bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key Technology and Innovation Design of Chonging Dongshuimen Yangtzer River Bridge
Authors: Wang Fumin , Geng Bo
Published: February 2021

Chongqing Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge with a 445m- long main span. It has two shuttle-shaped pylons and a single plane of stay cable. The girders are double-deck steel truss structures with orthotropic plates and two planes of main truss. Its upper and lower decks carry four lanes of traffic and two transit tracks, respectively. The complicated load-bearing behavior of Dongshuimen Bridge made its design rather difficult. This bridge utilizes the sparse cable system, and each pylon carries 9 pairs of 139-strand stay cable. The magnitude of maximum tension force in stay cables, which is approximately 1500 ton, is currently the biggest in China. At one end, the stay cable is innovatively anchored in external steel anchorage boxes which are connected to two separated pylon limbs by shear studs. In this way, the cable force is balanced by shear studs, anchorage boxes and frictional force altogether. At another end, the anchorage of stay cables to the main girder is through large-scale steel boxes. For the construction of Dongshuimen Bridge, a device is developed specifically for the tensioning and adjusting of super- tonnage steel-strand stay cables. In order to provide theoretical foundation for the design of this bridge, research projects such as analytical and experimental studies on load transfer mechanism of plate truss composite system, the fatigue of super-tonnage steel-strand stay-cable, full-scale experimental study of external steel anchor box and etc. were carried out. The abundant research fruit and innovation achieved from those studies not only strongly supported the smooth construction of Dongshuimen Bridge, but also can be used as reference for the design of similar bridges in the future.
Performance-based Design of Civic Buildings
Authors: Sarkisian Mark , Lee Peter , Long Eric , Garai Rupa , Hu Lindsay , Krebs Andrew , Tsui Alvin
Published: February 2021

Courthouses and government buildings have an important role in providing order and service to the public. They are required to be functional following extreme events, including natural disasters such as extreme wind events and earthquakes, or blast and ballistic threats.

This paper emphasizes the design efforts and challenges encountered during the design phase and construction of the San Diego Central Courthouse, New San Bernardino Justice Center, and the New Los Angeles Federal Courthouse. Each of these structures utilizes innovative technologies like viscous damping devices to supplement ductile Special Moment Frame, Triple Concave-Friction Pendulum bearings and Buckling Restrained Braces to achieve enhanced seismic and blast resistant structures. The goal of designing resilient structures beyond code prescriptive methods were met, while efficiently utilizing community’s civic resources. This paper also summarizes the seismic risk and life-cycle assessments that were completed to assist decision making in the selection of alternative structural systems leading to cost- effective enhanced seismic and security performance objectives.
Systems for Structural Failure Investigations in the United States
Authors: Delatte Norbert J.
Published: February 2021

The United States lacks a comprehensive system for investigation of structural failures. However, there are a number of systems that may be brought into play following a collapse. Transportation facilities such as bridges are investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Investigations of other structural collapses are often left to independent forensic engineers hired by the parties to actual or potential litigation following the incident. The findings of these investigators may remain confidential and may or may not ever be published. It is also possible that multiple conflicting possible causes are published, such as the L’Ambiance Plaza lift slab collapse. In some cases, construction collapses are investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but those investigations are often limited to whether or not any OSHA safety rules were violated. Thus, the contributions for OSHA investigations to improving engineering practice may be limited. In contrast, the United Kingdom has a confidential reporting system on structural safety (CROSS). This system allows for anonymous report submission.
Development of a Reference for Seismic Amplification: The Case of Metro Manila
Authors: Mendoza Macaraeg Carlo Joshua , Dungca Jonathan R.
Published: February 2021

The evident seismicity of the Philippines has brought about a need to account for all possible factors that dictate the intensity of ground shaking during earthquakes. Ground shaking can be significantly increased by the local soil conditions that exist in a particular site, generally known as soil amplification. The lack of a reference for soil amplification hinders the proper consideration of the effect of local soil conditions in ground shaking during earthquakes. Shear wave velocities, Vs and other soil characteristics were utilized in order to analyse the effect of soil conditions in ground motions. Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis was performed incorporating the effects of soil amplification in order to estimate values of peak ground acceleration with a Probability of Exceedance of 10% in 50 years. The obtained values range from 0.27 g to 0.49 g, generally attributed to the variability of the soil conditions that exist at the site considered.
Seismic strengthening of columns with deficient ductility and capacity
Authors: Athanasopoulou Sotiria , Christodoulou Melani , Dritsos Stephanos
Published: February 2021

Many existing buildings in seismic prone areas designed according to older codes have deficient seismic capacity due to a lack of ductility and inadequate lap splices in the longitudinal bars of the columns. This article evaluates models that are proposed by Eurocode 8, the Greek Code of Structural Interventions and other researchers for strengthening with the aim of restoring the above deficiencies by applying external confinement using fibre reinforced polymers. Through an extensive analytical work, results from different models are compared in order to gain insights and draw useful conclusions. For local ductility, the deviation of results from different models increases as the confinement level increases. In all cases it is found that the Eurocode model behaves abnormally for high values of thickness of the confining material. Revised expressions proposed by other researchers appear to correct the above response.
Sensitivity Analysis based Optimal Seismic Design of Tall Buildings under Story Drift and Base Shear Constraints
Authors: Qin Lang , Zhao Xin
Published: February 2021

