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Farmers behaviour and adoption of sustainable farming practices
No full textThe agri-food systems face many global and local challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity. There is an urgent need to transition agri-food systems’ goals from production efficiency to sustainability to address these challenges. Sustainable farming practices (SFPs) plays a critical role in this transition, as they have the potential to not only improve farmers’ incomes and food production but also preserve the natural environment. This thesis makes significant contributions to the literature by analysing farmers’ attitudes and behaviour towards sustainable farming, with a specific focus on uplands and hills beef and sheep farms in Northern Ireland (NI). A literature review was conducted on niches market for sustainable agri-food systems to provide insights into the motivation behind farmers’ attitudes and behaviour towards sustainable farming. Consequently, an analysis based on the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling was conducted on 357 beef and sheep farms in NI to examine the behavioural drivers of adoption intensity, defined in terms of multiple SFPs and the duration (in years) of adoption. To understand the factors influencing farmers' attitudes towards the environmental impact of their farming activities, and the barriers to adopting sustainable practices among upland beef and sheep farms in NI, an ordered logit model and descriptive analysis was conducted on the 357 beef and sheep farms. The findings show that environmental attitudes, profitability goals, and access to formal information are significant drivers of adoption intensity. Results also show that education, farm structure, financial constraints, and regulatory burdens as key influences on farmers’ attitudes towards environment and sustainable farming. The thesis concludes by recommending that policies aimed at increasing the adoption of sustainable farming should combine both behavioural and socio-economic interventions. Such a policy mix could encourage more widespread and effective adoption of SFPs across the agri-food sector
Characterization of the molecular mechanisms mediated by the insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding proteins and Ephrin receptor A2 (EPHA2) signaling in the malignancy of CIC-DUX4 sarcomas
No full textEwing sarcoma (EWS) and CIC-DUX4 sarcoma (CDS) are pediatric fusion gene-driven tumors of mesenchymal origin characterized by an extremely stable genome and limited clinical solutions.
Post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms are crucial for understanding the development of this class of tumors. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play a crucial role in the aggressiveness of these tumors. Numerous RBP families are dysregulated in cancer, including IGF2BPs. Among these, IGF2BP3 is a negative prognostic factor in EWS because it promotes cell growth, chemoresistence, and induces the metastatic process. Based on preliminary RNA sequencing data from clinical samples of EWS vs CDS patients, three major axes that are more expressed in CDS have been identified, two of which are dissected in this PhD work.
The first involves the transcription factor HMGA2, IGF2BP2-3, and IGF2; the other involves the ephrin receptor system, particularly EphA2.
EphA2 is involved in numerous cellular functions during embryonic stages, and its increased expression in adult tissues is often associated with pathological conditions. In tumors, its role is controversial because it can be associated with both pro- and anti-tumoral mechanisms. In EWS, it has been shown to play a role in promoting cell migration and neoangiogenesis.
Our study has confirmed that the HMGA2/IGF2BPs/IGF2 axis contributes to CDS malignancy, and Akt hyperactivation has a strong impact on migration. Using loss/gain of function models for EphA2, we confirmed that it is a substrate of Akt, and Akt hyperactivation in CDS triggers ligand-independent activation of EphA2 through phosphorylation of S897. Moreover, the combination of Trabectedin and NVP/BEZ235 partially inhibits Akt/mTOR activation, resulting in reduced tumor growth in vivo. Inhibition of EphA2 through ALWII 41_27 significantly reduces migration in vitro.
The project aim is the identification of target molecules in CDS that can distinguish it from EWS and thus develop new targeted therapeutic strategies
Governo, corte e città a Napoli: la fine del Parlamento e la crisi del governo vicereale (1637-1647)
No full textEn esta Tesis Doctoral se aborda el análisis de la Nápoles virreinal entre 1637 y 1647 con una investigación en tres planos: gobierno, corte y ciudad. Esto se realiza a través del estudio del gobierno de Nápoles, con especial atención al Parlamento General del Reino, que se convocó por última vez en 1642. Con la óptica privilegiada que brinda esta institución entre la administración virreinal y urbana, es posible comprender los intereses locales, la agenda napolitana en las dinámicas globales de la Monarquía, los intereses de linaje o “públicos” de los virreyes y, en definitiva, se pone de manifiesto una nueva mirada que parte de la propia realidad napolitana para comprender la estructura de gobierno, a través de fuentes inéditas y labor de archivo, en un periodo convulso para la Monarquía de España. Con todo, se insertan las instituciones en las dinámicas políticas y ceremoniales de la ciudad y Reino de Nápoles.
