10081 research outputs found
Sort by
Unraveling the interplay of load, substrate and molecular reactivity in tribological systems: a computational and experimental study
No full textThis thesis combines experimental and computational approaches to enhance the understanding of friction, wear, and mechanochemical reactions at sliding interfaces. The study addresses two main areas: the tribological behavior of Black Phosphorus (BP) as a standalone solid lubricant on various substrates, and the mechanochemical reactivity of confined molecules at metallic interfaces under applied loads. The experimental investigation of BP on different substrates reveals that applied load significantly influences its tribological properties. However, no universal trend was observed across all conditions, as performance is highly system-dependent, with substrate roughness playing a crucial role. Computational simulations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) further explored BP’s adhesion to different substrates, showing stronger adhesion for oxidized BP but weak correlation with the tribological performance, highlighting the critical role of substrate roughness in enhancing the lubricating effect. In a separate computational study, DFT simulations examined mechanochemical reactions of water and methane confined between metallic surfaces (interface) under increasing loads. The results showed that molecular dissociation occurs at lower activation energies and loads for the metallic interface compared to the single surface, indicating a higher catalytic effect. Furthermore, confinement-induced dissociation occurs once a threshold value of electron charge redistribution is reached, which is achieved at lower applied loads for interfaces compared to single surfaces. These findings contribute to the development of more efficient lubricants and coatings, highlighting the crucial role of substrate properties and mechanical forces in determining tribological performance. In addition, this work provides valuable insights into the mechanochemical reactions at the interface, deepening the understanding of the fundamental interactions in these scenarios
Development of a training model for the integration of educational approaches in residential care facilities for older adults: an empirical study
No full textL’invecchiamento della popolazione è un fenomeno globale che ha determinato un aumento significativo delle persone anziane in condizioni di fragilità, caratterizzate da bisogni complessi sul piano fisico, psicologico e sociale. Diventa urgente ripensare la cura non solo come intervento sanitario, ma come un processo integrato e complesso, in grado di valorizzare l’autodeterminazione e la qualità della vita degli anziani, e rispondere alla complessità e specificità dei bisogni individuali. La pandemia di COVID-19 ha ulteriormente evidenziato la necessità di ripensare la cura, superando un modello esclusivamente medico per adottare un approccio bio-psico-sociale integrato. In questo contesto, la formazione dei professionisti diventa cruciale per garantire interventi che valorizzino l’autodeterminazione e la qualità della vita. Gli approcci educativi offrono una prospettiva innovativa, orientata al potenziamento delle risorse personali e alla riabilitazione psicosociale attraverso metodologie pedagogiche personalizzate. Tuttavia, la formazione degli operatori del settore è ancora frammentaria e poco strutturata per rispondere alle sfide emergenti. La ricerca presentata si propone di esplorare i bisogni formativi dei professionisti della cura di persone anziane fragili e di sviluppare un modello formativo che promuova un approccio multidimensionale, centrato sulle life-skills. Lo studio si colloca nella prospettiva metodologica dei mixed methods, adottando strumenti quantitativi e qualitativi per valutare l’efficacia di un modello formativo, che mira a migliorare le competenze dei professionisti nelle strutture residenziali, e finalizzato a una cura che coniuga rispetto per la persona, qualità della vita e risposta efficace ai bisogni complessi dell’invecchiamento. Il disegno della ricerca si articola in: uno studio esplorativo (studio1) con fasi sequenziali (qualitativa e quantitativa); un disegno pre-sperimentale a gruppo solo con pre-test e post-test (studio 2). I risultati attesi mirano a fornire indicazioni per una formazione più efficace, capace di supportare il personale nel rispondere alle esigenze degli anziani con un approccio integrato e centrato sulla persona.Population aging is a global phenomenon that has led to a significant increase in older adults in situations of frailty, characterized by complex physical, psychological, and social needs. It is urgent to rethink care not only as a health intervention, but as an integrated and complex process that enhances the autonomy and quality of life of older individuals, addressing the complexity and specificity of their individual needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need to reconsider care, moving beyond an exclusively medical model to adopt an integrated bio-psycho-social approach. In this context, the training of professionals becomes crucial to ensure interventions that value autonomy and quality of life. Educational approaches offer an innovative perspective, aimed at strengthening personal resources and promoting psychosocial rehabilitation through personalized pedagogical methodologies. However, training for caregivers remains fragmented and insufficiently structured to address emerging challenges. This research aims to explore the training needs of professionals working with frail older adults and to develop a training model that promotes a multidimensional approach centered on life skills. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative tools to assess the effectiveness of a co-designed training model, aimed at improving the skills of professionals in residential care facilities, with a focus on care that combines respect for the person, quality of life, and effective responses to the complex needs of aging. The research design includes: Study 1, an exploratory study with sequential phases (qualitative and quantitative), and Study 2, a pre-experimental design with a single group and pre-test and post-test assessments. The expected results aim to provide insights into more effective training, supporting staff in addressing the needs of older adults with an integrated, person-centered approach
Da execução ao vivo à gravação sonora: os fonogramas acústicos na análise do estilo performativo operístico do final do século XIX e início do século XX
No full textL’avvento della registrazione sonora rappresenta un punto di non ritorno, il cardine del cambiamento che ha trasformato la musica da esperienza effimera a oggetto tangibile e riproducibile, quindi mediata. Lo studio della tradizione performativa di tale periodo intende descrive e raffrontare la prassi esecutiva in sede di registrazione in rapporto alle rappresentazioni dal vivo, l’influenza delle pratiche e delle tecnologie di registrazione e riproduzione sul performer e le performance stesse, ma anche l’approccio critico e analitico al documento fonografico. Lo studio si concentra principalmente sulle carriere artistiche di Eugenia Mantelli (1864-1926), Armida Parsi (1868-1949), Elisa Bruno (1869-1942), Clara Butt (1872-1936), Jeanne Gerville-Réache (1875-1915) e Gabriella Besanzoni (1890-1962), e sulle loro registrazioni delle arie Stride la vampa! – la folla indomita dal Trovatore di Giuseppe Verdi e Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix dal Samson et Dalila di Camille Saint-Saëns. Le incisioni in esame sono state incise tra il 1902 e il 1920 e prodotte dalle case discografiche Universal Talking Machine Company (American Zonophone), Victor Talking Machine Company, Columbia, The Gramophone & Typewriter Company, Ltd. e Società Italiana di Fonotipia. Per ciascuna è delineata una sintesi che ne ripercorre lo sviluppo storico, i principali avanzamenti tecnologici e le figure di maggior rilievo.
La scelta di concentrare l’analisi sulle sole incisioni acustiche è giustificata dall’intrinseca caratteristica delle stesse di non prevedere processi di editing. Ad ogni modo, i documenti sonori, indipendentemente dall’epoca in cui sono stati realizzati, non rappresentano una fedele riproduzione di una performance dal vivo, ma una produzione artistica che prende forma grazie alle peculiarità del mezzo fonografico, e la loro riproduzione non costituisce un surrogato di dubbia autenticità della performance dal vivo, ma si configura come un’esperienza del tutto autosufficiente.The advent of sound recording represents a point of no return, the linchpin of the change that transformed music from an ephemeral experience to a tangible and reproducible object, and thus a mediated reality. The study of the performance tradition of this period aims to describe and compare execution during recording sessions in relation to live performance, the influence of recording and reproduction practices and technologies on both performer and performances themselves, and also the critical and analytical approach to phonographic documents. The study focuses mainly on the artistic careers of Eugenia Mantelli (1864-1926), Armida Parsi (1868-1949), Elisa Bruno (1869-1942), Clara Butt (1872-1936), Jeanne Gerville-Réache (1875-1915), and Gabriella Besanzoni (1890-1962), and on their recordings of the arias Stride la vampa! – la folla indomita from Giuseppe Verdi’s Trovatore and Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix from Camille Saint-Saëns’ Samson et Dalila. The recordings in question were made between 1902 and 1920 and manufactured by the labels Universal Talking Machine Company (American Zonophone), Victor Talking Machine Company, Columbia, The Gramophone & Typewriter Company, Ltd., and Società Italiana di Fonotipia. An overview of their historical development, major technological advances and key figures is outlined for each. The choice to focus the analysis solely on acoustic recordings is justified by their intrinsic characteristic of not involving editing processes. In any case, sound documents, regardless of the period in which they were made, do not represent a faithful reproduction of a live performance, but an artistic production that takes shape in accordance with the peculiarities of the phonographic medium, and their reproduction is not a surrogate of questionable authenticity of a live performance, but rather represents a completely self-sufficient experience.O advento da gravação fonográfica representa um ponto de não retorno, o eixo da mudança que transformou a música de uma experiência efémera num objeto tangível e reprodutível, portanto mediada. O estudo da tradição performativa deste período