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{{Infobox Organization
{{User sandbox}}
|name = Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sulle Pseudoscienze
<!-- EDIT BELOW THIS LINE -->
|image = CICAP.png
{{multiple issues|
|image_border =
{{more citations needed|date=July 2016}}
|size = <!-- default 200 -->
{{more footnotes|date=January 2012}}
|caption =
}}
|map = <!-- optional -->
{{automatic taxobox
|msize = <!-- map size, optional, default 200px -->
| image = Glacier-Lyman-Tamarack.jpg
|mcaption = <!-- optional -->
| image_caption = ''Larix'' (golden), ''Abies'' (central foreground) and ''Pinus'' (right foreground)
|abbreviation = CICAP
| taxon = Pinaceae
|motto =
| authority = [[John Lindley|Lindley]], 1836
|formation = {{start date and age|1989}}
| subdivision_ranks = Genera (no. of species)
|extinction = <!-- date of extinction, optional -->
| subdivision =
|type = NGO
* Subfamily '''[[Pinoideae]]'''
|status = <!-- ad hoc, treaty, foundation, etc -->
** ''[[Pinus]]'' – pines (c. 115)
|purpose = [[Scientific skepticism]]
* Subfamily '''[[Piceoideae]]'''
|headquarters =
** ''[[Picea]]'' – spruces (c. 35)
|location = [[Padua]], Italy
* Subfamily '''[[Laricoideae]]'''
|coords = <!-- Coordinates of location using a coordinates template -->
** ''[[Cathaya]]'' (1 species)
|region_served = [[Italy]]
** ''[[Larix]]'' – larches (about 14)
|membership =
** ''[[Pseudotsuga]]'' – Douglas-firs (5)
|language = [[Italian language|Italian]]
* Subfamily '''[[Abietoideae]]'''
|leader_title = Executive Director
** ''[[Abies]]'' – firs (about 50)
|leader_name = [[Massimo Polidoro]]
** ''[[Cedrus]]'' – cedars (2–4)
|main_organ = <!-- gral. assembly, board of directors, etc -->
** ''[[Keteleeria]]'' (3)
|parent_organization = <!-- if one -->
** ''[[Nothotsuga]]'' (1)
|affiliations = [[European Council of Skeptical Organisations]]
** ''[[Pseudolarix]]'' – golden larch (1)
|num_staff =
** ''[[Tsuga]]'' – hemlock (9)
|num_volunteers =
|budget =
|website = www.cicap.org
|remarks =
}}
}}
'''CICAP''' ('''Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sulle Pseudoscienze'''; in English '''Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Pseudosciences''') is an Italian, non-profit, skeptic educational organization, founded in 1989. CICAP's main goals are the promotion of the scientific analysis of alleged [[paranormal]] and [[pseudoscientific]] phenomena.<ref name=statuto>{{cite web|language=italian|title=STATUTO del Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sul Paranormale|url=https://www.cicap.org/new/files/statuto2012.pdf|website=www.cicap.org|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref> It is a member of the [[European Council of Skeptical Organisations]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Skeptics Organisations ECSO Members|url=https://www.ecso.org/member-org|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref>


==History==
The '''Pinaceae''' ('''pine family''') are trees or shrubs, including many of the well-known [[conifer]]s of commercial importance such as [[Cedrus|cedars]], [[fir]]s, [[Tsuga|hemlocks]], [[larch]]es, [[pine]]s and [[spruce]]s. The family is included in the order [[Pinales]], formerly known as [[Coniferales]]. Pinaceae are supported as monophyletic by their protein-type sieve cell plastids, pattern of proembryogeny, and lack of bioflavonoids. They are the largest extant conifer family in species diversity, with between 220 and 250 species (depending on [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomic]] opinion) in 11 genera,<ref name="Farjon">{{cite book |author=Aljos Farjon |year=1998 |title=World Checklist and Bibliography of Conifers |publisher=[[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]] |isbn=1-900347-54-7}}</ref> and the second-largest (after [[Cupressaceae]]) in geographical range, found in most of the [[Northern Hemisphere]], with the majority of the species in temperate climates, but ranging from subarctic to tropical. The family often forms the dominant component of boreal, coastal, and montane forests. One species, ''[[Pinus merkusii]]'', grows just south of the [[equator]] in Southeast Asia.<ref>{{Gymnosperm Database |family=Pinaceae |genus=Pinus |species=merkusii |access-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref> Major [[centre of diversity|centres of diversity]] are found in the mountains of southwest [[China]], [[Mexico]], central [[Japan]], and [[California]].
CICAP was started by the Italian science journalist [[Piero Angela]] together with a group of scientists including Luigi Garlaschelli. The first attempt at creating an organization that investigates alleged paranormal phenomena in Italy dates back to 1978, only two years after the founding of [[CSICOP]] (today [[Center for Inquiry|CFI]]), when following Piero Angela’s television show ''Indagine sulla parapsicologia'' (Inquiry on Parapsychology), 22 scientists and researchers of various disciplines released a common declaration calling for the establishment of a committee for the examination of alleged paranormal phenomena.<ref name=CICAPFAQ>{{cite web|language=italian|title=FAQ - Tutto quello che vorreste sapere sul CICAP|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=100439|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref>


[[File:Piero angela.jpg|thumb|left|[[Piero Angela]], national convention of CICAP (2001)]]
==Description==
[[File:Vagamon Pine Forest.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.36|Pine forest in [[Vagamon]], southern [[Western Ghats]], Kerala (India)]]
Members of the family Pinaceae are [[tree]]s (rarely [[shrub]]s) growing from {{convert|2|to|100|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} tall, mostly [[evergreen]] (except the [[deciduous]] ''Larix'' and ''Pseudolarix''), resinous, monoecious, with subopposite or whorled branches, and spirally arranged, linear (needle-like) leaves.<ref name="Farjon"/> The embryos of Pinaceae have three to 24 [[cotyledon]]s.


The initiative didn't come into being until 1987-1988, when Piero Angela organized numerous meetings amongst the Italian subscribers of ''Skeptical Inquirer'' magazine that terminated with a meeting in [[Turin]] on October 9, 1988. During the meeting, the association’s goals and objectives were defined along with the name for the committee: ''Comitato italiano per il controllo delle affermazioni sul paranormale'' (Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), chosen because the acronym “CICAP” resembled “check-up” in English.<ref name=10anni>{{cite web|language=it|last1=Polidoro|first1=Massimo|title=CICAP: 1989-1999: Bilancio su 10 anni di attività e prospettive future|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=100005|website=CICAP|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref><ref name=CICAPtorino>{{cite web|language=it|last1=Mangiardi|first1=Umberto|title=Il Cicap di Torino : scopriamo che cos’è|url=http://www.mole24.it/2012/06/08/il-cicap-di-torino-scopriamo-che-cose/|accessdate=18 September 2014}}</ref>
The female [[conifer cone|cones]] are large and usually woody, {{convert|2|-|60|cm|0|abbr=on}} long, with numerous spirally arranged scales, and two winged [[seed]]s on each scale. The male cones are small, {{convert|0.5|-|6.0|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} long, and fall soon after pollination; pollen dispersal is by wind. Seed dispersal is mostly by wind, but some species have large seeds with reduced wings, and are dispersed by [[bird]]s. Analysis of Pinaceae cones reveals how selective pressure has shaped the evolution of variable cone size and function throughout the family. Variation in cone size in the family has likely resulted from the variation of seed dispersal mechanisms available in their environments over time. All Pinaceae with seeds weighing less than 90&nbsp;mg are seemingly adapted for wind dispersal. Pines having seeds larger than 100&nbsp;mg are more likely to have benefited from adaptations that promote animal dispersal, particularly by birds.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Craig W. Benkman |year=1995 |title=Wind dispersal capacity of pine seeds and the evolution of different seed dispersal modes in pines |journal=[[Oikos (journal)|Oikos]] |volume=73 |issue=2 |pages=221–224 |jstor=3545911 |url=http://www.uwyo.edu/benkman/pdfs%20of%20papers/benkman_oikos_1995.pdf |format=[[Portable Document Format|PDF]] |doi=10.2307/3545911}}</ref> Pinaceae that persist in areas where tree squirrels are abundant do not seem to have evolved adaptations for bird dispersal.


The Committee was formalized on June 12, 1989. Lorenzo Montali was appointed executive director and [[Massimo Polidoro]] the director of the association’s magazine. Two [[Nobel Prize]] laureates are or have been members: [[Carlo Rubbia]] and [[Rita Levi Montalcini]]. Other notable members included the philosopher, [[Semiotics|semiotician]] and novelist [[Umberto Eco]].<ref name="GuardianNaples2005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/oct/06/worlddispatch.italy | title=No blood, sweat or tears | first=Barbara | last=McMahon | newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | date=October 6, 2005 | accessdate=July 28, 2009|postscript=<!--None--> }}</ref> {{asof|2009}}, the executive director is Italian skeptic investigator and writer Massimo Polidoro.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cicap.org/en/about_cicap.htm |year= 2007 | title= About CICAP | publisher= CICAP |website= cicap.org | accessdate=July 29, 2009 }}</ref>
Boreal conifers have many adaptions for winter. The narrow conical shape of northern conifers, and their downward-drooping limbs help them shed snow, and many of them seasonally alter their biochemistry to make them more resistant to freezing, called "hardening".


In the beginning, CICAP was primarily concerned with parapsychology ([[telepathy]], [[psychokinesis]], etc.). With time, CICAP began branching out into other areas of pseudoscience (such as [[alternative medicine]]), both historical (such as those involving dragons or the sword in the rock) and above all, contemporary legends ([[urban legends]]).<ref name=CICAPtorino/> The rise in popularity of other pseudoscientific phenomena prompted the organization to change its name.<ref name=10anni/> In September 2013, CICAP announced a change in its name altering the P of the acronym from ''paranormale'' (paranormal) to ''pseudoscienze'' (pseudosciences).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=275444 |title= Il CICAP cambia nome: non più solo 'paranormale' ma 'pseudoscienze' |date= September 9, 2013 |language= IT |publisher= CICAP |website= cicap.org}}</ref> The new name includes not only supernatural phenomena, but also pseudoscientific ideas and claims regarding treatments whose efficacy is not scientifically proven, conspiracy theories, urban legends and historical falsifications.
==Classification==
[[File:Ab plant 673.jpg|thumb|An immature second-year cone of [[European black pine]] (''Pinus nigra'') with the light brown [[umbo (botany)|umbo]] visible on the green cone scales.]]
[[File:Norway Spruce cone.jpg|thumb|An immature cone of [[Norway spruce]] (''Picea abies'') with no umbo.]]
Classification of the subfamilies and genera of Pinaceae has been subject to debate in the past. Pinaceae ecology, morphology, and history have all been used as the basis for methods of analyses of the family. An 1891 publication divided the family into two subfamiles, using the number and position of resin canals in the primary vascular region of the young taproot as the primary consideration. In a 1910 publication, the family was divided into two tribes based on the occurrence and type of long–short shoot dimorphism. A more recent classification divided the subfamilies and genera based on the consideration of features of ovulate cone anatomy among extant and fossil members of the family. Below is an example of how the morphology has been used to classify Pinaceae.
The 11 genera are grouped into four subfamilies, based on the microscopical anatomy and the morphology of the cones, pollen, wood, seeds, and leaves:<ref>{{cite journal |author=Robert A. Price, Jeanine Olsen-Stojkovich & Jerold M. Lowenstein |year=1987 |title=Relationships among the genera of Pinaceae: an immunological comparison |journal=[[Systematic Botany]] |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=91–97 |jstor=2419217 |doi=10.2307/2419217}}</ref>


A short list of CICAP investigations during its history includes verifying [[astrology|astrological predictions]], powers of [[Magician (paranormal)|magicians]], [[dowsing|dowsers]], healers and [[fakirs]], [[Unidentified flying object|UFOs]], the blood of [[Januarius|St.Januarius]] and contacts with the [[afterlife]].
* Subfamily [[Pinoideae]] (''[[Pinus]]''): cones are biennial, rarely triennial, with each year's scale-growth distinct, forming an umbo on each scale, the cone scale base is broad, concealing the seeds fully from [[abaxial]] view, the seed is without resin vesicles, the seed wing holds the seed in a pair of claws, leaves have primary stomatal bands adaxial (above the xylem) or equally on both surfaces.
CICAP also deals with verifying astrological predictions.<ref name=activities>{{cite web|title=CICAP's activities|url=http://www.cicap.org/en/cicap_activities.htm|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref> In fact, every December, it collects a sample of astrological predictions made by astrologers and clairvoyants during the year and publishes a year-end report on the outcomes of the predictions. Since 2009, CICAP organizes an annual “Anti-Superstition” day in various cities during a Friday the 17th.<ref>{{cite web|language=it|title=Venerdì 17 luglio 2009: Il CICAP lancia la "Prima Giornata Anti-Superstizione"|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=273903|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=it|title=Venerdì 17, la gimcana contro la superstizione|url=http://milano.repubblica.it/multimedia/home/6930211/1/1|website=Milano Repubblica |accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref>
* Subfamily [[Piceoideae]] (''[[Picea]]''): cones are annual, without a distinct umbo, the cone scale base is broad, concealing the seeds fully from abaxial view, seed is without resin vesicles, blackish, the seed wing holds the seed loosely in a cup, leaves have primary stomatal bands adaxial (above the xylem) or equally on both surfaces.
* Subfamily [[Laricoideae]] (''[[Larix]]'', ''[[Pseudotsuga]]'', and ''[[Cathaya]]''): cones are annual, without a distinct umbo, the cone scale base is broad, concealing the seeds fully from abaxial view, the seed is without resin vesicles, whitish, the seed wing holds the seed tightly in a cup, leaves have primary stomatal bands abaxial (below the phloem vessels) only.
* Subfamily [[Abietoideae]] (''[[Abies]]'', ''[[Cedrus]]'', ''[[Pseudolarix]]'', ''[[Keteleeria]]'', ''[[Nothotsuga]]'', and ''[[Tsuga]]''): cones are annual, without a distinct umbo, the cone scale base is narrow, with the seeds partly visible in abaxial view, the seed has resin vesicles, the seed wing holds the seed tightly in a cup, leaves have primary stomatal bands abaxial (below the phloem vessels) only.


The organization has always worked closely with Italian media to help insure accurate coverage of paranormal topics.<ref name="Polidoro">{{Cite news|url=http://www.csicop.org/genx/polidoro | last=Nisbet | first=Matt | title=Introducing Italy's Version of Harry Houdini | newspaper=Generation SXeptic | publisher=[[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]] | location=Ithaca, NY | date= August 31, 2000 | accessdate= July 29, 2009|postscript=<!--None--> |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090802085646/http://csicop.org/genx/polidoro |archivedate= 2009-08-02}}</ref>
== Defense mechanisms ==
External stresses on plants have the ability to change the structure and composition of [[Forest ecology|forest ecosystems]]. Common external stress that ''Pinaceae'' experience are [[herbivore]] and [[pathogen]] attack which often leads to tree death.<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal|last=Cherubini|first=Paolo|last2=Fontana|first2=Giovanni|last3=Rigling|first3=Daniel|last4=Dobbertin|first4=Matthias|last5=Brang|first5=Peter|last6=Innes|first6=John L.|date=2002|title=Tree-Life History Prior to Death: Two Fungal Root Pathogens Affect Tree-Ring Growth Differently|jstor=3072253|journal=Journal of Ecology|volume=90|issue=5|pages=839–850}}</ref> In order to combat these stresses, trees need to adapt or evolve defenses against these stresses. ''Pinaceae'' have evolved a myriad of mechanical and chemical defenses, or a combination of the two, in order to protect themselves against antagonists.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Terpenoid-biosynthesis-and-specialized-vascular-ce-Zulak-Bohlmann/8a9532d7642b070590b29dadecc12e85d8bc0415|title=Terpenoid biosynthesis and specialized vascular cells of conifer defense. - Semantic Scholar|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref> ''Pinaceae'' have the ability to up-regulate a combination of constitutive mechanical and [[Chemical defense|chemical strategies]] to further their defenses.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal|last=Franceschi|first=Vincent R.|last2=Krokene|first2=Paal|last3=Christiansen|first3=Erik|last4=Krekling|first4=Trygve|date=2005-08-01|title=Anatomical and chemical defenses of conifer bark against bark beetles and other pests|url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01436.x/abstract|journal=New Phytologist|language=en|volume=167|issue=2|pages=353–376|doi=10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01436.x|issn=1469-8137}}</ref>


In October 2004, CICAP and the CSI co-sponsored a World Skeptics Congress in Italy.<ref name="WorldCongress2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.cicap.org/congress/index.html|title= World Skeptics Congress 2004 |publisher=CICAP |website= cicap.org |accessdate= 2009-07-29}}</ref>
''Pinaceae'' defenses are prevalent in the bark of the trees. This part of the tree contributes a complex defensive boundary against external antagonists.<ref name=":0">Franceschi, V. R., P. Krokene, T. Krekling, and E. Christiansen. 2000. Phloem parenchyma cells are involved in local and distance defense response to fungal inoculation or bark-beetle attack in Norway spruce (''Pinaceae''). American Journal of Botany 87:314-326.</ref> [[Constitutive defense|Constitutive]] and [[Inducible plant defenses against herbivory|induced defenses]] are both found in the bark.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite journal|last=Hudgins|first=J. W.|last2=Christiansen|first2=E.|last3=Franceschi|first3=V. R.|date=2004-03-01|title=Induction of anatomically based defense responses in stems of diverse conifers by methyl jasmonate: a phylogenetic perspective|url=https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article/24/3/251/1678436|journal=Tree Physiology|language=en|volume=24|issue=3|pages=251–264|doi=10.1093/treephys/24.3.251|issn=0829-318X}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite journal|last=Krokene|first=P.|last2=Nagy|first2=N. E.|last3=Solheim|first3=H.|date=2008-01-01|title=Methyl jasmonate and oxalic acid treatment of Norway spruce: anatomically based defense responses and increased resistance against fungal infection|url=https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article/28/1/29/1647951|journal=Tree Physiology|language=en|volume=28|issue=1|pages=29–35|doi=10.1093/treephys/28.1.29|issn=0829-318X}}</ref>


CICAP's Logo is based on the [[grid illusion]]. Designed in 1992 by Franco Ramaccini, was amended in 2009 with the inclusion of the words, "Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sul Paranormale".<ref name=CICAPFAQ/>
=== Constitutive defenses ===
[[Constitutive defense]]s are typically the first line of defenses used against antagonists and can include sclerified cells, lignified periderm cells, and secondary compounds such as [[Phenols|phenolics]] and [[resin]]s.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Sampedro|first=L.|date=2014-09-01|title=Physiological trade-offs in the complexity of pine tree defensive chemistry|url=https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article/34/9/915/1642912|journal=Tree Physiology|language=en|volume=34|issue=9|pages=915–918|doi=10.1093/treephys/tpu082|issn=0829-318X}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /> Constitutive defenses are always expressed and offer immediate protection from invaders but could also be defeated by antagonists that have evolved adaptations to these defense mechanisms.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /> One of the common secondary compounds used by ''Pinaceae'' are phenolics or polyphenols. These secondary compounds are preserved in [[vacuole]]s of polyphenolic [[Parenchyma|parenchyma cells]] (PP) in the [[Phloem|secondary phloem]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last=Nagy|first=N. E.|last2=Krokene|first2=P.|last3=Solheim|first3=H.|date=2006-02-01|title=Anatomical-based defense responses of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stems to two fungal pathogens|url=https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article/26/2/159/1676789|journal=Tree Physiology|language=en|volume=26|issue=2|pages=159–167|doi=10.1093/treephys/26.2.159|issn=0829-318X}}</ref><ref name=":9" />


==Scope==
=== Induced defenses ===
[[File:Braci.jpeg|thumbnail|Marta Annunziata fire-walking]]
[[Inducible plant defenses against herbivory|Induced defense]] responses need to be activated by certain cues, such as herbivore damage or other biotic signals.<ref name=":2" />
The subject matters investigated by CICAP <ref name=activities/> can be divided into three categories:
* Paranormal Phenomena which would violate the fundamental laws of modern science: investigations of [[parapsychology]] such as [[telepathy]], [[precognition]], [[clairvoyance]], [[Psychokinesis|telekinesis]]. Other subjects that fall under this category are generally described as "scientifically inexplicable": [[Firewalking|fire-walking]], [[Electronic voice phenomenon|Electronic voice phenomena (EVP)]], religious paranormal events, and so on.
* Pseudoscience: those disciplines that claim to be scientifically valid but that systematically elude experimental verification when the scientific method is applied: astrology, [[alternative medicine]], [[creationism]], [[E-rays|Earth Radiation]], [[numerology]], etc.
* Mysteries and legends: stories that are not strictly paranormal but are unusual such as [[urban legend]]s, UFOs and alleged alien events such as [[crop circle]]s, traditional legends such as those involving [[dragon]]s or the sword in the stone.


==Method==
A common induced defense mechanism used by ''Pinaceae'' is resins.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|last=Nagy|first=Nina E.|last2=Franceschi|first2=Vincent R.|last3=Solheim|first3=Halvor|last4=Krekling|first4=Trygve|last5=Christiansen|first5=Erik|date=2000-03-01|title=Wound-induced traumatic resin duct development in stems of Norway spruce (Pinaceae): anatomy and cytochemical traits|url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2307/2656626/abstract|journal=American Journal of Botany|language=en|volume=87|issue=3|pages=302–313|doi=10.2307/2656626|issn=1537-2197}}</ref> [[Resin]]s are also one of the primary defenses used against attack.<ref name=":1" /> Resins are short term defenses that are composed of a complex combination of volatile [[Monoterpene|mono]]- (C<sub>10</sub>) and [[sesquiterpene]]s (C<sub>15</sub>) and nonvolatile [[diterpene]] resin acids (C<sub>20</sub>).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /> They are produced and stored in specialized secretory areas known as resin ducts, resin blisters, or resin cavities.<ref name=":4" /> Resins have the ability to wash away, trap, fend off antagonists, and are also involved in wound sealing.<ref name=":3" /> They are an effective defense mechanism because they have toxic and inhibitory effects on invaders, such as insects or pathogens.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last=Lewinsohn|first=Efraim|last2=Gijzen|first2=Mark|last3=Croteau|first3=Rodney|date=1991-05-01|title=Defense Mechanisms of Conifers: Differences in Constitutive and Wound-Induced Monoterpene Biosynthesis Among Species|url=http://www.plantphysiol.org/content/96/1/44|journal=Plant Physiology|language=en|volume=96|issue=1|pages=44–49|doi=10.1104/pp.96.1.44|issn=0032-0889|pmid=16668184|pmc=1080711}}</ref> Resins could have developed as an evolutionary defense against [[bark beetle]] attacks.<ref name=":4" /> One well researched resin present in ''Pinaceae'' is [[oleoresin]]. Oleoresin had been found to be a valuable part of the [[Pinophyta|conifer]] defense mechanism against [[Biotic stress|biotic attacks]].<ref name=":5" /> They are found in [[Plant secretory tissue|secretory tissues]] in tree stems, roots, and leaves.<ref name=":5" /> Oleoresin is also needed in order to classify conifers.<ref name=":5" />
CICAP applies [[scientific skepticism|rational skepticism]] in its activities. This posits that every empirical statement can only be accepted after experimental verification. CICAP applies the scientific method to its investigations.<ref name=CICAPFAQ/> CICAP often employs the collaboration of magicians in its investigations to ascertain the possible use of tricks. For example, [[Silvan (illusionist)|Silvan]] is a CICAP sympathizer and has collaborated with CICAP in some of its initiatives.


==Limits==
=== Active research: methyl jasmonate (MJ) ===
The topic of defense mechanisms within family ''Pinaceae'' is a very active area of study with numerous studies being conducted. Many of these studies use [[methyl jasmonate]] (MJ) as an antagonist.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite journal|last=Fäldt|first=Jenny|last2=Martin|first2=Diane|last3=Miller|first3=Barbara|last4=Rawat|first4=Suman|last5=Bohlmann|first5=Jörg|date=2003-01-01|title=Traumatic resin defense in Norway spruce (Picea abies): Methyl jasmonate-induced terpene synthase gene expression, and cDNA cloning and functional characterization of (+)-3-carene synthase|url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1020714403780|journal=Plant Molecular Biology|language=en|volume=51|issue=1|pages=119–133|doi=10.1023/A:1020714403780|issn=0167-4412}}</ref> Methyl jasmonate is known to be able to induce defense responses in the stems of multiple ''Pinaceae'' species.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":10" /> It has been found that MJ stimulated the activation of PP cells and formation of xylem traumatic resin ducts (TD). These are structures that are involved in the release of phenolics and resins, both forms of defense mechanism.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9" />


CICAP does not cover metaphysics, in particular religion and faith, because these phenomena cannot be studied scientifically. CICAP investigates religious claims regarding material manifestations such as relics or the St. Janarius blood miracle in Naples because these phenomena are subject to scientific examination.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Minotti|first1=Andrea|title=Esiste davvero il paranormale? Intervista a Massimo Polidoro, esperto del CICAP|url=http://www.cronaca-nera.it/2604/esite-paranormale-intervista-massimo-polidoro-esperto-cicap|accessdate=2 November 2014}}</ref> CICAP is interested in informing the public. Its members have different religious and political beliefs, but they all agree that alleged pseudoscientific phenomena must be investigated and the results publicized.<ref name=CICAPFAQ/>
<gallery>
File:Pinceae_Bishop_pine_prickle_cone_pine_pinus_muricata.jpg | Close up of bishop pine cones
File:Pinaceae_Knobcone_Pine_Pinus_attenuata.jpg | Knobcone pine cone
</gallery>


==References==
==Organization==
[[File:CICAP members.jpeg|thumbnail|From the left: Francesco Grassi, Marino Franzosi, Beatrice Mautino, Piero Angela, Marta Annunziata, Paolo Attivissimo, Francesca Guizzo, Steno Ferluga, Massimo Polidoro, Luigi Garlaschelli, Paola De Gobbi]]
{{Reflist}}


The association is self-financed <ref name=InterviewPolidoro>{{cite web|title=Interview with Massimo Polidoro (47:20)|url=http://www.theskepticsguide.org/podcast/sgu/392|publisher=SGU Productions|accessdate=10 July 2014}}</ref> and its supporting members are its only sustaining force as shown in the fundraising campaign implemented in early 2000: “Progetto CICAP 2000” (Project CICAP 2000) whose aim was to give the committee a permanent headquarters. The goal was to raise the 300 million lire for the acquisition of the necessary infrastructure. The goal was achieved and the office space was purchased in Padua. Curious, given that his fortune was based on the artistic and literary paranormal, was the adhesion of Tiziano Sclavi, who contributed five million lire. Sclavi is in fact a supporter of CICAP and declared that the occult and paranormal are great in fiction but that reality is a whole other thing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Umberto Eco e Tiziano Sclavi parlano del CICAP|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=100459|accessdate=2 November 2014}}</ref>
==Further reading==

* {{Cite journal |author=Heinz-Dietmar Behnke |year=1974 |title=Sieve element plastids of Gymnospermae: their ultrastructure and relation to systematics |journal=[[Plant Systematics and Evolution]] |volume=123 |issue=1 |pages=1–12 |doi=10.1007/BF00983281}}
The national headquarters is located in Padua while the bulk of the outreach activities and the national press archive are located in Turin. Some regions have local groups or chapters<ref name=InterviewPolidoro/> with their own CICAP branches. Currently, there are local groups in Abruzzo-Molise, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Apulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto. Furthermore, there is a local group in Canton Ticino, Switzerland.
* {{Cite journal |author1=D. F. Greene |author2=E. A. Johnson |lastauthoramp=yes |year=1990 |title=The dispersal of winged fruits and seeds differing in autorotative behavior |journal=[[Canadian Journal of Botany]] |volume=68 |issue=12 |pages=2693–2697 |doi=10.1139/b90-340}}

