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The catalytic reduction of nitroarenes towards anilines is an important reaction from both academic and industrial points of view, being the resulting products important intermediates to produce dyes, agrochemicals, pigments, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, removal of nitroarene pollutants from water by reducing them into anilines is a valuable method to purify contaminated matrices. Such reductive reactions are frequently carried out by using noble metal catalysts [1], which are usually very active and recyclable in some cases. Recently, the use of earth abundant metal catalysts has gained great interest especially for economic reasons, as these materials are generally cheap and easy to be reached [2]. In this framework, iron oxides catalysts are very attractive because they are cheap and not toxic. Herein, we report on the synthesis of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) of size ranging from 50 to 80 nm starting from a porous organic polymer (POP) containing Fe(III) sites, which was in turn annealed at 400°C. The obtained NPs were characterized by SEM-EDX, XRPD, IR and TXRF and were employed as active and recyclable catalysts in the reduction of p-bromonitrobenzene into p-bromo-aniline, using hydrazine hydrate in ethanol, taken as the model reaction. [1] Dell’Anna, M.M.; Intini, S.; Romanazzi, G.; Rizzuti, A.; Leonelli, C.; Piccinni, F.; Mastrorilli, P. J. Mol. Catal. A: Chem. 2014, 395, 307–314. [2] Romanazzi, G.; Fiore, A.M.; Mali, M.; Rizzuti, A.; Leonelli, C.; Nacci, A.; Mastrorilli, P.; Dell'Anna, M. M. Mol. Catal., 2018, 446, 31–38

Syntheses of bimetallic cobalt-iron-based nanoparticles starting from Co(acac)2 and Fe(acac)3 (acac = acetylacetonate) were carried out by microwave-assisted solvothermal process, using ethylene glycol as the solvent and (polyvinylpyrrolidone) PVP, as the stabilizer. Indeed, the reaction mechanism in the presence of ethylene glycol is well understood [1] with the role of PVP being the inhibition of nanoparticles growth [2]. However, the control of the morphology of the synthetized nanoparticles is still a great challenge. Herein, we demonstrated that by adding amines to the reaction mixture, it is possible to control the morphology of the prepared bimetallic cobalt-iron materials. Thus, different Co-Fe micro-composites were synthetized by an innovative microwave assisted solvothermal synthesis, which allows to considerably reduce reaction time from 12 h to 15 min, with respect to classical thermal methods. The procedure was optimized by varying several parameters, such as: amount of PVP, in the presence or in the absence of amines, reaction temperature. The dark brown obtained powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, confirming the beneficial effect of the presence of the amine in the morphology of the obtained composites. The obtained results open a new scenario for further studies on the possibility to control the morphology of bimetallic composite materials. [1] Fievet F, Lagier J P and Figlarz M Mater. Res. Soc. Bull. 24 (1989) 29–34 [2] Teranishi T, Kurita R and Miyake M J. Inorg. Organometall. Polym. 10 (2000) 145–56

A nickel containing monomer, Ni(AAEMA)2 (AAEMA = deprotonated form of 2-(acetoacetoxy) ethyl methacrylate) was co-polymerized with ethyl methacrylate (co-monomer) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (cross-linker) [1]. The obtained polymer was a green methacrylic resin containing Ni(II) centers homogeneously dispersed in the catalyst, which resulted insoluble in all common organic solvents and in water. The material can be described as an amphiphilic resin, air and moisture stable, with the peculiarity to swell in halogenated solvents, acetone and water and to shrink in diethyl ether and petroleum ether. The polymer was calcined under reductive conditions (dihydrogen with initial pressure of 5 bar) following two procedures, differing from each other for the cooling conditions. In the first procedure the calcined material was cooled under dihydrogen gas, while in the second one the cooling step occurred under air. After calcination, the green Ni(II) based co-polymer turned into black resins, Ni-res1 (obtained with hydrogen cooling) and Ni-res2 ((obtained with air cooling). TEM analyses showed that both Ni-res1 and Ni-res2 supported Ni nanoparticles with different morphologies, being the metal nanoparticles onto Ni-res1 smaller than the ones dispersed in Ni-res2, that had an urchin-like shape. Both Ni based co-polymers were tested as catalysts in the reduction of nitrobenzene with NaBH4 [2]. Ni-res1 resulted more active and selective towards aniline, with respect to Ni-res2. [1] M.M. Dell’Anna, G. Romanazzi, P. Mastrorilli, Curr. Org. Chem. 17 (2013) 1236 [2] A.M. Fiore, G. Romanazzi, M.M. Dell’Anna, M. Latronico, C. Leonelli, A. Rizzuti, M. Mali, P. Mastrorilli, Mol. Catal. 476 (2019) 110507

