5603 research outputs found
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Development of an innovate household appliance for regenerating food waste into pet food
No full textLa tesi propone la progettazione di un elettrodomestico innovativo e sostenibile per la produzione domestica di crocchette per animali, a partire da scarti alimentari eduli. Il progetto segue un processo strutturato: dalla definizione dei bisogni degli utenti alla prototipazione rapida, con l’obiettivo di promuovere il riuso creativo, ridurre gli sprechi e offrire una soluzione personalizzabile per l’alimentazione animale.This thesis presents the design of an innovative and sustainable household appliance for producing pet food pellets using edible food waste. The project follows structured process: from identifying user needs to rapid prototyping, with the aim of promoting creative reuse, reducing waste and offering a customizable solution for pet nutrition
Il legislatore mecenate: la tutela giuridico-penalistica del patrimonio culturale contro le spoliazioni
No full textProspettando la partizione fra spoliazioni esterne ed interne, il contributo analizza la normativa internazionalistica pattizia dedicata alle prime (Convenzioni dell’Aja del 1954 e UNESCO del 1971) e alle seconde (Convenzioni UNESCO del 1970, UNIDROIT del 1995 e Nicosia del 2017). La trattazione ripercorrerà infine la disciplina interna di contrasto ai reati spoliativi alla luce della riforma del 2022, nonché il ruolo del Nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale dell’Arma dei Carabinieri
Electrification in non-road and road scenarios
No full textThis thesis investigates the electrification of construction machinery, emphasizing its potential to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and increase operational versatility. While road vehicle electrification is well-established, construction equipment is only beginning its transition. The study explores the integration of electric solutions, addressing challenges such as the reliability of electronic controls and the development of innovative algorithms to manage noise and vibrations from electric drives.
Collaborating with Casappa S.p.A., the research focuses on electrifying fan drives traditionally powered by hydraulic systems. An integrated motor and inverter design enables easy installation in new machines and retrofitting of existing machinery, enhancing operational flexibility while maintaining high power output in challenging conditions. The thesis further examines control strategies, comparing classic proportional integral PI controllers with adaptive two dedrees of freedom 2-DOF regulators to optimize performance and minimize torque disturbances.
Additionally, the thesis addresses active noise reduction in electric motors. The thesis terminates in a test bench creation for experimental investigations of electromagnetic fields effects on bituminous materials due to a wireless vehicle charging system, to assess their long-term effects. This multidisciplinary approach aims to pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in construction machinery
From traditional to digital workflow in dental practice: comparison of clinical methods and definition of modern CAD-CAM protocols
No full textDigital technology is now an established reality within dental practices. The digital workflow involves the use of intra-oral scanners to take impressions and CAD/CAM methods that allow the production of oral and dental appliances directly in the dentist’s office, with both traditional and innovative materials. This thesis focuses on the critical steps of the digital method in modern dentistry. In Chapter 1, the accuracy of intraoral scanners is measured and compared with that of traditional impressions in the fabrication of mandibular advancement devices. Chapters 2 and 3 describe digital protocols for the design and fabrication of post-prepared temporary crowns and their emergence profile management. Chapter 4 analyses the accuracy and reliability of two different 3D printers in the production of dental models and metal-free indirect restorations
Evaluation of the effect of alfaxalone and Propofol on the success of gastroduodenoscopy in dogs
No full textLa gastroduodenoscopia è una procedura diagnostica di fondamentale importanza nella pratica clinica veterinaria, che richiede l’impiego di protocolli anestesiologici in grado di garantire sicurezza, stabilità emodinamica e adeguata profondità anestetica al fine di agevolare la progressione dello strumento in visceri cavi dotati di sfinteri. Il presente studio ha valutato l’efficacia di due protocolli anestesiologici totalmente endovenosi (TIVA), basati su infusioni continue di propofol e di alfaxalone, durante l’esecuzione della gastroduodenoscopia nel cane. Sono stati inclusi 13 cani, sottoposti a premedicazione con butorfanolo a 0,2 mg/kg e successivamente randomizzati nei due gruppi di trattamento. L’analisi ha preso in considerazione parametri emodinamici, respiratori ed endoscopici, con particolare attenzione alla facilità di avanzamento dell’endoscopio attraverso le principali strutture