Island Of Sardinia Research Articles

Senecio inaequidens DC. will thrive in future climate: A case study in a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot

Monitoring the expansion of invasive non-native plants under current and future climatic conditions is crucial for understanding biodiversity threats, addressing the ecological impact, and developing effective management strategies. This study focuses on modelling the expansion and distribution of Senecio inaequidens DC. on the island of Sardinia (Italy) to address these environmental challenges. The objectives were to identify bio-climatically suitable areas under current conditions, project potential future distribution, and evaluate invasion dynamics on the island to localize suitable areas for effective management strategies.Species data were collected from 1991 to the present, supplemented by global databases and analyzed using an ensemble species distribution model approach. This approach utilized presence data, high-resolution current bioclimatic variables (40 m2), developed explicitly for our study area, and two future scenarios derived from the newly Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) under Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 for 2040 and 2060).The ensemble model's findings suggest a close alignment between the currently documented occurrences of S. inaequidens and its bio-climatically suitable habitats in Sardinia. Moreover, predictions indicate high bioclimatic suitability for S. inaequidens in the western and southwestern coastal regions, contrasting with its known occurrences at higher altitudes. Notably, the model also forecasts high bio-climatic suitability across most small islands surrounding the region and in central-east Sardinia, potentially indicating habitats at lower altitudes compared to current records.Under the SSP2–4.5 scenario, suitable areas are expected to nearly double by 2040 and more than double by 2060, compared to current conditions. Under the SSP5–8.5 scenario, the increase in suitable habitats is projected to be about 83.31% by 2040 and more than double by 2060. These results highlight the species' ability to thrive under climate change, with a more pronounced range expansion under the pessimistic management regime (SSP5–8.5) than under the intermediate one (SSP2–4.5), particularly in the central region of the island. This expansion under the more severe management scenario is particularly alarming as it reflects limited implementation of environmental management policies.The study underscores the potential ecological risk posed by S. inaequidens due to its potential range expansion and ability to invade different habitat types, from coastal regions to mountainous areas, under current and future scenarios. Based on these findings, we propose targeted management actions for monitoring and eradicating the species, leveraging prior information and local experiences to mitigate its impact.

Sources of PM10 ionic species in the South-West Mediterranean (Algeria).

The contents of water-soluble major's ions (MSA, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) in the PM10 particle fraction were investigated thanks to detailed measurements of the main chemical constituents of PM10 in remote coastal areas in Bou-Ismail; in the South-West of the Mediterranean Sea (Algeria), during a 2-year period; from July 2011 to August 2013, under the framework of the ChArMEx project (Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment, http://charmex.lsce.ipsl.fr ). The total water-soluble ion concentrations in PM10 at the Bou-Ismail measurement station varied from 3.3µg/m3 (July 2011) to 49.6µg/m3 (March 2012). The annual mean mass concentrations of ions in the PM10 particulate fraction were Cl- > Na+ > SO42- > Mg2+ > NO3- > Ca2+ > K+ > NH4+ > Oxalate. The change in potassium nss-K + concentrations in PM10 over the course of a year reveals that biomass burning (BB) has an effect on three separate seasons: the beginning of winter (February and March), the end of summer (August), and the autumn (September and October). The origin periods of biomass burning BB identified employing the mapping of hotspots and fires during periods of August and September 2011, 2012, and 2013 underlined the important fires in the surrounding areas of the Mediterranean Sea (Sardinia Islands from Italy, Corsica from France).

The impact of insularity on SARS-CoV-2 diffusion: Recapitulating three years of COVID-19 pandemic in the island of Sardinia

