The phenomenon of marital dissolution in later life,also referred to as“gray divorce”,is described on the rise in contemporary Western societies.This article contributes to the study of marriage breakdown in older a...The phenomenon of marital dissolution in later life,also referred to as“gray divorce”,is described on the rise in contemporary Western societies.This article contributes to the study of marriage breakdown in older age,with a specific focus on Italian society.First,the temporal trends of this phenomenon are reconstructed using official statistics.The data reveal that,although still relatively rare,the dissolution of marriage in later life is expanding in Italy.The analysis of the period from 1974 to 2015 indicates a rise in the average age at separation,a higher percentage of spouses over 50 years on the total number of couples obtaining legal separation,and an increase in the proportion of Italian spouses separating after many years of marriage.Furthermore,data from the national survey“Family and Social Subjects”,conducted in 2016 by the Italian National Institute of Statistics,are utilized to explore the relationship between specific traits of those who separated and their tendency to dissolve marriages before or after the age of 50.The data suggest that individuals with characteristics such as lower educational attainment,residence in the South and Islands,and adherence to more traditional family models are more likely to experience separation in later life.展开更多
Chinese ambassador to Italy Jia Guide believes that the future of China-Italy relations is promising and that the two countries will further strengthen cooperation in jointly building a road to prosperity.
We estimate Love wave empirical Green's functions from cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise to study the crust and uppermost mantle structure in Italy.Transverse-component ambient noise data from October 20...We estimate Love wave empirical Green's functions from cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise to study the crust and uppermost mantle structure in Italy.Transverse-component ambient noise data from October 2005 through March 2007 recorded at 114 seismic stations from the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) national broadband network,the Mediterranean Very Broadband Seismographic Network (MedNet) and the Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) yield more than 2 000 Love wave group velocity measurements using the multiple-filter analysis technique.In the short period band (5-20 s),the cross-correlations show clearly one-sided asymmetric feature due to non-uniform noise distribution and high local activities,and in the long period band (>20 s) this feature becomes weak owing to more diffusive noise distribution.Based on these measurements,Love wave group velocity dispersion maps in the 8-34 s period band are constructed,then the SH wave velocity structures from the Love wave dispersions are inverted.The final results obtained from Love wave data are overall in good agreement with those from Rayleigh waves.Both Love and Rayleigh wave inversions all reveal that the Po plain basin is resolved with low velocity at shallow depth,and the Tyrrhenian sea is characterized with higher velocity below 8 km due to its thin oceanic crust.展开更多
In order to assess the seismic hazard in an area with high seismogenic potential as the Messina Straits is, we employed the Cornell’s probabilistic approach, implemented by Bender and Perkins in the SEISRISKⅢcode,wh...In order to assess the seismic hazard in an area with high seismogenic potential as the Messina Straits is, we employed the Cornell’s probabilistic approach, implemented by Bender and Perkins in the SEISRISKⅢcode,which allows calculating the expected ground motion.We considered all the earthquakes with magnitude M_s】4.0 reported in the CPTI04 catalogue and located in the seismogenic zones of Southern Italy(ZS9),which are able to展开更多
The Calabria-Peloritani Arc is one of the most seismically active regions of Southern Italy.The most damaging event(Ⅰ0=ⅪMSK)occurred on December 28th,1908 in the Messina Straits area.This event,which caused at least...The Calabria-Peloritani Arc is one of the most seismically active regions of Southern Italy.The most damaging event(Ⅰ0=ⅪMSK)occurred on December 28th,1908 in the Messina Straits area.This event,which caused at least 85000 casualties and widespread damage,has been identified as the greatest European seismic disaster of the 20th century.展开更多
Debris flows play an important role among natural hazards in mountainous areas of Italy.This paper provides an overview on the recent research on debris flows conducted in italy, taking into account both hydraulic an...Debris flows play an important role among natural hazards in mountainous areas of Italy.This paper provides an overview on the recent research on debris flows conducted in italy, taking into account both hydraulic and geomorphological studies. Moreover,t展开更多
AIM:To investigate the role of protein tyrosin phosphatase 22(PTPN22),maternal age at conception and sex on susceptibility and age at onset of type 1 diabetes(T1D)in Continental Italy and Sardinian populations.METHODS...AIM:To investigate the role of protein tyrosin phosphatase 22(PTPN22),maternal age at conception and sex on susceptibility and age at onset of type 1 diabetes(T1D)in Continental Italy and Sardinian populations.METHODS:Three hundred seventy six subjects admitted consecutively to the hospital for T1D and 1032healthy subjects as controls were studied in Continental Italy and 284 subjects admitted consecutively to the hospital for T1D and 5460 healthy newborns were studied in Sardinia.PTPN22 genotype was determined by DNA analysis.Maternal age at conception and age at onset of disease were obtained from clinical records.χ2 test of independence,student t test for differences between means and odds ratio analysis were carried out by SPSS programs.Three way contingency table analysis was carried out according to Sokal and Rohlf.RESULTS:The pattern of association between PTPN22and T1D is similar in Continental Italy and Sardinia:the proportion of*T allele carriers is 13.6%in T1D vs6.7%in controls in Continental Italy while in Sardinia is 7.3%in T1D vs 4.4%in controls.The association between T1D and maternal age at conception is much stronger in Sardinia than in Italy:the proportion of newborn from mother aging more than 32 years is89.3%in T1D vs 32.7%in consecutive newborn in Sardinia(P<10-6)while in Continental Italy is 32.2%in T1D vs 19.1%in consecutive newborns(P=0.005).This points to an important role of ethnicity.A slight prevalence of T1D males on T1D females is observed both in Continental Italy and Sardinia.PTPN22 genotype does not exert significant effect on the age at onset neither in Continental Italy nor and Sardinia.Maternal age does not influence significantly age at onset in Italy(8.2 years in T1D infants from mothers aging32 years or less vs 7.89 years in T1D infants from mothers aging more than 32 years:P=0.824)while in Sardinia a border line effect is observed(5.75 years in T1D infants from mothers aging 32 years or less vs7.54 years in T1D infants from mothers aging more than 32 years:P=0.062).No effect of sex on age at onset is observed in Continental Italy while in Sardinia female show a lower age at onset of T1D as compared to males(8.07 years in males vs 6.3 years in females:P=0.002).CONCLUSION:The present data confirm the importance of ethnicity on susceptibility and on the age at onset of T1D.展开更多
