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eParticipation involves the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for facilitating the two-way communication between governments and citizens. Designing eParticipation activities is a complex task. Challenges include the need for interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge (e.g., in political, sociology, usability and technology domains) and the lack of widely accepted models and technological standards. This paper paves the way for the definition of a basic reference model for eParticipation, providing guidelines for the design, implementation and management of eParticipation web applications. This model was put into practice for the design of an eParticipation Framework helping users in designing, customizing and deploying web-based services for a given eParticipation process. The authors also report on the experimental use of the Framework in a group of Tuscany municipalities for carrying out participatory budget activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper presents the development and testing of a multi-step methodology which integrates remotely sensed and ancillary data to estimate olive (Olea europaea L.) fruit yield in Tuscany (Central Italy). The processing of very high resolution (Ikonos) and high resolution (Landsat ETM+) images provides a map of olive tree canopy cover fraction for all Tuscany olive yards, which is used to extract olive tree NDVI values from MODIS imagery. The combination of these values with standard meteorological data within a modified parametric model (C-Fix) enables the prediction of daily olive tree gross primary production (GPP) for ten years (2000–2009). These GPP estimates are then joint to the respiration estimates of a bio-geochemical model (BIOME-BGC) to simulate olive tree net primary production (NPP). The NPP accumulated over proper periods of the ten growing seasons is finally converted into olive fruit yield, whose accuracy is assessed through comparison with provincial statistics. The methodology is only partly capable of capturing spatial and temporal olive fruit yield variability at province level, but can accurately reproduce inter-year yield variation over the entire region. The paper concludes with a discussion of the results achieved and with considerations on the research prospects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The impacts of flood events that occurred in autumn 2011 in the Italian regions of Liguria and Tuscany revived the engagement of the public decision-maker to enhance the synergy of flood control and land use planning. In this context, the design of efficient flood risk mitigation strategies and their subsequent implementation critically relies on a careful vulnerability analysis of the fixed and mobile elements exposed to flood hazard. In this paper we develop computation schemes enabling dynamic vulnerability and risk analyses for a broad typological variety of elements at risk. To show their applicability, a series of prime examples are discussed in detail, e.g. a bridge deck impacted by the flood and a car, first displaced and subsequently exposed to collision with fixed objects. We hold the view that it is essential that the derivation of the computational schemes to assess the vulnerability of endangered objects should be based on classical and fluid mechanics. In such a way, we aim to complement from a methodological perspective the existing, mainly empirical, vulnerability and risk assessment approaches and to support the design of effective flood risk mitigation strategies by defusing the main criticalities within the systems prone to flood risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to identify the monetary value of the different functions of a forest in order to estimate the environmental diseases or in order to plan and take decisions. The aim of this paper is to test a new methodology that focuses on the spatialization of the monetary values of benefits (services) that are offered by a forest. This methodology is based on the "Benefit transfer" approach and empirical indexes used in non-monetary evaluations. The result demonstrates the analysis of tourist-recreational function of the forest in the Tuscany Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extra-zonal beech forests in Tuscany: structure, diversity and synecologic features. The present paper focuses on the structural, synecological and floristic diversity features of beech-dominated forest communities in four major areas of the Antiapenninic Tyrrhenian system in Tuscany: Metalliferous hills, mountains to the south of Mt. Amiata, volcanic area of the upper Lente valley and Mt. Cetona. These are relict woodlands of Holo-Pleistocene origin with a special ecological and conservation value due to their extrazonal location in lowland submediterranean areas. Results show substantial among-area differences in structure, synecology and plant species composition, but in general a potential for coppices to reach the tall forest stage, as demonstrated by the old-growth stands of Pietraporciana and Sassoforte. Compared with montane Apenninic beechwoods, the relatively rich flora of the studied communities include thermophilous species with a southern Apennine-Balkan distribution, making their syntaxonomical position unclear. Closer affinities are found with the calcicolous Beech Forests of the Lathyro veneti-Fagetum association and with the silicicolous ones of the Fraxino orni-Fagetum. Based on the Natura 2000 system, all the examined communities belong to the priority Habitat "Apennine beech forests with Taxus and Ilex" (code: 9210*). Due their relict nature, these biotopes appear vulnerable to climate changes and to a production-oriented forest management. Criteria of naturalistic silviculture should instead promote the dynamic development of these communities towards tall forests and their natural regeneration. INSET: Schema sintassonomico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its high price, extra virgin olive oil is frequently targeted for adulteration with lower quality oils. This paper presents an innovative optical technique capable of quantifying and discriminating the adulteration of extra virgin olive oil caused by lower-grade olive oils. An original set-up for diffuse-light absorption spectroscopy in the wide 400-1,700 nm spectral range was experimented. It made use of an integrating sphere containing the oil sample and of optical fibers for illumination and detection; it provided intrinsically scattering-free absorption spectroscopy measurements. This set-up was used to collect spectroscopic fingerprints of authentic extra virgin olive oils from the Italian Tuscany region, adulterated by different concentrations of olive-pomace oil, refined olive oil, deodorized olive oil, and refined olive-pomace oil. Then, a straightforward multivariate processing of spectroscopic data based on principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis was applied which was successfully capable of predicting the fraction of adulterant in the mixture, and of discriminating its type. The results achieved by means of optical spectroscopy were compared with the analysis of fatty acids, which was carried out by standard gas chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial beach nourishment can significantly modify original beach colour, altering an important component of the coastal landscape; this can produce deleterious environmental effects and potentially induce controversies among stakeholders, leading even to litigation. This paper reviews some of these impacts, discusses chromatic compatibility of borrow sediments, and proposes techniques to assess it. Further, it evaluates the preference of beach users towards different sand colours through 320 interviews held at natural and nourished beaches in Italy using Munsell and CIE L*a*b* colour spaces. Results show that colour acceptance is significantly related to sand lightness, though in some cases different preferences were due to memories and sensations related to the colour of original or idealised beaches. The study confirmed the preference of beach users towards light-colour sand and showed that nourishments that use sediment of a new colour can influence the degree of appreciation of light and dark sands. Results from this study were further applied to the specifications of a bid for a beach fill project, setting the colorimetric coordinates in CIE L*a*b* space for sediments considered suitable for the nourishment of a particular beach in Tuscany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  This paper presents the first general survey of carpological analyses carried out in archaeological sites in Tuscany (Italy), based on literature and our own research. The data show that with the onset of the Neolithic, naked wheats (Triticum aestivum/durum/turgidum), unfortunately not certainly identifiable due to the lack of chaff, different glume wheats (Triticum monococcum/dicoccum/spelta) of which einkorn and emmer are certainly identified and barley (Hordeum vulgare) play a definite role. Certainly identified specimens of spelt (Triticum spelta) and millet (Panicum miliaceum) appear in the Bronze Age. The importance of oats is difficult to assess. Beginning in the Bronze Age, an increasing importance of pulses is observed, as in some other parts of Europe. Grape collection seems to be a practice that goes back at least to the Neolithic in Tuscany, while it is not yet clear as to when the appearance of viticulture and wine-making should be dated. The use of cornelian cherry was widespread in the Bronze Age and also continued in the Etruscan period (around 1000 b.c.). However, the available results are scarce and previous identifications may need verification. Corroboration of the data is needed through future systematic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A 90 m deep core from the Massaciuccoli lake basin (Tuscany, Italy) offers new material for improving the knowledge of the Holocene vegetation history in the coastal plains in Tuscany and Liguria bordering the Mar Ligure (Ligurian sea). In this paper, an assessment of the upper part of the core is presented. During the Holocene, the area was covered by woodlands whose composition changed in time. Numerous oscillations of the tree taxa were recorded which can probably be connected to sea level variations that had a strong influence on the depth of the water table. Human impact is evident particularly at ca. 4200–2500 b.p. when traces of opening of the woodland accompanied by noticeable pollen percentages ofVitiscould suggest an early agricultural practice favouring this native plant. The new data have been integrated with previous palaeobotanical and archaeobotanical research. The occurrence of coastal wetlands has been shown. Throughout the Holocene, Mediterranean evergreen vegetation is generally poorly represented; it becomes widespread only in the late Holocene, suggesting that its establishment was probably favoured by the management practices in the coastal plains, particularly land reclamations, starting from the Roman period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional diversity indices summarize the information about the relative abundances of species within a community without regard to differences between species. However, intuitively, a community composed of dissimilar taxa is more diverse than a community composed of more similar taxa. Therefore, useful indices of diversity should account for taxonomic relations among species. In this paper, a new parametric diversity index that combines species relative abundances and their taxonomic distinctiveness is used to quantify the way in which soil fertilization affects the diversity of a garigue community on ultramafic soils of Tuscany (central Italy). Results show that, while ultramafic soils generally host plant communities of limited taxonomic diversity with respect to similar communities on other substrates, fertilization significantly enhances the biomass production of species that are not exclusive to ultramafic soils. As a consequence, if diversity is measured combining species relative abundances with their taxonomic distinctiveness, nutrient addition tends to increase the diversity of ultramafic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the days 20-21 November 2000, a storm of exceptional intensity triggered over 50 landslides within the province of Pistoia in Tuscany (Italy). These failures are mostly of complex type, originating as rotational or translational landslides, and transforming into flows. Two of these landslides were investigated in this paper by modelling the ground water infiltration process, the pore water pressure variations, both positive and negative, and the effects of these variations on slope stability during the rainfall event. Morphometric and geotechnical analyses were carried out for both sites through a series of in-situ and laboratory tests, the results of which were used as input for the modelling process. In a first step the surface infiltration rate was simulated using a modified Chu (1978) approach for the Green and Ampt (1911) equations in case of unsteady rainfall together with a surficial water balance. A finite element seepage analysis for transient conditions was then employed to model the changes in pore water pressure during the event, using the computed infiltration rate as the ground surface boundary condition. Finally, once again using the data from the previous step as input, the limit equilibrium Morgenstern-Price (1965) slope stability method was applied to calculate the variations in the factor of safety during the event and thereby determine the most critical time of instability. In both sites this method produced a curve for the factor of safety that indicated that the most critical time for failure occurred a few hours after the peak of rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monti Pisani massif (Tuscany, central Italy) is an isolated mountain relief known for its rich geodiversity, including a remarkable palaeontological heritage from the Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. The Palaeozoic record consists of exquisitely preserved plant remains and rarer invertebrates of Permo-Carboniferous age, which testify to extensive rainforests and large swamps that thrived in an alluvial system under a humid, (sub)tropical climate. In addition to invertebrate shells, invertebrate trace fossils and microbial structures, the Mesozoic record features a diverse Middle Triassic tetrapod ichnoassemblage consisting of tracks of lepidosauromorphs, archosaurs (among which are the earliest dinosauromorph fossils of Italy) and nonmammalian therapsids. These vertebrates lived in a subsiding costal setting that stretched across an expanding rift valley under a subarid climate. The Cenozoic record features abundant fossils of terrestrial vertebrates (including spectacular members of the mammalian megafauna) from karst deposits, testifying to the manifold inhabitants of the massif during the glacial and interglacial phases of the Late Pleistocene. Overall, this long-lasting fossil record remarkably demonstrates how much the Earth's environments have been changing through the Phanerozoic. The outstanding palaeontological heritage of the Monti Pisani area is in need of specific efforts of conservation and valorisation, especially with respect to the many palaeontological sites that punctuate the massif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we evaluated the influence of root structure on shallow landslide distribution. Root density measurements were acquired in the field and the corresponding root cohesion was estimated. Data were acquired from 150 hillslope deposit trenches dug in areas either devoid or affected by shallow landslides within the Garfagnana Valley (northern Tuscany, Italy). Results highlighted a correlation between the root reinforcement and the location of measurement sites. Namely, lower root density was detected within shallow landslides, with respect to neighboring areas. Root area ratio (RAR) data allowed us to estimate root cohesion by the application of the revised version of the Wu and Waldron Model. Then, we propose a new method for the assimilation of the lateral root reinforcement into the infinite slope model and the limit equilibrium approach by introducing the equivalent root cohesion parameter. The results fall within the range of root cohesion values adopted in most of the physically based shallow landslide susceptibility models known in the literature (mean values ranging between ca. 2 and 3 kPa). Moreover, the results are in line with the scientific literature that has demonstrated the link between root mechanical properties, spatial variability of root reinforcement, and shallow landslide locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The geothermal power plants for electricity production currently active in Italy are all located in Mt. Amiata area in the Tuscany region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the framework of the regional project "InVETTA—Biomonitoring Survey and Epidemiological Evaluations for the Protection of Health in the Amiata Territories", using objective measures of lung function to investigate the role of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in affecting the respiratory health of the population living in this area. Methods: 2018 adults aged 18–70 were enrolled during 2017–2019. Home and workplace addresses of participants were geocoded. Dispersion modelling was used to evaluate the spatial variability of exposure to H2S from the geothermal power plants' emissions. We estimated average long-term historical exposure to H2S and more recent exposure indicators. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was defined according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to investigate associations between outcome and exposure. Results: Our findings did not showed any evidence of an association between increasing H2S exposure and lung function impairments. Some risk reductions were observed: a -32.8% (p = 0.003) for FEV1<80% and a -51.7% (p = 0.001) risk decrease for FVC<80% were associated with interquartile increase (13.8 μg/m3) of H2S levels. Conclusion: Our study provides no evidence that chronic exposure to low levels of H2S is associated with decrements in pulmonary function, suggesting that ambient H2S exposure may benefit lung function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extinct "false mako" shark, Parotodus benedenii (Lamniformes: Otodontidae), is essentially known from large, robust teeth that are widespread but overall rare in Oligocene to Pliocene deposits worldwide. More than 150 years after its description, this species still represents a palaeontological conundrum, as very little is known about its body aspect and palaeoecology. Here, we describe new specimens of P. benedenii from the Pliocene of Tuscany, central Italy. These new finds comprise some of the geologically youngest finds of P. benedenii worldwide, witnessing to the survival of false makos until the Late Pliocene at least, which in turn suggests that P. benedenii may have been the latest surviving member of the family Otodontidae. Building upon a thorough literature review, we provide an updated synthesis of the palaeobiology of P. benedenii. In light of the morphological evidence, and considering previously published suggestions, P. benedenii may be reconstructed as a large-sized, carnivorous shark that dwelt in pelagic settings and fed primarily on large, soft prey and scavenging items. Thus, some ecological partitioning did likely exist between P. benedenii and other elasmobranch apex predators of the Neogene mid-latitude seas (including, in Pliocene times, the extant species Carcharodon carcharias, Carcharhinus leucas and Galeocerdo cuvier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability in lithology and weathering degree affects physical and mechanical properties of rocks. In this study, we investigated the relationships between weathering degree and engineering geological properties of trachydacitic volcanic rocks from Monte Amiata (central Italy) by coupling field and laboratory analyses. We collected in situ Schmidt hammer tests in the field. We evaluated weathering quantifying the percentage of secondary minerals through thermal analysis in the laboratory. We also determined dry density ( ρ d ), specific gravity of solids (Gs), porosity (n) and two-dimensional (2D) porosity as resulted from scanning electron microscopy investigations. The results of our study indicate a negative linear correlation between Schmidt hammer rebound values and secondary mineral percentage. This correlation provides a tool to quantitatively estimate the deterioration of rock uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) as weathering increases. Moreover, thermal analysis turned out to be a quantitative and reproducible method to evaluate weathering degree of magmatic rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A form of rural tourism in expansion is horse tourism. Equitourism is a form of hiking that allows for an intimate and natural use of landscapes and local territories. Equestrian tourism today no longer represents a small elite market niche, as it has become a true form of pastime for an increasing number of users. Trail planning and management need to consider the changes that are already occurring, as well as those that are predicted to lie ahead. The key trends that are expected to have an impact on recreational horse trail planning and management are highlighted in this research. Many of these trends have been emerging over decades and have rapidly increased due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, in many Italian regions, especially in Tuscany, thanks to the enhancement of the Tuscan equestrian routes, projects for the promotion of equestrian tourism have been developed. In this work the methodology applied was based on the identification of an appropriate database created in the GIS context and specifically coded for equestrian tourism. The aim is to guarantee the creation of an innovative and functional product to meet the needs of this sustainable tourism sector, providing information capable of facilitating the end user, who, through their GPS, georeferenced images and maps, will have the possibility of planning and traveling the horse trail in complete safety. The final result of this research (the first case study in Italy) is the creation of a modern and complete information database of a horse trail that can be managed using GIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Filgotinib (FIL) is a selective JAK1 inhibitor with an affinity 30-fold higher than JAK2, approved to treat moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in adults with inadequate response or intolerance to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicentric study in order to evaluate efficacy and safety of FIL 200 mg daily therapy, after 3 and 6 months, in 120 patients affected by RA, managed in Tuscany and Umbria rheumatological centers. The following clinical records were analyzed: demographical data, smoking status, previous presence of comorbidities (Herpes zoster -HZ- infection, venous thromboembolism -VTE-, major adverse cardiovascular events -MACE-, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension), disease duration, presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), rheumatoid factor (RF), number of biological failures, and prior csDMARDs utilized. At baseline, and after 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months of FIL therapy, we evaluated mean steroid dosage, csDMARDs intake, clinimetric indexes (DAS28, CDAI, HAQ, patient and doctor PGA, VAS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and body mass index (BMI). Results: At baseline, the mean disease duration was 9.4 ± 7.5 years; the prevalence of previous HZ infection, VTE, MACE, and cancer was respectively 4.12%, 0%, 7.21%, and 0.83%, respectively. In total, 76.3% of patients failed one or more biologics (one biological failure, 20.6%; two biological failures, 27.8%; three biological failures, 16.5%; four biological failures, 10.3%; five biological failures, 1.1%). After 3 months of FIL therapy, all clinimetric index results significantly improved from baseline, as well as after 6 months. Also, ESR and CRP significatively decreased at T3 and T6. Two cases of HZ were recorded, while no new MACE, VTE, or cancer were recorded during the observation time. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of the retrospective study and of the observational period of only 6 months, real-life data on the treatment of RA patients with FIL demonstrate that this Jak inhibitor therapy is safe in terms of CV, VTE events, and occurrence of cancer, and is also effective in a population identified as "difficult to treat" due to failure of previous b-DMARD therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In central Italy, the Charterhouse of Calci hosts the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa. This monumental monastery was founded in 1366 by Carthusian monks. The Charterhouse has experienced various transformations over the centuries, until its abandonment in the 1970s. Since 2018, interdisciplinary archaeological research focused on the monks' gardens (and particularly: the Prior's, the Apothecary's, and the Master's garden) and the green spaces outside the cloister walls, consisting of courtyards and orchards, to determine the individual (gardens) and collective (green spaces and surrounding woods) practices adopted by Carthusians. Palynology and archaeobotany have allowed to reconstruct the plant biodiversity, with flowers and ornamental, aromatic, and medicinal herbs that grew in the gardens, as well as the management of local hilly woods and agricultural practices, including the cultivation of fruit trees, such as chestnut, olive tree, almond tree, and grapevine. Our research has been based on a solid theoretical approach, interpreting archaeological and archaeobotanical data in relation to the intricate network of human and non-human connections. Gardens are seen as a co-creation made together by human and non-human agencies, and their diachronic transformation is read as an expression of personalities of the monks, feelings, and connections with nature and divinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new mineral batoniite, [Al 8 (OH) 14 (H 2 O) 18 ](SO 4)5 ⋅ 5H 2 O, was discovered in the Cetine di Cotorniano Mine, Chiusdino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy. It occurs as hemispherical aggregates composed of brittle tabular crystals, up to 1 mm in size, white to colorless in color, with a white streak and a vitreous to greasy luster. Batoniite is biaxial negative, with α= 1.4833(6), β= 1.4948(6), γ= 1.5019(5) (589 nm), and 2 V(meas.)