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International audience; Reflectance spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV)fluorescence spectroscopy, and multispectral imaging have been widely employed for pigment identification on paintings. From ancient times to the present, lead white, zinc white, and titanium white have been the most important white pigments used for paintings and they are used as pigment markers for dating a work of art. The spectral behavior of these pigments is reported in several scientific papers and websites, but those of their mixtures are quite unknown. We present a combined nondestructive approach for identifying mixtures of lead white, zinc white, and titanium white as powder and dispersed in two different binder media (egg yolk and linseed oil) by using reflectance spectroscopy, spectrofluorimetry, multispectral reflectance and UV-fluorescence imaging. We propose a novel approach for mapping the presence of white pigments in paintings by false color images obtained from multispectral reflectance and UV-fluorescence images. We found that the presence of lead white mixed with either zinc white or titanium white is highly detectable. Zinc white mixed with lead white or titanium white can be identified due to its UV-fluorescence emission, whereas titanium white in association with lead white or zinc white is distinguishable by its reflectance spectral features. In most cases, the UV-fluorescence analyses also permit the recognition of the binder media in which the pigments are dispersed.

The goal of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of agroecological and conventional small coffee farms. We investigated 15 coffee farms in the East region of Minas Gerais, a Brazilian rural region, based on coffee production using a multicriteria analysis with economic, social and environmental factors. The results suggest that agroecological farms perform better than conventional farms in terms of sustainability, reduce labor intensity and improve income stability and the environmental impact, such as agro-biodiversity and forest cover. In particular, the results reveal that agroecological farms, though they have lower levels of coffee productivity than conventional farms, perform better in terms of income stabilization. This result depends on product diversification (such as agri-food products, vegetables or fruits) for local markets, which reduces farmer risks associated with coffee price volatility, improving both the local economy and local food security. Moreover, agroecological farms rely more on labor than capital. Overall, the results of this study reveal that agroecological systems support the socio-economic sustainability of the rural areas under study and suggest the potential of agroecology to boost sustainable development in the East Region of Minas Gerais. In short, the spread of agroecological systems could improve local employment conditions, reducing migration toward large cities and shanty towns in other parts of Brazil. Hence, agroecology systems can represent the main alternative to conventional production systems to improve the well-being and wealth of rural populations in developing countries. The analysis presented in this study is based on a specific case study, but the rural area under study has many similarities with other areas in Latin America regarding all aspects of economic, social and environmental sustainability. Finally, some agricultural policy implications are discussed.

The goal of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of agroecological and conventional small coffee farms. We investigated 15 coffee farms in the East region of Minas Gerais, a Brazilian rural region, based on coffee production using a multicriteria analysis with economic, social and environmental factors. The results suggest that agroecological farms perform better than conventional farms in terms of sustainability, reduce labor intensity and improve income stability and the environmental impact, such as agro-biodiversity and forest cover. In particular, the results reveal that agroecological farms, though they have lower levels of coffee productivity than conventional farms, perform better in terms of income stabilization. This result depends on product diversification (such as agri-food products, vegetables or fruits) for local markets, which reduces farmer risks associated with coffee price volatility, improving both the local economy and local food security. Moreover, agroecological farms rely more on labor than capital. Overall, the results of this study reveal that agroecological systems support the socio-economic sustainability of the rural areas under study and suggest the potential of agroecology to boost sustainable development in the East Region of Minas Gerais. In short, the spread of agroecological systems could improve local employment conditions, reducing migration toward large cities and shanty towns in other parts of Brazil. Hence, agroecology systems can represent the main alternative to conventional production systems to improve the well-being and wealth of rural populations in developing countries. The analysis presented in this study is based on a specific case study, but the rural area under study has many similarities with other areas in Latin America regarding all aspects of economic, social and environmental sustainability. Finally, some agricultural policy implications are discussed.

Multispectral imaging is a preliminary screening technique for the study of paintings. Although it permits the identification of several mineral pigments by their spectral behavior, it is considered less performing concerning hyperspectral imaging, since a limited number of wavelengths are selected. In this work, we propose an optimized method to map the distribution of the mineral pigments used by Vincenzo Pasqualoni for his wall painting placed at the Basilica of S. Nicola in Carcere in Rome, combining UV/VIS/NIR reflectance spectroscopy and multispectral imaging. The first method (UV/VIS/NIR reflectance spectroscopy) allowed us to characterize pigment layers with a high spectral resolution, the second method (UV/VIS/NIR multispectral imaging) permitted the evaluation of the pigment distribution by utilizing a restricted number of wavelengths. Combining the results obtained from both devices was possible to obtain a distribution map of a pictorial layer with a high accuracy level of pigment recognition. The method involved the joint use of point-by-point hyperspectral spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify the pigments in the color palette and evaluate the possibility to discriminate all the pigments recognized, using a minor number of wavelengths acquired through the multispectral imaging system. Finally, the distribution and the spectral difference of the different pigments recognized in the multispectral images, (in this case: red ochre, yellow ochre, orpiment, cobalt blue-based pigments, ultramarine and chrome green) were shown through PCA false-color images.

The increasing interest in bio-districts is part of the debate on the capacity to integrate agri-food systems and territory in order to improve the quality of life in rural communities. Considering the goals of developing and promoting an innovative territorial rural development approach, the bio-district can become a process toward a more sustainable model represented by the agroecological agriculture system. The paper presents a case study of the Parma bio-district through the approach of a Localized Agri Food System (LAFS) to verify whether bio-districts can be a tool for scaling up towards agroecology. Stakeholder classification and analysis are conducted using an influence&ndash, interest matrix. We identified four groups of stakeholders in relation to their interests and power to influence the process. In the case of the Parma bio-district the role of local institutions in dialogue with consumers and producers&rsquo, associations is crucial for success. We conclude that bio-districts can be a tool for a scaling-up towards agroecology since they can facilitate a synergetic relation between organic and agroecological agriculture, spreading organic agriculture more widely around the local area. However, the involvement of a wide variety of different stakeholders means that governance is a key element in facilitating &ldquo, cross fertilization&rdquo, and preventing the process from becoming purely formulaic.

The aim of this paper is to explore Crowdfunding as a new form of Open Innovation for SMEs and family business in the Agri-Food sector which usually do not have the same skills and tools to operate with conventional own Crowdsourcing methods. The study first has analyzed the principal literature and data available on Crowdfunding and the Food industry in order to describe the state of the art in this subject. Afterwards the focus of the paper goes to the analysis of the Italian case. The study used a deep qualitative approach because of an important lack of data and information on this subject. Nine depth interviews to key informants of the sector have been carried out investigating the market players, the normative regulations, the businesses models and the evolution of Crowdfunding for the Agri-Food industry in Italy. The research finds that Crowdfunding for Agri-Food industry can be important for both its profitability and the development of the sector, but that nowadays the Italian market is still in its primordial phase. Crowdfunding is very suitable for SMEs business which represents the vast majority of the Agri-Food Italian market and the use of this instrument could be beneficial for it.

The characterization of ancient and modern alizarin-based lakes is a largely studied topic in the literature. Analytical data on contemporary alizarin-based lakes, however, are still poor, though of primary importance, since these lakes might be indeed present in contemporary and fake paintings as well as in retouchings. In this work we systematically investigate the chemical composition and the optical features of fifteen alizarin-based lakes, by a multi-analytical technique approach combining spectroscopic methods (i.e. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, EDXRF; Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR; X-ray Powder Diffraction, XRD; UV induced fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopies) and chromatography (i.e. High-performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with a Photodiode Array Detector, HPLC-PDA). Most of the samples contain typical compounds from the natural roots of madder, as occurring in ancient and modern lakes, but in two samples (23600-Kremer-Pigmente and alizarin crimson-Zecchi) any anthraquinonic structures were identified, thus leading to hypothesize the presence of synthetic dyes. The detection of lucidin primeveroside and ruberythrique acid in some lakes suggest the use of Rubia tinctorum. One sample (23610-Kremer-Pigmente) presents alizarin as the sole compound, thereby revealing to be a synthetic dye. Moreover, gibbsite, alunite and kaolinite were found to be used as substrates and/or mordants. Visible absorption spectra of the anthraquinonic lakes show two main absorption bands at about 494-511nm and 537-564nm, along with a shoulder at about 473-479nm in presence of high amounts of purpurin. Finally, from the results obtained by UV induced fluorescence spectroscopy it is possible to figure out that, although it is commonly assumed that the madder lake presents an orange-pink fluorescence, the inorganic compounds, added to the recipe, could induce a quenching phenomenon or an inhibition of the fluorescence, as occurring in some commercial alizarin-based lakes.

