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The Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform constitutes the sedimentary record from the Triassic to the late Miocene of the southern Tethyan margin outcropping in the Apennines. This sedimentary succession is punctuated by an important hiatus between the end of the Cretaceous and the early Miocene. This Paleogene hiatus has long been interpreted as the result of prolonged subaerial exposure. However, no evidence of such exposure has ever been documented on the Latium-Abruzzi platform. This is contrary to the coeval and adjacent Apulia and Lessini carbonate platforms where a broadly-developed paleokarst system formed between the Eocene and the early Miocene. The assumption that the Miocene marine transgression deeply eroded a karstified Cretaceous substrate on the Latium-Abruzzi platform is not supported because this surface appears in the field as a perfectly flat, bioeroded paraconformable surface. In this work, a marine origin is proposed for this unconformity. From late Paleocene to early Miocene, the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform was a shaved isolated platform exposed to wave action in the middle of the proto-Mediterranean area. Bioclastic sediment accumulated during transgressive and sea-level highstand phases, whereas in the following falling and lowstand stages, sediment was eroded as the seafloor came into the zone of wave abrasion. The sediment eroded from the platform was shed into the basin where it produced coarse bioclastic intercalations in the hemipelagites of the Scaglia Formation. At the end of the Oligocene, when the adjacent basin was filled, a small ramp was established in the transitional zone between the platform and the basin. There, cross-bedded carbonates accumulated in middle to outer ramp environments. The inner ramp remained within the zone of wave abrasion such that sediment generated there was washed out into the middle and outer ramp environments. Finally, in the early Burdigalian, the Mediterranean progressively evolved into closed sea during the initial stages of the closure of Indo-Pacific connection. The reduction of the wave-base depth, typical of an enclosed sea, created increased accommodation space allowing sediments to accumulate and form the complete inner to outer ramp facies belts of the Miocene Latium-Abruzzi ramp.

Summary Central Italy, eastern onshore and adjoining Adriatic Sea off-shore, along the front of the Appenninic chain foredeep, is characterised by know evidences of an active petroleum system, proven by subsurface discoveries, outcropping heavy-oil fields and even a natural “oil spring”, reported since antiquity. In this work we present the dataset we have been re-constructing in 3D at different scale, and discuss the main elements of this active petroleum system from Source-Rock intervals, to the key Reservoir/Seal intervals, investigated by wells and partially outcropping along the NW flank of the Maiella Mountain.

Sedimentary facies of seven Posidonia oceanica meadows of western Mediterranean Sea were investigated. Five meadows are located in the Tyrrhenian coast, two are placed in the western coast of Sardinia and Corsica. These meadows develop on soft and hard substrates, often forming "mattes", in areas characterized by different oceanography, morphology, and terrigenous inputs produced by coastal erosion and fluvial runoff. A total of five sedimentary facies have been recognized ranging from pure terrigenous to bioclastic: terrigenous sand to gravelly sand, bioclastic sands, skeletal gravelly sands, mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sands, well to moderately sorted skeletal siliciclastic sands. All of the sedimentary facies associated with P. oceanica are in the sand grain size. The gravelly fraction is generally subordinated and variable, whereas the muddy fraction is generally low. The very low frequencies of the muddy fraction can be attributed to re-suspension processes and to the lack of carbonate mud production. The rate of epiphytic carbonate production obtained by two of the investigated meadows averages 400 g m(-2) year(-1). This value is in the range of temperate Mediterranean as well as of tropical and subtropical seagrasses. The epiphytic carbonate production plus the calcareous biota living on seagrass substrate contributes to form mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of the nearshore environment of the Mediterranean. Lastly, the carbonate production associated with seagrass was derived by biota belonging to the heterozoan assemblage, where aphotic organisms are dominant, together with oligophotic biota such as coralline algae and symbiont-bearing foraminifera. Consequently, in the well-illuminated seagrass settings, the prevalent skeletal assemblages is represented by the heterozoan association while the components of the photozoan assemblages are absent or subordinate. This a key point for the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the photic zone in the fossil record. Because the skeletal components of many seagrass dwellers greatly contribute to the carbonate sediment production of photic shallow-water environments, the seagrass meadows became substantial places of carbonate production and C (organic and inorganic) sequestration during the Cenozoic.

This work discusses and interprets the factors responsible for the Oligocene–Miocene drowning of the Central Apennine platform deposits, based on facies and stable-isotope analyses of two representative stratigraphic sections. The Mediterranean carbonate platforms were affected during the Oligocene–Miocene boundary by a carbonate production crisis that was induced by global factors and amplified by regional events, such as volcanic activity. The positive δ13C shift observed in the studied sections corresponds to vertical facies changes reflecting the evolution from middle carbonate ramp to outer ramp-hemipelagic depositional environments. This drowning event is recorded not only in the Apennine platforms, but also in other Mediterranean platforms such as in southern Apulia, Sicily and Malta, and outside the Mediterranean Basin. The ~24–23.5 Ma Mi-1 glacial maximum may have had a significant influence on this drowning event because it was associated with high rates of accumulation of continent-derived sediments. The increased continental weathering and runoff sustained high trophic conditions. These probably were a consequence of the Aquitanian–Burdigalian volcanic activity in the Central-Western Mediterranean, that may have led to an increase in nutrient content in seawater and an increase in atmospheric and marine CO2 concentrations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The middle Miocene is an important time to understand modern global climate evolution and its consequences on marine systems. The Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum (between 17·0Ma and 13·5Ma) was the warmest time interval of the past 35 million years during which atmospheric CO2concentrations were lower than today. In the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum, a significant carbon cycle perturbation occurred, expressed as a last long-term positive carbon isotope shift, known in literature as the Monterey Carbon Isotope Excursion and recorded in open-ocean settings. In this work, the lower to middle Miocene carbon isotope records from three different domains of the Central Mediterranean are analysed with the aim of identifying the local carbonate platform response to the major global carbon cycle perturbation of the Monterey Event. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios have been measured on samples belonging to three different stratigraphic sections, two of them are representative of shallow-water settings (Latium–Abruzzi and Apula platforms), and the latter of a hemipelagic setting (Umbria–Marche Basin). A well-defined Monterey Carbon Isotope Excursion is recorded also in these shallow-water sections. Despite their expected problematic stratigraphic constraints, a reliable age model is provided by calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and strontium isotope stratigraphy. In both of the carbonate platform successions examined, the Monterey Carbon Isotope Excursion coincides with a spread of bryozoans over other carbonate-producing biota. The high productivity of the bryozoan-dominated factory in the aphotic zone had an important control on the platform depositional profile. The high rates of sediment production in the deeper aphotic and oligophotic zones produced a depositional profile of a low-angle ramp.

Marine seagrass angiosperms play an important role in carbon sequestration, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and binding it as organic matter. Carbon is stored in the plants themselves, but also in the sediments both in inorganic and organic forms. The inorganic component is represented by carbonates produced by calcareous organisms living as epiphytes on seagrass leaves and rhizomes. In this paper, we find that the rate of seagrass epiphyte production (leaves and rhizomes), averages 400 g m-2 yr-1, as result of seagrass sampling at seven localities along the Mediterranean coasts, and related laboratory analysis. Seagrasses have appeared in the Late Cretaceous, becoming a place of remarkable carbonate production and C sequestration during the whole Cenozoic era. Here, we explore the potential contribution of seagrass as C sink on the atmospheric CO2 decrease by measuring changes in seagrass extent, which is directly associated with variations in the global coastal length associated with plate tectonics. We claim that global seagrass distribution significantly affected the atmospheric composition, particularly at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, when the CO2 concentration fell to 400 ppm, i.e. the approximate value of current atmospheric CO2.

