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A short overview of fish-based assessment methods for aquatic systems is presented. Multimetric indices, as, e.g., the index of biotic integrity (IBI), firstly developed in USA and later adapted for European river basins and other countries, are shortly described. Non-multimetric indices are also discussed, e.g. the ichthyological index (II) and the index of ecological status of fish communities (ISECI), both proposed for monitoring Italian rivers. Moreover, statistical and predicting methods based on machine learning techniques are described. Finally, a new approach for developing standardised fish-based methods useful to assess ecological status of Italian rivers is proposed. Although rather complex, the use of bony fish in biomonitoring is promising and requires a multidisciplinary approach to be adopted.

To verify the level of participation of children and teachers in an educational program, the reliability of the program itself and to determine whether children can modify family's behavioral patterns, a feasibility study was undertaken among the pupils of a primary school. Seventy-two children, belonging to different socio-economic classes, were studied. Children were given a questionnaire before and after the course, which was held by previously trained teachers. Very good participation of children and teachers in the program was observed. On the contrary very low involvement of the parents was achieved. This experience emphasizes the difficulties arising when actions to modify adult's life styles are attempted. On the contrary, a standardized education program, lasting for a whole school year, could be a feasible, useful and not too costly program not only for the primary prevention of coronary artery disease, but for any program of extensive health care.