Strength Variation of OPC-Saw Dust Ash Composites with Percentage Saw Dust Ash

This work investigated the variation of OPC-Saw Dust Ash (SDA) composites strength with percentage SDA. 231 concrete cubes, 231 sandcrete cubes, and 231 soilcrete cubes of 150mm x 150mm x 150mm were produced at percentage OPC replacement with SDA of 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% and crushed to obtain their compressive strengths at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 50, and 90 days of curing. For concrete, the 90-day strength values decreased from 28.00N/mm2 at 5% SDA to 25.60N/mm2 at 15% SDA to 20.50N/mm2 at 35% SDA to 15.80N/mm2 at 50% SDA, while the control value was 27.00N/mm2. The 90-day strength values also decreased from 11.50N/mm2 at 5% SDA to 5.40N/mm2 at 50% SDA for sandcrete while the control value was 11.10N/mm2. Soilcrete strength values decreased from 9.70N/mm2 at 5% SDA to 4.50N/mm2 at 50% SDA while the control value was 9.50N/mm2. The results suggest that, with good quality control of the concreting process, 5% to 25% OPC replacement with SDA could be suitable for general reinforced concrete works, 25% to 40% for minor works in concrete, and 45% to 50% for plain concrete works. Also, 5% to 20% OPC replacement with SDA could be used for light load-bearing sandcrete and soilcrete works, while 25% to 50% could still be suitable for non-load-bearing works. Keywords: Blended cement, Composites, Compressive strength, Concrete, Sandcrete, Saw dust ash, Soilcrete

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings: the WARNING call to action

Antibiotics are recognized widely for their benefits when used appropriately. However, they are often used inappropriately despite the importance of responsible use within good clinical practice. Effective antibiotic treatment is an essential component of universal healthcare, and it is a global responsibility to ensure appropriate use. Currently, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to develop new antibiotics due to scientific, regulatory, and financial barriers, further emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. To address this issue, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery established an international multidisciplinary task force of 295 experts from 115 countries with different backgrounds. The task force developed a position statement called WARNING (Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance National/International Network Group) aimed at raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance and improving antibiotic prescribing practices worldwide. The statement outlined is 10 axioms, or “golden rules,” for the appropriate use of antibiotics that all healthcare workers should consistently adhere in clinical practice