Search Results (398)

Non-urbanized areas (NUAs), including residual urban green areas, urban parks, agricultural, natural and semi-natural areas, are a fundamental part of the green infrastructure. They are essential in sustaining life and future development, providing a series of ecosystem services (ESs) vital to human society. However, the rapid expansion of urban areas has led to a significant reduction in green spaces. Land-take, reducing available land resources, impacts ecosystem functionality, making it crucial to preserve high-quality territories and the relative ESs provided. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in ESs due to the land-take having occurred in the last 20 years in the Province of Monza–Brianza, the Italian province with the highest land-take. To achieve this goal, authors used the official data of land use/cover of the Lombardy Region, with three time thresholds (T0: 1999–2003, T1: 2012–2013, T2: 2021) and applied a methodology for ESs assessment originally developed for the municipal level, adapting it to the provincial scale. The study analyzes trends in land-take and land-use changes and assesses how these changes have led to variations in ES provision. The approach involves calculating multiple indices reflecting different ESs provided by NUAs: provisioning ESs coming from agriculture, regulating ESs provided by natural resources, cultural ESs provided by landscape. Findings reveal that urban expansion has decreased provisioning ESs coming from agriculture, while ESs provided by landscape and natural resources have remained stable or improved, respectively. The natural quality index has improved due to conservation policies, despite the high land-take recorded. Anyway, although regional policies have mitigated some negative effects, the overall reduction in green spaces remains a critical issue. Full article

Leaf litter conservation practices in forests can contribute to increasing CO₂ storage in natural soils as organic matter; however, this process depends on the type of vegetation cover. This study, using different approaches, aimed to assess this process starting from the characteristics of three different types of litters and topsoil (0–5 cm depth) originating from chestnut, beech, and pine in various forest locations within the territory of Edolo (Camonica Valley, Central Italian Alps). Both labile (DOM) and recalcitrant (ROM) organic matter fractions were considered. Microbial degradation activity was strongly influenced by DOM (DOM vs. Respiration mg CO₂ g⁻¹ dry matter: r = 0.96), and NMR spectroscopy showed that aromatic C and polymethylene C in long-chain aliphatic structures (e.g., lipids, cutin) became more evident from litters to topsoils due to a concentration effect. Finally, chemometric elaboration of quantitative and qualitative data identified two principal component (PC) profiles, explaining 88% of the total variance, in which litter and the topsoil samples were spatially separated, indicating that significant changes occurred during the decomposition process. An Evolution Index (EI) calculated highlighted greater changes for chestnut (0.90) followed by pine (0.60) and beech (0.48), in agreement with chemical (degradation rates of 14.21%, 49.11%, and 48% for beech, chestnut, and pine litter, respectively) and spectroscopic data. Beech litter appears to be more efficient at conserving organic carbon. These findings underscore the importance of understanding litter characteristics for forest management, suggesting which species are most effective in promoting soil carbon storage. Full article

Land use significantly influences mobility dynamics, affecting both travel behavior and mode choice. Traditional indicators such as the Floor Area Ratio, Land-Use Mix Index, and Built-up Area Ratio are widely used to describe settlement patterns; yet, they often fail to capture their functional impacts on road networks. This study introduces two complementary indicators—Settlement Ratio (SR) and Settled Area (SA)—developed through a spatial analysis framework integrating GIS data and MATLAB processing. SR offers a continuous typological profile of built-up functions along the road axis, while SA measures the percentage of anthropized land within fixed analysis windows. Applied to two Italian state roads, SS14 and SS309, in the Veneto Region, the dual-indicator approach reveals how the intensity (SR) and extent (SA) of settlement vary across different territorial contexts. In suburban segments, SR values exceeding 15–20, together with SA levels between 10% and 15%, highlight the significant spatial impact of isolated development clusters—often not evident from macro-scale observations. These findings demonstrate that the SR–SA framework provides a robust tool for analyzing land use in relation to road function. Although the study focuses on spatial structure and indicator design, future developments will explore correlations with traffic flow, speed, and crash data to support road safety analyses. Full article

The socio-economic geography of the Italian territory is framed by strong imbalances in the settlement development, with consequent inequalities in terms of accessibility to essential services. These challenges are most critical in the ‘inner areas’, which are remote from metropolitan and urban centers and affected by chronic demographic decline and depopulation. Both European and national policies have relied primarily on financial interventions, often implemented with limited integration into comprehensive urban and territorial planning frameworks. Using a case study methodology, this research examines the area-based strategies of the 72 pilot areas designated under the 2014–2020 program-ming cycle of the National Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI). The main research question guiding this study is as follows: how does economic planning intersect with territorial governance in Italy’s inner areas, and what is the specific role of local autonomies and the management of core functions, particularly in relation to urban and regional planning? Through this lens, this study proposes a conceptual reframing of the inter-municipal ad-ministrative scale as a strategic framework for promoting more effective territorial policies. Full article

This study examines the added value of territorial cooperation within the LEADER approach, a key pillar of the EU’s rural development policy. Both interterritorial and transnational cooperation projects empower Local Action Groups (LAGs) to tackle common challenges through innovative and community-driven strategies. Drawing on over 3000 projects since 1994, LEADER cooperation has proven its ability to deliver tangible results—such as joint publications, pilot projects, and shared digital platforms—alongside intangible benefits like knowledge exchange, improved governance, and stronger social capital. By facilitating experiential learning and inter-organizational collaboration, cooperation enables stakeholders to work across territorial boundaries and build networks that respond to both national and transnational development issues. The interaction among diverse actors often fosters innovative responses to local and regional problems. Using a mixed-methods approach, including case studies of Italian LAGs, this research analyses the dynamics, challenges, and impacts of cooperation, with a focus on learning processes, capacity building, and long-term sustainability. Therefore, this study focuses not only on project outcomes but also on the processes and learning dynamics that generate added value through cooperation. The findings highlight how territorial cooperation promotes inclusivity, fosters cross-border dialogue, and supports the development of context-specific solutions, ultimately enhancing rural resilience and innovation. In conclusion, LEADER cooperation contributes to a more effective, participatory, and sustainable model of rural development, offering valuable insights for the broader EU cohesion policy. Full article

Rural landscapes play a key role in preserving ecological processes, cultural identity, and socio-economic well-being, yet these areas often face challenges such as land degradation, water scarcity, and an inadequate road network. A sustainable approach to rural landscape and tourism planning is essential for enhancing both environmental resilience and socio-economic vitality in areas facing degradation and global change. This study aims to develop and validate an integrated methodological workflow that combines Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), ECOVAST guidelines, SWOT analysis, and open-source GIS techniques, complemented by a bottom-up approach of spontaneous fruition mapped through Wikiloc heatmaps. The framework was applied to a case study in Paternò, Eastern Sicily, Italy—a territory distinguished by its key local values such as Calanchi formations, proximity to Mount Etna, and cultural heritage. Through this application, eight distinct Landscape Units (LUs) were delineated, and key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for sustainable development were identified. Using open-access data and a survey-free protocol, this approach facilitates detailed landscape assessment without extensive fieldwork. The methodology is readily transferable to other rural Italian and Mediterranean contexts, providing practical guidance for researchers, planners, and stakeholders engaged in sustainable tourism development and landscape management. Full article

