How to cope with air transport disruptions: airport airside resilience and vulnerability

The efficiency of airport airside operations is often compromised by unplanned disruptive events of different kinds, such as bad weather, strikes or technical failures, which negatively influence the punctuality and regularity of operations, causing serious delays and unexpected congestion. They may provoke important impacts and economic losses on passengers, airlines and airport operators, and consequences may propagate in the air network throughout different airports. In order to identify strategies to cope with such events and minimize their impacts, it is crucial to understand how disruptive events affect airports’ performance. The research field related with the risk of severe air transport network disruptions and their impact on society is related to the concepts of vulnerability and resilience. The main objective of this project is to provide a framework that allows to evaluate performance losses and consequences due to unexpected disruptions affecting airport airside operations, supporting the development of a methodology for estimating vulnerability and resilience indicators for airport airside operations. The methodology proposed comprises three phases. In the first phase, airside operations are modelled in both the baseline and disrupted scenarios. The model includes all main airside processes and takes into consideration the uncertainties and dynamics of the system. In the second phase, the model is implemented by using a generic simulation software, AnyLogic. Vulnerability is evaluated by taking into consideration the costs related to flight delays, cancellations and diversions; resilience is determined as a function of the loss of capacity during the entire period of disruption. In the third phase, a Bayesian Network is built in which uncertain variables refer to airport characteristics and disruption type. The Bayesian Network expresses the conditional dependence among these variables and allows to predict the impacts of disruptions on an airside system, determining the elements which influence the system resilience the most.

Analyzing urban green adaptation opportunities: concepts, approaches, & strategies for existing neighborhoods

Over the last decades, the growing evidence of human-caused climate change has raised awareness of the consequences of exceeding global temperature by 2˚C. This awareness has led to a contemporary approach to the conceptualization and management of green adaptation policies in spatial planning. This thesis aims to develop a comprehensive methodology for assessing the adaptability of existing neighborhoods to green strategies. The reliability of the proposed method is examined in the cities of Bologna and Imola and proved to be applicable in other geoghraphical locations. This thesis integrates three key themes of conceptual and implementation principles for urban green adaptation. This thesis initially defines methods for narrowing uncertainties in urban planning energy forecasting modeling by exploring the roles of integrated energy planning. The second is by exploring green retrofitting strategies in building, this thesis examines the effects of various energy-saving factors in roofing scenarios including a green roof, rooftop greenhouse, and insolated roof. Lastly, this thesis analyzes green strategies in urban spaces to enhance thermal comfort through facing urban heat exposure related to urban heat island effects. The roles of integrated energy policies and green strategic thinking are discussed to highlight various aspects of green adaptation on the neighborhood scale. This thesis develops approaches by which cities can face the challenges of current green urban planning and connect the conceptual and practical aspects of green spatial planning. Another point that this thesis highlight is that due to the interdependency of individuals and places, it is difficult to assure whether all the adaptation policies on a large scale are enhancing the resiliency of the neighborhood or they are simply shuffling the vulnerability through the individuals and places. Besides, it asserts that neglecting to reflect on these reallocations of the effects generates serious complications, and will result in long-term dysfunctional consequences.

Innovative strategies for the mitigation of acrylamide content in different food products

Acrylamide (AA) is an undesirable food toxic compound, classified as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer due to its toxic effects, including neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity. AA is mainly formed during the heat treatment of foods (> 120 °C) by the Maillard reaction, an essential reaction that also allows the desired levels of shelf-life and sensory properties of various food products to be achieved. Over the years, authorities and regulations have become more restrictive regarding the maximum levels of AA permitted in foods and beverages. The latest Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 contains reference levels and measures to reduce AA in several food groups that contribute to the highest dietary intake, making necessary the study of promising AA mitigation strategies. The aim of this PhD research project was to identify, characterise and optimise some AA mitigation strategies in the most at-risk widely consumed foods such as potato, coffee and bakery products. Some AA control strategies were selected and investigated for each food category, also considering the main quality characteristics of the final products. The comprehensive results obtained during the three years of research activity have allowed a deeper knowledge of the traditional and innovative AA mitigation strategies, which can be extremely useful for both the food industry and international authorities. The most promising strategies studied in terms of reduction of AA while maintaining the main quality characteristics of the examined foods were: the application of pulsed electric fields and yeast immersion as pre-treatments of chips for frying; the selection of high roasting degrees for coffee products; the selection of static baking conditions for biscuits; the optimisation of alternative biscuit’ formulations by both the use of chickpea legume flour and of flour from bean with intact cotyledon cell walls.

Strategies to hijack MTs dysfunction in neurodegenerative tauopathies: Design and synthesis of novel CNS-disease-modifying tools

Neuronal microtubules assembly and dynamics are regulated by several proteins including (MT)-associated protein tau, whose aberrant hyperphosphorylation promotes its dissociation from MTs and its abnormal deposition into neurofibrillary tangles, a common neurotoxic hallmarks of neurodegenerative tauopathies. To date, no disease-modifying drugs have been approved to combat CNS tau-related diseases. The multifactorial etiology of these conditions represents one of the major limits in the discovery of effective therapeutic options. In addition, tau protein functions are orchestrated by diverse post-translational modifications among which phosphorylation mediated by PKs plays a leading role. In this context, conventional single-target therapies are often inadequate in restoring perturbed networks and fraught with adverse side-effects. This thesis reports two distinct approaches to hijack MT defects in neurons. The first is focused on the rational design and synthesis of first-in-class triple inhibitors of GSK-3β, FYN, and DYRK1A, three close-related PKs, which act as master regulators of aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation. A merged multi-target pharmacophore strategy was applied to simultaneously modulate all three targets and achieve a disease-modifying effect. Optimization of ARN25068 by a computationally and crystallographic driven SAR exploration, allowed to rationalize the key structural modifications to maintain a balanced potency against all three targets and develop a new generation of quite well-balanced analogs exhibiting improved physicochemical properties, a good in vitro ADME profile, and promising cell-based anti-tau phosphorylation activity. In Part II, MT-stabilizing compounds have been developed to compensate MT defects in tau-related pathologies. Intensive chemical effort has been devoted to scaling up BL-0884, identified as a promising MT-normalizing TPD, which exhibited favorable ADME-PK, including brain penetration, oral bioavailability, and brain pharmacodynamic activity. A suitable functionalization of the exposed hydroxyl moiety of BL-0884 was carried out to generate corresponding esters and amides possessing a wide range of applications as prodrugs and active targeting for cancer chemotherapy.

Cancer omics strategies for personalized treatments

The Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMSs) classification stratifies colorectal cancer (CRC) into four well-defined molecular subgroups, providing incredible support to personalized medicine. Indeed, the huge inter-patient heterogeneity observed in CRC makes it difficult to define a therapeutic strategy from which every patient can benefit. Unfortunately, so far really few targetable biomarkers are known in the CRC setting, leading to an urgent need for new targeted therapies. Here we performed a bioinformatic meta-analysis over a cohort of 1700 CMS-stratified CRC patients, identifying a negative correlation between high levels of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression and relapse-free survival, exclusively in the CMS1 subtype. No correlation with ALK expression was pointed out in the other three subgroups. The association of ALK with CMS1 led to generate the hypothesis that ALK pharmacological inhibition may elicit therapeutic potential in this subgroup. Thus, we tested ALK inhibitors and an ALK-directed ADC on several CRC in vitro models, stratified according to the CMS classification as well as on CRC patient-derived organoids and mice. ALK interception strongly inhibited CMS1-cells, organoids, and tumor proliferation and was responsible for the dampening of ALK activation along with the downstream. Mechanistically, we found that CMS1 cells display several mRNA copies of both ALK and ALKAL2 ligand, suggesting a role for ALK abundance in the differential response to its inhibition. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that ALK may represent an attractive target for CMS1 colorectal cancer therapy.

Packaging and food waste preventing strategies for sustainable food supply chain networks

The central aim of this dissertation is to introduce innovative methods, models, and tools to enhance the overall performance of supply chains responsible for handling perishable products. This concept of improved performance encompasses several critical dimensions, including enhanced efficiency in supply chain operations, product quality, safety, sustainability, waste generation minimization, and compliance with norms and regulations. The research is structured around three specific research questions that provide a solid foundation for delving into and narrowing down the array of potential solutions. These questions primarily concern enhancing the overall performance of distribution networks for perishable products and optimizing the package hierarchy, extending to unconventional packaging solutions. To address these research questions effectively, a well-defined research framework guides the approach. However, the dissertation adheres to an overarching methodological approach that comprises three fundamental aspects. The first aspect centers on the necessity of systematic data sampling and categorization, including identifying critical points within food supply chains. The data collected in this context must then be organized within a customized data structure designed to feed both cyber-physical and digital twins to quantify and analyze supply chain failures with a preventive perspective.

The italian translation of allusive jokes from three american sitcoms: A focus group analysis

The translation of allusions has presented an issue for translators, in a trend that has seen a shift in translation studies to a more culture-oriented perspective. “Allusion” is defined by doctor Ritva Leppihalme as a culture-bound element that is expected to convey a meaning that goes beyond the mere words used and can only be accurately translated through knowledge of both the source and target culture. Allusions in comedy, and more specifically, allusive jokes, can pose an additional challenge to translators, since failing to translate them in a satisfactory way, can lead to unfunny and puzzling results that completely miss the original comedic value of the allusion itself. For the purposes of this dissertation, an experiment, based on the one done by doctor Ritva Leppihalme, was conducted: a focus group consisting of eight people from different socio-demographic groups was asked to discuss three comedic scenes, translated in Italian, containing an allusive joke, from three different American sitcoms: Community, The Office, and Superstore. The purpose of this research was to find the best and most effective strategies, according to the average Italian viewer, to translate in Italian allusive jokes from the American culture and the English language. The participants were asked to state if they understood the translated joke, and if they did, to rate how funny they found it, and to discuss among themselves on possible reasons for their responses, and on possible alternative solutions. The results seem to indicate that the best course of action involves choices that stray from a literal translation of the words used, by changing items that need a deeper knowledge of the source culture to be understood and therefore cause hilarity, with items more familiar to the target culture. The worst possible solutions seem to be ones that focus on the literal translation of the words used without considering the cultural and situational context of the allusion.

Design and Characterization of an Active Three-Phase EMI Noise Separator for Three-Phase Power Electronics Systems

One of the major issues for power converters that are connected to the electric grid are the measurement of three phase Conduced Emissions (CE), which are regulated by international and regional standards. CE are composed of two components which are Common Mode (CM) noise and Differential Mode (DM) noise. To achieve compliance with these regulations the Equipment Under Test (EUT) includes filtering and other electromagnetic emission control strategies. The separation of differential mode and common mode noise in Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) analysis is a well-known procedure which is useful especially for the optimization of the EMI filter, to improve the CM or DM attenuation depending on which component of the conducted emissions is predominant, and for the analysis and the understanding of interference phenomena of switched mode power converters. However, separating both components is rarely done during measurements. Therefore, in this thesis an active device for the separation of the CM and DM EMI noise in three phase power electronic systems has been designed and experimentally analysed.

Comparison Of Postoperative Stability Of Three Rigid Internal Fixation Techniques After Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy For Mandibular Advancement.

The aim of this investigation was to compare the skeletal stability of three different rigid fixation methods after mandibular advancement. Fifty-five class II malocclusion patients treated with the use of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy and mandibular advancement were selected for this retrospective study. Group 1 (n = 17) had miniplates with monocortical screws, Group 2 (n = 16) had bicortical screws and Group 3 (n = 22) had the osteotomy fixed by means of the hybrid technique. Cephalograms were taken preoperatively, 1 week within the postoperative care period, and 6 months after the orthognathic surgery. Linear and angular changes of the cephalometric landmarks of the chin region were measured at each period, and the changes at each cephalometric landmark were determined for the time gaps. Postoperative changes in the mandibular shape were analyzed to determine the stability of fixation methods. There was minimum difference in the relapse of the mandibular advancement among the three groups. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in postoperative stability. However, a positive correlation between the amount of advancement and the amount of postoperative relapse was demonstrated by the linear multiple regression test (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that all techniques can be used to obtain stable postoperative results in mandibular advancement after 6 months.

Cluster Analysis To Identify Elderly People's Profiles: A Healthcare Strategy Based On Frailty Characteristics.

The new social panorama resulting from aging of the Brazilian population is leading to significant transformations within healthcare. Through the cluster analysis strategy, it was sought to describe the specific care demands of the elderly population, using frailty components. Cross-sectional study based on reviewing medical records, conducted in the geriatric outpatient clinic, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp). Ninety-eight elderly users of this clinic were evaluated using cluster analysis and instruments for assessing their overall geriatric status and frailty characteristics. The variables that most strongly influenced the formation of clusters were age, functional capacities, cognitive capacity, presence of comorbidities and number of medications used. Three main groups of elderly people could be identified: one with good cognitive and functional performance but with high prevalence of comorbidities (mean age 77.9 years, cognitive impairment in 28.6% and mean of 7.4 comorbidities); a second with more advanced age, greater cognitive impairment and greater dependence (mean age 88.5 years old, cognitive impairment in 84.6% and mean of 7.1 comorbidities); and a third younger group with poor cognitive performance and greater number of comorbidities but functionally independent (mean age 78.5 years old, cognitive impairment in 89.6% and mean of 7.4 comorbidities). These data characterize the profile of this population and can be used as the basis for developing efficient strategies aimed at diminishing functional dependence, poor self-rated health and impaired quality of life.

Effects Of High Pressure Homogenization On The Activity, Stability, Kinetics And Three-dimensional Conformation Of A Glucose Oxidase Produced By Aspergillus Niger.