This is the final paper of:Sedimentology and depositional architecture of tidal compound dunes on a carbonate ramp: The lower Miocene deposits of the central Apennine (Latium, Italy). - Author:Salvatore Milli,Sergio Madonna,Marco Brandano,Laura Corda - Publication:Marine and Petroleum Geology -Publisher:Elsevier Date:December 2016 -© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.10.020 Abstract The sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the central Apennine lower Miocene carbonate deposits (Guadagnolo Formation) are the goal of this paper. The Guadagnolo carbonate ramp deposits consist of a thick succession of three main lithofacies: marls, marly limestones and cross-bedded limestones. The lateral and vertical facies distribution, as well as the biota assemblages, suggests a deposition of these sediments along the middle-outer ramp sector of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform. All the data suggest sedimentation under the influence of tidal currents that were responsible of bedforms generation as simple and compound dunes. These bodies are developed on metric and decametric scale, and are stacked one to other to form complex sedimentary bodies extending both in strike and dip section for several tens to hundred meters. The dune system developed in a semiclosed basin (the Paleoadriatic sea), open in the southern and closed in the northern sector respectively. Within this basin a probably amphidromic system developed. The flow sediment transport was dominantly westward, and was conditioned by the ramp paleotopography. From a sequence stratigraphic point of view several high and low rank depositional sequences that were differentiated basing on their relative physical scale (thickness of each unit) and on the lateral extension of the unconformities and the correlative conformities bounding them were recognized. The hierarchy of recognized sequence-stratigraphic units include, from the smallest to the largest: simple depositional sequences, low-rank composite depositional sequences and high-rank composite depositional sequences. In the Guadagnolo succession four high-rank composite depositional sequences having a duration variable from 0.9 to 1.6 Ma, and named Guadagnolo 1, 2, 3, and 4, were recognized. These high-rank composite sequences are internally constituted by a stacking of simple and low-rank composite depositional sequences, having a duration ranging from 40 ka to 200 ka. All these units constitute part of a higher-rank composite sequence developing between 21 and 14.80 Ma that we name “The Guadagnolo Depositional Sequence”. The wedge-shaped geometry, the thickness variation and the stacking pattern of the Guadagnolo succession are the response to eustasy and tectonic subsidence. The glacial eustasy mostly controlled the formation of the high-frequency depositional sequences, tectonic subsidence, related to the roll-back of the hinge west-directed subduction in turn connected to the advancement of the Apennine thrust modulated the accommodation space.

A mixed carbonate–siliciclastic succession developed on the southern margin of the Bonifacio Basin (Cala di Labra, SE Corsica) during the Burdigalian, in the margin of a back-arc setting which had formed during the Sardinia-Corsica block rotation. This shallow marine setting was fed by abundant nearshore siliciclastic supply, and substantial carbonate production/accumulation increased from the euphotic to the oligophotic zones. Two third-order depositional sequences (SD1, SD2) corresponding to Bur 3 and Bur4, are recorded in the sedimentary succession.

Many sedimentary processes can lead to the formation of mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sediments in shallow shelf environments. The Miocene Saint-Florent Basin (Corsica), and in particular the Monte S. Angelo Formation, offers the possibility to analyze coarse mixed sediments produced by erosion of a rocky coast, ephemeral stream input, and shallow-water carbonate production dominated by red algae. The Monte S. Angelo Formation was deposited during the Burdigalian to Langhian interval. During this interval, the island of Corsica experienced increased subsidence related to the development of the Ligurian-Provencal Basin and associated Sardinia-Corsica block rotation. Four main rhodolith-rich subfacies have been recognized: conglomerate with rhodoliths, massive rhodolith rudstone, well-bedded rhodolith rudstone, and rhodolith floatstone. The four facies have been interpreted as having been deposited in different environments of a gravel-dominated, nearshore to offshore prograding wedge. Deep-water melobesioids dominate the red algal assemblage from shoreface to offshore. Shallow-water subfamilies of lithophylloids and mastophoroids occur in only accessory amounts. Poor illumination is believed to be due to terrigenous input by ephemeral streams and wave- and current-resuspension. Resuspension processes are favored by the limited occurrence of seagrasses. Two types of siliciclastic–carbonate mixing processes characterize the investigated rhodolith-rich deposits: (1) punctuated mixing, produced by the re-deposition of terrigenous sediments by debris-flow processes during flooding events onto carbonate sediments together with rhodoliths of the shoreface environments, and (2) in situ mixing, produced by growth of coralline algae on siliciclastic pebbles to form the rhodoliths.