The conceptual hydrogeological model of the Viterbo thermal area in central Italy and the yield of the groundwater sys- tem have been examined. This area is of great geothermal interest. Through new investigations, th...The conceptual hydrogeological model of the Viterbo thermal area in central Italy and the yield of the groundwater sys- tem have been examined. This area is of great geothermal interest. Through new investigations, three overlapping aquifers have been found. This study examines in detail the two shallower aquifers, characterized by different hydraulic and chemical characteristics. The first aquifer is related to the regional groundwater flow of the Cimino-Vico volcanic system and is generally characterized by cold, fresh waters used for irrigation and drinking water supply. The second aquifer, i.e. the thermal aquifer, supply thermal spas and public pools;it is present where the local hydrostratigraphic, structural and geothermal conditions permit a relatively active flow of higher salinity thermal waters (40?C - 62?C). These two aquifers interact vertically and laterally, giving rise to mixed waters circulating in the first aquifer. The first aquifer is recharged by direct infiltration and inflow from regional groundwater, as well as inflow from the second aquifer. The yield of the thermal aquifer is at least 170 L/s, discharging into thermal springs and wells, besides feeding the shallow aquifer vertically and laterally. Even if a future development of the second aquifer is potentially achievable on a global scale, the exploitation of the thermal waters is strictly dependent on the specific local hydrogeological equilibrium between the overlapping aquifers, different from place to place. The case study highlights that, in the volcanic hydrogeological environment, one of the most stringent constraints in determining the correct usage of a resource is the variable level of interaction of groundwater with different qualities.展开更多
A three-phase pesticide transport model is used to verify by numerical simulation, the influence of different parameters on infiltration through soil and/or surface runoff processes. Simulations are performed for a ty...A three-phase pesticide transport model is used to verify by numerical simulation, the influence of different parameters on infiltration through soil and/or surface runoff processes. Simulations are performed for a typical sandy loam potato field of Italy’s Fucino Plain, to explain the occurrence of measured concentrations of pesticides (mainly Linuron) in both surface waters and groundwater. Simulations take into account agricultural practices, climatic conditions, and soil characteristics. Results focus on the role of rainfall events and irrigation, of related infiltration amount and distribution, and of root zone thickness in influencing pesticide fate and its possible concentration increase through the years. Modeling results positively fit with the background knowledge of the Plain hydrology, showing the prevalence of surface transport and a scarce possibility for pesticides to reach groundwater in an average rainfall/irrigation scenario. Meanwhile, specific water management strategies are suggested to limit the occurrence of local groundwater pollution, related to high aquifer vulnerability zones, controlling inappropriate irrigation and pesticide application.展开更多
This paper presents the results of the investigations, driven by different techniques, including environmental tracers and geophysical methods, in the aim of better understand the causes of the current salt-water intr...This paper presents the results of the investigations, driven by different techniques, including environmental tracers and geophysical methods, in the aim of better understand the causes of the current salt-water intrusion in the Pontina Plain, in the south of the Lazio Region (Italy). In the last 50 years many investigation campaigns have been carried out to evaluate the evolution of salt-water intrusion. This is an area with a strong man-made residential and tourist impact and, in the some cases, it is characterized by intensive agricultural practices. Therefore, it can be affected not only by salt-water intrusion, but by the salinization of its groundwater also due to other factors. All these factors have led the Pontina Plain to a groundwater situation which makes the groundwater resource management and the planning of their future exploitation very difficult.展开更多
The paper proposes a study for the delineation of protection zones in the main discharge area of the Gran Sasso aquifer (Central Italy). At this aim, starting from a detailed geological and hydrogeological reconstruct...The paper proposes a study for the delineation of protection zones in the main discharge area of the Gran Sasso aquifer (Central Italy). At this aim, starting from a detailed geological and hydrogeological reconstruction, the study was divided into the following phases: 1) development of a conceptual model of water flow in the study area;2) creation of a 3D numerical model in order to simulate the groundwater flow in saturated conditions, both at the basin and at fine-scale;3) flow path analysis through deterministic and stochastic approaches;4) assessment of the aquifer vulnerability based on a geomorphological analysis of the catchment area. Conceptual and numerical models were then used to delineate protection zones for wells and springs with chronological criterion and geomorphological-structural criterion (based on the EPIK method). The results show that with a chronological approach protection zones are located along the main flow directions, corresponding to the areas surrounding wells and springs with high hydraulic conductivity values (faults and thrusts) within the satured zone. On the contrary, the geomorphological method has found some important protection zones also quite far from wells and springs, in areas characterized by quick infiltration processes. The protection zones delineated with the stochastic method were finally intersected by the vulnerability map obtained with the EPIK method, to take into account both filtration and infiltration processes. The results show the local vulnerability of the groundwater to the pollution, with protection zones extending 1 to 5 km towards northeast from springs and wells.展开更多
The European Water Framework (WFD) establishes a framework for the protection and the monitoring condition of all natural superficial waters of the member States. The Italian Legislative Decree n. 156/2006 implements ...The European Water Framework (WFD) establishes a framework for the protection and the monitoring condition of all natural superficial waters of the member States. The Italian Legislative Decree n. 156/2006 implements the WFD establishing a monitoring system which foresees a detailed detection of several physical, chemical and microbiological parameters in order to assess the qualitative status of the water body. This study reports the freshwater quality in the Reno river basin (North Italy) from 2003 to 2011. The Reno superficial water was classified as “good” in the mountain stations and at the closed basin while in all the other stations of the Po plain the quality was from “mediocre” to “poor”. The decrease of water quality was due to the flowing of artificial canals that collect discharges the wastewater of sewage treatment plants, drainage and run-off from the urban, industrial and agricultural lands. In spring-summer 2011, characterized by severe drought, a study on the distribution of pollutants and nutrients in water of the Renoriver and its tributaries highlight the impact of highway (Via Emilia) that closes the mountain basin of water courses. Along this street cities and industrial and craft have developed, increasing discharges of pollutants and nutrients in rivers. An increase of metals and nutrients was found from upstream to downstream, furthermore the concentration of the microbiological faecal indicators were two to three times higher than those determined in the water upstream of urban/industrial settlements. The thresholds of Italian Law for Hg and Pb were exceeding in all most rivers. The sediments analysis was also performed because they can be considered a sink and/or source for pollutants. In many monitoring sites the metals concentrations was higher than the thresholds of Italia Low (data not shown), but the availability of these metals was tested with mixtures of different strength extracting (EDTA, DTPA and water). The coefficient of partition solid/water (Kd) was calculated to evaluate the metals affinity to be in the aqueous phase and it increase as following Cr > Mn > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd.展开更多
The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has caused detrimental effects on many aspects of healthcare practice.Screening programs for the commonest malignancies,namely colorectal cancer(CRC),breast cancer and ce...The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has caused detrimental effects on many aspects of healthcare practice.Screening programs for the commonest malignancies,namely colorectal cancer(CRC),breast cancer and cervical cancer have been discontinued or interrupted since the beginning of restriction measures aimed to limit transmission of the new coronavirus infection.Robust evidence exists in favour of the role of screening campaigns in reducing mortality from CRC.In fact,the majority of pre-malignant lesions of the colon and rectum can be diagnosed with colonoscopy and treated by endoscopic or surgical resection.Besides,colonoscopy screening allows the diagnosis of CRCs in their pre-clinical stage.Italy was one of the first European countries where a high level of COVID-19 infections and deaths was observed,and one of the first where lockdowns and strict measures were adopted to reduce the risk of COVID-19 diffusion among the population.A systematic review of the literature was performed,including the PubMed,Scopus,Web of Sciences,and Reference Citation Analysis databases,with the aim of critically evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRC screening in Italy.We found that reduction of CRC screening activity surpassed 50%in most endoscopic units,with almost 600000 fewer CRC screening exams conducted in the first 5 mo of 2020 vs the same period of 2019.While the consequences of the discontinuation of endoscopy screening for the prognosis and mortality of CRC will be evident in the next few years,recent data confirm that CRC is currently treated at a more advanced stage than in the pre-COVID-19 era.Since delays in CRC prevention and early diagnosis may translate to increased CRC-specific mortality,world healthcare systems should adopt strategies to maintain the regularity of CRC screening during subsequent peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic,or future events that might hamper screening programs.展开更多
Stochastic modelling of hydrological time series with insufficient length and data gaps is a serious challenge since these problems significantly affect the reliability of statistical models predicting and forecasting...Stochastic modelling of hydrological time series with insufficient length and data gaps is a serious challenge since these problems significantly affect the reliability of statistical models predicting and forecasting skills.In this paper,we proposed a method for searching the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average(SARIMA)model parameters to predict the behavior of groundwater time series affected by the issues mentioned.Based on the analysis of statistical indices,8 stations among 44 available within the Campania region(Italy)have been selected as the highest quality measurements.Different SARIMA models,with different autoregressive,moving average and differentiation orders had been used.By reviewing the criteria used to determine the consistency and goodness-of-fit of the model,it is revealed that the model with specific combination of parameters,SARIMA(0,1,3)(0,1,2)_(12),has a high R^(2) value,larger than 92%,for each of the 8 selected stations.The same model has also good performances for what concern the forecasting skills,with an average NSE of about 96%.Therefore,this study has the potential to provide a new horizon for the simulation and reconstruction of groundwater time series within the investigated area.展开更多
