Electron-phonon interaction in the solid form of the smallest fullerene C20_{20}

The electron-phonon coupling of a theoretically devised carbon phase made by assembling the smallest fullerenes C$_{20}$ is calculated from first principles. The structure consists of C$_{20}$ cages in an {\it fcc} lattice interlinked by two bridging carbon atoms in the interstitial tetrahedral sites ({\it fcc}-C$_{22}$). The crystal is insulating but can be made metallic by doping with interstitial alkali atoms. In the compound NaC$_{22}$ the calculated coupling constant $\lambda/N(0)$ is 0.28 eV, a value much larger than in C$_{60}$, as expected from the larger curvature of C$_{20}$. On the basis of the McMillan's formula, the calculated $\lambda$=1.12 and a $\mu^*$ assumed in the range 0.3-0.1 a superconducting T$_c$ in the range 15-55 K is predicted.Comment: 7 page

Fishing activities overlap with bottlenose dolphin core habitats of Ischia and Procida islands

Tursiops truncatus – the common bottlenose dolphin – is a species of conservation interest, listed in Annex II and IV of Habitat Directive (92/43/CEE) that requires strict protection and the creation of specially protected areas for conservation, managed according to the ecological requirements of the species, within the “Nature 2000” network. A local population of bottlenose dolphins has been monitored over fifteen years in the sea waters around Ischia and Procida Islands in the frame of the Ischia Dolphin Project, an ongoing long-term research program on Tyrrhenian cetaceans. The study area lies partially within the boundaries of "Regno di Nettuno" Marine Protected Area (MPA), which is classified by IUCN as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA), where pods of cetacean key species such as common dolphin (Delphinus Delphis), bottlenose dolphin, and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) live. Investigating habitat exploitation by bottlenose dolphins is crucial for conserving this protected species. Between 2004 and 2018, 1186 surveys were performed, resulting in 91 encounters with the species. To investigate bottlenose dolphins' habitat exploitation, we combined both behavioral observations and spatial analysis. Kernel Density Estimation and Hotspot analysis allowed to delineate fine-scale areas of higher concentration of critical activities (feeding, socializing/mating, resting) and interactions with fisheries (gillnets and trawlers). Results show a vital region for feeding, resting, social cohesion, and mating, i.e. essential habitat for bottlenose dolphins. Unfortunately, these critical habitats are only partially protected by the zonation of the MPA, because it overlaps with human activities, especially fishing. Although the influence of fisheries on dolphins' behavior and movements needs further investigation, the results thus far collected suggest that effective management measures should take into account the human-animal conflict that can arise in these critical areas

Inhibitory Activity of Leaves Extracts of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. on HT29 Human Colon Cancer Cells

Aims: Citrullus colocynthis is a plant endemic in Asia, Africa and in the Mediterranean basin. It is used in folk medicine against infections, inflammations and cardiovascular and immune-related diseases. There are further evidences of the use of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad in the treatment of cancer in traditional practices. The present study aimed to determine the potential antiproliferative effects of different Citrullus colocynthis leaf extracts on human cancer cells. Methodology: Antiproliferative and antioxidant effects on HT-29 human colon cancer cells were detected by MTS assay and a modified protocol of the alkaline Comet assay. In vitro antioxidant activities of different leaf extracts were evaluated through DPPH, \u3b2-carotene/linoleic acid and reducing power assays. Results: The leaf chloroform extract exhibited the higher cell growth inhibitory activity without induction of DNA damage; it showed to be able to significantly decrease DNA damage induced by H2O2 (100 M). This antioxidant activity seems to be comparable to that of vitamin C (1 mM). Ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol leaf extracts showed to be the most effective in reducing the stable free DPPH radical (IC50 =113 g/ml), in transforming the Fe3+ to Fe2+ (IC50 = 134 \ub5g/ml) and in inducing linoleic acid oxidation with an inhibition of 31.9 %. Conclusion: Our results confirm the antiproliferative potential of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. on human cancer cells

NUOVE NORME PER LA MITIGAZIONE E LO STUDIO DELL’IMPATTO DEGLI AIRGUN SUI MAMMIFERI MARINI

Lo studio dell'impatto dei survey sismici in mare sui mammiferi marini è ancora frammentario e incompleto, mancando un’osservazione degli effetti a lungo termine sulle popolazioni. Nel 2015 l’Italia ha introdotto l’obbligo di condurre survey di studio acustico e visivo sui mammiferi marini presenti nell'area di prospezione almeno per 60 giorni antecedenti la stessa, e per altrettanti 60 giorni successivi alla stessa. I dati raccolti contribuiranno a colmare il gap conoscitivo e a perfezionare i protocolli operativi finalizzati alla protezione dei mammiferi marini