Assessment of Two Laboratory Design Methods for CIR Mixtures With Bitumen Emulsion Based on Static and Gyratory Compaction

[Abstract] To expand the body of knowledge regarding cold in-place recycled mixtures, this study presents two different laboratory design methods. The main differences between the methods are the compaction procedures (static and gyratory) and the required strength tests (unconfined compressive strength and indirect tensile strength). Specimens were manufactured using both methods, with different contents of bitumen emulsion and added water. The effects of adding Portland cement and increasing the compaction energy were also investigated. The compliance with strength criteria was reviewed, and the optimal bitumen emulsion and water contents were identified. The requirements of the specification based on gyratory compaction proved to be excessively high. A reduction of the values is suggested, and further research is encouraged to allow new benchmarks to be set.The authors would like to acknowledge the funding of project BIA2016-80317-R/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness with an associated pre-doctoral scholarship for research worker training (FPI) BES-2017-079633. The authors also would like to express their sincere gratitude to ARIAS INFRAESTRUCTURAS for the RAP and to CEPSA and ECOASFALT for the bitumen emulsion, which was generously donated for this stud

Compaction and Volumetric Analysis of Cold in-Place Recycled Asphalt Mixtures Prepared Using Gyratory, Static, and Impact Procedures

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] Compaction is one of the most important factors to be considered while manufacturing laboratory samples of cold in-place recycled (CIR) mixtures. In this study, the effect of three laboratory compaction procedures (static, gyratory, and impact) on the volumetric performance of CIR mixtures was investigated. CIR specimens were manufactured with the same proportion of added water and bitumen emulsion, and using several levels of compaction, varying the number of gyrations and blows. The volumetric properties were evaluated by different procedures, both before and after curing. A comparison between the laboratory results of the different tests, the design target values, and actual in-field values was performed. It was observed that gyratory compaction proved to be the most versatile and one that best represented the real compaction. The bulk density procedure by dimensions was useful for laboratory design; however, it overestimated the sizes of the air void content by more than 10% compared to the field values.The authors would like to acknowledge the funding for the project BIA2016-80317-R from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, with an associated pre-doctoral scholarship for the training of research workers (FPI) BES-2017-079633. The authors would also like to express their sincere gratitude to ARIAS INFRAESTRUCTURAS, and CEPSA and ECOASFALT for their generous donation of RAP and bitumen emulsions, respectively for the present research. Finally, an acknowledgement to the Universidade da Coruña/CISUG for funding Elsevier's open access charge

Numerical Simulation of the Stiffness Evolution With Curing of Pavement Sections Rehabilitated Using Cold In-Place Recycling Technology

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] Cold in-place recycling (CIR) technologies are becoming one of the main bets in the road sector to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This technique also contributes to the circular economy, reusing 100% of the RAP from worn roads. In this research, numerical simulations of CIR sections are presented. The nonlinear behaviour of the CIR-base material is modelled using three predictive models based on triaxial test results. Variations in the performance depending on the type of subbase, the curing of the CIR-base material and its thickness, and the effect of the wearing-course were analysed. The response of the sections with unbound granular subbase proved to be very sensitive to variations in the parameters studied, and the increase in CIR base thickness was beneficial, while the opposite occurred with a cement-treated subbase.The authors would like to acknowledge funding for the project BIA2016-80317-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), with an associated pre-doctoral scholarship for the training of research workers (FPI) BES-2017-079633. An special acknowledgement to the Universidade da Coruña/ CISUG for funding Elsevier’s open access charg

An exploratory study comparing psychological profiles and its congruence with clinical performance among patients with functional or motility digestive disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGDs) have been related with different psychological conditions. On the contrary the role of psychological factors within gastrointestinal motor disorders (GMDs) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the differences and congruence with clinical performance of the psychological profile and subjective functionality among patients diagnosed with FGDs and GMDs. Using a double-blind design, fifty-six inpatients from a Gastroenterology Department were included in the study. No major differences were detected between the two groups. However, clinical performance was coherent with subjective physical functioning only among GMDs. These results may provide useful information for gastroenterologists dealing with patients’ complaints not consistent with their clinical profile

Mindfulness-based interventions in the workplace: An inclusive systematic review and meta-analysis of their impact upon wellbeing

Given the demanding nature of many professions, efforts are ongoing to develop initiatives to improve occupational wellbeing, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). To assess the efficacy of MBIs, meta-analytic procedures were conducted on 35 randomized controlled trials derived from an earlier inclusive systematic literature search (covering all occupations, MBIs, and wellbeing-related outcomes). Mindfulness had significant moderate effects on deficit-based outcomes such as stress (SMD = −0.57), anxiety (SMD = −0.57), distress (SMD = −0.56), depression (SMD = −0.48), and burnout (SMD = −0.36), and significant moderate to small effects on asset-based outcomes like health (SMD = 0.63), job performance (SMD = 0.43), compassion and empathy (SMD = 0.42), mindfulness (SMD = 0.39), and positive wellbeing (SMD = 0.36), while no significant effects were observed for depression or emotional regulation. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, suggesting more high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed

The impact of mindfulness on well-being and performance in the workplace: an inclusive systematic review of the empirical literature

Work can be demanding, imposing challenges that can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of workers. Efforts are therefore underway to develop practices and initiatives that may improve occupational well-being. These include interventions based on mindfulness meditation. This paper offers a systematic review of empirical studies featuring analyses of mindfulness in occupational contexts. Databases were reviewed from the start of records to January 2016. Eligibility criteria included experimental and correlative studies of mindfulness conducted in work settings, with a variety of well-being and performance measures. A total of 153 papers met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review, comprising 12,571 participants. Mindfulness was generally associated with positive outcomes in relation to most measures. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, so further research is needed, particularly involving high-quality randomized control trials

Intergenerational transmission of literacy skills among Filipino families

We examined the joint role of parental word reading skills and conventional home literacy environment measures among 320 Filipino low- to- middle-income families in Cebu City, Philippines with children aged 5 to 8 years old. A ranking of parent-reported ratings of their frequency of engaging in home literacy activities and adult literacy practices revealed that book-related behaviors were less frequently practiced in this sample, and mean ratings on the home literacy resources scale suggested a relatively print-poor environment. Nevertheless, scale items about book reading and direct literacy instruction at home correlated with child’s literacy skills. Structural equation modeling showed that parent’s education and frequency of engaging in home literacy activities uniquely accounted for variance in child’s oral and print skills. In a second model, parent’s word reading skills were significantly related to child’s skills, but did not eliminate or attenuate influences from parent’s education and home literacy activities. Results are important in relation to theories on the intergenerational transmission of literacy skills and the generalizability of findings from developed countries to developing country contexts

Differential clinical characteristics and prognosis of intraventricular conduction defects in patients with chronic heart failure

Intraventricular conduction defects (IVCDs) can impair prognosis of heart failure (HF), but their specific impact is not well established. This study aimed to analyse the clinical profile and outcomes of HF patients with LBBB, right bundle branch block (RBBB), left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), and no IVCDs. Clinical variables and outcomes after a median follow-up of 21 months were analysed in 1762 patients with chronic HF and LBBB (n = 532), RBBB (n = 134), LAFB (n = 154), and no IVCDs (n = 942). LBBB was associated with more marked LV dilation, depressed LVEF, and mitral valve regurgitation. Patients with RBBB presented overt signs of congestive HF and depressed right ventricular motion. The LAFB group presented intermediate clinical characteristics, and patients with no IVCDs were more often women with less enlarged left ventricles and less depressed LVEF. Death occurred in 332 patients (interannual mortality = 10.8%): cardiovascular in 257, extravascular in 61, and of unknown origin in 14 patients. Cardiac death occurred in 230 (pump failure in 171 and sudden death in 59). An adjusted Cox model showed higher risk of cardiac death and pump failure death in the LBBB and RBBB than in the LAFB and the no IVCD groups. LBBB and RBBB are associated with different clinical profiles and both are independent predictors of increased risk of cardiac death in patients with HF. A more favourable prognosis was observed in patients with LAFB and in those free of IVCDs. Further research in HF patients with RBBB is warranted