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Vickery CE, Quinn JE. Climate-altered Precipitation is more Important than Land Use when Modeling Ecosystem Services Associated with Surficial Processes. Environ Manage 2023; 72:1216-1227. [PMID: 37500808 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01861-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem services (ESs) associated with surficial processes may change according to shifts in land use, land cover, and climate parameters. Estimating these shifts can be important for land development planning, as urbanization alters soil processes that can manifest legacy effects. We employed the InVEST suite of models for sediment retention, nutrient delivery, and carbon storage to postulate how these ESs will change in the Upstate of South Carolina under future precipitation and land use and land cover (LULC) scenarios. We used the average precipitation from 1981-2010 and WorldClim precipitation projections for 2021-2040 and 2041-2060 to embody climatic precipitation shifts. For our LULC scenarios, we used 2011 and 2016 NLCD landscapes, then projected future LULC to hypothesize four future scenarios. We found that for the ES models that included both precipitation and LULC as inputs, precipitation dictated ES delivery far more heavily than land use or land cover. LULC scenarios produced consistent changes in ES delivery for all models except sediment export. Phosphorus and sediment exports increased between 2011 and 2016 due to LULC change, while nitrogen export stayed the same and carbon storage decreased. Land development that prioritizes forest cover will cause the least change in ESs, but allowing for continued forest loss to low-density development will have the most intense implications for ESs. Prioritization of land uses that preserve ESs associated with surficial processes will be critical to the longevity of agriculture and ecosystem integrity in this rapidly developing region. Land development planners should integrate consideration of ESs associated with surficial processes into future regional planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Vickery
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences, Furman University, Greenville, USA.
| | - John E Quinn
- Department of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC, USA
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2
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Barnes IL, Quinn JE. Passive Acoustic Sampling Enhances Traditional Herpetofauna Sampling Techniques in Urban Environments. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:9322. [PMID: 38067696 PMCID: PMC10708638 DOI: 10.3390/s23239322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Data are needed to assess the relationships between urbanization and biodiversity to establish conservation priorities. However, many of these relationships are difficult to fully assess using traditional research methods. To address this gap and evaluate new acoustic sensors and associated data, we conducted a multimethod analysis of biodiversity in a rapidly urbanizing county: Greenville, South Carolina, USA. We conducted audio recordings at 25 points along a development gradient. At the same locations, we used refugia tubes, visual assessments, and an online database. Analysis focused on species identification of both audio and visual data at each point along the trail to determine relationships between both herpetofauna and acoustic indices (as proxies for biodiversity) and environmental gradient of land use and land cover. Our analysis suggests the use of a multitude of different sampling methods to be conducive to the completion of a more comprehensive occupancy measure. Moving forward, this research protocol can potentially be useful in the establishment of more effective wildlife occupancy indices using acoustic sensors to move toward future conservation policies and efforts concerning urbanization, forest fragmentation, and biodiversity in natural, particularly forested, ecosystems.
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Giuliana V, Lucia M, Marco R, Simone V. Environmental life cycle assessment of rice production in northern Italy: a case study from Vercelli. Int J Life Cycle Assess 2022:1-18. [PMID: 36320786 PMCID: PMC9607803 DOI: 10.1007/s11367-022-02109-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The study's objective is to assess the environmental performance of rice production in Northern Italy, in particular in Piedmont, the first Italian and European district for the rice-growing area, and thus identify the most critical hotspots and agricultural processes. In particular, as a case study, a farm located in Vercelli (VC) has been chosen. Subsequently, the study results were compared with other different cultivation practices to evaluate the most sustainable choice. Methods The application of the LCA has been performed, highlighting the phases of rice production that have the most significant impact. Then, uncertainty and sensitivity analyses have been made to estimate the robustness of the results and assess the influence of changing some input variables on emission reduction. Finally, multivariate statistical, specifically a principal component analysis (PCA), was conducted to aid the interpretation of the output dataset of this case study. LCA, uncertainty analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed with SimaPro 9.2.0, using ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) methodology, and PCA with R software. Results and discussions The hotspot with the highest environmental load is irrigation, which compared to the other phases impacts more in 15 out of 18 categories, including 12 with impacts greater than + 75%. This is because irrigation causes direct impacts, related to the methanogenesis in rice fields, but also indirect impacts related mainly to the production of the energy mix required to move the large masses of irrigation water. Therefore, different water management systems were compared and results show that the irrigation systems based on intermittent paddy submergence (DSI) could result in - 40% lower impacts, resulting to be the preferable technique over the other irrigation systems analyzed, including the traditional one used in this study. Conclusions In order to reduce the environmental impacts related to the irrigation process, a water management system characterized by intermittent flooding of the paddy field (DSI) could be used as it reduces the environmental impacts the most (- 40%), while the least suitable system is one characterized by continuous flooding without drought periods, as it causes the highest impacts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11367-022-02109-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinci Giuliana
