Understanding, defining and assessing food systems’ social and economic sustainability indicators: implementation of mixed methodologies for policy insights

Sustainability encompasses the presence of three dimensions that must coexist simultaneously, namely the environmental, social, and economic ones. The economic and social dimensions are gaining the spotlight in recent years, especially within food systems. To assess social and economic impacts, indicators and tools play a fundamental role in contributing to the achievements of sustainability targets, although few of them have deepen the focus on social and economic impacts. Moreover, in a framework of citizen science and bottom-up approach for improving food systems, citizen play a key role in defying their priorities in terms of social and economic interventions. This research expands the knowledge of social and economic sustainability indicators within the food systems for robust policy insights and interventions. This work accomplishes the following objectives: 1) to define social and economic indicators within the supply chain with a stakeholder perspective, 2) to test social and economic sustainability indicators for future food systems engaging young generations. The first objective was accomplished through the development of a systematic literature review of 34 social sustainability tools, based on five food supply chain stages, namely production, processing, wholesale, retail, and consumer considering farmers, workers, consumers, and society as stakeholders. The second objective was achieved by defining and testing new food systems social and economic sustainability indicators through youth engagement for informed and robust policy insights, to provide policymakers suggestions that would incorporate young generations ones. Future food systems scenarios were evaluated by youth through focus groups, whose results were analyzed through NVivo and then through a survey with a wider platform. Conclusion addressed the main areas of policy interventions in terms of social and economic aspects of sustainable food systems youth pointed out as in need of interventions, spanning from food labelling reporting sustainable origins to better access to online food services.

Development of Advanced Combustions using Cylinder Pressure Signal

Zero-carbon powertrains development has become one of the main challenges for automotive industries around the world. Following this guideline, several approaches such as powertrain electrification, advanced combustions, and hydrogen internal combustion engines have been aimed to achieve the goal. Low Temperature Combustions, characterized by a simultaneous reduction of fuel consumption and emissions, represent one of the most studied solutions moving towards a sustainable mobility. Previous research demonstrate that Gasoline partially premixed Compression Ignition combustion is one of the most promising LTC. Mainly characterized by the high-pressure direct-injection of gasoline and the spontaneous ignition of the premixed air-fuel mixture, GCI combustion has shown a good potential to achieve the high thermal efficiency and low pollutants in compression ignited engines required by future emission regulations. Despite its potential, GCI combustion might suffer from low combustion controllability and stability, because gasoline spontaneous ignition is significantly affected by slight variations of the local in-cylinder thermal conditions. Therefore, to properly control GCI combustion assuring the maximum performance, a deep knowledge of the combustion process, i.e., gasoline auto-ignition and the effect of the control parameters on the combustion and pollutants, is mandatory. This PhD dissertation focuses on the study of GCI combustion in a light-duty compression ignited engine. Starting from a standard 1.3L diesel engine, this work describes the activities made moving toward the full conversion of the engine. A preliminary study of the GCI combustion was conducted in a “Single-Cylinder” engine configuration highlighting combustion characteristics and dependencies on the control parameters. Then, the full engine conversion was performed, and a wide experimental campaign allowed to confirm the benefits of this advanced combustion methodologies in terms of pollutants and thermal efficiency. The analysis of the in-cylinder pressure signal allowed to study in depth the GCI combustion and develop control-oriented models aimed to improve the combustion stability.

Development and application of a computer-based methodology for design for additive manufacturing of automotive components

The research project aims to improve the Design for Additive Manufacturing of metal components. Firstly, the scenario of Additive Manufacturing is depicted, describing its role in Industry 4.0 and in particular focusing on Metal Additive Manufacturing technologies and the Automotive sector applications. Secondly, the state of the art in Design for Additive Manufacturing is described, contextualizing the methodologies, and classifying guidelines, rules, and approaches. The key phases of product design and process design to achieve lightweight functional designs and reliable processes are deepened together with the Computer-Aided Technologies to support the approaches implementation. Therefore, a general Design for Additive Manufacturing workflow based on product and process optimization has been systematically defined. From the analysis of the state of the art, the use of a holistic approach has been considered fundamental and thus the use of integrated product-process design platforms has been evaluated as a key element for its development. Indeed, a computer-based methodology exploiting integrated tools and numerical simulations to drive the product and process optimization has been proposed. A validation of CAD platform-based approaches has been performed, as well as potentials offered by integrated tools have been evaluated. Concerning product optimization, systematic approaches to integrate topology optimization in the design have been proposed and validated through product optimization of an automotive case study. Concerning process optimization, the use of process simulation techniques to prevent manufacturing flaws related to the high thermal gradients of metal processes is developed, providing case studies to validate results compared to experimental data, and application to process optimization of an automotive case study. Finally, an example of the product and process design through the proposed simulation-driven integrated approach is provided to prove the method's suitability for effective redesigns of Additive Manufacturing based high-performance metal products. The results are then outlined, and further developments are discussed.

