bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Three Novel Dehydroabietyl Piperazine Dithiocarbamate Ruthenium (II) Polypyridyl Complexes as Potential Antitumor Agents: DNA Damage, Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis Induction
Authors: Wang Haoran , Wei Jianhua , Jiang Hong , Zhang Ye , Jiang Caina , Ma Xianli
Published: March 2021

The use of cisplatin is severely limited by its toxic side-effects, which has spurred chemists to employ different strategies in the development of new metal-based anticancer agents. Here, three novel dehydroabietyl piperazine dithiocarbamate ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes (6a–6c) were synthesized as antitumor agents. Compounds 6a and 6c exhibited better in vitro antiproliferative activity against seven tumor cell lines than cisplatin, they displayed no evident resistance in the cisplatin-resistant cell line A549/DPP. Importantly, 6a effectively inhibited tumor growth in the T-24 xenograft mouse model in comparison with cisplatin. Gel electrophoresis assay indicated that DNA was the potential targets of 6a and 6c, and the upregulation of p-H2AX confirmed this result. Cell cycle arrest studies demonstrated that 6a and 6c arrested the cell cycle at G1 phase, accompanied by the upregulation of the expression levels of the antioncogene p27 and the down-regulation of the expression levels of cyclin E. In addition, 6a and 6c caused the apoptosis of tumor cells along with the upregulation of the expression of Bax, caspase-9, cytochrome c, intracellular Ca2+ release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the downregulation of Bcl-2. These mechanistic study results suggested that 6a and 6c exerted their antitumor activity by inducing DNA damage, and consequently causing G1 stage arrest and the induction of apoptosis.
Imperata cylindrica: A Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Industrial Applications
Authors: Jung Young-Kyung , Shin Dongyun
Published: March 2021

Imperata cylindrica is a medicinal plant native to southwestern Asia and the tropical and subtropical zones. To date, 72 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from I. cylindrica Among these compounds, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides are the major constituents. Investigations of pharmacological activities of I. cylindrica revealed that this edible medicinal herb exhibits a wide range of therapeutic potential including immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and liver protection activities both in vivo and in vitro. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of I. cylindrica studies until 2019. This article also intends to review advances in the botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies and industrial applications of I. cylindrica, which will provide a useful bibliography for further investigations and applications of I. cylindrica in medicines and foods.
How Technology Applied to Music-Therapy and Sound-Based Activities Addresses Motor and Social Skills in Autistic Children
Authors: Ragone Grazia , Good Judith , Howland Kate
Published: March 2021

Autism affects how people perceive and make sense of the world around them. Autism is a spectrum condition which impacts people in different ways. Also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is characterized by challenges in the domains of social, cognitive and motor functioning, which differ in severity. Previous research suggests that music can have cognitive, psychosocial, behavioural, and motor benefits in this population. We systematically review the use of technology in Music-therapy and related sound-based activities to improve the motor and social skills of children. In May 2020 we conducted a systematic search on Music-therapy and musical activities for autistic children in research databases including Science Direct, APA PsycNet, Cochrane, IEE and Web of Science, to collect relevant studies. We initially collected 5179 papers of which only 27 studies were identified as suitable for the scope of this review. In the paper, we analyse and describe key characteristics of each project. We then highlight the commonalities, strengths and limitations of existing work, and identify implications for future interaction design.
Pollutants—Focus on Solving Environmental Pollution Problems
Authors: Elkamel Ali
Published: March 2021

Pollutants (ISSN 2673-4672) is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal focusing on contaminants that are introduced into the natural environment, beyond permitted limits, and cause measurable deleterious effects on air, water, soil, or living organisms [...]
An Intraocular Pressure Measurement Technique Based on Acoustic Radiation Force Using an Ultrasound Transducer: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Lee Hee Su , Jeong Eun Young , Sung Jin Ho , Choi Bo Eun , Jeong Jong Seob
Published: March 2021

High intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the major risk factors for glaucoma, and thus accurate IOP measurements should be performed to diagnose and treat glaucoma early. In this study, a novel technique for measuring the IOP based on acoustic radiation force was proposed, and its potential was experimentally demonstrated. The proposed technique uses the acoustic radiation force to generate axial displacement on the ocular surface while simultaneously measuring the degree of deformation. In order to verify that the ocular displacement induced by the acoustic radiation force is related to the IOP, the experiment was conducted by fabricating a 5 MHz single element transducer and gelatin phantoms with different stiffness values. Our experimental results show that there is a close relationship between the ocular displacement by the acoustic radiation force and the IOP obtained by a commercial tonometer. Therefore, the proposed acoustic radiation force technique can be a promising candidate for measuring the IOP.
Impact of the Slow Fish Movement Curriculum on Students’ Awareness of Marine Environment Conservation and Marine Resource Sustainability
Authors: Liao Ya-Yin , Chang Cheng-Chieh
Published: March 2021

This study aims to measure the impact of the Slow Fish Movement (SFM) curriculum regarding the awareness of marine environment conservation (MEC) and marine resource sustainability (MRC). The SFM curriculum was designed for 1007 junior high school students in a seaside city. The UN SDG 14, Taiwan Seafood Guide and the Nine Principles of Consuming Seafood in Taiwan for Ocean Sustainability formed the core of three questionnaires. The results show that students in the seaside city lack an understanding of the marine ecosystem and that SFM lessons can significantly encourage personal responsibility and impact students’ judgments regarding consuming sustainable seafood. These lessons also increase the awareness of MEC and MRS and the self-restoration of organisms in marine ecosystems. These factors could help us to achieve sustainable development for our ocean.
Improvement of the Salinized Soil Properties of Fly Ash by Freeze-Thaw Cycles: An Impact Test Study
Authors: Cheng Zhuo , Cui Gaohang , Yang Zheng , Gang Haohang , Gao Zening , Zhang Daili , Xi Chen
Published: March 2021

To explore the mechanism of the microstructural change in salinized soil under freeze-thaw cycles and the strength characteristics of subgrade salinized soil improved by fly ash, an unconfined compressive test, a triaxial shear test, and a scanning electron microscopy test were carried out using salinized soil samples with different fly ash contents along the Suihua to Daqing expressway in China. The results showed that after several freeze-thaw cycles, the unconfined compressive strength, triaxial shear strength, cohesion, and internal friction angle of saline soil showed a decreasing trend. With an increase in the fly ash content, the internal friction angle, cohesion, unconfined compressive strength, and shear strength of the improved saline soil first increased and then decreased. When the fly ash content was 15%, the mechanical indexes, such as cohesion and the internal friction angle, reached the maximum value. Microscopic test results showed that the freeze-thaw cycle will lead to an increase in the proportion of pores and cracks, an increase in the average pore size, and a loosening of the soil structure. The addition of fly ash can fill the soil pores, improve the microstructure of the soil, increase the cohesive force of the soil particles, and improve the overall strength of the soil. Fly ash (15%) can be added to subgrade soil in the process of subgrade construction in the Suihua-Daqing expressway area to improve the shear strength and the resistance to freezing and thawing cycles. These research results are conducive to promoting the comprehensive utilization of fly ash, improving the utilization rate of resources, and promoting sustainable development, thus providing a reference for the design and construction of saline soil roadbed engineering in seasonal frozen areas and the development and construction of saline land belts in seasonal and winter areas.
Computed Tomography Evaluation of Normal Canine Abdominal Lymph Nodes: Retrospective Study of Size and Morphology According to Body Weight and Age in 45 Dogs
Authors: Teodori Simone , Aste Giovanni , Tamburro Roberto , Morselli-Labate Antonio , Simeoni Francesco , Vignoli Massimo
Published: March 2021

The morphological characteristics of the largest lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes of the body have been described through ultrasonography, although food and gas in the gastrointestinal tract can often have negative effects on the response of small abdominal structures. The aim of the study was to describe the size of normal abdominal lymph nodes (ALs) in dogs affected by disease, not including lymphadenomegaly or lymphadenopathy, and divided according to body weight and age. The ALs studied included the jejunal, medial iliac, portal, gastric, splenic, and pancreaticoduodenal lymph nodes. Statistical correlation considering body weight and age as continuous variables showed that all measurements of the ALs increased according to body weight changes (p < 0.01). The most reliable values were the volume measurements (p < 0.001) compared to the length, thickness, and width. Mixed results emerged from a comparison of weight categories and age; only the jejunal lymph nodes showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05). Other characteristics (shape, attenuation, and enhancement) are subsequently reported. The resulting data can be used to categorize CT measurements of normal ALs displayed based on the body weight and age of the subjects. This study aimed to propose a new parameter of normalcy that may serve as a reference for the evaluation of infectious or neoplastic events.
Les coronavirus des bovins
Authors: Ridremont Bertrand
Published: March 2021

Ridremont (Note soumise le 21 janvier 2021, acceptée le 2021) Résumé Les coronaviroses bovines, dues au coronavirus bovin (BCoV), sont à l’origine de troubles digestifs et respiratoires chez les bovins domestiques et sauvages. On ne distingue qu’un seul sérotype de coronavirus bovin, appartenant au genre Embecovirus, même si la variabilité des souches existe au sein de clades, voire de sous-clades. Par ailleurs, des souches « BCoV-like » ont été mises en évidence chez des espèces de ruminants sauvages et domestiques appartenant à la grande famille des Bovidés, notamment les ovins et caprins. La présente publication étudie enfin le potentiel de transmission du coronavirus bovin à d’autres espèces animales et fait le point sur la réceptivité et la sensibilité des bovins à d’autres coronavirus dont le Sars-CoV-2 responsable de la Covid-19.
Magnetic Force Enhanced Sustainability and Power of Cam-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Kim Hakjeong , Hwang Hee Jae , Huynh Nghia Dinh , Pham Khanh Duy , Choi Kyungwho , Ahn Dahoon , Choi Dukhyun
Published: March 2021

Since the first invention of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) in 2012, many mechanical systems have been applied to operate TENGs, but mechanical contact losses such as friction and noise are still big obstacles for improving their output performance and sustainability. Here, we report on a magnet-assembled cam-based TENG (MC-TENG), which has enhanced output power and sustainability by utilizing the non-contact repulsive force between the magnets. We investigate the theoretical and experimental dynamic behaviors of MC-TENGs according to the effects of the contact modes, contact and separation times, and contact forces (i.e., pushing and repulsive forces). We suggest an optimized arrangement of magnets for the highest output performance, in which the charging time of the capacitor was 2.59 times faster than in a mechanical cam-based TENG (C-TENG). Finally, we design and demonstrate a MC-TENG-based windmill system to effectively harvest low-speed wind energy, ~4 m/s, which produces very low torque. Thus, it is expected that our frictionless MC-TENG system will provide a sustainable solution for effectively harvesting a broadband of wasted mechanical energies.
Consenso del Grupo Latinoamericano de estudio de Mieloma Múltiple (MM) GELAMM para el manejo del MM en estado de Pandemia SARS CoV-2 / COVID 19
Authors: Martinez-Codero Humberto , Martínez Lina María , Ospina Idárraga Juan Alejandro , Ruiz Argüelles Guillermo , Abello Polo Virginia , Peña Ojeda Camila , Roa Macarena , Fernández de Larrea Carlos , Ríos Jiménez Rosa Olday , Fantl Dorotea , Schutz Natalia , Riva Eloísa , Villano Fiorella , Idrobo Henry , Bove Virginia , Granja Morá Manuel Antonio , Zamora Marcela
Published: March 2021

La enfermedad por COVID-19 fue detectada a finales de 2019 en Wuhan, China. Debido a su rápida propagación fue declarada emergencia sanitaria de forma inicial y luego de identificar casos fuera de China con transmisión autóctona y caracterizado por una mortalidad considerablemente alta en países como Italia y España, fue declarada pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se ha evidenciado que los pacientes mayores y con antecedentes de enfermedades crónicas incluido el cáncer desarrollan una enfermedad severa, presentando mayor riesgo de mortalidad por SARS-CoV2/COVID-19. Lo anterior es por supuesto especialmente importante en el manejo de pacientes con Mieloma Múltiple (MM), generando en el personal Médico nuevos desafíos, oportunidades de mejora y aprendizajes, que aporten al análisis riesgobeneficio del tratamiento inmunodepresor en este tipo de patologías. El consenso tiene como objetivo brindar orientación sobre el manejo de pacientes con MM en estos momentos donde el profesional de la salud requiere información para llevar a cabo terapias eficientes en el cuidado del paciente.
Islamic Human Resource Management and Turnover Intention among Employees of an Islamic Religious Council
Authors: Omar Muhamad Khalil , Jamhari Nor Aidillah , Yusoff Yusmazida Mohd
Published: March 2021

Objective - Turnover has become a worldwide problem that has puzzled organizations, researchers and experts for years. This study is focused on practices of iHRM that consist of Islamic Staffing, Islamic human resources management, Islamic performance management and Islamic compensation and turnover intention among employees at Islamic Religious Council. This study has 3 research objectives. Firstly, to identify the level of the iHRM. Secondly, to identify the level of turnover intention. Thirdly, to investigate the relationship between iHRM and turnover intention.
Methodology/Technique - 300 questionnaires were distributed to all employees at one of Islamic Religious Council in Malaysia as sample for this study and a stratified random sampling method was used.
Findings - The research concludes that the level of iHRM and turnover intention is high. The relationship between iHRM and turnover intention also has a positive effect.
Novelty - This research is one of few studies to examine the relationship between iHRM and turnover intention.
Type of Paper: Empirical.
JEL Classification: E24, M12.

Keywords: Turnover Intention; Islamic Human Resources Management (iHRM); Islamic Staffing; Islamic Human Resources Management (iHRD); Islamic Performance Management; Islamic Compensation
Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Omar, M.K; Jamhari, N.A; Yusoff, Y.M. (2021). Islamic Human Resource Management and Turnover Intention among Employees of an Islamic Religious Council, Journal of Management and Marketing Review, 6(1) 56 – 64. https://doi.org/10.35609/jmmr.2021.6.1(6)
PENSION INVESTMENT FUNDS ANALYSIS: A VARIANCE-COMPARISON TESTS OF NON-CONTRIBUTORY (PRE) AND CONTRIBUTORY (POST) SCHEMES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Okoro Edesiri G. , Okoye Emma I.
Published: March 2021

In Nigeria, pension was established in 2004 through the Pension Reform Act, 2004 and since then, pension schemes have manifested in twofold: ‘old’ and ‘new’. The Pension Act No. 102 of 1979 is the “old pension” (non-contributory) and Pension Reform Act of 2004 (including the restructured/modified Pension Act, 2014) is the “new pension” (contributory) scheme. In this paper, we comparatively evaluated both the non-contributory (pre) and contributory (post) pension schemes in Nigeria. In order to do this, secondary data of pension investment funds was obtained during the period 1994-2014. Based on the analysis of data, we found that the contributory (post) scheme is healthy, reliable and poised towards helping retirees survive as soon as they retire from service. Thus, the contributory (post) scheme significantly improved as a result of the reform in Nigeria, especially in the area of pension investment funds. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended among others that there should be an unrestricted retirement savings scheme and non-remittance of pension contributions by employers to PENCOM. Also, a better return on investment and service delivery from pension fund administrators should be enhanced so as to enhance pension investments and voluntary contributions. Besides this, the internal procedures should be improved upon so that contributions and returns on pension investments due to retirees can be efficiently and swiftly made from pension fund administrators to pensioners on retirement.
Multi-Ellipsoidal Extended Target Tracking with Variational Bayes Inference
Authors: TUNCER BARKIN , Özkan Emre , Orguner Umut
Published: March 2021

In this work, we propose a novel extended target tracking algorithm, which is capable of representing a target or a group of targets with multiple ellipses. Each ellipse is modeled by an unknown symmetric positive-definite random matrix. The proposed model requires solving two challenging problems. First, the data association problem between the measurements and the sub-objects. Second, the inference problem that involves non-conjugate priors and likelihoods which needs to be solved within the recursive filtering framework. We utilize the variational Bayes inference method to solve the association problem and to approximate the intractable true posterior. The performance of the proposed solution is demonstrated in simulations and real-data experiments. The results show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in accuracy with lower computational complexity.
An Open Model for Generating High Resolution Wind Power Production Scenarios
Authors: Nycander Elis , Söder Lennart
Published: March 2021

Efficient integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) such as wind power into power systems requires methods for power system operation planning that account for VRE uncertainty and variability. This has motivated extensive research into unit commitment (UC) and optimal power flow (OPF) formulations with VRE uncertainty. However, these formulations are often tested using significantly simplified representations of VRE production. We seek to address this issue by providing a model for generating realistic wind power scenarios using real production and forecast data. The scenarios are generated using 5-min production and 30-min forecast data for real wind farms from Australia. The model captures the empirical distribution of the forecast errors and the covariance between different wind farms. The high time resolution of the production data also allows the recreation of the high-frequency (5-min) component of wind power production. The resulting model is openly available, and can be used to generate wind power scenarios for use in formulations for operation planning of power systems (UC/OPF) considering wind uncertainty and intra-hour variability. The scenarios can be tailored according to preferences for, e.g., the number of wind farms and their geographical dispersion.
Ebola virus (Filoviridae: Ebolavirus: Zaire ebolavirus): fatal adaptation mutations
Authors: Dolzhikova I. V. , Shcherbinin D. N. , Logunov D. Yu. , Gintsburg A. L.
Published: March 2021

Ebola virus disease (EVD) (former Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases affecting humans and primates. Since the identification of the first outbreak in 1976, there have been more than 25 outbreaks worldwide, the largest of which escalated into an epidemic in 2014-2016 and caused the death of more than 11,000 people. There are currently 2 independent outbreaks of this disease in the eastern and western parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the same time. Bats (Microchiroptera) are supposed to be the natural reservoir of EVD, but the infectious agent has not yet been isolated from them. Most animal viruses are unable to replicate in humans. They have to develop adaptive mutations (AM) to become infectious for humans. In this review based on the results of a number of studies, we hypothesize that the formation of AM occurs directly in the human and primate population and subsequently leads to the development of EVD outbreaks.
Real-time PCR assay development for the control of vaccine against hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
Authors: Egorova M. S. , Kurashova S. S. , Ishmukhametov A. A. , Balovneva M. V. , Deviatkin A. A. , Safonova M. V. , Ozherelkov S. V. , Khapchaev Yu. Kh. , Balkina A. S. , Belyakova A. V. , Dzagurova T. K. , Tkachenko E A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) holds a leading place among natural focal human diseases in Russian Federation. There is no etiotropic therapy for the disease now. The vaccine prophylaxis is the most effective method to control this infection. The main criteria for inactivated vaccines evaluation are its immunogenicity and specific activity.The study purposes were to develop a sensitive and specific real-time PCR method for viral RNA quantification in the inactivated vaccine and to study the correlation between the viral RNA amount and vaccine immunogenicity.Material and methods. L-segment fragments of the Puumala, Hantaan, and Sochi vaccine strains were selected as diagnostic targets for oligonucleotides and fluorescent probes. The immunogenicity of experimental vaccines was determined by the induction of neutralizing antibodies in BALB/c mice.Results. A highly specific, sensitive and reproducible real-time PCR method has been developed. The analytical sensitivity was 1.24 ± 1.5 x 102 copies/ml for Puumala virus; 1.16 ± 1.4 * 102 copies/ml for Hantaan; 1.32 ± 1.8 * 102 copies/ ml for Sochi, with a virus content of 1.5 ± 0.5 lg FFU/ml; 1.8 ± 0.5 lg FFU/ml and 2.2 ± 0.5 lg FFU/ml, respectively. The viral RNA amount in experimental vaccine preparations inactivated with β-propiolactone was proportional to the neutralizing antibodies titer observed in mice following the immunization.Discussion. It was found that different virus inactivators differently affects the detected viral RNA amount, but not the vaccine immunogenicity, which indicates the same degree of the immunogenic proteins damage. The direct relationship between the viral RNA copy number and vaccine immunogenicity makes it possible to use this criterion for vaccine dosage preparation.Conclusion. The developed method for viral RNA quantification is a promising tool for the specific activity control of the HFRS vaccine.
Cordon of Conformity: Why DSGE models Are Not the Future of Macroeconomics
Authors: Storm Servaas
Published: March 2021

The Rebuilding Macroeconomic Theory Project, led by David Vines and Samuel Wills (2020), is an important, albeit long overdue, initiative to rethink a failing mainstream macroeconomics. Professors Vines and Wills, who must be congratulated for stepping up to the challenge of trying to make mainstream macroeconomics relevant again, call for a new multiple-equilibrium and diverse (MEADE) paradigm for macroeconomics. Their idea is to start with simple models, ideally two-dimensional sketches, that explain mechanisms that can cause multiple equilibria. These mechanisms should then be incorporated into larger DSGE models in a new, multiple-equilibrium synthesis – to see how the fundamental pieces of the economy fit together, subject to it being ‘properly micro-founded’. This paper argues that the MEADE paradigm is bound to fail, because it maintains the DSGE model as the unifying framework at the center of macroeconomic analysis. The paper reviews 10 fundamental weaknesses inherent in DSGE models which make these models irreparably useless for macroeconomic policy analysis. Mainstream macroeconomics must put DSGE models, once and for all, in the Museum of Implausible Economic Models – and learn important lessons from non-DSGE macroeconomic approaches.
Proactive Employee Behaviors and Organizational Development: The Role of Self-Efficacy as a Moderator
Authors: Saima Aftab  , Dr. Ajmal Waheed
Published: March 2021

