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Italy is estimated to host thousands of abandoned mines, many of which contain large volumes of mine residues that negatively affect land and aquatic ecosystems, also posing a risk to human health. This study evaluates the effectiveness of spaceborne imaging spectroscopy combined with laboratory spectroscopy for characterizing the mineralogy and geochemistry of residues from the abandoned Montevecchio sulfide mine in southwestern Sardinia, a site recognized as a significant source of environmental pollution. Mine tailings and their downstream dispersion along the Rio Irvi River were systematically studied and sampled in the field. Collected samples were analyzed in the lab using an Analytical Spectral Device (ASD) spectroradiometer, complemented by powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for mineralogical characterization. Affected zones were subsequently mapped using the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) hyperspectral satellite data at a 30 m spatial resolution, by applying a polynomial fitting technique to the image spectra. The results reveal the presence of Fe- and Zn-bearing sulfates and oxy/hydroxides, indicative of acidic-to-circum-neutral drainage conditions in the mine tailings and along affected streams. Specifically, EnMAP was able to detect jarosite and subtle chemical and physical variations in Fe-hydroxides. This integrated approach enabled the delineation of environmental conditions and zones with varying acidity based on the spectral characteristics of secondary minerals. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of EnMAP data for mapping acid mine drainage and assessing environmental impacts in legacy mining areas.

A comparison between the ASI-PRISMA (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana-PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa) DLR-EnMAP (German Aerospace Center—Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) data and field spectrometer measurements has been performed. The test site, located at the “Sale ‘e Porcus” pond (hereafter SPp) in Western Sardinia, Italy, offers particularly homogenous characteristics, making it an ideal location not only for experimentation but also for calibration purposes. Three remote-sensed data acquisitions have been performed by these agencies (ASI and DLR) starting on 14 July 2023 and continuing until 22 July 2023. The DLR-EnMAP data acquired on 22 July overestimates both that of the ASI-PRISMA and the 14 July DLR-EnMAP radiance in the VNIR region, while all the datasets are close to each other, up to 2500 nm, for all considered days. The average absolute mean difference between the reflectance values estimated by the ASI-PRISMA and DLR-EnMAP, in the test area, is around 0.015, despite the small difference in their time of acquisition (8 days); their maximum relative difference value occurs at about 2100 nm. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the averaged ground truth value of reflectance, acquired by means of a portable ASD FieldSpec spectoradiometer, characterizing the test site and the EO reflectance data derived from the official datasets. FieldSpec measurements confirm the quality of both the ASI-PRISMA and DLR-EnMAP’s reflectance estimations.

In this study, the presence of permafrost layer and its potential variation in the last three decades will be examined through the multitemporal analysis of satellite data in the area of the Deosai Plateau (Northern Pakistan). In the area, only global maps on the potential presence of permafrost layer are known. The results are based on the evaluation of variation of the number and water levels of the small lakes, and the changes of the extensions of the wetlands. The adopted methodology is based on the use of spectral indices and visual interpretation of a time-series data of Landsat images in the range 1990–2019, and on the processing of radar data from Sentinel 1 satellites, adopting new methods to extract the vertical displacement. The main findings are: (i) a high temporal dynamic of the number and surface areas of small lakes, and (ii) the evidence of a subduction in a wetland area (Black Hole), coherent with its extension, and suggesting the potential presence of a permafrost layer slowly degrading. This analysis can play a useful role on the management of the Deosai National Park (DNP), adopting careful measures for the human activities inside the park.

Exploitation of fisheries and aquaculture practices are exposing marine fish populations to increasing genetic risks. Therefore, the integration of genetic information into fisheries and aquaculture management is becoming crucial to ensure species’ long-term persistence. The raising commercial value of grey mullet ( Mugil cephalus ) and its roe represents a growing challenge to the sustainable management of this economically important fishery resource. Here, microsatellites were used to investigate patterns of genetic variation in a Mediterranean area that harbor flourishing fisheries and practice semi-intensive farming of grey mullet. Genetic diversity within populations is smaller than values reported in previous studies as a result of the lower polymorphism displayed by the new microsatellite loci. Lack of genetic structuring points to the existence of a unique genetic stock, which is consistent with the species’ high dispersal capabilities. Nonetheless, differences in local population effective size as well as the excess of related individuals do not completely fit the picture of a large panmictic population. Baseline genetic information here gathered will allow to set up the genetic monitoring of regional fish stocks, which is needed to assess the impact of both harvesting and aquaculture on the genetic integrity of Mugil cephalus wild populations.