Coral bioconstructions associated with mixed carbonate-siliciclastic settings are known to be strongly controlled by coastal morphology and paleotopography. A striking example is represented by the different types of coral bioconstructions and coral-rich deposits of the Cala di Labra Formation deposited in the coastal environment of the Bonifacio Basin (Corsica, France) during the Early Miocene. Detailed mapping on photomosaics allowed accurate documentation of the internal organization of coral deposits as well as lateral and vertical facies relationships. Four types of coral bioconstructions (CB) and one reworked coral deposits (RCD) have been recognized. The CB are represented by sigmoidal cluster reefs, coral carpets and skeletal conglomerates rich in corals. The RCD occurs in lens-shaped bodies intercalated within clinoforms composed of bioclastic floatstones and coarse packstones. The investigated bioconstructions can be contextualised in a coastal environment. In the upper shoreface corals developed in association with the oyster Hyotissa, above bioclastic conglomerates sourced by ephemeral streams and erosion of the granitic coastline. In the lower shoreface corals formed sigmoidal bioconstructions interpreted as cluster reefs, whereas coral carpets developed during a relative sea-level rise related to the middle Burdigalian transgressive phase. The reworked coral deposits can be interpreted as lobe-shaped deposits of coarse-grained bioclastic submarine fans formed at the base of the depositional slope of an infralittoral prograding wedge system., Rivista Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia (Research In Paleontology and Stratigraphy), Vol 122, No 1: In progress

The Tortonian sedimentary succession of Menorca Island (Balears, Spain) includes two stratigraphic sequences: the lower Tortonian distally-steepened carbonate ramp and the coral reef complex of late Tortonian-early Messinian age. The boundary between the two sequences corresponds to Heterostegina -rich sediments in the western part of Menorca, and to a phosphatic hardground in the eastern part of the island. In the field, the hardground is represented by a dark-brown layer and a rough surface on top of the Tortonian Ramp deposits. Dark phosphate precipitates infill cracks and borings in the underlying limestone to a depth of up to 50 cm. The phosphatic hardground is overlain by planktonic rich wackestone to packstone, which penetrates downward into the fissures, borings, and vugs. This deposit is characterized also by grains of reworked phosphate, glauconite grains, small benthic foraminifers and is followed by tabular beds of bioclastic packstone to wackestone with abundant thin crusts of coralline algae. Based on the Amphistegina tests shapes and red algal assemblage of sediments below and above the hardground, and the lateral correlation with Heterostegina deposits, the bathymetry for the development of the phosphatization is estimated less than 100 m. The limited localization of the phosphatic hardground at the eastern side of the ramp indicates that a dynamic upwelling of deeper and nutrient-enriched waters favored development of a phosphatic hardground. This upwelling episode is representative of the paleoceanographic settings induced by the climate conditions of the Mediterranean area during the Tortonian.

This work illustrates the evolution the Lower Jurassic shallow-water carbonates known as the Calcare Massiccio Formation in the Central Apennines (Italy). The Calcare Massiccio is characterized by lateral and vertical variability in the facies associations, related to an articulated physiography of the Triassic to Lower Jurassic carbonate platform and to its tectonic evolution. This work documents the depositional environment changes during the platform evolution. Quantitative analysis on samples collected from three stratigraphic sections were performed through the Calcare Massiccio succession allowed up to the overlying Pliensbachian pelagites. Two type of carbonate sedimentation have been recognized: in the peritidal and shallow subtidal environments (Calcare Massiccio A) the carbonate production is dominated by microbial activity, while the carbonate sedimentation in a deeper environment of middle to outer ramp (Calcare Massiccio B), is dominated by a bioclastic sedimentation. The evolution from the Calcare Massiccio A to the B can be interpreted as the product of increase of accommodation that in turn produced a backstepping of carbonate facies belt, the photic microbial dominated peritidal facies developed on the persistent Latium-Abruzzi Platform while the bioclastic carbonate production factory settled on the structural highs resulting from the dismembering of the platform by syn-sedimentary tectonic. The bioclastic carbonate factory was not efficient in filling the available accommodation space produced by Sinemurian extensional tectonic. This inefficiency was amplified by the restricted area available for this factory in the small structural highs. These conditions were sufficient to predispose the platform to the drowning without invoke change in the trophic resource or change in the palaeoceanography.