pretende descrever e comparar a práxis executiva no estúdio de gravação em relação às apresentações ao vivo, a influência das práticas e das tecnologias de gravação e reprodução no intérprete e nas interpretações, bem como a abordagem crítica e analítica do documento fonográfico. O foco do estudo centra-se principalmente nas carreiras artísticas de Eugenia Mantelli (1864-1926), Armida Parsi (1868-1949), Elisa Bruno (1869-1942), Clara Butt (1872-1936), Jeanne Gerville-Réache (1875-1915) e Gabriella Besanzoni (1890-1962), e nas suas gravações das árias Stride la vampa! - la folla indomita do Trovatore de Giuseppe Verdi e Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix do Samson et Dalila de Camille Saint-Saëns. As gravações em análise foram gravadas entre 1902 e 1920 e produzidas por Universal Talking Machine Company (American Zonophone), Victor Talking Machine Company, Columbia, The Gramophone & Typewriter Company, Ltd. e Società Italiana di Fonotipia. Relativamente a cada uma delas, é apresentada uma síntese que traça a evolução histórica, os principais avanços tecnológicos e as figuras preeminentes. A decisão de concentrar a análise apenas nas gravações acústicas justifica-se pela caraterística intrínseca das mesmas de não envolvem processos de edição. De qualquer modo, os documentos sonoros, independentemente da época em que foram realizados, não representam uma reprodução fiel de uma atuação ao vivo, mas uma produção artística que toma forma graças às peculiaridades do meio fonográfico, e a sua reprodução não constitui um sub-rogado de autenticidade duvidosa de apresentações ao vivo, mas se configura como uma experiência autossuficiente
Medicines in water bodies: a glimpse into the complexity of environmental sustainability
No full textThis thesis investigates a critical aspect of healthcare sustainability: the presence and potential impact of medicines in the aquatic environment. Medicines primarily enter water bodies through human consumption, where they can have detrimental effects on flora and fauna, including facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance and impairing fish reproduction.
This thesis, in Chapter 1, acknowledges the progress in integrating this issue into the broader framework of rational medicine use and emphasizes the importance of a unified definition to pave the way for practical interventions. Subsequently, actions that various stakeholders can adopt to prevent or mitigate the presence of medicines in water bodies are presented. However, without reliable data and quantitative measures of the risks posed by medicines, identifying effective intervention strategies remains challenging. To this end, Chapter 2 presents the current gold standard for quantifying the presence of medicines in water bodies, that is water sampling, and highlights the effort to compile such data from the published literature. Chapter 3 explores the application of existing methods for estimating water concentrations, emphasizing their limitations and how my research seeks to address them. This chapter covers advancements in spatial and temporal modelling that current methods overlook. Spatial modelling is illustrated through examples from existing literature and my study in Lombardia (Italy), while temporal modelling is discussed through time series analysis of wastewater concentrations in North Netherlands during my time at the University of Groningen. Chapter 4 focuses on the creation of a shared repository for effect measures, specifically Predicted No Effect Concentrations. Chapter 5 combines these data to derive risk estimates for medicines using both measured and predicted concentrations. Finally, Chapter 6 addresses the need for quantitative data on the effectiveness of mitigation measures. A simulation study is proposed to evaluate the feasibility of switching antidepressant prescriptions from high-risk to low-risk substances
The planning of urban green spaces in Bologna. History and perspectives
No full textLa seguente ricerca nasce da una borsa di dottorato con tematica vincolata, Parchi urbani contemporanei d’Italia: verso il parco ideale del XXI secolo, erogata attraverso i fondi del Programma Operativo Nazionale Ricerca e Innovazione (PONRI). In questo orizzonte tematico, si è scelto di individuare il soggetto di ricerca nel contesto specifico della città di Bologna, del quale è stata indagata in particolare la storia della pianificazione comunale del verde. La ricerca è stata condotta a partire dallo studio dei principali piani regolatori sviluppati dall’Ufficio Tecnico del Comune di Bologna. Sono state analizzate le tavole di piano con riferimento particolare alla rappresentazione del verde, le relazioni generali e l’ulteriore documentazione relativa al processo di redazione dei piani conservata presso le istituzioni e gli archivi della città di Bologna. La tesi di dottorato si apre con un excursus storico riguardante il rapporto tra città e spazi verdi urbani in Europa dal XVI secolo alla contemporaneità. La parte centrale della tesi è dedicata alla storia della progettazione e pianificazione del verde nei piani regolatori del Comune di Bologna. Un’appendice conclusiva descrive la collaborazione presso l’Ufficio per la Transizione Energetica di Hera SpA che si è impegnata nella progettazione di un parco urbano e peri-urbano a vocazione energetica sul territorio bolognese.Developed