anatomiche. Entrambi i protocolli si sono dimostrati sicuri e idonei alla procedura, garantendo una buona stabilità emodinamica e respiratoria. Il propofol ha permesso una gestione più stabile del piano anestesiologico, con minore necessità di interventi correttivi, mentre l’alfaxalone ha mantenuto parametri cardiovascolari tendenzialmente più alti e stabili, sebbene associato a una maggiore reattività del paziente agli stimoli, che potrebbe interferire con l’esito della procedura; ciò è probabilmente attribuibile a un piano anestesiologico più superficiale. I risultati, pur limitati dalla ridotta numerosità campionaria, confermano la validità di entrambi i protocolli, suggerendo un vantaggio pratico per il propofol in termini di agio nel mantenimento del piano anestesiologico. Saranno necessari studi futuri con campioni più ampi per consolidare queste evidenze.Gastroduodenoscopy is a fundamental diagnostic procedure in veterinary clinical practice, requiring anesthetic protocols that ensure safety, hemodynamic stability, and adequate depth of anesthesia to ensure good visceral relaxation to facilitate the progression of the instruments in hollow viscera with sphincters. This study evaluated the efficacy of two totally intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) protocols, based on continuous infusions of propofol and alfaxalone, during gastroduodenoscopy in dogs. Thirteen dogs were included, premedicated with butorphanol, and then randomly assigned two treatment groups. The analysis assessed hemodynamic, respiratory, and endoscopic parameters, with particular focus to the ease of endoscope advancement into key anatomical structures. Both protocols demonstrated safety and suitability for the procedure, maintaining stable hemodynamic and respiratory stability. Propofol allowed for more stable management of the anesthesia plan, with less need for corrective interventions, while alfaxalone maintained cardiovascular parameters that were tendentially higher and stable, although associated with a higher patient responsiveness to inputs, which may interfere with the outcome of the procedure; this is probably attributable to a more superficial anesthetic plane. Although limited by the small sample size, the results support the efficacy of both protocols, suggesting a better performance for propofol in terms of ease of maintenance of the anesthesia plan, which may be an advantage in the routine clinical practice. Future studies with larger sample sizes will be necessary to consolidate these findings
Influence of compaction methods and active fillers on physical-mechanical behavior and performance of cold recycled mixture
No full textCold recycling technologies are emerging as important solutions for asphalt pavement rehabilitation, offering environmental sustainability and enabling the construction of new pavement layers with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and minimal material transport. The most common products of cold recycling technologies are cold recycled mixtures (CRMs). CRMs can be produced in mobile plants or directly in place, using up to 100% of milled material from a damaged existing asphalt pavement (reclaimed asphalt pavement or RAP) without the need to heat aggregates during the mixing stage. They are considered partially bonded materials with intermediate mechanical properties between hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures and unbound materials, exhibiting a temperature- and stress-dependent mechanical response, particularly influenced by confining pressure. The main objective of this research study was to improve the understanding of the mechanical behavior of CRMs, focusing on key factors affecting their properties, and therefore performance: laboratory compaction method and active filler type and content.
The influence of compaction methods (modified Proctor, gyratory compactor, and vibratory hammer) on the physical-mechanical properties of CRMs was evaluated. Tests included density and moisture content measurements, volumetric analysis, indirect tensile resilient modulus (MR), indirect tensile strength (ITS), and shear properties obtained through the monotonic triaxial shear strength (TSS) test. In addition, results were analyzed in the context of long-term pavement performance. The findings indicated that not only the amount of compaction energy but also how it is applied significantly affects the physical and mechanical properties of the mixtures. In particular, the compaction method affects the moisture-density relationship, with moisture content playing a critical role in the mechanical response. Gyratory compaction yielded the highest overall physical-mechanical properties, whereas the vibratory hammer, though a viable alternative, tended to underestimate these properties, confirming that the two methods are not equivalent for CRMs evaluation. Additionally, mixtures compacted at the optimum moisture content (OMC) obtained from the Proctor method exhibited lower mechanical properties compared to those compacted at moisture contents derived from gyratory or vibratory hammer compaction.
