Fast Fingerprints Classification Only Using the Directional Image

The classification phase is an important step of an automatic fingerprint identification system, where the goal is to restrict only to a subset of the whole database the search time. The proposed system classifies fingerprint images in four classes using only directional image information. This approach, unlike the literature approaches, uses the acquired fingerprint image without enhancement phases application. The system extracts only directional image and uses three concurrent decisional modules to classify the fingerprint. The proposed system has a high classification speed and a very low computational cost. The experimental results show a classification rate of 87.27%.

Investigations into the distribution of floristic emergencies of Pantelleria Island (Channel of Sicily, Italy)

CFD-PBM simulation of Mg(OH)2 precipitation from saltwork brine

Segnalazione per la flora siciliana di Trifolium ornithopodioides L. (Fabaceae) e revisione della sua area di distribuzione.

Trifolium ornithopodioides (L.) Sm. (Fabaceae) a new record for the Sicilian flora – T. ornithopodioides, a rare element of the Italian flora, is recorded for the first time in the territory of Palermo (Western-Sicily). The population identified, consisting of about one hundred individuals, colonizes a narrow area between the roadside and the edge of the freshwater temporary pond of Rebuttone, on acidic substratum (flysch) at 720 m a.s.l. After the examination of herbarium specimens (RO and FI) and literature, some incongruences have been found on the Italian distribution of this taxon. A distribution map including the new record, new literature data and corrections is presented.

NUOVI REPERTI PER LA FLORA ESOTICA DELLA SICILIA.

New records to the exotic flora of Sicily - New records for W Sicily of Asclepias fruticosa, Araujia sericifera (Asclepiadaceae), Lilium candidum (Liliaceae), Halophila stipulacea (Hydrocharitaceae), Cannabis sativa (Cannabaceae) and Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) are reported. In addition, Sida spinosa (Malvaceae) is recorded for the first time in Italy. Finally, the occurrence of Helianthus tuberosus (Asteraceae), recorded in Sicily only once at the end of 18th century, is here confirmed.

The vascular flora of Nature Reserve “Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto” (NW Sicily)

A floristic investigation was carried out in “Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto” Nature Reserve, one of the largest in Sicily. In spite of the considerable botanical interest of this area, few data were available from classic and recent literature. Based on field investigations, coupled with bibliographic and herbarium researches, we have listed 951 infrageneric taxa belonging to 103 families and 446 genera. A lot of these entities are reported in this area for the first time, for others ancient records are confirmed. Life form analysis shows the dominance of therophytes (44,79%) and hemicryptophytes (27,77%). From a chorological point of view, Mediterranean elements show a grea…

Phytosociological characterization of the Celtis tournefortii subsp. aetnensis microwoods in Sicily

A work on the Celtis tournefortii subsp. aetnensis vegetation, endemic species located in disjointed sites in the Sicilian inland, is here presented. It forms microwoods with a relict character established on screes and detrital coverages, on a variety of lithological substrates (volcanics, limestones, quartzarenites). Based on the phytosociological analysis carried out in the territory, these vegetation aspects are framed in the alliance Oleo-Ceratonion, within which a new association (Pistacio terebinthi-Celtidetum aetnensis) is described, in turn diversified in the following subassociations: a) typicum subass. nova, on detrital calcareous cones of the north-western part of Sicily, in the…

The ongoing naturalisation of Eucalyptus spp. in the Mediterranean Basin: new threats to native species and habitats

The genus Eucalyptus has been widely introduced into many regions of the world outside its native range and has become invasive in some Mediterranean biomes (e.g. in southern Africa and California). In the Mediterranean Basin and Europe, eucalypts were introduced at the end of the 18th century. However, natural regeneration events in these regions are recent in time and limited in terms of affected areas, except for the Iberian Peninsula. An updated overview about the natural spread of Eucalyptus species in Italy is still lacking. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap, using both published data and unpublished field data regarding naturalisation events, with a specific focus on Sicily.…

Phytosociology applied to conservation of protected areas of Palermo Mts. (North-Western Sicily): the Site of Community Importance “Capo Gallo” (ITA020006)

Identification of Mg(OH)2 precipitation kinetics with population balances and CFD

Caratterizzazione fitosociologica di alcuni nuclei residuali di laureto sui Monti Sicani (Sicilia centro-occidentale).