Organizational development is the key to success depending highly on the behaviors of individuals working within. This study has tested the impact of two types of proactive behaviors i.e., proactive problem solving (PPS) and proactive idea implementation (PII) on organizational development. The self-efficacy of employees is taken as a moderator on the direct relationship of PPS and PII with organizational development (OD). Data is collected from managerial employees of manufacturing organizations in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and KPK region in Pakistan, through self-administered survey questionnaires. Results show that PPS and PII have a positive significant relationship with organizational development. Self-efficacy strongly moderates the direct relationships of PPS and PII with OD in such a way that the higher the levels of self-efficacy, the stronger will be the relationship of PII and PPS with OD. This research provides useful insights into the organizational development literature highlighting the importance of proactivity and self-efficacy resources of employees.
RESOLUTION OF ISSUES OF REGULATION OF WASTE CONTAINING PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Anisimova N. M. , Mustafina V. V. , Gor N. V.
Published: March 2021

The article presents an analysis of the legislative framework of the Republic of Kazakhstan for regulating the management of POPs-containing waste, examines the experience of regulating POPs-pesticides, POPs-containing equipment and waste, disposal and destruction of PCB waste, and reviews the plan for fulfilling the obligations of the Stockholm Convention on POPs.
Seasonal variation in ground water quality in and around Integrated Industrial Estate (IIE) Haridwar, India
Authors: Khanna D.R. , Bhutiani R. , Kulkarni Dipali Bhaskar
Published: March 2021

A total of eighteen groundwater sources were sampled over a year to study physico-chemical properties and heavy metal content of ground water in and around the integrated industrial estate of Haridwar. Study area included locations with in approximately 5 kms around the industrial area. Samples taken were representative of different land uses including the ecosensitive zone of Rajaji National park. Ground water quality in the study area exceeds permissible standard limits for conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, nitrate, total solids and total dissolved solids at some locations. Total alkalinity in the study area was found to be maximum in summer (574.67 mg/l) at the Railway station area and minimum (85.33 mg/l) in rainy season.  Nitrate levels were found to be maximum in winter (1291.61 mg/l) at the rural area. Chloride level in the study area was found to range from a minimum (12.67 mg/l) in summer to a maximum (169.33 mg/l) in winter. Highest sulphate level (192.67 mg/l) was recorded at the rural area. Chromium and iron levels were found to exceed standard limits at almost all locations in the study area.
Mycological and physico-chemical study of a fish pond in Paniyala in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand
Authors: Khanna D.R. , Rana Rajni , Ishaq Fouzia
Published: March 2021

Water is essential to life, but many people do not have access to clean and safe drinking water and many die of waterborne microbial infections. Mycological studies and physico-chemical parameters are an important criterion for evaluating the suitability of water for various purposes. In this study, we tried to assess the fungal species richness and physico-chemical status of fish pond in Paniyala in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand to predict the state of this pond. A total of four species were recorded which include Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Penicillium Spp. and Fusarium Spp. Present study revealed that among fungal species, Aspergillus flavus was reported with higher in number 7.44±3.45 (ml-1x103) and Fusarium Spp.was recorded with minimum number of 5.15±2.06 (ml-1x103). The total species diversity was higher in the month of April (39.80 ml1x103. The water samples were also analyzed for physico-chemical parameters like temperature, pH, conductivity, DO, BOD, Free CO2, calcium and magnesium.  Higher value of temperature, pH, BOD, Free CO2 and lower values of dissolved oxygen concentration were recorded and the results revealed deteriorated water quality. The fungal population showed positive significant correlation with physico-chemical parameters like, temperature, pH, biological oxygen demand, calcium and magnesium whereas negatively correlated with conductivity and dissolved oxygen.
Bio medical waste management through vermitechnology
Authors: Aske Dilip kumar
Published: March 2021

The earthworm is very beneficial for the soil fertility and for maintaining the earthworm in the soil, soil moisture and organic matter should be at optimum temperature level. From such a point of view the analysis of nutrient contents in biomedical waste treated with earthworm for the plant growth is very important. In present work the the total organic carbon, nitrogen, available phosphorous (as p2o5) and potassium (as k2o) at beginning and after different vermicomposting period were analyzed. During this study the moisture content (70-80%) pH (7.5 to 8) and organic matter (40-60%) was observed in biomedical waste consisting of cottons and bandage treated through vermicompost while in plant material moisture content (70-90%) pH (7.5-8.0) and organic matter (50-60%) was observed through vermicompost treatment.
Antimicrobial Property of Probiotics
Authors: K. Monika , Malik Tanu , Gehlot Rakesh , K Rekha , Kumari Anju , Sindhu Ritu , Rohilla Priyanka
Published: March 2021

There is an expanding request from customers for regular antimicrobial substances that can be utilised for food safeguarding and replace the synthetic food additive. The antimicrobial development of precisely critical lactic acid microorganisms as starter cultures and various probiotics microorganisms is the guideline subject of an audit. The probiotics produce metabolites, for example, natural acids (lactic and acetic acid), hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, diacetyl, acetaldehyde, acetone, carbon dioxide, reuterin, reutericyclin, and bacteriocins, etc. The capability of utilising metabolite bacteriocin obtained from lactic acid bacteria, fundamentally utilised as bio preservatives, serves as an antimicrobial methodology for persistently expanding issues with antimicrobial obstruction. The probiotic microorganism is a useful field for the development of recombinant probiotics with antimicrobial properties. These offer the most encouraging process against the pathogen.
Storage structures for horticultural crops: a review
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Aslam Raouf , Saeed Panayampadan Afthab
Published: March 2021