Asimismo, todo ello se estudia a través del canal de la corte de Madrid, ya que los virreyes eran nombrados por el rey y lo representaban en el Reino. Por tanto, las decisiones de gobierno se veían afectadas por las circunstancias cortesanas. En concreto, este periodo coincide con los años de la privanza del conde-duque y el posterior ascenso de Luis de Haro. Así, los virreyes duque de Medina de las Torres, Almirante de Castilla y duque de Arcos se incardinan no solo en la política napolitana, sino en la de la Monarquía de Felipe IV.
Por último, la ciudad es actor principal de esta investigación, en su configuración física y simbólica, ya que la capital tuvo una significación singular en el caso napolitano por la sociografía de sus élites y su implicación en el gobierno municipal.This Doctoral Thesis analyses viceregal Naples between 1637 and 1647 with an investigation on three levels: government, court and city. This is done through the study of the government of Naples, with special attention to the General Parliament of the Kingdom, which was convened for the last time in 1642. With the privileged viewpoint provided by this institution between the viceregal and urban administration, it is possible to understand local interests, the Neapolitan agenda in the global dynamics of the Monarchy, the lineage or "public" interests of the viceroys and, in short, it reveals a new perspective that starts from the Neapolitan reality itself to understand the structure of government, through unpublished sources and archival work, in a turbulent period for the Spanish Monarchy. All in all, the institutions are inserted into the political and ceremonial dynamics of the city and Kingdom of Naples.
Moreover, all this is studied through the channel of the court of Madrid, since the viceroys were appointed by the king and represented him in the Kingdom. Therefore, government decisions were affected by court circumstances. In particular, this period coincided with the years of the "privanza" of the Count-Duke and the subsequent rise of Luis de Haro. Thus, the viceroys Duke of Medina de las Torres, Almirante of Castilla and Duke of Arcos were involved not only in Neapolitan politics, but also in that of the monarchy of Philip IV.
Finally, the city is the main actor of this research, in its physical and symbolic configuration, since the capital had a singular significance in the Neapolitan case due to the sociography of its elites and their involvement in the municipal government
Designing systemic relational insights. A new approach to sense-making with communities and artificial intelligence
No full textThe problematic area of research insists on the ethical, epistemological, and methodological terrain of citizen science, participatory methods, and artificial intelligence. It is a hybrid approach to sensemaking with communities that benefits from an emerging set of open social innovation principles.
Inspired by theories of posthumanism and pluriversality, the research engages in a critical dialogue with emerging trends in open science and the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence. It introduces the concept of Systemic Relational Insight (SRI) - in the form of both a framework and a "scientific device" - that interweaves community-driven sensemaking with algorithmic support.
It serves as an operational tool that transcends conventional dichotomies of qualitative and quantitative research methods, enabling a nuanced understanding of complex socio-techno-natural systems that seeks to overcome the problems of classical participatory approaches. Leveraging the strengths of both citizen science and participatory design, the framework offers a new epistemological lens through which local communities can conduct an in-depth analysis of their own systemic challenges.
Through a comprehensive comparative analysis of the convergences and divergences between citizen science and participatory design, and a discussion on systemic design, network science, and artificial intelligence methodologies, the research culminates in a set of meta-design principles that are then applied in the conceptualization of the framework. When tested in the context of real-world case studies, it demonstrates its effectiveness in facilitating participatory sense-making activities and generating vertical insights into complex problems, thereby advancing the discourse on responsible technology adoption and the ethics of AI deployment.
The dissertation outlines limitations and potential use cases such as participatory sensemaking at urban and territorial scales, and integration into local digital twins. The research highlights its potential to promote a more inclusive, ethical and effective approach to design research and practice within complex multi-stakeholder scenarios in the era of AI systems
Hades, Isis and the Giants. A study on the persistence of classical mythology in medieval and humanistic culture.