High pressure homogenization (HPH) is a non-thermal method, which has been employed to change the activity and stability of biotechnologically relevant enzymes. This work investigated how HPH affects the structural and functional characteristics of a glucose oxidase (GO) from Aspergillus niger. The enzyme was homogenized at 75 and 150 MPa and the effects were evaluated with respect to the enzyme activity, stability, kinetic parameters and molecular structure. The enzyme showed a pH-dependent response to the HPH treatment, with reduction or maintenance of activity at pH 4.5-6.0 and a remarkable activity increase (30-300%) at pH 6.5 in all tested temperatures (15, 50 and 75°C). The enzyme thermal tolerance was reduced due to HPH treatment and the storage for 24 h at high temperatures (50 and 75°C) also caused a reduction of activity. Interestingly, at lower temperatures (15°C) the activity levels were slightly higher than that observed for native enzyme or at least maintained. These effects of HPH treatment on function and stability of GO were further investigated by spectroscopic methods. Both fluorescence and circular dichroism revealed conformational changes in the molecular structure of the enzyme that might be associated with the distinct functional and stability behavior of GO.

Low-density Three-dimensional Foam Using Self-reinforced Hybrid Two-dimensional Atomic Layers.

Low-density nanostructured foams are often limited in applications due to their low mechanical and thermal stabilities. Here we report an approach of building the structural units of three-dimensional (3D) foams using hybrid two-dimensional (2D) atomic layers made of stacked graphene oxide layers reinforced with conformal hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) platelets. The ultra-low density (1/400 times density of graphite) 3D porous structures are scalably synthesized using solution processing method. A layered 3D foam structure forms due to presence of h-BN and significant improvements in the mechanical properties are observed for the hybrid foam structures, over a range of temperatures, compared with pristine graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide foams. It is found that domains of h-BN layers on the graphene oxide framework help to reinforce the 2D structural units, providing the observed improvement in mechanical integrity of the 3D foam structure.

New Microsatellite Markers For Wild And Commercial Species Of Passiflora (passifloraceae) And Cross-amplification.

• We developed the first microsatellites for Passiflora setacea and characterized new sets of markers for P. edulis and P. cincinnata, enabling further genetic diversity studies to support the conservation and breeding of passion fruit species. • We developed 69 microsatellite markers and, in conjunction with assessments of cross-amplification using primers available from the literature, present 43 new polymorphic microsatellite loci for three species of Passiflora. The mean number of alleles per locus was 3.1, and the mean values of the expected and observed levels of heterozygosity were 0.406 and 0.322, respectively. • These microsatellite markers will be valuable tools for investigating the genetic diversity and population structure of wild and commercial species of passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) and may be useful for developing conservation and improvement strategies by contributing to the understanding of the mating system and hybridization within the genus.

[diet Quality And Associated Factors Among The Elderly: A Population-based Study In Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil].

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of diet among the elderly and associations with socio-demographic variables, health-related behaviors, and diseases. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 1,509 elderly participants in a health survey in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. Food quality was assessed using the Revised Diet Quality Index (DQI-R). Mean index scores were estimated and a multiple regression model was employed for the adjusted analyses. The highest diet quality scores were associated with age 80 years or older, Evangelical religion, diabetes mellitus, and physical activity, while the lowest scores were associated with home environments shared with three or more people, smoking, and consumption of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The findings emphasize a general need for diet quality improvements in the elderly, specifically in subgroups with unhealthy behaviors, who should be targeted with comprehensive strategies.

All Green, But Equal? Morphological Traits And Ecological Implications On Spores Of Three Species Of Mosses In The Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Spores of the tropical mosses Pyrrhobryum spiniforme, Neckeropsis undulata and N. disticha were characterized regarding size, number per capsule and viability. Chemical substances were analyzed for P. spiniforme and N. undulata spores. Length of sporophyte seta (spore dispersal ability) was analyzed for P. spiniforme. Four to six colonies per species in each site (lowland and highland areas of an Atlantic Forest; Serra do Mar State Park, Brazil) were visited for the collection of capsules (2008 - 2009). Neckeropsis undulata in the highland area produced the largest spores (ca. 19 µm) with the highest viability. The smallest spores were found in N. disticha in the lowland (ca. 13 µm). Pyrrhobryum spiniforme produced more spores per capsule in the highland (ca. 150,000) than in lowland (ca. 40,000); longer sporophytic setae in the lowland (ca. 64 mm) than in the highland (ca. 43 mm); and similar sized spores in both areas (ca. 16 µm). Spores of N. undulata and P. spiniforme contained lipids and proteins in the cytoplasm, and acid/neutral lipids and pectins in the wall. Lipid bodies were larger in N. undulata than in P. spiniforme. No starch was recorded for spores. Pyrrhobryum spiniforme in the highland area, different from lowland, was characterized by low reproductive effort, but presented many spores per capsule.