New records of springtails (Collembola) from Sicily, Italy

Along with some studies on soil fauna in various Sicilian sites, both agricultural lands and typical Mediterranean habitats, particular attention was paid to the Collembolan. Specifc identifcation allowed to assess the occurrence in Sicily of 39 species not previously recorded, belonging to 10 families: Hypogastruridae (six species), Brachystomellidae (one species), Neanuridae (fve species), Onychiuridae (three species), Tullbergiidae (seven species), Isotomidae (nine species), Entomobryidae (three species), Cyphoderidae (one species), Dicyrtomidae (one species), and Katiannidae (one species). Of these 39 species, 21 are new also for Italy. Furthermore, this is the frst record of the genus Doutnatcia Rusek, 1974 for the fauna of Italy. The discovery of such a number of new species for Sicily (i.e. 35 % of those known) and Italy by sampling a limited number of habitats, shows that the knowledge relating to this group of arthropods in Sicily is still very scarce

Health Management in Italian prisons during Covid 19 OUTBREAK: a focus on the second and third wave

The SARS-CoV-2 spread is a threatening and challenging issue for correctional systems worldwide because of many factors, particularly overcrowding and of the intrinsic characteristics of the population. The prevention measures adopted by the Italian Government were aimed to protect and preserve both inmates’ and prison workers’ health. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the adopted strategies. Methods: Data regarding Italian prisons’ occupation and prisoners’ population from January 2019 to June 2021, as well as the cumulative weekly increase of confirmed cases and the number of doses of vaccine administered among the population of inmates, the prison workers, and Italian population from November 2020 to the end of June 2021, were collected. Results: Prisons’ occupation dropped from 120% to 106% after the beginning of the pandemics. The confirmed cases between inmates were consistently lower than among the Italian population and prison workers. A time-series chart showed a time lag of one week between the peaks of the different population. Conclusions: The containing strategies adopted by the Italian correctional system have proved their effectiveness in terms of the prevention and protection of both inmate and staff health

Profiling Players Involved in Overkill: An Analysis of 71 Cases in Central Italy

"Overkill" is characterized by the finding of excessive wounds on the victim's body. Despite the large use of this term, it does not have a definition in the literature yet. Our study aimed to analyze the information related to the dynamics of overkill cases, collecting objective variables, and producing a profile of the players involved in this type of homicides. Data on 71 overkill cases from reports of the autopsies performed in the Section of Legal Medicine of the University of Rome Tor Vergata from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020 were collected. The victims and the perpetrators of overkill shared similar characteristics: they were usually male aged between 20 and 50 years, more likely in the 20-35 years range; victims however also showed another age peak in the range 50-55 years. The type of damage can be linked to the sole action of a cold weapon or the simultaneous use of multiple harmful tools with no significant differences. The most common motive proved to be a dispute for futile reasons; however, in the case of a single perpetrator of the crime, the economic and passionate motives are as frequent as the previous one. Implications of the findings and avenues for future research are discussed

UNESCO SITE “MOUNT ETNA”: MANAGEMENT PLAN VOLUME 1

The UNESCO Management Plan provides a Knowledge framework of the Mount Etna area (Volume 1) and a management strategy for the Mount Etna Site (Volume 2). The knowledge framework for drafting the Management Plan (MP=PdG) aims to collect, systematize and synthesize the information and data necessary to define the management strategy. It is structured in phases and sub-phases. A preparatory analysis was carried out as part of the knowledge framework, outlining the reference frame and the thematic areas and identifying the macro-needs for the WHS Monte Etna area. The plan proposes several strategic action points, including strengthening the organization and planning of the network composed of management organizations and partners from the private sector for the correct use of the UNESCO site. In particular, the plan aims to monitor and control the values of tourist and excursion pressure, outlining sustainability thresholds, greater safety and maintenance of the value of the experience. Monitoring visit routes avoids uncontrolled use, causing possible damage, abandonment of waste, disturbance to bird nesting sites and reduction of environmental risks and dangers to people or goods deriving from volcanic activity. In addition to monitoring and control, the identification of values regarding geological and volcanological aspects is foreseen. This activity is also associated with the attempt to encourage the exchange of management experiences and promoting scientific and educational opportunities between the WHS of Etna and the Aeolian Islands. The plan foresees the set-up of an active collaboration to increase the visitor experience by including training courses for environmental education and encouraging the widespread presence of ecotourism facilities in the buffer zones. The plan suggests the adoption of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere program