The need for conservation management in European 19th century urban housing

The prediction of the dynamic response of Unreinforced Masonry Structures (URMS) is a very complex task, since it is governed by material degradation and cyclic hysteric behaviour. Procedures based on nonlinear static analyses have been proposed for the seismic assessment of URMS, without properly considering hysteretic energy dissipation during the dynamic response. Even though dynamic nonlinear analyses provide satisfactory simulations of the seismic response, its application requires considerable computational effort and high user expertise for the accurate definition of the material properties, making it unsuitable for practical applications. However, simplified macro-element strategies, capable of simulating in-plane and outof-plane nonlinear responses, could represent a satisfactory engineering solution in the dynamic context. In this study the nonlinear static and dynamic in-plane behaviour of URMS was assessed by means of plane discrete models. The preliminary numerical investigation evidenced the need to define suitable hysteric constitutive laws for reliable nonlinear dynamic analyses of URMS.(undefined

Knowledge, perceptions and myths regarding infertility among selected adult population in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The reported prevalence of infertility in Pakistan is approximately 22% with 4% primary and 18% secondary infertility. Infertility is not only a medical but also a social problem in our society as cultural customs and perceived religious dictums may equate infertility with failure on a personal, interpersonal, or social level. It is imperative that people have adequate knowledge about infertility so couples can seek timely medical care and misconceptions can be rectified.</p> <p>We aim to assess the knowledge, perception and myths regarding infertility and suggest ways to improve it.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional survey was carried out by interviewing a sample of 447 adults who were accompanying the patients at two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. They were interviewed one-on-one with the help of a pretested questionnaire drafted by the team after a thorough literature review and in consultation with infertility specialists.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The correct knowledge of infertility was found to be limited amongst the participants. Only 25% correctly identified when infertility is pathological and only 46% knew about the fertile period in women's cycle. People are misinformed that use of IUCD (53%) and OCPs (61%) may cause infertility. Beliefs in evil forces and supernatural powers as a cause of infertility are still prevalent especially amongst people with lower level of education. Seeking alternative treatment for infertility remains a popular option for 28% of the participant as a primary preference and 75% as a secondary preference. IVF remains an unfamiliar (78%) and an unacceptable option (55%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Knowledge about infertility is limited in the population and a lot of misconceptions and myths are prevalent in the society. Alternative medicine is a popular option for seeking infertility treatment. The cultural and religious perspective about assisted reproductive technologies is unclear, which has resulted in its reduced acceptability.</p

Durability improvement of ancient bricks by cementation of porous media

The physicomechanical properties of historic bricks in Toledo (Spain) that have undergone a time-dependent self-healing by natural weathering processes have been improved by porous infill with gypsum, ettringite, and, mainly, calcite. Both these bricks and their experimental replica bricks, made from the original calcareous clays fired at the appropriate historical temperatures (700°–900°C), have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and ultrasound velocities to compare pore structure and strength evolution by mineral cementation. The resultant microstructure and mineral fillings depend on the brick calcareous composition and firing temperature, the brick location environment, burial, indoor or outdoor walls, the lime-based joint mortars and coat plasters, and infiltration waters.Supported by the Plan Nacional de I+D CICYT 1FD, Grant no. 1997-0561 (Spain) and the CICYT-JCCM (agreement 2002–2004) (Spain)