RASSEGNA DELLA FLORA VASCOLARE DELL'ISOLA DI LEVANZO (ARCIPELAGO DELLE EGADI, CANALE DI SICILIA)

Characterization of magnesium hydroxide from highly concentrated MgCl2 solutions

A new sustainable formulated feed based on discards from food industries for rearing the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lmk)

During a 18‐week experiment in a sea‐based system, Paracentrotus lividus was fed with two formulations of a new sustainable feed whose main ingredients were food farming discards, mostly outermost lettuce leaves, in different percentage. Egg white was added as protein source and binder, and a little amount of commercial fish feed was added as lipid source. At the end of the experiment, a high survival rate (>80%) and an increase in test diameter (22%), total weight (130%), gonad weight (240%) and gonad index expressed as size‐adjusted gonad weight (288%) were recorded. Gonads achieved a good colour and high levels of essential and polyunsaturated fatty acids, hence representing a commerc…

Note distributive ed ecologiche su alcune rare entità della flora vascolare siciliana

Distributive and ecological notes on some rare species of the Sicilian vascular flora. In this paper we point out some new populations of some vascular species found during floristic investigations carried out mostly in the inland of Sicily. For each taxon we provide also data regarding ecological characterization and geographical distribution in the island. Among this taxa, three are Sicilian endemics [Brassica villosa Biv. subsp. tinei (Lojac.) Raimondo et Mazzola, Erysimum metlesicsii Polatschek and Euphorbia papillaris (Boiss.) Raffaelli et Ricceri], four species of biogeographical importance [Allium cupanii Raf., Chaenorhinum rupestre (Guss.) Speta, Sedum gypsicola Boiss. et Reuter and…

Suggestive evidence for association of D2S2188 marker (2q31.1) with autism in 143 Sicilian (Italian) TRIO families

We have screened 143 Sicilian (Italian) families with one autistic child to verify, by a linkage disequilibrium approach, the involvement of the 2q31.1 region in the cause of the disease in these families. Our study design includes the use of intrafamilial association to prevent a population stratification bias and ethnic homogeneity of the sample. The results of our analysis provided suggestive evidence of the occurrence of transmission disequilibrium between autism and the D2S2188 polymorphism in Sicilian TRIO families, a finding which provides further and independent support to the hypothesis of the existence of a susceptibility gene (or genes) for autism on chromosome 2q.

La vegetazione psammofila della Sicilia settentrionale

Coastal sand dune vegetation of Northern Sicily from Termini Imerese (Palermo) to Capo Peloro (Messina) was examined. The study revealed the presence of low dunes whose evolution and development is biased either by the local coast mophogenetic processes or due to the high anthropogenic pressure. Several associations referred to the classes Cakiletea and Ammophiletea were found, and, in particular: Salsolo kali- Cakiletum maritimae, Cakilo maritimae-Xanthietum italici, Salsolo kali-Euphorbietum peplis, Glaucio flavi-Matthioletum tricuspidatae, Sporoboletum arenarii, Cypero capitati-Agropyretum juncei, Medicagini marinae-Ammophiletum australis and Centaureo sphaerocephalae-Ononidetum ramosiss…

First record of Ribes uva-crispa L. (Grossulariaceae) from the Madonie Mts., a new species of the Sicilian flora.

