A Multifunctional Cementitious Composite for Pavement Subgrade.

Premature failure and degradation of layers are the main problems for transportation infrastructure. Addressing these issues necessitates implementing structural health monitoring (SHM) for pavement construction layers. To this end, this research investigated the stress/strain and damage detection capabilities of a self-sensing cementitious composite developed for potential utilization in the construction of an intelligent subgrade layer. The prepared self-sensing cementitious composite consisted of 10% cement and hybrid conductive fillers, including multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in sand. Initial findings reveal that the electrical resistivity of the composite is significantly affected by the concentration of MWCNTs/GNPs, with a minimum concentration of more than 0.5% needed to achieve a responsive cementitious composite. Moreover, the piezoresistive analysis indicates that an increase in the concentration of MWCNTs/GNPs and stress levels leads to an improvement in the stress/strain-sensing performance. When the self-sensing cementitious composite is subjected to equivalent stress levels, variations in the fractional changes in resistivity (FCR) exhibit an increasing trend with decreasing resilient modulus, stemming from a decrease in stiffness due to the increased concentration of MWCNTs/GNPs. Additionally, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis demonstrates a contraction for the Nyquist plots under compressive ramp loading prior to failure, followed by the expansion of these curves post-failure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images visually showcase the bridging effects of MWCNTs and the filling effects of GNPs within the composite structure.

Performance of Self-Sensing Cement-Stabilized Sand under Various Loading Conditions.

Numerous elements, such as the composition and characteristics of carbon nanomaterials, the composition and characteristics of the matrix material, moisture levels, temperature, and loading circumstances, influence the piezoresistive behavior of self-sensing cementitious composites. While some past research has explored the impact of some of these factors on the performance of self-sensing cementitious composites, additional investigations need to be conducted to delve into how loading conditions affect the sensitivity of self-sensing cement-stabilized composites. Therefore, this study explores the influences of various loading conditions (i.e., location of loading regarding the location of recording electrodes, and loading level) on the electromechanical performance of self-sensing cement-stabilized sand. To this end, firstly, the evaluation of the percolation threshold based on 10% cement-stabilized sand specimens containing various multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) was performed. Then, 10% cement-stabilized sand containing 4% MWCNTs/GNPs was tested under various cyclic compressive stresses. The results suggested that the distance between the loading area and the electrode location used for recording the electrical resistance significantly impacted the sensitivity of cement-stabilized sand. Optimal sensitivity was achieved when the electrodes were positioned directly beneath the loading area. Moreover, the study showed that the stress sensitivity of self-sensing cement-stabilized sand increased proportionally with the stress level. An examination through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the loading condition influences the bridging characteristics of carbon nanomaterials in cement-stabilized sand, leading to diverse electromechanical behaviors emerging based on the loading condition. This study underscores the importance of considering specific parameters when designing self-sensing cement-stabilized sand for application in practical field use.

Dataset from the dynamic shake-table experiments on a full-scale unreinforced clay-brick masonry building with chimneys.

This data paper outlines detailed information on the acquisition and use of sensor measurements from shake-table experiments on a full-scale unreinforced masonry building. The tests were carried out at the shake-table facilities of the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering in Lisbon, Portugal. The building specimen, replicating a typical Dutch single-storey detached house, was made of solid clay bricks and featured a gambrel roof and two chimneys. It was densely instrumented with accelerometers, potentiometers, and LVDTs, recording the response of various structural and non-structural elements. A series of unidirectional dynamic tests of increasing shaking intensity was performed, providing a unique dataset that captures at full scale the in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of walls and the influence of flexible timber diaphragms on the dynamic global response of an entire building. The dataset is instrumental in improving the accuracy and reliability of simulations focused on the dynamic response, progressive damage, and collapse of unreinforced masonry buildings under seismic actions. The authors made this data available to support the development of analytical and numerical models, advancing research in earthquake engineering and performance-based seismic assessment of unreinforced brick-masonry buildings. The comprehensive dataset, including acceleration and displacement time series, is hosted on the Built Environment Test Data platform and is freely accessible without any restrictions through https://www.betestdata.eu/, assisting researchers and engineers in effectively utilising the data for further studies.

Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelial Tumor: An Unusual Radiologic Presentation: A Case Report.

