Search

The present study was conducted in wheat to study effect of four tillage practices viz mold board plowing to a depth of 25 cm followed by rotavator (PT25 + R), mold board plowing to a depth of 14 cm followed by rotavator (PT14 + R), zero tillage with happy seeder (ZT) and conventional practices of 2 discing + 2 cultivator followed by planking (CT) along with irrigation scheduling on soil physical properties for two consecutive years (2016–17 and 2017–18). Soil bulk density, mean weight diameter, water stable aggregates and organic carbon were significantly higher in ZT by 5.74%, 75.24%, 77.11% and 10.5% respectively compared to PT25 + R. Soil moisture retention was also significantly higher in ZT than all other tillage practices at 0.1 to 15 bar matic potential in 0–7.5, 7.5–15, 15–22.5 and 22.5–30 cm soil depths. Final infiltration rate was significantly higher in PT25 + R, PT14 + R and CT than ZT by 79%, 36% and 15% respectively. Cumulative infiltration was also significantly higher in PT25 + R, PT14 + R and CT than ZT by 71.7%, 33.0% and 15.6% respectively. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was significantly higher in PT25 + R than ZT by 72.5% and 81.7% in 0–7.5 and 7.5–15 cm layer respectively. Similarly unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was significantly higher in PT25 + R than ZT in both soil depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine whether intraocular lens (IOL) type affects patient driving habits 6 months to 5 years after cataract surgery, and to determine whether there were differences in self-reported driving habits between patients who received 1 of 2 IOLs. Setting John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Patients completed a telephone-administered Driving Habits Questionnaire (DHQ) 6 months to 5 years after having bilateral cataract surgery with a single-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL, SN60WF (Group 1) or ZCB00 IOL (Group 2), in both eyes. Results The study comprised 260 patients (130 in each IOL group). Of these, 117 in Group 1 and 114 in Group 2 were still active drivers. The DHQ response differences for each IOL group did not reach statistical significance, except for self-rated quality of driving and difficulties with driving at night. For these significant differences, contradictory results were found. Conclusions Patients with either of the monofocal IOLs had similar self-reported driving habits after bilateral cataract surgery. The choice of IOL did not affect patients' postoperative driving habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of concrete mixtures (Concrete A and Concrete B) were prepared with sands having different fineness modulus. Sand was replaced with coal bottom ash (CBA) at 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, and 100% levels in both concrete mixtures. Laboratory tests were performed to study the effect of CBA on compressive strength, sorptivity, chloride permeability, drying shrinkage, and sulfate and acid resistance of concrete. At 7 days, for both grades of concretes, concrete mixtures incorporating CBA showed lower compressive strength. At 28 days, for Concrete A, no significant effect of CBA on compressive strength was observed. However, in case of Concrete B, concrete mixtures containing more than 50% CBA displayed lower 28-day compressive strength than that of control concrete.With age, compressive strength of bottom ash concrete mixtures increased at faster rate. Bottom ash concrete mixtures displayed higher sorptivity, lower chloride permeability, and drying shrinkage. For both grades of concretes, resistance to sulfate and acid exposure of control and bottom ash concrete mixtures were almost identical. Compressive strength of concrete mixtures increased up to 180 days of immersion in sulfate solution. Under acid attack, control and bottom ash concrete mixtures experienced almost equal weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large quantity (35 million tons) of coal bottom ash is produced by thermal power plants in India. The present method of disposal of coal bottom ash on open land is the main cause of an environment hazard for the surrounding community. As utilization of coal bottom ash can help in alleviating environmental problems, thus the present work was done to explore the possibility of its use as sand replacement in concrete manufacturing. Two types of control concrete mixtures to develop 28 d compressive strength of 38 MPa designated as concrete ‘A’ and 34 MPa designated as concrete ‘B’ were made with river sands having different fineness of modulus. In both grades of concrete mixtures, sand was replaced with coal bottom ash at 20, 30, 40, 50, 75 and 100% levels. Workability and bleeding of concrete decreased on use of coal bottom ash as fine aggregate. Test results show that compressive and splitting strength of concrete mixture ‘A’ did not changed significantly when sand having fineness modulus of 1.97 was replaced with coal bottom ash. However, in case of concrete mixture ‘B’, when coal bottom ash was used as replacement of sand having fineness modulus of 2.58, the compressive and splitting tensile strength of bottom ash concrete decreased at early curing age. After 90 d of curing age, compressive and splitting tensile strength of bottom ash concrete mixtures was almost comparable to that of control concrete mixture. Bottom ash concrete mixtures displayed lower modulus of elasticity and abrasion resistance as compared to control concrete mixture. Abrasion resistance of bottom ash concrete mixtures improved significantly with age. Pulse velocity through bottom ash concrete mixtures indicates that good quality concrete can be made with coal bottom ash as replacement of either type of sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal fired thermal plants in India produce about 131 million tons of coal ash, which comprises about 25 million tons of coal bottom ash. Utilization of coal bottom ash has environmental advantages also which are of great importance in the present context of sustainability of natural resources. The replacement of river sand with industrial by-products such as coal bottom ash in concrete can prove both technically and economically beneficial to the construction industry. In this study, laboratory tests were conducted to assess the possibility of the use of coal bottom ash as a substitute material of river sand in concrete. River sand was substituted with coal bottom ash by mass in concrete at 0, 30, 50, 75 and 100% replacement level. The test results show that 28 d compressive strength and pulse velocity through concrete were not affected on the use of coal bottom ash in concrete. Water absorption and initial rate of absorption of water by capillary action increased on incorporation of coal bottom ash in concrete manufacturing. However, the secondary rate of absorption of water was constant for all concrete mixtures. Water absorption varied between 4.68 and 5.56% for all concrete mixtures at curing period of 28 d. With increasing age, bottom ash concrete mixtures showed significant reduction in permeable pore space and water absorption. Abrasion resistance was measured in terms of average depth of wear. Bottom ash concrete mixtures displayed marginally lesser resistance to abrasion than control concrete. All the concrete mixtures showed decrease in the average depth of wear with increasing age, in other words increase in resistance to abrasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal bottom ash produced in large volumes by the coal fired thermal power plants is being dumped on land adjoining their sites over the years. Stockpiling of coal bottom ash on land is causing air pollution as well as posing a danger to living beings. The present research was aimed to evaluate the potential of coal bottom ash as fine aggregate in concrete. Utilization of coal bottom ash in the manufacturing of concrete will present economical as well as ecological way of their disposal and conserving the natural resources. The results of mechanical properties of concrete incorporating coal bottom ash were encouraging. Evaluation of durability aspects of concrete incorporating coal bottom ash as a sand replacement is as important as the mechanical properties. In this study compressive strength and durability aspects of concrete such as drying shrinkage, chloride ion penetrability, resistance to external attack of sulphate and sulphuric acid were examined by performing laboratory test. The test results indicate that bottom ash concrete exhibit better dimensional stability, slightly better resistance to sulphuric acid attack as compared to conventional concrete. Performance of bottom ash concrete under sulphate attack was almost identical to that by control concrete. No weight loss and reduction in compressive strength of bottom ash concrete specimens were observed after 180 days of immersion in 10% magnesium sulphate solution. No sign of sulphate attack was observed during examination of SEM image and XRD spectrum of concrete samples immersed in sulphate solution up to 180 days. Bottom ash concrete showed better resistance to chloride ion penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe clinical applications and surgical techniques for a new type of capsular tension segment (CTS) for use during cataract surgery. The Ambati CTS is distinguished from other CTS devices by having 2 eyelets close to each other, which allows it to distribute tension to 2 points, avoiding too much stress at a single point on the anterior capsulotomy, which prevents peaking of the capsulorhexis, and potentially reducing the risk for anterior capsule tear. Two of these CTS devices could possibly be used to provide 4-point fixation of a capsular bag in eyes with near-complete zonular instability. We describe 4 cases and 2 surgical techniques for implanting the new CTS, 1 technique in an adult patient with zonular weakness secondary to trauma and the other in 3 children with subluxated lenses due to Marfan syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Utilization of coal bottom ash (CBA) as fine aggregate in concrete. [•] River sand replaced with 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75% and 100% CBA. [•] Relations between splitting-tensile and compressive strength presented. [•] Relation between density and modulus of elasticity presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare practically achieved disinfection efficacy of some locally available disinfectants on surfaces and infectious microbiological hospital waste. Materials and Methods: Seven disinfectants were tested at concentrations recommended by manufacturers on rough and smooth surfaces that were contaminated experimentally by locally circulating isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, standard isolate of Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. Reduction in microbial counts before and after surface disinfection was expressed as log reduction. A very heavy microbial waste load was simulated by immersing culture plates with heavy microbial growth in disinfectants. Daily, a sample of disinfectant was taken and subjected to in-use test. Results: The highest average log reduction of test microbes on the rough surface was given by DesNet (5.05) and Bacillocid special (5.02). A comparable average log reduction of test microbes on a smooth steel surface was noted (5.68, 5.67, 5.50) for Lysol, Bacillocid sp. and DesNet, respectively. In the discard jars, Bacillocid special worked satisfactorily for 4 days, DesNet for 3 days and Hi-giene Germitol for 1 day. The remainder of the disinfectants failed in the in-use test on Day 1. Phenolics, although widely used in our settings, may not be as good surface disinfectants as newer formulations like DesNet and Bacillocid special. Conclusions: Newer quaternary ammonium compounds and aldehyde formulations were found to be the best disinfectants for disinfection of heavy contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although industrialization has raised the living standard of human beings but now it is also becoming threat to the environment. The manufacturing industries are producing waste material in large volumes and are emitting greenhouse gases. These waste materials are being dumped on open land that pollute the soil, water, and air. On the other hand, construction industry is using natural resources on large scale to create infrastructures. This has put some natural resources on the verge of fading. River sand is one of the such stressed natural resource which needs immediate researcher's attention. Through this research work, utilization of copper industry waste material called copper slag has been tried as a substitute of sand in fibre concrete containing 1% hook end steel fibres. The aspect ratio of steel fibre used in this work was 80. It was found that workability of fresh steel fibre concrete increased linearly on inclusion of copper slag. The compressive strength of steel fibre concrete enhanced on inclusion copper slag as replacement of sand. At 28 days, concrete mixture containing 1% hook end steel fibre and 80% copper slag displayed optimum compressive strength of 44.25 MPa against 31.04 MPa of control concrete. At 7, 28 and 56 days, compressive strength of concrete mixture made with 100% copper slag was 32.64, 26.71 and 24.71% higher than that of reference concrete, respectively. Similar trend of enhancement in split tensile strength of fibre concrete with copper slag was observed. At 28 days, concrete mixture containing 80% copper slag displayed 48% and 14.72% higher split tensile strength and bond strength than that of control concrete, respectively. On use of 80% copper slag as substitute of sand, water penetration depth and capillary water absorption of fibre concrete reduced by 25.5% and 42.65%, respectively. Water penetration depth and capillary water absorption reduce almost linearly with increment in copper slag content. The present work establishes that inclusion of copper slag as replacement of sand densify the microstructure of fibre concrete. • Sand in concrete was replaced with 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100% copper slag. • Compressive strength of steel fibre concrete increased on use of copper slag. • Water penetration and water absorption reduced on use of copper slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mining of natural material such as sand on large scale for use in construction of infrastructure in developing countries like India is posing threat to the environment. To save the environment, therefore, it becomes obligatory on the part of researcher to explore the utilization of industry by-products in place of natural material. In this study utilization of saw dust generated by wood industry in concrete has been explored. This article presents properties of concrete using different percentage of water and sodium silicate treated saw dust as replacement of sand. Saw dust passing through 4.75 sieve was treated with water and sodium silicate for 