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Local-FCS: un metodo per spettroscopia di correlazione di immagini
No full textIn this thesis, we introduced local-FCS, a novel analysis framework developed to address limitations in traditional image correlation spectroscopy and single-pixel autocorrelation methods. By leveraging spatial similarity among pixels, local-FCS improves the accuracy and precision of diffusional measurements, particularly in complex biological systems where spatial heterogeneity is significant. We applied this approach across diverse experimental contexts—model membranes, simulations, and live-cell studies—demonstrating a clear advantage in identifying and characterizing molecular diffusion over other methods.In questa tesi, abbiamo introdotto il local-FCS, un nuovo framework di analisi sviluppato per affrontare le limitazioni della spettroscopia di correlazione delle immagini tradizionale e dei metodi di autocorrelazione a singolo pixel. Sfruttando la somiglianza spaziale tra i pixel, il local-FCS migliora l'accuratezza e la precisione delle misurazioni diffusionali, in particolare nei complessi sistemi biologici in cui l'eterogeneità spaziale è significativa. Abbiamo applicato questo approccio in diversi contesti sperimentali—membrane modello, simulazioni e studi su cellule vive—dimostrando un chiaro vantaggio nell'identificare e caratterizzare la diffusione molecolare rispetto ad altri metodi
«E non vi fu […] quadro di alta fama, che non fosse con ogni mezzo ricercato». La dispersione della collezione Gonzaga di Novellara nel Settecento
No full textIl contributo ripercorre il processo di disgregazione della collezione dei Gonzaga di Novellara, strettamente legato agli avvenimenti che nel Settecento interessarono il ducato di Modena. La dispersione viene registrata dai documenti conservati nell’Archivio Storico Comunale di Novellara e nell’Archivio di Stato di Modena, attraverso cui è possibile seguirne l’evoluzione e comprendere anche le ragioni della presenza nelle Gallerie Estensi di alcune opere un tempo custodite a Novellara.
Dynamic processes in Mixed-Ligand Metal Organic Frameworks
No full textMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are versatile porous materials composed by organic linkers bridging metal nodes that find applications in gas storage, separation, and drug delivery, thanks to their tunable structures, intrinsic porosity and ability to interact with guest molecules. All these properties depend on the nature of the ligands and the metal nodes composing the structure. In details the use of amidic decorated ligands allows the insertion of hydrogen bond interacting moieties, providing excellent anchoring points for guest molecules encapsulation. In this thesis we explored the properties of the so-called pillared ligand metal organic frameworks (PL-MOFs) in terms of dynamicity and guests inclusion.
In detail, in Chapter 2, the design and synthesis of flexible PL-MOFs with engineered topologies is treated. The chapter introduces the importance of pillaring in formation of amide containing heteroleptic MOFs, metal organic frameworks obtained from the combination of two or more organic linkers, analyzing the methodology involved for the synthesis of the pillars. All the pillars were synthesized through Buchwald-Hartwig amidation, combining dibromo derivatives with different aromatic scaffolds (benzene, naphthalene, biphenyl) with isonicotinamide to obtain ditopic bisamidic-dipyridinic ligands. These ligands were then reacted with common dicarboxylic acid as 1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and 4,4’-biphenyl dicarboxylic acid resulting in different topologies, ranging from catenated to interpenetrated frameworks. This chapter is meant to provide information on some of the materials that are going to be used in the following chapters.
In Chapter 3 the flexibility of PUM168, a triple-interpenetrated MOF, was investigated revealing its adaptability to various solvents and reversible structural changes during guest molecule exchanges. The ability to rearrange between solvates in single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations permitted a structural determination of the deformation accompanying the guest exchange processes inside the MOF. In the second part of the chapter, PUM168 was exposed to some N-containing heterocycle compounds, like pyridine derivatives and quinoline, using soaking procedures in either pure liquid or solution, to evaluate its dynamicity. PUM168 demonstrated sensitivity toward pyridines alas tolerating quinoline and permitting a fine visualization of the inclusion of the guest in the channels.
In Chapter 4 we compared the essential oil components storage and release capabilities of PUM168 and PUM210, two MOFs deriving from the same bisamidic-bispyridinic ligands but featuring different types of entanglement with PUM168 being characterized by flexible triple-interpenetrated framework and PUM210 featuring a more rigid four-fold catenated framework. The MOFs were studied in the uptake processes of a equimolar mixture of thymol and carvacrol, following the internalization of the guest via 1H NMR and TGA analyses. The release profiles of the loaded materials were compared to the one of pure oils using head-space mass gas chromatography (HS-MS-GC). The study showed that PUM168, with its flexible structure, released essential oils gradually over 15 days, while the more rigid PUM210 released them more steadily.
Chapter 5 evaluated the gas sorption properties for CO2 uptake of four MOFs, differentiated by their type of entanglement, two isoreticular doubly interpenetrated MOFs (named PUM420 and PUM520) and two catenated MOFs (named PUM410 and PUM510). Interpenetrated frameworks showed stable CO₂ sorption and catenated frameworks, particularly PUM410, demonstrating a dynamic gate-opening behavior and high CO₂ uptake at 40 bar. These results highlight the role of framework flexibility in various applications, including guest storage, release, and gas sorption
Bovine influenza: the host spectrum of the influenza virus is further expanded
No full textL’influenza del bovino è stata descritta solo recentemente. Il bovino è sensibile a due specie di virus influenzali: il virus dell’influenza D (IDV) e il virus dell’influenza A (IAV), sottotipo H5N1. L’IDV, un nuovo membro della famiglia Orthomyxoviridae, è un virus endemico con moderata patogenicità e un’alta efficienza di trasmissione a contatto/respiratoria su brevi distanze che dal 2011 è stato rilevato nei suini e nei ruminanti con una distribuzione mondiale. I bovini sono considerati l’ospite primario e il serbatoio. Attualmente, gli IDV sono classificati in 5 linee genetiche. Il virus ha un ruolo causale, predisponente e/o di cofattore nel complesso della malattia respiratoria del bovino (BRD), contribuendo a sostanziali perdite economiche nell’allevamento del bovino da carne. Ci sono solo prove sierologiche di infezione nell’uomo.
Dalla primavera del 2024, un'epidemia senza precedenti di influenza aviaria H5N1 ad alta patogenicità, clade 2.3.4.4b, è in corso negli allevamenti da latte degli Stati Uniti. Questo virus panzootico è stato rilevato per la prima volta in Nord America alla fine del 2021, dove si è evoluto mediante riassortimento genico con virus locali dell'influenza aviaria a bassa patogenicità, ampliando la gamma di ospiti mammiferi. Ci sono due eventi di spillover documentati nei bovini, che interessano due genotipi: B3.13 e D1.1. I virus hanno un alto tropismo per il tessuto della ghiandola mammaria con conseguente sviluppo di mastite e concentrazione di alte cariche virali nel latte. Le vacche in lattazione e le ghiandole mammarie sono una via primaria di infezione e trasmissione, sebbene possano verificarsi infezioni respiratorie. Il rilevamento del virus dell'influenza nel latte bovino non pastorizzato aumenta la preoccupazione di una trasmissione interspecifica. Il virus bovino ha già infettato altre specie, compresi i lavoratori del settore lattiero-caseario. L'emergenza rappresenta una seria minaccia per l’industria lattiero casearia, richiedendo un approccio che integra la salute umana, animale e ambientale. La situazione è monitorata con attenzione dalle autorità sanitarie, che hanno attivato misure di controllo e sorveglianza per prevenire la diffusione del virus. Tuttavia, l'epidemia solleva preoccupazioni per la salute degli animali e la sicurezza alimentare. Attualmente, il rischio per la salute pubblica è basso.Bovine influenza has only recently been described. Cattle are susceptible to two species of influenza virus: Influenzavirus D (IDV) and Influenzavirus A (IAV), subtype H5N1. IDV, a new member of the Orthomyxoviridae family, is an endemic virus with a moderate pathogenicity and an efficient close-contact respiratory transmission that has been detected in swine and cattle with a worldwide distribution since 2011. Cattle are considered to be the primary host and reservoir. At present, IDVs are classified into five genetic lineages. This virus has a causative, predisposing or cofactor role in the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD), contributing to substantial economic losses in the cattle industry. There is only serological evidence of infection in humans.
Since spring 2024, an unprecedented outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, clade 2.3.4.4b has been ongoing in U.S. dairy herds, This panzootic virus was first detected in North America at the end of 2021, then it evolved through genetic reassortment with local low pathogenic avian influenza viruses, exoanding the host mammal range. There are two documented spillover events in cattle, affecting two genotypes: B3.13 and D1.1. Viruses have a high tropism for the mammary gland tissue resulting in viral-induced mastitis and in substantial virus shedding in milk. Lactating cows and mammary glands are a primary route of infection and transmission, although respiratory infection can occur. The detection of influenza virus in unpasteurized bovine milk is a concern because of potential cross-species transmission. The bovine virus was already found to have spread to other species, including dairy workers. The emergence poses a serious threat to the dairy industry, requiring an approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. The situation is being closely monitored by health authorities, who have activated control and surveillance measures to prevent the spread of the virus. However the epidemic raises concerns for animal health and food safety. At present, the public health risk is low
Advanced Modelling, Optimized Design and Innovative Control Strategies for Dual Active Bridge DC-DC Converters for Efficient Electric Vehicle Fast Charging
No full textThe rapid growth of Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a key solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires the development of efficient, robust, and versatile fast-charging infrastructure. This research focuses on the design, control, and optimization of Dual Active Bridge (DAB) DC-DC converters, essential for high-power EV charging stations due to their soft-switching capabilities and adaptability to various battery chemistries. A key challenge is ensuring smooth transitions between charging stages, such as Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV) modes, vital for optimal battery health and charging efficiency. The study begins by investigating the dynamic operation of DAB converters, introducing an improved Fourier series-based Generalized Average Model (GAM) that accounts for parasitic resistances in output filter capacitors. This enhances simulation accuracy, providing a more realistic depiction of the converter's dynamic response. Additionally, a novel control strategy using feedforward and feedback mechanisms with Single Phase Shift (SPS) modulation is proposed to ensure seamless transitions between CC and CV modes, mitigating undershoot and overshoot issues. The research then presents an innovative control method that integrates droop-based techniques with a Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control (LADRC) system, applied to an SPS-modulated DAB converter. This method enhances robustness against voltage fluctuations and load variations, stabilizing the charging process. It also reduces peak input current, enabling the use of lower-rated components, thus lowering the cost and complexity of EV charging stations. Advanced modulation techniques, specifically Dual-Phase Shift (DPS) modulation, are explored to optimize soft-switching capabilities. A three-loop LADRC control system with decoupled dq vector control of inductor current is proposed to optimize phase shift angles and reduce peak input current, further reducing system costs. Additionally, the research also compares modular DAB topologies under various metrics such as efficiency, system losses, and ripple characteristics. Results show that modular input-parallel output-parallel DAB converters offer superior efficiency, particularly under variable loads, reducing stress on power switches and allowing for cost-effective components. To manage power balance and reduce sensor use, an enhanced extended state observer (ESO) is proposed, improving system performance. Moreover, an adaptive module-shedding technique is proposed which dynamically adjusts active DAB modules based on real-time power demand, improving efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions. The innovations presented in this research address the multifaceted challenges of fast EV charging, focusing on efficient power conversion, system robustness, and cost-effectiveness, contributing to the global transition to sustainable transportation solutions
In transito. Riflessioni sulla “ri-museificazione” del patrimonio funerario attraverso le vicende espositive dei monumenti Andersen e Bonzagni
No full textRipercorrendo le vicende espositive di due gruppi scultorei concepiti da Hendrik Christian Andersen e Adolfo Wildt, figure di spicco nel complesso panorama artistico del Novecento, il contributo riflette sulle dinamiche sottese alla traslazione, ricontestualizzazione museografica e risemantizzazione di manufatti originariamente concepiti per “abitare” i recinti funerari storico-monumentali
Preliminary Evaluation of the Biological Activity of Dog Adipose Tissue Derived Micro-Fragmented Fat (Microfat)
No full textMesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) represent a growing area of interest in veterinary medicine for their potential regenerative properties. However, the lack of standardized protocols raises concerns about the product security and efficacy. One critical point in the protocols applied for MSCs preparation is the use of Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) for MSCs culture, an optimal in vitro supplement for cell growth but with economical, ethical and legislative drawbacks. In this study, the secretoma produced from dog adipose tissue derived micro-fragmented fat (microfat) was tested as a conditioned medium (CM) for adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) culture, performing MTT assay and IDO assay. The adipose tissue was processed into microfat through a device called T-GrinderTM and was then seeded in serum free medium. The secretoma was harvested after three and six days and its ability to sustain MSCs growth at the concentration of 10%, 50% and 100% (%v/v) was tested by MTT assay. Next, the IDO assay was performed using the secretoma harvested at three days at a 50% concentration, following MSCs IFNγ (50ng/μL) pre-conditioning. The IDO assay is a MSCs potency test used to evaluate immunomodulation properties of the cells. MSCs treated with 50% and 100% secretoma, harvested both at three and six days, showed similar potency with respect to the 10% FBS control following the MTT assay, although there was a significative individual variability, especially for the secretoma harvested at six days. Following the IDO assay, the cells treated with secretoma, even those stimulated with IFNγ, showed no difference in terms of response (kynurenine production) with respect to the negative control. These results suggest that dog microfat secretoma harvested at three days at a concentration of 50% and 100% could be adequate for canine MSCs culture, although the biological activity of the secretoma could interfere with some laboratory manipulations, such as ex vivo pre-conditioning. Further studies are needed to establish the clinical significance of these results
Neglected arboviruses search and isolation from haematophagous insects in Emilia-Romagna
No full textIl termine arbovirus (acronimo di arthropod-borne virus) sta ad indicare i virus biologicamente trasmessi dalla puntura di un artropode ematofago ad un ospite vertebrato. Questo termine non ha quindi un significato tassonomico, ma ha una valenza epidemiologica; gli arbovirus appartengono, infatti, a diversi generi di virus, come Orthoflavivirus, Phlebovirus e Orthobunyavirus.
Numerosi arbovirus sono attivamente monitorati per la loro abbondante diffusione e la loro rilevanza sanitaria. Il West Nile virus (WNV) è uno di questi, oggetto di un piano di sorveglianza nazionale in Italia, implementato a livello regionale, anche in Emilia-Romagna, con l'obiettivo primario di garantire la sicurezza delle donazioni di sangue e organi. Altri virus sono invece negletti e non oggetto di sorveglianze dedicate, anche se già rilevati in una particolare area, come il Tahyna virus (TAHV) e il Toscana virus (TOSV).
In questo studio diversi arbovirus, più o meno noti, sono stati ricercati in insetti ematofagi campionati sul campo, in particolare zanzare e flebotomi. Più di 100.000 zanzare sono state catturate e testate, rilevando WNV, Usutu virus e TAHV. Sono stati inoltre campionati più di 98.000 flebotomi, circa 70.000 dei quali sono stati testati rilevando il TOSV e il Fermo virus, ma anche altri Phlebovirus meno noti, come Corfou virus, Punique virus e i Ponticelli virus.
Questa attività ha permesso di caratterizzare la presenza di arbovirus nell’area di studio ed inoltre di isolare un ceppo di TAHV, che potrà essere utile per mettere a punto nuovi test diagnostici. La presenza di questi arbovirus sul territorio suggerisce di indagare la loro potenziale capacità patogena per uomo e animali, sia per quelli già noti per provocare malattia nell’uomo, che per quelli solo recentemente descritti e con un ciclo meno noto.The arboviruses (Arthropod-borne viruses) include viruses biologically transmitted to a vertebrate host by the bite of a blood-sucking arthropod. This term has an epidemiological value but does not have a taxonomic meaning; arboviruses belong to different genera of viruses, such as Orthoflavivirus, Phlebovirus and Orthobunyavirus. Some arboviruses are actively monitored for their abundant spread and health relevance. The West Nile virus (WNV) is one of these and is the subject of a national surveillance plan in Italy, implemented at a regional level, also in Emilia-Romagna, with the primary objective of guarantee the safety of blood and organ donations. Other viruses, however, are neglected and not subject to targeted surveillance, even if already detected in a particular area, such as the Tahyna virus (TAHV) and the Toscana virus (TOSV). In this study, several arboviruses were searched in blood-sucking insects sampled in the field, in particular mosquitoes and sand flies. More than 100,000 mosquitoes were captured and tested, detecting WNV, Usutu virus and TAHV. Furthermore, more than 98,000 sandflies were sampled; approximately 70,000 were tested detecting the TOSV and the Fermo virus, but also other phleboviruses, such as Corfou virus, Punique virus and Ponticelli viruses. This activity made it possible to characterize the presence of arboviruses in the study area and to isolate a strain of TAHV, which may be useful for developing new diagnostic tests. The presence of these arboviruses in the area suggests investigating their potential pathogenicity for humans and animals, both for those already known to cause disease in humans and for those only recently described and with a less known cycle
New methods for monitoring influenza viruses in pig farms
No full textLe patologie respiratorie rappresentano una delle principali cause di perdite economiche e di
riduzione del benessere animale nell’allevamento suino intensivo. Tra queste, l’influenza suina
di tipo A (IAV) costituisce uno dei principali agenti coinvolti nel complesso delle malattie
respiratorie del suino (Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex, PRDC) e riveste un ruolo di primaria
importanza a causa della sua rapidità di diffusione e variabilità antigenica e per il potenziale
zoonosico.
Il presente studio è stato condotto in collaborazione con l’Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale
della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (presso la sede territoriale di Parma), con l’obiettivo di
monitorare la presenza e la circolazione del virus dell’influenza A in 10 allevamenti, localizzati in
Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna, mediante il confronto tra differenti metodiche di
campionamento: i metodi tradizionali (tamponi nasali e fluidi orali) e un innovativo sistema di
campionamento dell’aria, attraverso il dispositivo Sartorius MD8-AirPort.
I campioni raccolti sono stati analizzati mediante real-time RT-PCR per la rilevazione dell’RNA
virale. I risultati hanno evidenziato una maggiore sensibilità e specificità dei tamponi nasali (57%
di positività), rispetto ai fluidi orali (43%). Il campionamento dell’aria si è dimostrato meno
affidabile, con positività rilevata solo in metà delle aziende per l’aria interna e in pochi casi per
quella esterna. Le differenze osservate sono state influenzate anche dal tipo di ventilazione e dal
tipo di gestione.
Interessante notare che, in alcuni casi, nonostante l’elevata circolazione virale evidenziata dai
risultati analitici, l’influenza non era clinicamente rilevabile. Questo aspetto sottolinea
l’importanza del monitoraggio aziendale, per essere rapidi ed efficienti nel rilevamento
dell’infezione. I dati ottenuti indicano che i tamponi nasali si confermano il campione di
riferimento per la diagnosi, mentre il prelievo di fluidi orali può essere utilizzato per il
monitoraggio di gruppo, ma con alcune limitazioni.
Lo studio sottolinea infine l’importanza di una rigorosa applicazione delle misure di biosicurezza
e della vaccinazione regolare, come strumenti fondamentali per la prevenzione ed il controllo
dell’influenza suina, contribuendo alla tutela della salute animale, alla riduzione delle perdite
economiche e al miglioramento complessivo della sostenibilità zootecnica e del benessere
animale in allevamento.Respiratory diseases represent one of the main causes of economic losses and reduction of
animal welfare in intensive pig farming. Among these, swine influenza type A (IAV) is a
component of the Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC) and plays a primary role due to
its spread, antigenic variability and zoonotic potential.
This study was conducted in collaboration with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della
Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (Parma laboratory), with the aim of monitoring the presence
and the circulation of the influenza A virus in 10 farms located in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna
regions, by comparing different sampling methods: traditional methods (nasal swabs and oral
fluids) and an innovative air sampling system, using the Sartorius MD8-AirPort device.
The collected samples were analysed by real-time RT-PCR to detect viral RNA. The results showed
greater sensitivity and specificity for nasal swabs (57% positivity) compared to oral fluids (43%).
Air sampling proved less reliable, with positive results detected in only half of the farms for
internal air and in a few cases for external air. The observed differences are also influenced by
the ventilation system and the farm management.
Despite the high viral circulation, in some cases influenza infection was not clinically evident,
often remaining unrecognized. The data obtained confirm that nasal swabs represent the gold
standard sample for diagnosis, while oral fluid samples can be used for group monitoring, but
with some limitations. Finally, this study underlines the importance of rigorous application of biosecurity measures and regular vaccination as fundamental tools for the prevention and
control of swine influenza, contributing to the protection of animal health, the reduction of
economic losses, and for the improvement of livestock welfare and farm sustainabilit
Sustainable approaches for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivation: application of biochar, microbial consortia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
No full textThis PhD project aims to evaluate the effects of microbial biostimulants and biochar on the growth and quality of Lactuca sativa (variety Icaro), particularly under conditions of environmental stress. Lettuce plants were treated with Rhizophagus intraradices (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), biochar derived from wood pellets, and three different bacterial biostimulants. The study focused on assessing plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, and nitrates. Field experiments conducted over two growing seasons showed beneficial effects due to combination of biochar and microbial. The most notable outcomes were observed in the greenhouse experiment under water stress conditions. Here, microbial biostimulants demonstrated their potential to maintain leaf growth and transpiration, even under stress, increasing in phenolic and flavonoid leaf concentrations, as well as overall antioxidant activity. These findings highlight the potential of microbial biostimulants and biochar to enhance plant resilience and nutritional quality, particularly in water-limited environments, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices