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L'architettura dell'acciaio in Italia negli anni Trenta. La Società Nazionale delle Officine di Savigliano
Get PDFThe argument of this research is steel architecture in Italy in the 1930s with a focus on the “Società Nazionale Offcine di Savigliano”. The steel building frame follows a sort of parallel development in the field of the modernisation of the construction system, more connected to the research environment, through competitions and experimental projects. The 1930s are particularly meaningful to the history of metallic constructions. In fact, on the one hand it can be traced a lively cultural debate about the steel frame from the pages of reviews such as Casabella; on the other hand those are the years of the “autocracy”, which determined strong limitations to the use of metals in architecture. Although the limited spread of steel structures, this subject is interesting from a technical point of view and with regard to the construction methods innovations, even if many of these projects remained on paper.
The aim of the research is to retrace this part of the Italian construction history, almost completely unexplored yet, focusing on the case of one of the most important Italian company in the field of metallurgy and steel construction: the “Società Nazionale Officine di Savigliano” (national company workshops Savigliano) and specifically on the production during the 1930s. Until now, the research conducted regarding Savigliano focused in particular on the analysis of labour dynamics and on economic and business issues. The studies concerning construction subjects dealt with the first period of the activity and therefore pertain principally infrastructures. However, a very interesting aspect to consider about Savigliano is the research and experimentation aptitude shown during the thirties.
Savigliano gave a great contribution to the renewal of the building trade, especially with regard to the construction industry, having introduced some important technological innovations, for instance the application of the electrical welding to the metal carpentry. What is more, during the 1930s, the company collaborated with some important architects and engineers, such as Fiorini, for the development of the "tensistruttura" (tensile structure), Nervi for the project of a circular hangar but also Sottsass, Melis and Bernocco, Moretti, De Renzi and Libera
Design and synthesis of new potential anticancer agents and high-selective A2B antagonists
No full textThe synthesis of antitumor agents covers a large part of current medicinal chemistry efforts. This thesis mainly focuses on the synthesis of different scaffolds as new potential anticancer agents.
Two different approaches were applied: a hybrid concept and a rational based drug design. In the first case, the hybrid concept is useful since it allows combining multiple active scaffolds in a unique molecule. As a consequence, several targets could be hit simultaneously, making this solution particularly attractive for multi-factorial diseases like cancer. Within this category, several isatin-thiazolinone-pyrazoline hybrids were synthesized. Some of them were submitted to biological assays, demonstrating good activity toward different solid tumour cell-lines. In the second class of compounds, the synthetic efforts were combined to computational tools in order to achieve detailed information about the structure-activity relationships. Following this approach, psoralen derivatives, thought as DNA G-quadruplex stabilizers, were synthesized. For these compounds no biological assays were performed so far.
Finally, the last part of the thesis has been dedicated to the synthesis of 1-alkyl-8-(piperazine-1-sulphonyl)phenyl xanthines as high-selective A2B antagonists. Even though the leading role of adenosine and their receptors in cancer pathogenesis were extensively documented, the high therapeutic potential of these compounds requires a wider analysis of their pharmacological properties. Also in this case, several compounds were synthesized. Some of them were tested in a radioligand binding assay to evaluate the affinity and selectivity toward A2BR subtype, further confirming the high potential of these compounds as A2B antagonists
La parola scritta al servizio dell'imperatore e dell'impero: l'AB Epistulis e l'A Libellis nel II secolo D.C.
