Rigidity of the 1-Bakry-\'Emery inequality and sets of finite perimeter in RCD spaces

This note is dedicated to the study of the asymptotic behaviour of sets of finite perimeter over RCD(K,N) metric measure spaces. Our main result asserts existence of a Euclidean tangent half-space almost everywhere with respect to the perimeter measure and it can be improved to an existence and uniqueness statement when the ambient is non collapsed. As an intermediate tool, we provide a complete characterization of the class of RCD(0,N) spaces for which there exists a nontrivial function satisfying the equality in the 1-Bakry-\'Emery inequality. This result is of independent interest and it is new, up to our knowledge, even in the smooth framework

Bedrock and soil geochemistry influence the content of chemical elements in wild edible mushrooms (Morchella group) from South Italy (Sicily)

Chemical elements in the samples of wild edible mushrooms of the Morchellagroup collected from different unpolluted Sicilian sites was analyzed by the ICP-MS (method) to detect the content of their minerals and determine whether soil geology and geochemistry can influence the chemical composition in fungi. Results showed that the mushroom samples mainly contained a high concentration of K and P and a wide variety of minor and trace elements (V, Mo, Pb, Ce, Cs, Zr), including heavy metals. Statistical analysis showed that the mushrooms differed in their content of minor and trace elements based on the geological/geographic site of origin. Comparison with other studies showed differences in the content detected in the Sicilian morels with those collected from other geographical sites. Conversely, dif-ferent fungal species collected from similar geological sites in Sicily showed different patterns of accumulation of the elements confirming that bioconcentration in fungi is species- and site-dependent

Can Macrofungal Biodiversity Predict Forest Status and Dynamics? A View From South European Mediterranean Forests (Italy)

Abstract Fungi are among the most important organisms on earth, and they are essential components of terrestrial ecosystems. Their reproductive structures are strictly dependent and affected by environmental conditions, and community dynamics over time and space may be indirect indicators of the health status of forests. We combined macrofungal biodiversity indices in eight Mediterranean forests in Italy and surveyed 160 plots by standardized surveys, to evaluate the role of macrofungi as early predictors of change in the forest structure. The results show that indices of fungal diversity are influenced by geographic and floristic conditions, and inter- and intra-annual temperature and rainfall fluctuations affect the formation of fungal fruiting bodies. These findings suggest that environmental changes could be reflected by macrofungi, and conservation initiatives should consider the pivotal role that fungi play in biodiversity monitoring

Le STEAM nell’istruzione degli adulti: tra sperimentazione e divulgazione

Abstract: The paper deepens the role of STEAM disciplines in learning-teaching processes, through epistemological-didactical reflections, with specific reference to the role of divulgation in school contexts. Two significant experiences, implemented by the Provincial Centers for Adult Education, are presented, relating to STEAM education with students with migrant background and those of the school in prison.Keywords: STEAM; divulgation; adult education; prison school.Riassunto: Il contributo approfondisce il ruolo delle discipline STEAM nei processi di apprendimentoinsegnamento, attraverso riflessioni epistemologico-didattiche, con specifico riferimento al ruolo della divulgazione nei contesti scolastici. Vengono presentate due significative esperienze attuate dai Centri Provinciali per l’Istruzione degli Adulti, relativamente all’educazione STEAM con gli studenti con background migratorio e quelli della scuola in carcere.Parole chiave: STEAM; divulgazione; istruzione degli adulti; scuola in carcer

Can the soil geology and chemistry analysis of a site predict the geographic origin of wild edible mushrooms (Porcini group)?

This study aimed to assess the element content of Porcini mushrooms collected from broadleaf Mediterranean forests (NW Italy) and underlying soil layers, and to elucidate the chemical connection between the mushrooms and their geographic site of origin. Comparing the elements in mushrooms with those in soil samples, we observed that the concentration of some microelements detected in mushrooms had similar distribution as that measured in both the soil layers assessed, especially with surface soil. Statistical analyses showed that the microelement pattern in mushrooms reflects the soil site of origin. Moreover, by comparing our results with other studies, we observed that the soil where Porcini grow is characterized by a high concentration of zinc. Some toxic elements were also detected in mushroom samples. Analysis of elements in mushrooms and soil layers can be used for quality assurance of natural products and help distinguish them from uncertified and unknown-origin products

An annotated checklist of macrofungi in broadleaf Mediterranean forests (NW Italy)

Three different broadleaf Mediterranean forests, each characterized by the dominance of Castanea sativa, Quercus cerris, and Fagus sylvatica, respectively, were intensively surveyed over 3 consecutive years to record a list of macrofungi. A total of 5,065 sporomata and 300 species (seven Ascomycota and 293 Basidiomycota) belonging to 18 orders, 59 families, and 117 genera were recorded. The ecology, community composition, and geographic distribution of the identified species are discussed and new records for Italy are also provided

Can macrofungal biodiversity predict forest status and dynamics? A view from South European Mediterranean forests (Italy)

Fungi are among the most important organisms on earth, and they are essential components of terrestrial ecosystems. Their reproductive structures are strictly dependent and affected by environmental conditions, and community dynamics over time and space may be indirect indicators of the health status of forests. We combined macrofungal biodiversity indices in eight Mediterranean forests in Italy and surveyed 160 plots by standardized surveys, to evaluate the role of macrofungi as early predictors of change in the forest structure. The results show that indices of fungal diversity are influenced by geographic and floristic conditions, and inter- and intra-annual temperature and rainfall fluctuations affect the formation of fungal fruiting bodies. These findings suggest that environmental changes could be reflected by macrofungi, and conservation initiatives should consider the pivotal role that fungi play in biodiversity monitoring

Mycobiota of three Boletus edulis (and allied species) productive sites

Boletus edulis and allied species (porcini) are one of the most appreciated and consumed species in the world. Despite their ecological and economic importance, little information is available on the mycobiota that characterize their natural growing habitats. Due to the importance to preserve the areas where these precious species grow, three different broadleaf sites were investigated to describe the above ground macrofungal communities. These forests, located in North-west Italy (Liguria), were intensively surveyed over three consecutive years by sporomata analysis. Altogether 243 fungal taxa were recorded in the selected 60 plots. The statistical results reveal that the studied sites, despite differing in vegetation type, are very similar in macrofungal species richness and composition. The ectomycorrhizal fungal group was the richest both in number and percentage. Comparisons of our results with other European mycological investigations suggest that porcini broadleaf sites are characterized by a similar and peculiar mycobiota

Lusin-type approximation of Sobolev by Lipschitz functions, in Gaussian and RCD(K,∞) spaces

We establish new approximation results, in the sense of Lusin, of Sobolev functions by Lipschitz ones, in some classes of non-doubling metric measure structures. Our proof technique relies upon estimates for heat semigroups and applies to Gaussian and RCD(K,∞) spaces. As a consequence, we obtain quantitative stability for regular Lagrangian flows in Gaussian settings