Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Coal Combustion Products on Constructability, Damage and Aging Resistance of Asphalt Mastics

Developing a cost-efficient and long-term road infrastructure requires innovative approaches that are both green and environmentally sustainable. Today, building a sustainable, long-lasting, and efficient road infrastructure with little or no repairs is a challenging task and highly innovative technological breakthroughs are urgently needed. For many years fly ash has been effectively used as a partial replacement of portland cement in the production of different types of concrete, as well as in embankments and soil stabilization. On the other hand, the use of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs), including fly ash, as a mineral filler in asphalt pavements has been very limited. Only few researchers have reported on the benefits of CCPs in asphalt concrete. In this way, potential performance benefits that CCPs can offer to asphalt concrete are under-investigated. Increasing the durability of asphalt pavement with CCPs additives is a promising technology that can significantly reduce the escalating costs related to rehabilitating and reconstructing of asphalt concrete pavements while offering a green and sustainable solution. In this study, asphalt binders from different sources and levels of modifications were blended with different types of CCPs particulate and natural filler to make mastics of different composition. This study investigates the beneficial effects of CCPs potential on rheological and performance related parameters of asphalt binders. Experiments were conducted at the mastics level to determine the effects of CCPs on stiffness, constructability, rutting, fatigue damage, thermal resistance and aging of asphalt binders utilizing the Superpave® methodology. As expected, increase in stiffness of the asphalt binders with CCPs was observed. The addition of up to 15% CCPs (by volume) produces no significant change in the rheological properties as measured by the shear complex modulus (G*). At higher dosages, such as 25% and 40%, the changes in stiffness appear to be significant. Statistical evaluation of the performance of mastics rheological and physical and chemical properties of CCPs demonstrated a good correlation with Rigden Voids, as well as content of CaO, SO3 and Al2O3. The research results proved that the particulate materials (CCPs and fillers), at all concentrations, improve the high temperature rutting resistance of mastics. Intermediate temperature fatigue damage results demonstrated significant dependency on CCP, binder and polymer modification types. In general, Class F fly ash is very beneficial material improving rutting, elastic recovery, and aging of mastics. At the same time, these mastics maintain the performance for workability and low temperature resistance without detrimental effects. Class C fly ash improved workability, and low temperature resistance without detrimental effects on the other performance indicators. At lower concentrations Spray Dryer Absorber (SDA) materials have demonstrated potential of extending the asphalt binder, but in general, due to variability of SDA materials test, results are not consistent; it is difficult to predict the influence of these CCP due to sensitivity to the type of binder and dosage. Therefore, further investigation is needed to understand the potential synergy between this type of CCPs and polymer modified binders

Long-distance dispersal of a sedentary Andean flycatcher species with a small geographic range, Ochthoeca piurae (Aves: Tyrannidae)

We report a Piura Chat-Tyrant (Ochthoeca piurae) ~300 km south of its known range. This record was unanticipated because the species is sedentary and restricted to a narrow eco-climatic zone in valleys of the dry western Andes of northwestern Peru. Southward dispersal would require crossing broad areas of unsuitable habitat. Riparian zones of the western Andes have been heavily impacted by humans over millennia. This observation suggests that native songbirds may be able to expand their distributions along the flanks of the Andes if woody vegetation is protected or restored

Eccentricity and elliptic flow in proton-proton collisions from parton evolution

It has been argued that high-multiplicity proton-proton collisions at the LHC may exhibit collective phenomena usually studied in the context of heavy-ion collisions, such as elliptic flow. We study this issue using DIPSY - a Monte Carlo event generator based on the QCD dipole model. We calculate the eccentricity of the transverse area defined by the spatial distribution of produced gluons. The resulting elliptic flow is estimated to be about 6%, comparable to the value in nucleus-nucleus collisions at RHIC and the LHC. Experimentally, elliptic flow is inferred from the azimuthal correlation between hadrons, which receives contributions from collective flow, and from various other effects referred to as "nonflow". We discuss how to identify in experiments the signal of flow in the presence of large nonflow effects.Comment: v2: Four-particle correlation added, improved discussions on the signatures of flow. v3: Improved treatment of fluctuations in the flow analysis. v4: Minor changes for journal submissio

NOTES ON THE NEST, BREEDING SEASON, AND ELEVATIONAL RANGE OF A RARE HUMMINGBIRD, THE PURPLE-BACKED SUNBEAM (AGLAEACTIS ALICIAE)