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelial tumor (WDPMT) is an uncommon tumor, formerly named well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma in the 2015 World Health Organization classification. It has a characteristic papillary architecture, bland cytologic features, a tendency toward superficial spread without invasion, and a good prognosis due to its clinically indolent behavior with prolonged survival. Rare cases with superficial invasion are termed WDPMT with invasive foci. WDPMT occurs primarily in the peritoneum of reproductive-age women, but also rarely in the pleura. We report a case of a 60-year-old woman who developed WDPMT with minimal invasion in the pleura with atypical radiological features and a family history of mesothelioma and indirect asbestos exposure.

A Model for Cognitive Personalization of Microtask Design.

The study of data quality in crowdsourcing campaigns is currently a prominent research topic, given the diverse range of participants involved. A potential solution to enhancing data quality processes in crowdsourcing is cognitive personalization, which involves appropriately adapting or assigning tasks based on a crowd worker's cognitive profile. There are two common methods for assessing a crowd worker's cognitive profile: administering online cognitive tests, and inferring behavior from task fingerprinting based on user interaction log events. This article presents the findings of a study that investigated the complementarity of both approaches in a microtask scenario, focusing on personalizing task design. The study involved 134 unique crowd workers recruited from a crowdsourcing marketplace. The main objective was to examine how the administration of cognitive ability tests can be used to allocate crowd workers to microtasks with varying levels of difficulty, including the development of a deep learning model. Another goal was to investigate if task fingerprinting can be used to allocate crowd workers to different microtasks in a personalized manner. The results indicated that both objectives were accomplished, validating the usage of cognitive tests and task fingerprinting as effective mechanisms for microtask personalization, including the development of a deep learning model with 95% accuracy in predicting the accuracy of the microtasks. While we achieved an accuracy of 95%, it is important to note that the small dataset size may have limited the model's performance.

Impact of a Virtual Reality-Based Simulation on Empathy and Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia.

Virtual Reality (VR) has been identified as one of the most promising resources for developing empathy towards stigmatized groups as it allows individuals to experience a situation close to reality from another person's perspective. This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the impact on empathy, knowledge, and attitudes towards people with schizophrenia of a VR simulation that reproduces the experience of psychotic symptoms while performing a cognitive task compared with watching a 2D video and, thus, how these experiences could reduce stigma towards people diagnosed with schizophrenia. The sample comprised of 102 higher education health students, distributed by the experimental and control groups. The impact of the program was measured by completing multiple questionnaires on levels of empathy, attitudes, and mental health knowledge. Both methods (VR and 2D video) were, to a certain extent, effective. However, VR was more effective at eliciting attitudes and knowledge change compared to the control group. These findings suggest that not only VR but also 2D videos could be interesting strategies to enhance empathy and improve attitudes towards people with schizophrenia in higher education health students.

Effects of Electrodes Layout and Filler Scale on Percolation Threshold and Piezoresistivity Performances of a Cementitious-Based Geocomposite.

An extensive experimental study was conducted to investigate the co-effects of surface area and distance between electrodes as well as filler scales on the percolation threshold of piezoresistive cement-stabilised sand. In this route, the electrical resistivity of numerous specimens of different sizes and composed of different content of carbon-based conductive fillers was measured, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and carbon fibres (CFs) with different aspect ratios. In addition, the numerical relations between the electrical percolation threshold and matrix dimensions were expressed for different conductive fillers. Furthermore, the electrical percolation threshold of two large-scale specimens with different shapes (a 10 × 10 × 85 cm3 beam, and a 15 cm size cube) were predicted through numerical relations, and their piezoresistivity performances were investigated under compression cyclic loading (cube) and flexural cyclic loading (beam). The mechanical properties of the specimens were also evaluated. The results showed that the changes in the length, width, and thickness of the matrix surrounded between electrodes had a significant effect on the electrical percolation threshold. However, the effects of length changes on the percolation threshold were greater than the width and thickness changes. Generally, increasing the aspect ratio of the conductive fillers caused a reduction in the electrical percolation threshold of the cementitious geocomposite. The appropriate piezoresistivity response of the large-scale specimens composed of filler content equal to their percolation threshold (obtained by the numerical relation presented in this study) showed the adequacy of the results in terms of threshold dosage prediction and self-sensing geocomposite design. The results of this study addressed a crucial factor for the design of self-sensing composites and pave the way for the development of field-applicable, smart, cementitious geocomposite.

Efficient transmissive remote phosphor configuration for a laser-driven high-luminance white light source.

