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The North-Marchean Apennines (central Italy) host an extraordinary geological and geomor-phological heritage, significant for its richness, diversity, rarity, scientific interest, aesthetic ap-peal, naturalistic, cultural, and educational values. The area, which covers 600 square kilometres and includes numerous spectacular geosites, embraces 18 municipalities in the provinces of Pesaro-Urbino and Ancona. These municipalities are distributed along the ridge that includes the peaks of Mts. Strega, Catria, Acuto, Petrano, Tenetra and Nerone and covers the parallel ridge of Mts. Paganuccio-Pietralata, together with the spectacular Furlo Gorge. It is a real geological museum outdoors, which, with its continuous stratigraphic succession of 200 million years, its geosites, and a vast system of karstic caves, is distinctive for geologists all over the world. This study aims to analyse the environmental heritage of the North-Marchean Apennines through the integrated study and description of the geo-environmental aspects of 7 geosites, se-lected from a list of 44, presented here and localized. These 7 geosites were chosen as being par-ticularly significant from a scientific, naturalistic as well as aesthetic, and cultural point of view. The richness of its geological and geomorphological heritage and the great wealth of its naturalistic, historical, and cultural aspects make it an area with high educational, tourist and recreational potential.

Hemangioblastomas (HBs) are rare, benign tumors often related to von Hippel–Lindau disease. They represent the most frequent primary cerebellar tumors in adults. Neurosurgical procedures aim to obtain a gross-total resection of tumor nodules, avoiding intra-postoperative hemorrhage. The introduction of new intraoperative imaging techniques has considerably changed surgical strategies in neuro-oncology. We present an overview of clinical and radiological data of a mono-institutional retrospective cohort, focusing on the role of intraoperative multimodal imaging in surgical strategy. From 2015 to 2021, we identified 64 (81%) cranial (42 cerebellar, 8 supratentorial, and 14 of the brainstem) HBs and 15 (19%) spinal (4 cervical and 11 dorsal) HBs in 79 patients. Intraoperatively, indocyanine green videoangiography with FLOW800 was used in 62 cases (52 cranial and 10 spinal), intraoperative ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasounds in 22 cases (18 cranial and 4 spinal HBs), and fluorescein in 10 cases (in 6 cranial and 2 spinal cases used as SF-VA). Gross total resection was achieved in 100% of the cases (53 mural nodule removal and 26 complete resections of the solid tumor). No side effects were reported following the combination of these tools. Multimodal intraoperative techniques provide valuable and reliable information to identify the tumor and its vasculature, guiding a more precise and safer resection and reducing the risk of recurrence.

The territories of the Valmarecchia and Montefeltro historical region have been investigated as emblematic expressions of dynamic landscapes that constantly change through time and as a consequence of human activities. Geosites of the study area represent different activity levels and periods, as some of the sites are related to anthropic activities and have witnessed the human population for decades, centuries and, for some of them, millennia. The continuous man-land interaction manifests as a wide assortment of spectacular fragments of landscape that witness destructive landslides, floods, unfortunate climate changes, mining operations and human exploitation of natural resources. The geomorphological interpretative basis has been settled for the promotion of Valmarecchia and Montefeltro geoheritage, in particular in terms of geotourism, as an example of Geomorphological Landscape. This last, according to Reynard & Panizza (2005), indicates a landscape made up of a composition of evidence and terrestrial forms closely interconnected by a network of genetic and functional relationships. The promotion has also been made by focusing on existing and newly proposed geosites as the best places for the transmission and dissemination of geological aspects, possibly through first-hand experience (i.e., guided excursions that aim to involve the user not only from a notional point of view but also from an emotional one) to better convey the content to be communicated. Three already known geosites and one new proposed geosite have been selected to carry out an educational geotouristic project named Paesaggeo. The project aims to engage a broad public sensitive to the themes of geology and natural environments, using digital tools and propose geologically themed treks in the selected geosites. Four different modes have been drafted and tested for each geosite, experimenting different approaches to communicate the same content. The purpose is to get the public closer to geological, geomorphological and geoheritage concepts, which are always connected to the naturalistic, biological and cultural heritage, and develop tourism promotion strategies based on geological heritage. Our goals are: lead locals and tourists to a greater understanding of natural phenomena and their typical time scales; spread knowledge about dynamic landscapes and natural, geological and hydrological risks to a broad public; promote an integrated form of slow tourism, which enhances the relationship between natural processes and populations through time.Reynard E., & Panizza M. (2005). Geomorphosites: definition, assessment and mapping. An introduction. Géomorphologie: relief, processus, environnement, 11(3), 177-180. https://doi.org/10.4000/geomorphologie.337