- Department of Management, University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Sapienza, Italy
| | - Maddaloni Lucia
- Department of Management, University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Sapienza, Italy
| | - Ruggeri Marco
- Department of Management, University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Sapienza, Italy
| | - Vieri Simone
- Department of Management, University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Sapienza, Italy
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Schmidt SA, Ahn C. Predicting forested wetland soil carbon using quantitative color sensor measurements in the region of northern Virginia, USA. J Environ Manage 2021; 300:113823. [PMID: 34649318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Forested wetland soils within the Piedmont and Coastal Plain physiographic provinces of Northern Virginia (NOVA) were investigated to determine the utility of a handheld colorimeter, the Nix Pro Color Sensor ("Nix"), for predicting carbon contents (TC) and stocks (TC stocks) from on-site color measurements. Both the color variables recorded with each Nix scan ("Nix color variables"; n = 15) and carbon contents significantly differed between sites, with redder soils (higher a and h) at Piedmont sites, and higher TC at sites with darker soils (lower values of L, or lightness; p < 0.05). Nix-carbon correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between L (lightness), X (a virtual spectral variable), R (additive red), and KK (black) and log-transformed TC (Ln[TC]; |r| = 0.70; p < 0.01 for all). Simple linear regressions were conducted to identify how well these four final Nix variables could predict soil carbon. Using all color measurements, about 50% of Ln(TC) variability could be explained by L, X, R, or KK (p < 0.01), yet with higher predictive power obtained for Coastal Plain soils (0.55 < R2 < 0.65; p < 0.01). Regression model strength was maximized between Ln(TC) and the four final Nix variables using simple linear regressions when color measurements observed at a specific depth were first averaged (0.66 < R2 < 0.70; p < 0.01). While further study is warranted to investigate Nix applicability within various soil settings, these results demonstrate potential for the Nix and its soil color measurements to assist with rapid field-based assessments of soil carbon in forested wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Schmidt
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS5F2, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Changwoo Ahn
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS5F2, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
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Oderda M, Calleris G, Falcone M, Fasolis G, Muto G, Oderda G, Porpiglia F, Volpe A, Bertetto O, Gontero P. How uro-oncology has been affected by COVID-19 emergency? Data from Piedmont/Valle d'Aosta Oncological Network, Italy. Urologia 2021; 88:3-8. [PMID: 33632087 PMCID: PMC7917571 DOI: 10.1177/0391560320946186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically hit all Europe and Northern Italy in particular. The reallocation of medical resources has caused a sharp reduction in the activity of many medical disciplines, including urology. The restricted availability of resources is expected to cause a delay in the treatment of urological cancers and to negatively influence the clinical history of many cancer patients. In this study, we describe COVID-19 impact on uro-oncological management in Piedmont/Valle d'Aosta, estimating its future impact. METHODS We performed an online survey in 12 urological centers, belonging to the Oncological Network of Piedmont/Valle d'Aosta, to estimate the impact of COVID-19 emergency on their practice. On this basis, we then estimated the medical working capacity needed to absorb all postponed uro-oncological procedures. RESULTS Most centers (77%) declared to be "much"/"very much" affected by COVID-19 emergency. If uro-oncological consultations for newly diagnosed cancers were often maintained, follow-up consultations were more than halved or even suspended in around two out of three centers. In-office and day-hospital procedures were generally only mildly reduced, whereas major uro-oncological procedures were more than halved or even suspended in 60% of centers. To clear waiting list backlog, the urological working capacity should dramatically increase in the next months; delays greater than 1 month are expected for more than 50% of uro-oncological procedures. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 emergency has dramatically slowed down uro-oncological activity in Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta. Ideally, uro-oncological patients should be referred to COVID-19-free tertiary urological centers to ensure a timely management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Oderda
- Division of Urology, Molinette
Hospital—Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Torino,
Italy
| | - Giorgio Calleris
- Division of Urology, Molinette
Hospital—Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Torino,
Italy
| | - Marco Falcone
- Division of Urology, Molinette
Hospital—Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Torino,
Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fasolis
- Division of Urology, Ospedale San
Lazzaro, ASL-CN2 Alba-Bra, Alba, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Porpiglia
- Division of Urology, University of
Turin, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Volpe
- Maggiore della Carità Hospital,
University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Oscar Bertetto
- Rete Oncologica del Piemonte e della
Valle d’Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Gontero
- Division of Urology, Molinette
Hospital—Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Torino,
Italy
