L'agricoltura nel comprensorio del fiume Morto

Si può parlare di un’“agricoltura del fiume Morto”, facendo riferimento con questa locuzione in primo luogo alla delimitazione geografica di un particolare distretto rurale (quello che si sviluppa lungo le sponde del corso d’acqua) ed in seconda battuta ad un insieme di condizioni ambientali che, a dispetto dei mutamenti subiti dalle società umane, ha determinato, nel corso degli anni, l’affermazione di una tipologia di organizzazione produttiva distinguibili da quelle riscontrate in altri settori dell’area pisana. Ciò che quindi si intende proporre, attraverso la stesura di questa nota, è una un'analisi dei principali caratteri e dei cambiamenti che l’attività agricola presenta risalendo il corso del fiume Morto, limitando l’ampiezza del “buffer” considerato ad una porzione di territorio che possa dimostrare qualche relazione con la presenza del suddetto canale di bonifica

Evaluation of the use of lenacil for weed control in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

The action of the herbicide lenacil on spinach cultivation was evaluated, with the overall object of reaching a compromise between an advanced agronomic technique and environmental protection. A spinach crop was treated at pre-emergence with Venzar® at the dosage of 1.0 kg ha-1 and the residues were analyzed in spinach plants collected 30 and 60 days later. One month after lenacil spraying, the concentration of residues in spinach leaves was 0.102 ppm, whereas two months after the treatment the amount of residues was drastically reduced to 0.009 ppm. The efficacy of lenacil in weed control, measured in 60% reduction of weed density, was assessed in comparison to untreated plots

Inverse relationship between scores on the quality of lie questionnaire SF-12 and on the Aging Males

Objectives. To analyse the relation between results of the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire for aging males, and of quality of life (QOL) questionnaire SF-12 and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods. 1,927 men aged 55-85 years were interviewed by 56 general practitioners. During the interview the men were asked to fill in the AMS scale and the QOL questionnaire SF-12. Results. Of 1,927 men 1,806 men filled correctly the AMS questionnaire. The mean SF-12 mental index was respectively 55.9 in men with a total AMS score indicating no impairment, 50.9 mild, 42.8 moderate, and 32.8 severe impairment. The corresponding values for the physical index were 51.2, 46.7, 40.8 and 32.3. A history of diabetes was associated with an increased risk of reporting moderate/severe impairment: in relation to the total AMS score the odds ratio, (OR), of moderate/severe impairment in comparison with no impairment was 1.6 (95%CI 1.2-2.1). A history of myocardial infarction and hypertension increased the risk (respectively OR 1.4 (95%CI 1.1-18) and 1.7 (95%CI 1.2-2.4)). Conclusions. This study shows that higher AMS scores are associated with lower SF-12 indices and suggests that elevated values of the AMS score are associated with cardiovascular risk factors or diseases