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Genetics basis of root architecture variation in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
No full textClimate change poses significant threats to global agriculture, potentially reducing both the yield and quality of important crops like barley. With a projected human population of 10 billion in an environmental undergoing degradation, addressing these challenges requires a delicate balance between agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
Root System Architecture (RSA) plays a crucial role in soil exploration, influencing a plant's access to water and nutrients. Exploring and manipulating RSA offers promising opportunities to advance both crop production and ecosystem management practices.
This study consists of three chapters. In the first chapter, we report the results of a Genome Wide Association Study on RSA using the WHEALBI barley collection. Coupling phenotypic datasets for seven seminal root traits with genotypic data derived from exome capture revealed 106 QTLs, along with candidate genes associated with each trait.
In the second and third chapters, we focused on screening the TILLMore collection. Specifically, in the second chapter, we phenotypically characterized 13 root hair mutants and mapped the causal gene of the root hairless mutant (TM1291) to a bHLH transcription factor.
In the third chapter, we report the characterization of the gravitropic root mutant TM1354, which exhibited a narrow root angle and a faster response to gravity compared to the wild type. Mapping by sequencing enabled us to narrow down the causal locus on chromosome 6, in a region encompassing five candidate genes.
The mutants and genes identified in this study likely play key roles in plant stress response, especially in water and soil nutrients deprivation. Thus, our findings could enhance our understanding of crop adaptation to these types of abiotic stresses. Our results also confirm the utility of the TILLMore collection in supplying plant materials for investigating the molecular foundations of traits of breeding and agronomic interest
Design innovation for illustrators and art amateurs: a system mapping of shared atelier for chinese artists
No full textThis research study investigates the intrinsic needs of Chinese illustrators and art amateurs, employing advanced design methods to enhance their learning and life experiences. Focused on overcoming information access disparities in illustration knowledge, the research addresses the challenges faced by Chinese illustrators, considering factors such as stress, economic anxiety, and identity issues. The study delves into the demands of illustrators with overseas study backgrounds and those within China, shedding light on the industry’s rapid development amid a lack of mature cases in illustration education platforms. The literature review delves into cutting-edge discipline research and pertinent issues in illustration education, while case studies explore 12 globally recognized illustration platforms. Design research methods, including questionnaires, interviews, and co-design workshops, involve 109 surveyed illustrators, identifying five major needs: knowledge parity, alternative income sources, supportive art communities, interdisciplinary learning, and non-commercial art practices. Utilizing the survey results, the design phase employs advanced concepts and the C.R.I.C.C. system as a template to create innovative outputs, including the Illustration Knowledge Tree Model, the Candy Model, and a system mapping. These outputs aim to establish a systematic illustration knowledge structure, facilitate a positive cycle of illustration knowledge exchange between China and international communities, and visually represent relationships within the illustration knowledge system. The discussion and conclusion emphasize three key contributions: the identification of five major needs through design methods, the application of advanced design to Chinese illustrators and art amateurs, and the construction of the Candy Model, envisioning a new cycle for illustration knowledge. The Illustration Knowledge Tree Model enhances the systematic structure of illustrator knowledge, collectively revitalizing the stagnant system and contributing to the advancement of the illustration field
Innovative approaches to manage Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae by manipulating the disease triangle
No full textKiwifruit (Actinidia sp.) production has being severely affected by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, the etiological agent of the bacterial canker of Actinidia. The present work aimed at manipulating/exploring features of the three vertex of the disease triangle (host, pathogen and environment) to explore novel strategies to prevent disease development. Chapter 2 includes the study of the influence of red (R):blue (B) light ratio and green (G) light supplementation on plant physiology and disease development. Our study shows that 50%R-50%B and 25%R-75%B lead to the highest PSII efficiency and photosynthetic rate, but monochromatic blue light was the most efficient in reducing disease symptoms, possibly by modulating Psa virulence more than host plant defenses. Chapter 3 explores the potential of kiwifruit phyllosphere as a reservoir of microbes with potential biological control. Two strains stood out as great flower and leaf colonisers with good capacity to inhibit Psa growth. Their genomes were shotgun sequenced and the strains were taxonomically affiliated to Pseudomonas azotoformans and Pseudomonas putida species. The genome analysis revealed that both strains may produce the siderophore pyoverdine, which may contribute to limit iron availability and subsequently reduce pathogen growth. Chapter 4 explores the hypothesis that plant-derived factors recognized by Psa could be uniquely present, or more abundant, in susceptible species, thus increasing bacterial virulence traits. Leaf extracts, produced from five Actinidia species displaying different degrees of tolerance to Psa, were screened for their ability to induce Psa virulence and the results showed that all crude extracts tested enhance Psa virulence, independently of the susceptibility of the plant. Nevertheless, extract fractionation revealed that the molecule(s) responsible for Psa virulence induction by the different plant species could differ, suggesting that leaf metabolite composition may play a role in regulating Psa virulence and thus contribute to the outcome of the interaction