The effect of active filler type and content was also examined. In particular, cement and hydrated lime were incorporated at varying dosages in the production of CRMs with either foamed bitumen or bitumen emulsion. Mechanical behavior was evaluated through indirect tensile strength (ITS) and monotonic triaxial shear strength (TSS) tests, supported by a shear stress to strength ratio analysis in order to predict pavement performance in terms of rutting potential. In addition to analyzing the overall stress-strain behavior, key mechanical parameters such as peak stress, strain at peak, and initial stiffness modulus were examined. Results showed that the mechanical response of CRMs is strongly influenced by both the type and amount of active filler, as well as its interaction with the bituminous agent. Cement contents above 1.5% enhanced stiffness and cohesion, shifting the material from a granular to a more cohesive behavior, although with increased risk of brittleness. Hydrated lime, on the other hand, seemed to be effective only at contents between 2% and 3%, where it provided a favorable balance of strength, stiffness, and ductility. A 1% hydrated lime dosage appeared insufficient, likely due to poor particle bonding, while contents above 3% led to excessive stiffness and reduced overall performance.
Overall, this research provided valuable insights into optimizing CRMs mix design and construction practices, highlighting the critical role of both binder-active filler combinations and compaction techniques in achieving durable, high-performing recycled pavements
Evaluation of the molecular cross-talk between bifidobacteria and the human host
No full textThe human being is considered a complex biological system, the holobiont, which harbors a wide range of symbiotic microorganisms. The heterogenous and intricated community of bacteria colonizing the intestinal environment is called gut microbiota. This microbial community has an important impact on the host health and an intense cross-talk between the two entities is established. Substantial scientific interest has been focused on the molecular mechanisms which drive the interactions between the microbiota and the host, focusing especially on the adhesion and persistence properties of bifidobacteria in colonizing the human gut. In fact, bifidobacteria are key model organisms for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the microbial interactions occurring in the human gut.
This Ph.D. thesis aims to study and deepen the mechanisms leading bifidobacteria, specifically Bifidobacterium bifidum PRL2010, to interact with the human host. Specifically, the molecular characterization of specific genes involved in such functions was investigated.
In particular, the first section of this Ph.D. thesis focuses on the investigation of bifidobacterial ability to utilize a specific host glycan to colonize the intestinal environment and persist in this complex and competitive niche. Therefore, the mechanisms involved in long-term persistence and competitivity are examined.
The second section of the thesis investigates specific extracellular structures, teichoic acids, whose exact function in bifidobacteria has been poorly studied. In particular, the inter- and intra-species transcriptional profile of teichoic acid encoding genes has been investigated and the immunomodulatory role and intestinal adhesion abilities have been deepened.
Finally, novel notions on the molecular mechanisms regulating quorum sensing, i.e. a cell-density system modulated by a signaling molecule called autoinducer, have been acquired. Specifically, the involvement of the autoinducer in bifidobacterial metabolism, stress response and ability to establish a cross-talk with the host has been examined. In particular the influence of such molecule in the adhesion to human intestinal cells and, therefore, the ability to persist in the gut environment have been investigated in this PhD thesis
Brainstem auditory evoked response nei sauri: tecniche di registrazione, valori fisiologici e possibili applicazioni in neurologia clinica
No full textThe brainstem auditory evoked response test (BAER test) is a non-invasive electrophysiological technique that evaluates the integrity of auditory pathways and brainstem function. While extensively used in mammals, data on reptiles are limited, particularly for the bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Establishing normative BAER parameters in this species is essential for both clinical assessment and comparative neurophysiology.
The present study aims to characterize BAER in Pogona vitticeps, providing baseline latencies, waveform morphology and reproducibility. Recordings were obtained from thirteen adult bearded dragons under standardized conditions using surface electrodes. Waves I–V were identified, and latencies were measured to assess consistency and inter-individual variability.
Results showed clear and reproducible waveforms across all subjects, with low inter-individual variability. Latencies were generally shorter than those reported in mammals, reflecting simpler neuroanatomical organization and auditory ecology in reptiles. The reproducibility of peaks supports the reliability of BAER as a functional tool for auditory assessment, while also providing indirect information on brainstem integrity.
These findings highlight the utility of BAER in Pogona vitticeps as a complementary method to clinical neurological examination and imaging techniques. Furthermore, the study underscores the need for further research to standardize recording protocols, refine measurement of amplitudes and explore functional variability across populations. Such work will enhance interpretability and expand the application of BAER in both research and veterinary practice.
Overall, this study establishes foundational electrophysiological data for Pogona vitticeps, demonstrating that BAER is a practical and informative tool for auditory and neurological assessment in reptiles, with potential implications for comparative neurophysiology, clinical diagnostics, and the study of species-specific auditory adaptations.Il brainstem auditory evoked response test (BAER test) rappresenta una metodica elettrofisiologica non invasiva finalizzata a valutare l’integrità delle vie uditive e la funzionalità del tronco encefalico. Sebbene ampiamente impiegato nei mammiferi, le conoscenze relative ai rettili restano ancora scarse, in particolare per il drago barbuto (Pogona vitticeps). La definizione di parametri di riferimento per questa specie risulta quindi essenziale, sia in ambito clinico sia per approfondire la comprensione della neurofisiologia comparata.
Il presente studio si propone di caratterizzare il BAER in Pogona vitticeps analizzando le latenze, la morfologia delle onde e la riproducibilità dei tracciati. Le registrazioni sono state effettuate su tredici esemplari adulti, in condizioni standardizzate, mediante elettrodi di superficie. Sono state identificate le onde I–V e calcolate le latenze per valutarne la consistenza intra- e interindividuale.
I tracciati ottenuti risultano netti e riproducibili in tutti i soggetti, con ridotta variabilità interindividuale. Le latenze, generalmente più brevi rispetto a quelle osservate nei mammiferi, riflettono la più semplice organizzazione neuroanatomica e le peculiarità dell’ecologia uditiva dei rettili. La stabilità dei picchi conferma l’affidabilità del BAER quale strumento funzionale per la valutazione dell’udito e, indirettamente, dell’integrità del tronco encefalico.
I risultati evidenziano l’utilità del BAER in Pogona vitticeps come metodo complementare all’esame neurologico clinico e alle tecniche di imaging. Lo studio sottolinea inoltre l’importanza di ulteriori ricerche volte a standardizzare i protocolli di registrazione, perfezionare la misurazione delle ampiezze e approfondire la variabilità funzionale tra popolazioni, al fine di migliorare l’interpretazione dei dati e ampliare le applicazioni, sia in ambito sperimentale sia clinico-veterinario.
Nel complesso, i dati qui presentati forniscono un riferimento elettrofisiologico di base per Pogona vitticeps e confermano come il BAER costituisca uno strumento affidabile e informativo per la valutazione uditiva e neurologica dei rettili, con rilevanti implicazioni per la neurofisiologia comparata, la diagnostica clinica e lo studio degli adattamenti uditivi specie-specifici
From jumbled sounds and sights to higher-order processes: investigating audio-visual Sensitivity to Intersensory Synchrony and its influence on Executive Functions, Self-Regulation, and Language in typical and atypical preschool development
No full textSensory integration is increasingly acknowledged as a crucial factor in the development of cognitive and social abilities. This dissertation aimed to contribute to this understanding by investigating preschoolers’ Sensitivity to Intersensory Synchrony - a foundational ability that guides sensory integration by enabling the detection of cross-modal redundancies through temporal proximity. A total of 396 children aged 3 to 5 years (305 neurotypicals, 55 with Developmental Language Disorder, and 36 with a history of Childhood Maltreatment) participated in this research.
Using an eye-tracking preferential looking task, this series of studies examined Sensitivity to Intersensory Synchrony in both typical and atypical development in response to audiovisual speech stimuli, exploring its profiles, its age-related changes, as well as its malleability across groups and in response to different formats of perceptual training (both single- and multiple-session) which included simple, playful, and engaging activities aimed at actively involving children in experiencing and reproducing multisensory synchrony. The research also sought to uncover whether and how Sensitivity to Intersensory Synchrony promotes higher-order processes crucial for future development, such as Language, Executive Functions, and Self-Regulation.
The data revealed a more refined Sensitivity to Intersensory Synchrony in typical development than previously reported, alongside specific alterations in each group with atypical development. Additionally, the results highlighted a foundational role of Sensitivity to Intersensory Synchrony in sustaining the development of the investigated higher-order processes. Signs of malleability and enhancement through perceptual training were observed across groups, even after a single session as well as, in typical development, potential to generate positive bottom-up virtuous cycles through multiple-session training, enhancing Self-Regulation and Executive Functions by building on their embodied foundations in Sensitivity to Intersensory Synchrony.
However, a more complex and dynamic framework emerged than initially expected, with non-linear trajectories and dynamic rebalancing that warrant further investigation. While these findings require further confirmation and expansion, this research provides an initial theoretical framework and a practical tool to support the development of basic perceptual mechanisms, which are increasingly recognized as key determinants of lifelong outcomes
Don't stop the beat : neural basis and rehabilitative clinical applications of rhythmic experience
No full textIl ritmo non è un semplice dominio musicale, ma un principio cardine dell’esperienza umana,
capace di intrecciare percezione, azione, emozione e relazione sociale. Fin dalle prime fasi della
vita, i suoni e i movimenti regolari plasmano la nostra capacità di anticipare, sincronizzare e
condividere schemi di movimento. La musica, in questo senso, rappresenta una cornice
privilegiata in cui il ritmo diventa un fenomeno incarnato.
L’obiettivo di questa tesi è indagare il ritmo come costrutto psicologico e neurofisiologico,
analizzare i meccanismi cerebrali che sottendono la sua percezione e produzione, e discutere le
sue applicazioni in ambito clinico-riabilitativo. Il percorso si articola in tre capitoli, che
accompagnano progressivamente dal livello concettuale a quello neurale, fino agli sviluppi
pratici.
Il primo capitolo si concentra sulle basi concettuali e psicologiche del ritmo. Vengono
esaminate le definizioni strutturali e funzionali e vengono approfonditi i tre elementi
fondamentali che ne costituiscono l’ossatura: la pulsazione, che funge da riferimento temporale
interno ed esterno; le microdeviazioni, che arricchiscono la percezione con sfumature
espressive; e la sincope, che introduce violazioni predittive capaci di ricalibrare l’attenzione. A
queste dimensioni si affianca una prospettiva comparativa: la capacità ritmica non è esclusiva
dell’uomo, ma si manifesta in forme diverse in altre specie animali, come uccelli, cetacei e
primati, suggerendo radici evolutive comuni e una funzione adattiva legata alla comunicazione,
alla coesione sociale e alla coordinazione motoria.
Il secondo capitolo affronta i meccanismi neurali alla base del ritmo. L’analisi si focalizza sul
ruolo delle oscillazioni corticali, che si allineano alla pulsazione esterna predisponendo il
sistema all’azione. Viene approfondito il contributo della corteccia uditiva, che decodifica
regolarità e accenti metrici, e delle vie che veicolano queste informazioni verso le aree premotorie. Qui hanno luogo processi di simulazione motoria interna e di predizione temporale,
che consentono di anticipare il “quando” del prossimo evento sonoro, pur in assenza di
movimento. I gangli della base ospitano una sorta di “metronomo interno” regolato dalla
modulazione dopaminergica, mentre il cervelletto affina la temporizzazione correggendo in
tempo reale eventuali errori. Questa rete cortico-sottocorticale distribuita non solo garantisce la
percezione ritmica, ma ne spiega anche la dimensione corporea ed emotiva: il ritmo non è solo
percepito, ma viene sentito come impulso a muoversi, quell’“urge-to-move” che caratterizza
esperienze come il groove e che nasce dall’interazione tra predizione, errore e ricompensa.
Il terzo capitolo esplora il versante applicativo, mostrando come i principi del ritmo possano
essere tradotti in strumenti terapeutici. Particolare attenzione è dedicata alla Rhythmic Auditory
Stimulation (RAS), una tecnica che utilizza stimoli ritmici esterni come supporto alla
riabilitazione motoria. Nei pazienti post-ictus, la RAS migliora velocità, lunghezza e simmetria
del passo, fornendo uno scaffold temporale che guida la riorganizzazione dei network motori.
Nella malattia di Parkinson, dove la degenerazione dopaminergica compromette la
temporizzazione interna, il ritmo agisce come cue vicariante, riducendo fenomeni invalidanti
come il freezing of gait. Nei disturbi funzionali del movimento, infine, la stimolazione ritmica
contribuisce a ristabilire agency e selezione motoria, facilitando la riemersione di schemi
automatici e fisiologici.
Questi risultati non solo confermano l’efficacia clinica delle tecniche basate sul ritmo, ma ne
sottolineano la valenza di strumento di neuromodulazione naturale, capace di agire su più
livelli: sensoriale, motorio, affettivo e motivazionale