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Holomorphic Dynamics in Fatou Components in Two Complex Variables
No full textComplex dynamics, also called holomorphic dynamics, is a branch of dynamical systems that intersects
deeply with complex geometry and complex analysis. It investigates the behavior and evolution of a
complex manifold M under the repeated application of a holomorphic function F : M → M .
This thesis explores holomorphic dynamics from the prospective of the stable set, known as the
Fatou set, and its connected components, called Fatou components. The work begins with an overview
of key findings in one-dimensional holomorphic dynamics, then extends to higher-dimensional settings,
with a particular focus on two-dimensional holomorphic dynamics.
The novel contribution of this research lies in the construction of transcendental Hénon maps that
exhibit cycles of escaping Fatou components with rank-1 limit functions. The most notable result
is the fact that these Fatou components have disjoint and hyperbolic limit sets, offering a deeper
understanding of the intricate and rich dynamics in higher dimensions
The impact of unhealthy dietary patterns on health in Latin America. Diseases, associated risk and preventve strategies
No full textQuesta tesi si propone di esplorare le cause e le conseguenze dell’alimentazione
scorretta in America Latina, con particolare attenzione al contesto del Perù.
Attraverso l’analisi delle abitudini alimentari, delle politiche sanitarie e delle dinamiche culturali, l’obiettivo è comprendere come il Paese stia affrontando questa problematica e quale ruolo possa avere la figura del designer e le comunità locali nella promozione di abitudini alimentari più sane.
Successivamente, verranno proposte soluzioni nel campo della progettazione sociale, con l’intento di sensibilizzare la popolazione e di favorire la prevenzione.In particolare, si sottolineerà l’importanza dell’educazione alimentare, focalizzandosi sui più giovani, sulle madri e sulle zone più povere del paese, con l’obiettivo di invertire le attuali tendenze alimentari e di promuovere la costruzione di una nuova società più consapevole e sana.This thesis aims to explore the causes and consequences of poor nutrition
in Latin America, with a particular focus on Peru.
Through the analysis of eating habits, health policies, and cultural dynamics, the goal is to understand how the country is addressing this issue and what role designers and local communities can play in promoting healthier eating habits.
Subsequently, solutions will be proposed in the field of social design, with the aim of raising awareness among the population and promoting prevention. In particular, the importance of food education will be emphasized, focusing on young people, mothers, and the poorest areas of the country, with the aim of reversing current dietary trends and promoting the construction of a new, more aware, and healthier society
Convertitoti intelligenti per applicazioni industriali: gate driver attivi, raddrizzatori e protezioni
No full textL'obiettivo principale di questa tesi è quello di fornire un punto di partenza per l'analisi di un sistema VSD collegato alla rete, comprendente raddrizzatore di front-end, circuito di protezione e inverter, che può essere compatibile con motori a induzione direttamente connessi alla rete mantenendo dimensioni e durata comparabili, per consentire un approccio retrofit. Questa tesi
non ha la pretesa di essere esaustiva nei suoi contenuti e, a causa della grande varietà di argomenti
non si arriverà a un sistema integrato finito, ma aggiungendo elementi di innovazione nei vari aspetti del sistema fungendo da punto di partenza per futuri sviluppi.
Per semplificare la visione del macrosistema, è stato adottato un approccio “divide et impera”, trattando ogni blocco separatamente cercando di ottimizzare i punti chiave in termini di efficienza, affidabilità, area e numero di componenti.The main objective of this thesis is to provide a starting point for the analysis of
a grid-connected VSD system, comprising front-end rectifier, protection circuit and
inverter, that can be compatible with induction motors directly connected to the grid,
maintaining comparable size and lifespan, to enable a retrofit approach. This thesis
does not claim to be exhaustive in its contents and due to the wide variety of subjects
within, it will not result in a finished integrated system, however, by adding elements
of innovation in the various aspects of the system involved, it aims to be a starting
point for future developments.
