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For a political ecology of seaside tourism. Cheap labor and land in Rimini and Durres.
No full textIntento della ricerca è quello di porre l’attenzione sul modello di turismo balneare di massa, che è stato poco considerato dai cosiddetti tourism studies quando si è discusso di sostenibilità. A partire da una serie di valutazioni circa l’opportunità del ricorso agli strumenti analitici propri del campo di studi dell’ecologia politica, si è scelto di fare riferimento in maniera privilegiata alla prospettiva dell’ecologia-mondo proposta dallo storico dell’ambiente Jason W. Moore. Questa teoria individua nella presenza di un surplus ecologico l’elemento chiave per leggere i processi di accumulazione e risulta appropriata per l’analisi del fenomeno, evidenziando tendenze proprie del modello di lunga durata. A nostro parere presenta però un limite nel non riconoscere il salto di qualità avvenuto nella costruzione del discorso capitalista sul rapporto tra natura e società con l’emergere del paradigma della green economy neoliberale. Per quanto riguarda questo aspetto si farà riferimento alle analisi di chi ha ricostruito il passaggio da una logica di consumo basata sull’idea di natura come materia prima o limite a una vera e propria produzione dell’elemento naturale come parte del progetto di sviluppo della governamentalità neoliberale. La ricerca si è tradotta a livello empirico nella verifica della presenza di due elementi “a buon mercato”: la forza lavoro impiegata e le risorse naturali presenti sul territorio. Si tratta di uno studio di caso multiplo avente per oggetto l’industria turistica nelle città di Rimini e di Durazzo e comprendente il ricorso a diverse tecniche qualitative tra cui la raccolta di interviste semi-strutturate, l’osservazione diretta e lo studio delle fonti secondarie. Le informazioni risultanti, relative a ciascun caso, sono presentate in riassunti tematici in cui sono riportati gli estratti delle interviste e gli altri dati raccolti per integrare e spiegare, mentre un’analisi complessiva dei risultati emersi dal confronto tra le due situazioni conclude la tesi.The aim of the research is to draw attention to the model of mass beach tourism that has been scarcely considered by so-called tourism studies when sustainability has been discussed. Starting from a series of evaluations about the desirability of the recourse to the analytical tools proper to the field of political ecology studies, we chose to refer in a privileged way to the ecology-world perspective proposed by Moore. This theory identifies the presence of an ecological surplus as the key element for understanding the processes of accumulation and is appropriate for the analysis of the phenomenon, highlighting tendencies peculiar to the long-run model. In our opinion, it presents a shortfall in not recognizing the qualitative shift that has occurred in the construction of the capitalist discourse on the relationship between nature and society with the emergence of the neoliberal green economy paradigm. Regarding this aspect, we will refer to the analyses of those who have reconstructed the shift from a logic of consumption based on the idea of nature as raw material or limit to a real production of the natural element as part of the development project of neoliberal governmentality. The research has resulted in verifying the presence of two "cheap" elements: the labor force employed and the natural resources in the area. It is a multiple case study focusing on the tourism industry in the cities of Rimini and Durres and comprehensive of the use of qualitative techniques including the collection of semi-structured interviews, direct observation and the study of secondary sources. The information obtained as a result are presented in thematic summaries in which extracts from the interviews and other data collected to complete them are given, while an overall analysis of the results that emerged from the comparison of the two cases concludes the thesis
Crystal engineering for solid-state electrolytes: exploring order-to-disorder phase transition dynamics
No full textThis doctoral research addresses the critical need for advanced solid-state electrolytes to overcome current energy storage and harvesting device limitations by using crystal engineering tools. The study explores two distinct material classes that undergo order-to-disorder phase transitions.
The first investigation focuses on R-(+)-(3)-hydroxyquinuclidinium salts [QH]X, with X representing SO42−, BPh4−, BF4−, or PF6−. By employing diverse anions, we can gain a more all-encompassing comprehension of plastic phase transitions, which expose distinctive characteristics determined by anion size, shape, and charge. Solid solutions of [QH](PF6)x(BF4)1−x demonstrate a novel phenomenon called "reordering frustration," that expands the plastic phase range. In parallel, a set of methanesulfonate salts (MS) is characterized, featuring diverse globular cations, including the achiral 3-quinuclidonium [QHco]+, the racemic (3)-hydroxyquinuclidinium [QHrac]+, and the enantiopure (3)-hydroxyquinuclidinium R-[QH]+. Despite their high compositional similarity, only the enantiopure salt R-[QH]MS exhibits a reversible plastic transition at elevated temperatures.