24 h before using in concrete. Natural sand was replaced with 5, 10,15 and 20% water treated saw dust in concrete mixture. The effect of silica fume on properties of concrete containing 5% water treated saw dust was also studied by replacing 4, 8 and 12% cement with silica fume in concrete. It was observed that concrete made with 5% water or sodium silicate treated saw dust displayed compressive strength comparable to that of control concrete. However, for 10% replacement level, compressive strength and split tensile strength decreased by 30.30% and 32.19% respectively, at 28 days. Total charge passed, water penetration and capillary water absorption increased by 224%, 153% and 117.4%, respectively, on use of 10% treated saw dust. The concrete mixture modified with sodium silicate treated saw dust showed remarkable improvement in respect of resistance to chloride ion penetration. As expected, the results showed considerable decrease in density of concrete with the use of saw dust as replacement of sand. Addition of sodium silicate treated saw dust resulted in ettringite formation in large quantity in concrete. • Sand in concrete was replaced with 5, 10, 15 and 20% water treated saw dust. • The optimum quantity of water or sodium silicate treated saw dust is 5%. • Density of concrete decreased on use of saw dust. • Strength properties of concrete modified with 5% saw dust is comparable. • Chloride ion permeability improved on silica fume in saw dust modified concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical Laboratory Technologists play a significant role in delivering quality laboratory Services. The competency assessment of MLTs is a critical driver for enhancing primary healthcare performance. While several countries have developed competency frameworks for MLTs in primary care, such frameworks are lacking in the Indian context. This study aimed to create a competency assessment framework to assess the competencies of MLTs (Medical Laboratory Technologists) working in Indian public primary healthcare facilities. The research followed a five-step process, starting with a review of existing literature on MLTs' competencies in primary healthcare. Expert consultations were then conducted to establish a consensus on these competencies. Following this, assessment tools were developed based on the literature review and expert input. Another round of expert consultations was held to ensure agreement on the assessment tools. Finally, the developed tools were tested in a public primary healthcare facility. The literature review identified 86 competencies across 11 domains: safe work practices, data/ sample collection, specimen preparation equipment instruments and regiments, assessment and analysis, recording and reporting, infection control, quality management, critical thinking, communication and interaction, and professional practice. Expert consultations resulted in the consensus on ninety-five competencies in ten domains of MLTs in primary healthcare settings. Competencies for each domain were discussed and agreed upon. A competency assessment tool was finalized after unanimous agreement among experts. The competency assessment tool was later finalized after pre-testing on MLTs in a clinical laboratory part of a public primary health care facility. This study successfully developed a competency assessment framework for in-service MLTs in Indian public primary healthcare settings. The framework encompasses ninety-five competencies covering ten domains of MLT responsibilities. It provides a comprehensive tool for assessing MLT's competencies and identifying competency gaps. The framework can be used to capacitate MLTs, improve their performance in primary healthcare settings, and enhance the delivery of healthcare services in India. It bridges a critical gap in the existing literature and can aid as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals involved in practicing medical laboratory Services in primary healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reuse of waste materials as construction material is very much essential to achieve sustainable construction. Utilization of waste materials as construction material not only help in protection of environment but also result in monetary savings. Spent Foundry Sand (SFS) is the waste material generated by metal casting industry. This paper presents study on economic and environmental benefits of recycling of SFS in concrete as sand replacement. Strength and durability properties of green concrete made with SFS as sand replacement are also presented. Natural sand in concrete was replaced with SFS at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% replacement levels by weight. To assess the performance of green concrete made with SFS, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, deicing salt resistance and chloride permeability tests were performed. At age of 28 days, green concrete mixtures containing SFS as sand replacement displayed up to 26% and 12.87% improvement in compressive