Predictability of temperature extremes at interannual and decadal timescales
No full textTemperature extremes, with significant impacts on health, infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems, represent a critical challenge. This thesis addresses the predictability of temperature extremes across different forecast horizons, offering insights into the potential for actionable climate information. Through two distinct studies, this research evaluates the skill of climate prediction systems in forecasting changes in the statistics of temperature extremes and investigates the underlying sources of predictability. The first study assesses the decadal predictability of European temperature extremes. In addition to standard grid-point metrics, the study also introduces a spatio-temporal analysis of extreme events. Results show substantial skill in predicting summer heatwaves in Southern and Central Europe and winter cold spells in Eastern and Northern Europe, with much of the skill attributable to the long-term trends. Nevertheless, after detrending the data, residual predictive skill is found in some regions, such as Scandinavia, suggesting that there are potential contributions to predictability from signals beyond long-term trends. The study also examines the models’ ability to reproduce large-scale circulation patterns linked to extremes, finding reasonable spatial agreement but underestimation in the intensity of key features, such as high-latitude blocking. The second study focuses on the interannual predictability of temperature extremes across different forecast seasons. The analysis reveals significant predictive skill across many areas, with skill generally decreasing with forecast time but remaining significant in several regions even into the second forecast year. After removing the externally forced signal, skill persists primarily during the first year, especially in tropical regions, indicating a contribution from internal climate variability. The role of ENSO is found to be particularly important though other sources of predictability may also play a role. Together, these studies advance our understanding of the predictability of temperature extremes at seasonal to decadal timescales. The findings highlight both the potential and limitations of current prediction systems
The Future as Common Good. Shared administration as a model of transformative co-determination of society. The case of Bologna (Italy) and Bogota (Colombia)
No full textIl focus della ricerca si concentra sull'idea dell'amministrazione condivisa come un processo collaborativo che coinvolge una pluralità di attori – pubblici, privati e civici – nella gestione delle risorse e delle sfide collettive. Attraverso la “co-determinazione”, un concetto che supera quello di “intersezionalità” perché ancorato a una dimensione più politica che astratta, si mira a superare la dicotomia tra Stato e società civile, proponendo invece un modello partecipativo e trasformativo capace di rispondere in modo più efficace e inclusivo alle crisi attuali. Per contestualizzare questa analisi, il caso di studio si focalizza su due esperienze emblematiche: quella della città di Bologna, pioniera nell'implementazione di un regolamento per la gestione condivisa dei beni comuni, e quella di Bogotá, in Colombia, dove l'adozione di "patti di collaborazione" e pratiche di governance aperta stanno emergendo come risposte a contesti di conflitto e disuguaglianza. Nonostante le differenze storiche, sociali e politiche tra le due città, entrambe condividono la sfida di costruire una democrazia partecipativa più robusta e resiliente, capace di affrontare le sfide della contemporaneità. L’elaborato contiene il risultato del mio essere in between, anfibia in una duplicità di ruoli: di ricercatrice e di policy maker.The focus of the research is on the idea of shared administration as a collaborative process involving a plurality of actors - public, private and civic - in the management of collective resources and challenges. Through ‘co-determination’, a concept that goes beyond that of ‘intersectionality’ because it is anchored in a dimension that is more political than abstract, it aims to overcome the dichotomy between state and civil society, proposing instead a participatory and transformative model capable of responding more effectively and inclusively to the current crises. In order to contextualise this analysis, the case study focuses on two emblematic experiences: that of the city of Bologna, a pioneer in the implementation of a regulation for the shared management of common goods, and that of Bogotá, Colombia, where the adoption of ‘collaboration pacts’ and open governance practices are emerging as responses to contexts of conflict and inequality. Despite the historical, social and political differences between the two cities, both share the challenge of building a more robust and resilient participatory democracy capable of facing contemporary challenges. The paper contains the result of my being in between, amphibious in a duplicity of roles: of researcher and policy maker
Assessment of the impact on quality of life, predictive factors, and therapeutic outcomes in patients with chronic urticaria: a retrospective observational study in real-life