In order to simplify the view to the macro-system, a divide-et-impera approach
has been implemented treating each block separately; different aspects of each block
have been evaluated searching to optimize the key points in terms of efficiency, reli
ability, area and number of components
Rewriting memories : the influence of emotions on memory trace reconsolidation
No full textIl seguente lavoro di tesi si propone di indagare il tema del riconsolidamento della memoria quale fenomeno che media il possibile rafforzamento o, al contrario, la degradazione della traccia mnestica in funzione dei fenomeni neurobiologici e cognitivi che ne succedono la rievocazione. Nel suo modello classico - visione che contribuì storicamente a identificarla come un processo stabile e duraturo - la memoria si compone di tre fasi successive (codifica, consolidamento e rievocazione) per cui una volta formata e immagazzinata, l’informazione sarebbe permanentemente conservata nei nostri “archivi“ e resa disponibile per un successivo recupero. Recenti studi, tuttavia, hanno sovvertito tale concezione mostrando che, una volta riattivato, il ricordo può subire delle influenze a livello biologico traducibili tanto in un potenziamento, quanto in un processo di degradazione. Si parla cioè di riconsolidamento della memoria in riferimento ad un’ulteriore fase del processo mnestico, in virtù della quale il ricordo entra in uno stato di labilità e malleabilità in risposta ad influenze biologiche ed ambientali. Tra queste, particolarmente efficace è quella esercitata dalle emozioni. È ormai nota, infatti, la stretta relazione esistente tra i sistemi di memoria e i circuiti emotivi in virtù della condivisione neuroanatomica di aree cerebrali, tra le principali ippocampo, amigdala, corteccia prefrontale, e nucleo striato. Tale interazione fisiologica rende le emozioni in grado di influenzare i ricordi a vari livelli, in termini di profondità della codifica, efficacia nell’immagazzinamento, facilità del recupero o, come vedremo ora, di “conferma” o degradazione del ricordo. Alla luce di queste evidenze, sarà indagata nel primo capitolo la natura del riconsolidamento della memoria, analizzandone le componenti di base in linea con l’aggiornamento della letteratura ad esso relativo degli ultimi decenni. Successivamente, verrà approfondito il legame tra memoria ed emozioni, mostrando l’influenza che queste esercitano sui ricordi in generale e, in particolar modo, su di essi una volta riattivati. Infine, la comprensione dei meccanismi molecolari alla base del riconsolidamento della memoria, sarà impiegata per indagare la possibilità di intervenire su di essa, di “riscrivere” i ricordi disadattativi nell’ambito di disturbi quali il PTSD o operare analogamente in contesti psicoterapeutici/psicologici per modificare la valenza negativa dei contenuti emotivi ad essa associati in ottica riabilitativa.The following work aims to investigate the theme of reconsolidation of memory as a phenomenon that mediates the possible strengthening or, on the contrary, the degradation of the memory track as a function of the neurobiological and cognitive phenomena that follow its evocation
Growing emotion regulation: developmental origin of socio-emotional competence in toddlers via an ethological approach
No full textEven though emotion self-regulation has been widely studied over the last several decades, much of the research on this topic has neglected to frame specific regulatory strategies across development, particularly during infancy and toddlerhood. In fact, it is during these stages of life that such behaviors emerge and increase in complexity. Scientific literature has shown that these early emotion regulation abilities are easily shaped by external factors, not only through intimate interactions with primary caregivers but also through progressive exchanges with the broader environment.
To address this gap, the current dissertation investigates emotion self-regulation behaviors at two time points in infants' ontogeny: 12 and 22 months. The research employs experimental tasks designed to elicit increasing frustration, utilizing data from a larger longitudinal study involving mother-child dyads. As part of the study, mothers attended follow-up appointments where their infants participated in structured tasks. These laboratory tasks were coded for infants' emotion regulation strategies using a novel ethological approach, favoring a bias-free and objective measurement of behaviors over traditional, inference-biased methods. Furthermore, positive emotional expressions were analyzed through cutting-edge software to examine whether and how smiling varies with purpose and context, even at this young age.