within the framework of the thematic doctoral scholarship Contemporary Urban Parks in Italy: Toward the Ideal Park of the 21st Century, funded through the Programma Operativo Nazionale Ricerca e Innovazione (PONRI), this research focuses on the city of Bologna as its specific case study, with particular attention to the history of municipal green space planning. The study was conducted through an analysis of the principal master plans produced by the Ufficio Tecnico of the Municipality of Bologna. Particular emphasis was placed on the representation of green spaces in planning maps, general reports, and additional documentation related to the drafting of these plans, preserved in local institutions and archives. The dissertation opens with a historical overview of the relationship between cities and urban green spaces in Europe, spanning from the 16th century to the present day. The central section is devoted to the evolution of green space design and planning in Bologna’s urban development strategies. A concluding appendix describes the collaboration with the Ufficio per la Transizione Energetica of Hera SpA, which has been involved in the design of an urban and peri-urban park in the Bologna area with an energy-oriented purpose
The role of a stewardship mind in addressing grand challenges
No full textThis PhD research project aims to explore how businesses can contribute effectively to tackling major global challenges by adopting a stewardship mind, with a focus on circular economies and the twin transition. Based on an extensive literature review of the concept of stewardship, investigations include a circular economy case-study and an analysis of the impact of a stewardship mind on the development of technological and sustainable innovations in services. The contribution of this study is manifold: First, it provides a novel concept of stewardship mind, offering an analytical definition and a taxonomy of stewardship minds, which addresses a significant theoretical gap in management and business studies. Second, the empirical analyses (both qualitative and quantitative) support the effectiveness of a stewardship mind in driving businesses towards sustainable transition, providing empirical and practical contributions. Third, the extensive literature review methodology, which applied a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) based topic modeling analysis to almost 1,200 papers, enables the analysis of a massive set of scientific publications. The findings of this research may inspire managers to adopt a Genuine Stewardship mind into their daily actions and communications and scholars to further investigate the concepts, as an array of managerial implications and avenues for future research are discussed throughout the thesis.
Green themes (Action IV.5) provide the overall framework of this project. Specifically, the thematic area of the project (SMSI 2014-2020) is “Smart and sustainable industry, energy and environment” in the research field “Digital, Industry, Aerospace” (PNR 2021-2027) (9)
Characterisation of plasma thrusters for micro-satellites
No full textThe concept of radio frequency (RF) ambipolar thruster has gained significant interest in the electric propulsion sector over the last twenty years. The design of these devices, which lacks plasma-contacting electrodes, makes them durable and adaptable, ideal for use in space. However, despite their seemingly straightforward structure, the fundamental physics are intricate and not completely comprehended. Thus, ongoing research is crucial to improve their efficiency and allow them to rival other propulsion technologies. This thesis intends to explore how different operating conditions influence the performance of RF thrusters through both numerical and experimental approaches. The first phase of research investigated facility influences—particularly how background gas pressure affects plasma expansion within the magnetic nozzle. A combined global model and 2D3V fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulation were employed to evaluate a laboratory prototype thruster operating on xenon at power levels between 60 and 150 W and background pressures ranging from high vacuum to 10⁻² Pa. The findings indicated a key electron temperature threshold of 8 eV in the near-plume area, beyond which performance deterioration became notable. These observations guided further studies on propellants (xenon, krypton, iodine). At low power (approximately 20 W), iodine's performance was similar to that of xenon; however, it produced 50% less thrust at power levels exceeding 40 W due to molecular breakdown and increased collisional losses. Although krypton was effective in converting thermal energy to kinetic energy, it yielded the lowest thrust. An experimental campaign covering power ranges of 100 to 400 W revealed notable alterations in plasma behaviour, potentially indicating a transition between E–H modes. Simulated results aligned well with measured data, refining the assessment of source efficiency and associated losses
The determinants and consequences of ideological ambiguity: strategies, electoral impact, and coalition formation
No full textThe responsible party model assumes that parties should present clear and coherent policy preferences to voters, enabling accountability and informed choices. However, parties often deviate by adopting ambiguous or vague positions. This dissertation, structured as a collection of papers, investigates the determinants and consequences of ideological ambiguity in European democracies. The first paper explores why parties adopt ambiguous positions. While existing literature emphasizes ambiguity as a strategic tool to attract diverse voters, it often overlooks intra-party dynamics. Using data from the Chapel Hill Expert Survey (CHES), Comparative Candidate Survey (CCS), and European Social Survey (ESS), the study shows that ambiguity stems not only from divergent voter preferences but also from ideological heterogeneity within parties. The second paper examines the electoral impact of ideological ambiguity. Although ambiguity may broaden a party’s appeal, it carries risks. Analyzing data from the European Election Study (EES), Euromanifesto study, and CHES, the paper finds that ambiguity is generally an ineffective electoral strategy. However, when combined with valence appeals, such as competence and honesty, ambiguity can attract ideologically distant voters while reinforcing support among the party’s base.The final paper investigates the role of ambiguity in government formation. Traditional policy-seeking theories assume parties have complete information during coalition negotiations, but ambiguity challenges this. Using data from the Representative Democracy Data Archive (REPDEM) and CHES, the study reveals that ambiguity heightens uncertainty about parties’ preferences and negatively affects government formation, especially in ideologically similar coalitions. Together, these papers deepen the understanding of why ideological ambiguity arises and its broader implications for electoral competition and government formation in European democracies
Remote monitoring in patients with heart failure and comorbidities
No full textHeart failure (HF) remains a major public health burden, associated with high morbidity, frequent hospitalizations, and poor prognosis despite advances in pharmacological and device-based therapies. A key limitation in management is the delayed recognition of decompensation episodes, which has prompted the development of remote monitoring (RM) strategies aimed at earlier detection and timely intervention. This thesis investigates innovative RM approaches with a focus on non-invasive, wearable technologies. The first section critically reviews the evolution of RM, from early telemonitoring systems to invasive hemodynamic sensors, multiparametric algorithms embedded in implantable devices, and wearable technologies. The second section addresses non-invasive assessment of pulmonary congestion. A feasibility study using MySIGN, a wearable thoracic belt developed at the University of Bologna, demonstrated reliable acquisition of multiparametric cardio-respiratory signals in healthy volunteers and identified impedance variation as a promising surrogate of pulmonary fluid status.
The third section explores acoustic monitoring. Comparative testing of microphone technologies showed that MEMS-based sensors offer the best performance for wearable integration. Preliminary auscultation studies confirmed their ability to capture clinically relevant heart sounds. The fourth section evaluates photoplethysmography (PPG) for hemodynamic monitoring. PPG-derived heart rate variability parameters showed moderate correlation with ECG-based measures, while vascular aging indices were significantly impaired in atrial fibrillation, a frequent HF comorbidity. The fifth section focuses on simplified electrocardiographic monitoring. A modified six-lead ECG configuration, obtained by repositioning limb electrodes to approximate V1 and V6, accurately estimated ventricular activation times in patients undergoing conduction system pacing, supporting its feasibility for streamlined remote follow-up. Finally, these insights converge in REMEDY, a next-generation Internet-of-Medical-Things platform built around a modular, adhesive wearable incorporating ECG, bioimpedance, acoustic, accelerometric, and temperature sensors. Developed through Lean process analysis and co-design workshops, REMEDY prioritizes multimorbidity management, multiparametric data fusion, workflow integration, and sustained patient engagement
The “evidence turn” in the justice sector. Insights from the Albanian and Italian cases.
No full textOver the last two decades, managerial and evidence turns increasingly and relentlessly reshaped the way of doing things and the ways things are framed and told in the justice sector. Legal professionalism played a dominant or almost absolute role in the sector until the early 1990s. Afterward judicial policy frames became deeply and widely output-oriented and the capacity to measure and assess with a sound objective and quantitative set of tools ranked first among the priorities of governments and judicial institutions embarked on a comprehensive reform agenda. This doctoral work addresses the differential patterns of plays and gains in the political arenas in two different countries. Unpublished insights and fresh data represent a sound empirical basis of the analysis herein provided. The thesis shows when, why and to what extent numbers can become issues of micro-politics or spaces of consensus-building. Numbers are a matter of choice. Nonetheless, they retain their strength in providing an azimuth for reformers and policy makers