Early de-tethering procedures are performed on spinal dysraphisms to prevent neuro-urological deterioration caused by growth. Partial lipoma removal may cause delayed deterioration by re-tethering, while complete removal may increase the risk of postoperative worsening. The present study evaluates the risk of postoperative deterioration and the protective potential of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM), with a special reference to the conus lipomas treated with the radical approach. Forty toddlers (

In the management of bariatric surgery follow-up, a multidisciplinary approach allows to evaluate the weight loss maintenance and the dietary and lifestyle changes adherence. The main aim of this study is to create and to validate a questionnaire (eating behavior after bariatric surgery (EBBS)) to objectivize the compliance to dietary/lifestyle suggestions after bariatric surgery. An observational retrospective monocentric clinical trial was carried out at the Bariatric Surgery Unit of Modena, Italy. All weight-related data of bariatric surgery patients collected during the multidisciplinary post-surgical path were recorded. EBBS questionnaire and three validated psychological tests were administered. EBBS includes 11 questions concerning food (domain A), drinks (B), behaviors (C), and lifestyle (S). All data analyzed in the study were collected during the same visit. In 41 enrolled patients (52.2 + 11.9 years), the total weight loss after surgery was 44.87 + 18.37 kg (− 35.40 + 11.60%), with a weight loss maintenance of 86.92 + 14.30%. The EBBS questionnaire showed a good internal validity (Cronbach’s alpha 0.743, Hotelling’s T-square test p

Objective This study aims to present a practical method to accurately diagnose ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) malfunction and to detect the exact level at which the system has failed to tailor VPS revision at that level only. Methods A tertiary referral single-center algorithm for diagnosis of VPS malfunction is proposed. Based on clinical symptoms and confirmed ventricular dilatation on computed tomography, the VPS reservoir is punctured; if no cerebrospinal fluid is obtained, ventricular catheter replacement is recommended. Conversely, if cerebrospinal fluid is obtained, a sample is sent for cultural examination and the macroscopic integrity of the whole system is checked via plain radiography in the angiographic suite. Then, through the injection of iodate contrast medium into the reservoir and selective exclusion of the proximal and distal catheters, the patency and correct VPS functioning are investigated. Results A total of 102 (56 males) patients (mean age, 41.5 years; range, 1–86 years) underwent a VPS function test from 2012 to 2018: 59 cases of VPS malfunction (57.8%) were diagnosed. Ventricular catheter obstruction/damage/displacement occurred in 12/59 patients (20.3%), valve damage in 11/59 patients (18.6%), distal catheter obstruction/damage/displacement in 17/59 patients (28.8%) and 2-level (valve/proximal catheter or valve/distal catheter) obstruction/damage/displacement in 16/59 patients (27.1%). Subclinical infection was diagnosed in 3 patients (5.1%). VPS revision was performed selectively at the level of failure. Conclusions The proposed algorithm is a practical, simple and minimally invasive technique to accurately diagnose VPS malfunction, identifying the exact level of system failure and allowing surgical VPS revision to be tailored, avoiding unnecessary complete system replacement.