= 71(1) ∘. Electron microprobe analysis, affected by the dehydration of batoniite under the chamber vacuum, gave (in wt %) the following: Al 2 O 3 33.48, Fe 2 O 3 0.05, SO 3 33.00, and H 2 O calc 44.41, total 110.94. It corresponds to the chemical formula (Al 7.98 Fe 0.013+)Σ7.99 (SO 4)5.01 (OH) 13.95 (H 2 O) 18 ⋅ 5H 2 O. Batoniite is triclinic, belonging to space group P1‾ , with a= 9.1757(6), b= 12.0886(9), c= 20.9218(15) Å, α= 82.901(3), β= 87.334(3), γ= 86.999(2) ∘ , V= 2297.8(3) Å 3 , and Z= 2. The crystal structure was refined to R1= 0.0916 for 8118 unique reflections with Fo>4σ(Fo) and 811 refined parameters and 60 restraints. Batoniite is characterized by isolated [Al 8 (OH) 14 (H 2 O) 18 ] 10+ polyoxocations, H-bonded to five interstitial (SO 4) 2- and five H 2 O groups. In type material, it is associated with gypsum and a poorly crystallized Al–Fe sulfate. The crystallization of batoniite is probably due to the action of H 2 SO 4 on Al-bearing rocks of Paleozoic age cropping out in the Garibaldi Tunnel, the lowest mining level of the Cetine di Cotorniano Mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the entrance of some churches in Tuscany (Italy), the reproduction of an apparently undecipherable inscription can be found. Beginning in the 18th century, this epigraphic puzzle has originated a debate on its interpretation. This study proposes a hypothesis based on the Latin alphabet used in texts contemporary to the churches where the inscription is reproduced and a possible interpretation of the message consistent with the official religious doctrine. The proposed deciphering is extended to the full text, including some signs that were previously considered geometric forms or a specific elaboration of letters not attested in other contemporary documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In Valdichiana, an agricultural area of Tuscany (C Italy), an antique landrace of elephant garlic (A. ampeloprasum L.) locally known as "Aglione della Valdichiana" has been cultivated for a long time, and has been recently recognized as a traditional agri-food product of Tuscany and of Italy. Two methods of cultivation of elephant garlic are currently in use in Valdichiana: conventional and organic, the latter not making use of mineral fertilizers and chemical pesticides, even if the cultivation of elephant garlic is a low impact one. This paper aimed at testing if there are differences in the mineral and nutraceutical profiles of elephant garlic cultivated conventionally and organically in the Valdichiana area. Our results indicated only small differences and no evidence of healthier food or superior nutraceutical quality for organically grown elephant garlic. In the Valdichiana area (Tuscany, Italy) an ancient native landrace of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), locally known as "Aglione della Valdichiana", has long been cultivated. The aim of this study was to check whether there are differences in the mineral and nutraceutical profiles of the Aglione della Valdichiana cultivated conventionally and organically. Based on the analysis by ICP-MS of a wide array of major, minor, essential, and non-essential trace elements as well as rare earth elements, and the evaluation of the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, soluble proteins, soluble sugars, and starch, as well as the weight and water content, it was concluded that differences in the mineral and nutraceutical profiles of organically and conventionally grown bulbs were very limited. Only a statistically (p < 0.05) higher concentration of Cd (+2620%), Co (+113%), Mn (+55%), Rb (+180%), and Sb (+180%), as well as glucose (+37%) in conventionally cultivated bulbs emerged. Cadmium was the only element slightly higher than in the "reference plant," but with a negligible risk (three orders of magnitude lower) for human health based on consumption. It is concluded that we failed to find evidence of healthier food or a higher nutraceutical quality for organically cultivated elephant garlic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mowing of sports fields generates a significant amount of waste biomass which requires appropriate management. On the largest scale, this problem affects golf courses with a grass surface area of up to 100 ha. Currently, the main directions for grass clippings management include composting, grass cycling, and waste. A certain alternative may be the energetic utilization of grass clippings, which not only solves the problem of organic waste management, but also brings measurable economic profits in the form of generated electricity and heat. This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of the application of a micro biogas plant, fed with grass clippings from a golf course project in Tuscany, with a grass surface of 111.21 ha. It has been shown that the annual biomass potential is 526.65 tDM∙year−1 (±45.64 tDM∙year−1), which makes it possible to build a micro biogas plant with an electric power of ca. 46 kW. The potential amount of electricity produced during the year is able to cover 16.95–37.35% (depending on the season) of electricity demand in the hotel resort, which includes two golf courses and practice facilities. The produced heat in the amount of 1388.41 GJ, in turn, is able to cover the annual heat demand in the range of 7.95–17.24% (depending on the season). In addition, the electricity and heat produced exceeds the energy expenditures for mowing, making the energy balance positive. Unfortunately, the analysis showed that the construction of a micro scale biogas plant is economically unprofitable and is characterized (in the period of 10 years) by negative IRR and ROI (−17.74% and −34.98%, respectively). However, it should be emphasized that with the additional income resulting from the avoidance of fees for the export and management of organic waste and the reduction of fertilization costs (fertilization of part of the golf course with digestate), the application of a micro biogas plant may turn out to be economically feasible (NPV > 0). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic waste represents an opportunity and a challenge for policy decision makers and lately the attention has been focusing on community composting practices identifying the environmental and/or economic aspects. Evidence of citizens' attitudes and preferences is scarce, and this paper aims to fill this gap. The results of a contingent valuation survey in three councils of the Province of Siena, Tuscany (Italy) are reported along with an extended cost-benefit analysis. Results echo previous findings that GHGs emissions and money-saving for all municipalities are positive and encouraging; moreover, our study proves that citizens are keen to switch to the community recycling composter system. Citizens present heterogeneous preferences and accordingly to the current waste management system they might need a small financial compensation to switch in favour of the local community system. [Display omitted] • The paper evaluates environmental and economic sustainability of a community composting system by Contingent Valuation Method. • 92% of citizens are willing to participate in local community recycling of organic waste with minimal monetary compensation. • GHGs accounting and CBA results endorse the community recycling composter as a promising opportunity to reduce waste and recycle resources. • Cost-Benefit Analysis shows a net positive revenue for the community compost system. • Results support a switch towards local recycling facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyse the effects of tourists' demand on the economic system of Tuscany using a multiplier model based on the (64 x 64) regional Social Accounting Matrix 2011. To this end, after identifying the exogenous and endogenous accounts (variables), we obtain endogenous account coefficients and impact multipliers. Evidence exists that tourism activity is well integrated into the regional economic system. Moreover, this activity has a remarkable impact on food production, value added, and households' expenditure. A policy simulation shows that a positive shock in tourists’ expenditure results in an overall positive increase in demand for agriculture and industry products, as well as in an increase in regional value added, and institutional sector activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a brief analysis of panel painting technique in Tuscany and its development in the period from the twelfth to the thirteenth century, from the Sarzana Cross by Maestro Guglielmo (1138) to Giotto's early works like the Santa Maria Novella painted cross and the Madonna from San Giorgio alla Costa, recently restored. Wooden supports, ground layers, gilding and-paint layers are examined and artistic techniques are compared with the expressive intent and the use of images at that time. The paper aims to illustrate how, from the various different techniques existing in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, there was a reduction during the