Impact of gentrification processes in rural landscapes: a methodology for landscape assessment towards sustainable rural development

With an increasing demand for rural resources and land, new challenges are approaching affecting and restructuring the European countryside. While creating opportunities for rural living, it has also opened a discussion on rural gentrification risks. The concept of rural gentrification encircles the influx of new residents leading to an economic upgrade of an area making it unaffordable for local inhabitants to stay in. Rural gentrification occurs in areas perceived as attractive. Paradoxically, in-migrants re-shape their surrounding landscape. Rural gentrification may not only cause displacement of people but also landscape values. Thus, this research aims to understand the twofold role of landscape in rural gentrification theory: as a possible driver to attract residents and as a product shaped by its residents. To understand the potential gentrifiers’ decision process, this research has provided a collection of drivers behind in-migration. Moreover, essential indicators of rural gentrification have been collected from previous studies. Yet, the available indicators do not contain measures to understand related landscape changes. To fill this gap, after analysing established landscape assessment methodologies, evaluating the relevance for assessing gentrification, a new Landscape Assessment approach is proposed. This method introduces a novel approach to capture landscape change caused by gentrification through a historical depth. The measures to study gentrification was applied on Gotland, Sweden. The study showed a population stagnating while the number of properties increased, and housing prices raised. These factors are not indicating positive growth but risks of gentrification. Then, the research applied the proposed Landscape Assessment method for areas exposed to gentrification. Results suggest that landscape change takes place on a local scale and could over time endanger key characteristics. The methodology contributes to a discussion on grasping nuances within the rural context. It has also proven useful for indicating accumulative changes, which is necessary in managing landscape values.

Development of a Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) approach for the characterization of Legionella environmental isolates in water systems

Legionella is a Gram-negative bacterium that represent a public health issue, with heavy social and economic impact. Therefore, it is mandatory to provide a proper environmental surveillance and risk assessment plan to perform Legionella control in water distribution systems in hospital and community buildings. The thesis joins several methodologies in a unique workflow applied for the identification of non-pneumophila Legionella species (n-pL), starting from standard methods as culture and gene sequencing (mip and rpoB), and passing through innovative approaches as MALDI-TOF MS technique and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The results obtained, were compared to identify the Legionella isolates, and lead to four presumptive novel Legionella species identification. One of these four new isolates was characterized and recognized at taxonomy level with the name of Legionella bononiensis (the 64th Legionella species). The workflow applied in this thesis, help to increase the knowledge of Legionella environmental species, improving the description of the environment itself and the events that promote the growth of Legionella in their ecological niche. The correct identification and characterization of the isolates permit to prevent their spread in man-made environment and contain the occurrence of cases, clusters, or outbreaks. Therefore, the experimental work undertaken, could support the preventive measures during environmental and clinical surveillance, improving the study of species often underestimated or still unknown.

New methodologies in organocatalysis: from discovery to application and mechanistic

This PhD thesis deals with three different topics: i) sulfoxonium ylides, ii) donor-acceptor cyclopropanes, and iii) desymmetrization reactions. Catalysis, and in more detail organocatalysis, is the fil rouge linking the three subjects of study. The main focus treated during this doctorate period is the reactivity of sulfoxonium ylides, and in particular stabilized sulfoxonium ylides. Special attention has been dedicated to the behavior of these particular substrates under asymmetric and non-asymmetric reaction conditions. Moreover, also similarities and differences with the related, less stable, sulfonium ylides were fully analyzed, both experimentally and from a theoretical point of view. Two different reactions were developed in full. One conducted under acidic reaction conditions and the second one exploiting the asymmetric aminocatalysis. Subsequently, the reactivity of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes was studied. After different attempts in the development of a new catalytic methodology based on these substrates, a non-conventional reactivity conducted under phase transfer catalysis was discovered and optimized. In particular, a chemodivergent reaction depending on the reaction conditions was developed. Finally, during the period spent abroad, a preliminary study of a desymmetrization reaction was carried out. The studied reaction is based on an asymmetric elimination reaction conducted under asymmetric phosphoric acid catalysis. In summary, this PhD thesis shows the versatility of different organocatalytic methodologies when applied to different reactions and substrates.

Development of multicomponent models for the prediction of lubricant oil-fuel dilution in internal combustion engines

The 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.

Investigation on the role of polymeric ligands in heterogeneous nanocatalysis towards the development of hybrid metal-polymer catalysts

The relationship between catalytic properties and the nature of the active phase is well-established, with increased presence typically leading to enhanced catalysis. However, the costs associated with acquiring and processing these metals can become economically and environmentally unsustainable for global industries. Thus, there is potential for a paradigm shift towards utilizing polymeric ligands or other polymeric systems to modulate and enhance catalytic performance. This alternative approach has the potential to reduce the requisite amount of active phase while preserving effective catalytic activity. Such a strategy could yield substantial benefits from both economic and environmental perspectives. The primary objective of this research is to examine the influence of polymeric hydro-soluble ligands on the final properties, such as size and dispersion of the active phase, as well as the catalytic activity, encompassing conversion, selectivity towards desired products, and stability, of colloidal gold nanoparticles supported on active carbon. The goal is to elucidate the impact of polymers systematically, offering a toolbox for fine-tuning catalytic performances from the initial stages of catalyst design. Moreover, investigating the potential to augment conversion and selectivity in specific reactions through tailored polymeric ligands holds promise for reshaping catalyst preparation methodologies, thereby fostering the development of more economically sustainable materials.

Fighting child marriage in developing countries: design and development of a mobile application

Child marriage is still a great issue in developing countries and even if the interventions to prevent it are having results, they are not enough to eliminate the problem. Among the strategies that seem to work most to fight child marriage, there is the empowerment of girls with information combined with education of parents and community. As smartphones are more accessible year after year in developing countries, this thesis wants to investigate if a mobile app could be effective in fighting child marriage and which characteristics such an app should have. The research was organized in four phases and used design and creation and case study methodologies. Firstly, the literature was analyzed and an initial design was proposed. Secondly, expert interviews were performed to gain feedback on the proposed design, and afterwards prototype was built. Thirdly, a case study in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was performed to test the prototype, gaining insights and improvements through group interviews with 26 girls aged 15-19. Finally, a first version of the app was developed and a second phase of the case study was run in the DRC to understand if the girls were able to use the app. This phase included 14 girls of which 6 had participated in the prototype testing and used questionnaires as a data generation method. The app was built following the Principles for Digital Development. Even if this app is built based on the case study in DRC is modular and easily adaptable to other contexts as it is not content-specific. It was shown that is worth continuing to study this topic and it was defined a conceptual framework for designing learning apps for developing countries, in particular, to fight child, early, and forced marriage.

[the Use Of Fish On Buccal Smear To Investigate Mosaicism With A 45,x Cell Line: Study On Healthy Men And Patients With Disorders Of Sex Development].

To verify whether fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of cells from the buccal epithelium could be employed to detect cryptomosaicism with a 45,X lineage in 46,XY patients. Samples of nineteen 46,XY healthy young men and five patients with disorders of sex development (DSD), four 45,X/46,XY and one 46,XY were used. FISH analysis with X and Y specific probes on interphase nuclei from blood lymphocytes and buccal epithelium were analyzed to investigate the proportion of nuclei containing only the signal of the X chromosome. The frequency of nuclei containing only the X signal in the two tissues of healthy men did not differ (p = 0.69). In all patients with DSD this frequency was significantly higher, and there was no difference between the two tissues (p = 0.38), either. Investigation of mosaicism with a 45,X cell line in patients with 46,XY DSD or sterility can be done by FISH directly using cells from the buccal epithelium.

The Influence Of The Environment On The Development Of Thyroid Tumors: A New Appraisal.

Most epidemiological studies concerning differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) indicate an increasing incidence over the last two decades. This increase might be partially explained by the better access to health services worldwide, but clinicopathological analyses do not fully support this hypothesis, indicating that there are carcinogenetic factors behind this noticeable increasing incidence. Although we have undoubtedly understood the biology and molecular pathways underlying thyroid carcinogenesis in a better way, we have made very little progresses in identifying a risk profile for DTC, and our knowledge of risk factors is very similar to what we knew 30-40 years ago. In addition to ionizing radiation exposure, the most documented and established risk factor for DTC, we also investigated the role of other factors, including eating habits, tobacco smoking, living in a volcanic area, xenobiotics, and viruses, which could be involved in thyroid carcinogenesis, thus, contributing to the increase in DTC incidence rates observed.

Development And Shelf-life Determination Of Pasteurized, Microfiltered, Lactose Hydrolyzed Skim Milk.