Brandano, M. & Policicchio, G. 2011: Strontium stratigraphy of the Burdigalian transgression in the Western Mediterranean. Lethaia, Vol. 45, pp. 315–328. A 87Sr/86Sr analysis of selected pectinid shells has been performed to refine the stratigraphical framework of the Burdigalian transgressive event. Samples were collected from shallow water successions of the Western Mediterranean area (North-Eastern Sardinia, Southern Corsica, Central Apennines). The Western Mediterranean is the result of the interaction between the European and the African plates. Sardinia and Corsica were extended and rifted apart from the Iberian Peninsula during the opening of the Liguro-Provencal basin, between 30 and 15 Ma. In the outcrops of Northern Sardinia and Southern Corsica, Burdigalian deposits nonconformably overlie Varisican granites. In the central Apennines the Burdigalian deposits paraconformably overlie the Cretaceous platform. These are transgressive deposits, characterized by the presence of Miogypsina globulina, which points out early to middle Burdigalian age. The Sr isotope ages indicate that marine transgression in Northern Sardina and Southern Corsica took place between 18.6 and 18.3 Ma, which could correspond to the eustatic sea level rise of the Bur3 third-order sequence. In the Central Apennines the Burdigalian transgression was anticipated (18.8 Ma) by subsidence input linked to the eastward migration of the orogenic system. This input allowed the Miocene carbonate ramp to develop on the Cretaceous platform substrate, while successive eustatic rise controlled the evolution of the stratigraphical architecture. The following regressive phase is recorded in both the Apennine and Corsica successions. The end of this phase is dated between 17.6 and 17.5 Ma and corresponds to sea level drop corresponding to the occurrence of the Mi 1b event. □Burdigalian, pectinids, strontium stratigraphy, transgression, Western Mediterranean

This work is the result of detailed geological mapping and stratigraphic analysis of the Lepidocyclina Limestone in the northern sector of the Majella Mountains (Central Apennines). The Lepidocyclina Limestone represents an informal member of the Bolognano Formation (Chattian to Messinian in age). Four main lithofacies have been recognized: planar cross-bedded grainstone (FA); moderate-angle, cross-bedded grainstone to packstone (FB); sigmoidal cross-bedded grainstone (FC); and bioturbated marly packstone to wackestone (FD). A detailed description of the recognized lithofacies and facies association of the Lepidocyclina Limestone is given in this work, together with an interpretation of the corresponding depositional setting and a discussion of the related larger-scale processes. In summary, the depositional profile of the Lepidocyclina Limestone is consistent with a carbonate ramp, where most of the sediments appear to be parautochthonous in the middle ramp environment and autochthonous-dominated in the outer ramp environment. Palaeocurrent patterns indicate a strong, generally north–west basin-ward direction that affected the middle ramp environment and developed a wide, down-slope migrating dune field. Considering that the warm Oligocene climate of the Mediterranean area was favorable to tropical cyclone development, both in terms of frequency and intensity, it is suggested that return currents generated by strong winds or storms were common on the “Lepidocyclina” carbonate ramp, thus favoring the development of the observed dune field.

Overthepast15yearsithasbeendemonstratedthatcarbonaterampsreactinadistinctly different way to sea-level fluctuations than flat-topped carbonate platforms. Until now, mostsequencestratigraphicstudiesofcarbonaterampshaveconcentratedontemperate to cool-water carbonates and on tropical systems after a phase of forced regression. This study aims at characterizing a tropical, eutrophic carbonate ramp, the Miocene LatiumAbruzzi platform in the central Apennines. The stratigraphic architecture of the carbonaterampdepositedduringa5Myrperiodreflectstwo2 nd -orderrelativesea-levelcycles. In contrast, the architectural and facies patterns only reflect 3 rd -order sea-level fluctuationsintheinnerramp.Sea-levelfluctuationsthatcausechangesinlight-penetrationmay produce shifts from euphotic to oligophotic or even aphotic conditions that may be recorded as facies changes. The insensitivity of middle- to outer-ramp facies belts is the result of the carbonate-producing organisms in these parts of the ramp, and of the low productionofcarbonatesedimentsontheinnerramp,limitingtheexporttomiddle-and outer-ramp settings. On this type of carbonate ramp, most voluminous carbonate sediment production takes place in the oligophotic zone by rhodalgal associations, or in the aphotic zone by bryomol or molechfor associations. Thus, carbonate sediment accumulatesbelowthehydrodynamicbaselevelinawater-depthintervalthatmaybewiderthan the amplitude of the high-frequency sea-level fluctuation. Such ramps therefore appear not to record high-frequency sea-level fluctuations.