* {{Cite conference |author=A. Liston, D. S. Gernandt, T. F. Vining, C. S. Campbell & D. Piñero |year=2003 |title=Molecular phylogeny of ''Pinaceae'' and ''Pinus'' |pages=107–114 |editor1=R.&nbsp;R. Mill |work=Proceedings of the Fourth International Conifer Conference |publisher=International Society for Horticultural Science |location=Brugge |series=Acta Horticulturae |volume=615 |url=http://www.actahort.org/books/615/615_7.htm}}
==Conferences and main events==
* {{cite book |title=Conifers Around the World |year=2012 |publisher=DendroPress |isbn=9632190610 |author1=Zsolt Debreczy |author2=Istvan Racz }}

CICAP organizes a national conference every two years where internal and external speakers meet to discuss a paranormal or pseudoscientific theme. The conference is open to the general public, but requires a participation fee that is used to finance the group’s activities.<ref name=CICAPFAQ/>

==Investigations==
[[File:CICAP-circle making.jpeg|thumb|Francesco Grassi during a circle making session]]
The organization has investigated a number of paranormal phenomena including:
* The alleged [[San Gennaro#The Blood Miracle|San Gennaro blood miracle]] in Naples<ref name="SanGennaro">{{Cite journal | first= L. | last= Garlaschelli | first2= F. | last2= Ramaccini | first3=S. | last3=Della Sala | title=The blood of St. Januarius | journal= [[Chemistry World|Chemistry in Britain]] | volume=30 | issue=2 | year=1994 | page= 123 | url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=101014 | accessdate=July 28, 2009 | postscript=<!--None--> }}</ref><ref name="Williams2013">{{cite book |last= Williams |first= William F. |title= [[Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience|Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience: From Alien Abductions to Zone Therapy]] |year= 2013 |origyear= 2000 |publisher= [[Routledge]] |isbn= 9781135955229 |chapter= Januarius, St., Miracle Of |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=vH1EAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT196 |page= 168}}</ref>
* Russian psychic [[Nina Kulagina]]<ref>{{cite web|first=Massimo | last=Polidoro | authorlink=Massimo Polidoro | url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=101003 | title=Secrets of a Russian psychic | publisher= CICAP |website= cicap.org | date=December 12, 2000 | accessdate=July 28, 2009 }}</ref>
* The alleged miracles of [[Padre Pio]]<ref name="GuardianNaples2005"/>
* Italian crop circles<ref name="GuardianNaples2005"/><ref>{{cite web|title=SPECIAL CROP CIRCLES|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=273540|accessdate=2 November 2014}}</ref>

In September 2005, [[National Geographic Channel|National Geographic Channel's]] program ''[[Is It Real?]]'' (episode 10) asked for a demonstration of "Knockout" Chi (a no-touch knockout technique), during which instructor Leon Jay was unable to knock-out Luigi Garlaschelli, an investigator from CICAP.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Polidoro | first=M. | authorlink=Massimo Polidoro | title=Just like Jedi Knights (if only) |magazine= [[Skeptical Inquirer]] | publisher=[[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]] | date=May–June 2008 | volume=32 | issue=3 | page=21|postscript=<!--None--> }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM_qg5d1YGI | title=George Dillman explains Chi K.O. nullification |website=YouTube | accessdate=July 28, 2009}}{{Copyvio link}}</ref>

In September 2016, CICAP tested a mother and daughter pair that claimed they could psychically transmit [[zener cards]] to each other. Massimo Polidoro and Luigi Garlaschelli tested the women Amalia Maruca and mother Carmela Paola at the offices of Nuova Menle. The women had been reported to have a 90 to 100 percent accuracy rate by newspaper ''La Nuova Provincia de Biella''. Polidoro and Garlaschelli used a small blind between the women to remove their ability to see the cards, but they had a clear view of each others faces. During the first test the result was 24 correct out of a run of 25 cards. A higher blind was next used so they could not see each other and the results were 7 correct out of 25 cards. The third round used a tablet computer which eliminated the sound of pen drawing on paper, a technique called "sound reading". The results were 5 correct out of 25 cards. For the final tests, zener cards were eliminated and cards with popular optical illusions were used. The women stopped the test after 5 cards saying they could not transmit. CICAP switched to normal playing cards, the results were 2 out of 25 cards. CICAP concluded that the effect disappears when the women could not see each other and no telepathy existed when non-zener cards were used.<ref name="Telepathy">{{cite journal |last1=Polidoro |first1=Massimo |authorlink=Massimo Polidoro|title=A Telepathy Investigation |journal=Skeptical Inquirer |date=2018 |volume=42 |issue=5 |pages=21-23 |publisher=Committee for Skeptical Inquiry}}</ref>

==Publications==
CICAP continues its dissemination activities through conferences and public lectures, radio and television appearances, through the publication of ''Query'' a quarterly magazine (formerly ''Scienza & Paranormale'', Science & Paranormal), books and articles regarding these topics, through the conservation of a library and an archive of articles. Additional material, both on CICAP own research as well as foreigner skeptical and scientific papers translated into Italia, is published on [http://www.queryonline.it/ QueryOnline], the online version of the printed magazine.<ref name=activities/>

==See also==
* ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]''

