Reggio Calabria Research Articles

Environmental and Colony-Related Factors Linked to Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) Infestation in Apis mellifera

The small hive beetle (SHB) was first detected in Italy in 2014 and remains confined to the regions of Calabria and Sicily (Italy). The environmental and colony-related factors favorable to the development of SHBs are widely studied, but mainly at the laboratory level; it is not yet clear whether these factors also apply in the field within apiaries in regions affected by SHBs. In 2022, we conducted a study in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy, to investigate if these factors influence SHB infestation levels in honey bee colonies. Data were collected from 67 hives in late winter and 81 hives in autumn, inspecting each hive three times per season. Overall, SHB infestation levels were low (an average 0.83 SHB/hive). Our analysis revealed a significant relationship between the SHB infestation level and the following six factors: the number of combs covered by adult bees, the total number of combs, combs surveillance, the previous month’s infestation, sun exposure, and season. GLM analysis predicted a higher number of SHBs in colonies with fewer combs covered by adult bees (2.543), with a greater number of combs (1.877), with lower comb surveillance (0.935), with a higher SHB infestation level in the previous month (1.192), in shaded locations compared to sunny ones (0.207), and in autumn compared to late winter (0.258), with peak infestations in September. These findings provide insights to inform surveillance plans, optimise sentinel apiaries setup in SHB-free regions, and offer practical guidance for beekeepers on implementing biosecurity measures to minimise infestation levels and enhance early detection. Future research should examine whether these factors have similar effects in regions with higher SHB infestation rates.

The Mobile Divider Method: An Effective Strategy to Detect Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) Adults in Honey Bee Colonies (Apis mellifera) in Calabria, Italy

Aethinosis, the honey bee disease caused by small hive beetle, is listed in the Animal Health Law and requires mandatory surveillance and control measures. The Mobile Divider (MD) method has been proposed as a time-saving alternative to the official surveillance method outlined by the Ministry of Health (MoH). The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the MD method in concentrating SHBs behind the MD and optimizing the number of SHBs detected during hive inspections, thereby improving the surveillance strategies required by European regulations and the WOAH. In late winter and autumn 2022, we conducted 431 hive inspections across six apiaries in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy. A total of 379 adult SHBs were collected and killed; no larvae were detected. Using the MD method, 238 SHBs were found behind the MD, while 141 SHBs were found in the remaining volume of the hive. Chi-square analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the MD method, showing that the SHB distribution behind the MD and in the remaining volume of the hive was not random (p < 0.0005). Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and potential benefits of the MD method in regions with higher SHB infestation levels.

Sustainability model for precast concrete buildings. Case study: Commercial building in Reggio Calabria (Italy)

AbstractThe construction industry, a major economic driver, is also a significant environmental polluter. Prefabrication emerges as a sustainable alternative due to its reduced resource consumption, waste generation, and energy use. This study proposes a MIVES‐based model to assess the sustainability of precast concrete buildings compared to traditional concrete, considering environmental, economic, and social factors. A five‐story commercial building in Reggio Calabria, Italy, was used as a case study. Two construction methods were compared: traditional cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete and a low‐damage precast concrete alternative. Criteria and indicators were defined for each sustainability pillar, weighting them based on importance. Value functions converted indicator values into comparable scores. By combining these scores, a final sustainability index was calculated for each building. Precast concrete showed potential benefits in construction time, reduced emissions, and less construction disturbance. A sensitivity analysis confirmed the results. While this study highlights the potential advantages of precast construction over traditional methods, it is crucial to acknowledge the context‐specific nature of the findings. The model's applicability is limited by factors such as building materials, structural conditions, and regional regulations. However, its adaptable framework can be tailored to evaluate diverse construction methods in different settings. By carefully adjusting parameters and functions, the model can offer valuable insights into the relative sustainability of various construction approaches.

Ripening Dynamics and Optimal Harvest Timing of ‘Fantastico’ and ‘Femminello’ Bergamot Fruit

Bergamot was traditionally grown for its essential oil, but recently, the juice’s health benefits have increased consumer demand. The need to understand how fruit characteristics change during growth and ripening is essential for optimizing the yield and market attractiveness in order to select the best harvest time, understanding when the fruits have reached the best quality and carpometric characteristics. Currently, the knowledge on this topic is very limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ripening changes in Fantastico and Femminello bergamot cultivars in the traditional bergamot growing area in the province of Reggio Calabria (Southern Italy). Physico-chemical changes in fruits were evaluated from 200 to 410 days after full flowering (DAFB) through field observations and laboratory evaluations. The fruit drop remained low up to 290 DAFB, while the fruit weight increased to 350 DAFB. By mid-December, the peel of both cultivars had turned completely yellow. The juice yield progressively increased up to 260 DAFB, maintained levels higher than 50% for another two months and then decreased. To maximize quantitative production, the harvest should not occur before 260 DAFB for the Femminello cultivar and 290 DAFB for the Fantastico cultivar. However, delaying the harvest beyond 350 DAFB is not recommended, as it results in significantly reduced yields. The period between 260 and 320 DAFB also appears to be the ideal time for enhancing the qualitative characteristics of bergamot fruits.

Promotion of Paleontological Heritage: Case Histories from Southern Italy

The preservation of paleontological heritage is relevant for paleobiological and geological research, as well as for scientific dissemination. Fossils are indicative of the evolutionary processes, biodiversity, ecology, and geography of the past and require specific geoconservation actions. In Italy, fossils are protected as cultural heritage, and their unauthorized collection and trading are counteracted by a regulatory framework. The local superintendence and law enforcement provide control over the territory, often resorting to the expertise of university paleontologists. In the Calabria region (southern Italy), the collaboration among institutions is yielding interesting results in research, preservation, and public awareness of paleontological heritage. This paper highlights the different approaches to the conservation and promotion of fossils by three museums in Calabria. At the National Archeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, fossils are included in the Prehistory section. The history of life on Earth, with a focus on regional paleontology, characterizes the Museum of the University of Calabria. The Civic Museum of Ricadi exhibits local fossils. Collaboration among these museums and their institutional referents contributes to public awareness and scientific understanding of paleontological heritage, reinforcing the need for conservation and promotion strategies.

Environmental Performance of Existing Cities and Green Infrastructures—Two Case Studies Compared: Reggio Calabria and Enna, Italy

There is growing awareness that there is a link between climate change and human influence and that human activities contribute to the warming of the atmosphere. The research identifies two ways to prepare cities to meet the challenges: the first is to optimize the way the urban organism functions by containing CO2 emissions and consumption of nonrenewable resources by indicating strategies to regenerate the existing city according to an ecosystem approach; the second is to preserve the natural areas of the peri-urban area through graded forms of protection and enhancement by curbing the settlement thrusts of the existing city. The article illustrates two case studies for comparison (Reggio Calabria and Enna) chosen in the context of two Italian regions. Both have urban planning laws that provide for new urban planning instruments sensitive to these aspects. The two case studies were selected because of the similarity of their physical characteristics and the types of agricultural production affecting large areas of land, which has been partially compressed over the years. The respective regional regulations provide solutions to increase protection while allowing for better sustainable use and enhancement.

Simulation of Combined Aging Effects for Battery Operated Trains: A Benchmark Case Study on the Line Between Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro

The expected life and reliability of components is a critical aspect for railway applications where the expected life and maintenance intervals of rolling stock are quite demanding issues both in terms of equivalent mileage and duration. For these reasons, when the mileage of the mission is within 100 km, adopted accumulators are based on lithium titanate chemistry, which, despite a relatively low density, ensures a very long operational life both in terms of cycle and time aging. In this work, the authors introduce a benchmark test case, an Italian line between Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro, in which the required autonomy, more than 170 km, involves the usage of high-energy batteries such as LiNMC or LiFePO4 derived from corresponding automotive applications. In this work, the authors propose a simulation model based on IEC 62864-1:2016 to investigate how the combined effect of cycle and time aging should influence in different ways the design of the system and how relatively small interventions such as the partial electrification of a small intermediate section of the line should improve the overall stability and reliability of the performed engineering analysis.

Urban Regeneration: Economic and Social Impacts of a Multifunctional Sports Park in Reggio Calabria

Urban areas increasingly face complex challenges in achieving sustainability, particularly in balancing economic, social, cultural, and environmental needs. Despite their significant potential, multifunctional infrastructures remain underexplored, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged and marginal contexts, where they could play a crucial role in urban regeneration processes. This research, based on a case study of an unused urban infrastructure in Southern Italy, adopts a methodological framework to transform these abandoned urban spaces into integrated multifunctional infrastructures capable of providing social, sports, cultural, educational, and recreational services. The proposed framework offers a comprehensive decision-making tool for planners and policymakers, enabling the assessment of multifunctional infrastructures as strategic assets for urban regeneration. The study employs Discounted Cash Flow Analysis (DCFA) and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to assess the economic feasibility and social sustainability of the proposed project. Investment and management costs were analyzed and compared against both direct and indirect economic benefits, revealing scenarios that support the feasibility of public–private investment. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis corroborates the robustness of the model, demonstrating its applicability under variable economic and social conditions. In conclusion, the evaluation results highlight the transformative potential of multifunctional infrastructures, highlighting their ability to generate significant social and economic impacts.

Development Strategies for the Mediterranean Coastal Landscape: Adaptive Decision-Making Processes for Implementing the Circular Economy in the Redevelopment of the Reggio Calabria Waterfront

This document explores a circular approach to the redevelopment of the city–port system of Reggio Calabria, an area characterized by complex challenges involving economic, social, and environmental needs. By developing a multidimensional decision-making process, three development scenarios were identified to support a sustainable transition. The methodology integrates both quantitative and qualitative assessments, actively involving the local community and stakeholders. The proposed methodology operationalizes the principles of the circular economy by aligning sustainable regeneration scenarios with local needs and environmental constraints. The integrated assessment ensures the applicability of circular models for the resilient redevelopment of the waterfront. The results demonstrate how this model can be applied to other Mediterranean port cities to promote sustainable and resilient regeneration.

Ethnobotanical survey in the Graecanic Area of Reggio Calabria (Southern Italy): a treasure chest of biodiversity and traditions at risk of extinction

Ethnobotanical survey in the Graecanic Area of Reggio Calabria (Southern Italy): a treasure chest of biodiversity and traditions at risk of extinction

Reducing the Cardiovascular Risks of Smoking: Insights From the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2024 and Two Key Opinion Leaders

Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and responsible for around 25% of all CVD-related deaths worldwide. Cigarette combustion releases nicotine and produces thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic. Complete cessation of smoking is the most effective way of reducing the associated CVD risk. However, many people find it difficult to quit smoking due to nicotine’s addictive nature and the ritualistic aspect of smoking. The European Society of Cardiology Congress (ESC) 2024, held in London, UK, between 30th August–2nd September, included several sessions discussing tobacco harm reduction in relation to CVD, with a particular focus on e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products (HNBP) as alternatives to cigarettes. EMJ interviewed two key opinion leaders (KOL), who had attended ESC 2024, to obtain their insights into tobacco harm reduction in Europe: Vincenzo Montemurro, Professor and Consultant Cardiologist at the Scilla Hospital of America, Reggio Calabria, Italy; and Emil Toldy-Schedel, Professor, Consultant Cardiologist, and General Director of the St. Francis Hospital, Budapest, Hungary. Montemurro explained that switching from cigarettes to alternative products that generate fewer toxins would likely reduce CVD risk in people who are unable to quit smoking, which would benefit public health and decrease healthcare expenditure in Europe. Toldy-Schedel agreed with this view but called for well-designed studies to fully characterise the risk profile of these newer products so that healthcare professionals can be better equipped to answer patients’ questions about possible long-term effects.

Energetic and economic advantages of energy communities: a case study referred to a southern Italian town

Energetic and economic advantages of energy communities: a case study referred to a southern Italian town

Mobility as a Service: insights from pilot studies across different Italian settings

Mobility as a Service: insights from pilot studies across different Italian settings

Applying Neural Networks to Predict Offshore Platform Dynamics

Integrating renewable energy sources with aquaculture systems on floating multi-use platforms presents an innovative approach to developing sustainable and resilient offshore infrastructure, utilizing the ocean’s considerable potential. From March 2021 to January 2022, a 1:15-scale prototype was tested in Reggio Calabria, Italy, which gave crucial insights into how these structures behave under different wave conditions. This study investigates the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to predict changes in mooring loads, particularly at key points of the structure. By analyzing metocean data, several ANN models and optimization techniques were evaluated to identify the most accurate predictive model. With a Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) of 1.7–4.7%, the results show how ANNs can effectively predict offshore platform dynamics. This research highlights the potential of machine learning in developing and managing sustainable ocean systems, setting the stage for future advancements in data-driven marine resource management.

Confiscated assets into public heritage

The research, as result of an agreement with the Calabria Region, aims to consolidate a corpus of investigations developed over the years by the Landscape_inProgress Laboratory, which examines the forms produced by criminal actions in urban transformation processes by studying property confiscated from the mafias. The investigation proposes a different approach to provide the opportunity to develop strategies for urban and architectural regeneration of cities, bringing out a “third public heritage” to be “re-injected” into urban and territorial policies. A matter to be “rewritten” for new life cycles. The “Impronte a Sud_WelfareLab” project, implemented in Reggio Calabria for Consorzio Macramè on a confiscated asset, is a best practice that combines management, functional, and urban processes with an aesthetic and architectural metamorphosis.

Sustainability Assessments of Living Walls in the Mediterranean Area

The evaluation of the environmental impacts of a living wall (LW) system cannot leave out the effects on the buildings’ sustainability during its life cycle. Consequently, to consider the embodied impacts of all the components, an LCA of the whole system is recommended. Therefore, this paper was targeted to evaluate the environmental performances of four LW solutions considering a combination of energy performances and system LCA. In the first step, the yearly energy consumption of a reference building equipped with LWs was determined through simulations carried out in the EnergyPlus environment. Subsequently, the LCA completed the evaluation of the environmental impact of the different building configurations. To quantify the effects related to the implementation of LWs, the results were compared to those obtained for the reference building without vegetation. The analyses refer to a real university’s four-floor housing located in the city of Reggio Calabria (38°07′21.4″ N 15°39′45.2″ E), which is currently under construction. The results confirm the benefits achievable through the LW integration, measuring both energy savings and the increase in the hours with indoor temperature within the well-being zone. At an annual level, the best LW solution produces 24% of energy saving and LCA highlights a limitation of 2.1 × 105 kg of CO2eq when compared to the reference case. These data confirm the effectiveness of implementing LWs as a reliable intervention to enhance building environmental impact, especially for edifices requiring renovation.

Kufic Epigraphy between Norman Sicily and Ifriqiya

Abstract Current scholarship on the role of Islamic art in the formation of Norman Sicilian material cultures argues for the importing of artistic traditions from Fatimid Egypt. This Palermo—Cairo axis overshadows the cultural ties that linked Sicily with nearby Ifriqiya (modern-day Tunisia and Algeria), narrowly separated by the Strait of Sicily. This article explores the epigraphic and visual ties between Sicily and Ifriqiya through extant Kufic epigraphs. It presents for the first time the inscriptions of the Santa Maria di Terreti Church near Reggio Calabria, Italy, and the San Giovanni degli Eremiti and Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio churches in Palermo, Sicily. Previously dismissed as pseudo-Kufic, these fragments preserve true texts whose ornament and epigraphy correspond to the visual traditions of Zirid Ifriqiya. They offer an alternative perspective to the notion of cultural discontinuity that has guided recent research on the arts of Norman Sicily, instead pointing to medium-specific continuity bridging pre-Norman and Norman rule.

Natural Lime–Cork Mortar for the Seismic and Energetic Retrofit of Infill Walls: Design, Materials, and Method

Recent seismic events have prompted research into innovative and sustainable materials for strengthening and repairing obsolete and vulnerable buildings. These earthquakes have exposed the high seismic vulnerability of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, particularly in secondary structural elements like infill walls. In addition to structural issues, these buildings often face significant energy deficiencies, such as thermal bridges, due to inadequate insulation. Traditionally, structural and energy improvements for residential buildings are addressed separately with different methods and protocols. This preliminary study is part of a broader research initiative at the University of Reggio Calabria (Italy), aiming to design an innovative fiber-reinforced plaster using natural, sustainable, and locally produced materials to enhance the energy and structural performance of existing wall infills. The study investigates two plaster matrices made of natural hydraulic lime and silica sand, with 15% and 30% cork granules added. Mechanical and thermophysical tests on multiple specimens were conducted to evaluate their suitability for seismic and energy retrofitting of infill walls. Results indicate that adding cork reduces mechanical strength by approximately 42% at a 30% cork content without compromising its use in seismic retrofitting. Thermophysical tests show improved thermal performance with a higher cork content. These findings suggest that the lime–cork mixture at 30% is effective, offering excellent ductility and serving as a promising alternative to traditional cementitious plaster systems. The next experimental phase will test matrices with varying percentages of gorse fiber.

Genetic structure of populations of Salvia ceratophylloides endemic to southern Calabria (southern Italy)

Genetic structure of populations of Salvia ceratophylloides endemic to southern Calabria (southern Italy)

A Decision Support Evaluation Framework for Community-Based Collaborative Urban Regeneration Processes

The current debate on urban regeneration highlights the significance of social innovation and the reuse of cultural heritage to develop new economic and entrepreneurial models, creating value chains and benefits for communities. International and European directives, such as the European Agenda 2030 and the New European Bauhaus, advocate for inclusive and sustainable urbanization, encouraging participatory and circular urban regeneration processes. This study presents a decision support framework for community-based collaborative urban regeneration processes, focusing on the urban area of Reggio Calabria in Southern Italy. In this region, some cultural assets have been reactivated and made accessible, while others remain inactive, underutilized, or abandoned. The research aims to explore how to effectively enhance cultural heritage and promote urban regeneration through a collaborative network strategy. By employing multicriteria analysis, involving the selection and definition of specific criteria and indicators for each site, a priority map is created to facilitate the implementation of regeneration processes. The application of this approach in the urban center of Reggio Calabria demonstrated its effectiveness in revitalizing unused or abandoned cultural heritage, transforming it into a catalyst for urban vibrancy and vitality.