We investigated the distribution of the red algae assemblages along the depositional profile of the Attard carbonate ramp of Malta (Chattian). The Attard member is ascribed to the Lower Coralline Limestone Formation characterized by 4 members: Maghlaq, Attard, Xlendi and Il Mara. Coralline algae are present in the inner and middle ramp environments of the Attard member. Sporolithaceans and melobesioids dominate the inner ramp, while mastophoroids and peyssonneliaceans are subordinate. In the middle ramp the association of red algae is characterized by an increase of sporolithacenas and a decrease of melobesioids, mastophoroids and peyssonneliaceans. These assemblages are related to the depth gradient existing from the inner relatively shallow to the progressively deeper middle ramp. However, transportation of red algae down slope may have had an effect on the red algae associations. The shape, morphology and structure of rhodoliths in the inner ramp environment are indicative of high-energy conditions. Nevertheless localized sectors of inner ramp are characterized by morphologies typical of low energy probably related to the presence of areas colonized by seagrass. Rhodoliths from the middle ramp have characteristics of moderately highenergy. The presence of Sporolithon Heydrich and Lithoporelk (Foslie) Foslie indicates that the production of carbonate took place under tropical conditions. We suggest that the Mg/Ca ratios may had a control on the flourishing of coralline algae in the Oligocene carbonate factories situated in oligo- to mesotrophic conditions, whereas during Early to Middle Miocene times the trophic conditions were one of the main controlling factor.

The incorporation of viral envelope (Env) glycoproteins into nascent particles is an essential step in the production of infectious human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This process has been shown to require interactions between Env and the matrix (MA) domain of the Gag polyprotein. Previous studies indicate that several residues in the N-terminal region of MA are required for Env incorporation. However, the precise mechanism by which Env proteins are acquired during virus assembly has yet to be fully defined. Here, we examine whether a highly conserved glutamate at position 99 in the C-terminal helix is required for MA function and HIV-1 replication. We analyze a panel of mutant viruses that contain different amino acid substitutions at this position using viral infectivity studies, virus-cell fusion assays, and immunoblotting. We find that E99V mutant viruses are defective for fusion with cell membranes and thus are noninfectious. We show that E99V mutant particles of HIV-1 strains LAI and NL4.3 lack wild-type levels of Env proteins. We identify a compensatory substitution in MA residue 84 and show that it can reverse the E99V-associated defects. Taken together, these results indicate that the C-terminal hydrophobic pocket of MA, which encompasses both residues 84 and 99, has a previously unsuspected and key role in HIV-1 Env incorporation.

Deglacial reefs from Tahiti (IODP 310) feature a co-occurrence of zooxanthellate corals with microbialites that compose up to 80 vol% of the reef framework. The notion that microbialites tend to form in more nutrient-rich environments has previously led to the concept that such encrustations are considerably younger than the coral framework, and that they have formed in deeper storeys of the reef edifice, or that they represent severe disturbances of the reef ecosystem. As indicated by their repetitive interbedding with coralline red algae, the microbialites of this reef succession of Tahiti, however, formed immediately after coral growth under photic conditions. Clearly, the deglacial reef microbialites present in the IODP 310 cores did not follow disturbances such as drowning or suffocation by terrestrial material, and are not “disaster forms”. Given that the corals and the microbialites developed in close spatial proximity, highly elevated nutrient levels caused by fluvial or groundwater transport from the volcanic hinterland are an unlikely cause for the exceptionally voluminous development of microbialites. That voluminous deglacial reef microbialites generally are restricted to volcanic islands, however, implies that moderately, and possibly episodically elevated nutrient levels favored this type of microbialite formation.

Surgical indications for the treatment of distal radial fractures are evolving and becoming more common among surgeons, but, as shown in many studies, these fractures can be successfully managed by a range of methods and techniques, including conservative treatment based on closed reduction by manipulation and cast.

Since the establishment of astrochronology, calcareous rhythmites are frequently used as the basis of high-resolution chronostratigraphy. In particular for the Neogene, calcareous rhythmites serve as stratotypes and for absolute dating of stratigraphic boundaries (Global Stratotype Sections and Points – GSSPs). However, the exact mechanisms responsible for the formation of the rhythmic intercalation of lithologies in such successions are complex and not easily reconstructed. To a large extent this is the effect of diagenetic modifications of the original sediment. Here, two examples of Neogene calcareous rhythmites are studied; the Monte dei Corvi section and the Monte Gibliscemi section. The first is the GSSP location of the Serravallian–Tortonian boundary, whereas the second is an auxiliary stratotype for the same boundary. During the past years, astrochronological approaches were applied to these successions to considerably increase time resolution compared to the elaborated biostratigraphic database. The present study focuses on micropetrographic, trace element and clay mineralogical methods in order to gain a better understanding of the genesis of the rhythmites. In the Monte Gibliscemi section, sediment parameters that are robust against diagenetic change clearly reflect primary differences, i.e. cyclical environmental changes. In contrast, no clear primary signal is determined for the Monte dei Corvi section on a couplet scale, leaving the origin of the rhythm ambiguous. This impedes the interpretation of the latter and the comparability between the two successions, and also compromises any bed-by-bed correlation between the two. The unclear origin of the rhythmites of Monte dei Corvi introduces uncertainty into the applicability of astrochronology to this succession.

