https://hdl.handle.net/10807/261621 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:36:57 GMT 2026-07-08T05:36:57Z https://hdl.handle.net/10807/332256 Titolo: Nutritive profile of selected leafy vegetables grown on enriched Soilles growing media Autori: Chemutai, Roseline Abstract: This thesis investigated the nutritive profiles of leafy vegetables cultivated on enriched soilless potting growth media under greenhouse conditions, focusing on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.), and collard (Brassica oleracea L.). Three substrate ratios of charcoal dust to coffee husk (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) were combined with three fertilizer treatments Tithonia diversifolia leaf powder, inorganic NPK (15:15:15), and an unfertilized control to evaluate morphological traits, yield and nutrient composition (protein, carbohydrate, fibre, ash, fat, dry matter, and iron). Fertilizer regimes significantly influenced nutrient profiles: inorganic inputs enhanced protein (p= 0.00514) and fibre (p= 0.0372), while organic amendments promoted carbohydrate (p= 0.0319) and iron accumulation. Growth media composition also affected plant responses, with amaranth and collard benefiting most from tailored blends, whereas spinach and cowpea showed resilience across treatments. Cowpea’s adaptability was evident in stable dry matter and consistently high protein, reflecting its nitrogen-fixing capacity. Nutrient outcomes were shaped by both fertilizer type and media composition, highlighting interaction effects. However, ANOVA revealed that growth media, fertilizer treatments, and their interaction did not significantly affect yield (p > 0.05), with species differences accounting for most variation. Overall, the results show that differences in growth media and fertilizer had no significant impact (p >0.05) on dry matter, crude fat, and total ash content, suggesting these traits may be more strongly influenced by genetic variability, environmental conditions, or nutrient interactions. Comparative analysis indicated that soilless systems generally produced higher protein, fibre, and dry matter, while soil-based cultivation yielded greater iron and carbohydrate. In conclusion, integrating waste-derived soilless media with tailored fertilizer regimes offers a scalable and sustainable pathway for leafy vegetable production, with relevance not only for Uganda but also for regions worldwide confronting resource constraints. By advancing resource-efficient cultivation, enriched soilless systems can contribute to global food security and climate-resilient agriculture Abstract: This thesis investigated the nutritive profiles of leafy vegetables cultivated on enriched soilless potting growth media under greenhouse conditions, focusing on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.), and collard (Brassica oleracea L.). Three substrate ratios of charcoal dust to coffee husk (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) were combined with three fertilizer treatments Tithonia diversifolia leaf powder, inorganic NPK (15:15:15), and an unfertilized control to evaluate morphological traits, yield and nutrient composition (protein, carbohydrate, fibre, ash, fat, dry matter, and iron). Fertilizer regimes significantly influenced nutrient profiles: inorganic inputs enhanced protein (p= 0.00514) and fibre (p= 0.0372), while organic amendments promoted carbohydrate (p= 0.0319) and iron accumulation. Growth media composition also affected plant responses, with amaranth and collard benefiting most from tailored blends, whereas spinach and cowpea showed resilience across treatments. Cowpea’s adaptability was evident in stable dry matter and consistently high protein, reflecting its nitrogen-fixing capacity. Nutrient outcomes were shaped by both fertilizer type and media composition, highlighting interaction effects. However, ANOVA revealed that growth media, fertilizer treatments, and their interaction did not significantly affect yield (p > 0.05), with species differences accounting for most variation. Overall, the results show that differences in growth media and fertilizer had no significant impact (p >0.05) on dry matter, crude fat, and total ash content, suggesting these traits may be more strongly influenced by genetic variability, environmental conditions, or nutrient interactions. Comparative analysis indicated that soilless systems generally produced higher protein, fibre, and dry matter, while soil-based cultivation yielded greater iron and carbohydrate. In conclusion, integrating waste-derived soilless media with tailored fertilizer regimes offers a scalable and sustainable pathway for leafy vegetable production, with relevance not only for Uganda but also for regions worldwide confronting resource constraints. By advancing resource-efficient cultivation, enriched soilless systems can contribute to global food security and climate-resilient agriculture Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10807/332256 2026-04-17T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10807/332998 Titolo: Development of mathematical models for pest prediction Autori: Sweidan, Zeinab Abstract: La modellazione delle popolazioni di insetti infestanti è da tempo un tema centrale della ricerca agricola. I modelli che prevedono la dinamica degli organismi dannosi svolgono un ruolo cruciale nel supportare le decisioni di gestione dei parassiti. L’importanza dell’utilizzo dei modelli nella gestione integrata dei parassiti (IPM) risiede nella loro capacità di elaborare e analizzare dati complessi, fornendo informazioni utili al processo decisionale. Sulla base di questa rilevanza, la ricerca presentata in questa tesi mira a sviluppare e validare modelli matematici per tre specie chiave di insetti agricoli infestanti: Philaenus spumarius, Drosophila suzukii , e Drosophila melanogaster. Per ciascuna specie, la dinamica di popolazione è stata rappresentata utilizzando diversi approcci matematici. La scelta di differenti strategie di parametrizzazione e validazione tra le tre specie riflette la disponibilità e la qualità dei dati, nonché le caratteristiche biologiche di ciascun organismo. Questo approccio mira a raggiungere un equilibrio tra robustezza empirica e fattibilità pratica, migliorando così l’affidabilità complessiva delle simulazioni della dinamica di popolazione. Abstract: Modelling insect pest populations has long been a major focus of agricultural research. Models that predict the dynamics of harmful organisms play a crucial role in supporting pest management decisions. The importance of using models within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) lies in their ability to process and analyse complex data, providing insights that assist in the decision-making process. Building on this importance, the research presented in this Thesis aims to develop and validate mathematical models for three key agricultural pest species: Philaenus spumarius; Drosophila suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster. For each species, population dynamics was represented using different mathematical frameworks. The choice of different parametrisation and validation strategies across the three species reflects the availability and quality of data and the biological characteristics of each organism. This approach seeks to achieve a balance between empirical robustness and practical feasibility, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the resulting population dynamics simulation. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10807/332998 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10807/339802 Titolo: THE DYNAMICS OF INNOVATION IN PRODUCTION NETWORKS Autori: Kaynarca, Nurten Abstract: La tesi analizza come le scelte delle imprese in termini di input e tecnologia guidino l’evoluzione strutturale delle reti produttive e i conseguenti risultati macroeconomici, nonché come le politiche industriali possano essere progettate tenendo conto della formazione endogena delle reti produttive. La tesi si compone di diversi lavori di ricerca che adottano nuovi approcci teorici ed empirici per analizzare le reti produttive sia come risultato delle scelte di input delle imprese sia come importanti canali di trasmissione all’interno dell’economia. Il primo lavoro di ricerca propone un modello di formazione delle reti produttive basato su un’economia di equilibrio generale nella quale la tecnologia è endogena e determinata dalle combinazioni di input. L’obiettivo è approfondire la comprensione di come l’apertura delle imprese all’innovazione nelle scelte degli input influenzi l’evoluzione strutturale delle reti produttive attraverso simulazioni computazionali. I risultati delle simulazioni evidenziano che gli effetti dell’innovazione nelle scelte degli input dipendono dalla posizione in cui tale innovazione si verifica all’interno della rete produttiva. Il secondo lavoro di ricerca si concentra su evidenze empiriche a livello d’impresa per la Turchia, adottando un quadro concettuale che collega le relazioni di fornitura delle imprese alla loro differenziazione tecnologica. L’obiettivo è comprendere a livello microeconomico i fattori che determinano gli aggiustamenti delle relazioni input-output. Il risultato principale mostra che le imprese caratterizzate da una minore correlazione complessiva tra i propri insiemi di fornitori (ossia da una maggiore differenziazione dei fornitori) tendono a ottenere performance migliori. Questi risultati contribuiscono alla letteratura sulle misure di diversificazione d’impresa basate sulle risorse come strumento per spiegare le performance aziendali. Il terzo lavoro collega i risultati dei primi due studi sulla struttura dinamica delle reti produttive alla progettazione e alla valutazione delle politiche industriali. I principali risultati indicano che strategie di targeting delle politiche industriali informate dalla struttura delle reti produttive possono migliorare l’efficienza delle politiche industriali. Abstract: The thesis examines how firms’ input/technology choices drive the structural evolution of production networks and subsequent macroeconomic outcomes, and how industrial policies can be designed to account for endogenous production network formation. The thesis comprises research papers that employ new theoretical and empirical approaches to analyze production networks as outcomes of firms’ input choices and key transmission channels within the macro-economy.   The first research paper proposes a production network formation model grounded on a general equilibrium economy in which technology is endogenous and determined by input combinations. The objective is to gain a deeper understanding of how firms’ openness to innovation in input choices shapes the structural evolution of production networks through computational simulations. The simulations highlight that the outcomes of innovation in input choices depend on where the innovation occurs within production networks.  The second research paper turns to firm-level empirical evidence from Turkey, with a conceptual framework that links firms' supplier linkages with their technological differentiation. The objective is to gain a micro-level understanding of the factors driving the adjustments of input-output linkages. The main result is that firms with lower overall supplier-set relatedness (higher supplier-set differentiation) tend to perform better. These insights contribute to the literature on resource-based measures of firm diversification in explaining performance.  The third paper bridges the remarks from the first and second papers on the dynamic structure of production networks into the design and evaluation of industrial policies. The main findings state that production network-informed policy targeting strategies can improve the efficiency of industrial policies. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10807/339802 2026-02-11T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10807/327858 Titolo: SENSEMAKING IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES INITIATIVE: THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF MIDDLE MANAGERS Autori: Mannino, Agata Abstract: The European Universities Initiative (EUI), a recent keystone of the Erasmus+ programme, represents a transformative step towards advancing the EEA. With the ambitious goals of fostering institutional integration, harmonising national regulations and nurturing a shared European identity, the initiative presents both opportunities and challenges for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Within this complex framework, middle managers in international offices, who are responsible for translating the message related to change from leadership to stakeholders, play a pivotal role in interpreting, mediating and operationalising EUI objectives within institutional contexts. Previous research, however, has predominantly focused on policy and senior leadership roles, leaving a gap in understanding the lived experiences and strategies of middle managers during the implementation of transformational initiatives such as the EUI. This study addresses this gap by exploring