bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain Implementation Using Python
Authors: Dutta Saugata , Saini Kavita
Published: October 2021

This chapter covers an introductory overview of blockchain using Python code. This chapter will give a basic understanding of using Python codes in development of blockchain. The chapter throws light on beginner-level blockchain creation which will help in understanding developing an advance blockchain project using Python codes. This chapter covers basic building blocks which will help in creating various functions and methods to enhance the blockchain in terms of security. This will also help students in creating advanced level of Python program in creating better mining algorithms, better queue management, enhanced and secured transactions, consensus algorithm, wallets, and accounts.
IoT-Based Smart Gardening System Using the Cloud
Authors: Senthilkumar Sudha , Danasekar Meghena , K. Brindha
Published: October 2021

Gardening is a nice activity. It is not possible to monitor and tend to a garden 24 hours a day, so we need a smart gardening system that can monitor and tend to the garden as we want it. In today's busy world, we forget to nourish and water plants that make our home clean and soothing. It would be really helpful if we get a notification on our phones about our plant health and needs. Taking account of this, the authors came up with the idea of building a smart garden with an IoT plant monitoring system. After the data is processed and verified, a notification is sent about the plant's health. An automated gardening system is designed to enable us to manage gardening, including monitoring moisture, temperature, and humidity. This chapter is on an IoT-based smart garden monitoring system which senses the requirement of the plant and provides it with water as the soil loses its moisture. Thing-speak and Blynk application are used to view sensor data from remote locations.
Using Simple and Complex Mixed Methods Research Designs to Understand Research in Information Science
Authors: Ngulube Patrick
Published: October 2021

Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative research approaches to describe multiple realities. After identifying a research problem and concluding that it can be comprehensively addressed by collecting quantitative and qualitative data concurrently or in phases, a researcher may choose to either use simple or advanced mixed methods designs. Studies have demonstrated that mixed methods research is not commonplace in library and information science research. The two-eyed seeing principles are given as an example of how indigenous theories and knowledge systems can be combined with Anglo-Saxon philosophical assumptions that dominate the mixed methods research movement to facilitate the production of knowledge that is contextually relevant and useful to the indigenous environment.
“Leina Lebe ke Seromo” (You are What Your Name Attracts)
Authors: Kgope Tebogo Victoria
Published: October 2021

‘Leina lebe ke seromo' is an African maxim that means that the meaning of a name tends to follow, or attract, the one who carries that name. If you are given a bad name, the description of the name attracts what the name means. ‘Seromo' can be interpreted as a calling; therefore, the name calls one to go and do that which is inherent within the meaning of the name. This chapter examines the names, terms, and concepts ‘Black' or ‘African' which have been regarded as ‘bad' and dismembering because the concepts have a history of marginalisation. The chapter positions the African maxim ‘leina lebe ke seromo' as a lens of African consciousness that illuminates the concepts of an (1) African university and (2) the indigenisation of disciplines. It discusses methodological approaches that call for the recognition of indigenous perspectives because research in mixed methods enhances Western research paradigms.
Application of Multi-Methods in Understanding Knowledge Retention in the Cross-Border Mergers of the Telecommunications Industry in Lesotho
Authors: Tseole Tahleho Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

The chapter is about the adoption of a multi-methods in a quantitative case study of retaining knowledge in the cross-border mergers of the telecommunications industry of Lesotho. The chapter explains how multi-method was applied in the study and also provides reasons for that. This study triangulated questionnaires and interviews as the instruments of data collection, and the aim was ensure validity and reliability. Using multi-methods study is advantageous because of its ability to counterbalance the weaknesses of a single method. The limitations of a single method are usually the strengths of another method.
Secondary Metabolites in Functionalized Titanium Dioxide (TIO2) Nanoparticles: A Novel and Safe Virucide against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: León-Gutiérrez Gabriela , Cabello-Gutiérrez Carlos , Martínez-Gómez Mario Héctor , Azuara Pedro , Madden Brian , Shalkow Jaime , Mejía Armando
Published: October 2021

