Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Fornacelli, Vanessa Volpi, Elisabetta Ponta, Luisa Russo, Arianna Briano, Alessandro Donati, Marco Giamello, Giovanna Bianchi
Summary: The study combined chemical and statistical analysis to investigate a large number of ceramic fragments, grouping the assemblage by identifying geochemical clusters. By studying 141 samples from different sites, new clues were provided, revealing a well-defined organization of pottery manufacturing and circulation in southern Tuscany during the early medieval period.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Salvatore Dominech, Shouye Yang, Antonio Aruta, Andrea Gramazio, Stefano Albanese
Summary: Stream sediment geochemical prospecting is a reliable tool to investigate the influence of geology and assess anomalies within river catchment basins. The Sample Catchment Basin (SCB) method, using dilution-corrected residuals (DCRs), has been developed and proven effective in identifying anomalies associated with lithological layers. The method has also been utilized to address and improve interpretation processes in a multivariate perspective.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michela Ricca, Beatriz Camara, Rafael Fort, Monica Alvarez de Buergo, Luciana Randazzo, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Mauro Francesco La Russa
Summary: This study examines 13 pottery fragments from the underwater archaeological site of Baia in Naples, Italy. Diagnostic tests were conducted to characterize the materials, their properties, and the effects of degradation in seawater, particularly due to biological growth. The research provides insights into underwater cultural heritage and the function of ceramic materials in technology and conservation.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Maria Pergola, Angela Maffia, Giuseppe Carlucci, Alessandro Persiani, Assunta Maria Palese, Massimo Zaccardelli, Gessica Altieri, Giuseppe Celano
Summary: This paper evaluates the environmental and economic aspects of strawberry cultivation in Southern Italy and explores the impact of compost tea application on strawberry productivity. The study compares different growing systems and uses life cycle assessment to estimate the environmental impact. Additionally, the profitability of the analyzed systems is assessed, taking into account the social cost of pollution. The research finds that one organic system using solarization, biological pest control, and recycled packaging is the most sustainable and profitable. Plastic materials and zinc structures have the most significant impact on the analyzed systems. The application of compost tea with a high number of beneficial microorganisms leads to increased yield and higher profit.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Caridi, Marcella Di Bella, Giuseppe Sabatino, Giovanna Belmusto, Maria Rita Fede, Davide Romano, Francesco Italiano, Antonio Francesco Mottese
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive radiological assessment of river sediment samples from Calabria, southern Italy, identifying and quantifying natural radioisotopes to establish a baseline background on a radiation map. The results showed elevated levels of natural radionuclides in the area and calculated radiological hazard indices to determine the potential risk. The spatial distribution of natural radionuclides was delineated on a radiological map using Surfer 10 software, and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to identify relationships between radiological indices and radionuclide concentrations.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
F. M. Tangorra, A. Calcante, G. Vigone, A. Assirelli, C. Bisaglia
Summary: This study assessed the technical-productive aspects of dairy farms equipped with automatic milking system (AMS) in Northern and Central Italy. Through survey and analysis of 62 farms, the farms were categorized into three clusters. Cluster 1 consisted of small-to-medium-sized semi-intensive farms with low AMS utilization, primarily aiming to improve quality of life rather than profitability. Clusters 2 and 3 included small-medium-sized and large intensive farms respectively, characterized by intensive breeding practices yielding higher AMS utilization, labor efficiency, and milk production compared to Cluster 1 farms.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Maria Cristina Caggiani, Germana Barone, Lavinia de Ferri, Rocco Laviano, Annarosa Mangone, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: An analytical investigation on Southern Italy pottery using Raman spectroscopy revealed the importance of this technique in addressing archaeological questions, particularly related to the technology and raw materials of glassy coatings. The study identified different raw material compositions and production processes, effectively distinguishing various classes of pottery.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Santarsiero, Gabriele Nole, Antonio Lanorte, Biagio Tucci, Giuseppe Cillis, Beniamino Murgante
Summary: This study describes land-take monitoring activities and analyzes development trends in test areas of the Basilicata region using remote sensing to extract land-use/land-cover data. A new methodology for Landsat data classification is proposed for automatically detecting land-cover information and identifying land take for multi-temporal analysis. The use of an SVM change-detection analysis in the classification process, along with the integration of GIS remote sensing data and free and open-source software, allowed for the quick extraction of detailed land-take maps with high accuracy, reducing costs and processing time.