The second aspect explores supramolecular complexes of 18-crown-6 ether with solid acids containing hydrogen sulfates and selenates of alkali metals (K+, Rb+, Cs+). Analyzing diverse interactions sheds light on superprotonic phase transitions. When 18-crown-6 forms supramolecular complexes with solid acids KHSO4 and RbHSO4, it leads to solid-solid transitions resulting in superprotonic phases. These crystalline solids exhibit enhanced proton conductivity, which is confirmed by impedance spectroscopic measurements. A comprehensive study that combines structural and spectroscopic analyses shows that the conduction characteristics are closely related to the initiation of dynamic motions within anhydrous crystalline materials, specifically 18-crown-6∙KHSO4 and 18-crown-6∙RbHSO4.
Incorporating 18-crown-6 ether into the hydrogen selenate salt structures significantly reduces the superprotonic phase transition temperatures compared to pure solid acids. Among the 18-crown-6 ether complexes, the phase transition temperature decreases notably from 18-crown-6∙KHSeO4 to 18-crown-6∙CsHSeO4. However, the Rb-complex, 18-crown-6∙RbHSeO4, exhibits a second-order phase transition at higher temperatures compared to the other two compounds in the series
Dalla repubblica al regno senza re: politica e nobiltà en Spagna (1931-1954)
No full textEsta investigación pretende analizar de qué formas la nobleza española se adaptó a los cambios políticos que España experimentó entre 1931 y 1954. A lo largo de este periodo España vivió bajo una república, sufrió una guerra civil y finalmente vivió el establecimiento de una dictadura de corte personal encabezada por el general Francisco Franco. Las maneras en que la aristocracia vivió estos cambios y los afrontó fueron múltiples, especialmente en lo tocante a la dictadura franquista: desde la aceptación plena y entusiasta, hasta el rechazo por considerar a Franco un usurpador. De la misma forma, la dictadura intentó apropiarse de la aristocracia con la intención proyectar la imagen de que los monárquicos apoyaban al régimen y deslegitimar así los intentos del pretendiente, Juan de Borbón, de desligarse de la dictadura franquista.This research aims to analyze the ways in which the Spanish nobility adapted to the political changes that Spain experienced between 1931 and 1954. Throughout this period, Spain lived under a republic, endured a civil war, and finally witnessed the establishment of a personal dictatorship led by General Francisco Franco. The ways in which the aristocracy experienced and confronted these changes were varied, especially regarding the Francoist dictatorship: from full and enthusiastic acceptance to rejection on the grounds of considering Franco a usurper. Similarly, the dictatorship sought to co-opt the aristocracy with the intention of projecting the image that monarchists supported the regime and thus delegitimizing the attempts of the pretender, Juan de Borbón, to disassociate himself from the Francoist dictatorship.Questa ricerca mira ad analizzare i modi in cui la nobiltà spagnola si è adattata ai cambiamenti politici che la Spagna ha vissuto tra il 1931 e il 1954. Durante questo periodo, la Spagna ha vissuto sotto una repubblica, ha subito una guerra civile e infine ha assistito all'instaurazione di una dittatura personale guidata dal generale Francisco Franco. I modi in cui l'aristocrazia ha vissuto e affrontato questi cambiamenti sono stati molteplici, specialmente riguardo alla dittatura franchista: dall'accettazione piena e entusiasta al rifiuto per considerare Franco un usurpatore. Allo stesso modo, la dittatura ha cercato di accaparrarsi l'aristocrazia con l'intenzione di proiettare l'immagine che i monarchici supportassero il regime e quindi delegittimando i tentativi del pretendente, Juan de Borbón, di dissociarsi dalla dittatura franchista
Potential protective mechanisms exerted by nutraceuticals in degenerative pathologies: focus on osteoarthritis and heart failure.
No full textWith the rise in life expectancy and the prevalence of chronic degenerative conditions, research efforts have intensified, focusing on age-related diseases. Osteoarthritis (OA) and heart failure (HF), both prevalent in the aging population, significantly impact the quality of life, necessitating long-term management. This thesis explores molecular mechanisms underlying OA and HF, aiming to contribute to therapeutic strategies.