Most of the horticultural crops are seasonal, having a relatively short harvesting season, and most of them are highly perishable. Hence, proper storage of the horticultural crops using appropriate methods would prolong their availability. The present article gives details about various storage structures classified into two categories, i.e., traditional storage/low-cost storage technologies and improved methods/ modern methods /high-cost storage technologies. Traditional storage structures can be beneficial for farmers needing a small-scale storage system. These systems include in-situ storage, sand and coir, clamps, pits, cellars, ventilated storage, and evaporative cooling. On the other hand, modern methods include refrigerated storages like cold storages, environment-controlled storage (controlled atmospheric storage), modified atmosphere storage, and hypobaric storage. All the storage methods are equally important and can provide high revenue to the farmers and food industries.
An Evaluation of the Organizational Performance of Local Contractors in Kenya.
Authors: Simon Shadrack Mutungi , Njuguna Benard Mugwima , Kivaa Titus Peter
Published: March 2021

Organizational performance is the ultimate measure of the success of any local contractor. It involves the analysis of a firm’s performance measured against its goals and objectives. Whilst it is generally agreed that the organizational performance of local contractors is insufficient, such a notion is arbitrary and most of the time based on anecdotal evidence. The purpose of this research was therefore to establish the level of organizational performance of local contractors here in Kenya. A survey research design was adopted. A questionnaire with the evaluation criteria of organizational performance was used to collect data. The sampling frame included all NCA1, NCA2 and NCA3 contractors. In order to avoid bias in the evaluation process, consultants were included in the survey to obtain an external perspective. The level of organizational performance in local contractors was established at three levels. First, 50 measurable indicators were used. The highest performing indicator was found to be the durability of projects executed by local contractors (mean=7.52). The lowest indicator was established to be the net profit margin of contractors (mean=5.34). The second level involved establishing the level of organizational performance based on the 10 dimensions identified from the literature review. This was achieved by calculating the means of the respective indicators. The best performing dimensions of organizational performance were found to be quality of products (mean=7.308) and client satisfaction (mean=6.923). The least performing dimensions were found to be profitability (mean=5.406) and employee satisfaction (mean=5.683). The final level involved establishing the overall organizational performance of local contractors. This was achieved by calculating the mean of the ten dimensions. The organizational performance of local contractors was established to have a percentage score of 63.74%. This was found to be moderately high meaning there was still plenty of room for improvement.
Analysis of the Viability of Fiscal and Monetary Policies on the Recovery of Household Consumption Expenditures Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Riza Fahrul , Wiriyanata William
Published: March 2021

The Covid-19 outbreak disrupted economic activity in almost all countries. The Indonesian economy entered a recession phase as a result of the continued contraction in economic growth in the second and third quarters of 2020. According to Keynesian economic theory, the combination of fiscal policy and monetary policy was more effective in recovering the economy from the crisis, this study aims to measure the effect of government spending, money supply, inflation and interest rates on aggregate household consumption expenditure. This study used a quantitative method, using monthly time series data from January 2015 to December 2020. The data were analyzed using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The results show that government spending has a negative impact on household aggregate expenditure in the long run meanwhile interest rate has a positive impact on household consumption expenditure. Inflation do not affect aggregate household consumption expenditure, both in the short and long term. The results of the analysis are useful for evaluating the policies taken by the government to overcome the economic crisis due to the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak. The government increases aggregate expenditure to cover the decline in household aggregate consumption expenditure due to a decrease in household real income. Then expansionary monetary policy in the long run will increase aggregate demand. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance together with Bank Indonesia needs to design other policies that will have a positive impact on economic recovery in the short term. This study has not included other macro indicators that affect household consumption expenditures such as unemployment, taxes and the household marginal propensity to saving (MPS).

Keywords: Household Aggregate Expenditure; Government Expenditure; Inflation; VECM
BIM-gerechter Entwurf von Brücken – Erfahrungen aus der praktischen Anwendung/BIM-adequate design of bridges – Experiences from practical Application
Authors: Nöldgen M. , Bach A.
Published: March 2021

Die Bauwirtschaft erfährt durch die Digitalisierung (Building Information Modeling, BIM) eine Veränderung und Weiterentwicklung ihrer Arbeitsmethoden und Prozesse. Seitens der Politik (Stufenplan des BMVI) und der Auftraggeber großer Infrastrukturmaßnahmen (u. a. Deutsche Bahn, DEGES) wird die Methode ab 2020 in der Leistungsniveaustufe 1 verbindlich eingeführt. Die hiermit einhergehende Planung, Bauausführung und der Betrieb von Ingenieurbauwerken mittels digitalen Modellen erfordert deutlich veränderte, über die bisher definierten Leistungsphasen hinausgehende, stärker kooperative und vereinheitlichte Arbeitsweisen. Für diese gilt es neue Anforderungen, Abläufe und Ziele zu definieren, welche die Bearbeitungstiefe, die Zusammenarbeit und die Dokumentation der Leistungen regeln. Die im Rahmen einer Vielzahl von Projekten zum BIM-gerechten Entwurf von Brücken gewonnen Erkenntnisse der TH Köln und der Schüßler-Plan Ingenieurgesellschaft werden im diesen Beitrag zusammengefasst und sollen zur angemessenen Anwendung und weiteren Entwicklung der Methode beitragen.
Prototypische Entwicklung eines BIM-Instruments für die Bestellung, Lieferung und Dokumentation von Transportbeton
Authors: Berner F. , Maier S. , von Heyl J. , Spieth P. , Binder F. , Kuhn A.
Published: March 2021