Article
Entomology
Nada Lahbib, Ugo Picciotti, Valdete Sefa, Sonia Boukhris-Bouhachem, Francesco Porcelli, Francesca Garganese
Summary: This study analyzed the literature on the leafhopper assassin bug Z. renardii and conducted laboratory tests to determine its predation habits. The results showed that Z. renardii is harmless to humans and beneficial insects, and it exhibits preferences for certain prey. This bug could be utilized as a biocontrol agent for Xylella fastidiosa and other olive pests.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
G. Pappalardo, R. Selvaggi, B. Pecorino
Summary: This study estimates the potential production of biomethane in Southern Italy without affecting traditional agricultural systems. The results suggest that about 200 biomethane plants could be built in the region, highlighting the strategic role of biomethane in Southern Italian agriculture and economically marginalized areas.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Vaglia, Jacopo Bacenetti, Francesca Orlando, Sumer Alali, Ezio Bosso, Stefano Bocchi
Summary: Rice cultivation plays a vital role in global food security, but it also has negative impacts on the environment and human health. Transitioning to organic agriculture can improve the environmental performance of rice farming. This study evaluates the variability and mitigation potential of four organic rice production management strategies in Northern Italy through life cycle assessment (LCA). The results indicate a significant potential for organic rice production to reduce its impact on natural resources, depending on the chosen agricultural practices.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Caridi, Giuseppe Paladini, Antonio Francesco Mottese, Maurizio Messina, Valentina Venuti, Domenico Majolino
Summary: Potentially toxic elements contamination is a universal problem with adverse health effects. This study measured the concentrations of potentially toxic elements in pyroclastic products from Mount Etna and compared them with Italian legislation levels to evaluate the level of toxicity to the ecosystem. ICP-MS measurements and various indices were used to assess chemical pollution, and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. The approach used in this study can be applied to evaluate chemical risks in various environmental samples.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Ciro Buonocore, Fabio Carlucci, Lucia Ciciarelli, Andrea Papola, Fiore Tinessa, Daniela Tocchi, Barbara Trincone
Summary: The strategic role of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Italy, especially in revitalizing the national economy and the Campania region, has been emphasized by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan. This study investigates the transport accessibility of the Campania SEZ areas and compares them with other SEZ areas in Italy and local labour systems. The study also discusses the impact of SEZ implementation on land use planning, providing a useful tool for policymakers, national policymakers, and investors interested in the area.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Fan Yang, Sen Liu, Chao Jia, Maosheng Gao, Wenbo Chang, Yujue Wang
Summary: Influenced by paleoclimate, paleogeography and hydrogeology, groundwater with different total dissolved solids levels widely occurs across southern Laizhou Bay. Due to overexploitation, saline water intrusion has led to the formation of groundwater depression cones. Using multivariate statistical analysis and other hydrochemical methods, this study identified the characteristics of shallow and deep groundwater in the region, proposing groundwater flow evolution models based on the results.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Dinoi, K. Weinhold, A. Wiedensohler, D. Contini
Summary: A study on new particle formation (NPF) events in the urban background of Lecce, Italy, revealed different frequencies of events in different seasons, with events mainly occurring during the central hours of the day, under high pressure, dry air, and without significant cloud cover. Additionally, sulfur gas SO2 played a significant role in the formation of new particles.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Maria Cristina Caggiani, Alessia Coccato, Germana Barone, Claudio Finocchiaro, Maura Fugazzotto, Gabriele Lanzafame, Roberta Occhipinti, Antonio Stroscio, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: The study investigates the preparation process of alkali-activated materials and geopolymers using Raman spectroscopy, indicating that Raman spectroscopy may offer advantages in understanding the alkali activation process compared to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and has the potential to be used in comparing raw materials and AAMs.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Claudio Finocchiaro, Alessia Coccato, Germana Barone, Danilo Bersani, Adam Culka, Laura Fornasini, Paolo Mazzoleni, Jan Jehlicka, Anastasia Rousaki, Peter Vandenabeele
Summary: Zeolites are found in various volcanic rock outcrops in Sicily, Italy, with different ages. A study using Raman spectroscopy on zeolites from different areas in Eastern Sicily revealed the possibility of accurate identification using portable Raman instruments both on site and in the laboratory.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Giovanni Floridia, Salvatore Urso, Giuseppe Maria Belfiore, Marco Viccaro