strength and splitting tensile strength over that of control concrete, respectively. Similarly, concrete mixtures made with SFS exhibited 7.2–17.7% lower chloride ion penetration and 6.6–26.42% improvement in salt scaling resistance on use of SFS. The green concrete mixtures showed very slight scaling after 50 cycles of freezing and thawing in the presence of deicing salt compared to slight to moderate scaling shown by control concrete. The incorporation of up to 20% SFS as sand replacement results improvement in strength and durability properties of green concrete over those of control concrete. Green concrete made with SFS is economical and reduces negative impact on environment by reducing CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of bacteria on strength and permeation characteristics concrete incorporating silica fume (SF) as a substitution of cement has been investigated in this study. The cement was partially substituted with 5, 10 and 15% SF and with constant concentration of bacterial culture, 10 5 cfu/mL of water. Cement was substituted with silica fume in concrete by weight. At 28 d, nearly 10–12% increase in compressive strength was observed on incorporation of bacteria in SF concrete. At 28 d, the compressive strength of concrete increased from 32.9 to 36.5 MPa for SF, 34.8 to 38.4 MPa for SF5, 38.7 to 43.0 MPa for SF10 and 36.6 to 40.2 MPa for SF15 on addition of bacteria. Water absorption, porosity and capillary water rise reduced in the range of 42–48%, 52–56% and 54–78%, respectively, in bacterial concrete compared to corresponding nonbacterial samples at 28 days. Reduction in chloride permeability of bacterial concrete was observed and the total charge passed through bacterial concrete samples reduced by nearly 10% compared to nonbacterial concrete samples at 56 d of age. At 28 d, total charge passed through concrete reduced from 2525 to 1993 C for SF, 1537 to 1338 C for SF5, 961 to 912 C for SF10 and 1186 to 1174 C for SF15 on addition of bacteria. Calcite precipitation on addition bacteria and confirmed by SEM and XRD analysis is considered as the reason for improvement in properties of concrete. Economic study of bacterial SF concrete has also been carried out in the present work. The Benefit/Cost Ratio of bacterial SF concrete got reduced with the increase in SF quantity. Compared to control concrete, bacterial SF concrete containing 10% silica fume demonstrated highest benefit in improvement in its properties and corresponding highest Benefit/Cost Ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biomarker can be a substance or structure measured in body parts, fluids or products that can affect or predict disease incidence. As age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world, much research and effort has been invested in the identification of different biomarkers to predict disease incidence, identify at risk individuals, elucidate causative pathophysiological etiologies, guide screening, monitoring and treatment parameters, and predict disease outcomes. To date, a host of genetic, environmental, proteomic, and cellular targets have been identified as both risk factors and potential biomarkers for AMD. Despite this, their use has been confined to research settings and has not yet crossed into the clinical arena. A greater understanding of these factors and their use as potential biomarkers for AMD can guide future research and clinical practice. This article will discuss known risk factors and novel, potential biomarkers of AMD in addition to their application in both academic and clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid and specific diagnosis of tubercular meningitis (TBM) is of utmost importance. Aim: To evaluate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using protein b primers directed against M. tuberculosis for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis. Materials and Methods: PCR using protein b primers was performed in ten patients with confirmed TBM (culture positive), 60 patients with clinically suspected TBM and 40 patients with no TBM (control group). Results: Protein b PCR had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100% in patients with confirmed TBM. In 60 clinically diagnosed TBM patients, protein b PCR was positive in 49 (81.7%) patients. The overall sensitivity of microscopy, culture and PCR using protein b primers was 1.4%, 14.3%, and 82.8% and specificity was 100%, 100%, and 100% respectively. Conclusion: Protein b PCR is valuable in rapid diagnosis of TBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement kiln dust (CKD), a waste by-product, is a major problem at many cement manufacturing plants because of high alkalinity, metals, and sulfates. CKD possesses the same cementitious characteristics as those of cement, but the use of high-alkaline cement kiln dust reduces the quality of the cement and the strength of the concrete. In this study, the CKD used contained high alkali (1,467 mg=L) and hardness (467 mg=L) content in leachate, which