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Quadri G, Rognoni A, Cerrato E, Baralis G, Boccuzzi G, Brscic E, Conrotto F, De Benedictis M, De Martino L, Di Leo A, Ferrari F, Gagnor A, Greco Lucchina GP, Montaldo T, Patti G, Gribaudo E, Reale MA, Soldà P, Tomassini F, Truffa A, Ugo F, Varbella F, Esposito G, Tarantini G, Musumeci G. Catheterization laboratory activity before and during COVID-19 spread: A comparative analysis in Piedmont, Italy, by the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GISE). Int J Cardiol 2020; 323:288-291. [PMID: 32858138 PMCID: PMC7446645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.08.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) led to the reorganization of Cardiology Units in terms of working spaces and healthcare personnel. In this scenario, both outpatient visits and elective interventional cardiology procedures were suspended and/or postponed. We aimed to report the impact of COVID-19 on interventional coronary and structural procedures in Piedmont, Italy. Methods The number of coronary angiographies (CAG), percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), primary PCI (pPCI), transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR) and Mitraclip performed in Piedmont between March 1st and April 20th, 2020 (CoV-time) were collected from each catheterization laboratory and compared to the number of procedures performed the year before in the same months (NoCoV-time). Results Procedural data from 18 catheterization laboratories were collected. Both coronary (5498 versus 2888: difference: −47.5%; mean 305.4 VS 160.4; p = 0.002) and structural (84 versus 17: difference: −79.8%; mean 4.7 Vs 0.9; p < 0.001) procedures decreased during CoV-time compared to NoCoV-time. In particular, coronary angiographies (1782 versus 3460), PCI (1074 versus 1983), p PCI (271 versus 410), TAVR (11 versus 72) and Mitraclip (6 versus 12) showed a reduction of 48.5%, 45.7%, 33.7%, 84.7% and 50.0%, respectively (all p for comparison <0.05). Conclusions Compared to the same time-period in 2019, both coronary and structural interventional procedures during COVID-19 epidemic suffered a dramatic decrease in Piedmont, Italy. Organizational change and structured clinical pathways should be created, together with awareness campaigns. COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) led to the reorganization of Cardiology Units Interventional procedures during COVID-19 suffered a dramatic decrease in Piedmont Structured clinical pathways should be created, together with awareness campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Quadri
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Ospedale degli Infermi, Rivoli and AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
| | - Andrea Rognoni
- Cardiology Department, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Enrico Cerrato
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Ospedale degli Infermi, Rivoli and AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio Baralis
- Division of Cardiology, Ospedale Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Giacomo Boccuzzi
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Ospedale San Giovanni Bosco, Turin, Italy
| | - Elvis Brscic
- Division of Cardiology, Maria Pia Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Conrotto
- Division of Cardiology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo De Martino
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Ospedale S. Biagio, Domodossola, Verbania, Italy
| | - Angelo Di Leo
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Ciriè, Ivrea and Chivasso Hospitals, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferrari
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Ospedale degli Infermi, Rivoli and AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Gagnor
- Division of Cardiology, Ospedale Maria Vittoria, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Montaldo
- Division of Cardiology, Ospedale San Lazzaro, Alba, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Patti
- Cardiology Department, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy; University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Elena Gribaudo
- Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Ordine Mauriziano, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Pierluigi Soldà
- Division of Cardiology, Ospedale degli Infermi, Biella, Italy
| | - Francesco Tomassini
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Ospedale degli Infermi, Rivoli and AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Ugo
- Division of Cardiology, Ospedale Sant'Andrea, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Varbella
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Ospedale degli Infermi, Rivoli and AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tarantini
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Ordine Mauriziano, Turin, Italy
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Maritano U. Hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) assemblage of an oak-hornbeam in the Merlino Wood Natural Reserve and implications for its conservation. Biodivers Data J 2020; 8:e54243. [PMID: 32821210 PMCID: PMC7406545 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.8.e54243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Merlino Wood is a typical oak–hornbeam forest in the Po Plain hydrographic region. It is one of the few remaining lowland forests in Northern Italy and is a Regional Natural Reserve and a Site of Community Interest (code IT1160010). This is the first survey on hoverflies in the study area and they act as bioindicators to assess habitat conservation. Sampling was performed with three Malaise traps and an entomological net. A total of 61 species of Syrphidae were recorded between March and October 2019. Three of the species observed are considered to be under threat in Europe, three species have been recorded for the first time in Piedmont and Heringialatitarsis (Egger, 1865) has been recorded for the first time in Northern Italy. The Syrph the Net analysis has been used to assess habitat conservation. It shows good preservation of xylosaprophagous species, while the conservation conditions of other larval trophic categories are poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Maritano
- Indipendent Researcher, Condove, Italy Indipendent Researcher Condove Italy