Abstract In this study, a first record of Ribes uva-crispa L. (Grossulariaceae) – a new species of the Sicilian flora – from the Madonie Mts. is reported. The autochthonous and relict new population of Ribes uva-crispa L. (Grossulariaceae) is found on Mount Carbonara (Madonie Mts., North-Central Sicily), which is several hundred kilometers away from the Central Apenninic and the South Mediterranean locations of its distribution range. R. uva-crispa shows a distribution similar to other taxa extending from the Euro-Asiatic area to the mountains of North Africa with disjunct populations on the main Sicilian reliefs (Madonie and Nebrodi Mts.), testifying ancient phytogeographical connections. …

Vegetazione dei corsi d’acqua della Sicilia in sistemi paesaggistici con problematiche d’impatto ambientale: il bacino del Fiume Oreto (Palermo)

A novel colorimetric experimental technique for the characterisation of metal hydroxides reactive crystallization phenomena

The reactive crystallization of metal hydroxides constitutes a field of raising interest driven by the importance of metals recovery and the wide industrial applications of their hydroxides. A popular example is related to the case of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), which is widely employed in the fields of water treatment, desulphurization of fuel gases, pharmaceutical industry, refractory field and flame retardants

Phytosociological and phytogeographical considerations on the orophilous alliance Berberido aetnensis-Crataegion laciniatae (Rhamno-Prunetea)

2008 – Osservazioni fitosociologiche ed ecologiche su una formazione forestale a Quercus suber dei Monti di Palermo (Sicilia centro-occidentale) percorsa dal fuoco nell’estate del 2007.

La flora vascolare e lichenica della Riserva Naturale Grotta Conza (Sicilia nord-occidentale). – Naturalista sicil., s. 4, 33 (1-2): 3-68.

Vascular and lichenic flora of Grotta Conza Nature Reserve (NW Sicily). Based on field investigation, bibliographic and herbarium researches we present a vascular and lichen flora of Grotta Conza Nature Reserve, a protected area of speleological and antropological interest located along the northern slopes of Pizzo Manolfo, very close the city of Palermo. The main outcrops of the area are represented by limestones of mesozoic and tertiary origin, while, bioclimate can be referred to thermomediterranean thermotype with subhumid ombrotype. Landscape, strongly influenced by the past prolonged historical utilization of the territory, shows total absence of primary woodlands, whose place is now …

Distribution, ecology and conservation survey on theCeltis tournefortiisubsp.aetnensis(Celtidaceae: Cannabaceae) populations in Sicily

Results of research on the Celtis tournefortii subsp. aetnensis (Celtidaceae-Cannabaceae) populations in Sicily, based on the monitoring of the various nuclei distributed in the territory, are presented. In particular, two new important unpublished stations located in the southern part of the Sicani Mountains, widespread over an area of approximately 75 hectares, are reported. It is highlighted that the species, besides the lava flows of the western slope of Mount Etna (Catania province), is tied to conoids present in five other disjointed sub-ranges, often with fragmentary and relictual stations: (1) Nebrodi Mountains inland (Cesarò territory, Messina province); (2) Madonie Mountains inlan…

Bupleurum dianthifolium Guss. In: Rossi G., Foggi B., Gennai M., Gargano D., Montagnani C., Orsenigo S., Pedrini S. Schede per una Lista Rossa della Flora vascolare e crittogamica Italiana

Novel deletion of the E3A ubiquitin protein ligase gene detected by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification in a patient with Angelman syndrome

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurobehavioural disorder caused by failure of expression of the maternal copy of the imprinted domain located on 15q11-q13. There are different mechanisms leading to AS: maternal microdeletion, uniparental disomy, defects in a putative imprinting centre, mutations of the E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (UBE3A) gene. However, some of suspected cases of AS are still scored negative to all the latter mutations. Recently, it has been shown that a proportion of negative cases bear large deletions overlapping one or more exons of the UBE3A gene. These deletions are difficult to detect by conventional gene-scanning methods due to the masking effect by the non-delete…

The plant landscape of an interesting stretch of coastline in southern Sicily: the area between Punta Grande and Capo Rossello (Realmonte, Agrigento), biotope worthy of preservation

Su alcuni aspetti di boscaglia relittuale a Juniperus turbinata Guss. nella Valle del Sosio (Monti Sicani, Sicilia centro-occidentale).

Phytosociological analysis of the Genista sp. pl. garrigues of the Cisto-Lavanduletea and Rosmarinetea officinalis classes in the South-Tyrrhenian area (Mediterranean Region).