on treatment with bacterium Bacillus halodurans strain KG1 showed a decrease of 67.3% alkalinity, 85.6% hardness, 46% K2O, and 27% SO3 in powdered CKD after 20 days of treatment at 35 ± 2°C. This study investigates the effect of bacterial-treated CKD as a partial replacement (10, 20, and 30%) for portland cement on compressive and splitting tensile strength, water absorption and porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and chloride permeability of concrete at the age of 28 and 91 days. Utilization of 10% bacterial-treated CKD in concrete resulted in 26.6 and 25.6% increases in compressive and splitting tensile strength at 91 days of curing compared with the control (CC) treatment. Reduction in both water absorption (64%) and porosity (53%) was observed. Similary, the reduction in chloride permeability was 22%. SEM and XRD analysis revealed increased formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel that resulted in dense structure and low permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of bacteria on the properties of concrete made with rice husk ash (RHA) is presented in this paper. For this purpose, control concrete was designed to have 28-d strength of 32.8 MPa. In the control concrete, cement was partially replaced with (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight) RHA. Then, bacterium Bacillus aerius (10 5 cells/mL) was mixed in water during making of concrete. Tests were performed for compressive strength, water absorption, porosity, chloride permeability and abrasion resistance up the age of 56 d for all concrete mixtures with and without bacteria. Results indicated that inclusion of bacteria in RHA-concrete enhanced its compressive strength at all ages. However, best performance was achieved with 10% RHA wherein 28-d compressive strength was 36.1 MPa, and with bacteria, it was 40.0 MPa. Inclusion of bacterium in RHA concrete reduced its water absorption, porosity, and permeability at all ages, due to calcite precipitation, which in turn improves these properties. SEM and XRD analysis exhibited the formation of ettringite in pores, calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and calcite which made the concrete denser. Findings of this investigation indicated the use of RHA and bacterium enhances the durability properties of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the influence of cement baghouse filter dust (CBFD) in control and bacterial concrete, as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) on compressive strength, water absorption, porosity, chloride permeability and sorptivity at 28 and 56 days of curing. Calcite producing bacterial strain AKKR5 was mixed in water during concrete mixing with the cell concentration of 10 5 cells/mL. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the calcite production by bacterial strain. Control and bacterial concrete with 0% CBFD achieved best results for compressive strength of 32.89 and 34.66 N/mm 2 , respectively, but with increasing the percentage of CBPD the compressive strength was decreased. Water absorption was significantly reduced in bacterial concrete compared to control concrete. The chloride permeability of concrete specimens containing control and bacterial CBFD concrete showed “moderate” to “low” permeability except 30% CBFD concrete with increasing curing period from 28 to 56 days. SEM and XRD results exhibited formation of ettringite in pores, increased calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and calcite production which densified the concrete structure, and thus, increased the compressive strength in bacterial concrete containing CBFD. It was also found that CBFD is not cementitious in nature and replacing it with cement will reduce cement content. At 28 days, concrete mixture containing 10% CBFD exhibited compressive strength equivalent to target strength of 28 N/mm 2 required for designed control mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste marble powder is an inert material obtained from the sawing and procession operations of marble stone. The main objective of the research work is to investigate the possibility of utilizing marble powder as partial replacement of cement. The setting behavior, soundness and flowability characteristics of cement pastes made by partially replacing cement with marble powder are studied. Along with this, strength development and micro-structural properties of cement modified with marble powder are investigated. XRD analysis is also performed on the mixes. The results of the study indicate that up to 10% of marble powder can be used as replacement of cement with no compromise on the technical characteristics of the mix. However, large levels of replacement leads to delayed hydration of the mix and porous microstructure. Results indicate that difference in chemical composition between marble dust and cement have not adversely affected the expansion and setting characteristics of the resultant mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]