BackgroundItaly has been the first European Country dealing with SARS-CoV-2, whose diffusion on the territory has not been homogeneous. Among Italian regions, Sardinia represented one of the lowest incidence areas, likely due to its insular nature. Despite this, the impact of insularity on SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity has not been comprehensively described. MethodsIn the present study, we performed the high throughput sequencing of 888 SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected in Sardinia during the first 23 months of pandemics. In addition, 1439 high-coverage SARS-CoV-2 genomes circulating in Sardinia along three years (December 2019 – January 2023) were downloaded from GISAID, for a total of 2327 viral sequences that were characterized in terms of phylogeny and genomic diversity. ResultsOverall, COVID-19 pandemic in Sardinia showed substantial differences with respect to the national panorama, with additional peaks of infections and uncommon lineages that reflects the national and regional policies of re-opening and the subsequent touristic arrivals. Sardinia has been interested by the circulation of at least 87 SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including some that were poorly represented at national and European level, likely linked to multiple importation events. The relative frequency of Sardinian SARS-CoV-2 lineages has been compared to other Mediterranean Islands, revealing a unique composition. ConclusionsThe genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Sardinia has been shaped by a complex interplay of insular geography, low population density, and touristic arrivals, leading on the one side to the importation of lineages remaining rare at the national level, and resulting on the other side in the delayed entry of otherwise common variants.

Geohazard features of the Northern Sardinia

ABSTRACT The maps of the geohazard-related features of the North Sardinia continental margin produced by the Magic project (MArine Geohazard along Italian Coasts) are here presented. The maps were created on the base of morphobathymetric data obtained by with multibeam echo sounders. ThreCoNISMa, DSCG Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Monserrato - S.P. Monserrato-Sestu, Monserrato (CA), Italye wide canyon systems, Castelsardo to the west, Lavezzi and Caprera to the east, originate from the continental shelf between the islands of Sardinia and Corsica and run toward the Sardinia Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, respectively. The canyons feature very wide and articulated heads, meandered sections of the main axis. The continental shelfhosts several coastal lithotomies, genetically related to late Quaternary sea-level oscillation and coastline migration. Furthermore, in the Bonifacio Strait, several bedform fields testify to the present-day activity of strong bottom currents. The main geohazard potential from the North Sardinia is related to the retreating of Castelsardo canyon heads, in offshore of Castelsardo and Asinara, which cuts the continental shelf reaching a few kilometers from the coast.

Anthropogenic dispersal explains the phylogeography of insular edible dormouse Glis glis in the Mediterranean basin

The history of human colonisation in the Mediterranean has long been recognised as a crucial factor influencing biodiversity patterns in southern Europe. Nonetheless, our understanding of how anthropogenic and natural dispersal events interacted in shaping wildlife distributions, particularly in small mammals, remains limited. The edible dormouse Glis glis, a widespread European species, whose distribution includes several islands in the Mediterranean, present an opportunity to investigate these interactions. In this work, we used the edible dormouse to test hypotheses regarding the interplay between natural and anthropogenic dispersal in shaping species’ distributions in Mediterranean archipelagos. We compared genetic sequences from samples collected on Mediterranean islands (Elba Island, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Salina Island) and the mainland. Twenty-one samples were analysed by amplifying and sequencing a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Results indicated that samples from Sardinia and Elba Island belong to the same clade of mainland Italy, specifically to the subspecies G. g. italicus. This finding does not support the existence of an endemic Sardinian subspecies and suggests recent introduction events. In contrast, Salina Island only included individuals belonging to the Sicilian subspecies, whereas Sicily hosts a mixed population of G. g. italicus and G. g. insularis. The Corsican population likely originated from a different stock than Sardinia, possibly originating from Northern Italy or southern France. Overall, our findings underscore the significant role of anthropogenic dispersal in shaping the current distribution of the edible dormouse on islands.

Assessing complementarity and substitution effects of cultural events in rural communities: insights from a Mediterranean island

AbstractPrevious studies do not systematically investigate complementarity and substitution effects of cultural participation and consumption in rural areas. Fairs, fiestas, and festivals, often performed in rural communities, have a substantial role in economic development. Nowadays, smartphones and the integration of global positioning system technology in mobile phones trace quantitative big data useful for studying complex systems and spaces. The present research analyses cultural events in the rural area of Gennargentu-Mandrolisai Mountain Community located in the Mediterranean island of Sardinia (Italy). This paper contributes to the literature at least in two ways. Methodologically, it analyses a complex cultural product that combines tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It explores complementarity and substitution effects between events within a coopetition setting. Empirically, it investigates consumption behaviour and tracks the inter-regional/inter-national cultural flows. An econometric analysis of a unique big dataset evaluates the supply-side market conditions that influence demand-side spill-over effects. This study has practical relevance and provides a valuable reference for policymakers in inner areas.

From current to potential distribution: the case of Taxus baccata(Taxaceae, Pinales) on the island of Sardinia (Italy)

Taxus baccata is a relic-declining species, especially at the southern edge of its natural distribution. On the Island of Sardinia, we found 237 locations where yews grow, being indifferent to substrates, preferring moist sites with northern aspects and with an elevation range of 695–1,225 m a.s.l. We applied the Maximum Entropy algorithm (MaxEnt), using 202 field-based sites and 19 bioclimatic variables, to model the present potential distribution. Our model showed high levels of predictive performances with significant values of AUC (training, 0.962; test, 0.963). Annual precipitation, mean temperature of the warmest month and isothermality were the key drivers for the distribution of yew in Sardinia. The response curves showed that T. baccata prefers annual mean temperatures ranging from 8.65 to 12.55 °C and annual mean precipitation from 770 to 1,085 mm. Most potential suitable conditions were found in northern and central Sardinia. We also modelled future habitat suitability for T. baccata under two different scenarios (ssp245 and ssp585), highlighting a predicted drastic reduction, up to >95% in the worst scenario, of the habitat suitability for yews by the end of this century. This is related to climate change and poses increasing concerns about the future of yews in Sardinia.

Haematochemical Profile of Healthy Dogs Seropositive for Single or Multiple Vector-Borne Pathogens.

the present study aimed to investigate the immunological response to common vector-borne pathogens and to evaluate their impact on haematochemical parameters in owned dogs. Blood samples were collected from 400 clinically healthy dogs living in an endemic area (Sardinia Island, Italy). All dogs were serologically tested for VBDs and divided into groups based on their negative (Neg) or positive response towards Ehrlichia (Ehrl), Rickettsia (Rick), Leishmania (Leish), Borrelia (Borr), Anaplasma (Anapl), and Bartonella (Barto). A Kruskall-Wallis's test, followed by Dunn's post hoc comparison test, was applied to determine the statistical effect of negativity and single or multiple positivity on the studied parameters. the group of dogs simultaneously presenting antibodies towards Leishmania, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia showed higher values of total proteins, globulins, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and amylase than dogs that tested negative or dogs with antibodies toward a single pathogen investigated herein. Our results seem to suggest that exposure to more vector-borne pathogens could lead to greater liver function impairment and a greater inflammatory state. Further investigations are needed in order to better clarify how co-infections affect haematochemical patterns in dogs living in endemic areas of VBDs.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato infecting sheep in Italy.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, is a neglected zoonosis still threatening public health worldwide. In Italy different epidemiological scenarios were reported depending on the geographical area and associated socio-economic activities. Although in northern Italy the occurrence of E. granulosus is considered sporadic, in the southern regions and, particularly in Sardinia, CE prevalence reaches high levels. We analysed CE cysts collected from infected sheep from various areas of mainland Italy and the Sardinia island, with the main objective to investigate intergenotypic and intragenotypic variations at national level. CE cysts were collected from slaughtered sheep following post mortem inspection at local abattoirs. Total genomic DNA was extracted and amplification and sequencing of the partial mitochondrial genes nad5 and cox1 were performed. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree was estimated on a nad5 dataset (n=260) composed of E. granulosus samples from this study (n=126) and all the nad5 haplotypes available in GenBank (n=134). In addition, haplotype network, diversity and neutrality analysis were performed on nad5 and cox1 sequences of Italian origin obtained in this study. E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) was found to be the only Echinococcus species infecting sheep in Italy, mainly represented by G1 genotype (76%) and, to a lower extent, by G3 genotype (24%). Phylogenetic analyses revealed 40 nad5 and 33 cox 1 haplotypes, and the presence of two founder haplotypes, belonging to G1 and G3 genotype, showing 100% similarity with DNA sequences from different geographic regions. The lack of geographical segregation, high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity coupled with significant negative values of Tajima's D and Fu's Fs observed in this study indicated high genetic variation and demographic expansion of E. granulosus s.s. in Italy.