The toxicity of fibrous minerals is usually evaluated only in the case of biopersistent minerals because they can remain in the lungs or in other biologic environments for a long time causing several illnesses. Very scarce knowledge exists, at the date, on the accurate chemical composition and the effect of particulates and fibres with high solubility (in water and biological environments). To reduce this lack, natural fibrous epsomite from Perticara Mine (Central Italy) was investigated through SEM-EDS, XRPD, ICP-AES and alpha spectrometry measurements. The morphological and morphometrical investigations on the epsomite sample highlight the presence of a significant number of small fibres potentially inhalable for humans, with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter (Dae) value of 5.09 μm. Moreover, toxic elements (As, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sr, Ti, Zn) and radioactive isotopes (210Po and 228Th) were detected in the epsomite fibres by chemical analysis. In particular, a surprisingly high amount of of 210Po (5.59 Bq/g) was detected in the investigated epsomite sample. The first results of this study were recently published by Giordani et al. (2022). Due to the high solubility of epsomite at lung conditions (37 °C and 100% relative humidity; Chipera and Vaniman, 2007), the inhaled fibres rapidly became a solution and can be potentially adsorbed from all parts of the respiratory tract. Consequently, the entire cargo of hazardous elements could be quickly released into the lung environment and thus affect human health. Natural epsomite is a widespread mineral (e.g., in mines, geological outcrops, mineral springs, efflorescence) and has several applications (Ruiz-Agudo et al., 2008).Our findings suggest great caution in handling epsomite samples, and our work can be considered a representative case study to investigate the interaction between soluble minerals and human health. These preliminary results can be the basis for further studies on the content of hazardous elements in building materials and regarding toxic elements interaction with humans. Giordani, M., Meli, M. A., Roselli, C., Betti, M., Peruzzi, F., Taussi, M., Valentini, L., Fagiolino, I. and Mattioli, M. 2022. Could soluble minerals be hazardous to human health? Evidence from fibrous epsomite. Environmental Research, 206, 112579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.112579Chipera, S.J., Vaniman, D.T., 2007. Experimental stability of magnesium sulfate hydrates that may be present on Mars. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 71, 1, 241-250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2006.07.044.Ruiz-Agudo, E., Putnis, C.V., Rodriguez-Navarro, C., 2008. Interaction between epsomite crystals and organic additives. Crystal Growth and Design, 8(8), 2665-2673. https://doi.org/10.1021/c

Syringomyelia and Chiari malformation are classified as rare diseases on Orphanet, but international guidelines on diagnostic criteria and case definition are missing. Aim of the study: to reach a consensus among international experts on controversial issues in diagnosis and treatment of Chiari 1 malformation and syringomyelia in adults. A multidisciplinary panel of the Chiari and Syringomyelia Consortium (4 neurosurgeons, 2 neurologists, 1 neuroradiologist, 1 pediatric neurologist) appointed an international Jury of experts to elaborate a consensus document. After an evidence-based review and further discussions, 63 draft statements grouped in 4 domains (definition and classification/planning/surgery/isolated syringomyelia) were formulated. A Jury of 32 experts in the field of diagnosis and treatment of Chiari and syringomyelia and patient representatives were invited to take part in a three-round Delphi process. The Jury received a structured questionnaire containing the 63 statements, each to be voted on a 4-point Likert-type scale and commented. Statements with agreement

The synthetic polymers used to protect artworks from deterioration process can be colonized by the fungi and bacteria responsible for the biodeterioration process. In this study, the susceptibility of synthetic polyacrylics and polyurethane resins to microorganisms (Aspergillus niger ATCC 9642, Aureobasidium pullulans ATCC 15233, Chaetomium globosum ATCC 6205, Cladosporium cladosporioides ATCC 16022, Alternaria alternata BC01, Penicillium citrinum LS1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027) was investigated. The microbial attack was simulated alone and with a biocide and the related growth was observed up to 21 days for bacteria and 28 days for fungi. The polyacrylic and polyurethane resins were subjected to microbial attack, regardless of the biocide treatment, with a fungal growth from 60% to the complete coverage of the plate surface. Penicillium citrinum showed the greatest adaptation ability and was found in all the examined resins. P. aeruginosa was visible in all the different resins, regardless of the presence of biocide. An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) revealed the presence of fungal conidia and hyphae in the inoculated resins and the Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) indicated chemical transformations in the IR spectra, particularly the hydrolysis of esters, with some differences between the polyacrylic and polyurethane resins, which were probably due to their different chemical features. Overall, our data stress that the chemical, physical and biological deterioration caused by microorganisms capable of degrading synthetic polymers is still a problem in art restoration and that new strategies must be considered to counteract this phenomenon.

