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Considerations on indirect adhesive restorations at the material and tooth interfaces
Get PDFObjective: Lithium-silicate (LiSi) ceramic is nowadays widely used in dentistry. However, for the longevity of LiSi indirect restorations, it is important to pretreat the material and the dental substrate adequately. However, is not certain how the simplification of the manufacturing and conditioning procedures influences the bonding performances of LiSi ceramic restorations. Accordingly, the aims of this thesis were to investigate the effect of: 1) different LiSi ceramic surface decontamination procedures on the shear bond strength (SBS) to resin composite; 2) different types of lithium-disilicate (LiDi) (pressed vs CAD-CAM) on SBS to resin composite; 3) an experimental metal salt-based zirconium oxynitrate etchant [ZrO(NO3)2] on bonding performances to dentin.
Materials and Methods: SBS test was used to investigate the influence of different cleaning protocols applied, or different processing techniques (CAD or PRESS) on the bond strength to composite resin. The third study tackled the interface between restorative materials and dentin, and investigated the microtensile bond strength test (µTBS), nanoleakage expression analysis (NL), gelatin zymography and in situ zymography of dentin conditioned with an experimental metal salt-based zirconium oxynitrate etchant [ZrO(NO3)2].
Results: MEP showed comparable bond strength to the double HP etching and higher compared to other groups. BS of press LiSi to composite was higher than that of CAD/CAM LiSi. ZON pretreatment increased bond strength to dentin when used with a universal adhesive, and inhibited dentinal endogenous enzymes.
Conclusions: While simplification of the LiSi conditioning and cleaning procedures seems to yield bond strength comparable to the traditional procedures, it could be recommended in the clinical practice. However, pressed LiSi still seems to perform better in terms of bond strength compared to the CAD/CAM LiSi. Further, the novel ZON etchant seems to perform better compared to the traditional phosphoric dentin etching
Temporalities of migration: time, data infrastructures and intervention
Get PDFThe dissertation explores the intersections between the temporalities of migration management and border-crossers’ temporalities. First, I analyze the relation between acceleration and (non)knowledge production by focusing on the “accelerated procedures” for asylum. These procedures are applied to people whose asylum applications are deemed as suspicious and likely to be rejected. I argue that the shortened timeframes shaping these procedures are a tool for hindering asylum seekers’ possibilities to collect and produce evidence supporting their cases, eventually facilitating and speeding up their removal for Member States’ territory. Second, I analyze the encounters between migration management and border-crossers during the identification practices carried out the Hotspots and during the asylum process in terms of “temporal collisions”. I develop the notion of “hijacked knowledge” to illustrate how these “temporal collisions” negatively affect border-crossers’ possibilities of action, by producing a significant lack of knowledge and awareness about the procedures to which they are subjected and their temporal implications. With the concept of “reactive calibration”, on the other hand, I suggest that once migrants become aware of the temporalities of control, they try to appropriate them by aligning their bodies, narrations and identities to those temporalities. The third part of the dissertation describes the situated intervention developed as part of my ethnographic activity. Drawing on participatory design, design justice and STS making and doing, I designed a role-playing game - My documents, check them out - seeking to involve border-crossers in the re-design of the categories usually deployed in migration management
Distributed argumentation technology: advancing risk analysis and regulatory compliance of distributed ledger technologies for transaction and management of securities
Get PDFDistributed argumentation technology is a computational approach incorporating argumentation reasoning mechanisms within multi-agent systems. For the formal foundations of distributed argumentation technology, in this thesis we conduct a principle-based analysis of structured argumentation as well as abstract multi-agent and abstract bipolar argumentation. The results of the principle-based approach of these theories provide an overview and guideline for further applications of the theories. Moreover, in this thesis we explore distributed argumentation technology using distributed ledgers. We envision an Intelligent Human-input-based Blockchain Oracle (IHiBO), an artificial intelligence tool for storing argumentation reasoning. We propose a decentralized and secure architecture for conducting decision-making, addressing key concerns of trust, transparency, and immutability. We model fund management with agent argumentation in IHiBO and analyze its compliance with European fund management legal frameworks. We illustrate how bipolar argumentation balances pros and cons in legal reasoning in a legal divorce case, and how the strength of arguments in natural language can be represented in structured arguments. Finally, we discuss how distributed argumentation technology can be used to advance risk management, regulatory compliance of distributed ledgers for financial securities, and dialogue techniques
“Puta”, “travesti” e “brasiliana”: processi intersezionali di traduzione e criminalizzazione tra Brasile e Italia
Get PDFEsta tese se debruça nas (im)possibilidades de tradução terminológica para demonstrar uma incomunicabilidade entre o contexto brasileiro e italiano, em termos de trabalho sexual e políticas travestis. Proponho uma análise etnográfica dos usos dos termos, efetivada pela pessoa antropóloga também corporificada e marcada contextualmente. Apresento como nos dois contextos há uma aproximação entre as noções “puta” e “travesti” que se materializa em processos interseccionais de criminalização. Demonstro como no contexto brasileiro mais do que termos, envolvem disputas, agenciamentos e vivências corporificadas que refletem ativismos protagonizados por pessoas diretamente engajadas na transformação política dessas nomenclaturas – movimentações intransponíveis para o contexto italiano. Ao mesmo tempo, “brasiliana” ativa um imaginário italiano local que enquadra a prostituição e vivências trans majoritariamente como um problema migratório, para o qual se mobilizam ostensivos recursos e financiamentos que ganham forma no combate à “tratta” / tráfico de pessoas” – todo um aparato de difícil tradução para o contexto brasileiro. Dessa forma, partindo dos termos locais mobilizados nos dois contextos, penso nos elementos culturais naturalizados e em seu diálogo transcultural. Os processos de tradução são, desse modo, epistemológicos e necessariamente políticos, uma vez que estão situados em uma geopolítica marcadamente desigual. Afirmo, portanto, que as (im)possibilidades de tradução cultural se materializam em ativismos, políticas institucionais e normativas legais que ativam diversas formas de criminalizar possibilidades de existência, criação de redes de afeto e de potência política em trânsito.This thesis focuses on the (im)possibilities of terminological translation in order to demonstrate a lack of communication between the Brazilian and Italian contexts in terms of sex work and trans politics. I propose an ethnographic analysis of the uses of the terms, carried out by the anthropologist who is also embodied and marked contextually. I show how in both contexts there is an approximation between the notions “puta” and “travesti” that materializes in intersectional processes of criminalization. I show how in the Brazilian context, more than terms, they involve disputes, agency and embodied experiences that reflect activism led by people directly engaged in the political transformation of these nomenclatures - insurmountable movements for the Italian context. At the same time, “brasiliana” activates a local Italian imaginary that frames prostitution and trans experiences mainly as a migratory problem, for which ostentatious resources and funding are mobilized to combat “tratta / human trafficking" - a whole apparatus that is difficult to translate into the Brazilian context. So, starting from the local terms used in both contexts, I think about naturalized cultural elements and their cross-cultural dialogue. The processes of translation are thus epistemological and necessarily political, since they are situated in markedly unequal geopolitics. I therefore claim that the (im)possibilities of cultural translation materialize in activism, institutional policies and legal regulations that activate various forms of criminalizing possibilities of existence, the creation of networks, affection and political power in transit.Questa tesi è volta alle (im)possibilità di traduzione terminologica per dimostrare un’incomunicabilità tra contesto brasiliano e italiano in discussioni riguardo il lavoro sessuale e le politiche trans. Propongo un’analisi etnografica degli usi dei termini in modo che i processi di traduzione siano avviati dalla persona antropologa, anch’essa corporificata e segnata diversamente in ogni contesto. Presento come nei due contesti culturali si legano le nozioni “puta e “travesti” in tal modo che si materializzano in processi intersezionali di criminalizzazione. Dimostro come nel contesto brasiliano questi processi coinvolgono non solo termini, bensì dispute, agency e vissuti che riflettono attivismi che hanno come protagonisti persone direttamente dedicate alla trasformazione politica di questi vocaboli – movimentazioni queste non transponibili al contesto italiano. Allo stesso tempo, la parola “brasiliana” attiva un immaginario italiano che inquadra prostituzione e vissuti trans perlopiù come problema migratorio, destinando ingenti sforzi e finanziamenti in termini di contrasto alla “tratta / tráfico de pessoas” – dispositivi e sforzi che sono difficili da tradurre al contesto brasiliano. In questo modo, partendo dai termini locali mobilitati in entrambi i contesti, richiamo gli elementi culturali che vengono naturalizzati e il loro dialogo transculturale. I processi traduttori sono pertanto epistemologici e necessariamente politici giacché sono situati in una geopolitica di disuguaglianza. Affermo dunque che le (im)possibilità di traduzione culturale si materializzano in attivismi, politiche istituzionali e normative legali che attivano diverse forme di criminalizzare le possibilità di esistenza, la creazione di reti di affetto e le politiche in transito
Pedagogy of artistis and players : a look at teacher training for childhood education from a public school
Get PDFEsta tese é o resultado de uma pesquisa no plural, realizada a partir de uma escola pública exemplar de onde se pluralizaram os procedimentos metodológicos, os lugares e as pessoas, bem como os resultados que apresento. Tudo mobilizado por uma questão central relativa aos sentidos e relevância dos artistas e brincantes brasileiros que, majoritariamente se conectam à formação de docentes para a educação infantil. Dividido em seis capítulos ou movimentos, o trabalho possui variações em termos de gêneros textuais. Alguns tópicos possuem características acadêmicas convencionais, outros são apresentados em formas de ensaios e contos pedagógicos e até em formato de vídeo. Constata-se, por meio da tese que múltiplos conhecimentos e saberes oriundos desses sujeitos, ou seja, as linguagens artísticas e o brincar aparecem como elementos imprescindíveis nas normas da educação infantil tornando-os indispensáveis para o amplo desenvolvimento das crianças sendo, por isso, fundamentais na profissionalização das professoras da primeira infância. Por essa perspectiva é que se concebe como pedagogia o conjunto de saberes originários da cultura das infâncias brasileiras, consubstanciados por artistas e brincantes formadores e não formadores, aqueles que se lançam a apreenderem diversos elementos de natureza artística e lúdica dessas infâncias que, vistas, revistas, mantidas, transformadas e reinventadas, se voltam aos educandos infantis. É justamente por meio do predicado de unidade que se admite tal concepção: pedagogia de artistas e brincantes! Uma pedagogia que não se define pela imposição de estruturas curriculares oficiais, mas que conforma uma unidade pedagógica por reunir ações, conteúdos e experiências que reverberam, consequentemente, no cotidiano das escolas.This thesis is the result of plural research conducted in an exemplary public school, where methodological procedures, places, and people were diversified, along with the presented results. Everything was driven by a central question regarding the meaning and relevance of Brazilian artists and players (playmates), who are predominantly connected to the training of teachers for early childhood education. Divided into six chapters or movements, the work presents variations in terms of textual genres. Some topics possess conventional academic characteristics, while others are presented in the form of essays and pedagogical tales, and even in video format. The thesis confirms that multiple knowledge and wisdom originating from these individuals, namely artistic languages and play, emerge as indispensable elements within early childhood education standards, making them essential for the comprehensive development of children and therefore fundamental to the professionalization of early childhood educators. From this perspective, the pedagogy is conceived as a set of knowledge derived from the culture of Brazilian childhood, embodied by both forming and non-forming artists and players (playmates) those who endeavor to grasp various elements of artistic and playful nature of childhood, which, observed, revisited, preserved, transformed, and reinvented, are directed towards child learners. It is precisely through the predicate of unity that such a conception is admitted: the pedagogy of artists and players (playmates)! This pedagogy does not define itself by the imposition of official curricular structures, but rather shapes a pedagogical unity by bringing together actions, content, and experiences that reverberate, consequently, in the daily life of schools
Monitoring time-dependent deformation patterns through geodetic techniques
Get PDFIn this thesis we focus on the analysis and interpretation of time dependent deformations
recorded through different geodetic methods. Firstly, we apply a variational Bayesian
Independent Component Analysis (vbICA) technique to GPS daily displacement solutions,
to separate the postseismic deformation that followed the mainshocks of the 2016-2017
Central Italy seismic sequence from the other, hydrological, deformation sources. By
interpreting the signal associated with the postseismic relaxation, we model an afterslip
distribution on the faults involved by the mainshocks consistent with the co-seismic
models available in literature. We find evidences of aseismic slip on the Paganica fault,
responsible for the Mw 6.1 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, highlighting the importance of
aseismic slip and static stress transfer to properly model the recurrence of earthquakes on
nearby fault segments. We infer a possible viscoelastic relaxation of the lower crust as a
contributing mechanism to the postseismic displacements. We highlight the importance of
a proper separation of the hydrological signals for an accurate assessment of the tectonic
processes, especially in cases of mm-scale deformations. Contextually, we provide a
physical explanation to the ICs associated with the observed hydrological processes.
In the second part of the thesis, we focus on strain data from Gladwin Tensor
Strainmeters, working on the instruments deployed in Taiwan. We develop a novel
approach, completely data driven, to calibrate these strainmeters. We carry out a joint
analysis of geodetic (strainmeters, GPS and GRACE products) and hydrological (rain
gauges and piezometers) data sets, to characterize the hydrological signals in Southern
Taiwan.
Lastly, we apply the calibration approach here proposed to the strainmeters recently
installed in Central Italy. We provide, as an example, the detection of a storm that
hit the Umbria-Marche regions (Italy), demonstrating the potential of strainmeters in
following the dynamics of deformation processes with limited spatio-temporal signatur
Exploring mediterranean durum wheat wild relatives and elite diversity panel for future breeding
Get PDFDurum wheat (Triticum durum) is an important crop that has been used for millennia for human consumption, and modern breeding can take advantage of the wide variability useful for the adaptation to new challenges. Novel beneficial alleles can be found in wild relatives and landraces thus enhancing crop adaptation to many biotic and abiotic stresses. This dissertation considers the source of variability from both before and after wheat domestication, that caused a loss of potentially useful alleles.
Chapter 1. is the thesis introduction, which outlines the importance of wheat in the world, providing an historical overview of the domestication, the evolution mechanisms that led to the current forms of durum wheat and the use of wild relatives as a source of germplasm for future breeding programs is crucial. Moreover, the emergence of Z. tritici has been considered as the main pathogen of wheat since it contains extremely high levels of genetic variability and is thus difficult to control.
Chapter 2. Considers the contribution of the phenotypic diversity of 242 accessions of Aegilops tauschii from the Open Wild Wheat Consortium, involved in wheat domestication, provided with whole-genome resequencing. The accessions were phenotyped both in the field and in controlled conditions and A k-mer-based GWAS was performed to identify genomic regions involved in useful traits.
Chapter 3. Describes the genetic basis of resistance to Z. tritici in a durum wheat elite diversity panel representative of the germplasm bred in Mediterranean. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis results revealed several loci involved in the STB response that were found in several chromosome regions with a high infection rate. The genomic regions associated with STB resistance identified in this study could be of interest for marker assisted selection (MAS) in durum wheat breeding programs
Cultural diplomacy as a path of Italian foreign policy between the cold war and the post-bipolar period
Get PDFIl soft power di uno Stato è l’immagine che questo dà di sé agli altri, ed è naturalmente riempito di suoi ideali e valori, della sua lingua e delle sue conoscenze. La cultura, nella sua più ampia declinazione, in tal senso si rivela uno strumento diplomatico rilevante nella politica estera dello Stato. Questa può affermarne la presenza, preservarne l’identità, sviluppare forme di solidarietà, favorire obiettivi politici attraverso l’influenza del pubblico internazionale. La diplomazia culturale italiana negli anni di guerra fredda si è rappresentata come “strada operativa” particolare nel più ampio ventaglio di scelte di politica estera del nostro paese, a volte precorrendo le mire e gli obiettivi della diplomazia cosiddetta “tradizionale”. La cultura ha offerto all’Italia una prospettiva aggiuntiva nei termini del dialogo internazionale, ponendosi come canale privilegiato di relazioni difficilmente concertabili altrimenti nel corso della seconda metà del Novecento, segnata dal conflitto bipolare. Nella sua tensione verso la pace e la stabilità, con il suo costante richiamo ai diritti ed ai valori della democrazia, la diplomazia culturale italiana ha potuto inoltre vantare un contributo non secondario nella transizione dalle dinamiche internazionali segnate dalla guerra fredda alla determinazione delle relazioni internazionali propriamente post-bipolari.The soft power of a State is the image that it gives of itself to others, filled with its ideals and values, its language and its knowledge. Culture, in its broadest declination, in this sense proves to be a relevant diplomatic tool in the foreign policy of a State. This can affirm its presence, preserve its identity, develop forms of solidarity, promote political objectives through the influence of the international public. Italian cultural diplomacy in the years of the Cold War represented itself as a particular "operational path" in the wider range of foreign policy choices of our country, sometimes anticipating the aims and objectives of so-called "traditional" diplomacy. Culture offered Italy an additional perspective in terms of international dialogue, acting as a privileged channel for relations that would otherwise be difficult to negotiate during the second half of the twentieth century, marked by bipolar conflict. In its tension towards peace and stability, with its constant reference to the rights and values of democracy, Italian cultural diplomacy has also been able to boast a non-secondary contribution in the transition from the international dynamics marked by the Cold War to the determination of post-bipolar international relations
Neo-commodification of persons: exploitation of personal data and impact on the sharing economy
Get PDFThe notion of commodification is a fascinating one. It entails many facets, ranging from subjective debates on desirability of commodification to in depth economic analyses of objects of value and their corresponding markets. Commodity theory is therefore not just defined by a single debate, but spans a plethora of different discussions. This thesis maps and situates those theories and debates and selects one specific strain to investigate further. This thesis argues that commodity theory in its optima forma deals with the investigation into what sets commodities apart from non-commodities. It proceeds to examine the many given answers to this question by scholars ranging from the mid 1800’s to the late 2000’s. Ultimately, commodification is defined as a process in which an object becomes an element of the total wealth of societies in which the capitalist mode of production prevails. In doing so, objects must meet observables, or indicia, of commodification provided by commodity theories.
Problems arise when objects are clearly part of the total wealth in societies without meeting established commodity indicia. In such cases, objects are part of the total wealth of a society without counting as a commodity. This thesis examines this phenomenon in relation to the novel commodities of audiences and data. It explains how these non-commodities (according to classical theories) are still essential elements of industry. The thesis then takes a deep dive into commodity theory using the theory on the construction of social reality by John Searle
The combinatorics of Hilbert-Poincaré series of matroids
Get PDFIn this thesis we explore the combinatorial properties of several polynomials arising in matroid theory. Our main motivation comes from the problem of computing them in an efficient way and from a collection of conjectures, mainly the real-rootedness and the monotonicity of their coefficients with respect to weak maps. Most of these polynomials can be interpreted as Hilbert--Poincaré series of graded vector spaces associated to a matroid and thus some combinatorial properties can be inferred via combinatorial algebraic geometry (non-negativity, palindromicity, unimodality); one of our goals is also to provide purely combinatorial interpretations of these properties, for example by redefining these polynomials as poset invariants (via the incidence algebra of the lattice of flats); moreover, by exploiting the bases polytopes and the valuativity of these invariants with respect to matroid decompositions, we are able to produce efficient closed formulas for every paving matroid, a class that is conjectured to be predominant among all matroids. One last goal is to extend part of our results to a higher categorical level, by proving analogous results on the original graded vector spaces via abelian categorification or on equivariant versions of these polynomials