The soft bottom of the Mediterranean continental shelf is characterized by a heterozoan skeletal assemblage (sensu [James, N.P., 1997. The cool-water carbonate depositional realm. In: James, N.P., Clarke, J. (Eds), Cool-water Carbonates. Spec. Publ. Soc. Sediment. Geol., vol. 56, pp.1–20.]). Although the contemporary presence of terrigenous and skeletal carbonate sediments has been well established [Tortora, P., 1996. Depositional and erosional coastal processes during the last postglacial sea-level rise: an example from the Central Tyrrhenian continental shelf (Italy). J. Sed. Res. 66, 391–405.; Fornos, J.J., Ahr, W.M., 1997. Temperate carbonates on a modern, low-energy, isolated ramp: the Balearic Platform, Spain. Journal of Sedimentary Research , 67, 364–373.; Fornos, J.J., Ahr, W.M., 2006. Present-day temperate carbonate sedimentation on the Balearic Platform, western Mediterranean: compositional and textural variation along a low-energy isolated ramp. In: Pedley, H.M., Carannante, G. (Eds.) 2006, Cool-water Carbonates: Depositional Systems and Palaeoenvironmental Controls. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 255, pp. 121–135], the interactions between carbonate and terrigenous–siliciclastic sedimentation has not been documented well enough. A total of 33 surface sediment samples from the Pontinian shelf (Tyrrhenian Sea, central Mediterranean) have been analysed. Sampling stations range from 15 to 250 mwd (meter water depth) and are located along five transects (PonzaW, PonzaNW, Ponza NE, Ponza E, Zannone), plus four samples collected around Palmarola Island. Sectors colonized by seagrass meadows have not been sampled. A total of 6 sedimentary facies (F) and 10 microfacies (mf) have been recognized by using component analyses, grain size percentage, sorting, carbonate content and authigenic mineralization rate. These facies and microfacies represent the Pontian Islands shelf sedimentation, in the interval between the upper infralittoral and the epibathyal zones that represent shelf-break and upper slope sedimentation. The Maerl facies (F4a,b; mf4a,b) and the skeletal sands (F2a,b; mf2a1, mf2a2, mf2b) fall within the circalittoral zone. The circalittoral zone in the water depth interval between 82 m and 112 m display relict facies (F6, mf6). Finally facies F5 (Siliciclastic sands) includes subfacies F5b (mf5b), located in the circalittoral zone at depths of 49 to 101 mwd and restricted to the western and eastern sectors of Ponza, and subfacies F5a in the upper infralittoral zone (15 mwd/25 mwd) where erosional processes prevail. Carbonate content analyses indicate that maximum carbonate production on the Pontinian shelf took place in the 60–80 mwd interval. Facies F4 (Maerl) represents the environment characterized by the highest carbonate production rates. In the Pontian area siliciclastic–carbonate mixing took place in the infralittoral zone and in the lower circalittoral zone. In the infralittoral zone erosional processes on the rocky shoreline produced lithoclasts and vulcanoclastic deposits that were reworked by wave-induced near-shore currents. In the lower circalittoral zone the prolific production by photic biota (red algae) ends, while skeletal remains of the aphotic environment mixes with planktonic sediments characterized by low carbonate values. Sand (63 μm–2 mm) is the dominant grain size class, however gravel-dominated facies (F4 Maerl) are present in water depths (50 to 112 mwd) which are significantly below the storm wave base. Glauconite mineralization appears on the Pontinian shelf from 50 mwd and increases in abundance along the deeper bathymetries. The compositional characteristics of relict facies F6 shows the concurrence of biota assemblages of the infralittoral and circalittoral zones, likely representing the record of the last Holocene transgressive event (18 ky) and expressed by the overlapping of components of different environments.

