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Bridges are crucial structures of a roadway system, always exposed to both natural and anthropic hazards. Several approaches have been investigated in the past two decades to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of bridges; the development of fragility curves represents a sound tool to evaluate their performances at a large scale. This study aims at the estimation of seismic fragility curves for a structural element of a very common bridge typology in Italy, that is the single circular cross-section pier of a simply supported Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridge. Two analytical methodologies for deriving fragility curves are applied to a case study model. The first one is the Capacity Spectrum Method (CSM). This method accounts for the non-linearities and the seismic energy dissipation, in fact it is based on a non-linear static analysis and the definition of Damage States (DSs) on the capacity curve of the piers. By contrast, the second one is the Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA), that is a methodology based on a linear method. By using both methods, a parametric study is carried out, varying the bridge's geometrical and mechanical properties within standard ranges, to evaluate their effect on the seismic vulnerability of the pier. This study refers to four DSs and proposes a multilinear regression model to directly evaluate the pier's seismic performances based on the geometrical and mechanical properties of the bridge to which it belongs. • Derivation of fragility curves for circular piers in simply supported RC bridges. • RSA and CSM methods are applied and compared. • Parametric study on the influence of the main geometrical and mechanical properties of the bridge on its seismic capacity. • Multilinear regression model to evaluate the pier's seismic performance is implemented. • Predictive assessment of the median capacity of this type of pier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we separate the residuals of ground motion prediction equations into different components, calculating the repeatable site-specific ( $$\delta S2S_{s}$$ ), location-specific ( $$\delta L2L_{r}$$ ) and path-specific ( $$\delta P2P_{er}$$ ) correction for the median model. In this way, we can reduce the total standard deviation (sigma) of the ground-motion model by Lanzano et al. (Bull Seismol Soc Am 106(1):73-92, 2016), removing these components and overcome the ergodic assumption. These repeatable terms are empirically estimated using a dataset composed by acceleration waveforms of Italian events mainly occurred in the Po plain and Eastern Alps (Northern Italy), in the time interval 1976-2015. The analysis is carried out on 2241 recordings, from 88 shallow earthquakes recorded by 168 sites. A local model, specifically tailored for Northern Italy, is used as the reference GMPE, which predicts the geometric mean of the horizontal peak ground accelerations and response spectral ordinates in the period range 0.04-4 s. Because most of the propagation paths sampled only once, the path-specific components and the resulting aleatory variability are also calculated from the spatial correlation of residuals, following the approach of Lin et al. (Bull Seismol Soc Am 101(5):2281-2295, 2011). We find a significant reduction of the overall ground motion variability to an extent comparable to what observed from previous studies on empirical and simulated datasets. The estimated median corrections and variance components can be used in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for a single site and a single path in Northern Italy. As an example, we compute the hazard curves at some sites by means of three different approaches (ergodic, partially non-ergodic and full non-ergodic), in order to quantify the impact of relaxing the ergodic assumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim We aimed to analyze computerized cardiotocographic (cCTG) parameters (including fetal heart rate baseline, short-term variability, Delta, long-term irregularity [LTI], interval index [II], low frequency [LF], movement frequency [MF], high frequency [HF], and approximate entropy [ApEn]) in physiological term pregnancies in order to correlate them with ethnic differences. The clinical meaning of numerical parameters may explain physiological or paraphysiological phenomena that occur in fetuses of different ethnic origins. Methods A total of 696 pregnant women, including 384 from Europe, 246 from sub-Saharan Africa, 45 from South-East Asia, and 21 from South America, were monitored from the 37th to the 41st week of gestation. Statistical analysis was performed with the analysis of variance test, Pearson correlation test and receiver-operator curves ( P < 0.05). Results Our results showed statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05) between white and black women for Delta, LTI, LF, MF, HF, and ApEn; between white and Asian women for Delta, LTI, MF, and the LF/(HF + MF) ratio; and between white and Latina women for Delta, LTI, and ApEn. In particular, Delta and LTI performed better in the white group than in the black, Asian, and Latina groups. Instead, LF, MF, HF, and ApEn performed better in the black than in the white group. Conclusion Our results confirmed the integrity and normal functionality of both central and autonomic nervous system components for all fetuses investigated. Therefore, CTG monitoring should include both linear and nonlinear components of fetal heart rate variability in order to avoid misinterpretations of the CTG trace among ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study evaluates the assessment protocol of mesothelioma with SEM-EDS. • The quantity of asbestos fibres was evaluated by SEM. • The SEM-EDS allows to identify the mineralogical species of each fibre. • The microscopic analysis should be introduced in the evaluation protocol. This study evaluates the assessment protocol that allows the correlation between the development of mesothelioma to a specific exposure, with particular focus on investigations with Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy. This retrospective study includes 80 subjects who died from mesothelioma in the period 2001–2019. A judicial autopsy was performed for each case to confirm cause of death and correlate the disease with specific asbestos exposure. In 28 cases investigations were carried out to determine the pulmonary load of the asbestos fibres and corpuscles in the lung tissue through microscopic investigations, in order to confirm the suspicion of occupational exposure. Our data agree with the scientific literature reported, but it is interesting to underline how the present study uses a different systematic approach than others, which are mainly based on epidemiological and environmental studies without considering the lung content of fibres and corpuscles. It would be desirable that the use of the microscopic analysis was introduced in the evaluation protocol: it should always be carried out if the suspicion of asbestos-related disease is raised and not only as a possible integration to the less expensive anamnestic evaluation, even more so if the work or personal history should be suggestive of exposure to asbestos fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of four industrial hemp cultivars (Felina 32, Chamaeleon, Uso31, and Finola) was investigated for oil production in the north-east of Italy along two years. The oils of all cultivars resulted in rich amount of linoleic acid (ω-6) and α-linolenic acid (ω-3). Felina 32 and Chamaeleon oils exhibited the highest amount of linoleic acid (59%) and α-linolenic acid (18%). Finola and Uso31 oils resulted in the richest of γ-linolenic acid (5-6%). All hempseed oils presented high oxidation stability and an acceptable initial quality. It is suggested that these oils can be used to produce EFA dietary supplements high in ω-6 and ω-3 of vegetal origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) influence on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) development. Methods: A total of 34 patients (10% of the regional ALS population) and 25 controls of an Italian region were enrolled. Metal concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: Serum Al concentrations in patients and controls were similar and lower than those provided by the Italian Society of Reference Values. No differences were observed in serum Mn concentrations, while, as expected, blood Pb levels were significantly higher in patients with ALS than those in controls. Conclusions: Results confirmed the association between high Pb blood levels and ALS; on the contrary, Al and Mn did not differ significantly in patients and controls, suggesting that Mn and especially Al may play a less important role in the ALS pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a newly developed resonant Raman scattering instrument working in the UV spectral range. This set-up, which exploits the UV synchrotron radiation source available at Elettra (Trieste, Italy), results in an innovative spectroscopic facility to be used for addressing a large array of open problems, ranging from the electronic properties of nanostructures and strongly correlated materials to biochemistry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Italian saint Francesco Caracciolo died in June 1608 and his body was transported from Agnone in the Abruzzo region to the city of Naples, where he was interred. According to written sources, his body was embalmed, but the embalmment method is unknown. In the present work, four samples of the remains of S. Caracciolo have been analysed for traces of embalmment. No organic compounds usually used for embalmment were found using GC with MS detection. Only low background levels of As were measured using CV-AAS (Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). In two samples analysed by CV-AAS, however, very high concentrations of Hg (12.7 μg g−1 and 4.9 μg g−1) were measured, these being 100 to 1000 times more than the background Hg levels found in bone tissue of other medieval and Renaissance individuals. Two interpretations seem viable: (1) the high Hg levels are caused by embalmment using Hg-containing compounds; (2) the excess Hg originates from a medical treatment that S. Caracciolo received in his youth, when he was cured of leprosy, or in connection with his illness just prior to his death. The case of excess Hg in the remains of S. Caracciolo has distinct parallels with those of other Renaissance burials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of near-infrared spectroscopy to trace cow feeding systems and farming altitude was tested on 486 bulk milk samples from France and northwestern Italy. Milks were grouped into feeding systems according to the main forage in the diet. Partial least square discriminant analysis correctly classified 95.5, 91.5, and 93.3% of pasture versus maize silage, hay, and fermented herbage feeding systems, respectively. Discrimination was slightly less successful when diets with large proportions of the nondominant forage were included in each group. Near-infrared spectroscopy correctly discriminated no-pasture from pasture milk, even with only 30% of pasture in the diet (5.4% crossvalidation error), and the error stabilized when pasture exceeded 70% (2.5% error). Near-infrared spectroscopy did not reliably trace milk geographic origin when the feeding system effect was isolated from the altitude effect. These findings may be usefully exploited for the authentication of dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The major goal of the present study has been to assess the ecological context of the Early Neolithic settlement under excavation in the coastal site of Sa Punta-Marceddì (Terralba, Sardinia, Italy) where a trench of Neolithic age has been brought to light. Based on the origins of the site''s organic fossiliferous content, the purpose of this work is to achieve an understanding of: 1) the reasons why this location was chosen by EN man and 2) its functions. This research has enabled us to suggest a human paleoecological scenario over the course of the last three centuries of the 6th millennium BC in the inland area of the Oristano Gulf. On the basis of pollen spectra and the phytolith morphologies recognised, it is suggested that herbaceous vegetation covered the alluvial plain. Arable agriculture does not seem to have been practiced on the site, but the record of coprophilous fungi and endoparasites, along with clues that there were burning practices, suggest livestock farming activity. To date, a univocal interpretation of the function of this trench is still lacking. However, it is the oldest and the only evidence in Sardinia of a remarkable transformation of an open-air space due to settlement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The application of combined use-wear analysis and FTIR micro spectroscopy for the investigation of the flint and obsidian tools from the archaeological sites of Masseria Candelaro (Foggia, Italy) and Sant’Anna di Oria (Brindisi, Italy) aiming to clarify their functional use is described. The tools excavated in the former site showed in a very high percentage spectroscopically detectable residues on their working edges. The identification of micro deposits is based on comparison with a great number of replicas studied in the same experimental conditions. FTIR data confirmed in almost all cases the use-wear analysis suggestions and added details about the material processed and about the working procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The environmental impact of large vessel exhaust gases on port and coastal areas is a subject of great interest due both to increasing maritime traffic and the vicinity to highly populated urban zones. In lagoon cities the pollution from maritime traffic is greater than in other coastal areas. Therefore monitoring and evaluation of pollutants produced by ships navigating through the principal transport channels become necessary. In the case of Venice, the Giudecca Channel, crossing the city centre, is used both by urban maritime traffic and by large vessels docking in the port. In this work, the FRE–DOAS (Flow Rate Emission with Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) methodology developed to evaluate gaseous pollutant flow rates from moving sources is presented. This methodology is applied to a set of spectral measurements performed with a Multi axis DOAS remote sensing system, allowing a determination of vessel emissions and evaluation of