second half of the thirteenth century that would eventually produce the well-known technique of the fourteenth century recorded by Cennini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolichopoda schiavazzii is a cave cricket species endemic to Tuscany, Italy. This species inhabits natural limestone caves and also man-made hypogean environments. Dolichopoda schiavazzii can colonize new environments both passively and actively. This species shows a metapopulational structure depending on both the cave's external bioclimatic conditions and the geographical distance. This paper reports data on 26 allozyme loci in nine populations of D. s. schiavazzii and in one of D. s. caprai, investigates their genetic structuring and provides measures of gene flow between them at different geographical scales. Some loci showed heterozygote deficiencies, probably owing to the Wahlund effect, caused by the mixing of individuals belonging to two different cohorts. Genetic subdivision is high, particularly among populations inhabiting caves located on the Tyrrhenian coast. The mean F[sub ST] (θ estimator) across populations was 0.34. An analysis of the gene flow levels, carried out by comparing pairwise Nm values, indicates that the number of migrants drops as the geographical distance increases, suggesting the actual occurrence of gene flow only between geographically close populations in an inner area of Tuscany where the occurrence of mesophilous woods might favour migration between caves. The general picture, however, is one of a substantial lack of gene flow, even if a significant trend of isolation by distance is found, probably reflecting historical gene flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low coverage of influenza vaccination in nursing home (NH) staff may be attributed to factors such as vaccine confidence (VC) and vaccine literacy (VL). Our study aimed to evaluate the role of VL and VC in predicting the intention to get the influenza vaccine in a sample of employees of NHs in Tuscany, Italy. Methods: Data from staff members in Tuscany were collected using an online questionnaire that examined influenza vaccination history, intentions, demographic information, health status, and VL. Statistical analyses explored the relationships between VC, VL, and vaccination intentions. Results: The study included 1794 respondents, (86.3%) and assistants/aides (58.1%), with a median age of 46 years. The intention to get vaccinated was significantly higher among those with health risk conditions, and there was a positive association between VC and VL, specifically its interactive/critical component. The mediation analysis showed that VC completely mediated the relationship between VL and the intention to get vaccinated, with significant effects observed in different subgroups. Conclusions: VC is a key factor that mediates the effect of VL on vaccine intention. These results suggest that interventions aimed at improving VL alone may not be sufficient to increase vaccine uptake unless VC is also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2007 and 2022, 112 specimens of newborn and young pelagic sharks were recorded in the waters of Tuscany Region, in the South Ligurian–North Tyrrhenian Seas (north-western Mediterranean basin). The sharks belonged to the Carcharhinus plumbeus (n = 14), Prionace glauca (n = 66), Isurus oxyrinchus (n = 16), Mobula mobular (n = 5) Alopias vulpinus (n = 7) and Hexanchus griseus (n = 4) species. Each animal was correctly identified thanks to the photographs or videos collected. All specimens were incidentally captured with set nets in inshore shallow waters, except bluntnose six-gill sharks, which were bycatch of deep-water bottom-trawl fishery. Body mass, sex, total length and biometric measurements were recorded in 34 baby sharks following the Mediterranean Large Elasmobranches Monitoring (MEDLEM) protocol. The presence of very evident and often non-healed umbilical scar confirmed that some of the sample specimens were newborn. Further confirmation came from the comparison between the total length observed and the size at birth known for the sampled species as reported in the literature. Some baby sharks were preserved in the Museums of Natural History of Pisa and Florence University collections. The importance of the coastal area studied as a possible shark nursery is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monteferrato area is the source site of “Verde Prato” that, together with Carrara Marble, forms the visual duotone that typifies Renaissance buildings in Tuscany. Verde Prato is a serpentinized peridotite that crops out close to Figline di Prato. At the beginning of the 20th century, Gustav Steinmann visited and described the ophiolitic outcrops of Figline di Prato, which contributed to his recognition of the “Steinmann Trinity”, i.e., the common co-occurrence of serpentinites, pillow basalts and cherts. The Steinmann Trinity concept, in turn, formed an essential step in the development of ophiolite theories, sea-floor spreading, and plate tectonics. Because of the cultural, artistic and geologic importance of the Monteferrato serpentinized peridotite, the Tuscan Region classified these quarries as historical sites in its list of the Historical Ornamental Stones Quarries. Within the Monteferrato serpentinites, large portions of the original peridotite are locally partially preserved, still presenting original microstructure of the mantle protolith. These peridotites preserve vestiges of sub-continental mantle deformation that occurred during the early stages of lithosphere extension, which opened the Ligurian Tethys in the Early Jurassic. Static crystallization of peridotitic minerals was followed by bulk serpentinization. Successive veins formed, filled by chrysotile and lizardite, with the former cutting the latter. Antigorite is also present in veins, but crosscutting relationships with the other veins are unclear. A tentative interpretation of the veining events relates the antigorite vein formation associated with the gabbro intrusions into the serpentinized peridotite, while the transition from chrysotile to lizardite relates to the activation of an extensional tectonic regime, perhaps linked to the closure of the Ligurian Tethys and bending of the subducting plate. Serpentinization may also provide the key to understand how the Monteferrato peridotites were ultimately emplaced within the Monte Morello Unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to use quantitative and repeatable GIS techniques, as well as Machine Learning algorithms, to study the settlement patterns in Southern Etruria during the final phase of the Bronze Age (1150-950/925 BC). The region of Southern Etruria is located in present-day Latium, Tuscany, and Umbria. The study, which includes 166 settlements, focuses on identifying the morphological characteristics of these settlements by means of raster analysis. Using a Machine Learning approach, the research will compare real settlements with random points within the region to understand the specific characteristics of the settlement pattern in the landscape. The study will also examine the use of feature selection and features importance methods to select the most significant features of a multivariate dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic radically changed learning approaches by introducing long-distance teaching methods that are being applied both partially or completely. However, this emergency solution has not allowed everyone access to primary and secondary education and has resulted in various forms of discomfort due to students' socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. This contribution aims to demonstrate how long-distance teaching has produced different effects in the diverse pathways of study within the Italian school system which is based on early tracking and is characterized by the persistence of social reproduction mechanisms that have long been called attention to. In order to highlight how long-distance learning has been experienced differently by technical, vocational, and liceo students, an exploratory qualitative study focused on different upper secondary pathways within some schools in Tuscany was carried out. From the data collected, it was revealed that the greatest difficulties were encountered by students from low-SES families mostly concentrated in vocational schools. The pandemic emergency, therefore, seems to have further underscored the relational and educational needs of the most disadvantaged students. Overcoming an educational system based on early tracking could be a first necessary response to dealing with these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total mass of individual synthetic polymers present as microplastic (MP < 2 mm) pollutants in the sediments of interconnected aquatic environments was determined adopting the Polymer Identification and Specific Analysis (PISA) procedure. The investigated area includes a coastal lakebed (Massaciuccoli), a coastal seabed (Serchio River estuarine), and a sandy beach (Lecciona), all within a natural park area in Tuscany (Italy). Polyolefins, poly(styrene) (PS), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and the polyamides poly(caprolactame) (Nylon 6) and poly(hexamethylene adipamide) (Nylon 6,6) were fractionated and quantified through a sequence of selective solvent extractions followed by either analytical pyrolysis or reversed-phase HPLC analysis of the products of hydrolytic depolymerizations under acidic and alkaline conditions. The highest concentrations of polyolefins (highly degraded, up to 864 µg/kg of dry sediment) and PS (up to 1138 µg/kg) MPs were found in the beach dune sector, where larger plastic debris are not removed by the cyclic swash action and are thus prone to further aging and fragmentation. Surprisingly, low concentrations of less degraded polyolefins (around 30 µg/kg) were found throughout the transect zones of the beach. Positive correlation was found between polar polymers (PVC, PC) and phthalates, most likely absorbed from polluted environments. PET and nylons above their respective LOQ values were found in the lakebed and estuarine seabed hot spots. The pollution levels suggest a significant contribution from riverine and canalized surface waters collecting urban (treated) wastewaters and waters from Serchio River and the much larger Arno River aquifers, characterized by a high anthropogenic pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sap-sucking insect Corythucha arcuata (Say) (Hemiptera Tingidae), also known as the oak lace bug (OLB), is an invasive pest mainly associated with oaks. Native to North America, it was introduced in Europe in 2000 (Northern Italy). The OLB is now reported in several other European countries, mostly from the Balkan region. At the time of its first record in Italy, the OLB had already invaded an extensive area between Lombardy and Piedmont. New reports were published in the following years for other north-eastern Italian regions: Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Emilia Romagna. The object of this study was to determine the presence of the OLB in Tuscany (central Italy). A survey of Quercus trees was carried out from late summer to early autumn 2021. All Tuscan provinces were included. In addition, during the survey also few sites in Latium, on the border with Tuscany (province of Viterbo), were included in this study, for a total of 50 survey points (SPs) located in urban and in peri-urban areas. In each SP, the number of attacked trees, as well as the infestation level of each oak species were recorded. Both morphological and molecular approaches were adopted to identify the pest. C. arcuata was found in 29 out of 50 SPs (28 in Tuscany and one in Latium). About 79% of the urban SPs had been invaded, as opposed to 32% of peri-urban invaded ones. This concurs with the agreed-upon hypothesis that the dispersal of this invasive pest is mainly human-mediated. Quercus robur and Quercus cerris were the most infested species (72% and 69% of attacked trees, respectively), while only 8% of Quercus pubescens trees were found to be infested. First records of OLB often are in urban environments, however, this insect is not only an urban problem, but also a forestry problem, in fact reports from Eastern Europe account for over 1.7 million hectares of OLB-infested forests. Thus, the OLB is a concern for oak forest health, and it is worthy of further research in order to help overcome the progressing European oak decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Integrated Supply Chain Projects (ISCP) are promoted under the framework of Rural Development Programs (RDPs). Considering the scarce literature on ISCP, the case of Tuscany, one of the Italian regions that has implemented ISCPs most aggressively, was analyzed. The aim of this work is to give evidence of the potential positive effects of ISCPs for the agricultural sector by considering the differences between ISCP beneficiaries (treated) and non-ISCP farms (non-treated). The materials used for the analysis are twofold: the Italian Rural Network database and the Italian Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) dataset. The analysis is based on a three-year period (2018–2020). The sample consists of 1693 farms, outliers excluded. The treated farms included in the FADN sample total 134. The variables used are both structural and economic. The statistical analysis carried out compares treated and non-treated farms using the Welch-t-test. The results show that some key variables are significant (area; labour; revenues and costs). In general, the treated farms are more likely to improve their production process through EU funding and through new investments. In conclusion, the ISCP could be a good opportunity to support the sector. This work suggests that beneficiaries could achieve higher economic performance, especially when carrying out diversified activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: Wildlife conservation effectiveness relies on the accuracy of population data used to build management plans. Estimating population size and dynamics of large vertebrates living on wide areas is a challenging task and results can vary depending on the methods adopted. In the present study, the size of a wolf population was estimated both by field monitoring and statistical modeling on demographic data. Results showed discrepancies with respect to previous bibliographic estimates which resulted significantly lower. Moreover, statistical techniques on demographic data allowed a deeper knowledge of population's trend, pointing out the importance of mortality rates in driving population growth. We suggest combining statistical modeling and field monitoring to achieve a satisfactory knowledge of population size and dynamics useful to foster reliable management and conservation plans. We estimated the current size and dynamics of the wolf population in Tuscany and investigated the trends and demographic drivers of population changes. Estimates were obtained by two different approaches: (i) mixed-technique field monitoring (from 2014 to 2016) that found the minimum observed pack number and estimated population size, and (ii) an individual-based model (run by Vortex software v. 10.3.8.0) with demographic inputs derived from a local intensive study area and historic data on population size. Field monitoring showed a minimum population size of 558 wolves (SE = 12.005) in 2016, with a density of 2.74 individuals/100 km2. The population model described an increasing trend with an average annual rate of increase λ = 1.075 (SE = 0.014), an estimated population size of about 882 individuals (SE = 9.397) in 2016, and a density of 4.29 wolves/100 km2. Previously published estimates of wolf population were as low as 56.2% compared to our field monitoring estimation and 34.6% in comparison to our model estimation. We conducted sensitivity tests to analyze the key parameters driving population changes based on juvenile and adult mortality rates, female breeding success, and litter size. Mortality rates played a major role in determining intrinsic growth rate changes, with adult mortality accounting for 62.5% of the total variance explained by the four parameters. Juvenile mortality was responsible for 35.8% of the variance, while female breeding success and litter size had weak or negligible effects. We concluded that reliable estimates of population abundance and a deeper understanding of the role of different demographic parameters in determining population dynamics are crucial to define and carry out appropriate conservation and management strategies to address human–wildlife conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wildlife captive management, contraception is highly desirable due to inbreeding risk and needed control of intra- and inter-specific aggressions. Deer, for which surgical castration can cause abnormal growth of the antlers, are suitable candidates for pharmacological castration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pharmacological castration on the physiological patterns and volatile chemical profiles of two deer species. We placed a subcutaneous implant of deslorelin acetate (4.7 mg) on four male red deer (Cervus elaphus) and two male fallow deer (Dama dama) (N = 6) living together in a mixed-sex and -species group housed at a wildlife rescue centre in Tuscany, Italy. We combined hormone measurements and chemical investigation of metatarsal scent-gland odour secretions to test whether pharmacological castration will influence the volatile chemical profile, potentially modifying the olfactory communication during the rutting season. We used radioimmunoassay technique to determine faecal and plasma testosterone as well as faecal cortisol levels, and solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyse the scent-gland odour secretions. We found that deer testosterone levels decreased after the subcutaneous deposition of the