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Wetlands have a fundamental role in the maintenance and development of the global ecosystem and human health. Assessing the value of Ecosystem Services (ES) that wetlands provide is strictly related to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. This paper considers the Oristanese Reclamation District located in the Italian region of Sardinia, where the highest amount of water resources is used for irrigation. Moreover, the study area is characterized by the presence of numerous ponds and wetlands that are deeply interconnected with local agriculture, attracting a substantial number of tourists. This paper aims to evaluate the touristic value in the area by applying the travel cost method, a non-market evaluation method used to derive consumers' preferences. Through secondary data, we obtained a total estimate of economic benefits from the recreational uses of the site of approximately €1.25 Mln/year. The results provide support to decision-makers for improving management options while ensuring a tradeoff between the economic benefits derived from tourist activities and the conservation of the wetland area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconfiguring energy infrastructure networks to accommodate the expansion of renewable energy can have specific regional manifestations with regional advocacy being used to promote innovations and solutions on the ground. The paper introduces the analytical concept of territorial responsiveness to unpack these regional manifestations. The paper tests a number of constituent properties of territorial responsiveness in two Italian regions, Apulia and Sardinia. These regions show that while the regional level has had a modest influence in the regulation of network infrastructure, regional actors played a role in rendering their territory, directly or indirectly, available for infrastructural investment and mediated potential constraints, both material/infrastructural and constitutional. The paper argues that the concept of territorial responsiveness can add to energy landscape research as it contributes towards understanding the territorial restructuring of agency, unpacking the relations and participation in infrastructure renewals that are emerging around infrastructure change, often with varying spatial reach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease of domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boars (Sus scrofa) that is caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, where 24 genotypes of the virus have been reported. Between the late 1950s and the early 1980s, genotype I ASFV emerged in Europe, including Italy. In June 2007, a second ASF epidemic wave caused by genotype II was registered, involving several European and extra-European countries, including Italy in 2022. The present paper aims to provide the state of the art of ASF in Italy, describing the course of ASF in wild boars and domestic pigs as an example of multiple concurring different scenarios. Sardinia is coping with the last phase of the eradication of the disease by applying the exit strategy. Conversely, four clusters of infection located in North, Central, and South Italy are still ongoing. The unique and complex Italian experience in ASF-controlling may be useful to increase know-how on the efficacy of strategies and measures, as well as issues that could be further improved. African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease of domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boars (Sus scrofa) caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, where 24 genotypes of the virus have been reported. Between the late 1950s and the early 1980s, genotype I ASFV emerged in Europe, including Italy. In June 2007, a second ASF epidemic wave caused by genotype II was registered, involving several European and extra-European countries, including Italy in 2022. The present paper aims to provide the state of the art of ASF in Italy, describing the course of ASF in wild boars and domestic pigs as an example of multiple concurring different scenarios. Sardinia is coping with the last phase of the eradication of the disease by applying the exit strategy. Conversely, four clusters of infection located in North, Central, and South Italy are still ongoing. The unique and complex Italian experience in ASF-controlling may be useful to increase know-how on the efficacy of strategies and measures, as well as issues that could be further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the world's population is progressively shifting towards coastal areas, and it is estimated that it could reach 1 billion by 2050. On the other hand, meteocean forcings show increasing modification in terms of the occurrence and frequency of energetic events related to climate change trends. Then, the definition of adaptation strategies is crucial to managing coastal areas, especially in the most densely populated or highly valued tourist and environmental areas. Meaningful long-term strategies should then be based on quantitative estimation of future scenarios in a changing climate. Although most of the studies in the literature focus on extreme events, this paper aims to assess, through synthetic indicators, whether and how average and mild energy conditions related to wave climate will vary considering the current situation compared to future projections. The study is based on the analysis of wave data. The projection of average and mild energy conditions can indeed influence, just for example, the long-term morphodynamics of sandy beaches and the quality of bathing waters. Data extracted from the Copernicus database are considered. The methodology has been applied to the case of Sardinia island at a regional scale. Then, the aim of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, a method is proposed to evaluate the variation of average and mild wave conditions; on the other hand, it aims to apply the method to the case study of the Sardinia coastal area to highlight its feasibility. Results confirm that variations are expected. In the analyzed case study, it emerges that, on average, the long-term evolution of the wave climate shows a tendency toward intensification, while a decrease in the frequency of calm conditions is estimated. The average annual number of events undergoes an increase. Moreover, changes in wave directional sectors are observed, which, from being unimodal, are estimated to exhibit bimodal characteristics in particular on the west coast of the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This data descriptor presents a novel dataset collected using the quadrupedal robot ANYmal C in the Mediterranean coastal dune environment of the European Union (EU) habitats 2110 and 2120 in Sardinia, Italy. The dataset mainly consists of photos, videos, and point clouds of the coastal dunes, providing valuable information on the structure and composition of this habitat. The data was collected by a team of robotic engineers and plant scientists as result of a joint effort towards robotic habitat monitoring. The dataset is publicly available through Zenodo and can be used by researchers working in both the fields of robotics and habitat ecology and conservation. The availability of this dataset has the potential to inform future research and conservation efforts in the EU habitats 2110 and 2120, and it highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of habitat monitoring. This paper serves as a comprehensive description of the dataset and the methods used to collect it, making it a valuable resource for the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As highlighted by the UN 2030 Agenda, sustainable development is a complex and multidimensional issue that can be effectively implemented and reached at the local level. This implies the evaluation of differences and disparities between territories in order to define local priorities and support cohesion policy objectives. This need has been addressed by the Italian "National Strategy for Inner Areas", which aims to support the growth of territories with a continuous economic and population decline. However, Inner Areas are identified by a set of indicators related to the low accessibility to Services of General Interest, neglecting other important factors that contribute to this condition. This paper proposes a critical analysis of this measurement and of the related "territorialization" of Inner Areas, by introducing a more comprehensive assessment model based on the concept of Territorial