Mit der zunehmenden Etablierung von BIM bei der Abwicklung von Bauprojekten ergeben sich immer neue Anwendungsmöglichkeiten. Der folgende Praxisbeitrag stellt dar, wie ein gemeinsam genutzter Projektdatenraum und durchgehend digitalisierte Prozessketten zur Optimierung der Bestellung, Lieferung und Dokumentation von Transportbeton eingesetzt werden können. Die Modellierung eines Bauvorhabens ermöglicht die elektronische Generierung, Übermittlung sowie bauteilbezogene Dokumentation von Bestell-, Liefer- und Wetterdaten. Hieraus können weitere relevante Informationen, zum Beispiel die erforderliche Nachbehandlungsdauer, automatisiert berechnet werden. Somit leistet das vorgestellte BIM-Instrument einen wertvollen Beitrag zur Steigerung der Qualität, Mengentreue und Effizienz bei Betoniervorgängen.
Identifikation, Analyse und Kategorisierung von BIM-Anwendungsfällen/Identification, analysis and categorization of BIM use cases
Authors: Deubel M. , Wolber J. , Hagsheno S.
Published: March 2021

Building Information Modeling (BIM) bezeichnet eine neue Arbeitsweise, die den Informationsaustausch im Planungs-, Ausführungs- und Bewirtschaftungsprozess von Bauwerken zwischen allen Beteiligten erleichtern soll. Bei der Umsetzung dieser Methode haben sogenannte BIM-Anwendungsfälle eine große Bedeutung. Ein BIM-Anwendungsfall ist der jeweilige Zweck, für den Daten und Informationen aus oder in einem digitalen Modell des Bauwerks erstellt und verwendet werden. Bislang findet sich in der Literatur keine umfassende oder gar vollständige Übersicht möglicher BIM-Anwendungsfälle. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt über drei Stufen die Entwicklung eines Strukturmodells, das in verschiedenen Übersichten mögliche Anwendungsfälle auflistet. In Stufe 1 wird dazu mittels einer Projekt- und Literaturrecherche eine erste Version eines Strukturmodells erstellt. In Stufe 2 wird dieses Strukturmodell Experten in Gesprächen vorgelegt und kritisch hinterfragt und in Stufe 3 anhand einer Online-Befragung überprüft und ergänzt. Das Ergebnis ist ein Strukturmodell, das als Datenbasis einen Katalog verwendet, in dem sämtliche identifizierten Anwendungsfälle aufgelistet sind und nach Projektbeteiligten und -phasen kategorisiert werden können. Aus diesem Katalog lassen sich weitere Übersichten ableiten, die eine bestimmte Auswahl an Anwendungsfällen nach Kriterien geordnet und visuell aufbereitet darstellen. Der wesentliche Nutzen dieses Beitrags und des entwickelten Strukturmodells besteht somit darin, Bauherren eine systematische Hilfestellung zu geben, welche BIM-Leistungen sie beauftragen können. Gleichzeitig verhilft das Strukturmodell Anwendern dazu, sich eine umfassende Übersicht über mögliche BIM-Anwendungsfälle zu verschaffen.
Bauherrenseitiges Projektkostencontrolling bei Großprojekten unter Verwendung probabilistischer Methoden/Guideline for project cost control for large-scale projects using probabilistic methods
Authors: Gschösser F. , Sander P. , Lintner P. , Tautschnig A. , Entacher M.
Published: March 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit bauherrenseitigem Projektkostencontrolling (PKC) bei Großbauprojekten unter Zuhilfenahme probabilistischer Methoden. Das dargestellte PKC-Konzept ermöglicht robuste Gesamtkostenprognosen und eine kontinuierliche Überwachung des Projektbudgets während der Planungs- und Ausführungsphase. Das Konzept basiert auf der in der ÖGG-Richtlinie Kostenermittlung für Projekte der Verkehrsinfrastruktur vorgegebenen Gliederung der Gesamtkosten, welche für die zusätzliche Anwendung in der Ausführungsphase fortgeschrieben wird. Um Unschärfen in der Kostenprognose mit ausreichendem Informationsgehalt zu berücksichtigen, wird das PKC-System mit aktuellen probabilistischen Methoden der Kosten- und Risikoanalyse verknüpft.

 

Basierend auf den Erkenntnissen aus der praktischen Anwendung des erarbeiteten PKC-Konzepts wurde ein Leitfaden zur Gewinnung sowie zur zyklischen Aktualisierung von relevanten PKC-Daten erarbeitet. Die Anwendung des entwickelten Leitfadens wird anhand eines Beispielprojekts unter Zuhilfenahme der Kostencontrolling-Software RIAAT demonstriert.