Summary: This study evaluates the use of carbon fiber as a filling additive in geothermal systems to improve efficiency and promote sustainable waste management. The results show that the addition of 5% carbon fiber improves thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the grout mixture. This research provides essential elements for the development of a circular economy and has implications for economic development and waste management.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Claudio Finocchiaro, Cristina Maria Belfiore, Germana Barone, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: A combination of conventional and un-conventional methods were used to assess the physical-mechanical properties of alkaline activated pastes and mortars. The experimental results showed that pastes exhibited better mechanical performance and slower heat release rate compared to mortars. In addition, infrared thermography (IRT) demonstrated potential in providing feedback on other physical-mechanical features of these materials.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Francesco Zuccarello, Federica Schiavi, Marco Viccaro
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between explosive intensity and decompression rates in volcanic eruptions. The results suggest that degassing kinetics play a key role in controlling the intensity of activity at Mt. Etna.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
M. Fugazzotto, G. Cultrone, P. Mazzoleni, G. Barone
Summary: This research aimed to investigate the suitability of ceramic industrial tiles waste through the alkaline activation process for the production of novel and eco-friendly materials. The results showed that pure ceramic based geopolymers and binary mixtures obtained by adding few percentages of metakaolin can be produced at room temperature by only using sodium hydroxide and waterglass, reaching efficient technical characteristics for their employment in restoration.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Cristina Caggiani, Roberta Occhipinti, Claudio Finocchiaro, Maura Fugazzotto, Antonio Stroscio, Paolo Mazzoleni, Germana Barone
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) in the study of geopolymers, and used Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to find criteria for discriminating successful products from those that require formulation correction.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Roberto Visalli, Marisa Giuffrida, Marco Viccaro
Summary: The Quantitative X-Ray Map Analyzer software was used to process the images of intertwined pumices and scoriae from the 2019 paroxysmal eruptions of Stromboli. The software allowed for quantitative documentation of the texture and composition variations of these products, reducing the time required for analysis and data processing. The method utilized Principal Components Analysis and supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification to handle the X-ray elemental maps at the millimeter scale, producing high-contrast colored images that classified rock constituents and imaged chemical variations within the glass.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maura Fugazzotto, Paolo Mazzoleni, Isabella Lancellotti, Rachel Camerini, Pamela Ferrari, Maria Rosaria Tine, Irene Centauro, Teresa Salvatici, Germana Barone
Summary: The disposal of ceramic industrial waste is a significant problem for production plants. Utilizing these waste as precursors for alkaline-activated materials could provide a solution, generating new binders/blocks with reduced CO2 emissions. This study compares different types of industrial ceramic waste and investigates their potential for conversion into resources, showing promising results with 80%-100% waste precursor synthesis.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Giorgio Costa, Luigi Mereu, Michele Prestifilippo, Simona Scollo, Marco Viccaro
Summary: Between 2020 and 2022, there were more than sixty lava fountains at Mt. Etna, Italy, resulting in high eruption columns and falling ballistics. This study focuses on the fallout of ballistics after a lava fountain event in February 2022, specifically in the tourist area of the Barbagallo Craters. Field data and laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the size, shape, and density of the ballistics, which were then compared with results from the 'Eject!' calculator. This research aims to assess the hazard of ballistics during Etna lava fountains in near real-time.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Roberta Occhipinti, Maria Cristina Caggiani, Lavinia de Ferri, Zhuo Xu, Calin Constantin Steindal, Nima Razavi, Fabrizio Andriulo, Paolo Mazzoleni, Germana Barone
Summary: This study investigates the structural properties of geopolymers made from locally available volcanic feedstocks for the development of sustainable non-structural building materials. Geopolymer binders and mortars based on volcanic pyroclastic residues from Mt. Etna were examined to assess their response to natural weathering. The results show that volcanic ash-based geopolymers have a better resistance to weathering in the hot summer Mediterranean climate zone compared to ghiara-based products.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Marisa Giuffrida, Massimiliano Cardone, Francesco Zuccarello, Marco Viccaro
