A thesis under a co-tutelle agreement between UNIPA and UPV within their respective programmes of doctorates in "PROF. ALFREDO PERIS (UPV) THE TUTORS PROF. ANTONELLA CERTA (UNIPA) PROF. JULIO BENÍTEZ (UPV) PROF. JOAQUÍN IZQUIERDO (UPV)To my father, my mother and Nino The rock upon which I stand ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Three years ago I undertook a long and difficult, but beautiful journey, called a double PhD. It has been so challenging and undoubtedly the most important personal achievement of my whole life so far. I compared myself with something I thought was much bigger than me. Actually, in order to accomplish it successfully, I just needed to fully involve my heart. I did it without saving my strengths. What I have learnt during my doctorate will remain with me forever. Not only did I further develop my professional skills and my attitude to scientific research, but above all I made real my passion for discovery. Discovering the world, meeting new people, appreciating diversity, considering various manners of working and living, learning new languages, facing my weaknesses and getting over them. All of the things listed above unquestionably influenced my personal development. And personal growth is an endless process. It goes without saying that this doctoral thesis is the result of all my efforts and love. I dedicate it… To my father and my mother, the most important people in my life. I wish I could be even half as good person and engineer as they are. All that I am I owe to my parents. To my brother Nino, who is for me the best example of courage and who has had right answers to my doubts since we were just children. To my grandma Wilma, a great woman to whom I owe most of my personality. To all my family, especially to my grandparents Maria and Mario, and to my cousins/sisters Paola, Luisa and Carla. To Antonella and Joaquín, my "academic parents" and continuous sources of inspiration, who have transmitted me all their passion for this incredible job and taken care of my personal and professional growth in every possible way. They made my horizon larger and pushed me to continuously challenge myself. I consider them as a true family, more life-mentors rather than professors, and I will be always aware of the fundamental part they play in my life. To Julio, who has been indispensable to carry out this thesis and carefully followed all the stages of its development, with endless competence and kindness. It has been a true privilege to work with such a source of knowledge as Julio is. To Professor Giacomo Galante, who first believed in me when I was an undergraduate student and, after having supervised my master thesis, introduced me to the University world. To Professor Mario Enea, who kindly and fully supported me during the whole duration of my doctorate studies. To Manu and Idel, who treat me as I was their little sister, giving me a lot of attention and dedicating a lot of their priceless time (days, weeks, months) to teach me loads of things. They guided me across unforgettable and thought-provoking internat...