Nanotechnology and nanomedicine have been shown to provide a novel and safe platform to combat a variety of viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Secondary metabolites implanted into a carrier of functionalized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (SMNP) were tested for efficacy versus SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, and cytotoxicity on healthy cells. Viral load; from a clinical point of view, it is not as important as the number of infective viral particles, which relates to the viral particles capable of causing the disease. To measure viral infectivity SARS-CoV-2 was placed into cell cultures and evaluating the destructive effect on cultured cells. In this system, SMNP demonstrated significant reduction of viral infectivity in vitro. Lytic plaques of viral infectivity were observed at a dilution of 4x10-8 in VERO E6 cells, while SARS-CoV-2 preincubated with the SMNP compound, tissue damage was observed only up to the 3x10-5 dilution. SMNP reduced the number of infective viral particles by 3 orders of magnitude. Surprising minimal toxicity to healthy cells was observed when compared to other commercially available antiseptics (glutaraldehyde, chlorine, chlorhexidine, ethanol and Lysol™), cell viability decreased only by 5.5%. SMNP is a safe and effective antiviral against SARS-CoV-2, and further studies are warranted to explore this compound further.
The effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on severe asthma in patients taking biologic therapy and air pollution in Riyadh
Authors: Ayaz Khan Mohammad , Rajkumar Rajendram , Basma Al-Ghamdi , Emad Al-Jahdaly , Abdullah AL-Harbi , Hajar Hayyan , Mohammad Obaidi Mostafa , AL-Jahdali Hamdan
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND:

The curfews and lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic may decreased the volume of traffic and reduced air pollution. In addition, social distancing measures may contribute to reducing infection and asthma exacerbation.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to assess asthma control and asthma medication use among severe asthmatics on biologics before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional survey study of patients with severe asthma receiving biologic therapy at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We looked at the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on this cohort of severe asthmatics on biologic therapy from March till June 2020 over a period of 12 weeks. We investigated changes in patients’ symptoms and asthma control using the asthma control test (ACT) score and other parameters including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, use of oral prednisolone, changes in inhaler therapy, frequency of bronchodilator use, and patient perception of their symptoms before and after the lockdown period.

RESULTS:

A total of 56, Female 39 (69%), mean age ± SD 47.4 ± 13.8 years. The duration of bronchial asthma since diagnosis ranged from 4 to 30 years. Most patients had been treated with omalizumab (47, 84%); the rest received mepolizumab (7, 12.5%) and dupilumab (2, 3.6%). All these patients had been on biologic therapy for 5 months, ranging from 5 to 120 months. Most of the patients (45, 80.4%) agreed that their symptoms of asthma had improved with biologic therapy. Most of the patients felt that overall asthma symptoms are better after curfew and lockdown 28 (50%). Less use of bronchodilators postcurfew was reported in 38% of the patients. Asthma control (≥20) using ACT score was significantly higher among patients in postcurfew and lockdown period compared to precurfew period 34 (61.7%) and 23 (41%) (P = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Asthma control was better postcurfew and lockdown. A decrease in air pollution and social distances may be a contributing factor.
Bilevel positive airway pressure ventilation for non-COPD acute hypercapnic respiratory failure patients
Authors: Faqihi Bandar M. , Trethewey Samuel P. , Morlet Julien , Parekh Dhruv , Turner Alice M.
Published: October 2021