The investigation begins by exploring the potential therapeutic impact of olive-derived compounds, hydroxytyrosol (HT), and oleuropein (OE), in mitigating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress and the expression of inflammation gene markers correlated with OA. Concurrently, the study elucidates the involvement of the Notch--1 pathway and MAPKs (p38 and JNK) in the inflammatory response to LPS, providing an understanding of their role in OA pathogenesis. The examination extends to the assessment of protein aggregates in LPS-treated chondrocytes and their distribution within OA cartilage, shedding light on a novel aspect of OA pathology.
In the context of HF, the study establishes a 3D cardiac model derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), demonstrating its ability to recapitulate features of HF after exposure to endothelin-1 (ET-1). The exploration of microRNA expression profiles post ET-1 treatment identifies a characteristic signature that includes miR-129-5p as significantly up-regulated, emphasizing its potential role in the hypertrophic response. The investigation further extends to assess the impact of nutraceuticals, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), spermidine (SPD), OE, and quercetin (QUE), in mitigating protein aggregate accumulation in ET-1-treated cardiac organoids.
The thesis underscores the shared molecular aspects between OA and HF, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and ECM alterations. The research contributes to understanding these diseases, opening avenues for integrated management strategies and identifying potential therapeutic targets
Molecular and hybrid systems for solar-to-chemical energy conversion
No full textMy Ph.D. thesis was dedicated to the exploration of different paths to convert sunlight into the shape of chemical bonds, by the formation of solar fuels. During the past three years, I have focused my research on two of these, namely molecular hydrogen H2 and the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide enzyme cofactor NAD(P)H. The first could become the ideal energy carrier for a truly clean energy system; it currently represents the best chance to liberate humanity from its dependence on fossil fuels. To address this, I studied different systems which can achieve proton reduction upon light absorption. More specifically, part of my work was aimed to the development of a cost-effective and stable catalyst in combination with a well-known photochemical cycle. To this extent, I worked on transition metal oxides which, as demonstrated in this work, have been identified as promising H2 evolution catalysts, showing excellent activity, stability, and previously unreported versatility. Another branch of my work on hydrogen production dealt with the use of a new class of polymeric semiconductor materials to absorb light and convert it into H2.
The second solar fuel mentioned above is a key component of the most powerful methods for chemical synthesis: enzyme catalysis. The high cost of the reduced forms prohibits large-scale utilization, so artificial photosynthetic approaches for regenerating it are being intensively studied. The first system I developed exploits the tremendous reducing properties of a scarcely known ruthenium complex which is able to reduce NAD+. Lastly, I sought to revert the classical role of the sacrificial electron donor to an active component of the system and, to boost the process, I build up an autonomous microfluidic system able to generate highly reproducible NAD(P)H amount, demonstrating the superior performance of microfluidic reactors over batch and representing another successful photochemical NAD(P)H regeneration system
Pop feminism(s) against the grain: articulations of agency, race, and class
No full textThis dissertation explores how popular feminist narratives, particularly guidebooks and handbooks, articulate themes of agency, race, and class within the media landscapes of the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States, respectively. The research is grounded in intersectional feminist studies, exploring how these literary expressions address patriarchy, racism, and classism. The focus is on how three fundamental themes – agency, race, and class – are addressed in popular feminist literature. These concepts, integral to the discussion within feminism, are often transformed and reinterpreted through a postfeminist and neoliberal lens.