From a toxicological point of view, particulates and fibres with high solubility in water and/or in biological environments have not been considered in detail and the knowledge to date in this area is very scarce. In this study, the water-soluble natural epsomite fibres from Perticara Mine (Italy) were investigated using SEM-EDS, XRPD, ICP-AES and alpha spectrometry measurements which were combined and integrated to characterise the fibres' morphology, crystal chemistry and mineralogy. The morphological and morphometric results showed that most of the fibres are of inhalable size (D

When and why do socially constructed norms—including the laws of the land, norms of etiquette, and informal customs—generate moral obligations? I argue that the answer lies in the duty to respect others, specifically to give them what I call “agency respect.” This is the kind of respect that people are owed in light of how they exercise their agency. My central thesis is this: To the extent that (i) existing norms are underpinned by people’s commitments as agents and (ii) they do not conflict with morality, they place moral demands on us on agency-respect grounds. This view of the moral force of socially constructed norms, I suggest, is superior to views that deny the moral force of such norms, and it elegantly explains certain instances of wrongdoing that would otherwise remain unaccounted for.

In anticipation of the “Chiari and Syringomyelia Consensus Conference” held in Milan in 2019, we performed a systematic literature review on the management of Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) and syringomyelia (Syr) in children. We aimed to summarize the available evidence and identify areas where consensus has not been reached and further research is needed. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we formulated seven questions in Patients-Interventions-Comparators-Outcomes (PICO) format. Six PICOs concerned CM1 children with/without additional structural anomalies (Syr, craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, tethered cord, and cranio-vertebral junction anomalies), and one PICO Syr without CM1. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and NICE databases from January 1, 1999, to May 29, 2019. Cohort studies, controlled and randomized clinical trials (CCTs, RCTs), and systematic reviews were included, all pertinent only to patients ≤ 18 years of age. For CM1, 3787 records were found, 460 full texts were assessed and 49 studies (46 cohort studies, one RCT, and two systematic reviews) were finally included. For Syr, 376 records were found, 59 full texts were assessed, and five studies (one RCT and four cohort studies) were included. Data on each PICO were synthetized narratively due to heterogeneity in the inclusion criteria, outcome measures, and length of follow-up of the included studies. Despite decades of experience on CM1 and Syr management in children, the available evidence remains limited. Specifically, there is an urgent need for collaborative initiatives focusing on the adoption of shared inclusion criteria and outcome measures, as well as rigorous prospective designs, particularly RCTs.

In this work, we propose a new approach to communicate science using art forms, such as music and poetry, in order to encourage people to learn more about landscapes. This approach was born from a desire to promote the landscape by integrating its origins and physical aesthetics with its naturalistic, cultural and artistic heritage, through narratives in popular science style, supported by the language of art. The different disciplines of Earth Science, poetry and music are applied together to specific sites, producing emotional experiences where encounter and interplay between the different languages become an expression of the place.This experience started few years ago in 2014 and was linked by a common interest in enhancement of the territory. The team is composed of researchers and artists with different skills, whose aim is to promote deeper public awareness of the territory, by means of proposing live events and presenting the idea in international scientific conferences and journals. After a project dedicated to 20 geosites in the Marche Region (Central Italy), which took place from February 2018 to February 2020 and resulted in a book in the native language (Nesci and Valentini 2019) and a website presenting a summary of it, we are now approaching a new region in North-Central Italy. The Valmarecchia and Montefeltro areas are well known by geologists and scientists from all over the world for the particular origin and evolution of the Valmarecchia nappe, which consists of stacked slices of Ligurian and Epiligurian rocks overthrusting Tuscan and Umbro-Marchean Units and producing unique geological landscapes (Guerra and Lazzari, 2020). The study area is also well known by historians and artists for its great cultural value, but poorly understood by tourists and locals.The research has identified several geological landscapes in the study area that could be used as field test sites to experiment different communication styles for dissemination of geological values. The methodology proposed in this paper aims to experiment the involvement level of the participants, engaged through the use of conventional and unconventional means in the popularization of Earth Sciences, such as music and art, directly in the field. These experiences will be included in series of treks conducted with different approaches (i.e. classic guided tours, exploring experiences, interactive engagement of the public in narrative and emotional engagement through music and art). The aim is to collect data about the involvement of the public and to verify whether incisiveness of geological concepts, conveyed within the affective domain of learning (i.e. engagement, attitude, and emotion), differs from the one deriving from the involvement of the cognitive domain (i.e. comprehension and application) (Nesci and Valentini, 2020).Our goal is to educate by creating a new perception of geological landscapes, starting with their physical beauty and then building on scientific research in co-operation with arts, in order to improve what we know about their problems and weaknesses, and addressing their culture and their other strengths as well.