No full textThis study examines the office ab epistulis and the office a libellis, which were two offices of the Roman imperial administration that played a significant role in the communication between the Emperor and the Empire. While investigating these offices, particularly in the second century CE (from the age of Hadrian to the age of the Severan dynasty), I analyze epigraphical, literary, and juridical sources in order to illuminate the true functioning of each office. Moreover, I contextualize each one of them both within the framework of the imperial policy of the time, and within the framework of the imperial central administration. The major innovation provided by this PhD thesis consists in examining not only the people who worked in each office, but also the documents produced by them. Two chapters are devoted to this: the second chapter, which explores the people, and the third chapter, which analyzes the documents. In addition, both an introductory chapter and a concluding one frame these two chapters. The former focuses on the equestrian administration, for, in the second century CE, the directors of these offices were all equites. The latter looks at the ab epistulis and the a libellis as actual administrative structures. In the course of this dissertation, I elucidate the different working phases involved in the well functioning of these two offices, while pointing to the existence of forms of collaboration that occurred between them when specific administrative needs required it. Furthermore, my research demonstrates that the office ab epistulis in particular played an important role in the management of many imperial administrative documents
Il precario equilibrio regionale tra nazionalismo, egemonismo e nuove strategie geopolitiche in Asia Sudorientale. L’evoluzione del rapporto tra Cina e ASEAN nel Mar Cinese Meridionale
Get PDFThis study aims to outline the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation
(ASEAN) regarding the resolution of the dispute in the South China Sea and we
aim to clarify the reasons that prevented ASEAN to handle the dispute in a more
effective way. We also want to analyze the reasons behind China’s foreign policy
shift in the 1990’s, starting from inception of its multilateral relationship with
ASEAN. The research considers especially the whole Southeast Asian region. Such
geographic boundaries will essentially expand for a strategic purpose, in order to
include some extra-regional actors involved in the question, such as People's
Republic of China, the United States and Japan. This aspect underlines the dual
dimension of the research, which starts from a regional standpoint and then
undertakes a global reach. We decided to consider the period from 1992, year of
the ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea, to 2007, year of the ASEAN
Charter. The methodology chosen for this work is framed in a humanistic and
multidisciplinary (historical - economical - sociological) approach, specific of the
area-studies, in which the linguistic and cultural knowledge is an essential element
for the success of the research and the achievement of our purpose. Considering the
goals that we set for the research, qualitative method looks the most appropriate
choice and it allows us to focus on a few, well-defined cases, of which it is possible
to detect the most meticulous details. A significant part of our data consists of
primary sources such as official documents of the associations, official statements
from governments, programmatic documents, declarations and memorandum of
understanding, but also provoked data such as structured interviews, participation
in conferences and think-tanks. The secondary sources consists of monograph and
collective books, scientific journals and newspaper articles, and were collected in
Cagliari, Hamburg and Tokyo
Distributed processing of large triangle meshes
Get PDFThanks to modern high-resolution acquisition techniques, 3D digital representations
of real objects are easily made of millions, or even billions, of
elements. Processing and analysing such large datasets is often a non trivial
task, due to specific software and hardware requirements.
Our system allows to process large triangle meshes by exploiting nothing
more than a standard Web browser. A graphical interface allows to select
among available algorithms and to stack them into complex pipelines, while
a central engine manages the overall execution by exploiting both hardware
and software provided by a distributed network of servers.
As an additional feature, our system allows to store work
ows and to make
them publicly available. A semantic-driven search mechanism is provided
to allow the retrieval of specific work
ows.
Besides the technological contribution, an innovative mesh transfer protocol
avoids possible bottlenecks during the transmission of data across scattered
servers. Also, distributed parallel processing is enabled thanks to an innovative
divide and conquer approach. A simplification algorithm based on this
paradigm proves that the overhead due to data transmission is negligible
Development, design and realization of cryogenic radio receivers of the Sardinia radio telescope
No full textRadio astronomy sources emit a very low signal of the order of
10. Therefore, in order to detect a celestial signal, very sensitive
instruments are required, starting from the radio receivers installed on
the radio telescopes. In this case, one of the main targets is to reduce the
noise of the receivers (TRIC). The work of the thesis covers a wide field of
knowledge, from the design of a single passive microwave device such as
directional coupler, a 180° hybrid or waveguide to microstrip transition,
to the general performances of each component in the front-end of the
receiver. In this thesis, we have designed and measured the single
devices at room and cryogenic temperature with different instruments,
like vector network analyser or spectrum analyzer. In the first part we
focus on the LP Band receiver of the Sardinia Radio Telescope. In this
regard, we describe the design of the low losses devices before the low
noise amplifier, and the cryogenic architecture of the whole cryogenic
coaxial receiver. In the second part, we present the design of the S band
multi beam cryogenic receiver of the Sardinia Radio Telescope.
Measured performance of the radio telescope is provided in this case
L'autenticità nelle destinazioni turistiche: definizione di un modello consumer-based per la misurazione e lo studio del livello di autenticità percepita di una destinazione turistica
No full textThis thesis aims to contribute to the scientific debate on the field of authenticity in tourism. In
particular, this research defines and validates a consumer-based model for the study and
measurement of the level of authenticity perceived by tourists of a tourist destination. Findings are
relevant both from a theoretical and a managerial point of view. On the one hand, it contributes to
the debate aimed at defining and measuring the authenticity in tourism. On the other hand, this
study provides an important instrument for tour operators, policy makers and destination marketers.
Indeed, they may use the model for market segmentation and customer profiling to gain useful
information for monitoring and maximizing marketing policies based on authenticity.