their impact on pollution in Venice. Two one-month measurement campaigns were carried out: from June 12 2007 to July 12 2007 and from September 12 2007 to October 12 2007. The individual flow rates released by large and medium-sized vessels and the total flow rate emissions due to the total traffic along the Giudecca Channel for every day with appropriate meteo conditions during the campaigns are estimated. The average daily mass of gas emitted by large and medium-sized ships during their passage through the Channel was evaluated as about 205 kg for SO2 and 284 kg for NO2. These values make up only about 30% of total daily traffic emission. These results are extremely interesting, because they demonstrate inequivocably the effectiveness of the proposed system for remote measurements, opening a new frontier in maritime traffic emission control in harbour areas or in those coastal zones subject to heavy maritime traffic. Moreover, the low values obtained for some large modern cruise ships indicate the use of Low Sulphur Fuels, even though these are not yet required by local regulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the investigations done for the Aterno Valley area in Italy after the L'Aquila earthquake on April 6, 2009. It states that magnetotelluric (MT) and Deep Electrical Resistivity Tomography (DERT) techniques were used to identify deep geophysical structures. It used a spectrum analysis to identify voltage drop and estimate visible resistivity. Results show that the shallow conductive area exhibits the alluvial filling of the middle region.

The crystal chemistry of Ti-rich phlogopite from deposits of the oldest activity (~740 ka) of Mt. Vulture, Potenza, Italy, was investigated to identify the substitution mechanisms in Ti-rich phlogopite and to determine its potential as a geohygrometer. Substitution mechanisms were determined by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Magnetite and sanidine from the mica-rich host rocks were also analyzed. Use of the biotite-magnetite-sanidine geohygrometer in these volcanics (essentially trachytic-phonolitic ignimbrites) is exploited. All investigated phlogopite samples consist of the 1M polytype, with 5.3275(2) ≤ a ≤ 5.3635(4) Å, 9.2211(4) ≤ b ≤ 9.2958(8) Å, 10.1211(5) ≤ c ≤ 10.281(1) Å, and 99.980(3) ≤ β ≤ 100.097(2)°. Structure refinements in space group C2/m converged to 2.42 ≤ R1 ≤ 4.00% and 2.04 ≤ wR2 ≤ 4.50%. VIFe3+ /Fetot from Mössbauer analyses ranged from 34(1)-89(1)%. The main bands in the OH-stretching region are 3709, 3682, and 3658 cm-1, and were assigned to 3Mg-OH--K-OH , 3Mg-OH--K-O2-, and 2MgFe3+ - OH--K-O2- local configurations, respectively. The overall crystal chemical features are compatible with the M3+-Tschermak substitutions (VIM2+ + IVSi4 ↔ VIM3+ + IVAl, with M3+ = Al, Fe3+), M3+-oxy [VIM2+ + (OH)- ↔ M3+ + (O) 2- + 1/2H2↑ and Ti-oxy substitutions [VIM2+ + 2(OH)-1 → VITi4+ + 2(O)2- + H2↑]. The magnetite composition varies between Mt82Uv18 and Mt93Uv07, whereas the proportion of orthoclase with respect to albite plus anorthite is 0.77 ≤ XOr =≤ 0.82. A partly ionic model was used to estimate annite activity, starting from experimentally determined substitutions in phlogopite. The resulting water fugacity was an order of magnitude lower than that calculated using stoichiometry to determine the phlogopite formula. The results are consistent with the occurrence of a well-developed hydrothermal system that altered the magmatic oxygen fugacity conditions at Mt. Vulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Earthquakes are one of the most frequently occurring natural disasters and extensive research has been conducted on mental disorders on exposed populations, particularly on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On April 6th 2009, the town of L''Aquila (Abruzzo), in central Italy, was struck by an earthquake with a strength of 5.9 on the Richter scale. In the town of L''Aquila many buildings collapsed and large parts of the town were destroyed. Overall, 309 people were killed, 1600 injured among which 200 severely injured and hospitalized, more than 65,000 people were displaced. Methods: The aim of the present study was to investigate prevalence rates of PTSD, either full-blown or partial PTSD, among 512 students attending the last year of high school in L''Aquila about 10months after the earthquake. According to the literature, partial PTSD was defined as the presence of symptoms in the DSM-IV Criterion B and C or D for PTSD diagnosis. Gender differences in the symptoms reported were investigated. Assessments included the Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self Report (TALS-SR) and the Impact of Event Scale (IES). Results: The results of the present study showed the presence of a diagnosis of PTSD in 192 (37.5%) of the students examined, with significantly (p =.000) higher rates in women than men (N =120, 51.7% and N =72, 25.7%, respectively). Moreover, 153 (29.9%) students reported partial PTSD (75, 32.3% women and 78, 27.9% men respectively). Significantly higher PTSD symptoms were reported by women with respect to men. Limitations: The lack of information on the impact of the earthquake on subjects and on the presence of Axis I psychiatric comorbidities are two major limitations besides the use of self-report instruments. Conclusions: Our results show high rates of full or partial PTSD in adolescents who survived the April 2009 L''Aquila earthquake, with women being the most affected. Thus, these results highlight the need to carefully explore these conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We derive S-wave attenuation characteristics, earthquake source parameters and site amplification functions at seismic stations used for earthquake early warning in the Irpinia-Basilicata region, using non-parametric spectral inversion of seismograms from 49 local events with M = 1.5-3.1. We obtain relatively low Q values ( Q = 28 at a frequency of 1 Hz) in conjunction with a strong frequency-dependence (close to linear). The source spectra can be satisfactorily modeled using the omega-square model, with stress drops ranging between 0.01-2 MPa, and in the narrow magnitude range available for analysis, the source spectra seem to scale self-similarly. The local magnitude M shows a linear correlation with moment magnitude M, however with a systematic underestimation by about 0.5-magnitude units. The results obtained in this work provide important insights into the ground-motion characteristics that are required for appropriate seismic hazard assessment and are of practical relevance for a suite of applications, such as the calibration of ground-motion prediction equations or the correction for site amplification in earthquake early warning and rapid calculation of shake-maps for seismic emergency management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two phytotoxic metabolites, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and indol-3-aldehyde, were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods from solid cultures of Discula quercina, an endophytic fungal pathogen frequently associated with oak decline in Italy. In addition, the fungus produced an unusual acyclic keto acid as a major metabolite, which was identified by spectroscopic and chemical methods as 5-oxo-6 E,8 