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Coyte RM, McKinley KL, Jiang S, Karr J, Dwyer GS, Keyworth AJ, Davis CC, Kondash AJ, Vengosh A. Occurrence and distribution of hexavalent chromium in groundwater from North Carolina, USA. Sci Total Environ 2020; 711:135135. [PMID: 32000345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a groundwater contaminant that is potentially harmful to human health. Understanding the occurrence of Cr(VI) in groundwater resources is critical for evaluating its risks to human health. Here we report a large dataset (n = 1362) of Cr(VI) and total chromium (CrT) concentrations in public, private, and monitoring wells from different aquifers across North Carolina. These water quality data come from new and previous measurements conducted at Duke University, as well as data reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The data confirm that Cr(VI) is the predominant species of dissolved Cr and that groundwater from aquifers in the Piedmont region contain significantly higher concentrations than groundwater from the coastal plain. Though there is only one exceedance of the U.S. EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (100 µg/L for CrT) in the dataset, over half of all wells measured for Cr(VI) (470 out of 865) in the dataset exceeded the N.C. Health Advisory Level of 0.07 µg/L. Using information from this dataset, we explore three different approaches to predicting Cr(VI) in groundwater: (1) CrT concentrations as a proxy for Cr(VI); (2) Exceedance probabilities of health goals for groundwater from aquifers located in specific geologic areas; and (3) Censored linear regression using commonly measured field parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen) with relationships to Cr(VI) as regressors. Combining these approaches, we have identified several areas in the Piedmont region where Cr(VI) in drinking water wells is expected to be higher than the advisory level, which coincide with large population groundwater reliant populations. While this study focuses on N.C., the wide-spread occurrence of Cr(VI) in groundwater at concentrations above health guidelines in aquifers of the Piedmont region could pose high human health risks to large populations in the eastern U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Coyte
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Kristen L McKinley
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Sheng Jiang
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Jonathan Karr
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Gary S Dwyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Amy J Keyworth
- Department of Environmental Services, Wake County Government, Raleigh, NC 27602, United States
| | - Christina C Davis
- North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR), Division of Water Quality, 2728 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604, United States
| | - Andrew J Kondash
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
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Parker KA, Springall BT, Garshong RA, Malachi AN, Dorn LE, Costa-Terryll A, Mathis RA, Lewis AN, MacCheyne CL, Davis TT, Rice AD, Varh NY, Li H, Schug MD, Kalcounis-Rueppell MC. Rapid increases in bat activity and diversity after wetland construction in an urban ecosystem. Wetlands (Wilmington) 2019; 39:717-727. [PMID: 31564763 PMCID: PMC6764773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wetland construction can mitigate the biodiversity and water quality losses associated with reduced natural wetland coverage. While beneficial effects of wetland construction for bats have been observed in natural and rural settings, the effects of wetland construction on bats in an urban ecosystem are less understood. We used passive acoustic monitoring to measure bat activity levels and diversity at two constructed wetlands and two control sites on the University of North Carolina Greensboro campus, in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. We monitored all 4 sites before and after wetland construction. Pre-wetland construction, there were few differences in bat activity and community structure at our sites. After wetland construction, we observed greater activity, attributable to all species we recorded, at wetland sites compared to control sites. Species diversity and species richness were also higher at wetland sites compared to control sites. When comparing the same sites before and after wetland construction, both bat activity and species richness increased after construction, but the effects were seen in Winter and not Spring. Our results demonstrate that bats use constructed wetlands in urban ecosystems similarly to other habitat settings. Increases in bat activity, diversity, and species richness occurred within one year of wetland construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Parker
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Brian T Springall
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Reuben A Garshong
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Ashley N Malachi
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Lauren E Dorn
- Kinesiology Department, Coleman Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1408 Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 274
| | - Alicia Costa-Terryll
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Rachael A Mathis
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Alayna N Lewis
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Cassandra L MacCheyne
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Tronjay T Davis
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Alexis D Rice
- Kinesiology Department, Coleman Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 1408 Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 274
| | - Nyla Y Varh
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Han Li
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Malcolm D Schug
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
| | - Matina C Kalcounis-Rueppell
- Biology Department, Eberhart Building, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402