Earthquake actions for tall buildings are significant due to great building height and huge building mass, thus numerous tall buildings are controlled by earthquake actions. Inadequate lateral stiffness may cause excessive damage to non-structural components, thus story drift limitations under earthquake actions are specified in Chinese Code. Chinese code also specifies minimum base shear limits under earthquake actions to ensure the minimum shear force resisting capacity. A sensitivity analysis method for story drift and base shear constraints is derived in this study based on response spectrum method. The optimal strategy of optimal design problem with double constraints is established. Then cost effective structural design can be achieved by reasonably distributing materials among the various components. A real 468-meter tall building project is employed to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the optimal seismic design method under story drift and base shear constraints.
Structural and Seismic Investigation on Historical Papaz Bridge in Turkey
Authors: Gedik Yasar , Demir Aysegul , Orkmaz Armagan , Gunes Oguz
Published: February 2021

Hosting several great civilizations such as Ottomans and Roman Empire, Turkey and especially Istanbul city inherited huge number of structural heritages including mosques, bridges, palaces, churches, traditional baths, school buildings and so on. Therefore, a challenging issue appears for preservation and transferring them to the next generations considering sustainability subject. To perform a convenient intervention for restoring such structures, understanding structural behaviour is a key matter. In order to contribute that, a historical stone masonry bridge was investigated to understand its structural and seismic behaviour. A site survey was carried out and the structural deficiencies of the bridge were determined. Then, 3D structural FE model through DIANA software was prepared and analyzed under vertical and seismic loads. The results are discussed in terms of modal characteristics, stress distribution as well as displacement values.
Concrete structures strengthening by iron-based shape memory alloys: an experimental demonstration
Authors: Shahverdi Moslem , Czaderski Christoph , Annen Philipp , Motavalli Masoud
Published: February 2021

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have the special property of returning to their initial shape if they are deformed and then heated. This effect is called shape memory effect. Iron-based SMAs (Fe-SMAs) show promising properties with regard to potential applications in civil engineering. The costs of Fe-SMAs can compete with other strengthening methods. In this paper an investigation is presented, where ribbed Fe-SMA bars were produced and used for strengthening and prestressing of real scale RC beams. RC beams strengthened by Fe-SMA or normal steel bars embedded in a shotcrete layer were experimentally examined to investigate their flexural behavior and to demonstrate the application of this strengthening method. The behavior of the beams at serviceability stage was significantly improved by the prestressed Fe-SMA bars. The results show that the application of Fe-SMA bars embedded in a newly applied shotcrete layer was successful.
Post-installed shear connectors – coiled spring pins
Authors: Hällmark Robert , Jackson Paul , Collin Peter
Published: February 2021

Many existing bridges were not originally designed for the traffic loads and the number of load cycles which they now experience. In order to increase the load capacity of steel-concrete bridges, post installed shear connectors can be used. This paper presents a state-of the art study of post- installed shear connectors in general and coiled spring connectors in particular.
Strengthening of Riveted Connections of a Steel Arch Bridge: Lessons Learned
Authors: Darlow Mark Richard , Paulissen Joep
Published: February 2021

As part of an extensive renovation program, Arup Netherlands delivered engineering services for the strengthening and renovation of 8 large steel bridges in the Dutch highway network. Strengthening of the riveted splice connections at the ends of the hangers of a steel arch bridge on the Dutch A2 motorway represented a significant challenge to extending its life by 30 years.

This paper describes the key features of and lessons learned during assessments, investigations, design development and execution of a strengthening solution to resolve the issue.
Macdonald Bridge Suspended Spans Deck Replacement: Construction Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Radojevic Dusan , Kirkwood Keith
Published: February 2021

The Angus L. Macdonald Bridge, a major suspension bridge that crosses Halifax Harbour in Halifax, Nova Scotia, opened to traffic in 1955. The bridge deck has reached the end of its service life, and the design of the new bridge superstructure and its replacement sequence were completed in 2014. The entire suspended structure and hangers are now being replaced sequentially during night and weekend closures while the bridge is opened for traffic during the daytime. The erection sequence is supported by sophisticated automated erection analysis models which take into account the geometry of the existing bridge, positioning of the erection equipment on the deck, and hanger and strand jack adjustments that are required during construction. Significant wind tunnel testing and analysis have been performed to ensure aerodynamic stability of the bridge during erection and in its final condition.
Prediction of punching behaviour of RC slabs using continuum nonlinear FE analysis
Authors: Shu Jiangpeng , Plos Mario , Nilenius Filip , Zandi Kamyab , Johansson Morgan
Published: February 2021