In addition, findings may be used to plan and carry out internal marketing actions to sensitize
tourist operators about the importance that the different dimensions of authenticity may have on
tourists' choice behaviour and evaluation.
This thesis has been structured on three chapters, corresponding to three scientific papers
connected to each other.
In particular, the first chapter explores the meaning of authenticity in tourist destinations through
the use of a qualitative approach. Specifically, the study defines the concept of authenticity in a
tourist destination through the analysis of 22 in-depth interviews conducted by the laddering
technique on a sample of 22 tourists during their holidays in Sardinia. The results show that it is
possible to define the concept of authenticity in a tourist destination since the concrete and abstract
attributes perceived to be more relevant for tourists. Further, findings show that is possible to close
off a restricted set of attributes that tourists associate to a destination they perceive as authentic, the
consequences and benefits related to them, proving the existence of a link between attributes,
experience, feelings and positive emotions arising from travel experiences in places perceived as
authentic. The theoretical and managerial implications were drawn based on the study findings, and
recommendations for future researchers were made.
The second chapter aims to develop and validate a set of measurement scales to assess the level
of authenticity perceived by tourists of a tourist destination. The development and validation
process is based on a mixed method approach (exploratory sequential design). A series of studies
suggests that the scale exhibits internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and nomological
validity. Overall, the scales appear to be conceptually sound and psychometrically valid. The work
helps to deepen the knowledge on authenticity in tourist destinations, providing a useful tool to
support destination marketing strategies and policies.
The third and final chapter is focused on the development of a extended model for the study of
authenticity in tourist destinations. Specifically, the study propose a consumer-based model in
which authenticity is a key mediating construct between cultural motivation, attitude, satisfaction
and loyalty. The model is empirically examined by means of a survey conducted on a sample of 524
tourists interviewed at the end of their holidays in Sardegna, one of the most important tourist
destinations of the Mediterranean sea. A confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation
modelling were performed using LISREL 8.8. Findings indicate that motivation and attitude are
important antecedents of the authenticity, which in turn influences loyalty and, in part, satisfaction.
The managerial and theoretical implications, limitations and recommendations for future
researchers were made
Theranostic applications of fluorescent liquid crystalline nanoparticles
Get PDFLipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles can find application as nanocarriers in several
fields of the daily life but, very likely, the pharmaceutical arena is the most relevant.
Indeed, several problems encountered in drugs administration (e.g. critical sideeffects
from antitumor drugs) require alternative, less invasive, but simultaneously
efficient therapeutic routes to be explored. Novel fields of personalized
nanomedicine are developing in this direction. One of the most interesting is
theranostic, which calls for the design of platforms capable of combining therapeutic
and diagnostic functionalities.
In this optic, we explored the potential of monoolein-based cubosomes and
hexosomes as nanocarriers for theranostic purposes. Our work focussed on the
design of lipid nanoparticles able to deliver antineoplastic drugs and imaging probes
for fluorescent optical in vitro and in vivo imaging. We developed cubosome
formulations loaded with antineoplastic drugs and useful for the fluorescence
imaging of cells. Such formulations were also actively targeted to cancer cells and
coupled with a NIR-emitting fluorophore, which was the promise for in vivo
applications. We also investigated hexosomes with encouraging results
encapsulating in their lipid matrix a BODIPY derivative with solvatochromic
properties, helpful for the understanding of the dye localization.
Importantly, we reported (manuscript submitted) the first proof-of-principle for in
vivo fluorescence optical imaging application using monoolein-based cubosomes in
a healthy mouse animal model.
Finally, since relatively little is known about the interaction of cubosomes with
biological systems, their effects on lipid droplets, mitochondria and lipid profile of
HeLa cells were deeply studied.
This thesis is divided in two main parts. The introduction section reports on the
essential background of the research field, and it is followed by the publications
(published or submitted) resulting from these three years of work
Identification & characterization of natural and synthetic compounds as new anticancer agents
No full textThis thesis collects the work I have done during the three-year PhD Course. During my first
year I have started a path that has allowed me to acquire different techniques devoted to set up
and maintain primary cell cultures and cancer derived cell lines as well as to evaluate the
cytotoxicity of potential novel synthetic inhibitors of human cancer cells. Part of the second and
all the third year was spent at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, in the laboratory of
prof. Ariel Katz under the supervision of proff. Roger Hunter and Catherine H. Kaschula
investigating the anticancer activity of Z-ajoene, a garlic compound.