Born from a desire to promote the landscape by integrating its origins and physical aesthetics with its naturalistic, cultural, and artistic heritage, we develop narratives about three locations in central Italy, telling them in the language of popular science, supported by the language of art. The different disciplines of science, poetry, and ancient music are applied to the same sites, producing emotional experiences where the encounter and interplay between different representations, and combinations of representations, become an expression of a place. The research introduces three geosites from the Marche Region, central Italy: I Sassi Simone e Simoncello, La Grotta della Beata Vergine di Frasassi, and the Infernaccio Gorge, in order to propose our multidisciplinary approach to the international public. These have been chosen for their value and charm, for their different processes of genesis and evolution, and for the cultural context and feelings they evoke. In a new approach to science communication, our study uses art in the form of music and poetry to encourage people to learn about landscapes. The paper explains the genesis and evolution of the three places, suggests trekking itineraries, includes a poem written specifically for each site, and describes a piece of ancient music and video and cultural offerings relating to each location. Our goal is to educate by fashioning a new perception of landscapes, starting with their physical beauty, and then building on scientific research in co-operation with arts, to improve what we know about their problems and weaknesses, but also about their culture and other strengths.

Objective Large interhemispheric cysts (IHC) with partial or complete agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) constitute a heterogeneous group of rare disorders. Neurosurgical treatment, in the terms of if, when and how to operate, remains unclear Methods We performed a surgical literature review of series or reports of IHCs with callosal anomalies; we evaluated whether revision surgeries were necessary and considered the dimensional change in the cyst postoperatively and the developmental outcome. We also reported our experience with sfour patients treated by programmable cysto-peritoneal (CP) shunting. Patients’ clinical history, neuroradiological and neuropsychological performances were evaluated pre and post operatively. Results The review included 133 patients with surgically-treated IHCs. Although most authors are in agreement to perform surgery if the patients present signs of raised ICP and to not intervene in those completely asymptomatic, for other signs and symptoms the debate is still open; only few authors performed cognitive tests pre and post-operatively. Shunting procedures were successful in 60% of our reviewed cases and often lead to a major cyst collapse. Craniotomy achieves good results but is extremely invasive. Endoscopy is minimally invasive and our review demonstrated a success rate of 66%. However, endoscopy does not ensue a complete cyst collapse. Our series and review seem to suggest a possible link between parenchymal re-expansion and cognitive outcome. Conclusions Early and effective surgery seems to obtain a greater cerebral parenchyma re-expansion and long-term cognitive evolution. Endoscopy is safe and reliable, but more data is needed on the impact of uncomplete cyst collapse on neurocognitive outcome.

B-mode represents the main imaging modality used during neurosurgical procedures. This chapter reviews our previous experiences in adult neurosurgery, in particular regarding intraoperative neoplastic evaluation, characterization and vessel visualization, applied during different paediatric neurosurgical procedures. We illustrate how CEUS can be employed in different intra-operative settings in paediatric neurosurgical patients and describe various conditions in which CEUS proved to be feasible and useful for cerebral and spinal cord malformation, neoplastic and vascular diseases. As contrast media is beneficial for the diagnosis and understanding with traditional neuroradiological imaging, ultrasound contrast agents should be included for completeness in most ultrasound studies, particularly in the paediatric population.

