Effect of Class F Fly Ash on Fine Sand Compaction through Soil Stabilization

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out to evaluate the effect of fly ash (FA) on fine sand compaction and its suitability as a material for embankments. The literature review demonstrates the lack of research on stabilization of sandy material using FA. The study is concerned with the role of FA content in stabilized soil physical characteristics. The main aim of this paper is to determine the optimum quantity of FA content for stabilization of this type of soil. This is achieved through particle size distribution and compaction (standard proctor) tests. The sand was stabilized with three proportions of FA (5%, 10% and 15%) and constant cement content of 3% was used as an activator. For better comparison, the sand was also stabilized by 3% cement only so that the effect of FA could be observed more clearly. The results were in line with the literature for other types of soil, i.e. as the % of FA increases, reduction in maximum dry density and higher optimum moisture content were observed

Effect of fly ash on the bearing capacity of stabilised fine sand

This paper is concerned with the role of fly ash (FA) content in the California bearing ratio (CBR) values of stabilised sandy soil for geotechnical and geoenvironmental infrastructure. A series of laboratory tests – particle size distribution and CBR tests, were performed. The literature review demonstrates the shortage of research on the stabilisation of sandy material with FA. The main focus of this paper is to establish the optimal quantity of FA content for the stabilisation of this type of soil. A total of 14 distinctive variations of stabilised sand is presented, with three different FA content percentages (5, 10 and 15%), three main curing periods, with durations of 1, 2 and 4 weeks, and a constant cement content of 3%. Some samples were treated with only 3 and 5% cement, with no addition of FA, so that the effect of cement on this particular sand could be observed, and the contribution of the FA alone could be understood. The results obtained are in line with the literature for other types of soil

Alexithymia, but not Autism Spectrum Disorder, may be Related to the Production of Emotional Facial Expressions

Background A prominent diagnostic criterion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) relates to the abnormal or diminished use of facial expressions. Yet little is known about the mechanisms that contribute to this feature of ASD. Methods We showed children with and without ASD emotionally charged video clips in order to parse out individual differences in spontaneous production of facial expressions using automated facial expression analysis software. Results Using hierarchical multiple regression, we sought to determine whether alexithymia (characterized by difficulties interpreting one’s own feeling states) contributes to diminished facial expression production. Across groups, alexithymic traits—but not ASD traits, IQ, or sex—were associated with quantity of facial expression production. Conclusions These results accord with a growing body of research suggesting that many emotion processing abnormalities observed in ASD may be explained by co-occurring alexithymia. Developmental and clinical considerations are discussed, and it is argued that alexithymia is an important but too often ignored trait associated with ASD that may have implications for subtyping individuals on the autism spectrum

Developmental perspectives on interpersonal affective touch

In the last decade, philosophy, neuroscience and psychology alike have paid increasing attention to the study of interpersonal affective touch, which refers to the emotional and motivational facets of tactile sensation. Some aspects of affective touch have been linked to a neurophysiologically specialised system, namely the C tactile (CT) system. While the role of this sys-tem for affiliation, social bonding and communication of emotions have been widely investigated, only recently researchers have started to focus on the potential role of interpersonal affective touch in acquiring awareness of the body as our own, i.e. as belonging to our psychological ‘self’. We review and discuss recent developmental and adult findings, pointing to the central role of interpersonal affective touch in body awareness and social cognition in health and disorders. We propose that interpersonal affective touch, as an interoceptive modality invested of a social nature, can uniquely contribute to the ongoing debate in philosophy about the primacy of the relational nature of the minimal self

Influenza vaccination for immunocompromised patients: systematic review and meta-analysis from a public health policy perspective.

Immunocompromised patients are vulnerable to severe or complicated influenza infection. Vaccination is widely recommended for this group. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses influenza vaccination for immunocompromised patients in terms of preventing influenza-like illness and laboratory confirmed influenza, serological response and adverse events

Effect of exercise on sex-hormone in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction: Weight gain and fat accumulation are the risk factors which lead to polycystic ovary syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exercise intensity on sexual hormone changes in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and Methods: 40 female Wistar rats (180±20mg) with 2 to 3 consecutive estrous cycles during12 to 14 days were selected. The first two groups were divided into control (n=30) and polycystic (n=30) that got sick by estradiol valerate injection after 60 days. The polycystic groups were divided into three groups of observer (n=30), experiment group1 (low-intensity exercise (n=30)) and experiment group 2 (moderate intensity exercise (n=30)). Exercises were performed in 6 sessions of 60 minutes per week for 8 weeks. The mice were anesthetized by injection of 5 ml of blood directly from the heart and the blood factors were measured through Elisa; ANOVA and LSD samples were used for normal distributions and Kruskal-Wallis test for analysis of data that were not normally distributed. Results: Concentrations of FSH in experiment group1increased significantly compared to the control and observer groups. Also, free testosterone was significantly higher as compared to the observer group. FSH concentration in group 2 was higher as compared to the control and observer groups, and changes to LH, estrogen and androstenedion were not significant compared to the control group despite their increase. Conclusion: According to weight changes and sexual hormones (FSH and Androstenedion) exercise, especially with low intensity, may improve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome