Inferences from inventories of microbes in ecological vineyard settings

The effect of degraded soil conditions on microbial communities associating the rhizosphere and roots of grapevines was investigated within the frame of project CORE Organic Plus ReSolVe. Several relationships based on Dice cluster analyses of DGGE gel profiles suggest that fungal and bacterial communities from degraded and non-degraded areas differ. Results also suggest that composted organic amendments had an effect on community structures. However, the comparison of diversity indexes did not show differences between degraded and non-degraded plots. They suggested rich and even diversity of bacteria and fungi in any of the tested samples. Culture dependent analysis emphasized that a high diversity of Streptomyces spp. associates grapevine roots in degraded and non-degraded areas. Streptomyces species, best known for their potential to produce antibiotics, are increasingly depicted as beneficial plant associated bacteria

Considerations on geomorphological maps for territorial planning in the Modena Apennines (Northern Italy)

This contribution shows, through some examples, that the current instability processes sometimes do not completely correspond (concerning presence, location, state of activity and/or extent) with those mapped by PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps, which is the document used by the Province Administration for its territorial planning. <br><br> The differences highlighted are due to different causes. One of them is the fact that the PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps are practically derived from the Regional Geological maps in which superficial deposits have secondary importance, while bedrock and structural-tectonic aspects are given the highest relevance. Another cause is represented by the very active and intense geomorphological dynamics of the Apennines which may produce or reactivate instability conditions. <br><br> An important aspect to underline is that the PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps identify areas with planning constraints, which have effects at a municipal scale; it does so by starting from a cartographical basis whose primary aim is not the definition of instability processes and whose updating is not homogeneous. <br><br> Taking into account this aspect, the PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps should be updated not only on the base of traditional geological mapping, but also following the criteria of detailed geomorphological mapping which can precisely define the genesis, dynamics and morphometry of instability phenomena. <br><br> An important consideration, in relation to territorial planning, is that the PTCP Hydrogeological Hazard Maps should be used just as a "base document", which requires more necessary detailed deepening at the municipal scale, accomplished through accurate geomorphological mapping, at least for the areas that are going to be urbanized. <br><br> The geomorphological mapping should also update those elements of the landscape which could have changed from the official topographic base map. <br><br> Detailed geomorphological mapping, possibly undertaken with the methodology proposed in this paper, could be given in charge also to professional geologists in accordance with standard procedures set in collaboration with the Provincial Administration

The Geoarchaeo-Tourist Map of the Territory of Otricoli (Umbria Region, Central Italy): Preliminary Notes.

This article illustrates the preliminary notes on the criteria and methods applied for implementing a GeoArchaeo-Tourist map of the territory of Otricoli. Otricoli is a village located in the south of the Umbria Region (Central Italy), on the eastern margin of the Apennine chain and the west bank of the River Tiber. Marine sediments (Late Pliocene-Early Pleistocene) and fluvial sediments (Early-Middle Pleistocene) covered by tuff rocks (Middle-Late Pleistocene) crop out in the area and control the physical forms of the landscape.By means of ArcGIS computer programme, a set of maps and three-dimensional visualizations have provided to represent the Otricoli natural landscape. The GeoArchaeo-Tourist map has been elaborating, integrating geological, geomorphological and archaeological aspects with the tourist infrastructure in order to obtain a document readable, simple, clear but scientifically accurate also for non-expert users. This map is an original cartographic elaboration in the field of geo-tourist thematic mapping.The main purpose of the GeoArchaeo-Tourist map is to favour the tourist to discover the Otricoli landscape and to promote its sustainable development

Radiation detection properties of 4H-SiC Schottky diodes irradiated up to 10(16) n/cm(2) by 1 MeV neutrons

We report the results of an experimental study on the radiation hardness of 4H-SiC diodes used as alpha-particle detectors with 1 MeV neutrons up to a fluence of 8 x 10(15) n/cm(2). As the irradiation level approaches the range 10(15) n/cm(2), the material behaves as intrinsic due to a very high compensation effect and the diodes are still able to detect with a reasonable good Charge Collection Efficiency (CCE = 80%).For fluences > 10(15) n/cm(2) CCE decreases monotonically to approximate to 20 % at the highest fluence. Heavily irradiated SiC diodes have been studied, by means of Photo Induced Current Transien

