Rendiconti Lincei-Scienze Fisiche E Naturali最新文献

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of a novel chitosan–blue-green algae (BGA) composite adsorbent for the efficient removal of Acid Red 73 (AR73) dye from wastewater. The composite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, zeta potential, an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and scanning electron microscopy analyses, revealing the presence of functional groups crucial for dye adsorption and a rough surface morphology indicative of high surface area. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial dye concentration on AR73 removal. The composite exhibited optimal adsorption at pH 6, with increasing removal efficiency observed with increasing adsorbent dosage and contact time until equilibrium was reached. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. In addition, the Freundlich isotherm model best described the adsorption process, suggesting a heterogeneous adsorption mechanism. The composite demonstrated good adsorption capacity (Q_m = 142.86 mg/g) in the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic data strongly indicate that the removal process occurs through a physisorption process, and endothermic. Furthermore, the composite demonstrated photocatalytic activity under direct sunlight, effectively degrading AR73 dye and achieving complete removal at higher initial concentrations. The reusability of the composite was also investigated, showing sustained removal efficiency over two cycles, but a significant decrease in the third cycle. Finally, the application of the composite in treating aquaculture wastewater resulted in significant improvements in water quality parameters, including reduced turbidity, nitrate levels, and salinity. This study highlights the potential of the chitosan–BGA composite as a sustainable and efficient adsorbent and photocatalyst for dye removal and wastewater treatment.

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The study comprised characterisation of Groundwater of Himalayan State Uttarakhand India at 46 locations and its suitability assessment for drinking and irrigation purpose. Samples from each of 13 districts datasets are obtained from web site of Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and data analysis is performed for physicochemical as well as heavy metals for the year 2022 and 2023 (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon in each year) was compiled and the average of each parameter from each location is analysed. The average of each parameter was compared mainly with the Indian Standards. From the analysis of the data, it is revealed that none of the sample exceeded the permissible limit and hence groundwater is fit for drinking purpose. Out of the eight heavy metals analysed, As, Hg, Cr and Cd were not detectable at all samples and Cu was found only in 63% samples and was observed above the acceptable limits. Pb is detected only at three locations which are mainly the industrial locations, and was found to be above the prescribed limits. Zn and Fe are found in all samples. Zn is always found below the acceptable limit though Fe is always detected above the prescribed limits. Ionic analysis revealed that the water is suitable for irrigation purpose. In all the samples, the amount of ions detected was in the following order: CO₃ > HCO₃ > Ca > Mg > SO₄ > Cl > Na > K. In the water from each of the sample location, alkaline earth metals exceed over alkalis and are mainly calcium and bicarbonate type. Physicochemical parameters are found to have a negative correlation with metals in most of the cases. However, metals show positive correlation with each other.

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Assessing the performance of spontaneous plants in abandoned quarries under future environmental scenarios is important for successful restoration practises. Air warming is one of the most relevant ongoing climatic changes in the Mediterranean. We tested the effects of increasing temperature on the germination of five species spontaneously colonising the abandoned sectors of a Carrara marble quarry (Tuscany, central Italy). We selected five plant species with different widths of their distribution range, from local endemic to invasive alien: Santolina pinnata, Globularia incanescens, Hypericum coris, Helichrysum italicum, and Buddleja davidii. Seeds were collected in situ and their germination was tested in laboratory conditions at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C. The effects of temperature and species on germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT) were tested through two-way ANOVA. Increasing temperatures negatively affected the GP of S. pinnata and H. coris. G. incanescens performed better at intermediate temperatures, whilst H. italicum benefited from increasing temperatures. B. davidii showed a similar high GP under all the treatments. MGT decreased with increasing temperature for all the species, except for S. pinnata, which showed an increase of MGT with increasing temperature. We highlighted that, under future warmer climatic conditions, the two endemic species will be disadvantaged with respect to the species with a wider distribution range and the non-native species in the studied quarry. This evidence is relevant for restoration planning since seeding the two endemic species could be unsuccessful under future environmental scenarios, when H. italicum and B. davidii will be more competitive in the colonisation of the quarry.

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The impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems are profound and far-reaching, influencing not only the physiological responses of individual trees but also the ecological services and overall health of forests worldwide. This review synthesises current knowledge on climate change’s physiological and ecological implications for forest health, underscoring forests’ critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity maintenance, water cycle regulation, soil conservation, disaster risk reduction, and climate regulation. Forests, covering about 31% of the Earth’s land area, are vital carbon sinks and pivotal in sustaining biodiversity, with over three-quarters of terrestrial biodiversity residing within them. Climate change, characterised by rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, poses significant threats to these ecosystems. These include altered forest structure and function, degradation of soil quality, changes in phenology, increased pest attacks, and heightened susceptibility to wildfires, all of which compromise the forests’ ability to deliver essential ecological services. The physiological responses of forests to changing climatic conditions—such as variations in photosynthesis rates, respiration, and water use efficiency—play a key role in determining their health and capacity to support biodiversity and ecosystem services. Changes in abiotic factors like temperature, moisture, O₂ and CO₂ levels directly affect these physiological processes, subsequently influencing forest productivity and resilience. The review highlights the importance of understanding these dynamic interactions to develop effective forest conservation and climate change mitigation strategies. Moreover, the review delves into the multifaceted impacts of climate change on various ecosystem services provided by forests, including biodiversity support, water cycle regulation, soil conservation, and climate regulation through carbon sequestration. As climate change continues to alter these vital ecosystems, understanding their physiological responses and the consequent effect on ecological services becomes imperative.

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On a global scale, urban areas struggle with various environmental, social, and economic problems due to rapidly growing populations and rapid urbanization processes. In this context, nature-based solutions (NbS) offer an important perspective for the sustainability and livability of urban areas alongside traditional infrastructure systems. This study aims to investigate how NbS can address environmental issues in urban areas, tackle various urban challenges using a multi-perspective approach, and examine the potential and applicability of NbS approaches in solving problems in urban areas. With emphasizing the importance of NbS and an ecological perspective in solving problems in urban areas and presenting recommendations and challenges that can be applied in urban planning and management processes, the current study also encourages the adoption of nature-compatible approaches to contribute to the sustainability of urban areas and ensure a livable environment for future generations.

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miRNA short non-coding RNAs have a function in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Dysregulation of miRNA expression and activity in the immune system is associated with a range of illnesses. Evaluate the levels of miRNA-762 in individuals with Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and the extent to which it serves as a biomarker. A total of (150) individuals of different genders and ages who were enrolled and distributed into three groups according to symmetrical criteria (50) patients of Graves’ disease with Ophthalmopathy (GO) and (50) patients of Graves’ disease (GD) and (50) healthy individuals. All patients were diagnosed with GD by TRAB test, miR-762 expression level was determined by one-step qRTPCR. GO is more common in females (76.0%) than males (24.0%), and in the age mean (42.8 ± 14.6). GO patients had a significantly higher TRAB level compared to both GD and controls, 8.32, 5.98 and 0.66, respectively (P < 0.01). miRNA-762 expression was significantly upregulated in GO patients (fold change = 11.2), compared to GD, control group (fold change = 7.4), (fold change = 3.0), respectively, at P < 0.01. ROC curve indicates miRNA-762 Specificity and Sensitivity, cutoff value was 6.5, sensitivity 88.0%, specificity 76.0%, AUC 0.87. Pearson correlation shows that miRNA-762 was positively associated with TRAb in the GO group (r = 0.689, p < 0.001). miRNA-762 expression is higher in Graves’ ophthalmopathy. When the ROC curve was done for serum miRNA-762 for prediction of the diagnosis of GO, gave good sensitivity and specificity. These results indicated good validity of miRNA-762 as a diagnostic marker for GO.

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Coypu (Myocastor coypus) was recognized as ecological engineer for its ability to alter wet habitats and build structures throughout its life cycle. Platforms still represent poorly studied structures built by this rodent for various purposes, including reproduction, resting and thermoregulation. In order to obtain data on plant composition, size and density on the territory of coypu’s platforms, we carried out a study in a Mediterranean wetland reed bed, stratifying data on two sub-habitat types (back dune and canal banks). Platforms were composed exclusively of common reed (Phragmites australis) stems, leaves, and inflorescences; they were elliptical in shape, and significantly higher in the back dune than on the canal banks. Density of platforms was higher in the back dune than on the canal banks. Platforms have been used as resting and feeding sites, as showed by drone images and remnants of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). More than 40% of coypu’s platforms along the canal banks showed traces of birds, suggesting an opportunistic use by waterfowls and waders. In this regard, platforms may be considered “key structures”, locally increasing habitat heterogeneity. In a limited number of back dune platforms, remnants of plastic litter have been detected. The use of drone flights over wetlands may be useful to check the spatial pattern of coypu’s platforms, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Ecological and management implications of our data have been reported.

Application of the Polarized Continuum Model to molten oxides in the MgO–SiO₂ system combined with all-electron ab initio calculations of the thermodynamic and thermophysical properties of all the solid phases nucleating in the system permits the computation of the phase diagram topology at high pressure and temperature up to deep Earth’s conditions. The first principle parameterization reproduces satisfactorily the extrinsic stability fields of the various metasilicate and orthosilicate polymorphs at subsolidus conditions. The extrinsic stability field of Anhydrous-B (Mg₁₄Si₅O₂₄; Anh-B) with respect to a Mg₂SiO₄ + MgO assemblage opens up at pressures higher than 10 GPa and widens with temperature to form a triangular pressure–temperature stability field. Superimposing the mantle adiabat Anh-B appears to predate the Mg₂SiO₄ + MgO assemblage with increasing pressure in a range comprised from roughly 10 to 20 GPa. Interactions among components in the liquid are addressed through the Hybrid Polymeric Approach (HPA). The P = 1 bar mixing properties of the liquid are consistent with a simple acid–base interaction according to Lux-Flood notation and with some experimental evidence concerning the enthalpy of fusion of stoichiometric compounds along the binary system. Limited strain energy contributions, which arise from loss of vibrational entropy in the mixture, are responsible for the liquid–liquid miscibility gap experimentally observed at room conditions. Disappearance of the miscibility gap at high P (i.e. P > 5 GPa) is due to the progressively vanishing effect of strain energy, counterbalanced by quite limited (and P-dependent) excess volumes of mixing (V_exc). The metasilicate melts congruently at P > 0 GPa. Forsterite forms peritectically at P ≤ 5 GPa.

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The chemical characterisation of archaeological finds necessitates a continuous focus on the development of nano/micro-invasive methodologies. These methodologies yield insights into the historical background, production processes, and conservation state of the items, often revealing astonishing properties of materials that have been unexpectedly preserved over the centuries. This work aims to characterise the molecular composition of a putative historical resin recovered during an archaeological excavation in Campese Bay off the island of Giglio in the 1980s. The resin was sampled from a trade amphora used for wine transport; it was likely employed as a coating to ensure better waterproofing of the containers. The characterisation was performed by detecting specific molecular markers using a GC–MS direct injection approach. In addition, we investigated the volatile fraction of the same sample through solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with GC–MS to address the need for a fast, solvent-free, and field-compatible sample preparation method.

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Designing museum exhibitions is a hot topic for architects, designers, museologists, and scholars since museography represents a powerful tool for valorizing collections, promoting education, communicating cultural values, and ensuring suitable conservation conditions for the exhibited specimens. This is especially true for museums displaying authentic objects which are conveyors of scientific, cultural, social, and ethical values. In particular, natural history and science museums often compete with the leisure industry, and thus their museographic solutions have to meet more and more demanding requirements to increase visitor engagement. This paper describes the museographic concepts beneath the Italian Museum of Planetary Sciences in Prato (Italy, hereinafter MISP). MISP is the only museum in Italy entirely devoted to illustrating planetary sciences and displays important collections of extraterrestrial materials (meteorites, tektites, and impactites). The exhibition layout, characterized by a continuous wall belt design, recalls the outer space while providing non-invasive visual means to improve visitors’ emotional engagement with the displayed specimens. MISP museographic strategies also outline the importance of spatial designs and transpositions focusing on the illustration of the exhibited collections, thus going against some current museographic practices emphasizing, for example, the use of augmented reality and digital stimuli.

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