The segment of the world population showing permanent or temporary lactose intolerance is quite significant. Because milk is a widely consumed food with an high nutritional value, technological alternatives have been sought to overcome this dilemma. Microfiltration combined with pasteurization can not only extend the shelf life of milk but can also maintain the sensory, functional, and nutritional properties of the product. This studied developed a pasteurized, microfiltered, lactose hydrolyzed (delactosed) skim milk (PMLHSM). Hydrolysis was performed using β-galactosidase at a concentration of 0.4mL/L and incubation for approximately 21h at 10±1°C. During these procedures, the degree of hydrolysis obtained (>90%) was accompanied by evaluation of freezing point depression, and the remaining quantity of lactose was confirmed by HPLC. Milk was processed using a microfiltration pilot unit equipped with uniform transmembrane pressure (UTP) ceramic membranes with a mean pore size of 1.4 μm and UTP of 60 kPa. The product was submitted to physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluations, and its shelf life was estimated. Microfiltration reduced the aerobic mesophilic count by more than 4 log cycles. We were able to produce high-quality PMLHSM with a shelf life of 21 to 27d when stored at 5±1°C in terms of sensory analysis and proteolysis index and a shelf life of 50d in regard to total aerobic mesophile count and titratable acidity.

De Novo Assembly And Transcriptome Analysis Of The Rubber Tree (hevea Brasiliensis) And Snp Markers Development For Rubber Biosynthesis Pathways.

Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. Ex Adr. Juss.) Muell.-Arg. is the primary source of natural rubber that is native to the Amazon rainforest. The singular properties of natural rubber make it superior to and competitive with synthetic rubber for use in several applications. Here, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of H. brasiliensis bark on the Illumina GAIIx platform, which generated 179,326,804 raw reads on the Illumina GAIIx platform. A total of 50,384 contigs that were over 400 bp in size were obtained and subjected to further analyses. A similarity search against the non-redundant (nr) protein database returned 32,018 (63%) positive BLASTx hits. The transcriptome analysis was annotated using the clusters of orthologous groups (COG), gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Pfam databases. A search for putative molecular marker was performed to identify simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In total, 17,927 SSRs and 404,114 SNPs were detected. Finally, we selected sequences that were identified as belonging to the mevalonate (MVA) and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathways, which are involved in rubber biosynthesis, to validate the SNP markers. A total of 78 SNPs were validated in 36 genotypes of H. brasiliensis. This new dataset represents a powerful information source for rubber tree bark genes and will be an important tool for the development of microsatellites and SNP markers for use in future genetic analyses such as genetic linkage mapping, quantitative trait loci identification, investigations of linkage disequilibrium and marker-assisted selection.

Development And Characterization Of Microsatellite Loci For Ocotea Species (lauraceae) Threatened With Extinction.

The Atlantic rainforest species Ocotea catharinensis, Ocotea odorifera, and Ocotea porosa have been extensively harvested in the past for timber and oil extraction and are currently listed as threatened due to overexploitation. To investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of these species, we developed 8 polymorphic microsatellite markers for O. odorifera from an enriched microsatellite library by using 2 dinucleotide repeats. The microsatellite markers were tested for cross-amplification in O. catharinensis and O. porosa. The average number of alleles per locus was 10.2, considering all loci over 2 populations of O. odorifera. Observed and expected heterozygosities for O. odorifera ranged from 0.39 to 0.93 and 0.41 to 0.92 across populations, respectively. Cross-amplification of all loci was successfully observed in O. catharinensis and O. porosa except 1 locus that was found to lack polymorphism in O. porosa. Combined probabilities of identity in the studied Ocotea species were very low ranging from 1.0 x 10-24 to 7.7 x 10-24. The probability of exclusion over all loci estimated for O. odorifera indicated a 99.9% chance of correctly excluding a random nonparent individual. The microsatellite markers described in this study have high information content and will be useful for further investigations on genetic diversity within these species and for subsequent conservation purposes.

Development And Characterization Of Microsatellite Loci For Tabebuia Cassinoides (bignoniaceae).

Tabebuia cassinoides (Lam.) DC., popularly known as caxeta, is a tree species that belongs to the plant family Bignoniaceae. This species is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and is widely exploited commercially. To date, little is known about its genetic structure, preventing the establishment of adequate management plans for this taxon. The objective of this study was to construct a microsatellite-enriched genomic library for T. cassinoides to select polymorphic loci, and standardize polymerase chain reaction amplification conditions. Of the 15 loci examined, 5 were polymorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8, with a mean of 4.4. The microsatellite loci described here represent the basis for detailed population genetic studies of this species, which will greatly contribute for the development of better conservation strategies for this taxon.