Le malattie causate da fitoplasmi sono una fonte di preoccupazione sia per l’agricoltura sia per l’ambiente. Non è un caso che molte di queste fitopatie siano considerate malattie di pertinenza di legislazione ad hoc, in genere regolate da decreti di lotta obbligatoria, e che i patogeni ad esse associati vengano spesso indicati come patogeni da quarantena. Le misure di controllo nei confronti di queste malattie si basano essenzialmente sull’estirpo delle piante infette ed il controllo del(i) vettore(i) mediante trattamenti insetticidi. Ad eccezione di alcuni antibiotici, il cui uso fitoiatrico, peraltro, non è ammesso in Italia , non si conoscono finora sostanze in grado di agire direttamente sul patogeno. Negli ultimi anni sono state sviluppate nuove strategie per il controllo delle fitoplasmosi delle specie di interesse agronomico, basate sul potenziamento delle difese della pianta alcune di queste si basano sull’utilizzo di sostanze di origine biotica od abiotica (elicitori), in grado di attivare reazioni di difesa nella pianta; altre, si basano sull’utilizzo di microrganismi endofiti potenziali agenti di biocontrollo o induttori di resistenza(Romanazzi et al., 2009b). Gli endofiti sono funghi, batteri e attinomiceti che espletano parte o tutto il loro ciclo vitale all’interno dei tessuti delle piante. Le ricerche finora condotte si sono rivolte soprattutto alle relazioni in cui il microrganismo endofita contribuisce al miglioramento della fitness della pianta producendo metaboliti secondari, rendendola più resistente a stress abiotici e proteggendola da attacchi di nematodi, insetti predatori, funghi e batteri fitopatogeni (Lugtenberg and Kamilova, 2009). In particolare, gli endofiti sono in grado di ridurre e prevenire i danni provocati dai patogeni attraverso diversi meccanismi(van Loon, 2007): a) competizione per una nicchia ecologica o per un substrato; b) produzione di inibitori allelochimici (antibiotici, enzimi litici, batteriocine);c) induzione di resistenza sistemica (ISR-‘Induced Systemic Resistance’). Le indagini, finora volte a chiarire il fenomeno del recovery, sono state condottesu albicocco, melo e vite (Musetti et al., 2005; Bulgari et al., 2011; Musetti et al.,2007) suggerendo, un possibile coinvolgimento degli endofiti nel risanamento spontaneo. A questo proposito, recentemente è stato dimostrato che Epicoccum nigrum Link è in grado di influenzare lo sviluppo dell’infezione del fitoplasma dello scopazzo del melo in Catharanthus roseus (Musetti et al., 2011). Risultato analogo è stato, inoltre, riscontrato nel Chrysanthemum carinatum infetto da fitoplasmi trattato con Pseudomonas putida (Gamalero et al., 2010). Nel caso della vite, lo studio della comunità endofita ha evidenziato la presenza di Pantoea ag2 glomerans come batterio dominante (Bulgari et al., 2009). Alcuni ceppi di questo batterio sono impiegati come agenti di biocontrollo contro altre fitopatie, come il colpo di fuoco batterico. P. agglomerans, infatti, è in grado di produrre sostanze ad attività anti-microbica, quali Pantocina A e B (Jin et al., 2003), attive nei confronti di Erwinia amylovora. Inoltre, tale batterio viene impiegato nel controllo postraccolta di Monilinia laxa e Rhizopus stolonifer, funghi che danneggiano albicocche e nettarine (Bonaterra et al., 2003). L’effetto di miglioramento della qualità dei frutti e della produttività delle piante, può essere il risultato non solo dell’attività dei batteri endofiti, ma anche dell’utilizzo di sostanze di origine biotica od abiotica in grado di attivare reazioni di difesa nella pianta (elicitori). Numerose ricerche dimostrerebbero inoltre che questi composti posseggono interessanti caratteristiche dal punto di vista tossicologico ed ambientale, in quanto si degradano rapidamente dopo la loro applicazione. Tali considerazioni suggeriscono che questi induttori di resistenza potrebbero avere un interessante utilizzo nel controllo delle malattie da fitoplasmi che colpiscono...