The study reviews the Genista sp. pl. garrigues ascribable to the classes Cisto-Lavanduletea (acidophilous communities on volcanics and quartzarenites) and Rosmarinetea officinalis (basiphilous communities on calcareous and calcareous-dolomite substrates), in the southern territories of the Italo-Tyrrhenian Province. The floristic-synecological characterization of the identified coenoses led to the description and/or redefinition of various new syntaxa. They are distributed in the two new suballiances Calicotomo villosae–Genistenion tyrrhenae and Genisto aristatae–Calicotomenion infestae of the class Cisto- Lavanduletea (Lavanduletalia stoechadis and Calicotomo villosae–Genistion tyrrhenae)…

LA FLORA VASCOLARE DELLA RISERVA NATURALE MONTE COFANO (SICILIA OCCIDENTALE).

Primo contributo alla conoscenza della flora dromofila della Sicilia occidentale.

Segnalazione sulle Madonie di Ribes uva-crispa, nuova specie per la flora della Sicilia.

La flora vascolare delle Rocche di Entella (entroterra della Sicilia occidentale)

We present the results of a study on the vascular flora of the Rocche di Entella (Contessa Entellina, Palermo province); this biotope, extending over an area of 178 hectares and including a Nature Reserve, has been recognized as a Site of Community Interest (ITA020042). The biotope is characterized by the Messinian gypseous-sulphureous series and falls within the lower mesomediterranean bioclimatic belt, with upper dry ombrotype, locally tending towards thermomediterranean thermotype. Local landscape is affected by prolonged historical exploitation of the territory, which led to the impoverishment of climacic forest communities, almost totally replaced by secondary vegetation (grasslands) a…

Distribution, ecology, vegetation and conservation survey on the relictual population ofCarex panormitanaGuss. (Cyperaceae) in Sicily (Italy)

We report the results of research on the Carex panormitana Guss. (Cyperaceae) population in Sicily, carried out within its locus classicus at the Oreto River (Palermo). The survey led to a morphological, biological and autoecological characterization, to the definition of the current distribution in the site, to an estimate of the number of individuals and to an analysis of its conservation status. The risk status was also assessed and the species was ascribed to the category Critically Endangered (CR), in accordance with the CR B1ab (ii, iii, v) and EN C1 IUCN criteria. Moreover, the phytosociological survey carried out on the meso-hygrophilous vegetation in which the species is dominant a…

Bio-ecological, phytosociological and conservation aspects of relictual and disjointed populations ofSimethis mattiazzi(Vandelli) Sacc. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) in the Channel of Sicily

Abstract Two populations of Simethis mattiazzi (Xanthorrhoeaceae) were recently discovered in the Channel of Sicily – (1) Punta Bassana (Marettimo Island) and (2) Mount S. Giuliano (western Sicily) – at a considerable distance from the nearest stations hitherto known, located in southern Sardinia, the Pontine Islands Archipelago and Tunisia. The taxonomical and distributive aspects of this species are analysed to highlight the relictual and biogeographical significance of the disjointed and fragmentary nuclei distributed in several small islands of the Channel of Sicily, the Italian Peninsula and North Africa. Some morphological, biological, ecological and phytosociological aspects of the t…

Baroreflex control of heart rate during sleep in severe obstructive sleep apnoea: effects of acute CPAP

Baroreflex control of heart rate during sleep (baroreflex sensitivity; BRS) has been shown to be depressed in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and improved after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Whether CPAP also acutely affects BRS during sleep in uncomplicated severe OSA is still debatable. Blood pressure was monitored during nocturnal polysomnography in 18 patients at baseline and during first-time CPAP application. Spontaneous BRS was analysed by the sequence method, and estimated as the mean sequence slope. CPAP did not acutely affect mean blood pressure or heart rate but decreased cardiovascular variability during sleep. Mean BRS increased slightly during CPAP…

Contribution to the phytosociological characterization of the forest vegetation of the Sicani Mountains (inland of north-western Sicily).