Capital (TC), which highlights a more nuanced understanding of complexities and diversities related to the potential development of a territory. In particular, the proposed model evaluates eight TC dimensions (human, social, cognitive, infrastructural, productive, relational, environmental and settlement capital), which cover a broad spectrum of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to accurately demonstrate the differences between the results of the two evaluation methods, this paper presents the results of a case study application concerning all 377 municipalities, which compose the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy). The findings of this study confirm the potential of an approach based on the Territorial Capital for place-based policymaking. TC, in fact, can become relevant for defining local priorities and supporting complex decisions, allowing governments to better design and tailor interventions for the effective and efficient management of available resources. Furthermore, these results pose new questions for future research developments in the field of sustainable and equitable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The arrival of the African swine fever (ASF) epizootic in the European continent has pushed public veterinary authorities to act immediately in order to contain its spread by applying the regulatory guidance of the current Animal Health Law of the European Union (Regulations EU 2016/429). Control and surveillance measures, in accordance with Regulations 2020/687 and 2023/594, have been implemented. Moreover, protection and surveillance areas have been created around the infected holdings and the wild boar cases. This paper analyzes the advantages and critical points of the legal framework for the control of ASF in wild boar, focusing on the role of official veterinary services in European Union Member States (EU MS). Recently, the African swine fever (ASF) epizootic has been reported in domestic pigs and wild boars in several European Union Member States (EU MS) and epidemiological evidence has accumulated which indicates that wild boar play a key role in maintaining and spreading the disease. Thanks to the experience gained when managing ASF outbreaks in Sardinia (Italy) and Eastern Europe, Directive 2002/60 CE was issued. This directive represented an important step forward in controlling the disease, particularly the risk of spreading the virus to wild animals. Since 2021, according to Regulation (EU) 2016/429, which is also called "Animal Health Law—AHL", when the MS competent authority suspects or confirms ASF (a cat. A listed disease) in wild animals, it is mandatory to conduct surveillance in the wild boar population and implement the necessary control measures. Within AHL, Regulations (EU) 2020/687 and 2023/594 established special ASF control measures in kept and wild porcine animals, and their products and by-products, focusing on and underlying old and new responsibilities that vets (both public and private ones) have to accomplish under the new regulations. The new change in the legal framework deals with specific measures to be applied in the wild and represents a great challenge for MS veterinary services. Some of these measures have been well established in the last two decades, particularly those related to application in the farming system, while other measures are still new to veterinary health management and require a holistic approach in terms of intensity, considering all geographical, ecological, productive, cultural and social features of the involved EU MS. In this contribution, the authors intend to focus on specific measures which have been issued in order to limit or stop the spread of ASF in a wild, "boundless" ecosystem. These measures expand the field of competence of the official veterinary service to wild areas in addition to farm activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamics of the cross-shore extensions of banquettes, a sedimentary structure mostly made by rests of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, in a sandy urban beach located in the Gulf of Cagliari, Italy, western Mediterranean. A video monitoring station was installed above the promontory south of the beach. We analysed a four-year image database and related these dynamics to wave and wind parameters (obtained from the Copernicus and ERA5 databases) from September 2016 to September 2020. Our results showed that banquette deposition occurred in concomitance with the presence of leaf litter in the surf zone associated with mild storm events. Erosion of the banquettes occurred during more intense storms. When leaf litter was not present in the surf zone, banquettes were not deposited even with mild storms. Wind can influence the banquette dynamics: under certain conditions of speed intensity, the banquettes may be removed offshore, supplying litter in the surf zone, or they may be covered by sediment. The permanence of the banquettes on the beaches also depended on their composition: when the banquettes were intertwined with reeds, their removal by the waves did not occur even during intense storms, and this sedimentary structure can protect the beach from flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the results obtained from an archaeometric study of a bronze Nuragic small boat model (Sardinia, Italy) dating from the Early Iron Age (presumably 9th–7th centuries BC). The artifact comes from an unknown location in Sardinia and is one of the objects that came to the Museum of Turin in the 19th century. This model is of particular interest as it is a unique Nuragic boat model containing a human figure among its decorations. The artifact is kept in the collection of the Royal Museum of Turin (Italy) and is a typical example of Sardinian manufacture from the Early Iron Age. This study was carried out using a combination of non-invasive techniques with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF) integrated with Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and Raman spectroscopy, which allowed the characterization of the alloy of the artifact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the feasibility and benefits of integrating hydrogen storage systems into off-grid power systems. As a case study, a stand-alone microgrid located on a small island in southeastern Sardinia (Italy) and already equipped with a photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with batteries is chosen. To evaluate the integration benefits of the two storage systems (hydrogen and batteries) and the optimal sizing of the hydrogen storage section, a parametric analysis with a simulation model implemented in the MATLAB environment has been carried out. Results show that the optimal integration between the two storage systems is found by imposing a share of the batteries (18 kWh, 50% of the overall battery capacity) to exclusively supply the load demand (called battery energy buffer). In these conditions, an almost 100% self-sufficiency of the microgrid can be achieved by a hydrogen generator with the lowest size considered (2.4 kW), a hydrogen storage volume of 10 m3 and a fuel cell, mainly able to completely cover the night loads, of 1.5 kW. This sizing leads to a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for the hydrogen section of about 10.5 €/kWh. [Display omitted] • Investigation of a hydrogen storage into off-grid systems characterized by seasonal loads. • Determination of the hydrogen storage sizing through parametric analysis. • Optimal integration with batteries found by imposing an energy buffer equal to 50%. • Through the hydrogen storage, self-sufficiency higher than 99% is achieved. • Significant energy surcharges detected to ensure 100% green electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This paper underlines the peculiar features of Sardinian population; these features need to be considered in the planning of orthodontic treatment. Since human skulls may be used as a benchmark of the evolutionary process, the aim of the present study is to assess the cranial affinity of Sardinian populations from different chronological periods, with a standard index to evaluate its benefits for orthodontic purposes. Craniometric variables from four throughout cephalograms (anterior and lateral) of 72 units from historical Sardinian populations, two prehistoric, one medieval, and one modern were compared to the Bolton standard. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for means comparison. A hierarchical cluster analysis and the bootstrap technique for the reliability of the dendrogram were used. Length data revealed statistically significant results (p < 0.01). Usually, the medieval population showed higher mean values compared to the other groups; the prehistoric population presented the highest value of Euclidean distance when compared to the medieval; the modern showed no affinity to prehistoric populations nor to the Bolton standard. The length and the breadth of the neurocranium, maxillary–alveolar length, orbital height, maximum cranial breadth, and external palate breadth contributed to the dissimilarity among populations. The dissimilarities in the craniometric measurements of Sardinian populations are remarkable. Therefore, the main outcome showed that the craniometric standards of the Bolton standard are not applicable across the Sardinian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate fuel mapping is crucial for effectively determining wildfire risk and implementing management strategies. The primary challenge in fuel type mapping lies in the need to develop accurate and efficient methods for identifying and categorizing the various combustible materials present in an area, often on a large scale. In response to this need, this paper presents a comprehensive approach that combines remote sensing data and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to discriminate between fire behavior fuel models. In particular, a CNN-based classification approach that leverages Sentinel-2 imagery is exploited to accurately classify fuel types into seven preliminary main classes (broadleaf, conifers, shrubs, grass, bare soil, urban areas, and water bodies). To further refine the fuel mapping results, subclasses were generated from the seven principles by using biomass and bioclimatic maps. These additional maps provide complementary information about vegetation density and climatic conditions, respectively. By incorporating this information, we align our fuel type classification with the widely used Standard Scott and Burgan (2005) fuel classification system. The results are highly promising, showcasing excellent CNN training performance with all three metrics—accuracy, recall, and F1 score—achieving an impressive 0.99%. Notably, the network exhibits exceptional accuracy in a test case conducted in the southern region of Sardinia, successfully identifying Burnable classes in previously unseen pixels: broadleaf at 0.99%, conifer at 0.79%, shrub at 0.76%, and grass at 0.84%. The proposed approach presents a valuable tool for enhancing fire management, contributing to more effective wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. Thus, this tool could be leveraged by fire management agencies, policymakers, and researchers to improve the determination of wildfire risk and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to define an artistic metaphor and highlight the multimodal properties of metaphors in artistic environments. In this research, an artistic metaphor has a relevant aesthetic purpose and it conveys beauty. Interpreting a metaphor in Sardinian art requires time for contemplation, however the cognitive effort of understanding the meaning of an artistic metaphor is rewarded by the delight of those who contemplate it. This metaphor has some characteristics in common with a visual metaphor but differs from other types of images that have been more extensively analyzed in the literature: it is difficult to establish a specific directionality, and consequently, it is not easy to recognize the target and source domains; the way it is expressed makes its interpretation and classification problematic at times. A proposal is presented in the paper to describe artistic metaphors according to universal macro-categories, inspired by the knowledge of Aristotelian and Kantian categories and by studies in the field of aesthetics: (1) time, (2) space, (3) decontextualization of stereotypes, and (4) fusion of forms. These categories are applied to a corpus of artworks by important artists in Sardinia to show that the visual, tactile, and auditory components of the pictures can boost an effective comprehension of figurative meaning. Results suggest that the multimodality of Sardinian artistic metaphors orients the observer toward original possibilities of learning and stimulates knowledge of the "submerged" wealth of symbols and archetypes that characterize insularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Einstein Telescope (ET) is a proposed underground infrastructure in Europe to host future generations of gravitational-wave (GW) detectors. One of its design goals is to extend the observation band of terrestrial GW detectors from currently about 20 Hz down to 3 Hz. The coupling of a detector to its environment becomes stronger at lower frequencies, which makes it important to carefully analyse environmental disturbances at ET candidate sites. Seismic disturbances pose the greatest challenge since there are several important mechanisms for seismic vibrations to produce noise in ET, for example, through gravitational coupling, stray light, or through harmful constraints on the design of ET's control system. In this paper, we present an analysis of the time-variant properties of the seismic field at the Sardinia candidate site of ET connected to anthropogenic as well as natural phenomena. We find that temporal variations of source distributions and of the noise spectra generally follow predictable trends in the form of diurnal, weekly, or seasonal cycles. Specific seismic sources were identified such as road bridges, which produce observable disturbances underground. This information can be used to adapt a detector's seismic isolation and control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent neurological condition impacting the central nervous system (CNS). The precise cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain; however, it is thought to arise from a blend of genetic and environmental factors. MS diagnosis includes assessing medical history, conducting neurological exams, performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and analyzing cerebrospinal fluid. While there is currently no cure for MS, numerous treatments exist to address symptoms, decelerate disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with MS. Methods: This paper introduces a novel machine learning (ML) algorithm utilizing decision trees to address a key objective: creating a predictive tool for assessing the likelihood of MS development. It achieves this by combining prevalent demographic risk factors, specifically gender, with crucial immunogenetic risk markers, such as the alleles responsible for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes responsible for natural killer lymphocyte receptors. Results: The study included 619 healthy controls and 299 patients affected by MS, all of whom originated from Sardinia. The gender feature has been disregarded due to its substantial bias in influencing the classification outcomes. By solely considering immunogenetic risk markers, the algorithm demonstrates an ability to accurately identify 73.24% of MS patients and 66.07% of individuals without the disease. Discussion: Given its notable performance, this system has the potential to support clinicians in monitoring the relatives of MS patients and identifying individuals who are at an increased risk of developing the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sardinia (Italy) represents one of the most comprehensive cross-sections of the Variscan orogen. The metamorphic and structural complexity characterizing its axial zone still presents many unresolved issues in the current state of knowledge. The data presented from the structural study of the entire axial zone of this area have allowed the authors to propose a subdivision into two new structural complexes. In particular, a younger complex is identified as the New Gneiss Complex, containing remnants of an older and higher-grade metamorphic complex defined as the Old Gneiss Complex. The structural and geometric relationships between the two complexes suggest the redefinition of the axial zone of Sardinia as part of the intracontinental East Variscan Shear Zone/medium-temperature Regional Mylonitic Complex. Comparable relationships are also highlighted in many other areas of the Variscan chain (e.g., Morocco, Corsica, Maures Massif, and Argentera Massif). Extending this new structural interpretation to other axial zones of the South European Variscan orogen could provide new hints for reconstructing the collision boundaries