During the carrying out of the monitoring plan as part of the Regional Law n. 3/2005 emerged, in 2008, the well known “buffalo milk crisis” that led to the enactment of other monitoring plans targeted to the researc...During the carrying out of the monitoring plan as part of the Regional Law n. 3/2005 emerged, in 2008, the well known “buffalo milk crisis” that led to the enactment of other monitoring plans targeted to the research of dioxins in food. From the last monitoring plan on PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in Campania Region, named as “Surveillance plan 2011-2014”, all dairy products from N. 50 farms intended to the production of bovine, buffalo and ovine milk, resulted compliant to the maximum levels fixed by EU in Regulation 1259/2011, suggesting the effectiveness of the restrictive measures on farming practices applied after the sanitary emergency of 2008. On the other hand, the action limits reported in EU Recommendations 516/2011 and 711/2013 were exceeded in two sheep farms and two buffalo farms, to represent the critical issues that nowadays exist.展开更多
Following the 1934 Wal Wal incident which was used as a pretext for the second Italo-Ethiopian war, Italy had used prohibited chemical weapons in different battles. Among the chemical warfare agents Italy had used mus...Following the 1934 Wal Wal incident which was used as a pretext for the second Italo-Ethiopian war, Italy had used prohibited chemical weapons in different battles. Among the chemical warfare agents Italy had used mustard gas, the most deadly poison gas and chemical available, against Ethiopian fighters. Nevertheless, the five year Italian rule over Ethiopia was not a peaceful experience of colonial rule. They were continuously harassed by Ethiopian patriots and had to live entrenched in their isolated fortifications. Sadly, Italy had committed several crimes against humanity. In this case, Ametsegna Washa, some call it “the cave of Zeret” was one of the forgotten massacres which happened in 1939, where up to more than 5,500 Ethiopians were gassed and machine-gunned. This paper, therefore, attempted to describe and analyze the forgotten massacres of the inhabitant of Menz, Merhabete, and South Wollo provinces in Ametsegna Washa (The cave of Zeret) by Fascist Italy in 1939. In doing so, the study employed qualitative research in which empirical data were collected from primary and secondary data. Primary data were gathered through qualitative field research observation, key informant interview with direct victims and their descendants, elders and experts at Menz keya gebreal woreda tourism office. Secondary data were gathered from books, published and unpublished journals, and historical records of the patriot. In view of that, the study employed qualitative method of data analysis in particular descriptive narration. The findings of the study shows that through the approval of Badoglio to use chemical weapons, the fascist soldiers had thrown several barrel with a mustard gas through the mouth of the cave then they attacked the mouth of the cave with artillery and machine-gun fire, and as a result more than 5,500 peoples have lost their live while those escaped from the massacre had faced a number of problems. The survival of the catastrophic massacre had faced physical injury which includes blindness, skin related problem, respiratory problem and as a result they had lived their remaining age with misery. This study, therefore, calls for the need of further investigation in the area. Along this, the place is not well-protected and, therefore, the government as well as the other concerning bodies should give serious attention in preserving and memorizing the historical cave.展开更多
The effect of biodeteriogenic living organisms on historical and archeological sites is a well-known problem affecting the world’s cultural heritage. Indeed, the growth inside the bricks of shrubs and herbs roots can...The effect of biodeteriogenic living organisms on historical and archeological sites is a well-known problem affecting the world’s cultural heritage. Indeed, the growth inside the bricks of shrubs and herbs roots can cause breakage, collapse and, detachment of materials. The knowledge of the spontaneous vascular flora present on monuments is essential for protection and safeguarding of cultural heritage. In this paper, we identify and describe biodeteriogenic vascular flora of three historical Calabrian (Southern Italy) churches, showing the relationship between plant biodiversity and exposure and building material of churches. The species present on the wall and in perimeter for each church were sampled noting substrate type, surface inclination (vertical or horizontal) and exposure. The total number of plant species recorded was 27. Hemicryptophytes (41%) prevail over the other biological forms and the most represented families are that of the Asteraceae. <em>Parietaria judaica</em> is the only species present in all three sites. Substrate type, climatic condition and surface inclination affect the floristic composition. Sixteen out of 27 species grow on vertical surfaces, all Geophythes and Chamaephytes grow on horizontal surfaces, while Therophytes were rather on vertical surfaces. A significant difference was found in the Hazard Index values in the three churches. Only one site, presents a high average value of Hazard Index, due to the simultaneous presence of <em>Ailanthus altissima</em>, <em>Ficus carica</em>, <em>Rubus ulmifolius</em> and <em>Sambucus nigra</em>. The data collected indicate that the flora growing on wall of three Calabrian churches partially reflects the floristic context in which they are located. The diversity of the vegetational spectrum is remarkable, most of the plants are ruderal herbaceous, many weeds and invasive, and for the most part typical of the Mediterranean environment. The data collected contribute to the knowledge of the spontaneous vascular flora present on three historical Calabrian churches and their biodiversity, also in terms of conservation interest, considering its biodeteriogenic potential in the evaluation of the impact of the vegetation on each monument.展开更多
This paper adopts the earthquake catalogue of the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), in accordance with the principles of Seismo-Geothermics Theory and the concept of seismic cone;it discusses the int...This paper adopts the earthquake catalogue of the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), in accordance with the principles of Seismo-Geothermics Theory and the concept of seismic cone;it discusses the integrity of the earthquake catalogue and the overview of Mediterranean seismic cones;it focuses on the structural details and structural feature of the Italian branch of the Mediterranean seismic cone;it deduces the precursory process of subcrustal earthquake activities before two earthquakes magnitude over 6 and the eruptions of Etna volcano since 2005;then it summarizes the prediction working method of Seismo-Geothermics on estimating the general shell strength, the general period, and the rough location of future earthquake or volcano activities;and finally it discusses and explains some possible problems. The principle and working process of this method were testified in card No. 0419 in 2012, the author’s prediction card, which can apply to predict for intracrustal strong earthquakes and volcano activities within the global twenty four seismic cones. The purpose of this paper is to develop the tools and methods of the prediction of future earthquake and volcano.展开更多
We present a non-parametric hydro-geostatistical approach for mapping design nitrate hazard in groundwater. The approach is robust towards the uncertainty of the parametric models used to map groundwater pollution. In...We present a non-parametric hydro-geostatistical approach for mapping design nitrate hazard in groundwater. The approach is robust towards the uncertainty of the parametric models used to map groundwater pollution. In particular, probability kriging (PK) estimates the probability that the true value of a pollutant exceeds a set of threshold values using a binary response variable (probability indicator). Such soft description of the pollutant can mitigate the uncertainty in pollutant concentration mapping. PK was used for assessing nitrate migration hazard across the Campania Plain groundwater (Southern Italy) as exceeding typical critical values set to 25 and 50 mg.L-1. Cross-validation indicated that the PK is more suitable than ordinary kriging (OK), which yields large uncertainty in absolute values prediction of nitrate concentration. This means that spatial variability is critical for contaminant transport because critical contaminants concentration could be exceeded due to preferential flows allowing the pollutant to migrate rapidly through the caveats aquifer. Accordingly with PK application, about 250 km2 (40% of the total600 km2 of the Campania Plain) were classified as very sensitive areas (western zone) to maximum permissible concentration of nitrates (>50 mg.L-1). When the probability to exceed 25 mg.L-1 was considered, the contaminated surface increased to 70% of the total area.展开更多
文摘The phenomenon of marital dissolution in later life,also referred to as“gray divorce”,is described on the rise in contemporary Western societies.This article contributes to the study of marriage breakdown in older age,with a specific focus on Italian society.First,the temporal trends of this phenomenon are reconstructed using official statistics.The data reveal that,although still relatively rare,the dissolution of marriage in later life is expanding in Italy.The analysis of the period from 1974 to 2015 indicates a rise in the average age at separation,a higher percentage of spouses over 50 years on the total number of couples obtaining legal separation,and an increase in the proportion of Italian spouses separating after many years of marriage.Furthermore,data from the national survey“Family and Social Subjects”,conducted in 2016 by the Italian National Institute of Statistics,are utilized to explore the relationship between specific traits of those who separated and their tendency to dissolve marriages before or after the age of 50.The data suggest that individuals with characteristics such as lower educational attainment,residence in the South and Islands,and adherence to more traditional family models are more likely to experience separation in later life.
文摘Chinese ambassador to Italy Jia Guide believes that the future of China-Italy relations is promising and that the two countries will further strengthen cooperation in jointly building a road to prosperity.
基金supported in part by the 2004-2006 National Civil Defense Project of Italy (DPC)-S4, 2007-2009 DPC-S3the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China under grant No. 2010ZD06
文摘We estimate Love wave empirical Green's functions from cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise to study the crust and uppermost mantle structure in Italy.Transverse-component ambient noise data from October 2005 through March 2007 recorded at 114 seismic stations from the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) national broadband network,the Mediterranean Very Broadband Seismographic Network (MedNet) and the Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) yield more than 2 000 Love wave group velocity measurements using the multiple-filter analysis technique.In the short period band (5-20 s),the cross-correlations show clearly one-sided asymmetric feature due to non-uniform noise distribution and high local activities,and in the long period band (>20 s) this feature becomes weak owing to more diffusive noise distribution.Based on these measurements,Love wave group velocity dispersion maps in the 8-34 s period band are constructed,then the SH wave velocity structures from the Love wave dispersions are inverted.The final results obtained from Love wave data are overall in good agreement with those from Rayleigh waves.Both Love and Rayleigh wave inversions all reveal that the Po plain basin is resolved with low velocity at shallow depth,and the Tyrrhenian sea is characterized with higher velocity below 8 km due to its thin oceanic crust.
文摘In order to assess the seismic hazard in an area with high seismogenic potential as the Messina Straits is, we employed the Cornell’s probabilistic approach, implemented by Bender and Perkins in the SEISRISKⅢcode,which allows calculating the expected ground motion.We considered all the earthquakes with magnitude M_s】4.0 reported in the CPTI04 catalogue and located in the seismogenic zones of Southern Italy(ZS9),which are able to
文摘The Calabria-Peloritani Arc is one of the most seismically active regions of Southern Italy.The most damaging event(Ⅰ0=ⅪMSK)occurred on December 28th,1908 in the Messina Straits area.This event,which caused at least 85000 casualties and widespread damage,has been identified as the greatest European seismic disaster of the 20th century.
文摘Debris flows play an important role among natural hazards in mountainous areas of Italy.This paper provides an overview on the recent research on debris flows conducted in italy, taking into account both hydraulic and geomorphological studies. Moreover,t
文摘AIM:To investigate the role of protein tyrosin phosphatase 22(PTPN22),maternal age at conception and sex on susceptibility and age at onset of type 1 diabetes(T1D)in Continental Italy and Sardinian populations.METHODS:Three hundred seventy six subjects admitted consecutively to the hospital for T1D and 1032healthy subjects as controls were studied in Continental Italy and 284 subjects admitted consecutively to the hospital for T1D and 5460 healthy newborns were studied in Sardinia.PTPN22 genotype was determined by DNA analysis.Maternal age at conception and age at onset of disease were obtained from clinical records.χ2 test of independence,student t test for differences between means and odds ratio analysis were carried out by SPSS programs.Three way contingency table analysis was carried out according to Sokal and Rohlf.RESULTS:The pattern of association between PTPN22and T1D is similar in Continental Italy and Sardinia:the proportion of*T allele carriers is 13.6%in T1D vs6.7%in controls in Continental Italy while in Sardinia is 7.3%in T1D vs 4.4%in controls.The association between T1D and maternal age at conception is much stronger in Sardinia than in Italy:the proportion of newborn from mother aging more than 32 years is89.3%in T1D vs 32.7%in consecutive newborn in Sardinia(P<10-6)while in Continental Italy is 32.2%in T1D vs 19.1%in consecutive newborns(P=0.005).This points to an important role of ethnicity.A slight prevalence of T1D males on T1D females is observed both in Continental Italy and Sardinia.PTPN22 genotype does not exert significant effect on the age at onset neither in Continental Italy nor and Sardinia.Maternal age does not influence significantly age at onset in Italy(8.2 years in T1D infants from mothers aging32 years or less vs 7.89 years in T1D infants from mothers aging more than 32 years:P=0.824)while in Sardinia a border line effect is observed(5.75 years in T1D infants from mothers aging 32 years or less vs7.54 years in T1D infants from mothers aging more than 32 years:P=0.062).No effect of sex on age at onset is observed in Continental Italy while in Sardinia female show a lower age at onset of T1D as compared to males(8.07 years in males vs 6.3 years in females:P=0.002).CONCLUSION:The present data confirm the importance of ethnicity on susceptibility and on the age at onset of T1D.
文摘The conceptual hydrogeological model of the Viterbo thermal area in central Italy and the yield of the groundwater sys- tem have been examined. This area is of great geothermal interest. Through new investigations, three overlapping aquifers have been found. This study examines in detail the two shallower aquifers, characterized by different hydraulic and chemical characteristics. The first aquifer is related to the regional groundwater flow of the Cimino-Vico volcanic system and is generally characterized by cold, fresh waters used for irrigation and drinking water supply. The second aquifer, i.e. the thermal aquifer, supply thermal spas and public pools;it is present where the local hydrostratigraphic, structural and geothermal conditions permit a relatively active flow of higher salinity thermal waters (40?C - 62?C). These two aquifers interact vertically and laterally, giving rise to mixed waters circulating in the first aquifer. The first aquifer is recharged by direct infiltration and inflow from regional groundwater, as well as inflow from the second aquifer. The yield of the thermal aquifer is at least 170 L/s, discharging into thermal springs and wells, besides feeding the shallow aquifer vertically and laterally. Even if a future development of the second aquifer is potentially achievable on a global scale, the exploitation of the thermal waters is strictly dependent on the specific local hydrogeological equilibrium between the overlapping aquifers, different from place to place. The case study highlights that, in the volcanic hydrogeological environment, one of the most stringent constraints in determining the correct usage of a resource is the variable level of interaction of groundwater with different qualities.
文摘A three-phase pesticide transport model is used to verify by numerical simulation, the influence of different parameters on infiltration through soil and/or surface runoff processes. Simulations are performed for a typical sandy loam potato field of Italy’s Fucino Plain, to explain the occurrence of measured concentrations of pesticides (mainly Linuron) in both surface waters and groundwater. Simulations take into account agricultural practices, climatic conditions, and soil characteristics. Results focus on the role of rainfall events and irrigation, of related infiltration amount and distribution, and of root zone thickness in influencing pesticide fate and its possible concentration increase through the years. Modeling results positively fit with the background knowledge of the Plain hydrology, showing the prevalence of surface transport and a scarce possibility for pesticides to reach groundwater in an average rainfall/irrigation scenario. Meanwhile, specific water management strategies are suggested to limit the occurrence of local groundwater pollution, related to high aquifer vulnerability zones, controlling inappropriate irrigation and pesticide application.
文摘This paper presents the results of the investigations, driven by different techniques, including environmental tracers and geophysical methods, in the aim of better understand the causes of the current salt-water intrusion in the Pontina Plain, in the south of the Lazio Region (Italy). In the last 50 years many investigation campaigns have been carried out to evaluate the evolution of salt-water intrusion. This is an area with a strong man-made residential and tourist impact and, in the some cases, it is characterized by intensive agricultural practices. Therefore, it can be affected not only by salt-water intrusion, but by the salinization of its groundwater also due to other factors. All these factors have led the Pontina Plain to a groundwater situation which makes the groundwater resource management and the planning of their future exploitation very difficult.
文摘The paper proposes a study for the delineation of protection zones in the main discharge area of the Gran Sasso aquifer (Central Italy). At this aim, starting from a detailed geological and hydrogeological reconstruction, the study was divided into the following phases: 1) development of a conceptual model of water flow in the study area;2) creation of a 3D numerical model in order to simulate the groundwater flow in saturated conditions, both at the basin and at fine-scale;3) flow path analysis through deterministic and stochastic approaches;4) assessment of the aquifer vulnerability based on a geomorphological analysis of the catchment area. Conceptual and numerical models were then used to delineate protection zones for wells and springs with chronological criterion and geomorphological-structural criterion (based on the EPIK method). The results show that with a chronological approach protection zones are located along the main flow directions, corresponding to the areas surrounding wells and springs with high hydraulic conductivity values (faults and thrusts) within the satured zone. On the contrary, the geomorphological method has found some important protection zones also quite far from wells and springs, in areas characterized by quick infiltration processes. The protection zones delineated with the stochastic method were finally intersected by the vulnerability map obtained with the EPIK method, to take into account both filtration and infiltration processes. The results show the local vulnerability of the groundwater to the pollution, with protection zones extending 1 to 5 km towards northeast from springs and wells.
文摘The European Water Framework (WFD) establishes a framework for the protection and the monitoring condition of all natural superficial waters of the member States. The Italian Legislative Decree n. 156/2006 implements the WFD establishing a monitoring system which foresees a detailed detection of several physical, chemical and microbiological parameters in order to assess the qualitative status of the water body. This study reports the freshwater quality in the Reno river basin (North Italy) from 2003 to 2011. The Reno superficial water was classified as “good” in the mountain stations and at the closed basin while in all the other stations of the Po plain the quality was from “mediocre” to “poor”. The decrease of water quality was due to the flowing of artificial canals that collect discharges the wastewater of sewage treatment plants, drainage and run-off from the urban, industrial and agricultural lands. In spring-summer 2011, characterized by severe drought, a study on the distribution of pollutants and nutrients in water of the Renoriver and its tributaries highlight the impact of highway (Via Emilia) that closes the mountain basin of water courses. Along this street cities and industrial and craft have developed, increasing discharges of pollutants and nutrients in rivers. An increase of metals and nutrients was found from upstream to downstream, furthermore the concentration of the microbiological faecal indicators were two to three times higher than those determined in the water upstream of urban/industrial settlements. The thresholds of Italian Law for Hg and Pb were exceeding in all most rivers. The sediments analysis was also performed because they can be considered a sink and/or source for pollutants. In many monitoring sites the metals concentrations was higher than the thresholds of Italia Low (data not shown), but the availability of these metals was tested with mixtures of different strength extracting (EDTA, DTPA and water). The coefficient of partition solid/water (Kd) was calculated to evaluate the metals affinity to be in the aqueous phase and it increase as following Cr > Mn > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd.
文摘The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has caused detrimental effects on many aspects of healthcare practice.Screening programs for the commonest malignancies,namely colorectal cancer(CRC),breast cancer and cervical cancer have been discontinued or interrupted since the beginning of restriction measures aimed to limit transmission of the new coronavirus infection.Robust evidence exists in favour of the role of screening campaigns in reducing mortality from CRC.In fact,the majority of pre-malignant lesions of the colon and rectum can be diagnosed with colonoscopy and treated by endoscopic or surgical resection.Besides,colonoscopy screening allows the diagnosis of CRCs in their pre-clinical stage.Italy was one of the first European countries where a high level of COVID-19 infections and deaths was observed,and one of the first where lockdowns and strict measures were adopted to reduce the risk of COVID-19 diffusion among the population.A systematic review of the literature was performed,including the PubMed,Scopus,Web of Sciences,and Reference Citation Analysis databases,with the aim of critically evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRC screening in Italy.We found that reduction of CRC screening activity surpassed 50%in most endoscopic units,with almost 600000 fewer CRC screening exams conducted in the first 5 mo of 2020 vs the same period of 2019.While the consequences of the discontinuation of endoscopy screening for the prognosis and mortality of CRC will be evident in the next few years,recent data confirm that CRC is currently treated at a more advanced stage than in the pre-COVID-19 era.Since delays in CRC prevention and early diagnosis may translate to increased CRC-specific mortality,world healthcare systems should adopt strategies to maintain the regularity of CRC screening during subsequent peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic,or future events that might hamper screening programs.
文摘Stochastic modelling of hydrological time series with insufficient length and data gaps is a serious challenge since these problems significantly affect the reliability of statistical models predicting and forecasting skills.In this paper,we proposed a method for searching the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average(SARIMA)model parameters to predict the behavior of groundwater time series affected by the issues mentioned.Based on the analysis of statistical indices,8 stations among 44 available within the Campania region(Italy)have been selected as the highest quality measurements.Different SARIMA models,with different autoregressive,moving average and differentiation orders had been used.By reviewing the criteria used to determine the consistency and goodness-of-fit of the model,it is revealed that the model with specific combination of parameters,SARIMA(0,1,3)(0,1,2)_(12),has a high R^(2) value,larger than 92%,for each of the 8 selected stations.The same model has also good performances for what concern the forecasting skills,with an average NSE of about 96%.Therefore,this study has the potential to provide a new horizon for the simulation and reconstruction of groundwater time series within the investigated area.
文摘During the carrying out of the monitoring plan as part of the Regional Law n. 3/2005 emerged, in 2008, the well known “buffalo milk crisis” that led to the enactment of other monitoring plans targeted to the research of dioxins in food. From the last monitoring plan on PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in Campania Region, named as “Surveillance plan 2011-2014”, all dairy products from N. 50 farms intended to the production of bovine, buffalo and ovine milk, resulted compliant to the maximum levels fixed by EU in Regulation 1259/2011, suggesting the effectiveness of the restrictive measures on farming practices applied after the sanitary emergency of 2008. On the other hand, the action limits reported in EU Recommendations 516/2011 and 711/2013 were exceeded in two sheep farms and two buffalo farms, to represent the critical issues that nowadays exist.