Protocol for soil functionality assessment in vineyards

Protocols used by Resolve partners during the project, to assess soil functionality on degraded aeras and evaluate soil restoration after applying recovering practices

Protocol for soil functionality assessment in vineyards

Protocols used by Resolve partners during the project, to assess soil functionality on degraded aeras and evaluate soil restoration after applying recovering practices

Protocols for soil functionality assessment in vineyards

The purpose of this guideline is to describe the methods used during ReSolVe project for soil functionality assessment, so they can be implemented in similar studies. A brief introduction first underlines what are the main functions of soil and why maintaining an optimal soil functionality is particularly of major interest in viticulture. Then the different protocols selected for ReSolVe project and this guideline are presented according to the following classification: - Part I: assessment of soil physical and chemical features; - Part II: assessment of soil biological features (ecosystem service provision and providers); - Part III: assessment of rhizosphere biological features; - Part IV: assessment of grapevine quantitative and qualitative indicators reflecting soil functionality. In each part, global objectives of the monitoring are explained (what is it used for, in which cases…) and the parameters to evaluate are listed with their corresponding methodological sheet. In these sheets, instructions and information are given about: - Materials needed to perform the sampling and the measurement - Sampling procedure - Analysis procedure - Possible interpretations and conclusions that can be drawn (value and meaning of the results, indication of reference values when existing, potential limit of the protocol) - Bibliographic references related to the method described - Additional helpful information where appropriate (ex: template of sampling sheet

Public awareness on natural and technological hazards as a key for safety: the BeSafeNet initiative contribution.

Natural and technological hazards cause great human and economic losses. Furthermore, as happened with the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011, natural hazards can trigger technological accidents, introducing an additional negative effect on people and environment and requiring a more comprehensive risk assessment and emergency planning. If we cannot prevent many of these hazards, we can try to minimize their potential consequences, in particular by informing people about the nature of hazard and its possible consequences for specific regions. General public behavior is an important factor in the success of any planning and providing it with clear explanations of all pertinent aspect of hazards is a prerequisite to foster a culture of safety supporting the necessary preventive actions.The BeSafeNet initiative, promoted by the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement of the Council of Europe, has as a main aim, to better protect people from hazards through better informing them on the causes and the consequences of natural and technological hazards. Distributing widely such knowledge will help people to better understand the potential risks and consequently to better protect themselves against them

β-Ga₂O₃ nanowires for an ultraviolet light selective frequency photodetector

The behaviour of ß-Ga₂O₃ nanowires as photoconductive material in deep ultraviolet photodetectors to operate in the energy range 3.0-6.2 eV has been investigated. The nanowires were grown by a catalyst-free thermal evaporation method on gallium oxide substrates. Photocurrent measurements have been carried out on both undoped and Sn-doped Ga₂O₃ nanowires to evidence the influence of the dopant on the photodetector performances. The responsivity spectrum of single nanowires show maxima in the energy range 4.8-5.4 eV and a strong dependence on the pulse frequency of the excitation light has been observed for undoped nanowires. Our results show that the responsivity of beta- Ga₂O₃ nanowires can be controlled by tuning the chopper frequency of the excitation light and/ or by doping of the nanowires. Non-linear behavior in characteristic current-voltage curves has been observed for Ga₂O₃ : Sn nanowires. The mechanism leading to this behaviour has been discussed and related to space-charged-limited current effects. In addition, the responsivity achieved by doped nanowires at lower bias is higher than for undoped ones

Bias Dependence of the Depletion Layer Width in Semi-Insulating GaAs by Charge Collection Scanning Microscopy

A procedure for the evaluation of the depletion region width of a Schottky barrier diode made on semi-insulating materials has been assessed and applied to gallium arsenide nuclear detectors. This procedure, which makes use of the optical beam induced current method of charge collection scanning microscopy, allows the direct measurement of the depletion layer width. By taking into account the high resistivity of the material under examination and measuring the diode reverse current, it is possible to evaluate the actual voltage applied at the depletion layer boundaries. It was found that, at low actual bias values, the voltage dependence of the depletion layer follows the usual square root power law, while at increasing voltages, it changes into a linear behavior. An explanation in terms of deep trap effect and trap field-enhanced capture cross-section is proposed even though further work must be done to explain the space charge width dependence on bias applied in terms of the deep trap influence