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Mainstreaming of Nature-Based Solutions for the mitigation of hydro-meteorological hazard: governance analysis of a socio- technical change
Get PDFThe Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) concept and approach were developed to simultaneously face challenges such as risk mitigation and biodiversity conservation and restoration. NBSs have been endorsed by major International Organizations such as the EU, the FAO and World Bank that are pushing to enable a mainstreaming process. However, a shift from traditional engineering “grey” solutions to wider and standard adoption of NBS encounters technical, social, cultural, and normative barriers that have been identified with a qualitative content analysis of policy documents, reports and expert interviews. The case of the region Emilia-Romagna was studied by developing an analytical framework that brought together the social-ecological context, the governance system and the characteristics of specific NBSs
Protostrongylids nematodes as a tool to study the biogeography of wild mammals
Get PDFThe European brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) is an important game species, distributed across Europe and introduced in other regions. Recently, a geographically isolated population, closely related to an ancestral lineage of Lepus europaeus meridiei, was found on Pianosa Island, off the coast of Tuscany, Italy (Mengoni et al., 2018). Thus, the unique opportunity to explore the evolution and genetic structure of its helminth parasites was added to its exceptional isolation condition.
Various lungworm species within the genus Protostrongylus (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) are described in European brown hares.
Our aim was to analyze the parasite population through morphological and molecular approaches in order to study the biogeography of the European brown hares (L. e. meridiei) population from Pianosa Island. Moreover, we investigated the morphology of a monospecific genus, i.e. Orthostrongylus, considering its quite intrigant descriptive history and its still unclear and debated classification.
Nuclear and mitochondrial markers were used based on their resolution power and expected polymorphism; the whole Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 and 2 (ITS), including the 5.8S rRNA sequence and the Large Subunit (28S) were used, as nuclear genes, for confirmation of the species identification. Conversely, the cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) was used, as mithocondrial genes, to assess interspecific genetic relationships.
Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification since all the generated ITS and LSU sequences were 100% consistent with the species Protostrongylus oryctolagi and Orthostrongylus macrotis.
The paucity of molecular data existent about this genus of parasites underlines the need for more insight’s studies. An in-depth analysis of broncho-pulmonary parasites and the host-parasites relationships along with the improvement of the use of mitochondrial genes, as well as the assessment of new polymorphic markers could contribute to an extensive understanding of parasites fauna and taxonomy, as well as their relationship with wild mammals’ hosts
Tumor burden as assessed by 18 F FDG PET scan as predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockers in advanced NSCLC - a multi centric study
Get PDFIntroduction
Only a proportion of patients with advanced NSCLC benefit from Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). No biomarker is validated to choose between ICBs monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy (Chemo-ICB) when PD-L1 expression is above 50%. The aim of the present study is to validate the biomarker validity of total Metabolic Tumor Volume (tMTV) as assessed by 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET)
Material and methods
This is a multicentric retrospective study. Patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICBs, chemotherapy plus ICBs and chemotherapy were enrolled in 12 institutions from 4 countries. Inclusion criteria was a positive PET scan performed within 42 days from treatment start. TMTV was analyzed at each center based on a 42% SUVmax threshold. High tMTV was defined ad tMTV>median
Results
493 patients were included, 163 treated with ICBs alone, 236 with chemo-ICBs and 94 with CT. No correlation was found between PD-L1 expression and tMTV. Median PFS for patients with high tMTV (100.1 cm3) was 3.26 months (95% CI 1.94–6.38) vs 14.70 (95% CI 11.51–22.59) for those with low tMTV (p=0.0005). Similarly median OS for pts with high tMTV was 11.4 months (95% CI 8.42 – 19.1) vs 33.1 months for those with low tMTV (95% CI 22.59 –
NA), p .00067. In chemo-ICBs treated patients no correlation was found for OS (p = 0.11) and a borderline correlation was found for PFS (p=0.059).
Patients with high tMTV and PD-L1 ≥ 50% had a better PFS when treated with combination of chemotherapy and ICBs respect to ICBs alone, with 3.26 months (95% CI 1.94 – 5.79) for ICBs vs 11.94 (95% CI 5.75 – NA) for Chemo ICBs (p = 0.043).
Conclusion
tMTV is predictive of ICBs benefit, not to CT benefit. tMTV can help to select the best upfront strategy in patients with high tMTV
Design of mobility infrastructures to promote sustainability and accessibility of urban areas
Get PDFThis doctoral dissertation represents a cluster of research activities carried out at the DICAM Department of the University of Bologna during a three-year Ph.D. course. The goal of this research is to show how the development of an interconnected infrastructure network, aimed at promoting accessibility and sustainability of places, is fundamental in a framework of deep urban regeneration. Sustainable urban mobility plays an important role in improving the quality of life of citizens. From an environmental point of view, a sustainable mobility system means reducing fuel discharges and energy waste and, in general, aims to promote low carbon emissions. At the same time, a socially and economically sustainable mobility system should be accessible to everybody and create more job opportunities through better connectivity and mobility. Environmentally friendly means of transport such as non-motorized transport, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles play an important role in achieving sustainability but require a planned approach at the local policy level. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that, through a targeted reconnection of road and cycle-pedestrian routes, the quality of life of an urban area subject to degradation can be significantly improved just by increasing its accessibility and sustainability. Starting from a detailed study of the European policies and from the comparison with real similar cases, the case study of the Canal Port of Rimini (Italy) has been analysed within the European project FRAMESPORT. The analysis allowed the elaboration of a multicriterial methodology to get to the definition of a project proposal and of a priority scale of interventions. The applied methodology is a valuable tool that may be used in the future in similar urban contexts. Finally, the whole project was represented by using virtual reality to visually show the difference between the before and after the regeneration intervention
New Gold(I) complexes: from ligand design to homogeneous catalysis
Get PDFThis PhD thesis summarize the work carried out during three years of PhD course. Several thematic concerning gold(I) chemistry are analysed by crossing data from different chemistry areas as: organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and computational chemistry.
In particular, the thesis focuses its attention on the evaluation of secondary electronic interactions, subsisting between ligand and Au(I) metal centre in the catalyst, and their effects on catalytic activity. The interaction that has been taken in consideration is the Au…Ar π-interaction which is known to prevent the decomposition of catalyst, but exhaustive investigations of further effects has never been done so far.
New libraries of carbene (ImPy) and biarylphosphine ligands have been designed and synthetized for the purpose and subsequently utilized for the synthesis of corresponding Au(I) complexes. Resulting catalysts are tested in various catalytic processes involving different intermediates and in combination with solid state information from SC-XRD revealed an unprecedented activation mode which is only explained by considering both electronic nature and strength of Au…Ar π-interaction. DFT calculation carried on catalysis intermediates are in agreement with experimental ones, giving robustness to the theory.
Moreover, a new synthetic protocol for the lactonization of N-allenyl indole-2-carboxylic acids is presented. Reaction conditions are optimized with the newly synthetized ImPy-Au(I) catalysts and different substrates are also tested providing a quite broad reaction scope. Chiral ImPy ligands have also been developed for the asymmetric variant of the same reaction and encouraging enantiomeric excess are obtained
Early-stage deformation localisation in thrust systems: new perspectives from carbonates in the Italian Southern Alps and Oman Mountains
Get PDFThis thesis investigates mechanisms and boundary conditions that steer the early localisation of deformation and strain in carbonate multilayers involved in thrust systems, under shallow and mid-crustal conditions. Much is already understood about deformation localisation, but some key points remain loosely constrained. They encompass i) the understanding of which structural domains can preserve evidence of early stages of tectonic shortening, ii) the recognition of which mechanisms assist deformation during these stages and iii) the identification of parameters that actually steer the beginning of localisation. To clarify these points, the thesis presents the results of an integrated, multiscale and multi-technique structural study that relied on field and laboratory data to analyse the structural, architectural, mineralogical and geochemical features that govern deformation during compressional tectonics.
By focusing on two case studies, the Eastern Southern Alps (northern Italy), where deformation is mainly brittle, and the Oman Mountains (northeastern Oman), where ductile deformation dominates, the thesis shows that the deformation localisation is steered by several mechanisms that mutually interact at different stages during compression. At shallow crustal conditions, derived conceptual and numerical models show that both inherited (e.g., stratigraphic) and acquired (e.g., structural) features play a key role in steering deformation and differentiating the seismic behaviour of the multilayer succession. At the same time, at deeper crustal conditions, strain localises in narrow domains in which fluids, temperature, shear strain and pressure act together during the development of the internal fabric and the chemical composition of mylonitic shear zones, in which localisation took place under high-pressure (HP) and low-temperature (LT) conditions. In particular, results indicate that those shear zones acted as “sheltering structural capsules” in which peculiar processes can happen and where the results of these processes can be successively preserved even over hundreds of millions of years
Bioremediation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) polluted marine sediments: a study of the effectiveness of bioaugmentation and biostimulation via microbial electrochemical technologies and polyhydroxyalkanoates
Get PDFPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals largely employed in the industry, banned at the end of the last century yet still persistent in the environment. Bioremediation, namely exploiting bacteria to reduce PCBs’ toxicity, is receiving attention as a promising approach to remediate polluted site in situ. Natural bioremediation is constrained by several factors as the low amount of the required growth substrates (e.g. electron donors, oxygen) and the scarcity of bacteria able to metabolize PCBs. In this regard, use of biodegradable polymers or applied potentials have been demonstrated effective in priming bioremediation of freshwater environments (e.g. river sediments) polluted by chlorinated solvents or PCBs. Yet, little is known regarding the application in marine sediments, where the abundance of anaerobic competitors (i.e. sulfate reducing bacteria) and the different sediment’s features might affect the bioremediation. In this study, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs) were applied for the first time to prime bioremediation of PCBs polluted marine sediments. The influence of PHAs was studied on the main anaerobic metabolisms and on the microbial community of the heavily polluted sediments coming from the Pialassa della Baiona, a micro-tidal coastal lagoon in Ravenna, and from Mar Piccolo, the marine basin aside Taranto. The impact of METs was deepened by monitoring the physical-chemical parameters and the main anaerobic metabolisms of the sediments coming from Ravenna. The effectiveness of biostimulating with PHAs depended on the features of the treated site, possibly due to the availability of the amendments and to the competition of the indigenous microbial communities. The bioelectrochemical stimulation inhibited the bioremediation process. In both cases, the presence of an inoculated bacterial community was required to perform bioremediation. The collected results led to a comprehensive analysis of the available literature, questioning what could be the further approaches for an effective in situ bioremediation
Use of high-resolution ultrasound in the diagnosis of difficult fetal brain anomalies. Focus on the anterior complex.
Get PDFIn questo lavoro di tesi vengono prese in esame le principali anomalie cerebrali fetali a carico del complesso anteriore, formato dal cavo del setto pellucido e dai corni frontali dei ventricoli laterali. Si è poi concentrata l’attenzione sull’oloprosencefalia e sull’obliterazione del cavo del setto pellucido, analizzando i casi che sono stati riferiti c/o la U.O. di Ostetricia e Medicina dell’Età Prenatale del Policlinico di S. Orsola – IRCCS.
L’oloprosencefalia racchiude in sé uno spettro di anomalie cerebrali caratterizzate da un difetto di formazione della linea mediana con forme variabili di fusione degli emisferi cerebrali. Le forme alobari mostrano una distorsione della anatomia cerebrale, con un singolo ventricolo e sono spesso associate ad anomalie extracerebrali e del cariotipo. Nelle forme semilobari e lobari il setto pellucido è generalmente assente nei piani assiali, con corni frontali fusi ed ipoplasici, ma queste caratteristiche possono essere di difficile interpretazione ad un esame di screening. Le anomalie facciali sono invece più sfuggenti.
L’obliterazione del cavo del setto consiste in un suo aspetto ecogeno, normalmente disteso da fluido; è ritenuta una variante della norma, ma queste conclusioni sono basate su casistiche limitate. Anche in questo caso abbiamo riportato l’eventuale presenza di anomalie associate ed abbiamo poi rivalutato questi bambini mediante una visita specialistica presso la U.O. di Neuropsichiatria Infantile. Nella nostra esperienza di 16 casi, la neurosonografia è stata in grado di definire la presenza o meno di anomalie cerebrali associate (1 caso di cisti interemisferiche e corpo calloso disgenetico) al pari della risonanza magnetica. Nei casi apparentemente isolati, in circa il 20% tale reperto è stato transitorio nel corso della gravidanza e non sono state riportate anomalie del cariotipo. Tutte le visite di follow up eseguite nel contesto dello studio (risultati parziali di 7/15 bambini) hanno dimostrato uno sviluppo nella norma per l’età del bambino.In this paper, the main fetal brain anomalies affecting the anterior complex, formed by the septum pellucid cord and the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles will be examined, with particular attention on holoprosencephaly and on the obliteration of the cavum septum pellucidi, analyzing the cases referred to the Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine Unit of the Policlinico di S. Orsola – IRCCS.
Holoprosencephaly encompasses a spectrum of brain abnormalities characterized by a defect in midline formation with variable degree of fusion of the cerebral hemispheres. The alobar forms show a distortion of the cerebral anatomy, with a single ventricle, and are often associated with extracerebral and karyotype abnormalities. In semilobar and lobar types the septum pellucidi is generally absent in the axial planes, with fused and hypoplastic frontal horns, but these features can be difficult to be detected in a screening ultrasound exam. Facial anomalies are more elusive.
The obliteration of the cavum septum pellucidi, normally filled with fluid, is believed to be a normal variant, but this conclusion is based on limited case reports. In our study, we reported the possible presence of associated cerebral anomalies and we then re-evaluated these children by neurological examination conducted in our Pediatric Unit of Neuropsychiatry. In our experience of 16 cases, neurosonography was able to define the presence or absence of associated brain anomalies (1 case of interhemispheric cysts and dysgenetic corpus callosum) as well as magnetic resonance. In apparently isolated cases, in about 20% the obliterated cavum was transient during pregnancy and no karyotype abnormalities were reported. All follow-up visits performed in the context of the study (partial results of 7/15 children) demonstrated normal development for children's age
Diversified applications of supplemental LED light for greenhouse tomato production in the Mediterranean context
Get PDFAmong the various aspects to be investigated for a technological and productive upgrade of tomato greenhouse production in the Mediterranean area, the application of supplementary LED interlighting still shows limited interest. However, high-density tomato cultivation with intensive high-wire systems could lead to mutual shading and consequent reduction in photosynthesis and yield, even in case of appreciable amounts of external solar radiation, as in Southern Europe. Applications of interest could also involve off-season production or Building-Integrated Agriculture (BIA) such as rooftop greenhouses, where municipal regulations for structure and fire safety could limit the incoming radiation in the growing area. The aim of this research was to investigate diversified applications of supplemental LED interlighting for greenhouse tomato production (Solanum lycopersicum) in the Mediterranean countries. The diversified applications included: effects on post-harvest quality, shading reduction in BIA, tailored seedlings production, and off-season cultivation. The results showed that the application of supplemental LED light on greenhouse-grown tomato in Mediterranean countries (Italy and Spain) has potential to foster diverse applications. In particular, it can increase production in case of the limited solar radiation in rooftop greenhouses, maintain quality and reduce losses during post-harvest, help producing high quality and tailored seedlings, and increase yield during wintertime. Despite the positive results obtained, some aspects of the application of additional LED light in Southern Europe countries still need to be deepened and improved. In particular, given the current increase of electricity cost, future research should focus on more economically valuable methods of managing supplemental lighting, such as the application of shorter photoperiods or lower intensities, or techniques that can provide energy savings such as the pulsed light
Hairpin windings for high reliability and high power density electrical machines
Get PDFIn the last years the increasing demand of higher torque and power densities has led to the adoption of hairpin windings (HWs) in electrical machines, mainly in those intended for automotive applications. However, this winding topology is quite sensitive to AC losses, hence one of their main challenges is represented by their reduction.
This work deals with different design aspects related to the enhancements of some performance figures of rotating electrical machines for traction applications, above all power density and reliability, mainly through the adoption of HWs.In the last years the increasing demand of higher torque and power densities has led to the adoption of hairpin windings (HWs) in electrical machines, mainly in those intended for automotive applications. However, this winding topology is quite sensitive to AC losses, hence one of their main challenges is represented by their reduction.
This work deals with different design aspects related to the enhancements of some performance figures of rotating electrical machines for traction applications, above all power density and reliability, mainly through the adoption of HWs