To realize laser-driven high-luminance white light sources, many reflective configurations have been studied, often resulting in a challenging optical design. In this paper it is demonstrated that the efficacy of a transmissive configuration can be significantly enhanced by using a sapphire half-ball lens as out-coupling optic. This lens not only improves efficiency, but also drastically increases the potential light output due to improved heat dissipation from the single-crystal phosphor converter. Both claims are substantiated with detailed experimental results and realistic opto-thermal simulations, showing a light output of 6550 lm and over 20000 lm, respectively and corresponding luminance of 67 MCd/m2 and 209 MCd/m2.

Does the white coat influence satisfaction, trust and empathy in the doctor-patient relationship in the General and Family Medicine consultation? Interventional study.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the influence of the white coat on patient satisfaction, opinions about medical clothing, perception about confidence, empathy and medical knowledge and the satisfaction and comfort level of physicians in consultation. SETTING: An interventional study was conducted with a representative sample of the population attending primary care in central Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: The sample was composed by 286 patients divided into two groups exposed or not to a doctor wearing a white coat. The first and last patients in consultation every day for 10 consecutive days were included. INTERVENTIONS: Every other day the volunteer physicians consulted with or without the use of a white coat. At the end of the consultation, a questionnaire was distributed to the patient with simple questions with a Likert scale response, the Portuguese version of the 'Trust in physician' scale and the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy - Portuguese Version (JSPPPE-VP scale). A questionnaire was also distributed to the physician. OUTCOMES: Planned and measured primary outcomes were patient satisfaction, trust and perception about empathy and secondary outcomes were opinion about medical clothing, satisfaction and comfort level of physicians in consultation. RESULTS: The sample was homogeneous in terms of sociodemographic variables. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of satisfaction, trust, empathy and knowledge perceived by the patients. There were differences in the opinion of the patients about the white coat, and when the physician was wearing the white coat this group of patients tended to think that this was the only acceptable attire for the physician (p<0.001). But when the family physician was in consultation without the white coat, this group of patients tended to agree that communication was easier (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant impact of the white coat in patient satisfaction, empathy and confidence in the family physician. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov ID number: NCT03965416.

Gut and faecal bacterial community of the terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus: potential use for monitoring exposure scenarios.

This work aimed to characterize the gut and faeces bacterial communities (BC) of Porcellionides pruinosus using high-throughput sequencing. Isopods were collected from the field and kept in laboratory conditions similar to those normally applied in ecotoxicology tests. Faeces and purged guts of isopods (n = 3 × 30) were analysed by pyrosequencing the V3-V4 region of 16 S rRNA encoding gene. Results showed that gut and faecal BCs were dominated by Proteobacteria, particularly by an OTU (Operational Taxonomic Unit) affiliated to genus Coxiella. Diversity and richness values were statistically higher for faecal BC, mainly due to the occurrence of several low-abundance phylotypes. These results may reflect faecal carriage of bacterial groups that cannot settle in the gut. BCs of P. pruinosus comprised: (1) common members of the soil microbiota, (2) bacterial symbionts, (3) bacteria related to host metabolic/ecological features, and (4) bacterial etiological agents. Comparison of BC of this isopod species with the BC from other invertebrates revealed common bacterial groups across taxa. The baseline information provided by this work will assist the design and data interpretation of future ecotoxicological or biomonitoring assays where the analysis of P. pruinosus BC should be included as an additional indicator. CAPSULE: Terrestrial isopods bacterial communities might support ecotoxicological assays and biomonitoring processes as a valuable tool.

Heavy Metals Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes: Effect of MWCNTs Dispersion.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most studied nanoparticles due to their physical, chemical and electronic properties. However, strong Van der Waals bonds, which promote CNTs aggregation are usually present, affecting their unique properties. Avoiding CNTs aggregation is one of the main difficulties when using these nanoparticles. Regarding the adsorption capacity of CNTs, the tendency of CNTs to aggregate decreases the surface area available to retain contaminants. One way to overcome this issue is by changing the surface energy of CNTs through chemical (covalent and noncovalent methods) or mechanical stabilization, but there is not yet a unique solution to solve this problem. In this work, a chemical noncovalent method (addition of surfactants) combined with mechanical energy (ultrasounds) was applied for CNTs stabilization, and the influence in heavy metal ions removal, Pb (II), Cu (II), Ni (II) and Zn (II), an area of high environmental relevance, was evaluated. It was proved that high amounts of metals could be removed from water during the first eighteen hours. Competitive adsorption between heavy metals, during adsorption tests with the simultaneous presence of all ions, was also studied and it was possible to prove that the electronegativity and atomic radius of cations influence their removal. Pb (II) and Cu (II) were the metals removed in higher percentages, and Ni (II) and Zn (II) were the metals less removed during competitive adsorption. Finally, the results obtained show that MWCNTs, if adequately dispersed, present a good solution for the treatment of water contaminated with highly toxic heavy metals, even when using very low concentrations of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs).

Whole-genome analysis uncovers loss of blaZ associated with carriage isolates belonging to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone ST5-VI in Cape Verde.

OBJECTIVES: Surveillance studies for Staphylococcus aureus carriage are a primary tool to survey the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in the general population, patients and healthcare workers. We have previously reported S. aureus carriage in various African countries, including Cape Verde. METHODS: Whole-genome sequences of 106 S. aureus isolates from Cape Verde were determined. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus carriage isolates in Cape Verde show high genetic variability, with the detection of 27 sequence types (STs) and three primary genetic clusters associated with ST152, ST15 and ST5. One transmission event with less than eight core-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (cgSNP) differences was detected among the ST5-VI MRSA lineage. Genetic analysis confirmed the phenotypic resistance and allowed the identification of six independent events of plasmid or transposon loss associated with the deletion of blaZ in nine isolates. In the four ST5 MRSA isolates, loss of the blaZ plasmid coincided with the acquisition of SCCmec type VI and an unusual penicillin phenotype with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at the breakpoint, indicating an adaptation trend in this endemic lineage. Similar events of blaZ plasmid loss, with concomitant acquisition SCCmec elements, were detected among ST5 isolates from different geographical origins. CONCLUSION: Overall, the genome data allowed to place isolates in a phylogenetic context and to identify different blaZ gene deletions associated with plasmid or transposon loss. Genomic analysis unveiled adaptation and evolution trends, namely among emerging MRSA lineages in the country, which deserve additional consideration in the design of future infection control protocols.

Development of a Novel Multifunctional Cementitious-Based Geocomposite by the Contribution of CNT and GNP.

In this study, a self-sensing cementitious stabilized sand (CSS) was developed by the incorporation of hybrid carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) based on the piezoresistivity principle. For this purpose, different concentrations of CNTs and GNPs (1:1) were dispersed into the CSS, and specimens were fabricated using the standard compaction method with optimum moisture. The mechanical and microstructural, durability, and piezoresistivity performances, of CSS were investigated by various tests after 28 days of hydration. The results showed that the incorporation of 0.1%, 0.17%, and 0.24% CNT/GNP into the stabilized sand with 10% cement caused an increase in UCS of about 65%, 31%, and 14%, respectively, compared to plain CSS. An excessive increase in the CNM concentration beyond 0.24% to 0.34% reduced the UCS by around 13%. The addition of 0.1% CNMs as the optimum concentration increased the maximum dry density of the CSS as well as leading to optimum moisture reduction. Reinforcing CSS with the optimum concentration of CNT/GNP improved the hydration rate and durability of the specimens against severe climatic cycles, including freeze-thaw and wetting-drying. The addition of 0.1%, 0.17%, 0.24%, and 0.34% CNMs into the CSS resulted in gauge factors of about 123, 139, 151, and 173, respectively. However, the Raman and X-ray analysis showed the negative impacts of harsh climatic cycles on the electrical properties of the CNT/GNP and sensitivity of nano intruded CSS.

Múltiplas camadas na membrana de descemet / Multiple layers on the Descemet membrane

RESUMO Relato de caso não descrito na literatura oftalmológica nacional de múltiplas camadas da membrana de Descemet. Mulher de 59 anos, pseudofácica, com diagnóstico de ceratopatia bolhosa, foi submetida à ceratoplastia penetrante em olho direito, sendo encontrado achado incomum de multiplicidade de camadas da membrana de Descemet, variáveis em forma e espessura, além de corpos ovoides com coloração de metamina de prata de Gocott-Gomori (GMS) negativa. Como a membrana de Descemet tem no seu desenvolvimento um período fetal e outro pós-natal que frequentemente é bem identificável nos cortes histológicos em adultos. No caso apresentado, em que outras camadas estão presentes, há evidência de corpos esféricos que poderiam significar que a potencialidade de produzir outras camadas pode permanecer na fase adulta mais tardia.

ABSTRACT To relate a case not described previously in the national multilateral ophthalmological literature of Descemet's membrane. A 59-year-old pseudophakic woman diagnosed with bullous keratopathy underwent penetrating keratoplasty with an unusual finding of multiple layers of Descemet's membrane, which were variable in shape and thickness. In addition, ovoid bodies with negative Gocott-Gomori (GMS) color were present. Discussion and Conclusion: As Descemet's membrane has a fetal and a postnatal period in its development, it is frequently and well identifiable in histological sections in adults. In the case presented, in which other layers are present, there is evidence of spherical bodies that could mean that the potential to produce other layers may remain into later adulthood.

Teamwork in hip preservation: the ISHA 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting.

Hip preservation surgery is now an established part of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. This report describes the key findings of the 11th Annual Scientific Meeting of International Society for Hip Arthroscopy-the International Hip Preservation Society-in Madrid, Spain from 16 to 19 October 2019. Lectures, seminars and debates explored the most up-to-date and expert views on a wide variety of subjects, including: diagnostic problems in groin pain, buttock pain and low back pain; surgical techniques in acetabular dysplasia, hip instability, femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, labral repair and reconstruction, cartilage defects, adolescent hips and gluteus medius and hamstring tears; and new ideas about femoral torsion, hip-spine syndrome, hip capsule surgery, impact of particular sports on hip injuries, registries, robotics and training for hip preservation specialists. Surgeons, sports physicians, radiologists and physiotherapists looking after young people with hip problems have an increasingly sophisticated armoury of ideas and techniques with which to help their patients. The concept of hip preservation has developed incredibly fast over the last decade; now it is clear that the best results can only be achieved by a multidisciplinary team working together. The 2020s will be the decade of 'Teamwork in Hip Preservation'.

Ultra-Sensitive Affordable Cementitious Composite with High Mechanical and Microstructural Performances by Hybrid CNT/GNP.

In this paper a hybrid combination of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) was used for developing cementitious self-sensing composite with high mechanical, microstructural and durability performances. The mixture of these two nanoparticles with different 1D and 2D geometrical shapes can reduce the percolation threshold to a certain amount which can avoid agglomeration formation and also reinforce the microstructure due to percolation and electron quantum tunneling amplification. In this route, different concentrations of CNT + GNP were dispersed by Pluronic F-127 and tributyl phosphate (TBP) with 3 h sonication at 40 °C and incorporated into the cementitious mortar. Mechanical, microstructural, and durability of the reinforced mortar were investigated by various tests in different hydration periods (7, 28, and 90 days). Additionally, the piezoresistivity behavior of specimens was also evaluated by the four-probe method under flexural and compression cyclic loading. Results demonstrated that hybrid CNT + GNP can significantly improve mechanical and microstructural properties of cementitious composite by filler function, bridging cracks, and increasing hydration rate mechanisms. CNT + GNP intruded specimens also showed higher resistance against climatic cycle tests. Generally, the trend of all results demonstrates an optimal concentration of CNT (0.25%) + GNP (0.25%). Furthermore, increasing CNT + GNP concentration leads to sharp changes in electrical resistivity of reinforced specimens under small variation of strain achieving high gauge factor in both flexural and compression loading modes.

A five-year retrospective study shows increasing rates of antimicrobial drug resistance in Cabo Verde for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES: Data on baseline drug resistance important in informing future antimicrobial stewardship programs. So far, no data on the antimicrobial drug resistance of clinical isolates available for the African archipelago of Cabo Verde. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis over years (2013-17) of the drug susceptibility profiles of clinical isolates in the two main hospitals of Cabo Verde. For Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, representing 47% and 26% of all clinical isolates, the antimicrobial drug resistance profile was reported for six representative drugs. RESULTS: For E. coli we detected an increase in resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-and for S. aureus to methicillin, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This increase in both the most commonly isolated bacterial pathogens is alarm as it might compromise empirical treatment in a setting with limited access to laboratory testing. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to the published low resistance rates in carriage isolates, the more alarming situation in clinical isolates for S. aureus might encourage antimicrobial stewardship programs to reduce in hospital settings, possibly as part of the Cabo Verdean national plan against antimicrobial drug resistance.

Joint report of SBI (Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases), FEBRASGO (Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations), SBU (Brazilian Society of Urology) and SBPC/ML (Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine): recommendations for the clinical management of lower urinary tract infections in pregnant and non-pregnant women

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition in women. There is an increased concern on reduction of bacterial susceptibility resulting from wrongly prescribing antimicrobials. This paper summarizes the recommendations of four Brazilian medical societies (SBI ­ Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases, FEBRASGO ­ Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations, SBU ­ Brazilian Society of Urology, and SBPC/ML ­ Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine) on the management of urinary tract infection in women. Asymptomatic bacteriuria should be screened at least twice during pregnancy (early and in the 3rd trimester). All cases of significant bacteriuria (≥105 CFU/mL in middle stream sample) should be treated with antimicrobials considering safety and susceptibility profile. In women with typical symptoms of cystitis, dipsticks are not necessary for diagnosis. Urine cultures should be collected in pregnant women, recurrent UTI, atypical cases, and if there is suspicion of pyelonephritis. First line antimicrobials for cystitis are fosfomycin trometamol in a single dose and nitrofurantoin, 100 mg every 6 hours for five days. Second line drugs are cefuroxime or amoxicillin-clavulanate for seven days. During pregnancy, amoxicillin and other cephalosporins may be used, but with a higher chance of therapeutic failure. In recurrent UTI, all episodes should be confirmed by urine culture. Treatment should be initiated only after urine sampling and with the same regimens indicated for isolated episodes. Prophylaxis options of recurrent UTI are behavioral measures, nonantimicrobial and antimicrobial prophylaxis. Vaginal estrogens may be recommended for postmenopausal women. Other non-antimicrobial prophylaxis, including cranberry and immunoprophylaxis, have weak evidence supporting their use. Antimicrobial prophylaxis may be offered as a continuous or postcoital scheme. In pregnant women, options are cephalexin, 250­500 mg and nitrofurantoin, 100 mg (contraindicated after 37 weeks of pregnancy). Nonpregnant women may use fosfomycin trometamol, 3 g every 10 days, or nitrofurantoin, 100 mg (continuous or postcoital)

Crowdsourcing as a Tool for Urban Emergency Management: Lessons from the Literature and Typology.

Recently, citizen involvement has been increasingly used in urban disaster prevention and management, taking advantage of new ubiquitous and collaborative technologies. This scenario has created a unique opportunity to leverage the work of crowds of volunteers. As a result, crowdsourcing approaches for disaster prevention and management have been proposed and evaluated. However, the articulation of citizens, tasks, and outcomes as a continuous flow of knowledge generation reveals a complex ecosystem that requires coordination efforts to manage interdependencies in crowd work. To tackle this challenging problem, this paper extends to the context of urban emergency management the results of a previous study that investigates how crowd work is managed in crowdsourcing platforms applied to urban planning. The goal is to understand how crowdsourcing techniques and quality control dimensions used in urban planning could be used to support urban emergency management, especially in the context of mining-related dam outages. Through a systematic literature review, our study makes a comparison between crowdsourcing tools designed for urban planning and urban emergency management and proposes a five-dimension typology of quality in crowdsourcing, which can be leveraged for optimizing urban planning and emergency management processes.

Holistic opto-thermal simulation framework for high-brightness light sources based on fluorescent conversion.

Multi-physics approaches are increasingly adopted in the development of efficient, high brightness solid-state light sources, in particular for the realistic modelling of the fluorescent colour conversion element that is typically used to create white light. When a fluorescent material is excited by a high-power laser diode, it will self-heat and reach high temperatures. The efficiency or quantum yield of fluorescent materials lowers as their temperature increases, an effect called thermal quenching. The lower efficiency further increases the amount of phosphor self-heating which can lead to thermal runaway. This effect has been considered by different researchers when modelling the opto-thermal behaviour of the fluorescent colour conversion elements. However, other key fluorescent properties such as the absorption and emission spectrum also depend on temperature, and often also on the radiant flux density. This gives rise to a complex set of interplays between optical and thermal properties which are not considered in the current opto-thermal models but that significantly influence the performance of fluorescent material based solid-state light sources. In this work, we present a holistic opto-thermal simulation framework: a novel comprehensive simulation tool that includes all relevant multi-physics considerations. We show that the framework allows for an accurate and realistic prediction of the performance of high-luminance solid-state white light sources by comparing simulation results to experimentalmeasurements of a laser-based configuration, thereby validating the framework.