A counternarrative to the most popular one presented through the analysis of the guides is presented through the reading of a feminist manifesto in each context. As primary sources, the manifestos directly confront the narratives presented in the guides and offer different feminist perspectives. At the same time, they serve as secondary sources of feminist knowledge, providing critical tools to challenge the dominant narratives perpetuated by the guidebooks. The chapters unfold to scrutinise feminist trajectories in pop culture, methodological perspectives, and critical analyses of agency, race, and class in the UK, Italy, and the U.S., respectively. The findings underscore the need for a collective commitment for a more inclusive, antiracist, decolonial, anti-imperialist, and anti-capitalist feminism in popular culture globally. The comparative analysis between feminist guides and manifestos highlights the persistence of intersectional feminism in political claims, offering a contrast to mainstream representations
Transference. A study of Primary School teachers' transference constellations
No full textLo studio discute il concetto di prassi soggettiva prendendo in considerazione il transfert come fenomeno umano comune non patologico (cfr. Britzman, 2009; Fabbri, 2012). È suggerita l’idea che la nozione di transfert possa offrire l’opportunità di esaminare con uno sguardo generativo il problema della formazione. Nella letteratura è assente uno studio di tipo quantitativo che riguardi il transfert degli insegnanti e manca una ricerca empirica su tale fenomeno che sia incentrata in modo specifico sulla Scuola Primaria. Attraverso il presente lavoro, si fornisce un primo contributo in questa area poco esplorata offrendo dati sulle formazioni transferali che gli insegnanti di Scuola Primaria della provincia di Bologna vivono nei confronti di singoli alunni. Lo studio ha permesso di validare la Scala autodescrittiva di transfert - Insegnante di Scuola Primaria verso alunno. L’auspicio è che la presentazione di dati empirici di nuova natura possa favorire lo sviluppo e la diffusione, all’interno dei percorsi formativi degli educatori, di approcci pedagogici esperienziali di tipo clinico (cfr. Harouni, 2021).The study discusses the concept of subjective praxis by considering transference as a common, non-pathological human phenomenon (see Britzman, 2009; Fabbri, 2012). The idea is suggested that the notion of transference may offer the opportunity to examine the topic of teacher preparation with a generative gaze. In the literature, there is no quantitative study regarding teachers' transference and no empirical research on the phenomenon specifically focused on Primary Schools. Through the present work, a first contribution is provided in this little-explored area by offering data on the transference constellations that Primary School teachers in the province of Bologna experience towards individual pupils. The study allowed for validation of the Transference Self-descriptive Scale - Primary School Teacher Towards Pupil. The hope is that the presentation of new empirical data can foster the development and diffusion of clinical experiential pedagogical approaches within educators' training courses (see Harouni, 2021)
Valorization of wastewater for the production of bioproducts through the use of microalgal and cyanobacterial systems
No full textGlobal population growth increases the demand for fresh water, leading to a significant increase in wastewater production, mainly from industrial processes. Traditional wastewater treatment systems are often expensive and not always effective in removing contaminants. Microalgae represent a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment due to their mixotrophic growth capacity: they use light as an energy source and both atmospheric CO2 and organic carbon as carbon sources. This characteristic makes microalgae promising phycodepurative agents, especially for nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich wastewater. This biomass not only reduces the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment, but also represents a valuable resource for the production of high-value compounds such as proteins, natural pigments (e.g. phycocyanin and astaxanthin) and starch. The integration of wastewater treatment with photosynthetic biomass production positions microalgae as an ideal and versatile system within the circular bioeconomy. In this study, we conducted a comparative study of four Chlorella strains, evaluating the optimal light conditions and photoperiods for growth, growth performance under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions, and the primary metabolic pools produced (e.g. carbohydrates, proteins, pigments). Of the strains analysed, Chlorella vulgaris was the most efficient in terms of growth (productivity = 0.3 g/L d-1) and production of high-value biomass (starch = 4.61 μg/mg FW). The ability of Chlorella zofingiensis and Arthrospira platensis to grow and purify dairy waste was evaluated and their production of high-value compounds was assessed. Furthermore, a carbon balance study was carried out to analyse the effectiveness of the system. The results suggested that the cyanobacterium A. platensis has the best purification capacity with 83.6% of total organic carbon (TOC) removed from dairy waste, all of which was converted to biomass (1.79 g/L). Finally, we analysed the role of light stress, associated with the growth of C. zofingiensis on dairy waste, in promoting the production of the metabolite astaxanthin
Wolof traditional marriage (19th–20th Century)
No full textQuesta tesi esplora il processo di riformulazione del diritto matrimoniale tradizionale wolof nel Code de la famille senegalese del 1972, mettendo in luce le tensioni tra tradizione e modernità, oralità e scrittura, pluralismo e codificazione. Al centro dell’indagine si colloca il Comité des Options, istituito nel 1965 per selezionare e armonizzare le pratiche consuetudinarie in vista della codificazione. L’analisi si fonda sui verbali inediti del Comitato, rinvenuti presso il centro di documentazione della Corte Suprema di Dakar, che costituiscono una fonte preziosa per comprendere la natura negoziale e, alle volte, performativa del processo di formalizzazione normativa. Il risultato è un Codice- compromesso, frutto delle contingenze storiche e sociali dell’immediato post- indipendenza: la ricerca di coesione nazionale, la pluralità culturale e religiosa, la volontà di modernizzazione giuridica e l’esigenza di continuità con le consuetudini locali. Il primo capitolo ricostruisce il contesto storico, sociale e giuridico del Senegal. Il secondo analizza la genesi del Code de la famille e il ruolo del Comité des Options, in cui la tradizione viene al contempo evocata, selezionata e rifunzionalizzata. Il terzo capitolo si concentra sulle pratiche matrimoniali wolof – dalla scelta del coniuge alla dissoluzione del vincolo – rilette alla luce delle discussioni del Comitato e delle principali fonti storiografiche che ne hanno tentato una restituzione giuridica e sociale, mettendo in evidenza il matrimonio come spazio giuridico dinamico. Le conclusioni, lette come ideale prosieguo del percorso dialettico, riflettono su ciò che la codificazione ha reso possibile e su quanto, invece, è rimasto ai margini, suggerendo ipotesi per una diversa genealogia del diritto tradizionale. Attraverso un approccio interdisciplinare e una vasta ricerca archivistica condotta in Senegal e in Francia, questo lavoro intende contribuire alla comprensione del diritto tradizionale non solo come oggetto di regolazione, ma come spazio vivo di mediazione sociale, giuridica e politica.This thesis explores the process of reformulating Wolof traditional matrimonial law within the Senegalese Code de la famille of 1972, highlighting the tensions between tradition and modernity, orality and writing, pluralism and codification. At the center of the inquiry stands the Comité des Options, established in 1965 to select and harmonize customary practices for codification. The analysis is based on the unpublished minutes of the Committee, found at the documentation center of the Supreme Court of Dakar, which constitute a valuable source for understanding the negotiable and, at times, performative nature of the process of normative formalization. The outcome is a compromise-Code, the product of the historical and social contingencies of the immediate post-independence: the pursuit of national cohesion, cultural and religious plurality, the will of legal modernization and the need for continuity with local customs. The first chapter reconstructs the historical, social and legal context of Senegal. The second analyzes the genesis of the Code de la famille and the role of the Comité des Options, in which tradition was simultaneously evoked, selected and refunctionalized. The third chapter focuses on Wolof matrimonial practices – from the choice of spouse to the dissolution of the bond – reread in light of the Committee’s discussions and the main historiographical sources that attempted their legal and social restitution, highlighting marriage as a dynamic legal space. The conclusions, read as an ideal continuation of the dialectical path, reflect on what codification made possible and on what remained at the margins, suggesting hypotheses for a different genealogy of traditional law. Through an interdisciplinary approach and extensive archival research conducted in Senegal and France, this work aims to contribute to the understanding of traditional law not only as an object of regulation, but as a living space of social, legal and political mediation
Addressing alterations of brain development in Down syndrome: insight into neurodevelopmental phenotypes in the Ts65Dn and Ts66Yah mouse models and effects of adolescent treatment with a BDNF mimetic in the Ts65Dn model
No full textDown syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), consistently associated with intellectual disability (ID). ID results from both impaired neurogenesis and dendritic pathology, characterized by dendritic hypotrophy and reduced spine density. Currently, there are no therapies for ID in DS. The Ts65Dn model, the most widely used model of DS, carries a triplication of approximately 90 Hsa21-homologous genes but also includes around 50 extra triplicated genes. To remove these additional genes, the Ts66Yah model was created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Like Ts65Dn mice, Ts66Yah mice exhibit deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, although their neuroanatomy remains largely unstudied. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that promotes brain development by binding to the Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptor. Previous data showed that early postnatal treatment with 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a BDNF mimetic, rescued hippocampal development and memory in Ts65Dn mice. Based on this evidence, the thesis aimed to: - Assess early postnatal dendritic alterations in frontal cortex pyramidal neurons (P2 and P8) in Ts65Dn mice; - Investigate hippocampal dendritic development and neurogenesis in Ts66Yah mice at P15 and 3 months; - Establish whether adolescent treatment with 7,8-DHF (P25-P50/52) improves hippocampal development and memory in Ts65Dn mice. Results revealed that Ts65Dn pups showed mild dendritic hypotrophy at P2 and P8, consistent with delayed dendritic changes in newborns with DS. Unlike Ts65Dn mice, Ts66Yah mice exhibited normal neurogenesis and dendritic pattern at P15 and 3 months, indicating that this model is suitable for studying some, but not all, DS phenotypes. Adolescent treatment with 7,8-DHF in Ts65Dn mice restored dendritic maturation and enhanced memory through activation of the TrkB pathway. These findings suggest that adolescence is still a critical therapeutic window for ID in DS, highlighting the potential of 7,8-DHF for clinical trials in adolescents with DS