Phylogeny and population dynamics in European Reticulitermes and Kalotermes genera (Insecta, Isoptera)

The aim of this thesis is to detect the phylogeny and the population dynamics of the European termites of the genera Reticulitermes and Kalotermes, by the use of different mitochondrial (16S, COI/tRNA/COII, CR) and nuclear (microsatellites and Inter-SINE) molecular markers. In the phylogenetic analyses, the obtained results have well defined the cladogenetic events that generated the nowadays species biodiversity of the genus Reticulitermes, while the analysis of the Kalotermes flavicollis taxon showed the presence of at least four genetic clades, defined on the basis of the geographical distance. The second part of the thesis is centred on the population dynamics of two species: Reticulitermes urbis and Kalotermes flavicollis. The first species, native of the Balkans, is known to be present in some cities of Italy and France. I’ve analyzed the colony genetic structure of the introduced population of Bagnacavallo (RA, Italy), using nine microsatellite loci. The obtained results are in accordance with those obtained from another population in France: this species in fact confirms its invasive and infestation capacities. The analysis of the natural population of K. flavicollis, performed with a combination of mitochondrial (control region) and nuclear (microsatellites and I-SINE) markers, clearly evidenced the presence of two genetic lineages that coexist in the same area. Moreover, results clearly indicate that the cross-breeding is allowed. Finally, the whole results are discussed in a comparative view to better understand the differences in ecology, evolutionary dynamics and colony social structure between these two genera.

Phylogeny and genetic diversity of Italian species of hares (genus Lepus)

In this study we have analysed the genetic variability in ca. 700 samples belonging to six species of genus Lepus using maternal and biparental molecular markers (mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites, Single Nucleotide Polimorphisms). We aimed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of species of hares living in Europe, and assess the occurrence of hybridization between the European hare Lepus europaeus and the Italian hare Lepus corsicanus. Results showed a deep genetic differentiation and absence of hybridization between L. corsicanus and L. europaeus, confirming that they are distinct and distantly related biological species. In contrast, we showed small genetic distances and a close phylogenetic relationship between the Italian hare and Cantabrian hare L. castroviejoi, which suggest a deeper evaluation of their taxonomic status. Populations of L. corsicanus are geographically differentiated. In particular, the peninsular and Sicilian populations of Italian hares are sharply genetically distinct, which calls for avoiding any translocation between Italy and Sicily. Information on genetic variability and population structure is being used to implement the Italian Action Plan for L. corsicanus.

Sviluppo di un sistema miniaturizzato per il controllo real-time di assetto di nano e microsatelliti

Microsatelliti e nanosatelliti, come ad esempio i Cubesat, sono carenti di sistemi integrati di controllo d’assetto e di manovra orbitale. Lo scopo di questa tesi è stato quello di realizzare un sistema compatibile con Cubesat di una unità, completo di attuatori magnetici e attuatori meccanici, comprendente tutti i sensori e l’elettronica necessaria per il suo funzionamento, creando un dispositivo totalmente indipendente dal veicolo su cui è installato, capace di funzionare sia autonomamente che ricevendo comandi da terra. Nella tesi sono descritte le campagne di simulazioni numeriche effettuate per validare le scelte tecnologiche effettuate, le fasi di sviluppo dell’elettronica e della meccanica, i test sui prototipi realizzati e il funzionamento del sistema finale. Una integrazione così estrema dei componenti può implicare delle interferenze tra un dispositivo e l’altro, come nel caso dei magnetotorquer e dei magnetometri. Sono stati quindi studiati e valutati gli effetti della loro interazione, verificandone l’entità e la validità del progetto. Poiché i componenti utilizzati sono tutti di basso costo e di derivazione terrestre, è stata effettuata una breve introduzione teorica agli effetti dell’ambiente spaziale sull’elettronica, per poi descrivere un sistema fault-tolerant basato su nuove teorie costruttive. Questo sistema è stato realizzato e testato, verificando così la possibilità di realizzare un controller affidabile e resistente all’ambiente spaziale per il sistema di controllo d’assetto. Sono state infine analizzate alcune possibili versioni avanzate del sistema, delineandone i principali aspetti progettuali, come ad esempio l’integrazione di GPS e l’implementazione di funzioni di determinazione d’assetto sfruttando i sensori presenti a bordo.

Study of variability and genetic structure of European populations of Myotis emarginatus and Myotis capaccinii (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae)

The Geoffroy’s bat Myotis emarginatus is mainly present in southern, south-eastern and central Europe (Červerný, 1999) and is often recorded from northern Spain (Quetglas, 2002; Flaquer et al., 2004). It has demonstrated the species’ preference for forest. Myotis capaccinii, confined to the Mediterranean (Guille´n, 1999), is classified as ‘vulnerable’ on a global scale (Hutson, Mickleburgh & Racey, 2001). In general, the species preferred calm waters bordered by well-developed riparian vegetation and large (> 5 m) inter-bank distances (Biscardi et al. 2007). In this study we present the first results about population genetic structure of these two species of genus Myotis. We used two methods of sampling: invasive and non-invasive techniques. A total of 323 invasive samples and a total of 107 non-invasive samples were collected and analyzed. For Myotis emarginatus we have individuated for the first time a set of 7 microsatellites, which can work on this species, started from a set developed on Myotis myotis (Castella et al. 2000). We developed also a method for analysis of non-invasive samples, that given a good percentage of positive analyzed samples. The results have highlighted for the species Myotis emarginatus the presence on the European territory of two big groups, discovered by using the microsatellites tracers. On this species, 33 haplotypes of Dloop have been identified, some of them are presented only in some colonies. We identified respectively 33 haplotypes of Dloop and 10 of cytB for Myotis emarginatus and 25 of dloop and 15 of cytB for Myotis capaccinii. Myotis emarginatus’ results, both microsatellites and mtDNA, show that there is a strong genetic flow between different colonies across Europe. The results achieved on Myotis capaccinii are very interesting, in this case either for the microsatellites or the mitochondrial DNA sequences, and it has been highlighted a big difference between different colonies.

Design and implementation of a novel multi-constellation FPGA-based dual frequency GNSS receiver for space applications

The PhD activity described in the document is part of the Microsatellite and Microsystem Laboratory of the II Faculty of Engineering, University of Bologna. The main objective is the design and development of a GNSS receiver for the orbit determination of microsatellites in low earth orbit. The development starts from the electronic design and goes up to the implementation of the navigation algorithms, covering all the aspects that are involved in this type of applications. The use of GPS receivers for orbit determination is a consolidated application used in many space missions, but the development of the new GNSS system within few years, such as the European Galileo, the Chinese COMPASS and the Russian modernized GLONASS, proposes new challenges and offers new opportunities to increase the orbit determination performances. The evaluation of improvements coming from the new systems together with the implementation of a receiver that is compatible with at least one of the new systems, are the main activities of the PhD. The activities can be divided in three section: receiver requirements definition and prototype implementation, design and analysis of the GNSS signal tracking algorithms, and design and analysis of the navigation algorithms. The receiver prototype is based on a Virtex FPGA by Xilinx, and includes a PowerPC processor. The architecture follows the software defined radio paradigm, so most of signal processing is performed in software while only what is strictly necessary is done in hardware. The tracking algorithms are implemented as a combination of Phase Locked Loop and Frequency Locked Loop for the carrier, and Delay Locked Loop with variable bandwidth for the code. The navigation algorithm is based on the extended Kalman filter and includes an accurate LEO orbit model.

Conservation genetics of European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris): a wide and integrating analysis protocol for admixture inferences and population structure

Introgression of domestic cat genes into European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) populations and reduction of wildcats’ range in Europe, leaded by habitat loss and fragmentation, are considered two of the main conservation problems for this endangered feline. This thesis addressed the questions related with the artificial hybridization and populations’ fragmentation, using a conservation genetics perspective. We combined the use of highly polymorphic loci, Bayesian statistical inferences and landscape analyses tools to investigate the origin of the geographic-genetic substructure of European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) in Italy and Europe. The genetic variability of microsatellites evidenced that European wildcat populations currently distributed in Italy differentiated in, and expanded from two distinct glacial refuges during the Last Glacial Maximum. The genetic and geographic substructure detected between the eastern and western sides of the Apennine ridge, resulted by adaptation to specific ecological conditions of the Mediterranean habitats. European wildcat populations in Europe are strongly structured into 5 geographic-genetic macro clusters corresponding to: the Italian peninsular & Sicily; Balkans & north-eastern Italy; Germany eastern; central Europe; and Iberian Peninsula. Central European population might have differentiated in the extra-Mediterranean Würm ice age refuge areas (Northern Alps, Carpathians, and the Bulgarian mountain systems), while the divergence among and within the southern European populations might have resulted by the Pleistocene bio geographical framework of Europe, with three southern refugia localized in the Balkans, Italian Peninsula and Iberia Peninsula. We further combined the use of most informative autosomal SNPs with uniparental markers (mtDNA and Y-linked) for accurately detecting parental genotypes and levels of introgressive hybridization between European wild and domestic cats. A total of 11 hybrids were identified. The presence of domestic mitochondrial haplotypes shared with some wild individuals led us to hypnotize the possibility that ancient introgressive events might have occurred and that further investigation should be recommended.

Characterization of the chestnut germoplasm of Emilia-Romagna region and ancient fruit tree varieties valorization

Molecular characterization represents a valid support for the recovery of germoplasm, also motivated by the interest for the valorization of local productions in order to make their traceability possible. Molecular characterization is also fundamental for the individuation of misnomers in collection fields in which the different varieties are preserved. In particular, microsatellites have been used in this research to investigate the genetic diversity, inside a population and at an individual level, and the correct varietal correspondence. The research is mainly based on the study of European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) cultivars to evaluate the genetic diversity and relationships in Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). A STRUCTURE analysis was carried out at European level with the allelic frequencies of the samples collected in Emilia-Romagna. Variation found at group and subgroup level may reflect a combination of historical migration/selection processes and adaptive factors to different environments between Italian and Spanish regions. In addition, a case study for the valorization of an old local variety and its re-introduction in the cultivation areas was proposed. This research was carried out by a morphological and molecular characterization of the local apple variety 'Rosa Romana'. The conservation of this variety entails the discrimination of different accessions with very similar phenotype that are present in the original cultivation area. The identification of historical trees and most adequate reference plants are fundamental steps for the correct propagation of this old variety and for the development of nursery activities. This will also promote and re-evaluate the exploitation and protection of such ancient Italian apple cultivars. This model could be in future also carried out for chestnut varieties. In conclusion, analysis with molecular markers is of fundamental importance for the protection and the maintenance of local and ancient varieties which allow to increase the allelic variability available for breeding programs.

Deep space orbit determination and guidance of the LICIACube microsatellite mission

Recently, the JPL's MarCO mission demonstrated that these probes are also mature enough to be employed in the deep space, even though with the limitations related to the employed commercial components. Currently, other deep space CubeSats are planned either as stand-alone missions or as companions of a traditional large probe. Therefore, developing a dedicated navigation suite is crucial to reaching the mission's goals, considering the limitations of the onboard components compared to typical deep space missions. In this framework, the LICIACube mission represents an ideal candidate test-bench, as it performs a flyby of the Didymos asteroid system subject to a strong position, epochs, and pointing requirements. This mission will also allow us to infer the capabilities of such microsatellites and highlight their limitations compared with the benefits of a lighter design and tailoring efforts. In this work, the OD and guidance methods and tools adopted for classical deep space missions have been tailored for the CubeSat applications and validated through extensive analyses. In addition, navigation procedures and interfaces have been designed in view of the operations foreseen in late 2022. The pre-launch covariance analysis has been performed to assess the mission's feasibility for the nominal trajectory and its associated uncertainties, based on conservative assumptions on the main parameters. Extensive sensitivity analyses have been carried out to understand the main mission parameters affecting the performance and to demonstrate the robustness of the designed trajectory and operation schedule in fulfilling the mission requirements. The developed system was also stressed by tuning the models to access different reconstruction methods for the maneuvers. The analysis demonstrated the feasibility of the LICIACube mission navigation in compliance with the mission requirements, compatible with the limited resources available, both in space and on the ground.