During a restoration and diagnostic campaigns carried out on Paestum funerary slabs belonging to the Lucanian funerary art, calcium antimonate (CaSb2O6) was detected for the first time in the pictorial layers. This artificial pigment, widely employed as opacifier both in ancient glass and glaze covering clay objects, was found in the wall paintings, regardless of the colour, supporting the hypothesis of an intentional addition of calcium antimonate to the pigments and the involvement of ceramic painters. A multi-analytical approach was performed on 32 funerary slabs (6th – 3rd century BCE), currently located at the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum (Italy) using both polarized light microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, micro X-ray fluorescence, micro Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The results confirmed the use of a limited number of pigments, usually applied with fresco technique, although in many cases the stratigraphy of the painted layer showed morphology of mezzo fresco technique, but no organic binders were found. The hues of vegetal decorations were obtained using green earth, sometimes Egyptian blue mixed with yellow ochre, carbon and bone blacks, and orpiment. The alteration of green earth and other iron-containing pigments are likely responsible for the discolouration of the original hues. In red paints, hematite and red ochre are frequently associated with ilmenite, a typical volcanic mineral. Egyptian blue was used in blue paints while in black paints it was mixed with carbon and bone black pigments.

In the framework of geosite management, specific targeted symbols for geomorphological legends are still lacking. Concerning geosites of geomorphological interest, geomorphological mapping requires targeted symbols in relation to goals and applications, either concerning geomorphic hazards and risk detection or the enhancement of resources, in particular those related to cultural heritage and, hence, geoheritage. A new methodology for mapping geo(morpho)heritage on geomorphological maps is presented in this paper. Nine iconic examples from the Italian landscape, selected in different morphogenetic and morphoclimatic contexts, are proposed to test the methodology in relation to point, polyline and polygon features. Moreover, guidelines for mapping are suggested according to the importance of the site and to the complexity of processes characterizing each case study.

Nowadays, fibrous minerals pose as significant health hazards to humans, and exposure to these fibers can lead to the development of severe pulmonary diseases. This work investigated the morphology, crystal structure, chemistry, and surface activity of fibrous ferrierite recently found in northern Italy through an integrated approach using scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron microprobe, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction, and electron paramagnetic resonance. Our results show that a notable amount of ferrierite fibers are breathable (average length ~22 µm, average diameter 0.9 µm, diameter-length ratio >> 1:3) and able to reach the alveolar space (average Dae value 2.5 μm). The prevailing extra-framework cations are in the Mg > (Ca ≈ K) relationship, R is from 0.81 to 0.83, and the Si/Al ratio is high (4.2–4.8). The bond distances suggest the occurrence of some degree of Si,Al ordering, with Al showing a site-specific occupation preference T1 > T2 > T3 > T4. Ferrierite fibers show high amounts of adsorbed EPR probes, suggesting a high ability to adsorb and interact with related chemicals. According to these results, fibrous ferrierite can be considered a potential health hazard, and a precautionary approach should be applied when this material is handled. Future in vitro and in vivo tests are necessary to provide further experimental confirmation of the outcome of this work.

We present a method to educate the public about landscapes that uses artistic works to broaden the audience, entice people to learn about landscapes in a personal and human context, and thus encourage them to preserve the natural heritage. To this end, we use narratives about a place, in plain language, accompanied by visual presentations, original poetry, and ancient music. Several studies encourage the use of art since it can help to synthesize and convey complex scientific information and create a celebratory and positive atmosphere. Evidence suggests that the arts can deeply engage people by focusing on emotions rather than relying only on comprehension, which is often emphasized in science communication. The multidisciplinary approach arouses an emotional and intellectual experience that enables a personal connection to the place. The work is part of a larger multidisciplinary project covering 20 sites in the Marche region (central Italy), which includes scientific information on geological–geomorphological genesis, trekking itineraries, poetry, ancient music, video, and cultural offerings. The project resulted in live multidisciplinary performances, a book, a DVD, and a website. To give a taste of how we work among the many amazing landscapes of the Marche region, we focus here on three sites from the north, the centre, and the south of the region, namely the sea cliff of San Bartolo, the flatiron of Mount Petrano, and the fault of Mount Vettore, chosen as examples for their different processes of genesis and evolution. In the long run, our goal is to promote a deeper understanding of landscapes by integrating their origin and physical aesthetic with their cultural and artistic heritage. In doing so, we intend to inspire people to have a new perception of geosites, starting from their physical beauty, building on scientific study and cultural history, and arriving at the knowledge of their social importance. So far, our direct experience with the public has been highly encouraging. The participation at our live shows demonstrated a great interest in geological history, a result that is relevant for the development of geotourism. The method demonstrates the potential to develop a strong personal involvement of visitors with the places, stimulating their curiosity to know how and why that place was formed, and, finally, the desire to visit and protect it.

The present study investigated the morphology of fresh and brine-cured table olives (TOs) as well as the changes that occur when drupes are attacked by the fruit fly Bactrocera oleae. Morphological analyses were performed using light microscopy (LM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS). The LM analysis was carried out with visible light to evaluate sections stained with either PAS or Azan mixtures as well as unstained sections observed at fluorescence microscopy. The results of the analyses showed that: i) Azan and PAS staining played a useful complementary role, increasing the information provided by the histological analysis. Indeed, in both fresh and brine-cured TOs, epidermal layers and mesocarpal cells were clearly revealed, including sclereid cells. The histological analysis allowed also to identifying the presence of secoiridoid-biophenols (seco-BPs) in both cell walls and vacuoles, as well as in the drupe regions that had been attacked by fruit flies, where they were found at higher concentrations; ii) in fresh and brine-cured olives, the excitation at 480 nm revealed the distribution of the fluorophores, among which the seco-BP are enclosed; iii) the ESEM-EDS analysis revealed the natural morphology of fresh olives, including the dimensions of their cell layers and the size and depth of the mechanical barriers of suberized or necrotic cells around the larva holes. In addition, the elemental composition of regions of interest of the drupe was determined in fresh and brine-cured TOs. The results highlighted the effectiveness of combined use of LM and ESEM-EDS in order to obtain a picture, as complete as possible, of the structural morphology of TOs. Such analytical combined approach can be used to support multidisciplinary studies aimed at the selection of new cultivars more resistant to fly attack.

We present a new approach in science communication that uses artistic works to entice people to learn about landscapes. To this aim, we use narratives about a place in plain language accompanied by visual stimulations, poetry, and ancient music. The multidisciplinary approach resulting from the encounter and interplay among the different communicative methods arouse an emotional and intellectual experience that enables a personal connection to the place. This work is part of a larger multidisciplinary project covering 20 sites in the Marche Region (Central Italy) that includes scientific information on geological-geomorphological genesis, trekking itineraries, poetry, ancient music, video and cultural offerings. The project is documented through live multidisciplinary performances, the publication of project materials in a book with a DVD attached, and through a web site with the same contents. Among the many amazing landscapes of the Marche Region, we focus here on three sites from the north, the centre and the south of the region: The sea-cliff of San Bartolo, The flatiron of Mount Petrano and The fault of Mount Vettore, chosen as examples for their different processes of genesis and evolution. Our goal is to promote a deeper understanding of landscapes by integrating their origin and physical aesthetic with their cultural and artistic heritage. In doing so, we intend to educate people to have a new perception of geo-sites, starting from its physical beauty, building on scientific study and cultural history, and arriving to the knowledge of its social importance.

The chapter critically analyzes the role played by the state in the global justice debate. It surveys the different ways in which statists and cosmopolitans invoke the state either to justify the scope and content of their preferred principles of justice or to explain how such principles might be realized. The chapter also distinguishes between two conceptualizations of the state: as a system of institutions and as an agent in its own right. On the basis of this analysis, the authors conclude that both at the level of justification and at that of realization, the most plausible positions with respect to global justice lie somewhere in between full-blown cosmopolitanism and full-blown statism. While principles of egalitarian justice are not confined to the state, they do not extend in identical form to the global realm. Similarly, while the state—as we know it—is insufficient to realize plausible principles of justice (be they statist or cosmopolitan), what realizing justice requires falls short of the creation of a comprehensive global sovereign.