==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.cicap.org/en/index.php}}
* [http://www.pinetum.org/ Arboretum de Villardebelle] French Arboretum of conifers around the world
* [http://www.conifers.org/pi/Pinaceae.php Gymnosperm Database] – Pinaceae
* [http://tolweb.org/Pinaceae/21624 Pinaceae on the web page of the Tree-of-Life project]
* [https://www.thespruce.com/pine-trees-from-around-the-world-3269718 40 Pine Trees From Around the World] by The Spruce
* [http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?key=32 Key to Pinaceae] from the Jepson Manual, covers Californian species and much of western North America
* [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=10691 Pinaceae in Flora of North America]
* [https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PINUS Pinus in USDA Plants Database]
{{Pinophyta}}


{{Skeptic organizations}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q101680}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Cicap}}
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[[Category:Pinaceae| ]]
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Revision as of 11:10, 20 January 2019

Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sulle Pseudoscienze
AbbreviationCICAP
Formation1989; 35 years ago (1989)
TypeNGO
PurposeScientific skepticism
Location
Region served
Italy
Official language
Italian
Executive Director
Massimo Polidoro
AffiliationsEuropean Council of Skeptical Organisations
Websitewww.cicap.org

CICAP (Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sulle Pseudoscienze; in English Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Pseudosciences) is an Italian, non-profit, skeptic educational organization, founded in 1989. CICAP's main goals are the promotion of the scientific analysis of alleged paranormal and pseudoscientific phenomena.[1] It is a member of the European Council of Skeptical Organisations.[2]

History

CICAP was started by the Italian science journalist Piero Angela together with a group of scientists including Luigi Garlaschelli. The first attempt at creating an organization that investigates alleged paranormal phenomena in Italy dates back to 1978, only two years after the founding of CSICOP (today CFI), when following Piero Angela’s television show Indagine sulla parapsicologia (Inquiry on Parapsychology), 22 scientists and researchers of various disciplines released a common declaration calling for the establishment of a committee for the examination of alleged paranormal phenomena.[3]

Piero Angela, national convention of CICAP (2001)

The initiative didn't come into being until 1987-1988, when Piero Angela organized numerous meetings amongst the Italian subscribers of Skeptical Inquirer magazine that terminated with a meeting in Turin on October 9, 1988. During the meeting, the association’s goals and objectives were defined along with the name for the committee: Comitato italiano per il controllo delle affermazioni sul paranormale (Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), chosen because the acronym “CICAP” resembled “check-up” in English.[4][5]

The Committee was formalized on June 12, 1989. Lorenzo Montali was appointed executive director and Massimo Polidoro the director of the association’s magazine. Two Nobel Prize laureates are or have been members: Carlo Rubbia and Rita Levi Montalcini. Other notable members included the philosopher, semiotician and novelist Umberto Eco.[6] As of 2009, the executive director is Italian skeptic investigator and writer Massimo Polidoro.[7]

In the beginning, CICAP was primarily concerned with parapsychology (telepathy, psychokinesis, etc.). With time, CICAP began branching out into other areas of pseudoscience (such as alternative medicine), both historical (such as those involving dragons or the sword in the rock) and above all, contemporary legends (urban legends).[5] The rise in popularity of other pseudoscientific phenomena prompted the organization to change its name.[4] In September 2013, CICAP announced a change in its name altering the P of the acronym from paranormale (paranormal) to pseudoscienze (pseudosciences).[8] The new name includes not only supernatural phenomena, but also pseudoscientific ideas and claims regarding treatments whose efficacy is not scientifically proven, conspiracy theories, urban legends and historical falsifications.

A short list of CICAP investigations during its history includes verifying astrological predictions, powers of magicians, dowsers, healers and fakirs, UFOs, the blood of St.Januarius and contacts with the afterlife. CICAP also deals with verifying astrological predictions.[9] In fact, every December, it collects a sample of astrological predictions made by astrologers and clairvoyants during the year and publishes a year-end report on the outcomes of the predictions. Since 2009, CICAP organizes an annual “Anti-Superstition” day in various cities during a Friday the 17th.[10][11]

The organization has always worked closely with Italian media to help insure accurate coverage of paranormal topics.[12]

In October 2004, CICAP and the CSI co-sponsored a World Skeptics Congress in Italy.[13]

CICAP's Logo is based on the grid illusion. Designed in 1992 by Franco Ramaccini, was amended in 2009 with the inclusion of the words, "Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sul Paranormale".[3]

Scope

Marta Annunziata fire-walking

The subject matters investigated by CICAP [9] can be divided into three categories:

Method

CICAP applies rational skepticism in its activities. This posits that every empirical statement can only be accepted after experimental verification. CICAP applies the scientific method to its investigations.[3] CICAP often employs the collaboration of magicians in its investigations to ascertain the possible use of tricks. For example, Silvan is a CICAP sympathizer and has collaborated with CICAP in some of its initiatives.

Limits

CICAP does not cover metaphysics, in particular religion and faith, because these phenomena cannot be studied scientifically. CICAP investigates religious claims regarding material manifestations such as relics or the St. Janarius blood miracle in Naples because these phenomena are subject to scientific examination.[14] CICAP is interested in informing the public. Its members have different religious and political beliefs, but they all agree that alleged pseudoscientific phenomena must be investigated and the results publicized.[3]

Organization

From the left: Francesco Grassi, Marino Franzosi, Beatrice Mautino, Piero Angela, Marta Annunziata, Paolo Attivissimo, Francesca Guizzo, Steno Ferluga, Massimo Polidoro, Luigi Garlaschelli, Paola De Gobbi

The association is self-financed [15] and its supporting members are its only sustaining force as shown in the fundraising campaign implemented in early 2000: “Progetto CICAP 2000” (Project CICAP 2000) whose aim was to give the committee a permanent headquarters. The goal was to raise the 300 million lire for the acquisition of the necessary infrastructure. The goal was achieved and the office space was purchased in Padua. Curious, given that his fortune was based on the artistic and literary paranormal, was the adhesion of Tiziano Sclavi, who contributed five million lire. Sclavi is in fact a supporter of CICAP and declared that the occult and paranormal are great in fiction but that reality is a whole other thing.[16]

The national headquarters is located in Padua while the bulk of the outreach activities and the national press archive are located in Turin. Some regions have local groups or chapters[15] with their own CICAP branches. Currently, there are local groups in Abruzzo-Molise, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Apulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto. Furthermore, there is a local group in Canton Ticino, Switzerland.

Conferences and main events

CICAP organizes a national conference every two years where internal and external speakers meet to discuss a paranormal or pseudoscientific theme. The conference is open to the general public, but requires a participation fee that is used to finance the group’s activities.[3]

Investigations

Francesco Grassi during a circle making session

The organization has investigated a number of paranormal phenomena including:

In September 2005, National Geographic Channel's program Is It Real? (episode 10) asked for a demonstration of "Knockout" Chi (a no-touch knockout technique), during which instructor Leon Jay was unable to knock-out Luigi Garlaschelli, an investigator from CICAP.[21][22]

In September 2016, CICAP tested a mother and daughter pair that claimed they could psychically transmit zener cards to each other. Massimo Polidoro and Luigi Garlaschelli tested the women Amalia Maruca and mother Carmela Paola at the offices of Nuova Menle. The women had been reported to have a 90 to 100 percent accuracy rate by newspaper La Nuova Provincia de Biella. Polidoro and Garlaschelli used a small blind between the women to remove their ability to see the cards, but they had a clear view of each others faces. During the first test the result was 24 correct out of a run of 25 cards. A higher blind was next used so they could not see each other and the results were 7 correct out of 25 cards. The third round used a tablet computer which eliminated the sound of pen drawing on paper, a technique called "sound reading". The results were 5 correct out of 25 cards. For the final tests, zener cards were eliminated and cards with popular optical illusions were used. The women stopped the test after 5 cards saying they could not transmit. CICAP switched to normal playing cards, the results were 2 out of 25 cards. CICAP concluded that the effect disappears when the women could not see each other and no telepathy existed when non-zener cards were used.[23]

Publications

CICAP continues its dissemination activities through conferences and public lectures, radio and television appearances, through the publication of Query a quarterly magazine (formerly Scienza & Paranormale, Science & Paranormal), books and articles regarding these topics, through the conservation of a library and an archive of articles. Additional material, both on CICAP own research as well as foreigner skeptical and scientific papers translated into Italia, is published on QueryOnline, the online version of the printed magazine.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ "STATUTO del Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sul Paranormale" (PDF). www.cicap.org (in Italian). Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  2. ^ "Skeptics Organisations ECSO Members". Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e "FAQ - Tutto quello che vorreste sapere sul CICAP" (in Italian). Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  4. ^ a b Polidoro, Massimo. "CICAP: 1989-1999: Bilancio su 10 anni di attività e prospettive future". CICAP (in Italian). Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  5. ^ a b Mangiardi, Umberto. "Il Cicap di Torino : scopriamo che cos'è" (in Italian). Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  6. ^ a b c McMahon, Barbara (October 6, 2005). "No blood, sweat or tears". The Guardian. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
  7. ^ "About CICAP". cicap.org. CICAP. 2007. Retrieved July 29, 2009.
  8. ^ "Il CICAP cambia nome: non più solo 'paranormale' ma 'pseudoscienze'". cicap.org (in Italian). CICAP. September 9, 2013.
  9. ^ a b c "CICAP's activities". Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  10. ^ "Venerdì 17 luglio 2009: Il CICAP lancia la "Prima Giornata Anti-Superstizione"" (in Italian). Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  11. ^ "Venerdì 17, la gimcana contro la superstizione". Milano Repubblica (in Italian). Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  12. ^ Nisbet, Matt (August 31, 2000). "Introducing Italy's Version of Harry Houdini". Generation SXeptic. Ithaca, NY: Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Archived from the original on 2009-08-02. Retrieved July 29, 2009.
  13. ^ "World Skeptics Congress 2004". cicap.org. CICAP. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  14. ^ Minotti, Andrea. "Esiste davvero il paranormale? Intervista a Massimo Polidoro, esperto del CICAP". Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  15. ^ a b "Interview with Massimo Polidoro (47:20)". SGU Productions. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  16. ^ "Umberto Eco e Tiziano Sclavi parlano del CICAP". Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  17. ^ Garlaschelli, L.; Ramaccini, F.; Della Sala, S. (1994). "The blood of St. Januarius". Chemistry in Britain. 30 (2): 123. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
  18. ^ Williams, William F. (2013) [2000]. "Januarius, St., Miracle Of". Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience: From Alien Abductions to Zone Therapy. Routledge. p. 168. ISBN 9781135955229.
  19. ^ Polidoro, Massimo (December 12, 2000). "Secrets of a Russian psychic". cicap.org. CICAP. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
  20. ^ "SPECIAL CROP CIRCLES". Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  21. ^ Polidoro, M. (May–June 2008). "Just like Jedi Knights (if only)". Skeptical Inquirer. Vol. 32, no. 3. Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. p. 21.
  22. ^ "George Dillman explains Chi K.O. nullification". YouTube. Retrieved July 28, 2009.[infringing link?]
  23. ^ Polidoro, Massimo (2018). "A Telepathy Investigation". Skeptical Inquirer. 42 (5). Committee for Skeptical Inquiry: 21–23.
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