 

Die Erfahrungen aus der Anwendung des PKC-Konzepts und des Leitfadens zeigen den Mehrwert der Berücksichtigung von Kosten für Risiken und Marktentwicklungen in Sinne einer robusten Gesamtkostenprognose sowie Budgetpolitik. Die Anwendung von probabilistischen Methoden zur Berücksichtigung von Unschärfen erhöht die Aussagekraft der ermittelten Ergebnisse. Die detaillierten Ausführungen sowie die klaren Abgrenzungen der Verantwortlichkeiten, welche der Leitfaden vorgibt, helfen Fehler zu vermeiden sowie die Durchführung des Projektkostencontrollings effektiver zu gestalten.
Prüfverfahren zur Ermittlung des Krümmungseinflusses auf die Zugfestigkeit von Textilbeton/Test method for the determination of curvature-dependent effects on the tensile strength of textile reinforced concrete
Authors: Meßerer D. , Heiden B. , Bielak J. , Holschemacher K.
Published: March 2021

Der Verbundwerkstoff Textilbeton wird neben der Verwendung für Neubauteile überwiegend zur Verstärkung von Stahlbetonbauteilen eingesetzt. Die Verstärkung von flächigen Bauteilen mit Textilbeton war und ist bereits Gegenstand aktueller Forschungen, die unter anderem zu einem bauaufsichtlich zugelassenen System für diesen Anwendungsfall führten. Beim Einsatz von Textilbeton in gekrümmten Bereichen, wie bei der Umschnürung von stabförmigen Druckgliedern oder der nachträglichen Querkraftverstärkung von Balken, besteht jedoch noch erheblicher Forschungsbedarf. Insbesondere die Auswirkungen der durch die Krümmung entstehenden Einflüsse aus Querdruck, Abknicken der Faserstränge durch kleine Umlenkradien und lokal auftretender Spannungsspitzen an Rissufern sind bisher nicht quantifizierbar und können bei der Bemessung nicht ausreichend berücksichtigt werden. Die Verwendung eines Prüfverfahrens zur Ermittlung des Krümmungseinflusses auf Verstärkungsschichten aus Textilbeton ermöglicht eine differenziertere Betrachtung der festigkeitsmindernden Einflüsse. Die Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Validierungsversuche bestätigen die Relevanz des vorgestellten Prüfverfahrens und ermöglichen die Darstellung der krümmungsabhängigen Festigkeitsminderung für das geprüfte Verstärkungssystem. Zudem lässt sich feststellen, dass besonders bei kleinen Umlenkradien eine höhere Festigkeitsminderung vorliegt, die bisher keine Berücksichtigung fand.
Die Einführung der Homogenbereiche in den Tiefbau und die Auswirkungen auf die Projektbeteiligten/The introduction of homogeneous areas to underground engineering and its effects to the involved in a project
Authors: Wilhelm E.
Published: March 2021

Mit der Veröffentlichung des Ergänzungsbandes 2015 zu der Vergabe- und Vertragsordnung für Bauleistungen (VOB/C 2012) nebst der „Allgemeinen Technischen Vertragsbedingungen“ (ATV-Normen) sind im Bereich des Tiefbaus erhebliche Veränderungen zu verzeichnen, deren Umsetzung die jeweiligen Projektbeteiligten vor neue Herausforderungen stellt.

 

Der Hauptausschuss Tiefbau (HAT) des Vergabe- und Vertragsausschusses für Bauleistungen (DVA) hat sogenannte gewerkspezifische Homogenbereiche eingeführt. Diese ersetzten die bisherige Einteilung in über 50 verschiedene Boden- und Felsklassen, wodurch insgesamt eine bessere Grundlage für die Kalkulation geschaffen werden soll. Die bisherigen Bodenklassen mussten nur im Zusammenhang mit dem Geotechnischen Bericht und seinen Laborversuchen von den Bietern betrachtet werden. Durch die neue Einteilung in festgelegte Homogenbereiche sollen überflüssige Elemente beseitigt und ein einheitliches System geschaffen werden. Hierbei wird die Kooperation der Projektteilnehmer privilegiert.

 

Im Folgenden soll näher erläutert werden, dass die Umstellung für den Auftraggeber mit einem höheren Leistungsaufwand verbunden ist , was zu zusätzlichen Kosten führt, die jedoch im Wege der gemeinsamen Zusammenarbeit der Projektbeteiligten reduziert werden können. Die zusätzlichen Kosten werden aus folgenden Gründen prognostiziert: unter Umständen erhöhter Untersuchungsaufwand, um verlässliche Kennwertbestimmungen erzielen zu können; aus Haftungsgründen höhere Ermittlungen von Kennwerten in Labor- und Feldversuchen (statt Erfahrungswerte), erhöhter Koordinierungs- und Abstimmungsbedarf zwischen Baugrundsachverständigem und Planer, was die Vorgaben an den Baugrundsachverständigen und die Interaktionen zwischen Baugrundsachverständigem und Planer in Bezug auf Kennwertermittlung, Rückschlüsse für Bauverfahren, vorgegebene Bauverfahren, Kostenrahmen etc. anbelangen, gegebenenfalls Mehraufwand für eine Übergangszeit doppelter Beschreibung des Baugrundes nach (alten) Bodenklassen und (neuen) Homogenitätsbereichen. Der Auftragnehmer wird nun besser in der Lage sein, seine Leistungswerte einzuschätzen und kann damit reellere Preise im Hinblick auf die tatsächlichen Kosten angeben.

 

Ebenso soll im Folgenden aufgezeigt werden, weshalb Fachplaner und Baugrundsachverständiger mehr Verantwortung tragen und enger zusammenarbeiten müssen als zuvor. Der Auftragnehmer wird auch weiterhin für die geeignete Baugrundbehandlung verantwortlich bleiben. Der Umgang mit den ausgeschriebenen Homogenbereichen erfordert ein entsprechendes Fachwissen und eine intensive Auseinandersetzung mit den jeweiligen Beschreibungen.