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive petrological investigation of the eruptions at the South East Crater of Mt. Etna from December 2020 to February 2022. By combining thermodynamic modeling and micro-analytical data, the study provides insights into the physical and chemical conditions of magmas involved and the dynamics of magma movements within the volcano's plumbing system. The results suggest changes in storage conditions and transfer dynamics, with the 2020-22 eruptions being fed by the most mafic magma in the last decade. The study also highlights the recurrent trend of replenishment by volatile-rich magmas from the deepest levels of the plumbing system at Mt. Etna over the past ten years.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Maria Cristina Caggiani, Marco Cavarra, Germana Barone, Alessia Coccato, Angela Maria Manenti, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: The viability of portable Raman spectroscopy as a nondestructive and noninvasive method for identifying gemstones on Hellenistic-Roman glyptics was assessed in situ at the Regional Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi in Syracuse, Italy. The study confirmed most of the identifications and found that the glyptics were mainly made of chalcedony, with other materials including garnet, glass, and amber. The noninvasive investigation allowed for both quick identifications and more detailed studies on chalcedonies and garnets with minimal interference with the museum's activities.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Maria Cristina Caggiani, Germana Barone, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: Raman spectroscopy is commonly used for studying glassy materials in cultural heritage, but it is more difficult to interpret the spectra and apply the technique with portable instruments. In contrast, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) can be used in archaeometric investigations as it is portable and non-invasive. However, there is limited application of this technique to historical glasses. This exploratory work demonstrates the potential of DRIFTS, in combination with portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) and EDS microanalyses, for studying the composition and alteration of glass samples in cultural heritage.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Roberta Occhipinti, Gabriele Lanzafame, Anna Lluveras Tenorio, Claudio Finocchiaro, Lara Gigli, Maria Rosaria Tine, Paolo Mazzoleni, Germana Barone
Summary: In this study, porous inorganic polymers were synthesized using alkaline activation of volcanic ash and 'ghiara' paleosoil with Al swarf and Al commercial powder as pore inducing agent. The results showed that the porosity of volcanic-based porous materials can be efficiently tailored by regulating the amount and type of Al.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Julia Becher, Alex Schoeman, Gavin Whitelaw, Stephen Buckley, Jean-Pierre Celliers, Sara Cafisso, Matthias Belser, Maxime Rageot, Cynthianne Spiteri
Summary: This study represents the first application of Organic Residue Analysis (ORA) to southern African early farming pottery to gain a deeper understanding of past human behavior and subsistence patterns. The study found evidence of dairy processing and multi-purpose functionality of the ceramics. It also discovered potential medicinal use and the involvement of dung in pottery sealing and mending.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Jon Clindaniel, Matthew Magnani
Summary: Large sources of digital trace data have become important in the study of material culture. The authors introduce a computational method to observe digital formation processes and highlight the importance of accounting for these processes in studies utilizing digital trace data.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Rebecca A. G. Reid, Miranda M. E. Jans, Lesley A. Chesson, Rebecca J. Taylor, Gregory E. Berg
Summary: Chemical treatment of skeletal remains can reduce overall DNA quality and quantity but has no significant impact on stable isotope ratio analysis. Examination of treated and untreated human remains through histological and stable isotope analysis reveals that treated remains exhibit better preservation compared to untreated remains. Stable isotope ratio analysis is viable for both treated and untreated remains, regardless of their origin.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Laura Tome, Eneko Iriartec, Antonio Blanco-Gonzalez, Margarita Jambrina-Enriquez, Natalia Eguez, Antonio V. Herrera-Herrera, Carolina Mallola
Summary: This paper presents the outcomes of a microcontextual geoarchaeological study conducted on earthen dwellings from the Early Iron Age village of Cerro de San Vicente. The study employed soil micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis, XRD, and XRF analyses to investigate various aspects of the dwellings, including construction materials, site formation processes, and daily life practices. The results have shed light on the construction layers, floor use, maintenance, repaving, periods of abandonment and decay, and the presence of lipid biomarkers associated with dwelling functionality. The study significantly contributes to our understanding of ancient construction practices and the utilization of domestic spaces during the Early Iron Age.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