how middle managers make sense of internationalisation when implementing the EUI at their institutions. Guided by sensemaking theory (Weick, 1995) and its critical extensions, it examines how they interpret and communicate EUI goals, mediate between diverse internal stakeholders needs and foster engagement and motivation. Additionally, it investigates the influence of institutional contexts on these processes and the organisational changes that emerge. Researching sensemaking in the context of internationalisation is inherently complex, due to the varied ways individuals interpret and respond to the same message. To accommodate this complexity and explore it in depth, a qualitative methodology was adopted, grounded in case study research. The study focused on a first-generation EUI alliance, using semi-structured interviews with middle managers from partner universities. These interviews provided rich insights into how meaning is created, engagement is fostered and understanding of the EUI is disseminated across the institutions. Participants were selected from international offices and project-related roles due to their pivotal position in driving internationalisation efforts. The findings reveal that middle managers act as key translators and mediators, adapting EUI objectives which align with institutional cultures while building relational trust with stakeholders. Key approaches include tailoring communication for diverse audiences and creating shared meanings to bridge divides. However, challenges arise due to inconsistent institutional priorities and the complexities of navigating change in universities. The implications of these findings are twofold. Theoretically, the study advances the understanding of sensemaking as a relational and contextual process in HE internationalisation, highlighting the agency of middle managers in shaping institutional responses to change. Practically, it provides actionable insights for HEIs seeking to implement transversal internationalisation, including investing in professional development for middle managers, prioritising stakeholder engagement and adapting communication strategies to enhance participation. By positioning middle managers at the centre of internationalisation efforts, this study underscores their crucial role in navigating the complexities of initiatives like the EUI. It calls for a shift away from traditional top-down approaches toward collaborative strategies that empower institutional change agents. As HE continues to evolve, these findings offer valuable guidance for institutions aiming to adapt and thrive in an increasingly interconnected sector, through research, teaching and collaborative mindsets, while navigating a politically fragmented global landscape. Abstract: The European Universities Initiative (EUI), a recent keystone of the Erasmus+ programme, represents a transformative step towards advancing the EEA. With the ambitious goals of fostering institutional integration, harmonising national regulations and nurturing a shared European identity, the initiative presents both opportunities and challenges for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Within this complex framework, middle managers in international offices, who are responsible for translating the message related to change from leadership to stakeholders, play a pivotal role in interpreting, mediating and operationalising EUI objectives within institutional contexts. Previous research, however, has predominantly focused on policy and senior leadership roles, leaving a gap in understanding the lived experiences and strategies of middle managers during the implementation of transformational initiatives such as the EUI. This study addresses this gap by exploring how middle managers make sense of internationalisation when implementing the EUI at their institutions. Guided by sensemaking theory (Weick, 1995) and its critical extensions, it examines how they interpret and communicate EUI goals, mediate between diverse internal stakeholders needs and foster engagement and motivation. Additionally, it investigates the influence of institutional contexts on these processes and the organisational changes that emerge. Researching sensemaking in the context of internationalisation is inherently complex, due to the varied ways individuals interpret and respond to the same message. To accommodate this complexity and explore it in depth, a qualitative methodology was adopted, grounded in case study research. The study focused on a first-generation EUI alliance, using semi-structured interviews with middle managers from partner universities. These interviews provided rich insights into how meaning is created, engagement is fostered and understanding of the EUI is disseminated across the institutions. Participants were selected from international offices and project-related roles due to their pivotal position in driving internationalisation efforts. The findings reveal that middle managers act as key translators and mediators, adapting EUI objectives which align with institutional cultures while building relational trust with stakeholders. Key approaches include tailoring communication for diverse audiences and creating shared meanings to bridge divides. However, challenges arise due to inconsistent institutional priorities and the complexities of navigating change in universities. The implications of these findings are twofold. Theoretically, the study advances the understanding of sensemaking as a relational and contextual process in HE internationalisation, highlighting the agency of middle managers in shaping institutional responses to change. Practically, it provides actionable insights for HEIs seeking to implement transversal internationalisation, including investing in professional development for middle managers, prioritising stakeholder engagement and adapting communication strategies to enhance participation. By positioning middle managers at the centre of internationalisation efforts, this study underscores their crucial role in navigating the complexities of initiatives like the EUI. It calls for a shift away from traditional top-down approaches toward collaborative strategies that empower institutional change agents. As HE continues to evolve, these findings offer valuable guidance for institutions aiming to adapt and thrive in an increasingly interconnected sector, through research, teaching and collaborative mindsets, while navigating a politically fragmented global landscape. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10807/327858 2025-11-18T00:00:00Z