UV Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful mean for visualizing and identifying structures in a specimen, and it has long been used in many applications, including pigment identification in artworks. Typical painting cross section samples are the result of multiple layers and especially for paintings produced from the thirteen to sixteen centuries, it is possible that for different pigments a different binder has been used, resulting in a complex stratification of materials. In this paper we propose a novel multispectral microscopy imaging system, which is specially designed for cultural heritage application, capable of acquiring both reflectance and fluorescence images in different wavebands, so to be able to document UV fluorescence emission and reflectance spectra.

The aim of this paper is to explore Crowdfunding as a new form of Open Innovation for SMEs and family business in the Agri-Food sector which usually do not have the same skills and tools to operate with conventional own Crowdsourcing methods. The study first has analyzed the principal literature and data available on Crowdfunding and the Food industry in order to describe the state of the art in this subject. Afterwards the focus of the paper goes to the analysis of the Italian case. The study used a deep qualitative approach because of an important lack of data and information on this subject. Nine depth interviews to key informants of the sector have been carried out investigating the market players, the normative regulations, the businesses models and the evolution of Crowdfunding for the Agri-Food industry in Italy. The research finds that Crowdfunding for Agri-Food industry can be important for both its profitability and the development of the sector, but that nowadays the Italian market is still in its primordial phase. Crowdfunding is very suitable for SMEs business which represents the vast majority of the Agri-Food Italian market and the use of this instrument could be beneficial for it.

Current environmental crises and the climate change have placed the necessity to develop specific environmental management policies coping with natural resources scarcity and utilization interests. Natural resources management (NRM) is usually characterized by a high level of complexity depending on the several actors involved in the process who may have different interests over the use of the resource itself. This poses great difficulty in reading and studying suitable environmental policies, because of the strong diversity of each individual situation, which results in an impossibility of standardization of approaches and methods of analysis. A new effective method for designing tailored policies adapted to each specific socio-economic and environmental context is Stakeholder Analysis(SA). SA provides a series of useful guidelines, methods and perspectives of analysis highly adaptable to any context and very useful for both the researcher and the policy maker. Many theoretical and empirical works are present in scientific literature, but without a systematized vision and a standardized repliable method for empirical analysis. This paper aim at analyse the principal and most relevant scientific literature in order to find out the main methodologies, procedures and approaches to create a specific framework of analysis for NRM.

In this deliverable we investigated the drivers of investment in fisheries and how those can be activated to stimulate investment in alternative technologies to protect the benthos. To capture a wider range of factors than quantitative factors only we modified the work plan and included interviews with fishing industries in all regions. As a result we identified a wide range of reasons why fishers have (or have not) invested in alternative gears. As expected, the profitability of alternative technology is an important factor to invest but we also found many others. Those drivers were classified as economic, technical, regulatory, social, governance and environmental drivers. As advice to managers we also identified where and how interventions could improve uptake of technology.

Italiano Lo studio si basa sulla comparazione, condotta attraverso un���analisi costi-benefici, di metodi produttivi convenzionali e agroecologici nelle produzioni di caff�� nella regione Leste dello stato di Minas Gerais in Brasile. Sono state analizzate e confrontate 13 attivit�� agricole nella loro capacit�� di generare reddito. Uno dei maggiori rischi produttivi per i piccoli produttori impegnati nella produzione di caff�� �� l'alta volatilit�� del prezzo alla produzione. L'analisi, condotta tenendo conto di prezzi variabili, mostra come le pratiche agroecologiche permettano di garantire redditi pi�� stabili e di ridurre i rischi di produzione rispetto alle pratiche convenzionali. English The study is based on a quantitative comparison through a Cost Benefit Analysis of conventional and agroecological agricultural methods in the production of coffee in the Leste region in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. 13 agricultural properties have been analyzed and compared in their income generation capability. One of the biggest production risks for small producers engaged in coffee production is the high volatility of coffee price. The analysis, conducted with reference to variable coffee prices, shows that agroecological practices guarantee more stable incomes and reduce production risks with respect to conventional practices., JUNCO | Journal of UNiversities and international development COoperation, N. 1 (2017): L���Universit�� e la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo che cambia: il progetto Uni.Coo; il progetto RUSSADE (FED/2013/320-115) e gli Atti del Seminario ���Urban Food Policies���

