery that is consistent with international literature and not inferior to survival outcomes previously reached in patients more strictly selected. Key messages This study found survival after pancreatic cancer surgery was similar before and after the center entered an Oncological Network, which led to include patients with an increased severity in case-mix. Promoting the implementation of Oncology Networks should be a public health priority as it allows to improve health outcomes and quality of care.

Hand hygiene: are WHO Framework scores consistent with hand rub consumption data? A regional study

Abstract Background Hand hygiene represents one of the most effective measures to prevent infection transmission in healthcare facilities and may reduce healthcare-associated infections by up to 15-30%. In Piedmont (a region in North-West Italy), hand hygiene compliance is routinely monitored through the WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF) and each hospital is also required to provide data about alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) consumption as part of the regional performance indicator surveillance system. The aim of this study is to assess whether these two systems yield consistent results, i.e. whether numerical data matches the self-reported status of hand hygiene compliance. Methods For the years 2015-2018, data on ABHR consumption (in millilitres per patient-day, ml/PD) were collected annually at a facility level (40 hospitals) and then aggregated according to the corresponding local health unit/hospital unit, whereas the HHSAF scores were collected at a health/hospital unit level (18 units). The analysis was performed through logistic regression, by taking the WHO HHSAF score (continuous variable) as predictor and ABHR consumption as response variable, dichotomously considered as “low” or “high” (respectively below or above the 20 ml/PD threshold commonly accepted for good practice in hand hygiene). Results This study found that a high level of ABHR consumption is more likely to be observed in hospitals/health units with higher HHSAF scores, with a 1.14-fold increase in the odds for every 10-point increase in the HHSAF score. Despite the limited number of observations due to data aggregation, the result reached borderline statistical significance (p = 0.05). Conclusions The ABHR consumption surveillance provides feedback heading in the same direction as the results of the HHSAF, therefore the two surveillance systems are consistent. These findings provide further support for the validity of the HHSAF score as a reasonable predictor of hand hygiene compliance. Key messages The WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework score is a reliable predictor of hand hygiene compliance, as a high hand rub consumption is more likely to occur in hospitals with higher HHSAF score. Surveillance through the WHO HHSAF should be encouraged, along with alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) measurement, and these results should be used to guide action plans to promote hand hygiene.

Current Status of Energy Production from Solid Biomass in North-West Italy

Data on the thermochemical plants fed by solid biomass in the north-west area of Italy (Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont and Aosta Valley) have been organised, analysed and discussed. Moreover, the biomass availability and potential has been evaluated. A total of 28,167 plants have been categorised according to their typology and output: thermo-electric power plants for electricity production, thermal plants for heat production, cogeneration plants for combined heat and electricity production and district heating installations for local heating purposes. In general, separate observations for the different provinces may be drawn. Liguria stands out as the most evident case of under-exploited biomass potential, followed by Aosta Valley, which, however, is rich in hydroelectricity. Lombardy and Piedmont are more virtuous and have several plants in their territory. The construction of new plants and the upgrade of existing ones may bring noteworthy benefits, as well as the use of added value sub-products to foster circular economy approaches.

Effects of pollinizer density and apple tree position on pollination efficiency in cv. Gala

Pollen donor plants (pollinizers) availability and arrangement are considered fundamental to provide compatible pollen to main cultivar ensuring fruit production in apple orchards. Apple farmers manage pollination efficiency by setting the amount of pollinizer plants and the arrangement of pollinizer/main cv. tree within the orchard. Nowadays, an intermixed orchard design, consisting in mixing pollinizer with production trees, is usually adopted. Moreover, it is possible that pollen dispersal could involve pollinizers placed in surrounding orchards; therefore, this should be taken into account in orchard design. We sampled ‘Gala’ trees with different pollinizer densities combined with different positions within row in three orchards of North-West Italy assessing pollination efficiency. The density of pollinizer in main cv. tree surroundings affected positively pollination efficiency up to 30 m. In addition, only trees adjacent to pollinizers showed higher pollination level while trees differently positioned had lower and similar pollination efficiency. Our outcomes suggest intermixed orchard assures generally uniform pollination across the orchard and that farmers should design new orchards with a specific focus on pollinizer availability in the surroundings.

GIS-based integrated analysis for water resources vulnerability: a case study in the north-west of italy

GIS-based integrated analysis for water resources vulnerability: a case study in the north-west of italy

Evaluation of groundwater contamination sources by plant protection products in hilly vineyards of Northern Italy

In Europe, 25% of groundwater has poor chemical status. One of the main stressors is agriculture, with nitrates and plant protection products (PPPs) causing failure in 18% and 6.5%, respectively, of groundwater bodies (by area). EU legislation for the placement of the PPPs on the market is one of the most stringent in the world. However, recent monitoring studies in hilly vineyards of Tidone Valley, north-west of Italy, show presence of PPPs used for grapevine cultivation in 15 out of 26 groundwater wells monitored, at values above the Environment Quality Standard (EQS) for groundwater (0.1 μg/L). However, no information about the contamination sources are available. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to evaluate the groundwater contamination sources by PPPs, in a small catchment with intensive viticulture, by collecting and integrating monitoring data, sub-surface water movement data and territorial characteristics. The results show that in wells used for PPP's mixture preparation and sprayer washing located at the top of hilly vineyards, with low slope and no water movement in the surrounding soil, the contamination is most likely from point sources. On the contrary, for wells located in a fenced area at the bottom of the hill, far away from vineyards and being used for drinking water production, the contamination is most likely from diffuse sources. Our results were used to raise awareness on groundwater contamination from PPPs among farmers in the study area; moreover a waterproof platform for sprayers washing, equipped with wastewater recovery and disposal system, able to avoid point-source contamination, was implemented in a local demonstration farm. Several demonstration activities were then organised with the farmers of the entire Valley in order to show its functionality and promote its diffuse use.

Including adolescent migrants in school through VET approach: evidence from a pilot action in Italy

This paper investigates the effectiveness of a small experimental pilot addressed to foreign adolescents with low language skills and high dropout risk in lower secondary school in Turin, North-West Italy. The intervention aims at reducing Early School Leaving while supporting standard school curricula. In order to facilitate students’ re-motivation and their attachment to the school environment, the pilot proposes an original VET approach that alternates standard school activities to innovative vocational training. In particular, treated students substitute 290 h VET courses for 10 standard school weeks along a scholastic year. First of all, the analysis aims at evaluating effects on Early School Leaving. Then, since the pilot requires a long period in VET away from school, the study evaluates effects on educational outcomes. Oltre I Muri is a very small pilot experiment, involving seven schools and offering 11 VET positions to migrant students. We investigated the effectiveness of the program by an experimental counterfactual approach: participants have been randomly assigned to a treated and a control group with similar characteristics. They are adolescent migrants attending the 2nd year of lower secondary school and manifesting very high drop-out risk. Treated students attend the alternating VET/school pilot, while control students attend standard school classes. Randomization inference allows assessing average treatment effects, but the very small sample size does not guarantee statistical significance at standard levels. Results anyhow suggests some effectiveness of the project in contrasting Early School Leaving. In particular, while some non-treated students dropped out from school during the pilot, all treated students regularly completed their scholastic year. This can be interpreted as a 20% increase in school attendance, with an 80% confidence level assessed by Montecarlo randomization. Finally, extreme value bound techniques applied to test scores suggest that treated students do not prejudice their learning by attending VET instead of standard school classes during the pilot. On the contrary, their school attachment is reinforced.

Comparison between two and five years rotation models in poplar, willow and black locust Short Rotation Coppices (SRC) in North West Italy

Currently, SRC plantations should produce multiple assortments, both for industrial and energetic uses, for being economically profitable. SRC trials comparing two different cultivation models (very high density model -– vHDM, 8,333 trees ha -1 with 2 years rotation; high density model -– HDM, 1,667 trees ha -1 with 5 years rotation) were established in 2005 in two sites (Casale Monferrato and Cavallermaggiore), on agricultural land with alluvial soils in the Western Po Valley (Italy). Both models were applied to poplar (clone 83.141.020), willow (clone S76-008) and black locust (provenance Energy). After 6 years from planting, the two treatments did not show significant differences in terms of cumulative biomass yield, with poplar being the most productive species at Casale Monferrato (64.65 and 63.76 Mg ha -1 with HDM and vHDM, respectively). Poplar production potential was confirmed at Cavallermaggiore (105.83 and 57.22 Mg ha -1 , respectively). Black locust showed the lower yield at both sites. In HDM poplar exhibited the highest stem DBH, at both sites, reaching mean values of 15.0 and 17.8 cm at Casale Monferrato and Cavallermaggiore, respectively. In HDM, poplar was the only species capable to reach stem dimensions compatible with industrial destinations at the end of the first 5- years rotation.