Overall, the main aim of all the my research project was to identify and characterize natural or
synthetic compounds as new antineoplastic agents. The results obtained are divided according
to the research topics addressed:
Anticancer activity of new Phenanthroline compounds (Part I);
The garlic compound Z-ajoene as anticancer agents (Part II).
Studies referring to the Part have been carried out at the University of Cagliari and were
focalized on the evaluation of new Cu(II) -phenanthroline complexes as a potent antineoplastic
agents against various solid and suspension tumours. The [Cu(1,10-phenanthrolin
-5,6-diol)2(OH2)](ClO4)2 complex appears to be the most potent compound against human
leukemia, prostate and lung cancer cell lines. The results obtained on the biological activity of
this class of compounds, providing valuable information for the design of new anticancer drugs,
have been published in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry (2014).
As for the Part II of my research, I focused on the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumoral
activity of garlic compound Z-ajoene on human triple –negative breast cancer cells. The results
indicate that Z-ajoene localizes in the ER of MDA-MB-231 cells where it activates the unfolded
protein response (UPR) and ER stress. These findings have been published in the Molecular
Carcinogenesis journal (2015)
Moreover, immunofluorescence studies support the concept that the Z-ajoene main target is a
ER-resident chaperon protein (PDI), whose functional alteration may well be the cause of the
cytotoxic effect. Another molecular target of Z-ajoene is the cytoskeleton protein Vimentin.
Z-ajoene interacts with Vimentin through a S–thiolation causing the disruption of Vimentin
filaments and therefore an alteration of the cell morphology. Given that Vimentin is known to
participate to the early stage of the metastatic process, I also investigated the potential effect of
Z-ajoene at non-cytotoxic concentrations in a specific cell assay and found that it effectively
inhibits cell migration, both in the absence and presence of a chemotactic agent. The metastatic
inhibition induced by Z-ajoene seems caused by modification of several signaling pathways as
expression of Axl and Src proteins, and phosphorylation of β–catenin were changed. Although
following inhibition of cell migration, a reduction of Vimentin expression was to be expected,
Z-ajoene treatment surprisingly induced an upregulation of Vimentin. We interpreted this result
as a consequence of Z-ajoene binding to Vimentin which unable this protein to perform its
physiologic functions (manuscripts in preparation).
Altogether, the data of my in vitro study indicate that Z-ajoene is a promising chemotherapeutic
agent simultaneously acting on different molecular targets, also able to affect the metastatic
process in cells derived from highly invasive breast tumors. Due to its potential use in the clinic,
preclinical evaluation in xenograft mouse models of cancer are ongoing
Dynamic behaviour of curved cable-stayed bridges
No full textDuring the last decades, curved cable-stayed bridges have been regularly accepted due to their ability to cross long spans, for aesthetic reasons because of their enhanced geometric configurations and to the reduced costs involved in the bridge and roof construction. However, such structures are typically showed to several special geometric shapes, which lead to a different dynamic ability. Therefore, in order to verify the dynamic performance of the structure, it is necessary to investigate the effects on dynamic behaviour of such particular geometric shape and structure by considering both serviceability and ultimate working conditions. The enormous development in the field of the design of more splendid and ambitious civil structures like bridges, stadiums with irregular shapes as the landmark of the city. Regarding design, existing codes on curved and cable-stayed bridges, roofs etc. We discuss the different structure shapes and analysis the dynamic ability.
These require in-depth analysis concerning unlikely predictable behavior often necessary FE model's simplification. Thus arose the necessity for structural engineers to develop solid experimental tools able to identify dynamic and static structural properties in order to calibrate, update and validate the FE model used at the design phase. Fortunately, this was already accomplished by the necessity that rose early on in the field of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, through years’ efforts by both theory and practice circles to develop System Identification and Modal Analysis techniques. Still today the most widely used techniques in the field of experimentations provide the use of instrumentation like an impulse hammer, an electro-dynamic shaker, mass vibrator, capable of exciting the dynamic property of the structures in a controlled form. However, the price and as a consequence, the inadequate availability of input-output modal identification techniques, together with the difficulty to excite large civil structures, led the researcher to a more feasible method: Operational Modal Analysis (OMA).
This thesis provides the theoretical fundamentals of structure health monitoring especially focused on the FE model updating Optimization Process on curved cable-stayed bridge. A global view of techniques, tools, and physical assumptions made in the Vibration measurements phase and System Identification phase are provided in order to understand how to get the experimental data needed and how they should be treated to be easily compared with the numerical ones. Building a
finite element model, which accurately reflects the true structure's stiffness and mass distribution, can improve the precise of dynamic analysis results of curved cable-stayed bridges