Failure of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs in punching has been a challenging problem for nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis. To improve the analysis approach, this study was conducted by developing a nonlinear FE analysis method for slabs subjected to punching failure, using three-dimensional continuum elements. The influence of several modelling choices were investigated by comparing such results as load carrying capacity, load-deflection response and crack pattern from the FE analyses with available experimental data. The proposed method show the possibility of accurately predicting the load-carrying capacity and realistically describing the behaviour of slabs.
The Submerged Floating Tube Bridge: Design Philosophy and Concept Development
Authors: Myhr Anders , Brandtsegg Andreas Saur , Kristensen Vegard B. , Minoretti Arianna , Atle Haugerud Stein , Egeberg Aasland Tale
Published: February 2021

A feasibility study has been performed by Dr. Techn. Olav Olsen, Reinertsen, Norconsult and the Norwegian Public Road Administration (NPRA) for a Submerged Floating Tube Bridge (SFTB) crossing the Bjørnafjord strait. Design of flexible floating structures with lengths above 5 kilometers has previously not been developed to a detailed level. This article will discuss the approach the design team used to achieve a solution that was robust, reliable and economically viable for a SFTB for crossing the Bjørnafjord. The proposed approach was found to be an efficient and safe approach to reduce the total cost of the project. The experience is based mainly on work for the NPRA with the Bjørnafjord strait crossings on the west coast of Norway. This paper will address three main issues; 1) Design challenges, 2) Practical challenges and 3) SFTB sensitivities.

No complete standards was applicable and existing methods of predicting dynamic behavior proved to be too crude to be applicable in design. A significant work was therefore put into improving the above mentioned. This lead to a large amount of time domain simulations, which is an uncommon challenge in concept design. A solution to use this as an advantage is discussed along with the guidelines for concept screening and optimization with economic impact analyses.

A 100 year life time with minimal maintenance is requested by the NPRA. Technical solutions, with emphasis on landfalls and flexible parts of the structure is discussed.

A significant work with screening of response variations relative to changes in environmental loads has been performed. This was possible due to the methodical and analytical progress mentioned in 1)

The concluding remarks of the experience reported in the article show that the SFTB is both robust and flexible, with low sensitivity to change in environmental loads. Previous experience indicated that the SFTB was not suitable for harsh environments, whereas the new solutions indicate that even swell loading is more of a design issue rather than a feasibility issue.
Coastal Highway Route E39 – Extreme structures along the coast of Norway
Authors: Dunham Kjersti Kvalheim
Published: February 2021

Norway’s Coastal Highway Route E39 is part of the European trunk road network. The route runs along the western coast of Norway, from Kristiansand in the south to Trondheim in central Norway, a distance of almost 1100 km. The Coastal Highway Route E39 was suggested by the Ministry of Transport and Communication as early as in 2009, and the intension of making the E39 Route ferry-free within 20 years, was established in the National Transport Plan of 2014-2023. Since then the concept of a ferry-free road have been well established amongst politicians and people living on the West Coast of Norway. This paper will give an introduction to the special session on the Bjørnafjord crossing on the west-coast of Norway. It will give background and insight into the total of the Coastal Highway Route E39 Programme.
Modelling of Damage and its use in Assessment of a Prestressed Concrete Bridge
Authors: Huang Zheng , Tu Yongming , Grip Niklas , Sabourova Natalia , Bagge Niklas , Blanksvärd Thomas
Published: February 2021

A five-span prestressed concrete bridge has been subjected to a loading test up to failure in Kiruna, Sweden. The bridge was 55 years old and had a length of 121.5 m. The test has been used to validate and calibrate existing nonlinear finite element programs for predicting the shear behavior of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures.

Two 3D finite element (FE) models of the Kiruna Bridge are built in commercial software Abaqus, one using shell-elements and one using a combination of shell and beam elements. Predictions obtained from these two models are well consistent with mode shapes and eigenfrequencies computed from acceleration measurements on the bridge before and after loading it to failure. The shear failure of the bridge is also simulated using the built-inconcrete damage plasticity(CDP) model in Abaqus. The predicted load-displacement curve is in good agreement with the measurements. Verification of the CDP model is conducted at element and member level with two different damage parameter evolutions. The verification indicates that the damage parameter will affect the predicted shear behavior. It does not seem to be reliable to adopt the CDP model to simulate the shear behavior in the present research.

A long term goal is to use use the measured mode shapes, eigenfrequencies and FE models for evaluating methods for damage identification. Such methods are important for maintenance of different structures, for extending their life span and for better knowledge of their load carrying capacity. The use is described of so-called sparse regularized finite element method updating (FEMU) methods. Some important properties of such methods are demonstrated using simulations on a Kirchhoff plate. For instance, the simulations suggest that both eigenfrequencies and mode shapes should be used for precise localization of the damage.
Flexural Behavior Enhancement of Cementitious Structural Insulated Panels
Authors: Chomchuen Prakit , Boonyapinyo Virote
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to investigate the flexural behavior of reinforced cimentitious structural insulated panels (CSIPs) called CSSIPs. The hidden thin galvanized steel beam is inserted into the core layer of CSIP in order to be the reinforcement in this study. The center point load testing method is used in order to evaluate the flexural behavior of the test specimens. Results are shown in form of load- displacement relationship. The studied results show that CSIPs without reinforcement can resist the load to the maximum about 400 kg. It suddenly collapses after load reached a limit of their strength. The results also show that the reinforcement enhances flexural behavior of CSIPs. The maximum strength is enhanced from 400 kg to 600 kg. Crack start from tension fibre of CSSIPs and then growth vertically into the core layer. The CSSIPs show the ductile failure behavior.
Innovative Tuned Liquid Damper System
Authors: Ghisbain Pierre , Mendes Sebastian , Pinto Marguerite , Malsch Elisabeth
Published: February 2021

This paper introduces a damper system developed by Thornton Tomasetti in collaboration with NASA to mitigate wind-induced vibrations in buildings. The system relies on multiple masses of water contained in separate pipes that can be tuned individually to resonate at different frequencies. Each pipe is tuned with an air spring that controls both the stiffness and damping of the water mass, allowing for substantial adjustments of the system properties after installation and throughout the lifetime of the building. In addition to being more flexible than traditional tuned-mass dampers, the proposed system can be made of low-cost components and offers a number of practical advantages, such as having a distributed mass that results in lower loads imposed on the building structure. A prototype of the system is being implemented on a 32-story residential building in New York.
A new bridge for London: the Garden Bridge
Authors: Kirk Martin , Archer Francis , Marley Anthony
Published: February 2021

A new landmark bridge is proposed over the river Thames in the centre of London near the Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster. The project was conceived of as “Garden on the Thames”, an exemplary garden with one “gate” on the North Bank and one on the south, and hence doubling up as a footbridge. The bridge will connect Temple Underground Station on the North Bank to the National Theatre on the South Bank.

Two piers are formed within the Thames as the predominantly steel structure arches over the river with the outer cantilevers resting lightly on landings on both banks. A novel use of a layer of cupronickel bonded to the steel is used to provide a unique finish and durability to the steelwork. Above this, a garden is planted in soil depths varying from 0,5m to 2m of soil. Pedestrians will be able to enjoy this as they stroll and rest on benches enjoying tranquillity in the heart of the city.
Ancient and modern - a contemporary footbridge at Harlech Castle, Wales
Authors: Andrasi Katalin , Duguid Brian , Burton Tim , Packer James , Winslow Pete
Published: February 2021

A new pedestrian crossing opened in 2015 to visitors of Harlech Castle providing level access to the castle from the newly opened visitor centre. The installation of the new footbridge was possibly the most ambitious construction project to take place at Harlech since the building of the castle itself. This paper details how the client’s aspirations for the footbridge have been fulfilled by the designers, the fabricator and the wider construction team and the challenges they all faced to ensure the scheme made a successful contribution to the local econony.
San Mames New Football Stadium. Design and Construction
Authors: Llarena Javier , Bilbao Armando , Castro Nerea
Published: February 2021

The new San Mames Stadium, recently awarded in the World Architecture Festival as the best Sports building completed in 2015, is the new home of football team Athletic Club of Bilbao. Classified as a UEFA Five-Star Stadium, San Mames has been also selected as one of the host venues in the UEFA Euro 2020.

The new stadium was placed next to the hundred-year-old San Mames. As both stadiums’ footprints overlapped partially, the new stadium had to be built in two phases. Three quarters of the new stadium were built before the old one’s demolition began just the day after having hold its last football match. All these constraints posed a major challenge for both structural design and construction management.

Hence, the structural concept of the stadium was conceived with the purpose of enabling a fluent and optimum two-phase construction process. A steel roof based in a series of slender cantilever trusses, each one of them aiming at the pitch center and reaching up to 55-meter spans, was selected to support a lightweight cladding composed by ETFE cushions. Each cantilever truss ends in a steel pyramid which balances the destabilizing moments resulting in both axes and transfer them to a couple of composite steel- concrete frames.

The stadium envelope is completed by an innovative façade system composed of twisted ETFE fins that are illuminated at night events. Specific aeroelastic wind-tunnel testing were carried out to assess the structural sensitivity of this façade to wind effects.

Concern for sustainability was also present during the whole project, which eventually received the LEED certification.

This paper describes the structural design carried out by IDOM, the different advanced design &calculation tools used, the specific prototypes and testing performed, as well as the construction management and erection strategies developed.
Tubed Mega Frame Structural Systems for Tall Buildings
Authors: King Fritz , Hällgren Mikael , Partovi Arezo Roshe , Svärd Jenny
Published: February 2021

The Tubed Mega Frame is a new structure concept for high-rise buildings which is developed by Tyréns in Sweden. The original design of the Tubed Mega Frame consists of mega columns in the periphery of the building and connecting perimeter walls. Hence, the stabilising central core in traditional high-rise structures has been omitted. Due to the tube action, this creates an efficient structural system and also increases the floor area utilization ratios when compared to traditional structures. In a previous series of structural studies, the global response of the system, the detailed design as well as the construction process was investigated. In an on-going study, the structural system is further developed by replacing the mega columns with façade frames and perimeter walls with internal crossing walls. The central core is still omitted in the modified systems. Various Tubed Mega Frame systems are compared with a traditional structure of a slender 425 m high-rise building recently constructed. The conclusions from the present study show that both the original Tubed Mega Frame and other Tubed Mega Frame systems are potentially feasible structural systems with high-efficiency for high-rise buildings.
Safety of temporary scaffolds
Authors: Snygg Henrik , Vennetti Daniel
Published: February 2021

With the worldwide building industry constantly growing, existing scaffolding systems are improved, new manufacturers are entering the market and the competition is intensifying. In order to assure the safety of workers, the capacity of these scaffolding systems must be accurately determined and updated with the release of new requirements.

SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden has developed methods in which Abaqus, commercial Finite Element program, is combined with experimental test data to determine the load classification and permissible loads of scaffolding systems according to European standards.

This paper reviews the basic scaffolding components and discusses the experimental and analytical methods used to generate model input data. The paper also gives an overview of the full-scale testing and the modeling procedures that lead to verified models of scaffolding systems.
Mediating Effect of Leaders’ Behaviour on Organisational Knowledge Sharing and Manufacturing Firms’ Competitiveness
Authors: Ugo-Agharanya Adlin , Igwe Anthony , Emmanuel Isichei Ejikeme
Published: February 2021

Aim/Purpose: The need to explore leaders’ role as a mediating factor between knowledge sharing and firms’ competitiveness was the focus of this paper. Further, gaps related to knowledge sharing influence on firms’ competitiveness from an emerging economy perspective was a major driver of this study.

Background: The relevance of knowledge sharing is today crucial for firms that seek to harness internal resource innovation towards ensuring increased competitiveness. The link between the actions of leaders and outcomes from sharing knowledge towards increased competitiveness would further advance theory on knowledge sharing and provide managerial implication that is instrumental for an improved organisational outcome.

Methodology: The study sample was 282 participants and Partial least square structural equation model was used for the analysis of the data obtained through a questionnaire survey with the aid of SmartPLSv3.9.

Contribution: The study contributes to knowledge management literature through advancing leadership as a mediating factor that accounts for the link between knowledge sharing and firms’ competitiveness, most especially from an emerging economy perspective.

Findings: Knowledge sharing was found to have a positive effect on firms’ competitiveness. The study found that leadership behaviour mediates the relationship between knowledge sharing and a firm’s competitiveness.

Recommendations for Practitioners: The study recommends that, when supported with the right attitude from leaders in the organisation, knowledge sharing will be beneficial towards the firm gaining competitiveness most especially.

Future Research: Future studies should be carried out in other sectors aside from the manufacturing sector using the same measures used to measure knowledge sharing. Also, a comparative analysis of knowledge sharing and firms’ competitiveness using leaders’ behaviour as a mediator should be researched in other developing economies.
UKRAINE IN POLISH EASTERN POLICY OF 1990s: THE WAY TO PARTNERSHIP
Authors: Yelova Tetiana
Published: February 2021

With the collapse of the Soviet system and the start of systemic transformations in Central and Eastern Europe, which began at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, there was an urgent need to review the existing system of international relations and find new formats for interstate and interethnic relations development. Polish-Ukrainian relations were no exception in this process.

In the period of 1989-1999, Ukraine occupied a very important place in the foreign policy of the Republic of Poland, holding a leading position in Polish Eastern policy. It is at this time that the bilateral relations of young independent states were being formed and developed, which took an evolutionary step by establishing and supporting good neighborly relations to the level of strategic partnership. Eastern policy was the key to the positive dynamics of the development of Polish-Ukrainian relations; it has been tested and successfully implemented by the Polish governments of Solidarity since the early 1990s.

The main goal of Polish Eastern policy was to respond to the changes taking place on the eastern border of the Republic of Poland and to establish relations with the former republics of the Soviet Union, especially those that shared a border with Poland. This was predetermined by the desire to preserve the territorial integrity of the Republic of Poland and by the considerations of national security. The very formation and evolution of Polish-Ukrainian relations in the period of 1989-1999, known in history as the period of Poland's implementation of Eastern policy, are analyzed in this article.
ПРОБЛЕМА УКРАЇНО-ПОЛЬСЬКИХ ВІДНОСИН ЧЕРЕЗ ПРИЗМУ ПОЛІТИЧНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ГАЛИЦЬКОГО ГРЕКО-КАТОЛИЦЬКОГО ДУХОВЕНСТВА У Д/П ХІХ – ПОЧ. ХХ СТ.
Authors: Rudianyn Ivan
Published: February 2021

Разом із проголошенням незалежності в нашій державі розпочався процес відродження національного та релігійного життя. На сьогодні церква продовжує посилювати свою роль як повноцінної інституції громадянського суспільства. Будучи за Конституцією відокремленою від держави, вона не відокремлюється від людської спільноти, а навпаки, тісно взаємодіє з нею, бажаючи надати їй духовну підтримку, покращити моральний стан, провадить активну благодійницьку, культурно-просвітницьку та соціальну роботу.

