Public display of deposited theses

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN AGRI-FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

• FULLANA PONS, AÏDA MAGDALENA: Management strategies of Meloidogyne-resistant plant germplasm to avoid virulence selection
  
  Author: FULLANA PONS, AÏDA MAGDALENA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN AGRI-FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
  Department: Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology (DEAB)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 16/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 09/01/2025
  Thesis director: SORRIBAS ROYO, FRANCISCO JAVIER | GINÉ BLASCO, ARIADNA
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: CASTILLO CASTILLO, PABLO
       SECRETARI: SERRANO PORTA, LIDIA
       VOCAL: MORTON JUANEDA, ANA
       VOCAL: HELDER, JOHANNES
       VOCAL: PISA MATA DA CONCEIÇÃO, ISABEL LUCI
  Thesis abstract: During the development of the PhD, several studies were conducted to explore the potential of plant resistance for the management of Meloidogyne in horticultural crops, none of which promoted the selection of virulent populations in the resistant germplasms used. Specifically: i) the effect of three growing seasons of resistant germplasm rotation; ii) the effect of Solanum torvum as a tomato rootstock as a method of alternating resistance sources in monoculture situations; iii) the capacity of zoophytophagous mirids to induce resistance in tomato germplasm susceptible to nematodes to reduce the frequency of use of resistant germplasm.; and iv) the response of potential rootstocks of melon and cucumber or watermelon to quarantine species in Spain as a possible management tool if they are found and not eradicated. The results obtained showed that: i) the rotation sequence with resistant germplasm ( tomato grafted (grft.) onto ‘Brigeor’ - melon grft. onto Cucumis metuliferus - pepper grft. Onto ‘Oscos’ – watermelon grft. onto Citrullus amarus - resistant tomato cv. Caramba) cultivated in plots infested by an avirulent (Avi) or partially virulent (Vi) population of M. incognita to the Mi1.2 resistance tomato gene reduced the Avi population density by 94% and the Vi population density to below detectable levels. Cumulative yield was 1.5 and 2.4 times higher in plots infested with Avi and Vi, respectively, compared to rotation with susceptible germplasm. The Avi population did not acquire virulence to any of the resistant germplasms used in the rotation; ii) the severity of the disease and nematode reproduction in tomatoes grafted onto S. torvum were reduced by 8.6 and 56 times, respectively, compared to non-grafted tomatoes, and yield was up to 87% higher at densities above 1 J2/cm3 of soil. The resistance of S. torvum remained unchanged after three consecutive crops; iii) exposure of susceptible tomatoes to 15 nymphs/plant of Nesiodiocoris tenuis or Macrolophus pygmaeus for 24 hours before transplanting such as (Z)-3-hexenil propanoato volatile emitted by fed tomato plants, reduce nematode’s reproduction until 60, 70 and 45% respectively; and iv) Cucumis metuliferus was immune to M. chitwoodi, highly resistant to M. enterolobii, and resistant to M. luci. Citrullus amarus ranged from resistant to moderately resistant to M. chitwoodi and M. enterolobii, and resistant to M. luci.The results of these studies provide valuable information for nematode control, even in scenarios where species and/or populations virulent to specific resistance genes coexist, which are increasingly common in production areas.
  

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN AUTOMATIC CONTROL, ROBOTICS AND VISION

• LOPES E SILVA, BRUNO MIGUEL: Artificial Intelligence to Improve Plastic Molding Processes
  
  Author: LOPES E SILVA, BRUNO MIGUEL
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN AUTOMATIC CONTROL, ROBOTICS AND VISION
  Department: Institute of Robotics and Industrial Informatics (IRI)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 17/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 10/01/2025
  Thesis director: ALENYÀ RIBAS, GUILLEM | CHARRUA DE SOUSA, JOÃO MIGUEL
  Thesis abstract: This thesis advances the field of production processes, specifically injection molding, toward the goal of Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM), with an emphasis on improving quality prediction methods through Artificial Intelligence (AI). It explores innovative strategies for improving the efficiency and quality of manufacturing processes, highlighting the importance of minimizing defects in industrial production.The research begins with an analysis of the current state of predictive quality systems in injection molding processes, identifying the critical need for advances to achieve ZDM. By collecting data from legacy and modern equipment, this work establishes a basis for a comprehensive analysis, using standard protocols and new methodologies for data collection. Central to this thesis is the application of feature selection algorithms, which employ a combination of filter, wrapper, embedded, and hybrid approaches. This framework is designed to accurately identify the key parameters that influence the quality of the injection molding process, thereby facilitating more effective and predictive modeling of manufacturing results. In addressing quality prediction, the thesis introduces both supervised and unsupervised models to predict manufacturing quality. It particularly focuses on enhancing these models with human knowledge, integrating expert insights into the predictive algorithms to better adapt to the complex dynamics of the manufacturing environment. This approach not only improves the accuracy of predictions but also enriches the models with practical, real-world applicability. Through a series of detailed use cases, the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies is demonstrated across various equipment and manufacturing scenarios. The results highlight significant improvements in process predictability, contributing to the reduction of defects and moving closer to the ideal of ZDM. The conclusion of this thesis reiterates the importance of its contributions to the field of AI used in production processes, with a focus on injection molding, providing a solid foundation for future research aimed at improving the integration of data-driven and human-centered approaches in manufacturing. The thesis outlines potential pathways for continued innovation in digitalization, feature selection, and quality prediction, emphasizing the ongoing pursuit of excellence in manufacturing processes.
  
• ROMERO BEN, LUIS: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE REAL-TIME LEAK MANAGEMENT OF WATER SYSTEMS
  
  Author: ROMERO BEN, LUIS
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN AUTOMATIC CONTROL, ROBOTICS AND VISION
  Department: Department of Automatic Control (ESAII)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 10/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 23/12/2024
  Thesis director: PUIG CAYUELA, VICENÇ | CEMBRANO GENNARI, M.GABRIELA ELENA
  Thesis abstract: This thesis presents several contributions to the state of the art of real-time monitoring of water distribution networks. Specifically, this thesis analyses the leak management problem, one of the major challenges within the field of monitoring of water distribution networks. Its importance lies in the high costs associated to the water losses. The thesis proposes contributions to address two fundamental problems: the localization of leaks and the strategic placement of sensors to improve leak localization. These contributions are mainly focused on data-driven methodologies, characterized by their independence from hydraulic models, which can be hard to generate and calibrate for water utilities. About leak localization, an initial two-stage data-driven approach is proposed. First, a quadratic programming problem estimates the complete hydraulic network state, given by the hydraulic head (pressure + elevation) at the nodes. This process, denoted as Graph-based State Interpolation (GSI), only uses data from pressure sensors and the structure of the network. Then, a technique called Leak Candidate Selection Method (LCSM) compares leak and leak-free estimated states to indicate the leak location. The complete estimation-localization method is called GSI-LCSM. Throughout the thesis, several improvements are proposed for this method.Firstly, learning schemes are applied or combined with GSI-LCSM to improve node-level localization accuracy. Three different learning-based methods are presented, namely GSI-DL, which uses Dictionary Learning (DL) to learn from estimated residuals; LL-GSI-LCSM, which adds an adaptive learning layer to GSI, improving the localization during its online application; and DeepFGSI, which derives a simplified version of GSI, used to add network information to the layers of a deep learning scheme. Then, the interpolation of GSI is improved by considering the physics behind the dynamics of a water network, leading to the development of the Analytical Weights GSI (AW-GSI) strategy. This method uses the structure of the network and the nominal reconstructed state to generate a new set of graph weights, which are then used to configure a quadratic programming problem, analogue to GSI. Furthermore, additional sensor types, such as flow sensors or demand meters, are not considered by GSI or AW-GSI to improve the estimation process. Therefore, various sensor fusion strategies are conceived, leveraging the Unscented Kalman Filter algorithm, leading to the UKF-GSI estimation approach. This process is coupled with LCSM in order to improve leak localization.Finally, the sensor placement problem is also explored through a model-free perspective. This strategy uses genetic algorithms (GA) to minimize a structural metric related to node-sensor distances. The GA-based operations are customized for the problem at hand, and premature convergence countermeasures and stopping conditions are defined in order to lead to suitable sensor placement solutions.All the proposed methodologies are tested using the L-TOWN benchmark from the BattLeDIM2020 challenge, which consisted in a leak detection and localization competition with several international teams. In this thesis, an initial comparison between GSI-LCSM and a model-based method is provided, leading to conclusions about the advantages of each category of methods. Then, all the proposed improvements to GSI-LCSM are compared to the base methodology, demonstrating the suitability of the methods and analysing the advantages that each one adds to GSI-LCSM.
  

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS

• RODRÍGUEZ SÁNCHEZ, JULIO: Nonlinear Identification of Underground Seismic Ground Motions From Surface Records
  
  Author: RODRÍGUEZ SÁNCHEZ, JULIO
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS
  Department: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DECA)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 19/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 14/01/2025
  Thesis director: LOPEZ ALMANSA, FRANCISCO | LEDESMA VILLALBA, ALBERTO
  Thesis abstract: In earthquake engineering, generally only surface records are available; therefore, the motion of the lower soil layers must be estimated by depropagation analysis. Underground accelerograms are relevant in earthquake-resistant design of structures with buried parts, in irregular terrain, in earthquake-triggered landslides, and in soil-structure interaction, among other situations. These considerations highlight the relevance of the problem analyzed; regarding its mathematical formulation, if the soil behavior is nonlinear, it is far from trivial.The common practice in Earthquake Engineering consists of using a deconvolution process for obtention of ground motion at the base of the numerical model used for seismic analysis of underground structures. The drawback of this method is that, as it is carried out in the frequency domain, it cannot simulate the variation of the nonlinear characteristics of the soil during seismic excitation, but it hypothesizes that the mechanical properties of the soil are invariant for its whole duration. This leads to inaccurate calculation of excitation at lower soil layers that are especially acute when the soil column is weak or earthquakes are strong.This thesis presents an algorithm to accurately estimate, from surface records, the motion of the lower soil layers considering nonlinearity in soil nonlinear behavior by a modified Masing model. The proposed algorithm is 1D and the soil domain to be analyzed is discretized in layers; the ensuing equations of motion are solved in discrete time using the Newmark method. Given that this problem is numerically ill-conditioned due to the singularity of the mass matrix, a nonlinear Bayesian Kalman Filter-type method is used to estimate the solution.Soil propagation software is developed in Python programming language, incorporating state-of-the-art considerations about numerical simulation of soil behavior under seismic loading. This program is tested against closed-form solution for vibration of soil columns and site response analysis conducted using the widely used DEEPSOIL program to check its accuracy in computation of soil profile behavior under seismic conditions with satisfactory results.Then, the soil propagation software is coupled with the Unscented Kalman Filter algorithm to identify the input excitation at bedrock given the acceleration record at site surface. Several variations of this Bayesian filter are explored. Results of identification from both closed-form solutions for vibration of soil columns and site response analysis carried out with DEEPSOIL suggest that the proposed back-analysis algorithm for the obtention of acceleration time series at bedrock given surficial measurements is accurate, especially when compared to the deconvolution procedure.Finally, a sample underground structure modeled in PLAXIS2D is subjected to two ground motions at base: one is a deconvolved motion and the other is a depropagated accelerogram obtained through the identification process developed in this research. Difference in resulting structural forces from both records highlights the importance of adopting nonlinear algorithms for determination of input excitation at base for an adequate and safe design of underground structures.
  

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

• GHODRATI, MOJTABA: NEGATIVE-SEQUENCE VIRTUAL CIRCUIT BREAKER
  
  Author: GHODRATI, MOJTABA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
  Department: Department of Electronic Engineering (EEL)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 11/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 24/12/2024
  Thesis director: CASTILLA FERNANDEZ, MIGUEL | BORRELL SANZ, ÁNGEL
  Thesis abstract: Inverter-based microgrids are essential for integrating renewable energy sources and maintaining high power quality in distributed generation systems. However, unbalanced faults can induce negative-sequence currents and voltage imbalances, which significantly affect power stability and the operation of critical equipment. Conventional and solid-state circuit breakers, while capable of isolating faulted sections, face limitations in addressing these imbalances, especially in managing synchronization and power quality during disturbances.This thesis introduces a novel solution—the Negative-Sequence Virtual Circuit Breaker (NSVCB)—designed to prevent the propagation of negative-sequence components in islanded microgrids. Unlike traditional circuit breakers, the NSVCB eliminates negative-sequence currents and voltages at the point of common coupling (PCC) between microgrids without physically disconnecting sections of the grid, ensuring continuous power supply and frequency stability. The proposed NSVCB control scheme integrates advanced compensators with plug-and-play functionality, optimizing energy distribution and enhancing system resilience.This thesis is structured to comprehensively address the problem of negative-sequence currents and voltage imbalances in inverter-based microgrids, focusing on the development and validation of a Negative-Sequence Virtual Circuit Breaker (NSVCB). The document begins with an Introduction, which outlines the significance of power quality challenges in microgrids, particularly with respect to faults and imbalances, and reviews the limitations of conventional and solid-state circuit breakers.The next section, Modelling Asymmetrical Power Systems, presents a detailed methodology for analysing asymmetrical faults, using an illustrative example. Following this, the Control Proposal section defines three key control objectives—elimination of negative-sequence currents, improvement of power quality at the Point of Common Coupling, and maintaining power balance across inverters. A proposed control scheme for the NSVCB is also outlined here.In the Control Design section, the dynamic model of the closed-loop system is developed, with a focus on gain design and stability analysis, incorporating techniques such as the Nyquist criterion. The Experimental Results validate the proposed control system using a laboratory setup, comparing the NSVCB's performance with conventional circuit breakers, and demonstrating its advantages in mitigating negative-sequence currents without disconnection. The thesis concludes by summarizing the key findings and confirming the NSVCB's effectiveness in maintaining power quality and stability in microgrids.
  

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENGINEERING, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

• BERTOL GROS, ANA: Between rigor and imagination. Creativity in structures education
  
  Author: BERTOL GROS, ANA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENGINEERING, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
  Department: Institute of Education Sciences (ICE)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 13/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 08/01/2025
  Thesis director: LÓPEZ ÁLVAREZ, DAVID | BARDÍ MILÀ, BERTA
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: COUSO LAGARÓN, DIGNA
       SECRETARI: ALIER FORMENT, MARC
       VOCAL: LLORENS LARGO, FARAÓN
  Thesis abstract: Creativity has been defined as a 21st century competence.In engineering, creativity is a vital component for the success and advancement of the profession. It enables engineers to view challenges from new perspectives, generate original and practical ideas, pose novel questions, and devise solutions to complex problems. This competence fosters interdisciplinarity, allowing professionals to collaborate within various fields to develop comprehensive projects that adhere to regulations and standards without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics. Teaching creativity to engineers is essential, as it equips them to devise innovative solutions, adapt to emerging technologies, enhance sustainability, and excel in a competitive job market.Traditionally, engineering education has been structured with methodologies centered on theoretical lectures and exercises with single answers. These studies, organized in silos with rigorous curricula, leave little room for exploration. Therefore, to promote creativity, educational methodologies must be adapted to the cognitive processes of university students and to the real demands of the profession and society.This doctoral thesis focuses on the field of structures, positioned at the intersection of engineering and architecture. This unique context presents an opportunity to explore creativity and contribute innovative ideas to enhance engineering education. The objective of this work is to analyze the theories, perspectives, and methodologies used in teaching structure courses to improve creativity in engineering education. By concentrating efforts in this area, the doctoral thesis aims to achieve reproducible and applicable results that can advance the field of engineering education.This work, based on a qualitative research paradigm, is structured on three pillars. The first is a literature review defining this thesis’s theoretical framework, synthesizing results from five areas relevant to creativity. Results show that, in higher education, effective creativity combines this innate skill with specific field knowledge. In engineering, this involves explaining the creative process to solve real problems. Research shows everyone has creative potential, but it must be fostered through education.The second pillar examines professional perspectives on creativity in engineering. Interviews with experts in structures reveal their opinions on integrating creativity in higher education. While there is agreement on general aspects of creativity, opinions diverge in the field of structures. Some professors question the need for creativity in their field, often due to time constraints that prevent the exploration of new teaching methodologies.The third pillar comprises field experiences. To understand the study environment, three research stays were conducted at European universities. In addition, two teaching innovation projects were carried out at the home institution. The results show that improving the design of the engineering curriculum requires collaboration and diverse teaching methodologies, the most recommended being thinking with your hands.Throughout this research, it has been discovered that there is a crucial need to provide accessible and adapted guidelines that can be applied by all educators in the discipline, regardless of their experience in creativity. The results of this research converge in the creation of nine practical guidelines to guide the development of creativity in structures. By implementing these results, engineering education can reshape the perception of creativity and demonstrate its tangible value in engineering practice. Creativity should not be seen as a separate entity but integrated throughout the curriculum, permeating all aspects of the student's educational itinerary. This requires a concerted effort by all staff involved in these teachings, where each person must play a fundamental role in fostering a culture of creativity.
  

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN MECHANICAL, FLUIDS AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

• NUÑEZ LABIELLE, ALEJANDRO: Towards shock absorbing hyperelastic metamaterial design
  
  Author: NUÑEZ LABIELLE, ALEJANDRO
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN MECHANICAL, FLUIDS AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
  Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering (EM)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 19/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 14/01/2025
  Thesis director: CANTE TERAN, JUAN CARLOS | OLIVER OLIVELLA, FRANCISCO JAVIER | CANTE TERAN, JUAN CARLOS | OLIVER OLIVELLA, FRANCISCO JAVIER
  Thesis abstract: This thesis explores the possibilities and benefits of computational tools to be used in the analysis and design of shock absorbing metamaterials for industrial applications. The research is organized into two complementary chapters. The first part focuses on the computational modeling of shock propagation in hyperelastic materials, emphasizing its importance in analyzing and designing mechanical energy-absorbing materials. This approach is categorized as shock-capturing, as it aims to capture the effects of shock formation and propagation on the mechanical response of the solid. Numerical simulation of the onset and propagation of discontinuous strain waves (mechanical shocks) across a solid is performed in that specific approach, and it is computationally assessed in different loading situations. The concept of extrinsic dissipation, emerging from the breaking of polyconvexity constraints in hyperelastic materials, is recalled and exemplified via a large strain neo-Hookean polyconvex hyperelastic model which is perturbed in a number of different formats. The obtained mechanical responses, exhibiting propagating mechanical shocks, and the corresponding extrinsic dissipation, are explored together with the inherited computational issues, by means of representative numerical examples. Additionally, the problem of the dynamic impact of a rigid solid on low-density shock-absorbing specimens made of these perturbed hyperelastic materials is analyzed, and the amount and time-evolution of the resulting extrinsic dissipation are evaluated to characterize their performance for shock-absorbing purposes. Furthermore, the exhibited property of shape recovery after impact is highlighted as a distinctive feature in front of alternative shock-absorbing materials. The second part of the thesis explores the potential of computational multiscale methods, in conjunction with massive buckling-lattice structures at the metamaterial core (meso/micro scale), to provide a suitable framework for designing shock-absorbing metamaterials aimed at industrial applications. In this context, a prospective computational setting is considered under the hypothesis that, for a sufficiently complex microlattice topology, some localized regions might buckle within the lattice-structure core and propagate through it, giving rise to different loading-unloading paths, in such a way that hysteretic-like structural behaviors would take place, thus arising dissipative behaviors, even if the base material at the buckling micro-lattice behaves in a hyperelastic (thus intrinsically non-dissipative) manner. Using the standard Hill-Mandel homogenization principle, and assuming that the necessary separation of scales holds, the homogenized body, now living in a classical solid-mechanics setting, displays a homogenized non-convex behavior which exhibits extrinsic dissipation and, thus, could be potentially used (at reduced computational cost) for shock absorbing metamaterials analysis and design purposes. A tentative industrial application, to a sneaker’s insole design, has been then considered as a work’s target for evaluation of the room offered by the explored setting in the context of shock-absorbing metamaterial design. Finally, remarks on the scope and limitations of the work, and its significance for further advances in the field are emphasized.
  

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN STATISTICS AND OPERATIONS RESEARCH

• MAUREIRA ALEGRÍA, GRACE KELLY: A Multi-Objective Integer Programming Approach for Synergistic Tenant Mix Optimization in Shopping Centers
  
  Author: MAUREIRA ALEGRÍA, GRACE KELLY
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN STATISTICS AND OPERATIONS RESEARCH
  Department: Department of Statistics and Operations Research (EIO)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 16/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 09/01/2025
  Thesis director: HEREDIA CERVERA, FRANCISCO JAVIER
  Thesis abstract: A shopping center's profitability is significantly influenced by its Tenant Mix, which refers to the strategic combination and placement of different retail categories within the center. However, selecting the optimal Tenant Mix has traditionally been based on experience and intuition rather than data-driven approaches. This study addresses this gap by developing a systematic, data-driven optimization model aimed at maximizing profitability through optimal tenant placement.The methodology used in this research involves the development of a Multi-Objective Integer Programming model. This optimization model aims to maximize the combination of three components in its objective function: rental income, sales revenues, and tenant synergy. Constraints are related to the leasable area available for each retail category and the synergistic configuration influencing tenant placement. The data analyzed comes from 27 shopping centers managed by CBRE Spain, covering the period from 2015 to 2022, with the exclusion of 2020 due to the temporary closure of shopping centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.In order to incorporate rental income into the optimization model's objective function, a semi-log regression model was developed. The model considers the monthly rent per square meter as the dependent variable and factors such as store size, store location, tenant category, tenant’s sales per square meter, anchor status, distance to the nearest anchor, and shopping center type as independent variables. The empirical analysis identified that store size, location, anchor status, and retail category significantly affect rental rates. Notably, stores on lower floors tend to command higher rental rates compared to those on upper floors, while the distance to the nearest anchor tenant does not significantly affect rental values.One of the key contributions of this research is the incorporation of tenant synergy into the optimization model, which captures the beneficial interactions between neighboring tenant categories. By analyzing historical data from the 27 shopping centers, specific configurations of neighboring retail categories were identified as having the potential to enhance sales revenues. These configurations were scored based on their impact on sales, and the model aims to maximize these synergy scores, along with rental income and sales revenues, to achieve the most profitable Tenant Mix.The optimization model was applied to six shopping centers: one from each cluster, with one analyzed in greater depth. Three scenarios were evaluated: "Last Layout," "Only Vacancies," and "From Scratch." In all scenarios, the model used 50 combinations of weighted objectives, producing a three-dimensional Pareto frontier. In the "Last Layout" scenario, the model was applied only to the occupied units in the latest tenant configuration (as of December 2022). For smaller centers, rent and sales were lower, but synergy improved, while larger centers saw overall gains in rent, sales, and synergy.In the "Only Vacancies" scenario, the model optimized unoccupied units, keeping the current Tenant Mix unchanged. Results confirmed that the synergistic configurations derived from historical layouts provided optimal solutions, demonstrating the model's flexibility. The "From Scratch" scenario involved a complete reconfiguration, with rent and sales remaining stable across the 50 combinations but greater variability in synergy. This scenario offers strategic insights for landlords aiming to reimagine Tenant Mix for improved financial performance and synergy.The encouraging results highlight the model’s practical utility and strategic potential for retail space management, making it a reliable tool for optimizing the Tenant Mix in shopping centers. Landlords can leverage the insights from this model to make informed decisions about tenant selection and placement that align with their long-term objectives.
  

DOCTORAL DEGREE IN URBANISM

• FIOL DURAN, VICTÒRIA INMACULADA: A Mallorca, S'Arenal. Dibuixos d'un paisatge encobert. Traçats per a un nou model territorial.
  
  Author: FIOL DURAN, VICTÒRIA INMACULADA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN URBANISM
  Department: Department of Urbanism, Territory and Landscape (DUTP)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 17/12/2024
  Deposit END date: 10/01/2025
  Thesis director: EIZAGUIRRE GARAITAGOITIA, FRANCISCO JAVIER | CORTELLARO, STEFANO
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: PARCERISA BUNDO, JOSEP
       SECRETARI: GALINDO GONZALEZ, JULIAN
       VOCAL: HORRACH ESTARELLAS, GABRIEL PERE
       VOCAL: SIMÓN ROJO, MARIAN
       VOCAL: ANASTASIA, CATERINA
  Thesis abstract: Platja de Palma, Mallorca, is a strategic place for its combination of natural attractions and its geographical location, as well as being a clear setting for the construction and transformation of the pre-existing landscape. This is not only due to its having been one of the laboratories in which to experiment with tourist landscapes, but also as it has had a leading role in some of the main actions to improve seasoned tourist destinations over recent years.All these actions aim to rebuild a territory that was once idyllic for summer holidaymakers and which conserves hidden qualities, with risks and threats for the future, but hidden qualities that are able to be restructured.This doctoral thesis aims to analyse, describe, identify, develop and classify the territory of Platja de Palma based on its free open spaces ¤C squares, parks, woodland, residential areas, sand and beaches ¤C in their original state and it considers the evolution of the elements which remain, which are transformed, which disappear, which are grouped together or which become dispersed, for example. In other words, it aims to understand the structure of the countryside and strike a balance between that which has been constructed and that which has not. It will take the concept of ¡°constructed¡– in the most literal sense of the word, but at no point will it consider non-urban or urbanised space as exempt from form, construction or use. In fact, the whole territory is a space constructed to different extents and this research shows that less density and solidity in constructed areas implies greater value.This updated project aims to explore new ways to continue sharing tourism, which is here to stay, as well as the landscape supporting it.This research project also intends to use the methodology of zoning, classification and the nomenclature of public spaces and their systems, as trialled and applied in conventional urban planning. It is therefore clear that the coastal territory is unique and that it is necessary to offer specific features for the new systems of unoccupied spaces and their dynamics within the territory of S’Arenal, which are always linked to supporting its landscape.The features retained aim to better understand the particular features of open spaces in the coastal territory of Platja de Palma. These features are key to creating structures which readjust the existing territorial model together with a study of their relationships and interactions of the support analysed. Today there are new challenges to be faced with the intrinsic objective of using mapping.Maps and plans are descriptions referring to territories¡fl and cities¡fl pasts and presents. They are also interpretations that speak of the conception of the space and the relationships that residents establish with it. They go beyond being a mere representation of what is known, making way for unknown elements, values and relationships to appear. They anticipate and induce changes to the landscape and project the future. They will therefore condition the future regeneration developments and modifications to Platja de Palma.In short, the relevance of the biogeophysical support determining development is recognised. The network will address flow management and improve the permeability of the current limits, as well as transitions between urban and rural uses. It will also sketch out a well-balanced blend of forests, agriculture and cities integrated into a sequence of landscapes all the way to the sea. It is only by restoring the metabolic cycles of the land and water, and increasing biodiversity and reinforcing its environmental function, that Platja de Palma can be transformed into S¡flArenal: a privileged area combining urban, rural and agricultural values to restore a typical landscape.