between Gondwana and Laurussia in the late Carboniferous to the early Permian periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, measurements of 2.012 bone remains from four different domestic species (sheep, goats, cattle and pigs) originating from 33 Bronze Age archaeological sites from the Balearic Islands, mainland Iberia, southern France and Sardinia, and spanning about 2500 years (3700-700 cal. BCE) have been compared. The results show that a decrease in animal size occurred in the Balearic Islands during the Bronze Age. It was not a local phenomenon but rather was a general pattern that happened in different territories. Yet it was more marked on the islands. The evidence shows that the four analyzed species were not affected in the same way and it was a nonlinear phenomenon. Indeed, during the Late Bronze Age some archaeological sites from the Balearics had taller caprines compared with the other contemporaneous places, also on the continent. A multi-factor explanation for these fluctuations is proposed in this paper, showing that animal sizes generally decreased during late prehistory -especially cattle- and this process could reflect different factors such as a combination of limited feeding, increased human pressure and endogamy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tries to summarize the results of studies from different areas of knowledge supporting the idea that temperamental traits, such as "reckiess/hyper-exploratory" attitudes, commonly believed to be associated with psychopathology, surprisingly turn out as adaptive under specific stress conditions. In particular, this paper analyzes an ethologic line of research on primates suggesting models for a sociobiological interpretation of mood disorders in humans; a study that found high frequencies of a genetic variance associated with bipolar disorder in people without bipolar disorder but with hyperactivity/novelty-seeking traits; the outcomes of socio-anthropological-historical surveys on the evolution of mood disorders in Western countries in the last centuries; surveys on changing societies in Africa and African migrants in Sardinia; and studies that found higher frequencies of mania and subthreshold mania among Sardinian immigrants in Latin American megacities. Although it is not unequivocally accepted that the prevalence of mood disorders has increased, it would be logical to suppose that a nonadaptive condition should have disappeared over time; mood disorders, on the contrary, persist and their prevalence might have even increased. This new interpretation could lead to counter discrimination and stigma towards people suffering from the disorder and would be a central point in psychosocial treatments in addition to pharmacological therapy. Our aim is to hypothesize that bipolar disorder, strongly characterized by these traits, may be the result of the interaction between genetic characteristics, not necessarily pathological, and specific environmental conditions rather than a mere product of an aberrant genetic profile. If mood disorders were mere nonadaptive conditions, they would have disappeared over time; however, their prevalence paradoxically persists if not even increases over time. The hypothesis that bipolar disorder may result from the interaction between genetic characteristics, not necessarily pathological, and specific environmental factors seems more credible than considering bipolar disorder as a mere product of an aberrant genetic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This paper explores the pre-mating reproductive barriers in a group of leafhopper species living vicariously in the Palaearctic region by producing hybrid zones and compares them with a closely related species of the same genus living in sympatry with some of the species of the investigated group. The results confirm the usefulness of a cheap, though neglected, methodology for recording substrate-borne vibrations and concern the basic clues that separate these species during their mating; i.e., which of the parameters of the substrate-borne vibrations they produce for calling the opposite sex and courting once the two sexes meet are necessary as pre-mating reproductive barriers. The basic behavioural isolation mechanisms are the pulse period of the female call and the main part of the courtship ritual performed by the male. An excursus into the existing literature on leafhopper bioacoustics and reproductive behaviour is undertaken to point out common aspects, propose explanations of biological phenomena—including the formation of hybrid zones, which led, in the past, to the description of several fictitious new species throughout the Palaearctic—and place the grounds for further research on pre-mating and post-mating reproductive barriers. The vibrational communication and mating behaviour of the graminicolous leafhoppers Zyginidia pullula, Z. ribauti, Z. scutellaris, Z. serpentina, Z. sohrab, and Z. biroi were investigated to explain why the first five species hybridize. Z. biroi was used as a control species. All species behaved in the same way and no significant statistical differences were detected with regard to male calls, while female calls and the male courtship song differed in Z. biroi, thus showing that a specific pre-mating isolation mechanism was used by the latter species and the first five ones lacked such a mechanism. In addition, Z. sohrab is missing in Italy, while the other species live allopatrically in Italy, with the only exceptions being Z. serpentina and Z. biroi, which live in Sicily and are often found in sympatry, and Z. scutellaris and Z. biroi, which live in Sardinia. All these species can be distinguished by means of male genital appendages; however, Z. biroi is longer and has a different body colour. The existence of natural hybrids of Z. pullula, Z. ribauti, and Z. scutellaris in the Italian peninsula and their hybridization in the laboratory with Z. serpentina and Z. sohrab require the investigation of possible post-mating reproductive barriers before re-considering their systematic validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the problem of the answers to male violence against women in intimate relationships and presents a case study on the potential of the anti-violence network in coping with the risk of secondary victimization. The case study is related to the work of public and private entities involved in dealing with episodes of violence. It is based on the documentary analysis of the institutional documents of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia on the subject of gender-based violence, for the three-year period 2018/2020, for multilevel governance of the network coordination. Furthermore, with reference to the training activities developed by the Centre for Gender Studies Advanced Research on Gender INequalities and Opportunities of the University of Sassari the three-year period 2019/2021, we want to present training as a tool to create shared skills between the scientific community, professional communities and specialized services of the anti-violence network in Sardinia. The results highlight the importance of a training action based on the synergy between academic and operational knowledge. Starting from the anti-violence centres, essential nodes of the network, it will be possible to compare subjects who are different but capable of combining experience and competence, to reduce the heterogeneity of the procedures for taking charge and limit the risk that professional routines lead to a standardization of interventions, rendering them ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high accuracy of conventional acoustic hydrographic systems, measurement of the seabed along coastal belts is still a complex problem due to the limitations arising from shallow water. In addition to traditional echo sounders, airborne LiDAR also suffers from high application costs, low efficiency, and limited coverage. On the other hand, remote sensing offers a practical alternative for the extraction of depth information, providing fast, reproducible, low-cost mapping over large areas to optimize and minimize fieldwork. Satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB) techniques have proven to be a promising alternative to supply shallow-water bathymetry data. However, this methodology is still limited since it usually requires in situ observations as control points for multispectral imagery calibration and bathymetric validation. In this context, this paper illustrates the potential for bathymetric derivation conducted