Abstract The breeding biology and phenology of the endangered hummingbird Purple-backed Sunbeam (Aglaeactis aliciae) are not well known. We report observations of nesting A. aliciae near El Molino, in La Libertad Department, Peru. On 11 March 2018, we found a female building a nest while on 10 March 2019 we found an incubating female. We describe specific characteristics of the nest and breeding behavior of nesting females. Based on our observations and that of others, the timing of nesting for this species seems to correspond to the mid-to-late rainy season, extending from at least March to May. Additionally, our sightings suggest a higher upper elevational range limit for this range-restricted Andean hummingbird than previously reported; the elevational range should be considered to be 2900–3700 m a.s.l.Resumen ∙ Notas sobre el nido, temporada reproductiva y rango elevacional del Colibrí de Alicia (Aglaeactis aliciae) La biología reproductiva y la fenología del Colibrí de Alicia (Aglaeactis aliciae) – una especie de colibrí amenazada – son poco conocidas. Aquí reportamos observaciones de nidificación de A. aliciae en El Molino, Departamento La Libertad, Perú. El 11 de marzo de 2018 encontramos una hembra construyendo un nido, mientras que el 10 de marzo de 2019 encontramos a una hembra incubando. Describimos las características del nido y el comportamiento reproductivo de las hembras. En base a nuestras observaciones e información previa sugerimos que la temporada de nidificación se desarrolla desde mediados a fines de la temporada húmeda, extendiéndose desde marzo a mayo. Nuestras observaciones también indican que la especie se encuentra a mayores altitudes que lo reportado previamente y que su rango altitudinal seria 2900–3700 m s.n.m

Design and baseline characteristics of the finerenone in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in diabetic kidney disease trial

Background: Among people with diabetes, those with kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and progression of their underlying kidney disease. Finerenone is a novel, nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that has shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) while revealing only a low risk of hyperkalemia. However, the effect of finerenone on CV and renal outcomes has not yet been investigated in long-term trials. Patients and Methods: The Finerenone in Reducing CV Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease (FIGARO-DKD) trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of finerenone compared to placebo at reducing clinically important CV and renal outcomes in T2D patients with CKD. FIGARO-DKD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, event-driven trial running in 47 countries with an expected duration of approximately 6 years. FIGARO-DKD randomized 7,437 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >= 25 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio >= 30 to <= 5,000 mg/g). The study has at least 90% power to detect a 20% reduction in the risk of the primary outcome (overall two-sided significance level alpha = 0.05), the composite of time to first occurrence of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Conclusions: FIGARO-DKD will determine whether an optimally treated cohort of T2D patients with CKD at high risk of CV and renal events will experience cardiorenal benefits with the addition of finerenone to their treatment regimen. Trial Registration: EudraCT number: 2015-000950-39; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02545049

An experimental approach to examine the antecedents of attitude, intention, and loyalty towards cause-related marketing: The case of India and the Philippines

Firms utilize cause-related marketing (CRM) strategy to differentiate themselves by demonstrating their corporate responsibility efforts. However, national differences in the level of prior CRM exposure, local–global consumer values and culture can result in heterogeneity in consumer perceptions of CRM across countries. The authors reflect and examine national differences in customer attitudes, intention to participate in CRM and loyalty towards the company organizing the CRM campaign through variables like scepticism, perceived novelty, global connectedness and long-term orientation. They discuss and examine the impact of these variables on national preferences for CRM campaign variations by (a) type of company (local versus multinational) and (b) the time duration of CRM campaign (short term/long term). This research uses data from two emerging Asian countries—India and the Philippines. By diving deep into the nuances that drive consumers to participate in CRM, the research provides relevant strategies to drive CRM communication strategies that enhance consumer loyalty to the marketers of CRM campaigns of national, international and non-profit organizations. © 2020 International Management Institute, New Delhi

Capture Efficiency of Torrent Ducks by the Active Mist-Net Method

We report on the use and efficiency of an active mist-net method for capturing 3 subspecies of torrent ducks (Merganetta armata), a territorial and specialized South American waterfowl, in fast-moving rivers of the Andes Mountains. As an active process, the execution of this methodology required the presence of a well-trained, 3-person team. During the austral winter and spring between 2010 and 2014, we captured 372 torrent ducks in 410 capture events on 8 different rivers in Colombia (n = 1), Peru (n = 5), and Argentina (n = 2). Each captured torrent duck was banded and 32 opportunistic recaptures were obtained using the same methodology in the same territories. We deployed the mist-net across fast-moving deep rivers, along elevational gradients (680?4,200 m). Males were more easily captured than females, because of their greater tendency to fly. Our data validated this capture method for torrent ducks, as we succeeded in capturing individuals of the 3 subspecies in different habitats at different elevations and latitudes. To avoid animal mortality, we recommend application of this method only when 3 minimal conditions are met: 1) each field crew has at least 3 people; 2) all of the crew members have hand-radios to enable continuous communication, and 3) each crew member has received prior training (e.g., installation, inspection, manipulation and removal of the mist net, bird extraction, and familiarity with the behavior of the ducks).Fil: Alza, Luis. University Of Miami. Department Of Biology; Estados Unidos. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Institute of Arctic Biology. Department of Biology and Wildlife; Estados UnidosFil: Bautista, Emil. Centro de Ornitología y Biodiversidad; PerúFil: Smith, Matthew. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Institute of Arctic Biology. Department of Biology and Wildlife; Estados UnidosFil: Gutierrez Pinto, Natalia. University Of Miami. Department Of Biology; Estados UnidosFil: Astié, Andrea Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: McCracken, Kevin G.. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Institute of Arctic Biology. Department of Biology and Wildlife; Estados Unidos. University Of Miami. Department Of Biology; Estados Unido

Data from: Why are tropical mountain passes ‘low’ for some species? genetic and stable-isotope tests for differentiation, migration, and expansion in elevational generalist songbirds

1.Most tropical bird species have narrow elevational ranges, likely reflecting climatic specialization. This is consistent with Janzen's Rule, the tendency for mountain passes to be effectively ‘higher’ in the tropics. Hence, those few tropical species that occur across broad elevational gradients (elevational generalists) represent a contradiction to Janzen's Rule. 2.Here we aim to address the following questions. Are elevational generalists being sundered by diversifying selection along the gradient? Does elevational movement cause these species to resist diversification or specialization? Have they recently expanded, suggesting that elevational generalism is short-lived in geological time? 3.To answer these questions, we tested for differentiation, movement, and expansion in four elevational generalist songbird species on the Andean west slope. We used morphology and mtDNA to test for genetic differentiation between high- and low-elevation populations. To test for elevational movements, we measured hydrogen isotope (δ2H) values of metabolically inert feathers and metabolically active liver. 4.Morphology differed for House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) and Hooded Siskin (Spinus magellanicus), but not for Cinereous Conebill (Conirostrum cinereum) and Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), respectively. mtDNA was structured by elevation only in Z. capensis. δ2H data indicated elevational movements by two tree- and shrub-foraging species with moderate-to-high vagility (C. cinereum and S. magellanicus), and sedentary behavior by two terrestrial-foraging species with low-to-moderate vagility (T. aedon and Z. capensis). In S. magellanicus, elevational movements and lack of mtDNA structure contrast with striking morphological divergence, suggesting strong diversifying selection on body proportions across the ~50 km gradient. All species except C. cinereum exhibited mtDNA-haplotype variation consistent with recent population expansion across the elevational gradient, potentially concurrent with Holocene anthropogenic habitat conversion for agriculture. 5.In different ways, each species defies the tendency for tropical birds to have long-term stable distributions and sedentary habits. We conclude that tropical elevational generalism is rare due to evolutionary instability

Feeding Specialization of Honey Badgers in the Sahara Desert: A Trial of Life in a Hard Environment

The honey badger (Mellivora capensis) is a medium-sized carnivore distributed throughout Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Turkmenistan, and India. However, available information on its ecology is very scarce. We studied its feeding ecology in the remote north-western Sahara Desert, based on the contents of 125 fecal samples collected during large scale surveys. Samples were confirmed to belong to honey badgers by camera trapping and genetic analyses. Barely 18 prey species were detected. The diet primarily consisted of spiny-tailed lizards Uromastyx nigriventris and U. dispar (72% of volume in scats). Secondary prey items were arthropods (14%), small mammals (8%), other reptiles (4%), and eggs (0.8%). Some small geographic and temporal di erences were related to the consumption of beetle larvae and rodents as alternative prey. Camera trapping and distance sampling surveys showed that diel activities did not overlap between honey badgers and spiny-tailed lizards, suggesting that badgers primarily dig lizards out of their burrows when inactive. Consumption of spiny lizards by other sympatric meso-carnivores was < 6.1% of occurrence (223 analyzed scats); the honey badger behaved as a trophic specialist in the Sahara, probably thanks to exclusive anatomical adaptations for digging. We discuss the role of this circumstance minimizing the exploitative competition, which could allow the survival of this large mustelid in this low productive and highly competitive environmentPeer reviewe