No full textQuesta tesi nasce dall’esigenza di comprendere alcuni aspetti della trasmissione e della presenza del mito greco e latino durante il Medioevo, epoca in cui le divinità pagane non di rado venivano rappresentate all’interno di contesti iconografici cristiani. Allo stesso modo, alcune tra le più celebri opere letterarie inscenavano o trattavano di figure mitologiche: si pensi, ad esempio, all’Inferno dantesco oppure al Boccaccio, che dedicò un’intera opera alla genealogia degli dèi pagani e si occupò di divinità femminili pagane nel De mulieribus claris. Se il cristianesimo era ormai completamente affermato e il paganesimo pressoché tramontato, in che modo questi autori concepivano gli dèi? Quali erano i loro modelli visivi e testuali di riferimento? Tenendo conto del processo di trasmissione e assimilazione di questa cultura mitologica nel mondo romano antico, questa tesi ha evidenziato l’importanza di alcune iconografie medio-bizantine che sembrano comparire a breve distanza anche in Occidente, probabilmente grazie agli svariati scambi culturali e commerciali che intercorrevano tra Bisanzio, Venezia e il meridione d’Italia. In quest’analisi è emerso come durante cosiddetta Rinascenza macedone, un’epoca segnata dal recupero dell’arte e della cultura classica, le figure mitologiche e cristiane venissero identificate e inserite nel medesimo contesto iconografico della Deutera Parousia (il Giudizio Universale), delle Dodici Feste di Cristo con particolare riferimento all’Anastasis (la discesa di Cristo agli Inferi) e alla Crocifissione, e della rappresentazione di alcuni martiri quali i Quaranta di Sebaste. Contrariamente alla storiografia del Novecento, che sottolineava una semplice sopravvivenza dei miti, qui si è tentato di evidenziare una persistenza del mito antico veicolato in parte dall’attività culturale di Bisanzio, che fu un’importante fonte d’ispirazione anche per le rappresentazioni artistiche dell’Occidente medievale.This thesis developed from the need to understand some aspects of the transmission and presence of Greek and Latin myth during the Middle Ages, a period when pagan deities were often depicted within Christian iconographic contexts. Similarly, some of the most celebrated literary works staged or dealt with mythological figures: for example, Dante's Inferno or Boccaccio, who devoted an entire work to the genealogy of pagan gods and dealt with pagan female deities in De mulieribus claris. If Christianity was fully established and paganism almost waned, how did these authors conceive the gods? What were their visual and textual models of reference? Taking into account the process of transmission and assimilation of this mythological culture in the ancient Roman world, this thesis has highlighted the importance of some Middle-Byzantine iconographies which seem to appear within a short distance in the West as well, probably thanks to the various cultural and commercial exchanges that took place between Byzantium, Venice and southern Italy. In this analysis it emerged how during the so-called Macedonian Renaissance, an era marked by the recovery of classical art and culture, mythological and Christian figures were identified and placed in the same iconographic context of the Deutera Parousia (the Last Judgment), the Twelve Feasts of Christ with particular reference to the Anastasis (Christ's descent to the Underworld), the Crucifixion, and the representation of some martyrs such as the Forty of Sebaste. Contrary to the historiography of the twentieth century, which underlined a simple survival of the myths, an attempt has been made here to highlight a persistence of ancient myth conveyed in part by the cultural activity of Byzantium, which was also an important source of inspiration for artistic representations in the medieval West
Le esperienze dei silenzi
No full textCette étude explore l'interaction complexe entre deux expressions du silence : le silence protecteur choisi par les vieilles familles du village et les religieuses du monastère, et le silence sacré et/ou résonant qui symbolise une relation profonde et dialogique avec le monde, à la fois horizontale et verticale. Dans le contexte du village, ces deux groupes adoptent une modalité dans leur relation avec le monde, que nous appelons silence protecteur, appliquée spécifiquement à certaines interactions. Cependant, ce choix de silences entre en conflit avec le silence sacré, traditionnellement associé à la méditation et à la spiritualité. Cette recherche entreprend une exploration minutieuse de la manière dont cette dualité de silences est influencée par une multitude de facteurs, allant des conditions sociales et culturelles aux dynamiques historiques. De plus, elle met en lumière le rôle crucial des imaginaires collectifs souvent opposés, qui contribuent à façonner ces choix silencieux. L'étude vise à disséquer les intersections et contradictions entre ces deux formes de silence, en les plaçant dans l'évolution temporelle et les interactions au sein de la société environnante. L'adoption du silence protecteur par les vieilles familles