No full textL’orticaria cronica è una condizione cutanea caratterizzata dalla comparsa di pomfi, con o senza angioedema, della durata <24 ore, per più di 6 settimane. In circa il 60% dei pazienti, la patologia non risponde alla prima linea terapeutica, rappresentata dagli antistaminici di seconda generazione, e vi è necessità di intraprendere una add-on therapy con un farmaco biologico anti IgE, l’omalizumab. L’obiettivo primario del nostro studio è stato di valutare l’efficacia del trattamento con omalizumab in pazienti affetti da orticaria cronica in un setting di real-life, a 6 e a 12 mesi, in termini clinici e di impatto sulla qualità di vita, utilizzando alcuni patient-reported outcome measures. Gli obiettivi secondari includevano l’identificazione di eventuali fattori predittivi di risposta terapeutica, di recidiva post sospensione del farmaco e la determinazione della proporzione di risposta al farmaco in seguito a somministrazione dello stesso dosaggio in un tempo dilazionato (downdosing). È stato condotto uno studio retrospettivo monocentrico e sono stati inclusi 254 pazienti che avevano assunto almeno una dose di omalizumab. L’analisi statistica ha evidenziato una elevata efficacia del farmaco: l’84,7% ha ottenuto un UAS7<7 a 6 mesi, di cui il 64,2% aveva UAS=0. Parallelamente, la percentuale di risposta completa o buona a 15 mesi si è rilevata sensibilmente più bassa, con valori di UAS7<7 solo nel 55,6% dei pazienti, rivelando quindi percentuali considerevoli di recidiva. Sono emersi alcuni fattori predittivi di inferiore risposta terapeutica (angioedema, orticaria fisica, concomitanti patologie autoimmuni) e di maggiore probabilità di recidiva (sesso maschile, elevato D dimero, non aver accettato il downdosing terapeutico). Il downdosing rappresenta nella nostra esperienza una strategia efficace nella gestione del paziente durante il periodo di sospensione del farmaco. Studi prospettici multicentrici potrebbero permettere di confermare quanto emerso nel nostro studio.Chronic urticaria is a cutaneous condition characterized by the appearance of wheals with or without angioedema lasting less than 24 hours, for more than 6 weeks. In approximately 60% of patients, the condition does not respond to first-line therapy, represented by second-generation antihistamines, and there is a need to use an add-on therapy with an anti-IgE biological drug, omalizumab. The primary aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of omalizumab treatment in patients with chronic urticaria in a real-life setting, at 6 and 12 months, in terms of clinical outcomes and impact on quality of life, using several patient-reported outcome measures. Secondary objectives included identifying predictors of therapeutic response, recurrence after drug discontinuation, and determining the proportion of response to the drug following the administration of the same dosage at extended intervals (downdosing). A single-center retrospective study was conducted, and 254 patients who had received at least one dose of omalizumab were included. Statistical analysis showed a high efficacy of the drug: 84.7% achieved a UAS <7 at 6 months, of which 64.2% had a UAS = 0. However, the percentage of complete or good response at 15 months was significantly lower, with UAS7 <7 in only 55.6% of patients, revealing considerable recurrence rates. Several predictors of lower therapeutic response (angioedema, physical urticaria, concomitant autoimmune diseases) and higher likelihood of relapse (male gender, elevated D-dimer, not accepting therapeutic downdosing) were identified. In our experience, downdosing proved to be an effective strategy in managing patients during the drug discontinuation period. Multicenter prospective studies could further confirm the findings of our study
Machine learning for strong lensing: paving the way for the Euclid mission
No full textIn this Thesis, we explore the possibilities and limitations of the application of machine learning techniques to the analysis of strong gravitational lensing events by galaxies and galaxy clusters. This work is done in preparation of the survey that the Euclid mission is conducting, and that will cover one third of the sky in six years, delivering the images of more than one billion galaxies. Given the large volume of data, the identification of strong lensing events and their subsequent modelling will be necessarily based on automated methods. The main objective of this work is characterizing the performance of these techniques and exploring new possible applications. In the first part of the Thesis, we investigate the impact of training sets on the ability of convolutional neural networks to identify lens candidates. We evaluate this using Euclid mock observations, by training three architectures on simulated data, and on the Early Release Observations of the Perseus cluster, that are among the first publicly images released by the Euclid collaboration. In the second part of the Thesis, we focus on strong lensing by galaxy clusters. We develop a new version of the code SkyLens, for simulating cluster-lenses, and we validate the procedure for generating the clusters' properties by comparing the lensing properties of a simulated cluster to those of a real cluster of similar mass distribution and redshift. Moreover, these simulations are useful for the validation of automated classification and modelling methods, because we generate a catalog of properties of cluster members and lensed sources along with the images. Finally, we present a novel method, currently under development, that relies on equivariant graph neural networks for identifying the multiple images of lensed background sources. This work is important in the context of characterizing machine learning models before their widespread application to Euclid data
Advanced experimental and modeling investigation of mass transport in polymers: Breakthroughs in CO2 transport, hydrogen storage, and separation of gas and liquid for sustainable applications.