文摘Following the 1934 Wal Wal incident which was used as a pretext for the second Italo-Ethiopian war, Italy had used prohibited chemical weapons in different battles. Among the chemical warfare agents Italy had used mustard gas, the most deadly poison gas and chemical available, against Ethiopian fighters. Nevertheless, the five year Italian rule over Ethiopia was not a peaceful experience of colonial rule. They were continuously harassed by Ethiopian patriots and had to live entrenched in their isolated fortifications. Sadly, Italy had committed several crimes against humanity. In this case, Ametsegna Washa, some call it “the cave of Zeret” was one of the forgotten massacres which happened in 1939, where up to more than 5,500 Ethiopians were gassed and machine-gunned. This paper, therefore, attempted to describe and analyze the forgotten massacres of the inhabitant of Menz, Merhabete, and South Wollo provinces in Ametsegna Washa (The cave of Zeret) by Fascist Italy in 1939. In doing so, the study employed qualitative research in which empirical data were collected from primary and secondary data. Primary data were gathered through qualitative field research observation, key informant interview with direct victims and their descendants, elders and experts at Menz keya gebreal woreda tourism office. Secondary data were gathered from books, published and unpublished journals, and historical records of the patriot. In view of that, the study employed qualitative method of data analysis in particular descriptive narration. The findings of the study shows that through the approval of Badoglio to use chemical weapons, the fascist soldiers had thrown several barrel with a mustard gas through the mouth of the cave then they attacked the mouth of the cave with artillery and machine-gun fire, and as a result more than 5,500 peoples have lost their live while those escaped from the massacre had faced a number of problems. The survival of the catastrophic massacre had faced physical injury which includes blindness, skin related problem, respiratory problem and as a result they had lived their remaining age with misery. This study, therefore, calls for the need of further investigation in the area. Along this, the place is not well-protected and, therefore, the government as well as the other concerning bodies should give serious attention in preserving and memorizing the historical cave.
文摘The effect of biodeteriogenic living organisms on historical and archeological sites is a well-known problem affecting the world’s cultural heritage. Indeed, the growth inside the bricks of shrubs and herbs roots can cause breakage, collapse and, detachment of materials. The knowledge of the spontaneous vascular flora present on monuments is essential for protection and safeguarding of cultural heritage. In this paper, we identify and describe biodeteriogenic vascular flora of three historical Calabrian (Southern Italy) churches, showing the relationship between plant biodiversity and exposure and building material of churches. The species present on the wall and in perimeter for each church were sampled noting substrate type, surface inclination (vertical or horizontal) and exposure. The total number of plant species recorded was 27. Hemicryptophytes (41%) prevail over the other biological forms and the most represented families are that of the Asteraceae. <em>Parietaria judaica</em> is the only species present in all three sites. Substrate type, climatic condition and surface inclination affect the floristic composition. Sixteen out of 27 species grow on vertical surfaces, all Geophythes and Chamaephytes grow on horizontal surfaces, while Therophytes were rather on vertical surfaces. A significant difference was found in the Hazard Index values in the three churches. Only one site, presents a high average value of Hazard Index, due to the simultaneous presence of <em>Ailanthus altissima</em>, <em>Ficus carica</em>, <em>Rubus ulmifolius</em> and <em>Sambucus nigra</em>. The data collected indicate that the flora growing on wall of three Calabrian churches partially reflects the floristic context in which they are located. The diversity of the vegetational spectrum is remarkable, most of the plants are ruderal herbaceous, many weeds and invasive, and for the most part typical of the Mediterranean environment. The data collected contribute to the knowledge of the spontaneous vascular flora present on three historical Calabrian churches and their biodiversity, also in terms of conservation interest, considering its biodeteriogenic potential in the evaluation of the impact of the vegetation on each monument.
文摘This paper adopts the earthquake catalogue of the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), in accordance with the principles of Seismo-Geothermics Theory and the concept of seismic cone;it discusses the integrity of the earthquake catalogue and the overview of Mediterranean seismic cones;it focuses on the structural details and structural feature of the Italian branch of the Mediterranean seismic cone;it deduces the precursory process of subcrustal earthquake activities before two earthquakes magnitude over 6 and the eruptions of Etna volcano since 2005;then it summarizes the prediction working method of Seismo-Geothermics on estimating the general shell strength, the general period, and the rough location of future earthquake or volcano activities;and finally it discusses and explains some possible problems. The principle and working process of this method were testified in card No. 0419 in 2012, the author’s prediction card, which can apply to predict for intracrustal strong earthquakes and volcano activities within the global twenty four seismic cones. The purpose of this paper is to develop the tools and methods of the prediction of future earthquake and volcano.
文摘We present a non-parametric hydro-geostatistical approach for mapping design nitrate hazard in groundwater. The approach is robust towards the uncertainty of the parametric models used to map groundwater pollution. In particular, probability kriging (PK) estimates the probability that the true value of a pollutant exceeds a set of threshold values using a binary response variable (probability indicator). Such soft description of the pollutant can mitigate the uncertainty in pollutant concentration mapping. PK was used for assessing nitrate migration hazard across the Campania Plain groundwater (Southern Italy) as exceeding typical critical values set to 25 and 50 mg.L-1. Cross-validation indicated that the PK is more suitable than ordinary kriging (OK), which yields large uncertainty in absolute values prediction of nitrate concentration. This means that spatial variability is critical for contaminant transport because critical contaminants concentration could be exceeded due to preferential flows allowing the pollutant to migrate rapidly through the caveats aquifer. Accordingly with PK application, about 250 km2 (40% of the total600 km2 of the Campania Plain) were classified as very sensitive areas (western zone) to maximum permissible concentration of nitrates (>50 mg.L-1). When the probability to exceed 25 mg.L-1 was considered, the contaminated surface increased to 70% of the total area.
