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In this research we evaluated the use of recycled fine mortar aggregate (RFMA) as a fine aggregate for new masonry mortar creation. The pre-wetting effect on the aggregate before creating the mixture was analyzed as a method to reduce its absorption potential. A control mixture of conventional mortar and two groups of recycled mortars were designed with a partial replacement of natural sand by RFMA (pre-wetted and not pre-wetted) performed in different proportions. The results established that the pre-wetting process allows a reduction in the amount of water required during the creation of new mixtures, regulating the water/cement (W/C) ratio and improving the properties of recycled mortars such as air content, fresh and hardened densities, and compressive and adhesive strength for all substitution levels. Mortar made with a 20% substitution and pre-wetted until it was at 67% of its absorption capacity displayed adhesive values higher than the ones shown by the reference mortar. The pre-wetting process proves to be an easy performance technique; it is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and the most valuable fact is that specialized equipment is not necessarily needed. This process is the most profitable option for improving RFMA exploitation and reuse.

A high proportion of patients on hemodialysis persist with low hemoglobin levels despite receiving treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. A registered nurse-driven renal anemia protocol was designed and implemented by a team in a pediatric hemodialysis unit. We compared proportion of patients achieving the target hemoglobin (Hgb) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) before and after the implementation of the protocol. There was an increase in patients achieving the target Hgb and TSAT range, with an increase in the Hgb concentration. There were no differences in the proportion of patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents or intravenous iron dose, transfusion rates, or hospitalization rates. The implementation of a nurse-driven anemia protocol in a pediatric hemodialysis unit increased the proportion of patients achieving target Hgb and TSAT range without a rise in medication doses., Competing Interests: The authors reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education activity., (Copyright© by the American Nephrology Nurses Association.)