Epidemiology of aquaporin-4-IgG-positive NMOSD in Sardinia

PurposeThe Italian Island of Sardinia (population, 1,578,146) is recognized for the high risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) but the epidemiological burden of other less common demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as aquaporin-4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG+NMOSD), is unknown. In this study, we determined the incidence and prevalence of AQP4-IgG+NMOSD in Sardinia over a ten-year study period (2013–2022). MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of AQP4-IgG+NMOSD (per 2015 IPND diagnostic criteria) were retrospectively identified using two sources: (1) Archives of the reference and only laboratory for AQP4-IgG testing in Sardinia; and (2) medical records of the four MS units in the island. Incidence (January 2013–December 2022) and prevalence (December 31, 2022) were calculated. ResultsA total of 45 cases were included: incident, 31; prevalent, 41. The median age (range) at disease presentation was 51 (6–78) years; female/male ratio was 9:1. The crude (95 % CI) incidence and prevalence were 1.9 (1.3–2.7) per million and 2.6 (1.9–3.5) per 100,000, respectively. Prevalence increased from 2013 (1.1 per 100,000) to 2022 (2.6 per 100,000); p = 0.002. After age-standardization to the world, incidence and prevalence (95 % CI) decreased to 1.3 (0.7–2) per million and 1.8 (1.3–2.3) per 100,000, respectively. Coexisting immune-mediated disorders, mostly autoimmune thyroiditis, were reported in 50 % of patients. ConclusionsThe epidemiology of AQP4-IgG+NMOSD in Sardinia is overall in line with other Caucasian populations. The high MS risk in the island seems disease-specific and not associated with an increased risk of other CNS demyelinating disorders, confirming different pathophysiology.

Living on the edge: thermoregulation at the niche margin in the Bedriaga’s rock lizard

Abstract Thermoregulation is essential for ectotherms but its relative cost, especially under ongoing climate change, depends on the thermal quality of habitats. Populations at the warm margin of a thermal niche could be negatively affected by environmental temperatures that approach the limits of a species’ thermoregulation capacity. This study aims to define the thermal niche of the Bedriaga’s rock lizard, Archaeolacerta bedriagae, a rock-dwelling species endemic to the Corsica and Sardinia islands (western Mediterranean Sea), and to investigate its thermoregulation effectiveness at the warm edge of its niche. We collected data on climate, body temperature, and microhabitat temperature throughout the species’ range to characterize its thermal niche. We found that A. bedriagae does not occupy the entire climatic space available across its distribution range; rather, it selects temperate climates. Remarkably, thermoregulation effort increases when the habitat thermal quality decreases towards warmer sites. Populations at the warm edge of the thermal niche show the best thermoregulation effectiveness, but they are also more sensitive to the effects of climate change as they may already be at (or beyond) the species’ maximum thermal capacity under the current conditions. We observed such a pattern at the extreme hot side of the thermal niche. This study provides key information on the thermoregulatory response of A. bedriagae to ongoing climate change that can be useful to identify populations facing a higher extinction risk either currently or in the near future.

Passive Surveillance as a Key Tool for African Swine Fever Eradication in Wild Boar: A Protocol to Find Carcasses Tested and Validated in the Mediterranean Island of Sardinia.

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important and serious contagious hemorrhagic viral diseases affecting domestic pigs and wild boar and is associated with high mortality rates while also having an extensive sanitary and socioeconomic impact on the international trade of animal and swine products. The early detection of the disease is often hampered by inadequate surveillance. Among the surveillance strategies used, passive surveillance of wild boars is considered the most effective method for controlling the African swine fever virus (ASFV). Otherwise, the design of a sufficiently sensitive ASF surveillance system requires a solid understanding of the epidemiology related to the local eco-social context, especially in the absence of virus detection. Even if the number of carcasses needed to demonstrate ASF eradication has been established, the scientific context lacks detail compared to protocols applied in the active search for wild boar carcasses. The aim of this study was to describe the protocol applied in the active search for carcasses, providing detailed information on the number of people and dogs as well as the amount of time and space used within the Mediterranean area. Using a specific tool developed to record, trace, and share field data (the GAIA observer app), a total of 33 active searches for wild boar carcasses were organized during 2021-2023. Most of these searches were planned to find carcasses that had previously been reported by hunters. A total of 24 carcasses were found, with only 2 carcasses not previously reported. The final protocol applied involved four people, with an average speed of 1.5 km/h. When a carcass had been previously reported, about 2 km of distance had to be covered in about 1.5 h to find the carcass, and even less time was spent when a dog (untrained) was present. In conclusion, it can be stated that, when searching for carcasses, solid collaboration with local hunters or other forest visitors is necessary to ensure carcasses are reported. The process involves small groups of experts actively searching for carcasses, possibly with the use of hunting dogs without special training. The data presented could be of valid support for those countries characterized by Mediterranean vegetation that are faced with the need to plan active carcass searches.