Seventy four Phytophthora infestans populations from tomato and potato crops were analyzed in vitro for their sensitivity to fungicides and mating type; populations were collected from 2002 to 2006 in the Emilia Romagna, Lombardy, Marche and Abruzzo regions. Fifty six % of populations showed A1 mating type, 42% were A2 while 2% were found to be self fertile; no strains showed resistance to metalaxyl, cymoxanil, dimethomorph, azoxystrobin, zoxamide and iprovalicarb.

Evaluation of the genetic variability of stolbur phytoplasma infecting grapevines, bindweeds and vegetables, collected in different central and southern Italian regions.Phytoplasma isolates belonging to stolbur subgroup 16SrXII-A were subjected to molecular characterization by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP), to investigate two different nonribosomal genes: tuf and vmp1. In grapevines, 32% of samples were infected by tuf-a type and 68% by tuf-b type, with different relative incidences in the regions surveyed. All herbaceous samples (bindweeds, tomato, tobacco, pepper, celery) were infected by tuf-b. The gene vmp1 showed higher polymorphism in grapevines (nine profiles) than herbaceous plants (six) by RFLP analysis, in agreement with nucleotide sequences' analysis and virtual digestions.The phylogenetic analysis of vmp1 gene sequences supports the RFLP data and demonstrates the accuracy of RFLP for preliminary assessments of genetic diversity of stolbur phytoplasmas and for screening different vmp types.Stolbur represents a serious phytosanitary problem in the areas under investigation, owing to heavy economic losses in infected grapevines and vegetables. Molecular information about the complex genotyping of the vmp1 gene provides useful data towards a better understanding of stolbur epidemiology. Moreover, this study clarifies some different vmp1 genotype classifications of stolbur, providing molecular data in comparison with previous investigations.

he study reports on the synthesis of poly arylene vinylenes by use of a cascade Suzuki-Heck reaction polymn. The reaction between suitable aryldibromides with potassium vinyltrifluoroborate in the presence of a Pd(0) catalyst permits the access to a series of poly(fluorenylenevinylene)s. The protocol is characterized by a great versatility, deriving from the use of easily attainable substrates, and yields polymers with low percentages of structural 1,1-diarylenevinylene defects. Exploiting this procedure, a series of random poly(9,9-dioctyl-2,7-fluorenylenevinylene-co-N-octyl-3,6-carbazolylenevinylene) copolymers at 20+80% mol/mol of carbazole (PFV2-6) was achieved. Their properties have been investigated by 1H-NMR, IR, TGA, DSC, cyclic voltammetry, UV-Vis and photoluminescence, and compared to those of poly(9,9-dioctyl-2,7-fluorenylenevinylene) (PFV1) obtained by the same method. The electroluminescence properties of the materials were tested by constructing OLED devices of ITO/PEDOT-PSS/PFV1-6/Ca/Al configuration. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.

In this paper we use a novel neural approach for face recognition with Hidden Markov Models. A method based on the extraction of 2D-DCT feature vectors is described, and the recognition results are compared with a new face recognition approach with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). ANNs are used to compress a bitmap image in order to represent it with a number of coefficients that is smaller than the total number of pixels. To train HMM has been used the Hidden Markov Model Toolkit v3.3 (HTK), designed by Steve Young from the Cambridge University Engineering Department. However, HTK is able to speakers recognition, for this reason we have realized a special adjustment to use HTK for face identification.

The increasing depletion of fossil feeds and the environmental concerns linked to the use of traditional energy sources have stimulated both academic and industrial worlds in exploiting new sustainable and renewable suppliers of raw materials [1]. In this framework, lignocellulosic biomass can play an important role, acting as the starting material of a biorefinery leading to biofuels, chemicals, and other value-added products, commonly obtained from petroleum. Recently, numerous protocols for processing lignocellulosic biomass of selected plants have been reported. However, developing an environment-friendly method is still a big goal. This challenge becomes more interesting if lignocellulosic biomass coming from wood wastes could be efficiently treated. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are new sustainable and cheap reaction media, combining the features of ionic liquids and organic solvents. They are made by association of hydrogen-bond donors and hydrogen-bond acceptors, and they can promote the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic bonds [2]. Herein, we report on the microwave-assisted treatment of waste wood flours with DESs formed by choline chloride and oxalic acid to get a cellulosic residue separated from lignin degradation products, identified by NMR spectroscopy. The insoluble deposit was characterized by SEM, TGA, DSC, FTIR-ATR and 13C CP/MAS NMR techniques and could be available for further uses such as nanocellulose production. [1] Haldar D., Purkait M.K. Chemosphere 2021, 128523. [2] Liu S., Zhang Q., Gou S., Zhang L., Wang Z. Carbohydr. Polym. 2021, 251, 117018