entirely from open satellite data, without relying on in situ data collected using traditional methods. The SDB was performed using multispectral images from Sentinel-2 and bathymetric data collected by NASA's ICESat-2 on two areas of relevant interest. To assess outcomes' reliability, bathymetries extracted from ICESat-2 and derived from Sentinel-2 were compared with the updated and reliable data from the BathyDataBase of the Italian Hydrographic Institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aria cryogenic distillation plant, located in Sardinia, Italy, is a key component of the DarkSide-20k experimental program for WIMP dark matter searches at the INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy. Aria is designed to purify the argon, extracted from underground wells in Colorado, USA, and used as the DarkSide-20k target material, to detector-grade quality. In this paper, we report the first measurement of argon isotopic separation by distillation with the 26 m tall Aria prototype. We discuss the measurement of the operating parameters of the column and the observation of the simultaneous separation of the three stable argon isotopes: 36 Ar , 38 Ar , and 40 Ar . We also provide a detailed comparison of the experimental results with commercial process simulation software. This measurement of isotopic separation of argon is a significant achievement for the project, building on the success of the initial demonstration of isotopic separation of nitrogen using the same equipment in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the Iranian heritage in Romani religious beliefs, ascribable to a Zoroastrian and Avestan conception, after an investigation within the methods of historical linguistics and comparative literature. The starting point is a folk-tale about the creation of the world attested in three similar versions among three groups of Vlax Roma, from Hungary, Transylvania (Romania) and Sardinia (Italy). The compresence of God (the Good Spirit) and the Devil (the Evil Spirit) during creation is a dualistic feature as a relic echo referring to Iranian cosmogony as attested in the Avesta. Moreover, the paper investigates further manifestations of the Devil from Romani folk-tales compared to Avestan texts, that show an even closer linguistic and narrative similarity to Zoroastrian religion and belief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing presence of non-programmable renewable energy plants increases the intermittency of the electricity supply and thus threatens the adequacy of a power system. Hydropower can solve this problem due to its flexibility. This paper applies statistical approaches to assess water availability in the context of hydropower generation and adequacy analysis on a seasonal basis for one site in Sicily and the other in Sardinia, where major hydroelectric plants are present. First, an empirical relationship between soil moisture content (SMC) and potential evapotranspiration (ET0) is evaluated through linear regression analysis. Then, precipitation trends over the last twenty years are analyzed to determine any effects of global warming on water availability. Finally, Monte Carlo algorithms are used for the stochastic generation of hourly precipitation, direct runoff profiles, and daily SMC profiles. Strong positive and negative correlations between ET0 and SMC (p < 0.05), and R2 ≥ 0.5 are found for both sites, except for summer, and R2 ≥ 0.5 is obtained. The cumulative pH-historical precipitation shows changes in seasonal trends, with evidence of a decrease at the annual level. The algorithms used to synthetically generate hourly precipitation and direct runoff profiles, as well as daily SMC profiles, effectively simulate the statistical variability of the historical profiles of these physical quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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For about ten years this research team has been experimenting with techniques of spatial and visual perceptual analysis using GIS on the Nuragic landscapes (Middle and Late Bronze Age) of different areas of Southern Sardinia. Over time, various field campaigns have been developed on the monumental complexes built by the Nuragic communities. Towers, fortresses, villages, tombs of giants and sacred wells suggest a marked attention to the display of a message of power, strength and monumentality by the human group studied. An aspect often emphasized by these researches is the relationship of monuments with mobility and with the routes and strategic points of the territory, often verified through matches of different Least Coast Path Analyses (LCPA) that cross the territory by connecting different patterns of points. However, the real efficiency of the paths predicted by the GIS has never been directly tested on the ground. The paper presents the result of field analyses conducted by our group of archaeologists on the paths resulting from the GIS analysis in the Marmilla territories: travel times, energy expenditure and the real possibility of a path to actually cross a given territory are provided. Working with the LCPAs is still to be explored, however it remains a valid tool for territorial research, if an analysis unrelated to preconceptions and with a holistic evidence framework is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archeologia Medievale: Cultura Materiale, Insediamenti, Territorio is the property of All'Insegna del Giglio s.a.s. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the structural map of the Barrabisa Complex, an E-W ribbon-like migmatitic massif exposed in the northern part of Sardinia. The migmatites consist of metatexites and diatexites with variable melt proportion, grading in the central part of the complex to a foliated peraluminous granodiorite. Xenotime/monazite dating indicates that the foliated granodiorite pluton emplaced in upper Carboniferous times (≈307–313 Ma) within a narrow E-W ductile top-to-the east shear zone cutting through a Variscan high-grade metamorphic basement composed of orthogneisses, metasedimentary-derived migmatites and subordinate amphibolites. Field geological mapping, coupled with structural and micro-structural analysis, allowed us to distinguish the granodioritic pluton and three metamorphic units characterized by variable melt to protholith ratio, that represent a continuous transition from metatexite to diatexite with high melt concentration, to foliated granodiorite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the presence of volcanic pozzolans in the structural mortars of the Roman Temple of Nora in Sardinia (3rd c. AD), represented by pyroclastic rocks (pumices and tuffs) employed as coarse and fine aggregates. The provenance of these materials from the Phlegraean Fields was highlighted through a multi-analytical approach, involving Polarized Light Microscopy on thin sections (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Quantitative Phase Analysis by X-ray Powder Diffraction (QPA-XRPD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) investigations. These volcanic pozzolans, outcropping in the Bay of Naples between Pozzuoli and the Vesuvius, are traditionally associated with the pulvis puteolana, the famous pozzolanic ash prescribed by Vitruvius and Pliny in order to confer strength and waterproofing capabilities to ancient concretes. This is the first evidence of the trade of this volcanic material from the Neapolitan area to Sardinia, starting at least by the Middle Imperial Age. The use of the pulvis puteolana in the Roman Temple of Nora seems primarily targeted to strengthen above-ground masonries, while waterproofing capabilities were not strictly pursued. This opens new questions about the construction reasons for which the demand and commercialization for this product was intended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Moroccan locust has been considered one of the most dangerous agricultural pests in the Mediterranean region. The economic importance of its outbreaks diminished during the second half of the 20th century due to a high degree of agricultural industrialization and other human-caused transformations of its habitat. Nevertheless, in Sardinia (Italy) from 2019 on, a growing invasion of this locust species is ongoing, being the worst in over three decades. Locust swarms destroyed crops and pasture lands of approximately 60,000 ha in 2022. Drought, in combination with increasing uncultivated land, contributed to forming the perfect conditions for a Moroccan locust population upsurge. The specific