Multilocus phylogeography of Italian Moorish geckos adds insights into the evolutionary history of European populations

AbstractGeckos of clade III of the Tarentola mauritanica species complex are widespread throughout southern Europe and northern Africa. We investigated the genetic variability of the Italian populations by performing a widespread sampling throughout the mainland and the two main islands of Sicily and Sardinia. We analysed 199 newly generated sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and 269 nuclear genotypes inferred from nine microsatellite loci from 307 individuals. We found 13 new mitochondrial haplotypes in Italy, whereas previous findings reported a single haplotype widespread throughout the country and in the rest of Europe, which currently make Italy the centre of genetic diversity of this taxon. There was no evidence of mitochondrial DNA structuring with geographic correlation. At the population genetic level, our multilocus approach based on nuclear markers returned a shallow genetic structure. Nonetheless, we disclosed the presence of at least four distinct genetic clusters (namely the Adriatic, two Tyrrhenian and the Calabrian clusters). Our findings do not support the two hypotheses proposed to explain the low level of mitochondrial polymorphism in this taxon, namely the genetic hitch‐hiking due to selective sweep and the historical human‐mediated colonization hypotheses. Based on the fossil record, the presence in Italy of this taxon since the Pleistocene Epoch is plausible. Given the discordance in genetic structure between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, the exact role of the Italian Peninsula in shaping the observed patterns of genetic diversity during the Pleistocenic climatic oscillations needs further investigation.

Geodynamic evolution of north-east Algerian basin: 3D velocity model Reveals high-temperature flow

By utilizing a two-station technique to extract Rayleigh wave phase velocity curves from 10 to 200 s of teleseismic events recorded by 12 broadband stations installed in northeastern Algeria, Tunisia, Sardinia, and Menorca island, we present a 3D shear wave velocity (Vs) model of the crust and upper mantle beneath the North-East Algerian Basin from 50 to 400 km depth. To estimate the 1D Vs-structures at each node of the two-station paths, which are each partitioned into 10 points, the extracted experimental Rayleigh wave phase velocity curves were inverted. According to the findings, there are two primary parallel high- and low-velocity bodies in the same region that are spreading in NE-SW direction. These bodies are largely located beneath the Algerian offshore in the north and extend to the Tell belt in Algeria with similar geometry. The high shear wave velocity body is at 200 and 350 km deep with Vs between 5 and 6 km/s, while the low-velocity body is at 50 and 100 km depth with Vs between 3 and 4 km/s. This opposition in velocity with similar geometry is explained by a high-temperature flow induced in the upper mantle caused by a subducting lithosphere of high-velocity penetration, which resulted in a concentrated low-velocity body between 50 and 100 km into the African mantle as a result of the convergence of the Africa-European plates. This high-velocity entity may be created by the oceanic lithosphere subducting.

Plastitar records in marine coastal environments worldwide from 1973 to 2023

Plastics embedded in tar residues encrusting rocky coastlines were discovered on the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic Ocean) and termed “plastitar” in 2022. As plastic and tar pollution is widespread in marine pelagic and benthic habitats, it was predicted that this novel plastic form could occur on other coasts as well. To test this prediction, we reviewed the literature on plastic embedded in tar and examined rocky coastlines in our regions for plastitar. We found eight studies which reported plastic embedded in tar under several descriptions and terms (including “tar-bonded beach-conglomerate tarcrete”, “plasto-tar crust”, “plasto-tarball” and “plastitar”) in India (Arabian Sea), Bermuda (Saragossa Sea), the Bahamas (NW Atlantic Ocean), the United Arabic Emirates (Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman), Malta (central Mediterranean Sea), Croatia (Adriatic Sea), Italy (Adriatic and Ligurian Sea), Cabrera island, Menorca island and Sardinia island (western Mediterranean Sea) and Indonesia (Java Sea) from 1973 to 2023. We also detected plastitar during our field surveys in Japan (Sea of Japan) and Mallorca island (western Mediterranean Sea) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we verified the contained plastics as polyethylene (PE). Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (PY-GC/MS) indicated that the tar residues derived from crude oil. Furthermore, plotting all these plastitar records in a global map revealed that almost all plastitar findings were made along the major oil transportation routes across the northern hemisphere suggesting that plastitar resulted from tanker-released crude oils. Overall, our study shows, for the first time, that plastitar has been a widespread and long overlooked plastic form in coastal systems worldwide.

