University of the Republic of San Marino

Past earthquake events demonstrated that liquefaction may compromise the stability of structural systems with high nonlinear deformations, lateral spread, and settlements. This study investigates the use of geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI) as a mitigation technique for soil liquefaction effects. Three-dimensional (3D) advanced numerical simulations are performed using the state-of-the-art platform OpenSees (version 3.7.1) that captures efficiently soil deformability, as well as the nonlinear effects of liquefaction. The structure under consideration is a low-rise RC building sitting on a shallow foundation with a GSI layer surrounding the shallow foundation. This system is subjected to five selected ground motions to demonstrate the efficiency of the GSI system in reducing the excess pore-water pressure that is the fundamental cause of soil liquefaction. Several key response parameters are considered for the soil (shear strain, excess pore pressure, longitudinal displacement, and ground settlement) and the structure (base shear, roof acceleration, and interstory drift), in order to support the use of GSI as a mitigation technique and to illustrate the stability of the entire system.

Abstract In the proem of Longus’ Daphnis and Chloe, an anonymous hunter gazes in wonder at the images painted on a γραφή: the ἱστορία ἔρωτος depicted on the painting stimulates the writing of the four books of the novel. In the phrase ἰδόντα με καὶ θαυμάσαντα, which describes the marveling vision of the anonymous observer, scholars recognize a textual allusion to the profile of Gyges that Plato illustrates in the Republic (2.359c7–360b3). This paper aims to investigate the possible allusion and examine, with a narratological approach, the profile of some amazed observers in the plot of Daphnis and Chloe.

In Los Angeles, it has had an active and diverse blockchain ecosystem with diverse members including government offices, university campuses, technology firms, and startups. This paper looks at how decentralized technologies, like blockchain, are being adopted in Los Angeles and how they are affecting industries like finance, healthcare, and entertainment. The main issue explored is how these technologies could improve efficiency, transparency, and security in the city, but also the challenges that come with implementing them. The study draws on market reports, case studies of local companies, and insights from industry professionals to understand the opportunities and obstacles in using these technologies. The findings show that while LA has the potential to lead in adopting these innovations, there are still hurdles such as unclear regulations, scalability problems, and public hesitation. The paper wraps up by offering solutions, like clearer regulations, better infrastructure, and more education to build public trust. Future research could explore the long-term effects of these technologies on LAs economy and their role in shaping the city's tech landscape.

ABSTRACT There is a continuing trend in Irish-language youth literature to publish a small number of texts featuring culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse characters and minoritised indigenous groups in Ireland, both through original works in Irish and translations. The trajectory of representations in Irish-language youth literature published between 1990 and 2024 shows some of the changes and continuities in Irish-language texts available to young readers. Emerging understandings of decolonial thinking and the critical literacy skills needed by young readers underscore that mere representation of diversity is not sufficient. We must consider how the diversity of perspectives is represented in youth literature, and whether individual stories are connected to broader power structures and legacies, such as colonialism. Youth literature in Irish can be susceptible to the pervasiveness of whiteness that has emerged both internationally and in Ireland, but it also acts as decolonising literature centring the Irish-speaker identity. It is argued in this article that Irish-language youth texts have the potential to encourage critical literacy in exploring issues of cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity, especially minoritised indigenous cultures.

Background/Objectives: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common and often under-reported condition that significantly impacts quality of life. SUI is more than just a physical issue; it can also affect social interactions, mental health, and emotional well-being due to the embarrassment and limitations it can cause. SUI is often acquired during pregnancy and childbirth as a result of pelvic floor muscle weakness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative dual-wavelength laser system (CO2 + 1540 nm) in SUI management. Methods: A total of 56 women affected by SUI were enrolled in this study. Half of the patients were treated with CO2 alone, while the other half were treated with the combination of CO2 + 1540 nm wavelengths. The patients were split into four groups based on the type of treatment they received and their menopausal status. Data were acquired at baseline and at various follow-ups (T1, T2, and T3, respectively, after the first, second, and third treatment). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (score 0-10) was used. Cystoscopic images were acquired before and at the end of the laser treatment cycle. Results: At the end of the treatment, the patients in each group were very satisfied, on average. In each group, the treatment led to a statistically significant improvement in the SUI VAS score between baseline and follow-up after the first treatment; in both groups 3 and 4, the treatment led to a significant change in the dryness score, both from baseline to T1 (p < 0.05) and also for T2 and T3 compared to baseline. Finally, cystoscopic photos showed an evident increase in mucosa epithelial thickness after the laser treatment cycle. Conclusions: The use of a dual-wavelength laser system (CO2 + 1540 nm) was proven to be well tolerated and safe, with promising outcomes in reducing SUI symptoms, especially in non-menopausal patients.

The seismic resilience of bridges has become an important concept in civil engineering since these systems need to remain operative during and after earthquakes. In this regard, the definition of recovery needs to consider the delay time (named as the time between an event and the beginning of the recovery process). The original concept of seismic resilience has been expanded herein in order to account for the delay time of bridge configurations. Its role in the quantification of seismic resilience has been investigated by performing a case study of a Californian highway bridge subjected to an ensemble of 100 input motions. The results demonstrate that the delay time may significantly reduce the seismic resilience of bridges.

This work is focused on performing a quantitative assessment of the environmental impacts associated with an organic synthesis reaction, optimized using an experimental design approach. A nucleophilic substitution reaction was selected, employing vanillin as the substrate, a phenolic compound widely used in the food industry and of pharmaceutical interest, considering its antioxidant and antitumoral potential. To carry out the reaction, three different solvents have been chosen, namely acetonitrile (ACN), acetone (Ace), and dimethylformamide (DMF). The syntheses were planned with the aid of a multivariate experimental design to estimate the best reaction conditions, which simultaneously allow a high product yield and a reduced environmental impact as computed by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The experimental results highlighted that the reactions carried out in DMF resulted in higher yields with respect to ACN and Ace; these reactions were also the ones with lower environmental impacts. The multilinear regression models allowed us to identify the optimal experimental conditions able to guarantee the highest reaction yields and lowest environmental impacts for the studied reaction. The identified optimal experimental conditions were also validated by experimentally conducting the reaction in those conditions, which indeed led to the highest yield (i.e., 93%) and the lowest environmental impacts among the performed experiments. This work proposes, for the first time, an integrated approach of DoE and LCA applied to an organic reaction with the aim of considering both conventional metrics, such as reaction yield, and unconventional ones, such as environmental impacts, during its lab-scale optimization.