E-octadecadienoic acid. In leaf puncture assays on Quercus suber and Q. ilex leaves, indol-3-aldehyde proved to be more toxic than p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, while 5-oxo-6 E,8 E-octadecadienoic acid was inactive even at the highest concentration used (1 mg ml). Although indol-3-aldehyde is a known microbial metabolite, its phytotoxic activity has hitherto not been reported. This report is the first to describe the production of phytotoxic compounds by D. quercina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is still considered as a strategy for the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer''s disease. Many plant derived alkaloids (such as galantamine and rivastigmine) are known for their AChE inhibitory activity. Recently, other classes of natural compounds such as terpenoids, sesquiterpene glycosides and coumarins have been studied as new AChE inhibitors, with the aim to discover less toxic compounds compared to alkaloidal ones. The Ferulago campestris roots dichloromethane extract was used for a bioassay-guided fractionation for the search of AChE inhibitors. Three coumarin derivatives (umbelliprenin 1, coladonin 2 and coladin 3), three daucane ester derivatives (siol anisate 4, ferutinin 5 and 1-acetyl-5-angeloyl lapiferol 6), two phenol derivatives (2-epilaserine 7 and epielmanticine 8) and one polyacetylene (9-epoxyfalcarindiol 9) were isolated by the bioassay-guided approach. Their structures were characterized on the basis of spectral methods (1D and 2D NMR, and MS spectroscopy). All the isolated compounds were able to inhibit the AChE (IC50 1.2–0.1mM) although at higher doses if compared to galantamine (6.7μM) measured in the same conditions. The most active compounds were the daucane derivative siol anisate 4 and the epielmanticine 8, with IC50 of 0.172 and 0.175mM respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article aims at presenting some aspects of environmental reconstruction through pollen analysis from archaeological contexts. The anthropogenic pollen transport into archaeological sites is regarded as an interesting tool to improve knowledge on flora and vegetation in the area of influence of sites. The zoophilous plants can be found more easily than in the regional airborne pollen rain where anemophilous pollen is generally overrepresented. Moreover, pollen from archaeological contexts is mainly a result of the cultural landscape shaped by human activities. Two case studies from the Bradano Valley (Basilicata, southern Italy), rich in archaeological sites dating altogether from the Middle Bronze Age to the Medieval age, are reported. Difesa San Biagio and its surroundings is one of the biggest settlements of the area, settled in early times by Enotrians. Altojanni is an extended area mainly frequented in Hellenistic, Roman late Imperial and Medieval times. A very open landscape, and clear signs of plant exploitation and cultivation, breeding and settlements were present in the two sites. Though samples are disturbed and preservation problems are sometimes observed, the main characters of pollen spectra are recurrent. High percentages of Poaceae and Cichorioideae, together with coprophilous fungal spores, strongly suggest a long tradition of pastoral activities. These case study examples suggest that human activities would have produced a fairly xeric environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A sample of 100MoO3 powder with molybdenum enriched in 100Mo to 99.5% and mass of 1199 g was measured for 18120 h in a low-background set-up with 4 HP Ge detectors ( volume each one) deep underground (3600 m w.e.) at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso of the INFN (Italy). The two γ quanta of 540 keV and of 591 keV emitted in the deexcitation process after a decay of 100Mo to the excited level of 100Ru () are observed in the accumulated data both in coincidence and in the 1-dimensional sum spectrum. The measured half life is: , well in agreement with positive results obtained in previous experiments. Moreover, the limit on charge non-conserving β decay of 100Mo is also set: at 90% C.L.; it corresponds to the limit on CNC admixture in weak currents: . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyses at the Cu–K, Fe–K and Mn–K edge were performed to study the green, marbled (green and yellow), blue and blackish (deep greyish olive green) glass slabs decorating three sectilia panels from the archaeological site of Faragola. Results indicate that all slabs were made by mixing siliceous sand with natron, sometimes probably mixed with small percentages of plant ash. Cu2 + and Pb antimonates should be responsible for the opaque green colours. The dark green and yellow portions of the marbled slabs are respectively comparable to the slabs comprising only one of these colours. Cu2 + together with Ca antimonates probably produced light blue slabs, whereas cobalt was used to produce dark blue slabs. We consider it possible that the abundance ratio of Fe2 +/Fe3 + and the complex Fe3 +S2 − would have an effect on the blackish slabs. The contribution of Mn cannot be ascertained even if it could have played a role in darkening glass colour. The comparison between the chemical composition of Faragola samples and several glass reference groups provided no conclusive evidence of provenance; whereas, the presence of a secondary local workshop can be hypothesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Borexino, a real-time device for low energy neutrino spectroscopy, has completed the construction phase in the middle of 2006, in the underground laboratories at Gran Sasso, Italy (LNGS). The detector has been filled with about 300tons of highly purified scintillator surrounded by an internal buffer of 1000tons of a purified organic solvent buffer, 2400tons of ultra-pure water as an external shield and located underground with the equivalent shielding of 3500m of water. Since May 16, 2007, Borexino is under data acquisition. The experimental goal is the direct measurement of the flux of 7Be solar neutrinos of all flavours via neutrino-electron scattering in an ultra-pure scintillation liquid. The paper describes the design of the Borexino detector, the construction phases and the various facilities that play an essential role in its operation. This paper describes the design requirements and methods for reducing background impurities for the Borexino detector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Over the past few years, the increased spectral and spatial resolution of remote sensing equipment has promoted the investigation of new techniques for inland and coastal water monitoring. The availability of new high-resolution data has allowed improvements in models based on the radiative transfer theory for assessing optical water quality parameters. In this study, we fine-tuned a physical model for the highly turbid Venice lagoon waters and developed an inversion technique based on a two-step optimization procedure appropriate for hyperspectral data processing to retrieve water constituent concentrations from remote data. In the first step, the solution of a linearized analytical formulation of the radiative transfer equations was found. In the second step, this solution was used to provide the initial values in a non-linear