The emergence and spread of African Swine Fever in Western Europe

African swine fever (ASF) is the most dangerous viral disease of domestic pigs and wild boars, causing huge economic damage. It is characterized by acute, subacute, chronic course with high (up to 100%) mortality. The causative agent of ASF has been isolated into a separate family Asfarviridae, the genus Asfivirus. The disease is widespread in Africa, Europe, Asia. The purpose of the review article is to analyze the literature data on the occurrence and spread of epizootic foci of African swine fever in Western Europe. The materials of the article are based on the results of numerous epizootological and diagnostic studies by scientists from Spain, Portugal, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Malta, Germany, Sweden.Due to the complex seroimmune structure of the pathogen and the impossibility of forming viral neutralizing antibodies, there are difficulties in creating effective vaccines against ASF. The main tools for preventing the spread of the disease are due to the use of strict quarantine measures. Early diagnosis is an important component of ASF control and eradication.Preventive and liquidation measures for ASF in Western European countries are considered. The recommendations of the OIE/WOAH-OIE on the diagnosis of ASF using a combination of tests are given: determination of the viral genome by PCR in national reference laboratories; detection of viral antigens and antibodies by ELISA or fluorescent test; detection of the pathogen by virus isolation. The explanation of the observed interspecific interaction during the watering of wild boars and free-range domestic pigs is given, which explains the endemicity of ASF on the island of Sardinia in Italy for more than forty years.Given the virulence of the ASF virus and the many ways of transmission throughout Europe, diagnostic and epizootological monitoring of this disease should be a priority in the fight against ASF.

Na-seawater battery technology integration with renewable energies: The case study of Sardinia Island

Europe has committed to net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 to boost the clean energy transition. Renewable electricity will be the key energy medium for decarbonization and a huge increase in renewable energy sources (RES) exploitation is expected. Due to RES stochastic character, an extensive energy storage integration in the energy system is needed to avoid the mismatch between generation and demand profiles.Reactive metals are promising energy carriers and storage media characterized by high volumetric energy densities and circularity, due to ease of storage and transportation, material availability and low cost. Among them, sodium is a largely available element since it can be extracted from seawater and exploited through the innovative sodium-seawater battery (SWB). Sodium cations are transferred from SWB’s open cathode to the anode side during charging. Upon discharge, Na metal is oxidized to Na+ ions, which are discarded in seawater.This study assesses the impact of SWB technology focusing on Sardinia Island as a case study. For short-term application, SWB integration to wave energy converters allows a potential reduction of greater than 85% of generated power fluctuations, largely improving the quality of power injected into the grid. Regarding the long-term scenario, SWBs implementation in the energy system allows coverage of the Sardinia annual energy demand thanks to the integration of ∼340,000 cubic meter of Na metal, corresponding to a 12-m height Na reservoir under 4 soccer fields. SWB application to Sardinia also produces CO2 sequestration while covering ∼29% of desalinated water requirements for the Sardinian population.

Development and validation of an RT-qPCR for detection and quantitation of emerging epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8 RNA from field samples

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is a Culicoides-transmitted virus circulating in multiple serotypes. It has become a concern in the European Union as a novel strain of the serotype 8 (EHDV-8) of clear Northern African origin, has been recently discovered in symptomatic cattle in Italy (islands of Sardinia and Sicily), Spain, and Portugal. Current molecular typing methods targeting the S2 nucleotide sequences -coding for the outermost protein of the virion VP2- are not able to detect the novel emerging EHDV-8 strain as they enrolled the S2 sequence of the unique EHDV-8 reference strain isolated in Australia in 1982. Thus, in this study, we developed and validated a novel typing assay for the detection and quantitation of the novel EHDV-8 RNA from field samples, including blood of ruminants and insects. This molecular tool will certainly support EHDV-8 surveillance and control.