Sedimentary facies and foraminiferal assemblages of sediments sampled into seven Posidonia oceanica meadows from Western Mediterranean Sea were investigated. Six sampling sites are localised in Italy (Maratea, Ponza Island, Santa Marinella, Giglio Island, Osalla and Alghero), and one in France (Argentella, Crovani Bay, Corsica). The role of P. oceanica meadows in the sedimentary processes was investigated in different contexts: sampled meadows are set up both on soft and hard substrates, often forming “mattes”, in geographical areas subject to different wind and sea conditions (waves and longshore currents) and characterised by various coastal landforms and terrigenous inputs derived from costal erosional processes and/or fluvial contributions. A sedimentological, compositional, micropaleontological and geochemical characterisation of 111 bottom sediment samples, collected by SCUBA diving between 0 and 35 mwd, was carried out and finally tested with a Q-mode cluster analysis. Five sedimentary facies have been recognised, from terrigenous to mixed siliciclastic-carbonate and carbonate. Facies (and subfacies) are distinguishable by sorting, gravel content, abundance and maturity of clastic sediments, and weighted average of carbonate content. In all facies, foraminifers and red algae dominate the bioclastic fraction, whereas other bioclastic components are very subordinate and show a variable distribution. In all the investigated sites, benthic foraminiferal assemblages are generally dominated by typical epiphytic species, such as Asterigerinata mamilla, Lobatula lobatula, Peneroplis pertusus, Planorbulina mediterranensis, Rosalina spp. and miliolids. Nevertheless, these assemblages show some differences in the different sites according to the presence or absence of terrigenous contributions and, consequently, to the water turbidity. This parameter influences symbiont-bearing foraminifer as P. pertusus. Moreover, the samples from Argentella (Crovany Bay) are characterised by a peculiar assemblage, in which Miniacina miniacea dominates with very high frequencies.

The present work analyzes tourism externalities in Italy, fifth country in the world and third in Europe for international arrivals (UNWTO, 2014). The thesis in divided into five chapters. Chapter 1 analyzes the theory of externalities and provides some examples of tourism externalities. Chapter 2 shows the main research questions, motivations and three cases study. In the last section the main reasons are illustrated for analyzing the Italian case as suitable for the purpose of the present work. Chapter 3 focuses on the relationship between tourism and crime at Italian provincial level. Chapter 4 describes the link between tourist sector and house prices in Italian provincial capitals. Chapter 5 is devoted to the application of a method for policy evaluation on the impact of tourist taxation on tourist flows. It is explored its distortive effect on tourist demand at municipality level. The case under analysis is Villasimius, Sardinian tourist destination. To do this the recent methodology of Synthetic Control is used. This study provides some evidence that a positive and significant link between crime and tourism exists. Furthermore, the empirical analysis performed in Chapter 4 by using the Generalized Method of Moment (GMM), highlights that property prices in Italian cities can be affected by tourism activity. Finally, after evaluating the introduction of tourism taxation, results demonstrate first hints about the non-negative taxation effect on tourist flows.

Objective To examine the most commonly reported emotions encountered among healthcare practitioners when holding difficult conversations, including frequency and impact on care delivery. Methods Interprofessional learners from a range of experience levels and specialties completed self-report questionnaires prior to simulation-based communication workshops. Clinicians were asked to describe up to three emotions they experienced when having difficult healthcare conversations; subsequent questions used Likert-scales to measure frequency of each emotion, and whether care was affected. Results 152 participants completed questionnaires, including physicians, nurses, and psychosocial professionals. Most commonly reported emotions were anxiety, sadness, empathy, frustration, and insecurity. There were significant differences in how clinicians perceived these different emotions affecting care. Empathy and anxiety were emotions perceived to influence care more than sadness, frustration, and insecurity. Conclusions Most clinicians, regardless of clinical experience and discipline, find their emotional state influences the quality of their care delivery. Most clinicians rate themselves as somewhat to quite capable of recognizing and managing their emotions, acknowledging significant room to grow. Practice implications Further education designed to increase clinicians’ recognition of, reflection on, and management of emotion would likely prove helpful in improving their ability to navigate difficult healthcare conversations. Interventions aimed at anxiety management are particularly needed.

International audience

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