Given the current global context, in which emissions’ reduction to mitigate climate change is a primary concern, the use of new clean technologies is being explored. Floating photovoltaics (FPV), given their many advantages, such as increased efficiency and water savings, were examined here originally to estimate on a national scale their potential contribution to decarbonisation. Thus, our study assesses whether Italy is a suitable territory for hosting FPV plants on bodies of water. The analysis consisted of two phases: a selection of suitable bodies of water and a subsequent prioritization using scores. To perform these, predisposing factors were first determined. In parallel, quarry lakes on Italian plains were identified because they could be redeveloped by installing FPV plants. Other analyses, moreover, allowed us to estimate that, in the best scenario, there could be up to 507 plants larger than one hectare, which could come to satisfy almost 3% of the annual electricity demand and could save more than 4.6 million tons of CO₂ in one year. These results allow us to conclude that it is indeed possible to use this technology in Italy, marking a big step in terms of innovation. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGS) supply a wide range of ecosystem services (ESs), which are key to mitigation and adaptation to climate changes. In this study, we focus on two ESs, i.e., greenhouse gas sequestration by terrestrial ecosystems and mitigating the heat island effect through vegetation, as defined by the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services. The purpose is to support municipalities with characteristics similar to those of the municipality investigated in this study with a rough assessment of ESs through freely available data. The ES delivery capacity assessment relies on the adoption of two indicators: (i) increased carbon storage in forests and (ii) the Heat Island Mitigation Index (HIMI). We applied the method to the UGS of the municipality of Sassari (Italy) and found that the potential amount of carbon storage is 42,052.7 t, while the value of HIMI provided by the green spaces in the homogeneous territorial areas is 67.73%. The methodological approach adopted in this study is potentially applicable in Italian as well as Mediterranean small to medium municipalities to integrate the quantitative assessment of ESs in local planning tools. The novelty of this study lies in the applied practical approach, which is implementable by public bodies lacking data and resources, to assessing prima facie the need for operational climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global concern in both human and veterinary medicine. Among antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacteria, Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) pose a serious health risk because infections can be difficult to treat. These Gram-negative bacteria can be frequently found in poultry and in Italy, where such protein production is established. ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella in chicken and turkey may pose a significant public health risk due to potential transmission between poultry and humans. This review aims to assess the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella phenotypically and genotypically in Italian poultry, identifying the most common genes, detection methods and potential information gaps. An initial pool of 1462 studies found in scientific databases (Web of Sciences, PubMed, etc.) was screened and 29 were identified as eligible for our review. Of these studies, 79.3% investigated both phenotypic and genotypic ESBL expression while ${bla}_{CTX-M}$, ${bla}_{TEM}$ and ${bla}_{SHV}$ were considered as targeted gene families. Large differences in prevalence were reported (0–100%). The ${bla}_{CTX-M-1}$ and ${bla}_{TEM-1}$ genes were the most prevalent in Italian territory. ESBL-producing E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella were frequently detected in farms and slaughterhouses, posing a potential threat to humans through contact (direct and indirect) with birds through handling, inhalation of infected dust, drinking contaminated water, ingestion of meat and meat products and the environment. Considering the frequent occurrence of ESBL-producing bacteria in Italian poultry, it is advisable to further improve biosecurity and to introduce more systematic surveillance. Additionally, the focus should be on the wild birds as they are ESBL carriers. Full article

For avalanche risk management, local authorities need streamlined and quantitative approaches to define the risk of exposed elements. In this paper, two quantitative avalanche risk assessment approaches are compared: (1) Wilhelm’s method, referring exclusively to transport routes, defines numerically the risk, and (2) the multi-criteria risk assessment (McRA) (Italian avalanche risk guidelines), which defines the risk through categorical results. It provides a degree of avalanche risk to which the element is exposed, according to the definition of a risk class (RC). This method allows a simplified avalanche risk analysis for different types of buildings or infrastructures. The paper presents a comparison of the two methods for studying avalanche risk on a stretch of road that reaches the village of Planpincieux in Val Ferret (Aosta Valley, IT), highlighting their advantages and drawbacks. Additionally, to demonstrate the flexibility of the multi-criteria risk assessment, a risk analysis was performed on the hotel in Planpincieux hamlet. The key findings illustrate that Wilhelm’s method shines in defining the risk posed by diverse avalanche paths, but is hampered by imprecise parameter definition. McRA, by means of the RC, allows hierarchical and direct assessment of the risk severity at the territory scale but requires hazard intensity maps. Full article

The accelerated growth of older adults (the over-65s) in Italy fits within the context of the complex, hybrid nature of the pension system and the welfare benefits financed by tax revenues, which often overlap. As a result, older adults are experiencing growing inequalities in living and health conditions across the three Italian macro-areas (the North, Centre, and South and Islands), as well as between genders. This study aims to examine the sustained growth of older adults in Italy, with a particular emphasis on their most vulnerable segment—i.e., the over-85s. Drawing on mortality trends and the consequent increases in life expectancy at advanced ages, through indicators of mortality and life expectancy, the analysis explores how variations in the structure and distribution of pension benefits have produced significant territorial disparities. These disparities have, in turn, contributed to widening inequalities in household living conditions, especially regarding access to social assistance and long-term care services. Full article

Background: An extensive body of evidence regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in gastroenterology is currently available, but the transition of these technologies to the bedside is still in progress. This national survey aims to assess the perceptions of AI among gastroenterologists in Italy. Methods: A total of 320 Italian gastroenterologists and trainees in gastroenterology were invited to answer a web-based survey. A sub-group analysis between the two categories was performed. Results: Data from 150 respondents were analyzed. Of these, 67.3% were gastroenterologists and 32.7% trainees. Notably, 99.3% reported familiarity with AI in gastroenterology, with 49.3% currently using AI tools, indicating high levels of awareness and current use. Participants expressed low concerns regarding reliability on a 0-to-10-point scale (median = 4), legal and ethical issues (median = 5), and data protection (median 5), whereas regulatory concerns were moderate (median = 6), representing a key concern. Subgroup analysis revealed that male gastroenterologists had a higher understanding of AI (median = 7) compared to females (median 6, p = 0.036). Additionally, older gastroenterologists showed greater ease of use in AI endoscopy tools (median 8 vs. 7, p = 0.040) and raised more regulatory concerns (median 7 vs. 6, p = 0.036). Conclusions: The data from this survey show that Italian gastroenterologists have high-level awareness and a favorable perception of AI systems, with a good diffusion of AI tools across the national territory and reasonable concerns about regulatory issues, raising attention on international AI regulations. Full article

The unique features of high-quality agri-food production are rooted in the specificities of ecosystems, interpreted through an anthropocentric lens. In Italy, such products are nationally certified with labels that enhance both their market value and their territorial identity. However, climate change amplifies risks such as land degradation and reduced arability, threatening the value systems tied to ecosystems, places, and products. As a result, the relationship between environmental conditions and certified quality is becoming more fragile across the Italian peninsula. This paper investigates how producers and consumers perceive the risks posed by climate change to the ecosystem characteristics of Terroir, focusing on Calabria—a southern Italian region marked by socio-environmental vulnerability and a limited number of certified products. This fragility may further hinder certified agri-food production, with serious implications for the local agribusiness sector. Using a qualitative methodology, the study draws on questionnaires administered to producers and farmers, alongside interviews with key stakeholders and exploratory fieldworks. Eventually, this research aims to identify major environmental risks impacting certified production in Calabria, examine the adaptation strategies adopted by local producers, and assess the perceived effectiveness of institutional support. It also explores whether certifications such as PDO and PGI can act as tools to mitigate climate-related impacts while enhancing product value and territorial resilience. These findings can inform more effective policies for promoting sustainable, high-quality agri-food systems under changing climate conditions in a transcalar perspective. Full article

Laboratory medicine is crucial for clinical decision-making, yet result interpretation often remains challenging for patients. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered conversational system in interpreting laboratory test results, utilizing a closed-box training approach for a Claude-based virtual chatbot focused exclusively on laboratory data interpretation without clinical diagnosis. The system was tested using 100 laboratory reports from three Italian laboratories, encompassing diverse biochemical parameters and measurement standards. The laboratories employed different analytical platforms and methodologies, enabling evaluation of the chatbot’s ability to interpret results across varied instrumental settings. The interpretation accuracy was rigorously assessed through peer review by three independent medical experts with extensive laboratory medicine experience. The Claude model demonstrated complete accuracy with zero hallucinations, attributed to the controlled training environment, domain-specific prompts, and pure generation mechanisms without external data access. Patient feedback from 70 participants showed high satisfaction rates, with 90% providing positive ratings. This study demonstrates that carefully designed AI models can effectively bridge the gap between raw laboratory data and patient understanding, potentially transforming laboratory reporting systems while maintaining high accuracy and avoiding diagnostic territory. These findings have significant implications for patient empowerment and healthcare communication efficiency. Full article

The applied research presented here covers the topic of the reconstruction of architectural Cultural Heritage ruined after a catastrophic event and subsequently abandoned. This is a recurring problem in many Italian territories, inland and coastal, which have seen a progressive depopulation not only as a result of changed economic and social conditions but also—in the more distant past—of earthquake damage. The reconstruction of physical structures thus becomes the ‘picklock’ for tackling a wider problem, such as that of the revitalization and repopulation of minor villages of potential historical and cultural value but currently outside even the local tourism circuits. Taking into account the theoretical and methodological debate within protection and preservation of heritage, on the concepts of identity and authenticity, the research provided an operational contribution to the municipality of a small village on the Ligurian coast, Andora Borgo Castello, to draw up guidelines for the reconstruction of the medieval settlement, as part of a revitalization project financed by the Recovery Plan. Full article