In the framework of the Integrated Decision Support System for air quality assessment and management operating at the Emilia-Romagna Region Meteorological Service, an appropriate meteorological input is necessary: 1) to provide meteorological information for evaluation of the pollution data observed at the urban monitoring stations; 2) as input data to run daily statistical models for air quality forecasts; 3) as input to run deterministic dispersion models. Thus, a meteorological pre-processor has been implemented operationally. The runs are made on a daily basis in a diagnostic configuration in the whole Po valley basin and for forecasting on selected grid points near the main urban areas of the Emilia-Romagna region.

After a description of the monthly distribution of thunderstorm occurrence in the Po Valley and in the Northern Adriatic region and an identification of the homogeneous areas in terms of the contemporary occurrence of the phenomenon, this study examines the dynamic and thermodynamic characteristics of the atmosphere that are conducive to the development of thunderstorms. The study was carried out using ground-level and radiosonde observed data, as well as objective analyses of mean sea level pressure, geopotential height and vertical velocity at different upper-air levels. The period considered, not always homogeneous for the different types of data, refers to the years 1985–1988.

A brief account is given of the personal experience collected taking part in two Balint groups for five years running. Some significant insight was acquired about the following topics: (a) Meeting the patient: first the personal relationship, then the diagnosis, (b) What type of relationship? (c) When the patient denies that he has any personal problems and refuses psychological help, (d) Doctor-patient interactions: act or react, (e) Verbal and nonverbal communication, (f) What is explicit and what is implicit, (g) Allways listen to the patient’s answer, (h) An easy way of helping: listen, restate, clarify, (i) Being chosen by the patient: a request for a personal relationship, (j) Know yourself and learn new ways of interacting.