du village et les religieuses du monastère reflète l'impact des imaginaires culturels parfois contradictoires. À travers l'analyse, cette recherche révèle comment ces expressions silencieuses, bien que guidées par des intentions différentes, interagissent de manière complexe avec les imaginaires collectifs, les aspirations spirituelles et les mémoires historiques. Elle met en lumière comment ces choix de silence sont tissés dans le tissu des vies communautaires et des aspirations spirituelles, tout en soulevant des questions pertinentes sur leur signification et leur coexistence.This study delves into the complex interaction between two expressions of silence: the protective silence chosen by the old families of the village and the nuns of the monastery, and the sacred and/or resonant silence that symbolizes a deep and dialogic relationship with the world, both horizontally and vertically. In the context of the village, these two groups opt for a mode in their relationship with the world that we call "protective silence," applying it specifically to certain interactions. However, this choice of silences comes into conflict with the sacred silence, which is traditionally associated with meditation and spirituality. This research undertakes a thorough exploration of how this duality of silences is influenced by a multitude of factors, ranging from social and cultural conditions to historical dynamics. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role of often opposing collective imaginaries that help shape these silent choices. The study aims to deconstruct the intersections and contradictions between these two forms of silence, situating them in the temporal evolution and interactions within the surrounding society. The adoption of protective silence by the old families of the village and the nuns of the monastery reflects the impact of sometimes contradictory cultural imaginaries. Through analysis, this research reveals how these silent expressions, although driven by different intentions, interact in complex ways with collective imaginaries, spiritual aspirations, and historical memories. It sheds light on how these choices of silence intertwine in the fabric of community lives and spiritual aspirations, raising pertinent questions about their significance and coexistence.Questo studio si immerge nella complessa interazione tra due espressioni del silenzio: il silenzio di protezione, scelto dalle vecchie famiglie del villaggio e dalle monache del monastero, e il silenzio sacro e/o risonante che simboleggia una relazione profonda e dialogante con il mondo, sia attraverso la relazione orizzontale che verticale con il mondo. Nel contesto del villaggio, questi due gruppi optano per una modalità nella loro relazione con il mondo che chiamiamo "silenzio di protezione", applicandola specificamente a certe interazioni. Tuttavia, questa scelta di silenzi entra in conflitto con il silenzio sacro, che è tradizionalmente associato alla meditazione e alla spiritualità. Questa ricerca intraprende un'esplorazione accurata del modo in cui questa dualità di silenzi è influenzata da una moltitudine di fattori, che vanno dalle condizioni sociali e culturali alle dinamiche storiche. Inoltre, mette in luce il ruolo cruciale degli immaginari collettivi, spesso in opposizione, che contribuiscono a plasmare queste scelte silenziose. Lo studio mira a decostruire le intersezioni e le contraddizioni tra queste due forme di silenzio, collocandole nell'evoluzione temporale e nelle interazioni all'interno della società circostante. L'adozione del silenzio di protezione da parte delle vecchie famiglie del villaggio e delle monache del monastero riflette l'impatto degli immaginari culturali talvolta contraddittori. Attraverso un'analisi, questa ricerca rivela come queste espressioni silenziose, sebbene guidate da intenzioni diverse, interagiscano in modo complesso con gli immaginari collettivi, le aspirazioni spirituali e i ricordi storici. Offre una luce su come queste scelte di silenzio si intrecciano nel tessuto delle vite comunitarie e delle aspirazioni spirituali, ponendo domande pertinenti sul loro significato e sulla loro coesistenza
Deception in social robotics: problematic profiles of human-robot interaction and the universality of human vulnerability
No full textThis thesis examines the theoretical and procedural aspects of assessing deception in social robotics, with the aim of addressing the potential harmful effects and benefits for users in a holistic manner. In order to achieve this, we begin by elucidating the intended meaning of the term 'social robot' and the characteristics of the phenomenon of deception within the context of human-robot interaction (HRI). The aim is to identify a conceptualisation of this term that can bridge the critical vision of social sciences with the functional aspect attributed within robotics and computer science. In particular, the ability of these robots to evoke an appearance of sociality, intelligence, and emotionality, with the aim of facilitating user acceptance and co-operation, is analysed.