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Fontefrancesco M, Barstow C, Grazioli F, Lyons H, Mattalia G, Marino M, McKay AE, Sõukand R, Corvo P, Pieroni A. Keeping or changing? Two different cultural adaptation strategies in the domestic use of home country food plant and herbal ingredients among Albanian and Moroccan migrants in Northwestern Italy. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2019; 15:11. [PMID: 30755237 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0290-7.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnobotanical field studies concerning migrant groups are crucial for understanding temporal changes of folk plant knowledge as well as for analyzing adaptation processes. Italy still lacks in-depth studies on migrant food habits that also evaluate the ingredients which newcomers use in their domestic culinary and herbal practices. METHODS Semi-structured and open in-depth interviews were conducted with 104 first- and second-generation migrants belonging to the Albanian and Moroccan communities living in Turin and Bra, NW Italy. The sample included both ethnic groups and genders equally. RESULTS While the number of plant ingredients was similar in the two communities (44 plant items among Albanians vs 47 plant items among Moroccans), data diverged remarkably on three trajectories: (a) frequency of quotation (a large majority of the ingredients were frequently or moderately mentioned by Moroccan migrants whereas Albanians rarely mentioned them as still in use in Italy); (b) ways through which the home country plant ingredients were acquired (while most of the ingredients were purchased by Moroccans in local markets and shops, ingredients used by Albanians were for the most part informally "imported" during family visits from Albania); (c) quantitative and qualitative differences in the plant reports mentioned by the two communities, with plant reports recorded in the domestic arena of Moroccans nearly doubling the reports recorded among Albanians and most of the plant ingredients mentioned by Moroccans representing "medicinal foods". CONCLUSION A large portion of the differences shown by the two communities are linked to different methods of procurement of home country gastronomic botanical ingredients, the different transnational informal exchanges that exist between Italy and migrants' home countries, the presence of markets and ethnic shops in Italy selling these items, and the different degree of difficulty in accessing public health services. The observed divergences were also clearly related to very diverse adaptation strategies, i.e., processes of negotiating and elaborating Albanian and Moroccan cultural identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fontefrancesco
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Charles Barstow
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
- Present address: Ark of Taste Office, Slow Food, Via Mendicità Istruita 14, I-12042, Bra, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Francesca Grazioli
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
- Present address: Bioversity International, Viale Tre Danari 472, I-00054, Maccarese Stazione, Rome, Italy
| | - Hillary Lyons
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Giulia Mattalia
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, I-30172, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Mattia Marino
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Anne E McKay
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Renata Sõukand
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, I-30172, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Paolo Corvo
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pieroni
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, Cuneo, Italy.
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11
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Fontefrancesco M, Barstow C, Grazioli F, Lyons H, Mattalia G, Marino M, McKay AE, Sõukand R, Corvo P, Pieroni A. Keeping or changing? Two different cultural adaptation strategies in the domestic use of home country food plant and herbal ingredients among Albanian and Moroccan migrants in Northwestern Italy. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2019; 15:11. [PMID: 30755237 PMCID: PMC6371435 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnobotanical field studies concerning migrant groups are crucial for understanding temporal changes of folk plant knowledge as well as for analyzing adaptation processes. Italy still lacks in-depth studies on migrant food habits that also evaluate the ingredients which newcomers use in their domestic culinary and herbal practices. METHODS Semi-structured and open in-depth interviews were conducted with 104 first- and second-generation migrants belonging to the Albanian and Moroccan communities living in Turin and Bra, NW Italy. The sample included both ethnic groups and genders equally. RESULTS While the number of plant ingredients was similar in the two communities (44 plant items among Albanians vs 47 plant items among Moroccans), data diverged remarkably on three trajectories: (a) frequency of quotation (a large majority of the ingredients were frequently or moderately mentioned by Moroccan migrants whereas Albanians rarely mentioned them as still in use in Italy); (b) ways through which the home country plant ingredients were acquired (while most of the ingredients were purchased by Moroccans in local markets and shops, ingredients used by Albanians were for the most part informally "imported" during family visits from Albania); (c) quantitative and qualitative differences in the plant reports mentioned by the two communities, with plant reports recorded in the domestic arena of Moroccans nearly doubling the reports recorded among Albanians and most of the plant ingredients mentioned by Moroccans representing "medicinal foods". CONCLUSION A large portion of the differences shown by the two communities are linked to different methods of procurement of home country gastronomic botanical ingredients, the different transnational informal exchanges that exist between Italy and migrants' home countries, the presence of markets and ethnic shops in Italy selling these items, and the different degree of difficulty in accessing public health services. The observed divergences were also clearly related to very diverse adaptation strategies, i.e., processes of negotiating and elaborating Albanian and Moroccan cultural identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fontefrancesco
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
| | - Charles Barstow
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
- Present address: Ark of Taste Office, Slow Food, Via Mendicità Istruita 14, I-12042 Bra, Cuneo Italy
| | - Francesca Grazioli
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
- Present address: Bioversity International, Viale Tre Danari 472, I-00054 Maccarese Stazione, Rome Italy
| | - Hillary Lyons
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
| | - Giulia Mattalia
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, I-30172 Mestre, Venezia Italy
| | - Mattia Marino
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
| | - Anne E. McKay
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
| | - Renata Sõukand
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics, and Statistics, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, I-30172 Mestre, Venezia Italy
| | - Paolo Corvo
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
| | - Andrea Pieroni
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 9, I-12060 Pollenzo, Cuneo Italy
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12
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Urbano-Bonilla A, Ballen GA, Herrera-R GA, Jhon Zamudio, Herrera-Collazos EE, DoNascimiento C, Saúl Prada-Pedreros, Maldonado-Ocampo JA. Fishes of the Cusiana River (Meta River basin, Colombia), with an identification key to its species. Zookeys 2018; 733:65-97. [PMID: 29416408 PMCID: PMC5799730 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.733.20159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cusiana River sub-basin has been identified as a priority conservation area in the Orinoco region in Colombia due to its high species diversity. This study presents an updated checklist and identification key for fishes of the Cusiana River sub-basin. The checklist was assembled through direct examination of specimens deposited in the main Colombian ichthyological collections. A total of 2020 lots from 167 different localities from the Cusiana River sub-basin were examined and ranged from 153 to 2970 m in elevation. The highest number of records were from the piedmont region (1091, 54.0 %), followed by the Llanos (878, 43.5 %) and Andean (51, 2.5 %). 241 species distributed in 9 orders, 40 families, and 158 genera were found. The fish species richness observed (241), represents 77.7 % of the 314 estimated species (95 % CI=276.1-394.8). The use of databases to develop lists of fish species is not entirely reliable; therefore taxonomic verification of specimens in collections is essential. The results will facilitate comparisons with other sub-basins of the Orinoquia, which are not categorized as areas of importance for conservation in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Urbano-Bonilla
- Laboratorio de Ictiología, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 N° 43-82, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Gustavo A. Ballen
- Laboratorio de Ictiología, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 N° 43-82, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
- Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 42494, 04218-970 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Guido A. Herrera-R
- Laboratorio de Ictiología, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 N° 43-82, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
- Université Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Jhon Zamudio
- Laboratorio de Ictiología, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 N° 43-82, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
- Grupo de Investigaciones territoriales para el uso y conservación de la Biodiversidad, Fundación Reserva Natural La Palmita - Centro de Investigación, Carrera 4 N° 58-59, Oficina 301, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Edgar E. Herrera-Collazos
- Laboratorio de Ictiología, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 N° 43-82, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Carlos DoNascimiento
- Colecciones del Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Claustro de San Agustín, Carrera 8 N° 15-08. Villa de Leyva, Colombia
| | - Saúl Prada-Pedreros
- Laboratorio de Ictiología, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 N° 43-82, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Javier A. Maldonado-Ocampo
- Laboratorio de Ictiología, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 N° 43-82, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
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13
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Barnum TR, Weller DE, Williams M. Urbanization reduces and homogenizes trait diversity in stream macroinvertebrate communities. Ecol Appl 2017; 27:2428-2442. [PMID: 28872731 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
More than one-half of the world's population lives in urban areas, so quantifying the effects of urbanization on ecological communities is important for understanding whether anthropogenic stressors homogenize communities across environmental and climatic gradients. We examined the relationship of impervious surface coverage (a marker of urbanization) and the structure of stream macroinvertebrate communities across the state of Maryland and within each of Maryland's three ecoregions: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Appalachian, which differ in stream geomorphology and community composition. We considered three levels of trait organization: individual traits, unique combinations of traits, and community metrics (functional richness, functional evenness, and functional divergence) and three levels of impervious surface coverage (low [<2.5%], medium [2.5% to 10%], and high [>10%]). The prevalence of an individual trait differed very little between low impervious surface and high impervious surface sites. The arrangement of trait combinations in community trait space for each ecoregion differed when impervious surface coverage was low, but the arrangement became more similar among ecoregions as impervious surface coverage increased. Furthermore, trait combinations that occurred only at low or medium impervious surface coverage were clustered in a subset of the community trait space, indicating that impervious surface affected the presence of only a subset of trait combinations. Functional richness declined with increasing impervious surface, providing evidence for environmental filtering. Community metrics that include abundance were also sensitive to increasing impervious surface coverage: functional divergence decreased while functional evenness increased. These changes demonstrate that increasing impervious surface coverage homogenizes the trait diversity of macroinvertebrate communities in streams, despite differences in initial community composition and stream geomorphology among ecoregions. Community metrics were also more sensitive to changes in the abundance rather than the gain or loss of trait combinations, showing the potential for trait-based approaches to serve as early warning indicators of environmental stress for monitoring and biological assessment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Barnum
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, Maryland, 21037, USA
| | - Donald E Weller
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, Maryland, 21037, USA
| | - Meghan Williams
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, Maryland, 21037, USA
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McCarney-Castle K, Childress TM, Heaton CR. Sediment source identification and load prediction in a mixed-use Piedmont watershed, South Carolina. J Environ Manage 2017; 185:60-69. [PMID: 28029480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Many streams in the Piedmont region of the southeastern United States transport a disproportionately large amount of suspended sediment in response to moderately increased streamflows. Transport and deposition of excess sediment affect the stability of the channel and the health of the biological community; therefore, identifying the main source(s) of sediment and assessing the relationships between source, transport, and streamflow are critical to aquatic life and habitat management, dynamic equilibrium preservation, and development of feasible mitigation scenarios. The objectives of this study were to: (1) predict the annual suspended sediment yield and (2) identify significant contributing upland sources of sediment in the Lawsons Fork Creek basin, a 217 km2 mixed-use watershed in the South Carolina Piedmont. A regularly monitored cross-section located in the downstream reach was equipped with a passive sediment sampler, gage-height recorder, and sediment tiles. Streamflow and sediment concentration were measured over a 24-month period under variable hydrologic regimes. Results indicated that the average annual sediment yield (168 t/km2/yr) is significantly higher than yields documented in Piedmont watersheds of comparable size. To identify and prioritize sources of sediment contribution, stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) were used as tracers. Source material was compared with suspended sediment near the watershed outlet (target material) and SIAR, a Bayesian Inference model, was used to estimate source apportionment. Results of this source study indicate that approximately 60% of the total sediment load in the water column during high flow events is derived from stream bank erosion. Findings are consistent with observed unstable stream bank conditions in the watershed. This study supports the use of a dual-isotopic fingerprinting approach in tandem with traditional sediment monitoring as a cost-effective method to identify and target sediment sources in a mixed-use watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry McCarney-Castle
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Geological Survey, 5 Geology Road, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Tristan M Childress
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Geological Survey, 5 Geology Road, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Christian R Heaton
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Geological Survey, 5 Geology Road, Columbia, SC, USA
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15
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Pieroni A. The changing ethnoecological cobweb of white truffle (Tuber mangnatum Pico) gatherers in South Piedmont, NW Italy. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2016; 12:18. [PMID: 27091474 PMCID: PMC4836152 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-016-0088-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to truffles represents an under-investigated area of research in ethnobiology. Nevertheless, truffles, in a few southern European areas, and notably in South Piedmont, represent a crucial component of the local economy and cultural heritage. METHODS Thirty-four white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) gatherers, locally known as trifulau, aged between 35 and 75 years and living in a few villages and small towns of the Langhe and Roero areas (South Piedmont, NW Italy), were interviewed in-depth during the years 2010-2014 regarding their ecological perceptions, truffle gathering techniques, and the socio-ecological changes that have occurred during the past several decades. RESULTS A very sophisticated ethnoecological knowledge of the trees, soils, and climatic conditions considered ideal for searching for and finding white truffles was recorded. Moreover, a very intimate connection between gatherers and their dogs plays a fundamental role in the success of the truffle search. However, according to the informants, this complex ethnoecological cobweb among men, truffles, dogs, and the environment has been heavily threatened in the past few decades by major changes: climate change, in which the summer has become a very hot and dry season; social changes, due to a more market-oriented attitude of younger gatherers; and especially environmental and macro-economic dynamics, which followed the remarkable expansion of viticulture in the study area. CONCLUSION The TEK of white truffle gatherers indicates the urgent need for fostering sustainable gastronomy-centred initiatives, aimed at increasing the awareness of consumers and food entrepreneurs regarding the co-evolution that has inextricably linked locals, truffles, and their natural environment during the past three centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pieroni
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 9, I-12060, Pollenzo, CN, Italy.