The escalating threat of wildfires under global climate change necessitates rigorous monitoring to mitigate environmental and socio-economic risks. Burned area (BA) mapping is crucial for understanding fire dynamics, assessing ecosystem impacts, and supporting sustainable land management under increasing fire frequency. This study aims to develop a high-resolution detection framework specifically calibrated for Mediterranean environmental conditions, ensuring the production of consistent and accurate annual BA maps. Using Sentinel-2 MSI time series over Sardinia (Italy), the research objectives were to: (i) integrate field surveys with high-resolution photointerpretation to build a robust, locally tuned training dataset; (ii) evaluate the discriminative power of multi-temporal spectral indices; and (iii) implement a Random Forest classifier capable of providing higher spatial precision than current operational products. Validation results show a Dice Coefficient (DC) of 91.8%, significantly outperforming the EFFIS Burnt Area product (DC = 79.9%). The approach proved particularly effective in detecting small and rapidly recovering fires, often underrepresented in existing datasets. While inaccuracies persist due to cloud cover and landscape heterogeneity, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of a machine learning approach for long-term monitoring, for generating multi-year wildfire inventories, offering a vital tool for data-driven forest policy, vegetation recovery assessment and land-use change analysis in fire-prone regions.

The noble pen shell, Pinna nobilis, is an iconic marine bivalve endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, playing a key role as an ecosystem engineer. Over the past century, it has faced severe threats from overharvesting, pollution, and catastrophic mass mortality events. This study analysed 119 mitochondrial COI gene sequences from historical (1700s, 1920s, 1970s, 1990s) and modern (2000s) samples, including survivors of recent mass mortality crises. We standardised a protocol to extract DNA from ancient byssus samples over a century old and dated the emergence of the mitochondrial lineages of Pinna nobilis , uncovering its evolutionary history in unprecedented detail. Our findings suggest two main temporal origins for the species’ genetic variation: (i) a group of modern lineages directly descended from Pinna nobilis early ancestors originating 2.5 mya, and (ii) a large group derived from the first Pleistocene radiation of the species, approximately 1.5 mya. Importantly, our research depicts the evolutionary response of Pinna nobilis to three major challenges in the last century: human overexploitation, pollution, and environmental changes. Our results highlight the species’ remarkable resilience, likely mediated by Pleistocene genetic traits, whose persistence over time mainly depends on the maintaining of a high effective population size to ensure successful recruitment.

Despite Parvovirus B19 (B19V) generally causing mild or asymptomatic infections, and only certain high-risk groups such as hematological or immunocompromised patients and pregnant women tending to develop complications, several factors challenge the assumption of a “benign” clinical course in immunocompetent adults and adolescents. A significant proportion of the population may harbor undiagnosed health conditions or genetic predispositions that could render them more susceptible to severe B19V complications. These could include mild hematological disorders, immune dysregulation not resulting in overt immunodeficiency, or underlying cardiac conditions. Concurrent infections with other pathogens, even seemingly minor ones, could synergistically increase the severity of B19V infection, leading to more pronounced clinical manifestations. While not definitively proven, the possibility of emerging B19V strains with increased virulence or altered tissue tropism cannot be entirely discounted. Additionally, the period of pandemic-related restrictions likely led to reduced B19V circulation, potentially resulting in a cohort of young adults with limited natural immunity, making them more vulnerable to infection. Potential clinical consequences include atypical and severe presentations, even in individuals without known risk factors. The traditional focus on B19V primarily as a pediatric concern might lead to underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in adults, potentially hindering timely intervention and management. A surge in B19V-related complications, even if individually mild, could collectively strain healthcare resources, particularly in settings with limited capacity or pre-existing pressures. Possible recommendations are to heighten clinical awareness with a high index of suspicion for B19V infection in adults and adolescents presenting with compatible symptoms, even in the absence of classic risk factors. Additionally, expanding testing criteria and enhancing public health surveillance efforts would be prudent.

The family includes a number of negative RNA viruses known for their wide host range and significant zoonotic potential. In recent years, there has been a surge in the identification of emerging zoonotic paramyxoviruses, particularly those hosted by bat species, which serve as key reservoirs. Among these, the genera Henipavirus and Pararubulavirus are of particular concern. Henipaviruses, including the highly pathogenic Hendra and Nipah viruses, have caused severe outbreaks with high mortality rates in both humans and animals. In contrast, zoonotic pararubulaviruses such as the Menangle virus typically induce mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic in human hosts. This review summarizes current knowledge on the evolution, ecology, and epidemiology of emerging zoonotic paramyxoviruses, focusing on recently discovered viruses and their potential to cause future epidemics. We explore the molecular mechanisms underlying host-switching events, viral replication strategies, and immune evasion tactics that facilitate interspecies transmission. In addition, we discuss ecological factors influencing virus emergence, including changes in bat populations and habitats and the role of wildlife-human interfaces. We also examine the public health impact of these emerging viruses, underlining the importance of enhanced surveillance, developing improved diagnostic tools, and implementing proactive strategies to prevent potential outbreaks. By providing a comprehensive overview of recent advances and gaps in knowledge, this review aims to inform future research directions and public health policies related to zoonotic paramyxoviruses.

In such a context, evolutionary genetics lays the foundation for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms that shape the genetic variation of each type of organism (such as bacteria, viruses, plants, and animals, etc.), not only (and not anymore) for the mere appreciation of biodiversity, but also to provide a support for the management and conservation of endangered species or species deemed potentially dangerous to the human health. [...]this Special Issue aimed to combine the contributions of researchers working globally in the field of evolutionary genetics/biology, population genetics, molecular taxonomy, and conservation genetics, in order to obtain a bulk of papers that underscore the importance of studying genetic variability in organisms for safeguarding biodiversity, in all ways it can be understood [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. [...]considering that the few genetic studies performed in the pre-epidemic period for P. nobilis converged in evidencing a past good health for its populations in the entire Mediterranean region [23,24], in the future it would be useful to provide an extended post-epidemic integrative molecular survey, with the hope that P. nobilis can recover from MME both naturally and through targeted restocking programs. [...]these plans cannot ignore the correct assessment of the genetic variability of the species to be preserved with the aim to, whenever possible, not interfere with the evolutionary processes that, in time and space, have shaped the variability. Based on this background, in 2017 it was possible to implement a European conservation project (LIFE15 NAT/IT/000771), which, at the end of its execution, successfully led to the restocking of the population of P. ferruginea in the Ligurian Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea) starting from offspring reproduced in vitro by donors from the Sardinian Marine Protected Area of Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo (Western Mediterranean Sea). [...]previous data on the genetic variability of P. ferruginea, both globally and in the geographic areas involved in this project, enabled the avoidance of both the introduction of non-native genotypes into wild indigenous populations, and “human-mediated” founder

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of vaccination to global health security and highlighted the potential of digital health solutions to improve immunization strategies. This article explores integrating digital health technologies with immunization programs to improve coverage, monitoring, and public health outcomes. It examines the current landscape of digital tools used in immunization initiatives, such as mobile health apps, electronic health records, and data analytics platforms. Case studies from different regions demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, logistics, and real-time monitoring of vaccine distribution and adverse events. The paper also examines ethical considerations, data privacy issues, and the need for a robust digital infrastructure to support these innovations. By analyzing the successes and limitations of digital health interventions in immunization campaigns during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we provide recommendations for future integration strategies to ensure resilient and responsive immunization systems. This research aims to guide policymakers, health professionals, and technologists in leveraging digital health to strengthen immunization efforts and prepare for future public health emergencies.