implant. However, castrated red deer exhibited more variability in testosterone concentrations throughout the study period compared to fallow deer, whose testosterone levels remained low after the implant. We detected a total of 124 (red deer) and 88 (fallow deer) volatile compounds in male scent-gland odour secretions, including naturally occurring ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes, carboxylic acids, esters, volatile fatty acids, and hydrocarbons. Odour richness, but not total abundance or ratios of compounds, changed with testosterone levels in red deer. In conclusion, our preliminary findings suggest that deslorelin acetate, causing a decrease of testosterone level and impacting the chemical profile of odour secretions, could work as a non-invasive contraception approach in human-managed populations of deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-19 has brought many difficulties in the management of infected and high-risk patients. Telemedicine platforms can really help in this situation, since they allow remotely monitoring Covid-19 patients, reducing the risk for the doctors, without decreasing the efficiency of the therapies and while alleviating patients' mental issues. In this paper, we present the entire architecture and the experience of using the Tel.Te.Covid19 telemedicine platform. Projected for the treatment of chronic diseases, it has been technologically updated for the management of Covid-19 patients with the support of a group of doctors in the territory when the pandemic arrived, introducing new sensors and functionalities (e.g., the familiar use and video calls). In Tuscany (Central Italy), during the first wave of outbreak, a model for enrolling patients was created and tested. Because of the positive results, the latter has been then adopted in the second current wave. The Tel.Te.Covid19 platform has been used by 40 among general practitioners and doctors of continuity care and about 180 symptomatic patients since March 2020. Both patients and doctors have good opinion of the platform, and no hospitalisations or deaths occurred for the monitored patients, reducing also the impact on the National Healthcare System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, multi-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data at L- and C-bands (ALOS PALSAR and Envisat/ASAR) were used to estimate forest biomass in Tuscany, in Central Italy. The ground measurements of woody volume (WV, in m3/ha), which can be considered as a proxy of forest biomass, were retrieved from the Italian National Forest Inventory (NFI). After a preliminary investigation to assess the sensitivity of backscatter at C- and L-bands to forest biomass, an approach based on an artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented. The ANN was trained using the backscattering coefficient at L-band (ALOS PALSAR, HH and HV polarization) and C-band (Envisat ASAR in HH polarization) as inputs. Spatially distributed WV values for the entire test area were derived by the integration (fusion) of a canopy height map derived from the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (ICESat GLAS) and the NFI data, in order to build a significant ground truth dataset for the training stage. The analysis of the backscattering sensitivity to WV showed a moderate correlation at L-band and was almost negligible at C-band. Despite this, the ANN algorithm was able to exploit the synergy of SAR frequencies and polarizations, estimating WV with average Pearson's correlation coefficient (R) = 0.96 and root mean square error (RMSE) ≃ 39 m3/ha when applied to the test dataset and average R = 0.86 and RMSE ≃ 75 m3/ha when validated on the direct measurements from the NFI. Considering the heterogeneity of the scenario (Mediterranean mixed forests in hilly landscape) and the small amount of available ground measurements with respect to the spatial variability of different plots, the obtained results can be considered satisfactory. Moreover, the successful use of WV from global maps for implementing the algorithm suggests the possibility to apply the algorithm to wider areas or even to global scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the evolution of the Northern Tuscany littoral cell is documented through a detailed analysis of the increasing anthropogenic pressure since the beginning of the 20th century. This sector of the Tuscany coast has been experiencing strong erosion effects that resulted in the loss of large volumes of sandy beaches. The anthropogenic impact on natural processes have been intensified by the construction of two ports in the early decades of the 20th century. Competent authorities reacted by building hard protection structures that tried to fix the position of the shoreline but offset the erosion drive downdrift. Therefore, in the last 20 years a regional Plan was undertaken to gradually replace the hard defense schemes with a softer approach, which involved a massive use of sediment redistribution activities. Many nourishments have been done ever since, using both sand and gravel. All these hard and soft protection operations have been archived in a geodatabase, and visualized in maps that clearly show the progressive change from hard to soft defense. This database may improve the approach to any future analysis of the littoral cell both in terms of research and management, while providing a practical example that may be easily replicated elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pre-Mesozoic units exposed in the inner Northern Apennines mostly consist of Pennsylvanian-Permian successions unconformably deposited on a continental crust consolidated at the end of the Variscan orogenic cycle (Silurian-Carboniferous). In the inner Northern Apennines, exposures of this continental crust, Cambrian?-Devonian in age, have been described in Northern Tuscany, Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago) and, partly, in scattered and isolated outcrops of southern Tuscany. This paper reappraises the most significant succession (i.e., Risanguigno Formation) exposed in southern Tuscany and considered by most authors as part of the Variscan Basement. New stratigraphic and structural studies, coupled with analyses of the organic matter content, allow us to refine the age of the Risanguigno Fm and its geological setting and evolution. Based on the low diversification of palynoflora, the content of sporomorphs, the structural setting and the new field study, this formation is dated as late Tournaisian to Visean (Middle Mississippian) and is not affected by pre-Alpine deformation. This conclusion, together with the already existing data, clearly indicate that no exposures of rocks involved in the Variscan orogenesis occur in southern Tuscany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Together with population ageing, the number of people suffering from multimorbidity is increasing, up to more than half of the population by 2035. This part of the population is composed by the highest-risk patients, who are, at the same time, the major users of the healthcare systems. The early identification of this sub-population can really help to improve people's quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. In this paper, we describe a population health management tool based on state-of-the-art intelligent algorithms, starting from administrative and socio-economic data, for the early identification of high-risk patients. The study refers to the population of the Local Health Unit of Central Tuscany in 2015, which amounts to 1,670,129 residents. After a trade-off on machine learning models and on input data, Random Forest applied to 1-year of historical data achieves the best results, outperforming state-of-the-art models. The most important variables for this model, in terms of mean minimal depth, accuracy decrease and Gini decrease, result to be age and some group of drugs, such as high-ceiling diuretics. Thanks to the low inference time and reduced memory usage, the resulting model allows for real-time risk prediction updates whenever new data become available, giving General Practitioners the possibility to early adopt personalised medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground mining is one of the human activities with the highest impact in terms of induced ground motion. The excavation of the mining levels creates pillars, rooms and cavities that can evolve in chimney collapses and sinkholes. This is a major threat where the mining activity is carried out in an urban context. Thus, there is a clear need for tools and instruments able to precisely quantify mining-induced deformation. Topographic measurements certainly offer very high spatial accuracy and temporal repeatability, but they lack in spatial distribution of measurement points. In the past decades, Multi-Temporal Satellite Interferometry (MTInSAR) has become one of the most reliable techniques for monitoring ground motion, including mining-induced deformation. Although with