Subsequently, European legislation that has predominantly focused on regulating practices that can manipulate individuals is delineated: the DSA, UCDP, and AI Act. Then, it is proved how the approaches there employed there are inadequate in safeguarding the actual 'average user', who does not adhere to the principles of perfect rationality assumed by traditional legal models. It is therefore proposed that the most appropriate theoretical framework for analysing the bounded rationality of individuals in HRI is Vulnerability Theory. This is then used as the basis for developing a procedural analysis, which aims to become a tool to guide legal and technical experts in a more verosimilar and all-encompassing analysis of HRI dynamics, so as to ultimately facilitate the identification of solutions in regulatory and design terms for the development of social robotics that are truly human-centric
Development of multicomponent models for the prediction of lubricant oil-fuel dilution in internal combustion engines
No full textThe current environmental crisis is forcing the automotive industry to face tough challenges for the Internal Combustion Engines development in order to reduce the emissions of pollutants and Greenhouse gases. In this context, in the last decades, the main technological solutions adopted by the manufacturers have been the direct injection and the engine downsizing, which led to the rising of new concerns related to the fuel-cylinder walls physical interaction. The fuel spray possibly impacts the cylinder liner wall, which is wetted by the lubricant oil thus causing the derating of the lubricant properties, increasing the oil consumption, and contaminating the lubricant oil in the crankcase. Also, concerning hydrogen fuelled internal combustion engines, it is likely that the high near-wall temperature, which is typical of the hydrogen flame, results in the evaporation of a portion of the lubricant oil, increasing its consumption. With regards on the innovative combustion systems and their control strategies, optical accessible engines are fundamental tools for experimental investigations on such combustion systems. Though, due to the optical measurement line, optical engines suffer from a high level of blow-by, which must be accounted for. In light of the above, this thesis work aims to develop numerical methodologies with the aim to build useful tools for supporting the design of modern engines. In particular, a one-dimensional modelling of the lubricant oil-fuel dilution and oil evaporation has been performed and coupled with an optimization algorithm to achieve a lubricant oil surrogate. Then, a quasi-dimensional blow-by model has been developed and validated against experimental data. Such model, has been coupled with CFD 3D simulations and directly implemented in CFD 3D. Finally, CFD 3D simulations coupled with the VOF method have been performed in order to validate a methodology for studying the impact of a liquid droplet on a solid surface
Sensory analysis as a tool to improve the quality of aquaculture products
No full textSensory analysis is a scientific discipline used to evoke, measure, analyse and interpret the responses to products that are perceived by the senses of sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing.
This science is used to highlight the strengths and characteristics of a product, such as in the case of research and development products where alternative ingredients, food waste or by-products are used. It can also be used to evaluate the same characteristics over time, to highlight alterations in one of the sensory components at a given time or over time.
This doctoral thesis deals with the valorisation, through characterisation, of various aquaculture fish products. In particular, the products covered by this study were analysed, depending on the objective pursued, with different sensory methods using trained judges and in one case consumers.
Therefore, the sensory characterisation of the products was useful for investigating the foods considered in this doctoral research.
In particular, specific research topics were taken:
1. The study of alternative ingredients, such as the outcomes of different levels of inclusion of insect larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal on the quality of sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets.
2. The study of consumer expectations and perceptions on the use of insect meal as a feed for aquaculture products. In particular, this study was done after the characterisation by Quantitative Descriptive analysis (QDA) of the products to exclude sensory differences.
3. Development of a non-destructive and cheap device based on dielectric spectroscopy for assessing fish freshness. In particular in this study, the developed device was evaluated in correlation with a sensory method for assessing the freshness of fish product, the Quality Index Method (QIM
Applied genomics to monitor the genetic diversity and integrity of honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations and define sustainable strategies to benefit the beekeeping sector
No full textHoney bees are considered keystone species in ecosystem, the effect of harmful pesticides for the honey bees, the action of extreme climatic waves and their consequence on honey bees health can cause the loss of many colonies which could contribute to the reduction of the effective population size and incentive the use of non-autochthonous queens to replace dead colonies. Over the last decades, the use of non-ligustica bee subspecies in Italy has increased and together with the mentioned phenomena exposed native honey bees to hybridization, laeding to a dramatic loss of genetic erosion and admixture. Healthy genetic diversity within honey bee populations is critical to provide tolerance and resistance to current and future threatening. Nowadays it is urgent to design strategies for the conservation of local subspecies and their valorisation on a productive scale.
In this Thesis we applied genomics tool for the analysis of the genetic diversity and the genomic integrity of honey bee populations in Italy are described.
In this work mtDNA based methods are presented using honey bee DNA or honey eDNA as source of information of the genetic diversity of A. mellifera at different level.
Taken together, the results derived from these studies should enlarge the knowledge of the genetic diversity and integrity of the honey bee populations in Italy, filling the gap of information necessary to design efficient conservation programmes. Furthermore, the methods presented in these works will provide a tool for the honey authentication to sustain and valorise beekeeping products and sector against frauds