A main problem in emerging countries is the reduction of poverty in rural areas with sustainable agricultural systems. This study analyses differences between agroecology (a pattern of sustainable economic development with ecological processes directed to reduce production costs and support natural resource management) and conventional agricultural systems by using data of 15 small coffee farms in the East Region of Minas Gerais state (Brazil) that is characterised by rural poverty and environmental fragility. The results show that agroecological systems can support local small farmers to stabilise and diversify incomes. In addition, results here reveal that agroecological practices, compared to conventional agricultural systems, have eliminated the use of pesticides and reduced the use of fertilisers, supporting larger areas of forest conservation. Overall, then, this study suggests that agroecology is a cost-effective and sustainable agricultural system for smallholder farmers to support sustainable economic growth and wellbeing of rural areas.

This thesis focus on the application of multispectral images for the analysis of pictorial materials in comparison with the traditional UV-fluorescence photography and infrared reflectography. The assessment of multispectral imaging for the study of pictorial materials was supported by other analytical techniques such as reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and Total Attenuated Reflectance - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The multispectral imaging was tested on swatches of pictorial layers (constituted by ancient and modern pigment), binders (egg and linseed oil) and natural varnishes. For the organic materials, accelerated ageing methods (photo-chemical and thermal degradation) were used to model the optical and chemical changes occurring during the lifetime of a painting. In addition, a diagnostic investigation was performed on two paintings placed in "Accademia di San Luca" (Rome) by means of UV-fluorescence photography, radiography, reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-VIS-NIR multispectral imaging. Multispectral images, comparing to traditional techniques, permit to individuate specific spectral behaviors, and, in some cases, identify the pigment and/or non-homogeneous areas of the pictorial or varnish layers. The possibility to select some infrared wavelengths allows to see details of the preparatory layers, leading to a more accurate analysis of the technique of execution. However, the limitations of multispectral images for the identification of complex mixtures and/or different layers of materials depending on the type of filter used., Cette thèse porte sur l’application des images multispectrales pour l’analyse des matériaux utilisés dans une peinture par comparaison avec la photographie traditionnelle de fluorescence induite par rayons UV et la réflectoraphgie infrarouge. L’application des images multispectrales à l'étude des matériaux picturaux a été appuyée par d'autres techniques analytiques telles que la spectroscopie de réflectance et de fluorescence, la spectroscopie de fluorescence X, la spectroscopie d'absorption UV-visible et la spectroscopie infrarouge transformée de Fourier en réflectance totale atténuée. L’imagerie multispectrale a été testée comme outil de laboratoire d’identification des matériaux picturaux. Ainsi, des couches de peinture constituées de pigments (anciens et modernes), de liants (œufs et l’huile de lin) et de vernis naturels ont été analysées. Pour les matériaux organiques, des expériences de vieillissement accéléré (photodégradation et dégradation thermique) ont permis de modéliser les changements optiques et chimiques intervenant au cours de la vie d’un tableau. De plus, une analyse diagnostique a été réalisée sur deux tableaux conservés à « Accademia di San Luca » (Rome) par photographie de fluorescence induite par rayonnement UV, radiographie, spectroscopie de réflectance, spectroscopie de fluorescence X, images de fluorescence UV et réflectance multispectrale, réflectographie infrarouge multispectrale. Par rapport aux techniques traditionnelles, les images multispectrales permettent d’analyser de nombreuses régions spectrales qui, dans certains cas, permettent d’identifier le pigment et/ou des zones non homogènes de la couche superficielle picturale. Certaines gammes de longueurs d’onde infrarouge permettent notamment de voir les détails des différentes couches préparatoires, amenant à une analyse plus précise de la technique d’exécution. Cependant, une des limites des images multispectrales concerne l’identification des mélanges complexes et/ou des différentes strates de matériaux en fonction du type de filtre utilisé.