Sustainable approaches to control phytoplasma-associated diseases are of utmost importance. The use of phytoplasma-resistant host plants and of phytoplasma-free material for new plantings could represent a starting point for phytoplasma disease management. The early identification of infected host plants and insect vectors represent necessary tools in preventing epidemics of diseases through the appropriate management of agro-ecosystems subjected to epidemic outbreaks. This approach can be integrated with the use of resistance inducers and of biocontrol microorganisms able to act as against phytoplasmas and/or their insect vectors. Furthermore comparative genomic approach facilitates the identification of candidate genes involved in the interactions with hosts, and together with the cultivation of phytoplasmas is a key point for improving the knowledge of these bacterial pathogens aimed to implement effective integrated management control strategies.

Cuttings of Punica granatum for fruit production and ornamental usage have been introduced in accordance with EC directives in the Emilia-Romagna region from the USDA/ARS clonal germplasm repository (California) due to the increasing of pomegranate production all over the Italian territory. This planting material, before its delivering throughout the territory, was subjected to specific analysis in order to ensure a proper sanitary selection. Samples from symptomatic (yellowing, deformation or discoloration of leaves) and symptomless pomegranate trees were tested by ELISA assay using antibodies specific for several viruses affecting fruit crops. In many samples Tomato Ringspot Virus (ToRSV, EPPO A2 list) was detected and its infection confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Biological characterization of the viral isolates was carried out. Buds were grafted into indicator peach rootstocks and sap from symptomatic tissues was mechanically inoculated onto herbaceous test plants on which typical symptoms of chlorotic ringspot, necrotic lesions, wilting and leaf curling were observed. Phylogenetic analysis revelead high sequence identity of RNA1 and RNA2 3'UTR regions of 4 pomegranate isolates. Official phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease. All pomegranate plants of US origins have been uprooted and destroyed. These measures were aimed to avoid the ToRSV diffusion, with the intent to prevent the virus establishment in our territory where it would be harmful not only to pomegranates but also to other economically important fruit crops, as it is happening in USA

This research aimed to study the resistance induced in tomato by some biostimulants of natural origins (Algavital (seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum extract), Bio-Active (blood meal), Bioforce (plant extracts), Vita-Flow (fluid borlande), Kendal e Pom-PK (based on oligosaccharides and glutathione, etc)) compared with two synthetic compounds, Bion (acybenzolar-S-methyl) and Aliette (fosetyl-Al). The resistance was evaluated through the reduction of disease symptoms caused by Phytophthora infestans and increases of foliar enzymatic activities correlated with biochemical defense of plant such as peroxidases, chitobiosidases and endochitinases, determined with spectrophotometrical assays. Questo studio ha avuto l’obiettivo di confrontare alcuni biostimolanti di derivazione naturale (Algavital (estratto di alga Ascophyllum nodosum), Bio-Active (carniccio), Bioforce (estratti vegetali), Vita-Flow (borlanda), Kendal e Pom-PK (a base di oligosaccaride e glutatione, ecc.)) con due prodotti di sintesi, Bion (acybenzolar-S-methyl) e Aliette (fosetyl-Al). per la loro capacità di stimolare le difese naturali della pianta di pomodoro, attraverso la valutazione della riduzione dei sintomi di malattia provocati da Phytophthora infestans e della variazione di alcune attività enzimatiche fogliari correlate alle risposte biochimiche di difesa della pianta, quali attività perossidasiche, chitobiosidasiche ed endochitinasiche determinate con saggi biochimici allo spettrofotometro.

A series of novel bifluorene based systems was synthesised by a convergent approach by means of a Suzu'ki cross-coupling between 7,7'-bis-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaboi-olan-2-yl)-9,9,9,9'-tetraoctyl-2,2'-bifluorene and suitable aryl-bromides. All the oligomers have been characterized by H-1, C-13 NMR, Fr-IR, UV-vis, PL spectroscopy and mass analyses. In particular, it has been demonstrated that the presence of strong electron donor (amines) or withdrawing (carboxylic esters) groups causes a bathochromic shift of the optical properties with respect to those of unsubstituted molecules. The effects of these functional groups on the HOMO-LUMO energy levels were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Remarkably, the LUMO energy level of 7,7'-bis-[5-carbodecaoxy-2,2'-bithiophen-5-yl]-9,9,9',9'-tetraoctyl-2,2'-bifluorene (-3.07 eV) is strongly influenced by the presence of the ester functional group. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.