Variation of Shrinkage Strain within the Depth of Concrete Beams
The variation of shrinkage strain within beam depth was examined through four series of time-dependent laboratory experiments on unreinforced concrete beam specimens. Two types of beam specimens, horizontally cast and vertically cast, were tested; shrinkage variation was observed in the horizontally cast specimens. This indicated that the shrinkage variation within the beam depth was due to water bleeding and tamping during the placement of the fresh concrete. Shrinkage strains were measured within the beam depth by two types of strain gages, surface-attached and embedded. The shrinkage strain distribution within the beam depth showed a consistent tendency for the two types of gages. The test beams were cut into four sections after completion of the test, and the cutting planes were divided into four equal sub-areas to measure the aggregate concentration for each sub-area of the cutting plane. The aggregate concentration increased towards the bottom of the beam. The shrinkage strain distribution was estimated by Hobbs’ equation, which accounts for the change of aggregate volume concentration.
Controlling Shrinkage and Crack Widths in RC Structures Using Sustainable Construction Materials
Durability and sustainability of reinforced concrete (RC) infrastructure depends on the materials and techniques used and the extent to which the inevitable cracking is controlled. Serviceability limit state design (SLS) is currently being used to control crack widths to achieve the desired life span of the structure. Crack control is achieved by using relatively large amounts of steel reinforcement near the surface. Alternative cementitious materials and fibres, from more sustainable sources, can also be used to control crack widths. In large structures, restrained shrinkage can increase tensile strain and amplify crack widths and to address that additional amounts of reinforcement and cover are needed. Recent studies also show that shrinkage is non-uniform through the section, possibly due to uneven aggregate distribution. Thus, the correct determination of strains induced by shrinkage are necessary for the accurate prediction of structural deformations. 
The aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of how shrinkage and fibres impact short- and long-term crack widths determination in RC structures so as to lead to better predictions that can enhance the durability and sustainability of urban infrastructure. Experimental work is used to study: a) the development of non-uniform shrinkage strains in specimens made with different sizes and configurations of reinforcement, as well as the impact of shrinkage and fibres on the development of crack widths and deflections of elements tested in flexure and b) the effect of steel fibre blends in controlling shrinkage cracks in restrained elements, internally or externally, and propagation of crack widths under pure bending tests. 
It was found that non-uniform shrinkage strains develop through sections due to non-uniform distribution of aggregates and a model to predict the stiffness centroid of sections and shrinkage induced strains is developed. This is used to modify crack widths predictive equations using an effective strain approach. A refined design equation, based on a modification of the fib Model Code 2010, is proposed. 
Replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with 50% granulated ground blast-furnace slag (GGBS) was found to reduce shrinkage on average by about 35%, but the steel fibres do not affect free shrinkage strains. However, fibre blends of manufactured and recycled steel fibres can successfully control cracks in restrained and RC elements. For typical RC elements with about 1% of longitudinal bars, the addition of about 1% of steel fibres can reduce crack widths by more than 30%.
Perceived job importance and job performance satisfaction of selected clinical nutrition management responsibilities.
A nationwide survey of clinical nutrition managers was conducted to assess perceived importance of selected job responsibilities and perceived performance satisfaction of those job responsibilities. A questionnaire was developed to achieve the study objectives, validated by an expert panel, and pilot-tested prior to data collection. All members of the American Dietetic Association's Clinical Nutrition Management dietetic practice group (N=1,668) were asked to rate the importance of selected job responsibilities and their satisfaction with those responsibilities using Likert-type scales with descriptions. Results revealed that clinical nutrition managers perceived all job responsibilities listed in the questionnaire to be important (ie, the mean score of each responsibility was >3.0 of a 4.0 scale). Respondents rated regulatory-related job responsibilities as most important and were most satisfied with their performance of these responsibilities. Following regulatory-related responsibilities, clinical nutrition managers perceived patient satisfaction and staff retention to be more important than other responsibilities. In general, clinical nutrition managers were more satisfied with their job performance for job responsibilities that they ranked as more important.