Яскравим прикладом цих відносин є партнерство та конструктивна співпраця в інтересах розвитку українського суспільства. Така ситуація зумовлена не лише утвердженням демократичних засад у житті Української держави, а й поверненням нашого народу до традиційних духовних цінностей, глибокими історичними традиціями, які сьогодні намагаються відродити громада, держава і церква.

Зважаючи на активну інтеграцію України у європейське співтовариство важливого значення набувають наукові дослідження, які висвітлюють історичний контекст участі греко-католицького духовенства у державотворчих процесах.

У даному контексті мова йде про політичну площину україно-польських взаємин другої половини ХІХ- початку ХХ ст., та участі у них галицького греко-католицького духовенства. Ретроспектива україно-польських стосунків та участь у цих процесах греко-католицької церкви сьогодні посідає важливе місце в історичні науці, адже Україна та Польща впродовж свого існування завжди були поруч не тільки як сусіди, але й як країни, які мають спільне минуле та перебувають, хоча й на різних фазах, у стадії розбудови національних держав. До того ж на сучасному етапі Польща активно та всебічно допомагає Україні боронити її територіальну цілісність.

Не зважаючи на те, в історії україно-польських стосунків присутня чимала кількість драматичних епізодів та суперечливих моментів, потреба всебічно досліджувати ці питання, за допомогою залучення нових джерел та підходів залишається актуальною. Про подібні моменти наголосив і Президент України Володимир Зеленський під час прес-конференції у Варшаві у серпні 2019 р.

«Радий, що у наших відносинах немає жодних питань, які ми не змогли б вирішити шляхом діалогу та порозуміння. Чудово усвідомлюємо, що напружені відносини України та Польщі стали б для наших недругів прекрасним подарунком, а отже – ми не повинні цього робити. Ми домовились оновити й перезавантажити двосторонню робочу групу, що працюватиме під патронатом обох президентів для того, щоб усі темні плями минулого не завадили нашими народам будувати спільне світле майбутнє», – сказав Володимир Зеленський.
Caracterización de bacterias ácido lácticas con actividad antimicrobiana aisladas del queso crema de Chiapas, México
Authors: Wong-Villarreal Arnoldo , Corzo-González Hipólito , Hernández-Núñez Emanuel , González-Sánchez Avel , Giacomán-Vallejos Germán
Published: February 2021

El queso crema de Chiapas es un producto artesanal fabricado en diferentes regiones de México. La capacidad de las bacterias lácticas, de producir grandes cantidades de ácido láctico y acético, tiene como efecto la disminución del pH, considerado uno de los factores primarios en la inhibición de microorganismos indeseables, como patógenos y bacterias coliformes, en alimentos lácteos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue aislar bacterias ácido lácticas y evaluar su efecto antagónico contra bacterias patógenas in vitro y contra patógenos presentes en la leche cuando se adicionan durante la elaboración del queso crema. Se aislaron cepas de bacterias lácticas del queso crema de Chiapas, México. Los aislados fueron identificados mediante pruebas bioquímicas API 50CH y secuencias del gen ribosomal 16S. Las bacterias de interés se usaron en pruebas de inhibición del crecimiento con cepas patógenas. Se cuantificó la producción de ácido acético y láctico por cromatografía de gases acoplado a masas en los quesos, al inicio y a los 10 d posteriores a su elabo­ra-ción. Se aislaron 203 cepas bacterianas, de las cuales 82 tuvieron la capacidad de inhibir el crecimiento de 7 cepas bacterianas patógenas. Las cepas fueron identificadas por la secuencia parcial del gen ribosomal 16S como pertenecientes al género Lactobacillus; la adición de estas cepas en la elaboración del queso crema redujo o eliminó coliformes, Staphylococcus aureus, mohos y levaduras, mientras que en el queso elaborado con leche pasteurizada se detectaron 290 UFC/mL de mohos y levaduras. Estos resultados sugieren que las cepas de Lactobacillus aisladas del queso crema artesanal de Chiapas tienen potencial para su uso como cultivo iniciador con actividad de bioconservación en este y productos similares.
Enriquecimiento del aceite comestible por compuestos fenólicos y antioxidantes de chile piquín (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum)
Authors: Treto-Alemán Karla Mariby , Torres-Castillo Jorge Ariel , Contreras-Toledo Aremi Rebeca , Moreno-Ramírez Yolanda del Rocío
Published: February 2021

Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum presenta adaptaciones locales a distintas dinámicas antropocéntricas y ecológicas, por lo que ampliar sus usos alimenticios a partir de su potencial antioxidante permitirá contribuir al conocimiento para fortalecer cadenas de valor, robustecer su aprovechamiento y el consumo de plantas comestibles silvestres locales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue suplementar con chile piquín un aceite comestible comercial de cártamo y evaluar su capacidad antioxidante, a través de la determinación del contenido de compuestos fenólicos y mediante ensayos de captación de radicales libres ABTS+ y DPPH·, evaluados en: 1) la muestra de chile piquín a través de dos solventes de extracción y 2) en el aceite suplementado y sin suplementar a los 0 d, 7 d, 14 d, 21 d y 28 d posteriores a la preparación (DPP). El chile piquín presentó altos valores antioxidantes, el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) indicó que el extracto acuoso superó al hidroalcohólico. El ANOVA factorial mostró diferencias significativas en los tres parámetros antioxidantes evaluados. Estas disimilitudes se asociaron a la suplementación, tiempo (DPP) y la combinación de la suplementación y DPP. La suplementación del aceite de cártamo con C. annuum var. glabriusculum enriqueció 66 % su valor antioxidante. La comparación de medias mostró diferencias significativas en la combinación de tratamientos y DPP. La combinación de aceite suplementado y los DPP presentó variabilidad en los datos de polifenoles totales y habilidad contra ABTS+. Se observó una relación inversa entre los DPP y compuestos fenólicos totales y capacidad contra ABTS+, contrario a la prueba para DPPH·. Los resultados obtenidos validan que la adición de chile piquín incrementa la biofuncionalidad del aceite de cártamo y puede ser alternativa de fuente de antioxidantes naturales.
Tuhan dalam Basic Concept of the Quran: Pembacaan atas Pemikiran Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Authors: Ummi Za'im Kholilatul
Published: February 2021

Studying aspects of God in religion is an important thing that must be understood. Studying the concept of God in a religion can lead people to understand religion and about values as a guide for human life. Explanation of God has experienced a long journey, is Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a modern Islamic thinker from India, one of those who tried to explore the meaning of God. Coming from a very conservative family, Azad then tried to break away from that thinking towards modern thinking. This influenced Azad in his thinking and produced a new view of God in his interpretation, Tarjuman al-Qur'an. In this paper we will discuss the meaning of God in Surah al-Fatihah which according to Azad in it is the main content of the Koran, in the book Basic Concept of the Quran, a summary book Tarjuman al-Qur'an Azad about the interpretation of Surah al-Fatihah. The meaning of God carried out by Azad was found in his interpretation of Surah al-Fatihah with the conclusion that God has three distinct but interrelated attributes namely rububiyyah, rahmah, and ‘are. Azad's reading of the Qur'an was carried out using a textual-theological approach and a comparative approach to religion.
Exploring COVID-19: Relating the spike protein to infectivity, pathogenicity and Immunogenicity
Authors: Vinod Nikhra
Published: February 2021

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 life cycle: The disease which reportedly began in Chinese city Wuhan in November-December 2019 manifesting as severe respiratory illness, soon spread to various parts of the world, and was named COVID-19, and declared a pandemic by WHO. The life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 begins with membrane fusion mediated by Spike (S) protein binding to the ACE2 receptors. Following viral entry and release of genome into the host cell cytoplasm there occurs replication and transcription to generate viral structural and non-structural proteins. Finally, VLPs are produced and the mature virions are released from the host cell. Immunogenicity of the spike protein: The S protein is considered the main antigenic component among structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and responsible for inducing the host immune response. The neutralising antibodies (nAbs) targeting the S protein are produced and may confer a protective immunity against the viral infection. Further, the role of the S protein in infectivity also makes it an important tool for diagnostic antigen-based testing and vaccine development. The S-specific antibodies, memory B and circulating TFH cells are consistently elicited following SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19 vaccine shots in clinical trials. The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants: The early genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2 have gone almost unnoticed having lacked an impact on disease transmission or its clinical course. Some of the recently discovered mutations, however, have impact on transmissibility, infectivity, or immune response. One such mutation is the D614G variant, which has increased in prevalence to currently become the dominant variant world-over. Another, relatively new variant, named VUI-202012/01 or B.1.1.7 has acquired 17 genomic alterations and carries the risk of enhanced infectivity. Further, its potential impact on vaccine efficacy is a worrisome issue. Conclusion: THE UNMET CHALLENGES: COVID-19 as a disease and SARS-CoV-2 as its causative organism, continue to remain an enigma. While we continue to explore the agent factors, disease transmission dynamics, pathogenesis and clinical spectrum of the disease, and therapeutic modalities, the grievous nature of the disease has led to emergency authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines in various countries. Further, the virus may continue to persist and afflict for years to come, as future course of the disease is linked to certain unknown factors like effects of seasonality on virus transmission and unpredictable nature of immune response to the disease.
Valores y normas que dan forma a la política colombiana para la reducción de la pobreza – Red Unidos
Authors: Montenegro Martínez Gino
Published: February 2021

Este artículo tiene como propósito develar los valores y normas que dan forma a la política colombiana para la reducción de la pobreza extrema: Red Unidos (2006-2017). Para ello, se realizó una revisión documental que incluyó la normatividad colombiana en la cual emerge o se modi!ca la política, así como documentos de política internacional que orientan el desarrollo de políticas de reducción de pobreza a comienzos del siglo XXI. Sumado a lo anterior, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a actores clave en el diseño de la Red. Se encontró que la reducción de la pobreza hace parte de la agenda global que in"uencia la agenda nacional. La focalización y la articulación de los programas sociales hacia los más pobres son los mecanismos que utiliza el Estado para ser e!ciente. De otro lado, se busca lograr una sociedad competitiva y productiva; para ello, el crecimiento económico, la consolidación de un mercado laboral competitivo y la formación para el trabajo de las personas pobres son los principios de acción que orientan la política.
Enabling demand generation for 7.1% chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care in Togo
Authors: Coffey Patricia S , Nguessan Alhi , Agossou Abram Amétépé , Coefe Nitiema Basilia
Published: February 2021

Background

A novel newborn umbilical cord care product, 7.1% chlorhexidine digluconate, which delivers 4% free chlorhexidine (CHX), is being introduced in Togo. Although the policy framework for this product introduction has been in place since 2017, product use appears to be limited. The overall aim of this mixed methods study was to understand how to generate demand for an umbilical cord care product among (i) pregnant women and/or women who recently birthed and (ii) providers in Togo. The specific study objectives were to understand current cord care practices and identify willingness and rationale to use CHX and preferred product pricing and source.

Methods

We collected data in December 2019 via 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 60 pregnant women and 38 women who recently birthed and through semi-structured interviews with 39 providers in 13 randomly selected facilities that provide essential newborn care services in all six regions of the country.

Results

Most of the FGD participants were unaware of this novel cord care product. FGD participants reported high hypothetical acceptability of the product due to its aesthetic presentation, ease of use, ease of storage, and provider recommendation. Actual use was contingent on positive product performance in terms of time to heal the wound, fast cord separation, and absence of pain in the infant. Almost 70% of the providers were aware of CHX and all of them were supportive of its use. Because CHX availability was very limited in-country, providers recommended alcohol or other skin disinfectants for cord cleaning. Both FGD participants and providers viewed the effect of CHX use on time to cord separation as a key determinant of product uptake. Pricing of FCFA 500–800 was considered affordable for most families.

Conclusions

To generate demand, providers could prescribe CHX as an essential item at the time of delivery. The CHX product should be available for sale at pharmacies and health facilities as a key component of an integrated birthing kit. A tiered pricing strategy could extend coverage to both facility-based and home-based births.
A Study on the Mutual Rental Model of Container Shipping Alliance Cabins based on Blockchain
Authors: Geng Yaxin , Wang Xiaoguang , Meng Zhaowei
Published: February 2021

As one of the main modes of capacity sharing in the shipping alliance, the essence of which is the space mutual rent transaction among members. However, under the current trading system, the sharing of capacity between shipping enterprises requires a lot of transaction costs and communication costs, cooperation efficiency is not high, and there is a certain competitive relationship between enterprises, they work for their own interests, resulting in more difficult cooperation, and blockchain consensus mechanism, intelligent contracts, distributed bookkeeping and other characteristics can solve these problems of alliance cooperation. Therefore, based on the idea of blockchain, this paper designs a model of mutual lease cooperation in shipping union cabins, gives the model and process of mutual lease transactions based on blockchain, realizes mutual trust and win-win situation among members, simulates through the combination of Hyperledger Fabric and Matlab, and verifies the applicability of blockchain to shipping alliance capacity sharing cooperation.
Optimization Model and Pollution Treatment of Sintering Ore Distribution
Authors: Wang Yibo , Yue Hao , Wang Huibo
Published: February 2021

sintering process plays an important role in iron and steel smelting process. The subsequent production of blast furnace ironmaking is directly affected by the quality of sinter. Among them, the proportion of raw materials and the advanced degree of sintering process are the two main factors affecting the quality of sinter. Because the control parameters of sintering process are too many and the physical and chemical process is too complex, it is difficult to establish and control the model accurately. Therefore, workers have long relied on experience to set temperature and other factors to engage in production, resulting in the quality of sinter is unstable, the cost is not easy to be controlled. Moreover, the flue gas produced in the sintering process will have different effects on the environment. Through the data analysis of the ore distribution scheme and the results of the physicochemical analysis of sinter in a steel plant, two aspects of the work are completed: one is to establish the optimal model of the cost of the sintering process, and the most suitable temperature for the sintering process. The second is the analysis of harmful components produced in sintering process.