Tracking air quality trends and vehicle traffic dynamics at urban scale using satellite and ground data before and after the COVID-19 outbreak

The implications of the COVID-19 outbreak are subjected to an increasing number of studies. So far, air quality trends related to the lockdown due to the pandemic have been analysed in large cities or entire regions.In this work, the region studied is the metropolitan area of Cagliari, which is the main city on the island of Sardinia (Italy) and can be representative of a coastal city that includes industrial settlements. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak on air quality levels and the traffic dynamics in this type of urban area. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) levels before, during and after COVID-19 lockdown have been investigated using data acquired from the Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI satellite combined with on-site measurements. Both TROPOMI detected and ground-based data have revealed higher levels of NO₂ before and after the lockdown, compared to those during the period of COVID-related restrictions, in particular in the urban area of Cagliari. On the other hand, NO2 registered in the oil refinery area did not show significant differences associated with lockdown. The correlation of TROPOMI NO₂ tropospheric column with ground data (surface NO2) on a monthly mean basis showed different values based on the background and the highest Pearson's coefficient was of about 0.78 near to the city centre, where traffic can be considered a significant source of emission. In addition, a comparison of the air pollution level with the dynamics of vehicle traffic was investigated. The study highlighted a remarkable correlation between the reduction of the number of vehicles and the corresponding tropospheric NO₂ values that decreased on a weekly mean basis.

Battery and Flywheel hybridization of a reversible Pumped-Storage Hydro Power Plant for wear and tear reduction

Energy security and environmental challenges are some of the drivers for increasing the electricity generation from non-programmable Renewable Energy Sources (RES), adding pressure to the grid, especially if located in weakly connected (or isolated) islands, like Sardinia. Variable-speed Pumped Storage Hydro Power (PSHP) can offer a high degree of flexibility in providing ancillary services (namely primary and secondary regulations), but due to the hydro-mechanical nature of the equipment, sudden variations in the power output cause wear and tear. Other energy storage devices cannot compete with PSHP in terms of energy and power availability. The aim of this research is to assess the benefits derived from the hybridization of a PSHP with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS), to be installed in the Sardinia island (Italy). A dynamic model of the hybrid plant was made in MATLAB–Simulink® environment. A detailed model of the variable-speed pump-turbine was obtained from experimental data, and a simplified model of a fixed-speed turbine was produced. A detailed FESS model was provided by CIEMAT (Madrid, Spain) and a simplified BESS model was included. A dedicated control strategy to manage the power flows and accounting for State Of Charge (SOC) control, was implemented. A total of 100 combinations of BESS and FESS powers were taken into account, and the control strategy was calibrated for each one of them. The plant was simulated open-loop over a 3600s time period, feeding historical frequency and Automatic Generation Control (AGC) data. The simulations covered three PSHP operation modes: variable/fixed-speed turbine and variable-speed pump, and with/without hybridization. The performances of the hybridization were evaluated with wear and tear indicators for the PSHP (distance travelled by and number of movements of the wicket gate for turbine, fluctuations of the shaft torque for the pump) and capacity loss (life consumption) for the BESS. The results show that all the combinations of BESS and FESS powers result in the reduction of both the travelled distance and number of movements of the guide vanes. The best hybrid combination for the PSHP does not affect the BESS life consumption, which still is always in an acceptable range. A comparison between the non-hybrid variable-speed turbine and the hybrid fixed-speed counterpart shows that the electric powers do not differ substantially, but the hybridization smooths the movement of the guide vanes. The pump torque fluctuations sharply decrease with the hybridization, but more research is needed to validate that the change in the fluctuation index corresponds to a physical phenomenon. Overall, the hybridization improves the plant performances in terms of wear and tear reduction, and the presence of an additional FESS benefits both the BESS and the PSHP. The results also highlight the necessity for more research in variable-speed pumps providing ancillary services, and their impact.