well-known limitations when high deformation rates and frequently changing land surfaces are involved, MTInSAR has been exploited to evaluate the surface motion in several mining area worldwide. In this paper, a detailed scale MTInSAR approach was designed to characterize ground deformation in the salt solution mining area of Saline di Volterra (Tuscany Region, central Italy). This mining activity has a relevant environmental impact, depleting the water resource and inducing ground motion; sinkholes are a common consequence. The MTInSAR processing approach is based on the direct integration of interferograms derived from Sentinel-1 images and on the phase splitting between low (LF) and high (HF) frequency components. Phase unwrapping is performed for the LF and HF components on a set of points selected through a "triplets closure" method. The final deformation map is derived by combining again the components to avoid error accumulation and by applying a classical atmospheric phase filtering to remove the remaining low frequency signal. The results obtained reveal the presence of several subsidence bowls, sometimes corresponding to sinkholes formed in the recent past. Very high deformation rates, up to −250 mm/yr, and time series with clear trend changes are registered. In addition, the spatial and temporal distribution of velocities and time series is analyzed, with a focus on the correlation with sinkhole occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the strategic goals of Istat, Italian National Statistical Institute, is to promote statistical literacy (SL) both at central and at local level. In this context, for the first time in Italy, territorial Office of Istat in Tuscany developed a new line of research, addressed to the measurement of SL. The activity was held thanks to the cooperation with the statistical departments of the three Universities located in Tuscany (Pisa, Florence and Siena). Core of the project was the implementation of an on line questionnaire (named QValStatM) with a twofold objective. The first aim is to promote SL: the form is presented in a charming way and is associated with various statistical messages. The second aim is to measure SL in terms of number of corrected answers: each compiler immediately received his statistical profile according to the positioning of the "statistical dashboard". Over 10,000 first-year undergraduate students were given the questionnaire. Results are of a certain interest: in the range between 0 and 12 the mean score was of 7.64 which states for a hardly sufficient level of SL. As expected, results are significantly different according to various individual covariates (course attended, gender, school curricula). The present paper intends to illustrate in detail the project, the questionnaire, the method of administering, the results and implications for future strategies to promote SL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with arsenic distribution in groundwater, soil and edible vegetables in the densely populated area of the Versilia Plain (Tuscany region, Italy), addressing potential impacts on people's health. The data revealed high As concentrations in some domestic irrigation wells, exceeding 1200 µg/L. The average As concentration in topsoil and subsoil was 39 and 46 mg/kg, respectively, with the highest concentration reaching about 200 mg/kg. Arsenic concentrates in plant roots compared with the edible parts; in tomato fruits, black cabbage leaves and edible leek parts As reached about 0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg, respectively. Geochemical and hydrostratigraphic data suggest that As in soils and alluvial sediments originated from mineralized and historical upstream mining areas. The exposure routes for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment here considered include soil ingestion, dermal absorption, soil dust inhalation and vegetable consumption. For non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects, the hazard was higher than the acceptance threshold. The calculated soil screening levels resulted even lower than the guideline soil-concentration imposed by Italian regulations, and this poses an issue on the actual meaning of arsenic regulatory thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify any gender differences in the mortality risk of people with DFD since patients with diabetic foot disease (DFD) are at a high risk of mortality and, at the same time, are more likely to be men. Methods: From regional administrative sources, the survival probability was retrospectively evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and using the Cox proportional-hazards model comparing people with DFD to those without DFD across the years 2011–2018 in Tuscany, Italy. Gender difference in mortality was evaluated by the ratio of hazard ratios (RHR) of men to women after initial DFD hospitalizations (n = 11,529) or in a cohort with prior history of DFD hospitalizations (n = 11,246). Results: In both cohorts, the survival probability after DFD was lower among women. Compared to those without DFD, after initial DFD hospitalizations, the mortality risk was significantly (18%) higher for men compared to women. This excess risk was particularly high after major amputations but also after ulcers, infections, gangrene, or Charcot, with a lower reduction after revascularization procedures among men. In the cohort that included people with a history of prior DFD hospitalizations, except for the risk of minor amputations being higher for men, there was no gender difference in mortality risk. Conclusions: In people with DFD, the overall survival probability was lower among women. Compared to those without DFD after a first DFD hospitalization, men were at higher risk of mortality. This excess risk disappeared in groups with a history of previous DFD hospitalizations containing a greater percentage of women who were older and probably had a longer duration of diabetes and thus becoming, over time, progressively frailer than men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems in rural areas play a crucial role in promoting human well-being and economic development by providing essential resources such as food, water, raw materials, and energy. Furthermore, rural ecosystems offer various services, such as recreational opportunities, climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental mitigation. However, a narrow focus on provisioning services has led to the standardisation of landscapes, decreased levels of biodiversity and reduced ecosystem services in several areas. Moreover, diverse rural landscapes can enrich the provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. While much research has explored the relationship between land use, landscape, and ecosystem services, there is still a need to better understand the trade-offs and synergies between these factors in providing ecosystem services. To address this gap, we conducted an empirical analysis of the perception of ecosystem services provided by different rural landscapes in the Tuscany region. Specifically, we used the concept of morphotypes, which describes 'invariants' that distinguish six different rural landscape typologies in the region. We surveyed 28 experts to identify rural landscape contributions to 17 ecosystem services. Our results provide empirical evidence and insight into the mechanisms necessary to align the provision of ecosystem services by rural landscapes with current and future needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of dogs as reservoir hosts for Toscana virus (TOSV) remains undetermined. This study investigated TOSV and Leishmania infantum infections in one healthy and three infected dogs with Leishmania (A, B, C) following natural exposition to sandfly bites in a focus of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) located in Northern Tunisia from June to October 2020. At the end of the exposition period, infected and healthy dogs were examined for TOSV and L. infantum infections by xenodiagnosis using a colony of Phlebotomus perniciosus. Pools of freshly engorged P. perniciosus at days 0 and those at days 7 post-feeding were screened for TOSV and L. infantum by nested PCR in the polymerase gene and kinetoplast minicircle DNA, respectively. In the exposure site, P. pernicious is the most abundant sandfly species. The infection rates of sandflies with TOSV and L. infantum were 0.10 and 0.05%, respectively. Leishmania infantum DNA and TOSV RNA were detected in P. perniciosus females fed on dog B and C, respectively. The isolation of TOSV in Vero cells was achieved from two pools containing P. perniciosus fed on dog C. No pathogens were detected in P. perniciosus females fed on dog A and on control dog. We report for the first time the reservoir competence of dog with ZVL in the transmission of TOSV to sandfly vectors in natural settings, in addition to its role as a main reservoir host of L. infantum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]