Search results for "Botanica"
showing 10 items of 1665 documents
Diversity in the genus Hieracium Linnaeus s.str. (Asteraceae) in Sicily
2015
The present taxonomic and floristic knowledges on Hieracium L. s. str. in Sicily are commented. In total, 11 taxa occur in this island, 10 of which are endemic and 1 has a wider range. For each of these taxa, biological form, phenology, distribution, ecology, chromosome number, conservation, and taxonomy are taken in consideration. A key to the taxa is also provided.
BIOACTIVE MOLECULES FROM MARINE INVERTEBRATE ORGANISMS AS POTENTIAL TOOLS IN RESTORATION PROCEDURES
2013
In the last decades molecular biology has provided innovative approaches in order to set up specific protocols for the conservation and restoration of cultural assets. In this study, which falls within the so called field of Blue-biotechnology, new bio-reactive peptides isolated from marine invertebrate organisrns (Cnidaria and Molluscs) were tested aim to bio-cleaning (proteolytic- peptides) the surfaces or to control (antimicrobial-peptides) the colonization of historic-artistic manufacts by fungi or bacteria. Particularly, the proteolytic-peptides showed hydrolytic activity, specific for animal-glue, in a range of temperatures of 4-37°C; than acting without heating the surface, by a cont…
Archeobotanical study of traditional agroecosystems based on SEM-EDX analysis of buried phytoliths
2015
The FP7 Project "MEditerranean MOntainous LAndscapes: an historical approach to cultural heritage based on traditional agrosystems (MEMOLA)" (http://www.memolaproject.eu/it) is studying past landscapes using ancient soil horizons as archaeological records. The project aims at evaluating the biodiversity of no longer existing environments, in order to reconstruct the past agroecosystems. One of the approach used in the study consisted in the selective sampling of buried paleo-soil horizons for the search of “testimonials” or useful pedo-archaeological "indicators" that can tell something about past environments and peculiar ecosystems no longer present. To this purpose it was decided to star…
Marine organisms as source of bioactive molecules applied in restoration projects
2015
Abstract In recent decades research in the conservation and restoration field has provided sustainable alternatives to traditional procedures for cleaning or controlling the microbial colonization of works of art. In the present study, for the first time novel bioactive molecules extracted from marine invertebrate organisms (Anthozoa) were tested instead of chemical compounds for removing protein layers or as a biocide for controlling fungal or bacterial colonization. In particular, Bioactive Molecules with Protease activity (BMP), acting in a temperature range of 4- 30°C, were tested for the hydrolysis of protein layers on laboratory specimens. The cleaning protocol provides a selective pr…
Sources of geomaterials in the Sicani Mountains during the Early Middle Ages: A case study of Contrada Castro, central western Sicily
2022
From 2017, an unknown rural settlement in Contrada Castro at Corleone (Palermo Province, western Sicily) was investigated as part of the `Harvesting Memories Project¿. The stratigraphic sequence, supported by radiocarbon dating, has demonstrated a reoccupation of a pre-Roman site during the transition between the Byzantine and Islamic periods. In particular, the main occupation occurred in the late 8th¿9th century when pottery kilns and a probable warehouse were constructed. During the 10th¿11th century, a new structure with different orientations replaced the previous buildings that had already collapsed. Specifically focusing on a perspective of the household production and its relationsh…
Exotic insect pests: The impact of the Red Palm Weevil on natural and cultural heritage in Palermo (Italy)
2013
Abstract The impact of invasive exotic pests is increasingly recognised as a global issue. A global strategy to address the exotic pest problem is beginning to evolve, albeit slowly. The International Plant Protection Convention (FAO) has begun the process of harmonizing standards for pest risk analysis to minimise the spread of exotic pests without adversely impacting global trade. However if the impacts of insect invasive species on human health and on agriculture have attracted worldwide attention, researchers and policymakers address directly the connection between invasive species and damage to natural and cultural heritages. The cost of these losses is generally neglected or underesti…
Riflessioni "a margine". Il workshop "Sul margine dell'Orto Botanico di Palermo" dal punto di vista di una storica dell'arte
2020
The paper is the result of a historical research conducted during the Architecture workshop "Sul margine dell'Orto Botanico di Palermo. Spazi per Visiting Professor" ("On the edge of the Botanical Garden of Palermo. Spaces for Visiting Professor"), organized from 24 to 27 September 2018 by the Professors of the University of Palermo Andrea Sciascia, Giuseppe Di Benedetto, Giuseppe Marsala and Antonino Margagliotta and included in the teaching activities of the PhD in Architecture, Arts and Planning. It consists of a descriptive part of the Manifesta12 interventions – the prestigious nomadic Biennial of contemporary art whose last edition took place in Palermo – at the Botanical Garden. This…
Guida all'identificazione delle Cistoseire (Area Marina Protetta "Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine")
2009
Questa guida naturalistica, finalizzata alla identificazione delle specie di Cistoseire presenti nell’A.M.P. di Capo Gallo - Isola delle Femmine, è un utile strumento sia per i gestori dell’area protetta sia per i visitatori subacquei che desiderano conoscere queste specie che formano il paesaggio sommerso nel piano infralitorale ed in parte anche nel piano circalitorale. Molte delle specie, descritte in maniera semplice ed efficace, ma ben determinate, sono inserite nelle liste delle specie protette di diverse Convenzioni internazionali ed in particolare nella Convenzione di Barcellona. Pertanto la guida è anche un utile strumento per conoscere queste specie ai fini di una gestione che ne …
Floral volatiles in a sapromyiophilous plant and their importance in attracting house fly pollinators
2015
Floral scent in sapromyiophilous plants often consists of complex blends with not only fetid (e.g., sulfides) but also sweet (e.g., terpenoids) volatile organic compounds and a recent study suggests that both groups of compounds are involved in pollinator attraction. However, little is known about the number and identity of compounds involved in pollinator attraction in these deceptive plants that mimic breeding sites of fly pollinators. In the present paper, we studied flower volatiles of sapromyiophilous Periploca laevigata and their capability to elicit biological responses in one of the pollinator species, Musca domestica. Floral volatiles were collected by dynamic headspace and analyse…
Charybdis glaucophylla (Asparagaceae), a new species from Sardinia
2012
Charybdis glaucophylla (Asparagaceae), a new species from Sardinia, is described and illustrated. It is a diploid species with 2n = 20 chromosomes growing along the rocky coast, sandy dunes and mountain top in the south-western part of the island. Within the genus, this species results taxonomically well isolated and differentiated due to relevant morphological and phenological features, such as the leaves wide and short, very rigid and glaucous-pruinose, as well as the very late foliation (winter). It shows only some relationships with C. pancration for the whitish bulb tunics and the diploid chromosome complement, and with C. maura and C. aphylla due to the glaucous leaves.