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16
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Padoan E, Malandrino M, Giacomino A, Grosa MM, Lollobrigida F, Martini S, Abollino O. Spatial distribution and potential sources of trace elements in PM10 monitored in urban and rural sites of Piedmont Region. Chemosphere 2016; 145:495-507. [PMID: 26701684 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.11.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The results on elemental composition of aerosol (PM10) sampled during 2011 in Piedmont region (Italy) are interpreted using meteorological data, Enrichment Factors (EF), chemometric processing by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis (FA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Daily concentrations of about 30 elements were measured using HR-ICP-MS in five monitoring sites. A clear seasonal pattern, with higher concentrations in autumn and winter, was observed, particularly in the urban sites. Levels of As, Cd, Ni and Pb in most of the samples were within the limits imposed by the European legislation. Spatial differences in PM10 and metal concentrations were significant, with rural and urban sites showing different metal patterns, indicating different sources. K and Ca were used, respectively, as marker of biomass burning and industrial marker (cement plant); EFs showed that Ca was enriched just in one area and K was enriched only in the winter period considered and in some stations. Data analysis through PCA, FA and HCA allowed us to identify correlations among the investigated elements and similarities between sampling sites in order to individuate specific emission sources, such as non-exhaust vehicle emission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio Padoan
- Departimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari, Università di Torino, Grugliasco I-10095, Italy
| | - Mery Malandrino
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Torino, Torino I-10125, Italy.
| | - Agnese Giacomino
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Torino, Torino I-10125 Italy
| | - Mauro M Grosa
- Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente (ARPA Piemonte), Torino I-10135, Italy
| | - Francesco Lollobrigida
- Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente (ARPA Piemonte), Torino I-10135, Italy
| | - Sara Martini
- Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente (ARPA Piemonte), Cuneo I-12100, Italy
| | - Ornella Abollino
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Torino, Torino I-10125, Italy
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17
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Leporati M, Salvo RA, Pirro V, Salomone A. Driving under the influence of alcohol. A 5-year overview in Piedmont, Italy. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 34:104-8. [PMID: 26165667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption represents a major health issue worldwide and a crucial factor in road accidences. This study provides information on the prevalence of alcohol in blood testing performed on 2752 subjects involved in vehicle accidents, which occurred in Piedmont (northern Italy) between 2008 and 2013. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was determined by an ISO 17025 accredited GC/MS procedure. Fifty-one % of positive samples showed BAC concentrations above 1.5 g/L, with a legal cut-off fixed at 0.5 g/L (and 0 g/L for specified categories such as novice and professional drivers). BAC values proved statistically different regarding the day of sampling (week or weekend days), age and gender, with a prevalence of positive results that reflects different drinking habits of a multifaceted population of alcohol consumers.
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18
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Astegiano S, Bellio A, Adriano D, Bianchi DM, Gallina S, Gorlier A, Gramaglia M, Lombardi G, Macori G, Zuccon F, Decastelli L. Evaluation of Hygiene and Safety Criteria in the Production of a Traditional Piedmont Cheese. Ital J Food Saf 2014; 3:1705. [PMID: 27800354 PMCID: PMC5076721 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2014.1705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional products and related processes must be safe to protect consumers’ health. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbiological criteria of a traditional Piedmont cheese, made by two different cheese producers (A and B). Three batches of each cheese were considered. The following seven samples of each batch were collected: raw milk, milk at 38°C, curd, cheese at 7, 30, 60, 90 days of ripening. During cheese making process, training activities dealing with food safety were conducted. Analyses regarding food safety and process hygiene criteria were set up according to the EC Regulation 2073/2005. Other microbiological and chemical-physical analyses [lactic streptococci, lactobacilli, pH and water activity (Aw)] were performed as well. Shiga-toxin Escherichia coli, aflatoxin M1 and antimicrobial substances were considered only for raw milk. All samples resulted negative for food safety criteria; Enterobacteriaceae, E.coli and coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) were high in the first phase of cheese production, however they decreased at the end of ripening. A high level of CPS in milk was found in producer A, likewise in some cheese samples a count of >5 Log CFU/g was reached; staphylococcal enterotoxins resulted negative. The pH and Aw values decreased during the cheese ripening period. The competition between lactic flora and potential pathogen microorganisms and decreasing of pH and Aw are considered positive factors in order to ensure safety of dairy products. Moreover, training activities play a crucial role to manage critical points and perform corrective action. Responsible application of good manufacturing practices are considered key factors to obtain a high hygienic level in dairy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Astegiano
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
| | - Alberto Bellio
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
| | - Daniela Adriano
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
| | - Daniela Manila Bianchi
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
| | - Silvia Gallina
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
| | - Alessandra Gorlier
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Selvicoltura e Gestione del Territorio, Università degli Studi di Torino , Italy
| | - Monica Gramaglia
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
| | - Giampiero Lombardi
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Selvicoltura e Gestione del Territorio, Università degli Studi di Torino , Italy
| | - Guerrino Macori
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
| | - Fabio Zuccon
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
| | - Lucia Decastelli
- Struttura Complessa del Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino
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