The application of coating polymers to building materials is a simple and cheap way to preserve and protect surfaces from weathering phenomena. Due to its environmentally friendly character, waterborne coating is the most popular type of coating, and improving its performance is an important key of research. The study presents the results regarding the mechanical and photo-oxidation resistance of some water-based acrylic coatings containing SiO2 nanoparticles obtained by batch miniemulsion polymerization. Coating materials have been characterized in terms of hydrophobic/hydrophilic behavior, mechanical resistance and surface morphology by means of water-contact angle, and scrub resistance and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements depending on silica-nanoparticle content. Moreover, accelerated weathering tests were performed to estimate the photo-oxidation resistance of the coatings. The chemical and color changes were assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and colorimetric measurements. Furthermore, the nanofilled coatings were applied on two different calcareous lithotypes (Lecce stone and Carrara Marble). Its properties, such as capillary water absorption and color modification, before and after accelerated aging tests, were assessed. The properties acquired by the addition of silica nanoparticles in the acrylic matrix can ensure good protection against weathering of stone-based materials.

Secondo le teorie più recenti, l'Antropocene, vale a dire l'epoca geologica caratterizzata dall'attività umana, è iniziata negli anni '50 del secolo scorso. Nello stesso periodo, l'agricoltura ha subito una rivoluzione tecnologica senza precedenti nella storia dell'umanità che ha contribuito in modo determinante ai fenomeni di cambiamento globale dell'Antropocene. Il ruolo del sistema agroindustriale moderno convenzionale nell'attuale crisi ambientale è ben conosciuto. L'articolo ripercorre l'evoluzione dell'agricoltura dalla Rivoluzione Verde a oggi, evidenziando alcuni dei trend più importanti. Descrive, poi, il sistema di produzione noto come agroecologia, suggerendo la necessità che esca dalla nicchia di esperienze di piccola scala cui è ancora relegata per diventare paradigma dell'agricoltura del futuro.

The description of two R&D projects focused on organic aquaculture and sustainable fishery respectively offers an occasion to reflect on the educational needs and opportunities for a more sustainable fish supply chain. The article contributes to reinforce the concept that the fragile and urgent equilibrium between exploiting and preserving the sea comes through the active involvement in the research projects by all the actors along the fish supply chain and their education that goes out of the sharing of needs and the participatory search for new solutions.

Lateral hostilities among emergency and critical care nurses. Survey in five hospitals of Tuscany Region. Introduction. Lateral hostilities (LHs) are a kind of workplace violence. They are defined as varieties of cruel, rude, antagonistic interactions between people at the same hierarchical level. Nurses are affected by LH from 5.7% to 65%, leading to reduced work motivation, psycho-physical disorders, and in some cases, drop out of the nursing profession. Objective. To quantify the LHs among nurses in the emergency departments (ED) and intensive care units (ICU) in 5 hospitals of Tuscany (Italy). To show the impact on the quality of their psycho-physical and professional lives. Method. Exploratory-descriptive study, through closed-ended questionnaire. Results. 360/444 nurses (81%); 294 (81.6%) were victims of LHs during the past 12 months. Gossiping, complaints shared with others without discussing with the concerned person, and sarcastic comments were the most reported LHs. LHs occur more in EDs than ICUs (respectively 90% and 77%; p=0.0038). No statistically significant differences were observed for gender, age, or years of experience. The 17.7% of nurses asked to be moved from the ward, and 6.9% left it; 6.9% respondents had thought to leave the nursing profession; 235 (65.2%) experienced at least one LHs related disorder during the last year. Most reported symptoms were low morale, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Conclusions. The incidence of LH and related disorders is high in EDs and ICUs, determining a low professional and psycho-physical quality of life.