Results suggest that early social experiences, including childcare attendance, play a pivotal role in shaping emotional responses and regulatory strategies.
The implications of these findings, and key directions for future work, are discussed
Innovative biological therapies for the treatment of skeletal system injuries
No full textQuesta tesi si concentra sulle terapie biologiche innovative per le lesioni del sistema
scheletrico negli animali da compagnia, prendendo come modelli clinici principali i
cani. Condizioni quali l'osteoartrite, la displasia dell'anca e del gomito, i disturbi
temporo-mandibolari, le patologie dei dischi intervertebrali e anche le lesioni alle ossa,
ai tendini e ai legamenti rimangono alcune delle cause più comuni di dolore, mobilità
ridotta e disabilità cronica nella medicina veterinaria. I trattamenti tradizionali, che
comprendono dai farmaci alla fisioterapia e alla chirurgia, sono spesso efficaci nel
controllare i sintomi, ma raramente riescono a invertire i cambiamenti degenerativi o a
ottenere una riparazione completa dei tessuti. Negli ultimi anni, la medicina
rigenerativa ha iniziato a ridefinire questo campo offrendo approcci mirati al ripristino
delle strutture danneggiate piuttosto che al solo alleviamento del dolore e, tra le opzioni
studiate, le cellule staminali mesenchimali (MSC), il plasma ricco di piastrine (PRP) e
i fattori di crescita si sono dimostrati particolarmente promettenti. Queste terapie
biologiche sfruttano il potenziale naturale delle cellule e delle molecole bioattive per
regolare l'infiammazione, promuovere la guarigione e favorire il recupero della
funzione articolare. Studi clinici su pazienti veterinari hanno riportato miglioramenti
nell'andatura, riduzione del dolore e migliore qualità della cartilagine dopo la
somministrazione di MSC o PRP, mentre protocolli combinati con impalcature o fattori
di crescita aggiuntivi spesso migliorano questi risultati. Il lavoro qui presentato esamina
sia la gestione classica dei disturbi scheletrici sia il crescente numero di ricerche sui
trattamenti biologici. Sebbene rimangano molte domande aperte, come la necessità di
protocolli standardizzati e di un follow-up a lungo termine, le prove disponibili
suggeriscono che queste strategie rappresentano un passo importante verso una gestione
più duratura ed efficace delle lesioni scheletriche nei piccoli animali. La loro
progressiva adozione potrebbe migliorare significativamente la qualità della vita dei
pazienti affetti e aprire nuove direzioni per la pratica ortopedica veterinaria.This thesis focuses on innovative biological therapies for skeletal system injuries in
companion animals, with dogs taken as the main clinical models. Conditions such as
osteoarthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, temporomandibular disorders, intervertebral
disc disease, and also bone, tendon, and ligament injuries, remain some of the most
common causes of pain, reduced mobility, and chronic disability in veterinary
medicine. Conventional treatments, ranging from drugs to physiotherapy and surgery,
are often effective in controlling symptoms, yet they rarely succeed in reversing
degenerative changes or achieving complete tissue repair. In recent years, regenerative
medicine has begun to reshape this field by offering approaches aimed at restoring
damaged structures rather than only alleviating pain, and among the options
investigated, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and growth
factors have shown particular promise. These biological therapies make use of the
natural potential of cells and bioactive molecules to regulate inflammation, promote
healing, and encourage the recovery of joint function. Clinical studies in veterinary
patients have reported improvements in gait, reduction of pain, and better cartilage
quality after MSC or PRP administration, while combined protocols with scaffolds or
additional growth factors often enhance these results. The work presented here reviews
both the conventional management of skeletal disorders and the growing body of
research on biological treatments. Although many questions remain, such as the need
for standardized protocols and long-term follow-up, the available evidence suggests
that these strategies represent a major step toward more durable and effective
management of skeletal injuries in small animals. Their progressive adoption could
significantly improve the quality of life of affected patients and open new directions for
orthopaedic veterinary practice
Innovative techniques for the extraction and characterization of natural products for health applications
No full textThe aim of this doctoral project is to make significant contributions to the field of natural products research, particularly in the areas of bioactive compounds, metabolomics, and green extraction techniques. The work has been structured across three major sections, each addressing critical challenges and opportunities in natural products discovery and applications. In Section 1, the potential of natural triterpenoids, such as ursolic and oleanolic acids, to combat antimicrobial resistance was thoroughly investigated. By focusing on their ability to inhibit multidrug tolerance and biofilm formation. Results highlight the promising role of these compounds in overcoming one of the most pressing issues in modern healthcare: antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, a review about quorum sensing inhibitors (2019-2023) provided further knowledge into innovative approaches for disrupting microbial communication pathways, laying the groundwork for future therapeutic developments in this area. Section 2 extended the exploration of natural products to geographical characterization and the study of specific plant species. Through the chemical profiling of Italian propolis and secondary metabolites in Triticum durum (Desf.) and Rumex usambarensis (Dammer). Results of these studies demonstrated how regional and botanical origins contribute to the bioactive potential of natural products. The findings underline the importance of targeted and non-targeted metabolomic approaches in uncovering the therapeutic potential of plant-based substances, enhancing the use of natural products in health-related applications. Section 3 focused on advancements in green extraction technologies, particularly using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES). The synthesis and characterization of 21 different NADES demonstrated their utility in optimizing the extraction process for natural products. Through a detailed physicochemical evaluation, including structural elucidation and stability assessments, this section established the suitability of NADES as eco-friendly solvents for metabolomics studies. The non-targeted metabolomics analysis of Melissa officinalis L. leaves further validated the application of NADES in natural product extraction, providing valuable discoveries into how tailored solvents can enhance both the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds. The findings presented in this thesis have broader implications for both natural product research and the development of new therapeutic agents. By combining targeted and non-targeted metabolomic techniques with green extraction methods, this work not only contributes to a deeper understanding of natural compounds but also advances sustainable practices in natural product formulation. The research highlights the versatility of NADES as environmentally friendly solvents and offers a framework for future studies focused on natural product extraction, characterization, and application in health-related fields. This doctoral work underscores the significant potential of natural products in addressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and promotes the use of innovative, eco-friendly extraction techniques. The interdisciplinary approach taken here opens new avenues for the development of natural products with enhanced bioactivity and sustainability, marking an important step forward in the field of natural product research
Impact of automatic milking systems on dairy cattle breeding
No full textI sistemi automatizzati di mungitura stanno acquisendo sempre più interesse a livello mondiale. Il primo robot di mungitura sperimentale è stato introdotto nel 1986 in Francia e, ad oggi, si contano 50.000 robot di mungitura operativi a livello mondiale.
L’interesse crescente nei confronti del robot di mungitura è dato principalmente dall’automatizzazione delle operazioni di mungitura, che comporta significativi cambiamenti nella gestione della manodopera. Le operazioni di mungitura sono effettuate dal robot e sono le bovine a decidere autonomamente quante volte e in quali momenti della giornata farsi mungere.
Lo scopo di questa tesi è analizzare, attraverso la letteratura scientifica, l’impatto dei sistemi automatizzati di mungitura sulla gestione della routine di mungitura, sulla salute della mammella, sui parametri qualitativi e quantitativi del latte e sulla gestione dell’alimentazione.
Le operazioni di mungitura, con l’introduzione del robot, non sono più gestite dagli operatori, ma vengono standardizzate ad una routine prestabilita. La mungitura viene effettuata per singolo quarto, staccando le tettarelle quando il flusso di latte diminuisce, con effetti positivi sulla salute mammaria. Questo sistema di mungitura consente anche di monitorare l’andamento delle caratteristiche del latte in ogni quarto, permettendo di anticipare l’insorgenza di eventuali patologie, come la mastite.
Rendendo la mungitura per lo più volontaria, con il robot si assiste ad un cambiamento nel comportamento delle bovine. Si osserva, in genere, una diminuzione degli intervalli tra mungiture successive, che è correlato ad un aumento della produzione di latte.
Per quanto riguarda la produzione casearia e l’interesse crescente del robot di mungitura anche in aziende che producono latte per produzioni tipiche, è necessario soffermarsi sull’impatto sui titoli di grasso e proteine. Sono stati necessari, in questo caso, studi che hanno valutato la qualità dei prodotti trasformati, in particolare modo riguardo a produzioni tipiche come il Grana Padano D.O.P. e il Parmigiano Reggiano D.O.P..
Il robot di mungitura è fornito di un autoalimentatore che da una parte incentiva le bovine ad entrare nel robot, dall’altra comporta una diversa gestione nella formulazione della razione. A differenza dei canonici metodi di alimentazione, con sistema tradizionale, caratterizzato da fieno e concentrati somministrati in autoalimentatore e TMR (Total Mixed Ration), la razione viene gestita attraverso l’utilizzo della PMR (Partial Mixed Ration), con distribuzione principale di alimento in mangiatoia e di una quota del concentrato gestito con il robot di mungitura. La gestione dell’alimentazione con il robot di mungitura è, ad oggi, ancora oggetto di studio.Automatic milking systems are gaining more and more interest worldwide. The first
experimental milking robot was introduced in 1986 in France and today there are 50,000
milking robots worldwide.
The growing interest in automatic milking systems is mainly due to the automation of
milking operations, which involves significant changes in labor management. Milking
operations are carried out by the robot and the cows decide autonomously how many
times and at what times of the day to be milked.
The aim of this thesis is to analyze, through scientific literature, the impact of automatic
milking systems on routine management, udder health, qualitative and quantitative
parameters of milk and feeding management.
With the introduction of the robot, milking operations are no longer managed by operators
but are standardized to a pre-established routine. Milking is carried out for each quarter,
detaching the teats when the milk flow decreases, with positive effects on mammary
health. This milking system also allows monitoring the progress of the milk characteristics
in each quarter, allowing anticipating the onset of any pathologies, such as mastitis.
By making milking voluntary, we are witnessing changes in cows’ behavior. Typically, a
decrease in the intervals between successive milkings is observed, which is correlated
with an increase in milk production .As regards dairy production and the growing interest in milking robots also in companies
that produce milk for typical products, it is necessary to focus on the impact on fat and
protein levels. In this case, studies were needed that evaluated the quality of processed
products, in particular with regard to typical products such as Grana Padano D.O.P. and
Parmigiano Reggiano D.O.P..
The milking robot is equipped with a self-feeder that on the one hand encourages the cows
to enter the robot, on the other hand involves a different management in the formulation of
the ration. Unlike the canonical feeding methods, with a traditional system, characterized
by hay and concentrates administered in a self-feeder and TMR (Total Mixed Ration), the ration is managed using the PMR (Partial Mixed Ration), with the main distribution of food in
the manger and a portion of the concentrate managed with the milking robot. The
management of feeding with the milking robot is, to date, still subject of stud
Thoracic ultrasonography in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): clinical applications and diagnostic perspectives
No full textRespiratory diseases represent one of the leading health concerns in bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops truncatus) both in free-ranging and managed populations. The need for early,
reliable, and non-invasive diagnostic tools has directed growing attention toward thoracic
ultrasonography. The present thesis aimed to assess the applicability of lung ultrasound in
dolphins, describing physiological patterns and establishing its diagnostic potential in
respiratory disease.
Ultrasonographic examinations were performed in dolphins housed in a controlled
environment, evaluating pleuro-pulmonary surfaces and associated lymph nodes. The
healthy individuals presented reproducible and constant findings: a continuous hyperechoic
pleural line with normal pleural sliding, horizontal artifacts (A-lines), the typical bat sign
and in M-mode the seashore sign. These features provide a reference framework for
distinguishing physiological from pathological conditions.
In litterature are also reported pathological findings, the technique revealed artifacts and
signs of clinical significance. Vertical artifacts (B-lines), single or coalescent, were
consistent with interstitial syndromes; the shred sign indicated non-translobar
consolidations; the quad sign and sinusoid sign (M-mode) characterized pleural effusions,
while the stratosphere or bar-code sign reflected absence of sliding. Peripheral thoracic
masses were detectable when in contact with the pleural surface.
Comparison with human and small animal medicine confirmed the interpretative reliability
of these ultrasonographic criteria, despite anatomical and physiological peculiarities of
dolphins. The findings highlight the value of thoracic ultrasound not only for clinical case
management but also as a tool for preventive medicine, longitudinal monitoring, and early
diagnosis. This study supports the integration of ultrasonography into routine veterinary
practice and conservation strategies, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone in marine mammal
respiratory health assessment
Polypharmacology approaches to address disease complexity in cystic fibrosis
No full textCystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to a defective ion channel. This condition chronically affects multiple organ systems, with the lungs and pancreas being the most severely impacted. In the lungs, CFTR mutation results in the accumulation of thick, sticky mucus that clogs the airways, trapping viruses and bacteria. This leads to frequent infections and inflammation, that can ultimately result in serious respiratory issues such as lung damage or respiratory failure. A major advance in CF treatment has been the introduction of CFTR modulators, which have significantly improved symptom management and extended life expectancy for individuals affected by CF. However, additional medications such as antibiotics, inhaled bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pancreatic enzyme supplements are still needed to prevent CF-related complications, control symptoms, and mitigate pulmonary exacerbations. Unfortunately, while these treatments improve health conditions, they also increase the therapeutic burden, bringing a higher risk of side effects, decreased adherence, emotional and psychological stress and increased financial strain. Considering CF complexity and the absence of long-term, sustainable treatment, the main goal of this PhD project has been to address cystic fibrosis by exploiting a polypharmacology approach to develop novel dual-acting compounds that simultaneously target CFTR correction and prevent viral or bacterial infections and inflammation. This approach aims at reducing the CF drug burden, minimizing the risk of drug-drug interactions, lowering treatment costs, streamlining the therapeutic regimen, and improving patient compliance and treatment effectiveness.
In the first part of this PhD thesis, the versatility of the bithiazole chemotype was explored to develop dual-acting derivatives in an effort to manage both the genetic defect and infections associated with cystic fibrosis. In particular, the development of antiviral-correctors led to the identification of compound 8b as the best candidate of this class, simultaneously targeting the CFTR channel and the host lipid kinase PI4KB, demonstrating broad-spectrum antiviral activity on different viral families and effective correction of the F508del-CFTR defect. Then, the bithiazole scaffold has been exploited to develop antibacterial-correctors that simultaneously inhibit bacterial growth by targeting bacterial topoisomerases and correct F508del-CFTR, indirectly improving pulmonary microbial clearance. Derivatives 35a and 41a have been identified as the antibacterial-corrector hit compounds belonging to this series. In addition, the development of broad-spectrum antimicrobials resulted in the identification of 49a and 49j as the best candidates. These compounds are designed to combat virus-induced bacterial infections and co-infections in cystic fibrosis, which significantly contribute to disease progression, exacerbations, and higher mortality rates. In the second part of this thesis, the benzofuran-2-carboxamide chemotype was investigated. It has been exploited to develop immunomodulators capable of reducing CCL20-mediated chemotaxis aimed at mitigating inflammation in CF airways. This investigation led to the identification of position C5 on the benzofuran scaffold as the most interesting, especially highlighting compounds 74d and 74f as the best immunomodulatory candidates. Then, efforts have been made for the development of novel multi-target antiviral-immunomodulators by targeting the viral helicase nsp13 and modulating the CCL20-induced chemotaxis, with the goal of controlling viral infections and the subsequent cytokine release as a proof of principle for the future potential application of antiviral-immunomodulators in CF patients