No full textThe advancement of sustainable technologies to reduce environmental impact is a key challenge in Chemical Engineering. Polymeric materials offer an energy-efficient alternative to conventional gas separation, transport, and sequestration methods, contributing to industrial process optimization and climate change mitigation.
A breakthrough in this field it is essential to develop new sustainable and efficient technologies, that can perform gas, liquid and dense-phase transportation more competently. Various polymeric materials were tested for gas, vapor, and liquid permeation and sorption using different techniques. Specifically, Aquivion was characterized for H₂S, CO₂, and NH₃ separation, while polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide (SEO) membranes were analyzed for ethanol and water transport in block copolymers with distinct morphologies. Additionally, fluorinated polymers, elastomers, polyethylene, polyamides, and polyether were studied as candidate materials for CO₂ transport applications, including liners, sealants, and gaskets in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) systems.
To complement the experimental approach, Lattice Fluid and Non-Equilibrium Lattice Fluid models were applied to study CO₂ sorption in commercial rubbery and glassy polymers under a wide range of temperatures (down to -50°C) and pressures (up to 100 bar). These models, validated against experimental data, provided predictive insights into solubility behavior and diffusion coefficient variations, influenced by kinetic mobility and thermodynamic factors. Furthermore, the Standard Transport Model (STM) effectively described gas permeability as a function of pressure and solubility, enabling a deeper understanding of penetrant-polymer interactions and the effects of dense-phase CO₂ under extreme operating conditions, including cryogenic environments.
Additionally, similar characterization methodologies were applied to composite materials for hydrogen storage applications. This research enhances knowledge of small molecule transport in polymers and membranes for gas and liquid separation, emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability
Investigation on color features and oxidative stability of rosé wines
No full textThis PhD project first focused on developing a map of the tannin and color profile of Italian rosé wines, highlighting the relationship between regional grape varieties, and color features across different wine styles in Italy. This research aimed to identify the ideal balance in tannin and anthocyanin content that contributes to improved color retention and overall wine quality. Another aim was to analyze the color characteristics of rosé wines, offering valuable insights into how these wines can be better produced, marketed, and appreciated. It primarily investigates the effects of the variation in anthocyanin and tannin content on the oxidative color evolution of rosé wines. The research analyzed how these pigments degrade over time, focusing on oxidative reactions that cause color changes, including browning, which can affect the visual appeal and perceived freshness of wine. Rosé wines with a higher anthocyanin content retained their colorimetric and phenolic characteristics better. The project also assessed the role of different oenological tannins in preserving the color and phenolic parameters of rosé wine over time. It explored the formation of polymeric pigments that are less prone to oxidation and contribute to extended color stability. Chestnut tannin showed notably higher iron-chelating and oxygen-consumption abilities, making it effective in limiting oxidative reactions that can degrade wine color and phenolic stability. Additionally, the project also considered the effects of light exposure on color degradation. The effects of the photo-Fenton process on model rosé wine were examined, particularly how different colored bottles and lighting can reduce light-induced oxidation. Brown bottles are ideal for mitigating light-induced oxidative changes, while wines stored in flint bottles are more vulnerable to photooxidative damage, particularly under daylight. In addition, the UV filter demonstrated intermediate degrees of protection, suggesting a possible trade-off between allowing wine color to be seen and preserving it over time
Physical activity as a tool to improve the quality of life for individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis
No full textTotal hip and knee replacements (THR/TKR) are considered the gold standard surgical treatments for end-stage osteoarthritis (OA), effectively alleviating pain, enhancing joint mobility and quality of life (QoL). Maintaining an active lifestyle and regular physical activity (PA) is crucial for these patients, as it can increase bone density and stability of joint prosthesis. This thesis aims to: (1) systematically review recommendations from healthcare professionals; (2) explore interventions promoting an active lifestyle post-THR and TKR; (3) investigate the primary causes of stiffness post-TKR; (4) design an exercise protocol to enhance QoL post-THR and TKR; (5) evaluate orthopedic surgeons' attitudes toward PA for patients post-THR/TKR; and (6) assess changes in QoL after a specifically designed PA intervention. The initial review revealed consensus on permissible sports activities post-surgery, but few studies addressed interventions targeting PA behaviors. Subsequently, findings highlighted key factors contributing to post-TKR stiffness, including mispositioned components, psychological distress, and obesity. Building on these insights, a PA intervention was implemented, followed by a survey investigating orthopedic surgeons' attitudes towards PA, which demonstrated a general positive attitude. Lastly, a pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated significant enhancements in QoL, physical function, and clinical outcomes following a three-month adapted PA intervention. Future research should focus on raising awareness among individuals and healthcare professionals, fostering engagement in PA programs, and promoting active lifestyles. PA represents a valuable strategy for mitigating the burden of chronic diseases on society