aim of this paper is the quantification of land cover land use (LCLU) influence with regard to the recent locust outbreak in Sardinia using remote sensing data. In particular, the role of untilled, fallow, or abandoned land in the locust population upsurge is the focus of this case study. To address this objective, LCLU was derived from Sentinel-2A/B Multispectral Instrument (MSI) data between 2017 and 2021 using time-series composites and a random forest (RF) classification model. Coordinates of infested locations, altitude, and locust development stages were collected during field observation campaigns between March and July 2022 and used in this study to assess actual and previous land cover situation of these locations. Findings show that 43% of detected locust locations were found on untilled, fallow, or uncultivated land and another 23% within a radius of 100 m to such areas. Furthermore, oviposition and breeding sites are mostly found in sparse vegetation (97%). This study demonstrates that up-to-date remote sensing data and target-oriented analyses can provide valuable information to contribute to early warning systems and decision support and thus to minimize the risk concerning this agricultural pest. This is of particular interest for all agricultural pests that are strictly related to changing human activities within transformed habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates the seasonal and zonal CO 2 marginal emissions factors (MEFs) from electricity production in the Italian electricity system. The inclusion of the zonal configuration of the Italian wholesale power market leads to a complete measurement of marginal emission factors which takes into account the heterogeneous distribution of RES power plants, their penetration rate and their variability within the zonal power generation mix. This article relies on a flexible econometric approach that includes the fractional cointegration methodology to incorporate the typical features of long-memory processes into the estimation of MEFs. We find high variability in annual MEFs estimated at the zonal level. Sardinia reports the highest MEF (0.7189 tCO 2 /MWh), followed by the Center South (0.7022 tCO 2 /MWh), the Center North (0.4236 tCO 2 /MWh), the North (0.2018 tCO 2 /MWh) and Sicily (0.146 tCO 2 /MWh). The seasonal analysis also shows a large variability of MEFs in each zone across time. The heterogeneity of results leads us to recommend that policymakers consider the zonal configuration of the power market and the large seasonal variability related to carbon emissions and electricity generation when designing incentives for renewable energy sources expansion and for achieving emission reduction targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution of nuraghes throughout the Island of Sardinia still raises many questions. In this paper, we apply spatial statistical methods to investigate their relations with topographical features and with related objects nearby. We use the non-stationary G- and J-functions. To model interactions with topographic variables we use the non-stationary Poisson model. We find that the elevation of the nuraghes show a uniform distribution between 0 and 400 m, and with a peak in distances to holy wells of approximately 5 km. As expected, we found a clustered pattern, with clustering occurring in the mid-west, the centre and the south west of the Island. We further observed a very strong interaction with domus de janas, and a strong spatial interaction for distances in the range between 0 and 1000 m with the pre-Nuragic dolmens and menhirs, and the collective funerary structures, the so-called Nuragic giants' tombs. We conclude that the study is useful to quantify spatial patterns of pre-historic sites, in particular if these occur in a great abundancy and provides new insight into the spatial relations of the different pre-historic objects and buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three million sheep raised on 10 000 active farms operating in traditional and innovative farming systems in Sardinia, Italy, account for 13% of sheep milk production in the European Union (EU). Almost all of the milk delivered is processed to sheep cheese and is destined for world trade. The Sardinian dairy sheep sector also emits approximately 1600 kt CO2eq/year, approximately 60% of regional livestock greenhouse gas (GHG), prompting the need for regional mitigation plans. The SheepToShip LIFE project (EU‐LIFE Climate Change Action 2014–2020) is a regional case study to test emission mitigation strategies. Based on the SheepToShip LIFE findings, this paper presents a systems perspective against the backdrop of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, with the aim of underlining system interlinkages between environmental, societal, and economic objectives. The project included (i) a life cycle thinking approach featuring environmental and socioeconomic traits of 18 sheep farms, (ii) on‐farm implementation and demonstration of eco‐innovative mitigation techniques indicating the most viable actions to reduce impact, (iii) focus groups discussing beliefs and reactions of the main stakeholders, and (iv) group model building producing a causal loop diagram from a systems thinking approach and exploring insights for regional policy‐making that aligns with the SDGs. Causal links connect public interventions and stakeholder interaction (SDG 17) to boost farm eco‐innovations (SDGs 9 and 8) and education and farmer training (SDG 4), and they foster efficient production (SDG 12) and high‐quality food provisioning (SDG 2). These benefits contribute to climate change mitigation (SDG 13), water quality (SDG 6), and farm ecosystem services (SDG 15). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1187–1198. © 2022 SETAC Key Points: The methodological integration of life cycle Assessments and qualitative systems modeling allows an accurate problem definition for complex sustainability challenges.The solutions derived from the introduced methodological journey provides insights for better decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this paper is the diagnostic campaign performed on the polychrome wooden statue, revered as St. John, stored in the church dedicated to the "Beata Vergine d'Itria" (Blessed Virgin of Itria), (Noragugume town, Sardinia, Italy). The restoration of the statue gave the occasion to investigate micro-samples from the wooden support and from the polychromy in order to gather information that could be useful for the intervention. In fact, there was limited information on this fine carved statue and its iconographic pattern appeared to be not strictly canonical. Moreover, these kinds of artworks, having religious significant for the faithful, have been generally modified over time to satisfy possible changes in artistic or religious needs or ecclesiastical reforms. The aims of this study are: (i) support the restorers in defining the conservation status of the statue, and (ii) perform a series of analyses to identify the wood and the materials of the painting layers. Specifically, wood micro-sample was examined under the microscope in order to investigate the anatomical characteristics useful to identify the species; pigments were studied through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS); organic materials were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); and, lastly, the panting technique was investigated through micro-stratigraphy (MS). The analysis performed on the micro-sample taken from the support allowed for identifying the wood as poplar. XRF detected chemical elements that could be associated to pigments such as azurite, blue smalt, red lead, white lead and ochres, and Au for the gilding. SEM-EDS confirmed these pigments and allowed to find also other elements useful to suggest the presence of further materials such as Ag in the metal foil. FTIR detected proteinaceous binder and siccative oils that were mapped in the micro-stratigraphy by using histochemical tests. All this information was used by the restorers to address the intervention from the cleaning to the final retouching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the reproductive biology of the threatened limpet Patella ferruginea has been historically restricted to some of the few enclaves where healthy and conspicuous populations still persist, all located on the African coasts of the Alboran Sea, at the extreme south west of the species' distribution range, in the western basin of the Mediterranean.This paper provides data on sex ratio by size and sex change of the species from specimens in the northernmost extreme of its distribution, between the north east of Sardinia (Italy) and the Gulf of Genoa (Liguria, Italy), where much more restricted and small populations are found.In the study area, the population parameters were found to be quite similar to those known from the Alboran Sea: The ratio between males and females tends to decrease with size and the prevalence of females versus males (i.e. >50% females) from the 60–65 mm size class upwards.Notwithstanding the small sample size (n = 13), several sex changes were observed in 38.5% of specimens. Noteworthy is that this change not only occurred in the male to female direction (considered 'normal' for limpet species) but was also recorded in the female to male direction, confirming the complexity of the reproductive mode of P. ferruginea.The evidence of regular gonadal maturation of specimens and the occurrence of sex changes in the area investigated supports the potential viability of the species at its northernmost limit of distribution, where the species has only recently been reported. Such evidence provides important information for the implementation of management and conservation actions, such as restocking initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nuragic civilization (Sardinia, Italy, XVIII–VIII B.C) developed a flourishing bronze metallurgy with strong connections with other civilizations from the Mediterranean basin. Within the large bronze production, there are some peculiar representations of human figures, known in the archaeological environment of Sardinia as bronzetti, depicting warriors, priests, and offerers. In this paper, an interesting couple of Nuragic statuettes representing offerers, one from the Pigorini Museum in Rome and another from the Musei Reali in Turin, were analyzed. They have been investigated with X-ray fluorescence integrated with Monte Carlo simulations (XRF-MC). The combined methodology provides more accurate results, ranging from the structural characterization to the identification of the corrosion layers to the estimation of the composition of the alloy of the artifact. One of the most striking results regards the heads of the offerers: both heads are covered with a thick iron-based layer, even though the whole artifacts are made of a copper alloy. To understand the reason behind this peculiar corrosion patina, several hypotheses have been considered, including the possibility that these iron mineralizations are the consequence of an ancient superficial treatment, intending to confer a chromatic effect on the figurine's head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyse to what extent the willingness to pay of art gallery visitors for the preservation of cultural artefacts is affected by the identity traits of the objects. To this purpose, we designed a discrete choice experiment that took place during a major exhibition dedicated to the artist Costantino Nivola (1911–1988) in Sassari (Sardinia, Italy). His works are known worldwide and many of them were produced after he moved from Sardinia to the United States in 1939. As a result, both the American and the Sardinian culture show up in his works and, in particular, were clearly visible in the exhibition under study. The discrete choice experiments allowed us to elicit respondents' preferences towards the identity features stemming from Nivola's artefacts. The results confirm the importance of this component indicating that its presence almost doubles respondents' willingness-to-pay for the acquisition of these artefacts to a permanent collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sardinia Radio Telescope is a quasi-Gregorian system with a shaped 64 m diameter primary reflector and a 7.9 m diameter secondary reflector. It was designed to operate with high efficiency across the 0.3–116 GHz frequency range. The telescope is equipped with a cryogenic coaxial dual-frequency L-P band receiver, which covers a portion of the P-band (305–410 MHz) and the L-band (1300–1800 MHz). Although this receiver has been used for years in its original design, with satisfactory results, it presents some parts that could be upgraded in order to improve the performances of the system. With the passing of time and with technology advances, the presence of unwanted human-made signals in the area around the telescope, known as radio frequency interferences, has grown exponentially. In addition, the technology of the receiver electronic control system became obsolete and it could be replaced with next-generation electronic boards, which offer better performances both service reliability and low generation of unwanted radio frequency signals. In this paper, a feasibility study for improving the L-P band receiver is discussed, taking into account the mitigation of the main radio frequency interferences. With this study, it is possible to have a sensitive instrument that can be used for scientific research at low frequencies (P- and L-bands), which are usually populated by signals from civil and military mobile communications, TV broadcasting and remote sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cycling is a climate-friendly means of transport that enables people to reduce their use of motorized transport and makes human settlements more inclusive and resilient. In Italy, the development of cycling has recently been boosted by the approval of Law no. 2/2018, which makes it compulsory for all Italian regions to draw up a regional cycling mobility plan. Objective: To meet this regulatory provision, the Region of Sardinia approved the Regional Plan for Cycling Mobility in December 2018. Drawn up by the Sardinian Regional Transport Agency and the transportation research group of the University of Cagliari, the plan aims to lay out a regional cycle network to promote the use of the bicycle as a means of transport for both every day and tourist–recreational needs. One of the main objectives of the plan is to make the inland areas of the island more accessible, as the development of such areas tends to have been neglected compared to the coastal areas linked to seaside tourism. Hence, the plan intends to contribute to the increase of tourist flows into rural areas, which can be a strategic segment of local development. Results: By analysing the methodology adopted to lay out Sardinia's regional cycle network, the aim of the current paper is to show how the planning of an integrated cycle network in an island context can improve sustainable mobility and accessibility in the rural areas through which it passes. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that many rural settlements along the routes of the planned cycle network are sufficiently near each other for people to travel between them by bicycle. Conclusions: Therefore, the cycling infrastructure could prompt a sustainable increase in the accessibility and connectivity of inland areas and stimulate the formation of clusters of small, interconnected towns and villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative studies on extinction scenarios are an invaluable contribution to enhance our understanding of their patterns and mechanisms underpinning them. This paper presents new radiocarbon dates based on specimens of five extinct mammal species from Mallorca and Sardinia. The new evidence permits to reanalyse the extinction dynamics on both islands. Radiocarbon ages directly obtained on bone collagen from these species show evidence of different extinction patterns on Mallorca and Sardinia. For Mallorca the most reliable scenario is a mass extinction of all non-volant mammal species as an immediate consequence of the first human irruption on the island. However, for Sardinia, the extinction of autochthonous mammals lasted over several millennia. The new radiocarbon dates of the last occurrence of endemic mammals suggest a sequence of punctuated extinction events throughout the late Sardinian Holocene. These events are here tentatively related to successive human colonisation waves. The current lack of chronological dates for some Sardinian fossil mammals impedes to outline a more accurate pattern of extinction events. The present paper points that Mallorca have been more vulnerable than Sardinia to the external disturbances introduced by humans. We suggest that the capacity of each island to absorb external perturbations could be related to the island area, the duration of the isolated evolution and the degree of faunal complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Historica. Historia Medieval is the property of Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the paper is to discuss the phenomenon of the re-use of Nuragic sacred wells (pozzi sacri) during the Punic period (c. 500-238 BC) in Sardinia. Although the Nuragic settlement system and power structures ceased to exist by the Late Iron Age, the sanctuaries - built primarily in the Final Bronze Age (c. 1200/1150-900 BC) and the Early Iron Age (c. 900-750 BC) - were still used for ritual purposes, as demonstrated by finds from the sacred wells of Orri (Arborea), San Salvatore (Gonnosno) and Cuccuru Is Arrius (Cabras). This phenomenon is analyzed in the context of cultural changes which took place in Sardinia during the period of Carthaginian domination, such as the emergence of hybridized culture with indigenous and Punic elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archeologia Medievale: Cultura Materiale, Insediamenti, Territorio is the property of All'Insegna del Giglio s.a.s. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper discusses the chemical-physical-petrographic features and decay processes of San Nicola Church (11th−14th century) building materials, one of the most representative Medieval Churches in Sardinia, stylistically attributable to the Romanesque architecture. The monument was built up into two stages and shows a characteristic size uniformity of the ashlars. The masonry is mainly made up of rhyodacitic pyroclastites belonging to the Sardinian Eocene-Miocene magmatic phase (38–15 My). These volcanic rocks were widely used in Medieval architecture for the excellent workability, but its minero-petrographic features greatly favor the decay, due to the action of chemical-physical alteration processes. Although the alteration degree and macroscopic forms of decay vary from zone to zone in the monument, according to the different compositional features of the volcanic stones, weathering and exposure condition, the pyroclastic rocks are generally affected by greater alteration than other igneous lithotypes, due to their petrographic-volcanological characteristics (e.g., low-medium welding grade, medium-high porosity). The results concerning mineralogical and petrographic features, respectively, carried out by the application of X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), Optical Microscope (OM), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques, both on fresh building rocks and associated alterations, are here presented and discussed. Furthermore, the relationships between fresh pyroclastites and alteration processes affecting these rocks will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an update of the species of the genus Eucera Scopoli, 1770, subgenus Tetralonia Spinola, 1838 from Sardinia is reported, based on data collection as well as on recent survey carried out at Gennargentu Massif. Seven species are recorded, four of which are newly added: Eucera fulvescens (Giraud, 1863), E. gennargentui sp. nov. Nobile, Catania & Bella, E. julliani (Pérez, 1879), and E. nana (Morawitz, 1873). The new species, Eucera (Tetralonia) gennargentui Nobile, Catania & Bella is described from the high altitude of Gennargentu Massif. Details on distributions, host plants, and other biological aspects are given for each species treated. The taxonomic comparison of the taxa belonging to the subgenus Tetralonia from Sardinia, including E. gennargentui sp. nov., are discussed taking into account both morphological and COI barcode sequences. An identification key to Eucera (Tetralonia) species from Sardinia is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper tackles a topic related to the use of prime material and recycled materials in construction, in the framework of the circular economy, where recycled aggregates can be considered, in part or even totally, as second prime materials for the construction sector. In particular, the authors describe the main phases of the MEISAR project, developing a circular cluster territorial model so that the quantity of recyclable materials can be estimated and geolocalized in the most appropriate processing plant, as well as assessing the potential market. In the study we combine spatial planning problems and industrial location factors of natural and recycled aggregates and concrete production plants through the geospatial representation of the MEISAR map. The closed market of Sardinia is analyzed and, in particular, the case study of the new soccer stadium in Cagliari, which involves the demolition of the existing stadium that will represent a source of "secondary" raw materials for the construction of the new stadium designed by the consortium Sportium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a new version of spatial shift‐share decomposition to improve on the various approaches to conventional shift‐share analysis found in the literature. The novelty of our proposal is that it enables researchers to assess spatial competitiveness effects controlling for the influence of industrial specialization at both regional and neighborhood level. This new version is applied to inbound tourism in Italian regions and enables us to identify the best and worst performers. Our empirical results identify favorable scenarios in some areas of the country, such as Sardinia as well as regional advantage in a sizeable number of well‐known destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a comprehensive cartographic product, this paper aims to illustrate the evolution of the urban geomorphological setting of the urban coastal belt of Cagliari (southern Sardinia, Italy, western Mediterranean Sea). The geomorphological map (1:14,000) presented herein summarizes different data (e.g. urban development, anthropogenic features, geomorphological elements, recent deposits, sedimentological distribution, hydrodynamics and ecological components) acquired through an integrated sea-land approach and a multidisciplinary-multitemporal investigation. The main significant environmental changes are linked to urbanization, the development of port infrastructures (embankments along the shoreline and the construction of the canal harbour), remediation work and filling activities, and the hardening of dune and beach systems and cliffs. These man-made interventions have increased the vulnerability of the shore zones to flood hazards and risks, which are linked to sea-level rises and global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-increasing attention to environmental pollution and the greenhouse effect, together with the need to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere, has led to a general enforcement of stricter legislation worldwide which imposes the adoption of more efficient and sustainable solutions in many different fields. The use of traditional fossil fuels must be reduced, favoring both renewable energy sources and alternative fuels. This paper outlines a procedure for calculating the environmental advantages of using liquified natural gas (LNG) instead of traditional fossil fuels in terms of reduced emissions: it is based on the choice and application of emission factors (EFs), available through a dedicated and extensive database managed and updated by the European Environmental Agency (EEA). Whenever the EF database lacks data, additional literature studies and databases are used to integrate the missing information. The proposed methodology is then applied to the Sardinia Region: starting from data regarding regional energy needs, the emissions deriving from the current situation are calculated to define a reference point to be compared with two forecast scenarios. These assume that, over a 10-year horizon, certain shares of fossil fuels will be substituted by LNG. Comparisons are made between the emission levels of six different compounds (PM 2.5 , PM 10 , CO, CO 2 , NO X , SO X) showing that, overall, LNG adoption can be considered effective in reducing air pollution for the compounds considered. In particular, as an example, reductions of up to 70 % of PMs and 38 % of CO 2 can be achieved for the thermoelectric sector, whereas for the transportation sector the reductions of the same compounds can be respectively 15 % and 10 %. • Environmental benefits evaluation of a transition to LNG • Emission factors based methodology developed and applied to two forecast scenarios • Emission levels for six pollutants calculated for the different scenarios • Simple and replicable approach to define energy strategies and transition policies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]