The results of a phytosociological survey on the main forest vegetation aspects of the Sicani Mountains (inland of north-western Sicily), in turn included in the homonymous Regional Park recently established, are presented. This expansive territory (43,687 hectares), located between the Agrigento and Palermo provinces, is mainly composed by carbonate and silico-carbonate formations of the Sicani Units, whose highest peaks are represented by Mount Cammarata (1578 m a.s.l.), Mount delle Rose (1436 m), Pizzo Cangialoso (1420 m) and Mount Pernice (1393 m). Under the bioclimatic aspect, the area falls within the thermo- and supramediterranean belts, with ombrotype ranging from upper dry (annual …

Dati preliminari sulla flora vascolare della Riserva naturale “Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna e Grotta Mazzamuto” (Sicilia nord-occidentale).

Crassula campestris(Eckl. & Zeyh.) Endl.(Crassulaceae), a new record for the Italian flora

Abstract Brullo, S., Campo, G., Marceno, C., Romano, S. & Siracusa, G.: Crassula campestris (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Endl. (Crassulaceae), a new record for the Italian flora. — Willdenowia 28: 53–58. 1998. — ISSN 0511-9618. Crassula campestris, a species widespread in S Africa, was discovered in Sicily near Palermo, which is a new record for the Italian flora. A description and illustration of C. campestris is provided and the species is compared with C. tillaea and C. basaltica, the two other Crassula species in Sicily.

Phytosociological characterization of the Juniperus phoenicea L. subsp. turbinata (Guss.) Nyman formations in the Italo-Tyrrhenian Province (Mediterranean Region)

The Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata formations of the Italo-Tyrrhenian biogeographical province (Mediterranean Region), are analyzed on the basis of literature data and unpublished relevés. The floristic-synecological characterization of the identified phytocoenoses, confirmed by multivariate analysis on a synoptic basis, has allowed their breakdown in four different alliances of the order Pistacio lentisci-Rhamnetalia alaterni: 1) Periplocion angustifoliae, with the association Periploco angustifoliae-Juniperetum turbinatae; 2) Juniperion turbinatae, with the associations Junipero turbinatae-Quercetum calliprini, Rusco aculeati-Quercetum calliprini, Phillyreo angustifoliae-Juniperetum…

Distribution, ecology and conservation survey on Trifolium michelianum Savi (Fabaceae) in Sicily (Italy)

We report the identification of four residual stations for Trifolium michelianum Savi (Fabaceae) in Sicily, whereas the species was documented to be extinct at the Gorgo Cerro station (western Sicily), the only locality previously reported in the literature. In addition to an update on the distribution of the species, a survey on the new Sicilian populations led to their biological, ecological and phytosociological characterization, as well as to an assessment of the risk factors. The species, here relegated to the limit of its distribution area, occurs in particularly sensitive and vulnerable environments, such as the “Mediterranean temporary ponds”, considered “priority” by the Council Di…

CONTRIBUTO ALLE RICERCHE FLORISTICHE E CITOTASSONOMICHE IN SICILIA.

Berberido aetnensis-Crataegion laciniatae, new orophilous pre-forestal alliance of the class Rhamno-Prunetea

In this paper the results of a phytosociological study carried out on some aspects of shrub vegetation of forest margins are presented, investigated in the higher belt of the Madonie Mts. (Northern-Central Sicily), referred to the order Prunetalia spinosae (Rhamno-Prunetea). Through comparison with other known coenoses in the central- southern part of the Italian Peninsula and in Sicily – especially, the associations of Berberidion vulgaris and those of Pruno-Rubion ulmifolii – a coenological and phytogeographical autonomy has been made evident and has resulted in the recognition of a new alliance, described under the name Berberido aetnensis-Crataegion laciniatae Gianguzzi et al., all. nov…

Monitoraggio dell’espansione delle aree a calanchi tramite la mappatura della vegetazione

Bio-ecological, phytosociological and conservation aspects of relictual and disjointed populations of Simethis mattiazzi (Vandelli) Sacc. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) in the Channel of Sicily

Two populations of Simethis mattiazzi (Xanthorrhoeaceae) were recently discovered in the Channel of Sicily – (1) Punta Bassana (Marettimo Island) and (2) Mount S. Giuliano (western Sicily) – at a considerable distance from the nearest stations hitherto known, located in southern Sardinia, the Pontine Islands Archipelago and Tunisia. The taxonomical and distributive aspects of this species are analysed to highlight the relictual and biogeographical significance of the disjointed and fragmentary nuclei distributed in several small islands of the Channel of Sicily, the Italian Peninsula and North Africa. Some morphological, biological, ecological and phytosociological aspects of the two new po…

Conservazione e biologia di Calendula suffruticosa Vahl subsp. maritima (Guss.) Meikle (Asteraceae)

Analysis of particles size distributions in Mg(OH)2 precipitation from highly concentrated MgCl2 solutions

Magnesium is a raw material of great importance, which attracted increasing interest in the last years. A promising route is to recover magnesium in the form of Magnesium Hydroxide via precipitation from highly concentrated Mg2+ resources, e.g. industrial or natural brines and bitterns. Several production methods and characterization procedures have been presented in the literature reporting a broad variety of Mg(OH)2 particle sizes. In the present work, a detailed experimental investigation is aiming to shed light on the characteristics of produced Mg(OH)2 particles and their dependence upon the reacting conditions. To this purpose, two T-shaped mixers were employed to tune and control the…

Modelling and Identification of Mg(OH)2 precipitation kinetics from highly concentrated Mg2+ solutions

Orophilous aspects of relictual vegetation of the class Rhamno-Prunetea localizated on the Madonie Mountains (NW Sicily).

The deciduos shrubby mantle coenoses referred to the class Rhamno catharticae-Prunetea spinosae are secondary communities - sometimes permanent - localized in the climactical dominion of the forests of Querco-Fagetea and Quercetea ilicis or the riparian woodlands of Salici-Populetea nigrae. These communities are widespread from the Eurosiberian to the Mediterranean region, and are linked to rich nutrient humic soils, rocky slopes and screes (1). In Italy, the class Rhamno-Prunetea is represented by the alliances Cytision sessilifolii, Berberidion vulgaris, Pruno-Rubion ulmifolii and Salici-Viburnion opali, the latter showing hygrophilous character (2). As concerns the mountain and submounta…

In situ conservation strategies of a threatened species: the case of Carex panormitana Guss. in Sicily

Phytosociological remarks on residual woodlands of Laurus nobilis in Sicily

A phytosociological study was done of Laurus nobilis woodlands in Sicily. The analysis, based on 18 relevés, supports the definition of a new syntaxon (Acantho mollis-Lauretum nobilis ass. nov.), considered as a vicariant of similar vegetation aspects described in other Mediterranean areas (Iberian and Italian peninsulas). The study mainly includes some unpublished sites where polycormic individuals of laurel, sometimes reaching 13-15 meters in height, dominates the tree layer. This vegetation is also characterized by some laurophyllous species (Hedera helix, Rhamnus alaternus, Smilax aspera and sometimes Viburnum tinus) and lianas (Rubia peregrina var. longifolia, Asparagus acutifolius, Ta…

Contributo alla conoscenza della flora lichenica della Riserva Naturale Regionale delle Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala (Trapani)

Le Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala con Decreto del 4 luglio 1984 della Regione Siciliana sono state istituite Riserva Naturale, per salvaguardare la caratteristica flora alofila, le associazioni vegetali anch'esse caratteristiche, perché legate all'ambiente salmastro, oltre che per la presenza di diverse specie endemiche tra le quali alcune specie di Limonium e Calendula maritima. Il territorio si estende sulla costa occidentale della Sicilia nel territorio del comune di Marsala, nel tratto di mare compreso tra capo San Teodoro e capo Lilibeo compresa tra le quattro isole di San Pantaleo (Mozia), Isola Grande, Schola e Santa Maria. La riserva presenta peculiarità naturalistiche vegetazional…