least squares-based method. This effort represents a first step in the construction of a feasible and timely methodology for Venice lagoon water quality monitoring by remote sensing, especially in view of the existing experimental hyperspectral satellite (Hyperion) and the future missions such as PRISMA, EnMap and HyspIRI. The optical properties of the water constituents were assessed on the basis of sea/lagoon campaigns and data from the literature. The water light field was shaped by an analytical formulation of radiative transfer equations and the application of numerical simulations (Hydrolight software). Once the optical properties of the Venice lagoon bio-optical model were validated, the inverse procedure was applied to local radiometric spectra to retrieve concentrations of chlorophyll, colored dissolved organic matter and tripton. The inverse procedure was validated by comparing these concentrations with those measured in the laboratory from in situ water samples, then it was applied to airborne (CASI and MIVIS) and satellite (Hyperion) sensors to derive water constituent concentration maps. The consistent results encourage the use of this procedure using future missions satellite (PRISMA, EnMap and HyspIRI). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fifteen micro-fermentation trials were conducted during the 2008 vintage harvest in the Valtellina (Northern Italy) viticultural area. During fermentation, the spectra were achieved in the near and mid-infrared region by a FT-NIR spectrometer and a FT-IR spectrometer, respectively. Samples were also analysed by using chemical methods to evaluate sugars (glucose and fructose), alcohols (ethanol and glycerol) and phenolic compounds (total phenolics, total anthocyanins and total flavonoids). The pretreated spectral data were processed using principal component analysis. After feature selection by the algorithm SELECT, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was applied to spectral data as a classification technique, to predict the fermentation stage from initial to final phase. Moreover, partial least square regression was used to predict sugar content, ethanol, glycerol and phenolic compounds simultaneously. LDA results, characterised by a high percentage of correct classification (87% and 100% as average value in prediction for NIR and MIR spectroscopy, respectively), showed that samples belonging to a particular fermentation step could be correctly classified. Good calibration models for the prediction of the main compositional changes during alcoholic fermentation were obtained with both FT-NIR and FT-IR, suggesting that either instruments could be used to evaluate online and simultaneously these compounds in red wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An NMR and chemometric analytical approach to classify extra virgin olive oils according to their geographical origin was developed within the European TRACE project (FP6-2003-FOOD-2-A, contract number: 0060942). Olive oils (896 samples) of three consecutive harvesting years (2005, 2006, and 2007) coming from Mediterranean areas were analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Olive oil samples from Liguria, an Italian region, were chosen as a case study and PLS-DA and SIMCA modeling analyses were used to build up statistical models both to discriminate between Ligurian and non-Ligurian olive oils and to define the Ligurian olive oil class to confirm the declared provenience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The rotational spectrum of tertiary-butyl alcohol has been recorded in selected regions between 8 and 500GHz. Early data from the University of Wisconsin in the 8–40GHz region have been combined with recent measurements from the University of Bologna and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the millimeter and submillimeter wavelength regions. The spectrum was fit over a wide range of J’s and K’s using a common set of parameters for both the A and E states. This paper describes the initial assignment at Wisconsin and the final procedure used to assign and fit the higher rotational states. The resulting molecular constants and their interpretation are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis has been applied for the discrimination of 250 saffron samples from Greece (40 samples), Iran (87 samples), Italy (60 samples) and Spain (63 samples). The infrared spectra of saffron filament samples and their organic extracts were recorded. Principal component analysis was applied to different spectral regions. Then the principal components were used as variables in discriminant analysis. The best discriminatory approach was achieved in the spectral region 2000–700 cm−1. The spectral region responsible for the differentiation of Italian samples is in the region of carbonyl group around 1746 cm−1. The spectral region at around 1600 cm−1 and the band at 1670 cm−1 are responsible for the differentiation of samples from the remaining countries. From the original grouped cases, 93.6% were correctly classified. The correct classification rates for saffron samples from Greece, Iran, Italy and Spain were 90.0, 89.5, 96.7 and 98.4%, respectively. The combination of infrared spectroscopic technique with multivariate analysis is a rapid and ambient method to discriminate saffron samples in terms of geographical origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of early Byzantine glasses, recovered in Ganzirri (Sicily, Italy), was analysed for major, minor and trace elements. All the analysed fragments were found to be natron-based silica–lime glass. Concerning minor and trace elements, the samples can be divided into two groups: glass with high Fe, Ti and Mn contents ( HIMT glass) and glass with low levels of Fe, Ti and Mn. These results, strictly in agreement with literature data for glass of the Mediterranean region, can be interpreted as a consequence of the wide trade network established in this region and of the intense circulation of raw glass and artefacts from different Mediterranean areas. X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies at Fe and Mn K-edges, performed on HIMT glass, indicate that Fe is in the oxidized form while Mn is in the reduced form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the spectroscopic follow-up of the nova V459 Vul carried out at the Loiano Observatory, Italy, at three epochs after the outburst. The spectroscopy showed high ionization lines of iron. The photometry has been used to estimate the absolute magnitude at maximum and the distance of the nova. V459 Vul is a fast nova, with decline times by two and three magnitudes of 18 and 30 days respectively. The nova achieved an absolute magnitude at maximum of −8.7…−7.7. The distance of V459 Vul is in the range 2.3–5.0 kpc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Almost 50,000 long period (LP) events were recorded at Mt. Etna from November 2003 to May 2006. We analysed these events, as well as very long period (VLP) events which were associated with some of them. During some intervals the spectral and wavefield features of LP events remained steady, with significant changes occurring between the intervals. Based on the times of the changes, we distinguish five different sub-periods. In particular, during sub-period III (June–November 2005) the wavefield at the stations nearest to the summit area was composed of P waves. Locations for 150 LP events occurring in sub-period III, determined using radial semblance, changed, at the same time as the events'' spectral features changed. It was during this sub-period that many of the LP events were associated with VLP events. Based on similarity of the waveforms, we distinguished two families of VLP events, with gradually evolving waveforms. The two families are located in slightly different places, but near the sources of the LP events. The change between the families occurred at the same time as the spectra of the LP events changed. Finally the source of the VLP events was investigated by performing complete waveform moment tensor inversion of stacks of the two families. Synthetic Green''s functions for the full moment tensor were calculated for a homogeneous half-space. For both families, the source region with the highest variance reduction lies approximately beneath the active craters, at 500m below the altitudes of the stations. The solutions for both families are very similar with sources that are between 60 and 70% isotropic. Attempts to determine deviatoric moment tensors produced consistently poorer fits. The remaining energy is poorly constrained and is likely to be noise. In conclusion, these results highlight changes in the LP and VLP events at Mt. Etna over time, and the causal relationship between them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Analytical investigations using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CP-MAS NMR), were carried out on white, yellow and red overpaintings on Apulian red-figured pottery fragments (4th century BC) from Altamura, Monte Sannace and Canosa – among the most relevant archaeological sites in ancient Peucetia – in order to outline technological features and define the nature of pigments. The results obtained allow us to highlight that Apulian objects have an external appearance which is very similar to Attic objects, but that they are nevertheless different, as they were made using locally available raw materials employing similar but not identical production technology. Perhaps familiarity, rather than real and proper continuity with the Attic pottery tradition, would explain the analytical results. Moreover, this paper proves that solid state nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (CP-MAS NMR) is a useful analytical tool for the examination of ancient pottery, which is also suitable for the identification of its firing temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spectral properties of volcanic materials in the optical region (350–2500nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum are analyzed. The goal is to characterize air-fall deposits, recent lava flows, and old lava flows based on their spectral reflectance properties and on the textural characteristics (grain size) of pyroclastic deposits at an active basaltic volcano. Data were acquired during a spectroradiometric field survey at Mt. Etna (Italy) in summer 2003 and combined with hyperspectral satellite (Hyperion) and airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. In addition, air-fall deposits produced by the highly explosive 2002–2003 eruption have been sampled and spectrally characterized at different distances from the new vents. The spectral analysis shows that air-fall deposits are characterized by low reflectance values besides variations in grain size. This distinguishes them from other surface materials. Old lava flows show highest reflectance values due to weathering and vegetation cover. The spectral data set derived from the field survey has been compared to corrected satellite hyperspectral data in order to investigate the Hyperion capabilities to differentiate the surface cover using the reflectance properties. This has allowed us to identify the 2002–2003 air-fall deposits in a thematic image just few months after their emplacement. Moreover, the observed differences in the field spectra of volcanic surfaces have been compared with differences in the signal intensity detected by airborne LiDAR survey showing the possibility to include information on the texture of volcanic surfaces at Mt. Etna. The approach presented here may be particularly useful for remote and inaccessible volcanic areas and also represents a potentially powerful tool for the exploration of extraterrestrial volcanic surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Borexino, a large volume detector for low energy neutrino spectroscopy, is currently running underground at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy. The main goal of the experiment is the real-time measurement of sub-MeV solar neutrinos, and particularly of the monoenergetic (862keV) 7Be electron capture neutrinos, via neutrino–electron scattering in an ultra-pure liquid scintillator. This paper is mostly devoted to the description of the detector structure, the photomultipliers, the electronics, and the trigger and calibration systems. The real performance of the detector, which always meets, and sometimes exceeds, design expectations, is also shown. Some important aspects of the Borexino project, i.e. the fluid handling plants, the purification techniques and the filling procedures, are not covered in this paper and are, or will be, published elsewhere (see Introduction and Bibliography). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During 1999, the volcanic activity at Mt. Etna was both explosive and effusive at the summit craters: Strombolian activity, lava fountains and lava flows affected different areas of the volcano, involving three of the four summit craters. Results from analysis of the 1999 volcanic tremor features are shown at two different time scales. First, the long-term time variation of the features of the volcanic tremor (including spectral and polarization parameters), during the entire year, was compared with the evolution of the eruptive activity. This approach demonstrated the good agreement between tremor data and observed eruptive activity; the activation of different tremor sources was suggested. Then, a more refined analysis of the volcanic tremor, recorded during 14 lava fountain eruptions, was performed. In particular, a shift of the dominant frequencies towards lower values was noted which corresponds with increasing explosive activity. Similar behaviour in the frequency content has already been observed in other explosive eruptions at Mt. Etna as well as on other volcanoes. This behaviour has been explained in terms of either an increase in the tremor source dimension or a decrease in the sound speed in the magma within the conduit. These results confirm that the volcanic tremor is a powerful tool for better understanding the physical processes controlling explosive eruptions at Mt. Etna volcano. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the results of a study performed on several glass samples recovered after the destruction caused in Messina by the earthquake of 1908, and stored in the ‘Fiore’ deposit of the Regional Museum of Messina (Italy). The samples, still lacking a reliable classification, are glass cakes, some spare mosaic tesserae, and fragments of a well-dated mosaic (Mosaico dell’Angelo, XIII–XIV century A.D.). EPMA, SEM-EDS, XRPD and XAS were employed to provide a detailed chemical, mineralogical and spectroscopic characterization of the samples. The chemical analyses of major elements show high levels of K2O and MgO, as a result of the prevalent use of plant ashes as flux. The cakes are characterized by a large dispersion of Si, Al and Ca contents, suggesting the use of different starting raw materials. The most common crystalline phases used as opacifiers and colorants are quartz and wollastonite. Crystalline aggregates of SnO2 are present in the gray cakes, whereas PbSnO3 crystals are found in two green mosaic tesserae. All the red samples contain small clusters of metallic copper. On the basis of the chemical composition, it is possible to confirm that most of the samples were produced in the XIII–XIV century, while no specific conclusions were reached on the possible use of the glass cakes as raw glass materials for the production of the investigated mosaic tesserae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The spectral evolution of the slow nova V5558 Sgr has been monitored at the Loiano Observatory, Italy, during the pre-maximum stage and the early decline. The nova exhibited a long pre-maximum stage and several secondary outbursts after the initial maximum. The spectra during the pre-maximum stage showed emission lines of H I and Fe II. The spectra after the first maximum showed intense emission lines of H I, Fe II and emerging He I lines. During a secondary brightening absorption components appeared on H I, He II and Fe II lines. The spectroscopic evolution is similar to the evolution of the slow nova V723 Cas. The estimated distance of V5558 Sgr is 1.3±0.3kpc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The anniversary of the death of Pietro Tacchini (1838-1905), one of the pioneers of solar physics in Italy, is commemorared by this account of his major creation, the Societa degli Spettroscopisti Italiani (1871). Established to promote cooperation among solar spectroscopists engaged in the study of the solar chromosphere, it was the first scientific Society devoted to spectroscopy and its astronomical applications. Its journal, the Memorie, collected most of the important works on solar physics by Angelo Secchi SJ (1818-1878), Tacchini himself, and many other protagonists of the newly born astrophysics. A brief history of the Society and its development draws on many previously unexploited archival sources, in order to show its role in raising astrophysics to the status of a scientific discipline, in the context of the astronomical research of that time in Italy and abroad, especially in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study of melt and fluid inclusions in graphic pegmatite quartz from the Island of Elba, Italy has identified silicate melts and coexisting aqueous fluid from the final stage of pegmatite formation, which contain extremely high concentrations of boron (up to 19.8 mass% B2O3), cesium (>5 mass% Cs2O), and rubidium (>0.5 mass% Rb2O). Several boron-bearing minerals have been identified in melt and fluid inclusions, including sassolite (H3BO3) and santite (KB5O8·4H2O). In addition, we have found two new minerals observed as daughter mineral phases, and these have been accepted by the IMA, Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) as ramanite-(Cs) (2007-007), monoclinic β-cesium pentaborate tetrahydrate (CsB5O8·4H2O) with space group C2/c, and ramanite-(Rb) (2007-006), orthorhombic rubidium pentaborate tetrahydrate (RbB5O8·4H2O) with space group Aba2. At the moment, given sample constraints, we cannot directly determine some of the properties traditionally reported for new minerals; however, both phases have Raman spectra identical to spectra obtained on synthetic Cs and Rb pentaborates, which were studied for comparison. Although difficult to recognize optically, ramanite-(Cs) and ramanite-(Rb) have distinctive Raman spectra allowing simple and definitive identification from other translucent phases found in many hypersaline fluid inclusions. Although currently only identified from a limited number of occurrences, given the availability of a definitive means of identification, we suspect that ramanite-(Rb) and ramanite-(Cs) may in fact be common, at least in boron-rich pegmatites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 64Cu national primary standard, was developed by the National Institute for Ionising Radiation Metrology (INMRI) of the ENEA (ENEA-INMRI) using the CIEMAT/NIST method of 4πβ liquid scintillation spectrometry with 3H-standard efficiency tracing. Relatively short 64Cu half-life is required for the work to be performed at the production site. It was produced at the Scanditronix MC40 Cyclotron of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (Ispra, Italy) through the 64Zn(d,2p) 64Cu reaction. Significant efforts were made to identify and quantify the impurities of 61Cu and 65Zn in the mother solution, which were activated through the 64Zn(d,αn) 61Cu and 64Zn(d,p) 65Zn reactions, respectively. To this purpose, a new procedure for the determination of pure β-emitter impurities by the CIEMAT/NIST method has been applied. A transfer standard portable well-type ionisation chamber was also calibrated with minimum uncertainty. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The materials used in the decoration of ancient roman building have been the object of investigation by means of non-destructive and micro-destructive techniques. A number of spectroscopic analysis, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), micro-Raman, and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, on three fragments of architectural decorative painted elements from an excavation near Licata (Sicily), have been performed with the aim to identify the pigments composition and their interaction with the matrix. The fragments have been dated by the archaeologists to late III B.C and the end of I B.C (such an attribution agrees well with historical information about the site) and showed four different coloration: red, yellow, light blue, and black. LIBS, emerged only in the last years as a very promising tool for the analysis and the characterization of elemental composition of a large variety of objects in the field of cultural heritage. The technique is based on the spectroscopic detection and identification of the light emission from excited atomic species in the plasma produced by a high energy laser pulse focused onto the surface of the sample. Although LIBS can give information about the pigments' atomic composition, structural ones have been gained with micro-Raman spectroscopy. Thus, the combined LIBS and micro-Raman measurements allowed the pigments' identification for all of the four colorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to evaluate empirical attenuation relationships in order to validate peak values and pseudo-velocity spectra to calibrate shaking scenarios for the Molise area, which was struck by two earthquakes of M w=5.7 (INGV-Harvard European-Mediterranean Regional Centroid-Moment tensor project) on October 31st and November 1st, 2002. Before the earthquake occurrence this region was classified as not hazardous, according to the former Italian seismic code. After the main-shocks, felt in many towns of the Molise and Puglia regions, a strong motion and a seismic temporary network were installed in the epicentral area and surrounding regions. This allowed the collection of a large data set, useful to characterize this area. The joint velocity-acceleration data set has been used to derive ground motion models for peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, and pseudo-velocity response spectra for both maximum horizontal and vertical components of the motion. The results obtained for the Molise area have been compared with the attenuation pattern of the Umbria-Marche region (central Italy) and the Italian territory. Remarkable differences have been observed leading to a discussion of the possible regional dependence of ground motion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR) is a remote sensing technique that allows monitoring ground deformation with accuracy of the order of fractions of the radiated wavelength, by means of proper combination and processing of repeat-pass data. In contrast to the satellite case, application of such a technique to airborne data is not, today, a well-established task. Several airborne campaigns, involving mainly C/L-band data, have been planned in the last years to exploit the potentialities of these more flexible platforms for deformation monitoring. In this paper, we show the results of an airborne DInSAR X-band experiment carried out over the Perugia area (center of Italy) by using the OrbiSAR system. We discuss the processing chain applied to the acquired data, which allows achieving a satisfactory compromise between accuracy and efficiency. Eleven repeated passes were carried out in two days; two corner reflectors were located on the ground in a hilly region. One corner reflector was vertically moved between the two days to evaluate the system detection capability. Moreover, we carry out an analysis of all possible differential interferograms for a region 2 x 4 km wide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strombolian-type eruptive activity, common at many volcanoes, consists of regular explosions driven by the bursting of gas slugs that rise faster than surrounding magma. Explosion quakes associated with this activity are usually localized at shallow depth; however, where and how slugs actually form remain poorly constrained. We used spectroscopic measurements performed during both quiescent degassing and explosions on Stromboli volcano (Italy) to demonstrate that gas slugs originate from as deep as the volcano-crust interface (∼3 kilometers), where both structural discontinuities and differential bubble-rise speed can promote slug coalescence. The observed decoupling between deep slug genesis and shallow (∼250-meter) explosion quakes may be a common feature of strombolian activity, determined by the geometry of plumbing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Following the installation of a broadband network on Mt. Etna, sustained Long-Period (LP) activity was recorded accompanying a period of total quiescence and the subsequent onset of the 2004–2005 effusive episode. From about 56000 events detected by an automatic classification procedure, we analyse a subset of about 3000 signals spanning the December 17th, 2003–September 25th, 2004, time interval. LP spectra are characterised by several, unevenly-spaced narrow peaks spanning the 0.5–10 Hz frequency band. These peaks are common to all the recording sites of the network, and different from those associated with tremor signals. Throughout the analysed time interval, LP spectra and waveforms maintain significant similarity, thus indicating the involvement of a non-destructive source process that we interpret in terms of the resonance of a fluid-filled buried cavity. Polarisation analysis indicates radiation from a non-isotropic source involving large amounts of shear. Concurrently with LP signals, recordings from the summit station also depict Very-Long-Period (VLP) pulses whose rectilinear motion points to a region located beneath the summit craters at depths ranging between 800 and 1100 m beneath the surface. Based on a refined repicking of similar waveforms, we obtain robust locations for a selected subset of the most energetic LP events from probabilistic inversion of travel-times calculated for a 3D heterogenous structure. LP sources cluster in a narrow volume located beneath the summit craters, and extending to a maximum depth of ≈800 m beneath the surface. No causal relationships are observed between LP, VLP and tremor activities and the onset of the 2004–2005 lava effusions, thus indicating that magmatic overpressure played a limited role in triggering this eruption. These data represent the very first observation of LP and VLP activity at Etna during non-eruptive periods, and open the way to the quantitative modelling of the geometry and dynamics of the shallow plumbing system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Monuments and artistic stone surfaces are often consolidated and protected with synthetic polymers, in particular, acrylics. Although it is generally thought that acrylic polymers are resistant to biodeterioration, we report for the first time the systematic occurrence of dematiaceous meristematic fungi on many marble samples of the cathedral in Milan (Italy) previously treated with this material. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy applied to the Milan cathedral stone samples revealed characteristic features of biodeteriorated synthetic resins that differentiated them from the aged but nonbiodeteriorated samples. Samples showing biological colonization were analyzed for the presence of fungi. Cultivation and morphological characterization and methods independent from cultivation, such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis coupled with partial 18S rRNA gene sequencing and immunofluorescence staining with melanin-binding antibodies, showed that melanin-producing species are heavily present on stone surfaces protected with acrylic resins. This observation raises the question of the effectiveness of acrylics in protecting stone artworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for sensitive, specific, and direct determination of palytoxin is proposed herein. It is based on combination of reversed-phase liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The new method was set up on a turbo ion spray-triple quadrupole MS instrument operating in selected ion monitoring (SIM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition modes (positive ions). The minimum detection levels for matrix-free toxin on column were thus estimated from the data to be 200 and 125 pg in SIM and MRM modes, respectively. Spiking experiments before and after extraction allowed us to assess limits of detection and quantitation for palytoxin in matrix, accuracy, and intraday and inter-day reproducibility of the method. The developed method was decisive for the analysis of a plankton sample collected along Genoa coasts in July 2005 when respiratory illness in people exposed to marine aerosols occurred. It is suggested that putative palytoxin was the causative agent responsible for patients' symptoms and demonstrated for the first time the presence of such a toxin in Italian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]