The effectiveness of bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) due to etiologies other than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. To systematically review the evidence regarding the effectiveness of BiPAP in non-COPD patients with AHRF. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL Plus were searched according to prespecified criteria (PROSPERO-CRD42018089875). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of BiPAP versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), invasive mechanical ventilation, or O2 therapy in adults with non-COPD AHRF were included. The primary outcomes of interest were the rate of endotracheal intubation (ETI) and mortality. Risk-of-bias assessment was performed, and data were synthesized and meta-analyzed where appropriate. Two thousand four hundred and eighty-five records were identified after removing duplicates. Eighty-eight articles were identified for full-text assessment, of which 82 articles were excluded. Six studies, of generally low or uncertain risk-of-bias, were included involving 320 participants with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPO) and solid tumors. No significant differences were seen between BiPAP ventilation and CPAP with regard to the rate of progression to ETI (risk ratio [RR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–3.62, P = 0.37) and in-hospital mortality rate (RR = 0.71, 95% CI, 0.25–1.99, P = 0.51) in patients with AHRF due to ACPO. The efficacy of BiPAP appears similar to CPAP in reducing the rates of ETI and mortality in patients with AHRF due to ACPO. Further research on other non-COPD conditions which commonly cause AHRF such as obesity hypoventilation syndrome is needed.
Clinical profile of fever in patients admitted through the outpatient department in a North Indian tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Salh Gurpreet Kaur , Gupta Veenu , Kaur Harpreet , Ahluwalia Srishti , Ahluwalia Saumya
Published: October 2021

Background:

Febrile illnesses are a common cause of morbidity and mortality and present diagnostic challenge, especially in the absence of reliable data in India. Fever has varying aetiologies such as infections, connective tissue disorders and malignancies. The infections may be indistinguishable clinically, and appropriate management will depend on the aetiologic profile. This study was planned to know the aetiology and seasonal variations of fever in adult patients.

Methods:

A prospective observational study over a period of 15 months was conducted on adult patients aged ≥18 years with febrile illness. Details of history and results of physical examination were recorded. Routine baseline and special investigations were done as clinically indicated. All patients were followed until discharge from the hospital.

Results:

Out of 122 patients, 79 were male. The maximum number of patients was in the age group of 31–40 years. The most common symptoms were myalgia, cough and vomiting. The aetiology of febrile illness was acute undifferentiated febrile illness (33.6%), undiagnosed undifferentiated fever (23%) and other diagnosis (43.4%). Common aetiologies of acute undifferentiated febrile illness were dengue fever (10.6%) and enteric fever (9.8%). Amongst other causes, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections were common. Seasonal variation was seen in enteric fever, dengue fever, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Conclusions:

Common aetiologies were dengue, enteric fever and tuberculosis. It is important to understand the profile of febrile illness; so that evidence-based management can be initiated, especially in a resource-limited country like India.
A rare case of adverse drug reaction and drug interaction in a human immunodeficiency virus patient
Authors: Kavya Kaza , Subbalaxmi M. V. S. , Chakravarty Mutnuru Phani , Radhika Soanker , Goyal Mallika
Published: October 2021

We are reporting a case of rifabutin-induced uveitis in a woman with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-tuberculosis (TB) coinfection involving the right hip. Identifying the culprit drug and tailoring the appropriate regimen was a challenge to the clinicians. We described the clinical features, ophthalmological findings, laboratory findings and radiological findings in skeletal TB and follow-up in a woman with HIV-TB coinfection. Improvement of vision on stopping rifabutin with rifampicin confirmed our diagnosis. This case highlights about adverse drug reactions and drug interactions in case of HIV and TB coinfection. Patients receiving therapy with combinations of any of these agents should be warned about signs and symptoms of uveitis and monitored closely for the development of rifabutin toxicity.
Об ортогональности в несепарабельных перестановочно-инвариантных пространствах
Authors: Astashkin Sergei Vladimirovich , Semenov Evgenii Mikhailovich
Published: October 2021

Пусть $E$ - несепарабельное перестановочно-инвариантное пространство и $E_0$ - замыкание множества ограниченных функций в $E$. Работа посвящена изучению элементов пространства $E$, ортогональных подпространству $E_0$, т.е. таких $x\in E$, $x\ne 0$, что $\|x\|_{E} \le\|x+y\|_{E}$ для любого $y\in E_0$. Получена характеризация множества ортогональных элементов $\mathcal{O}(E)$, если $E$ - пространство Марцинкевича или Орлича. Если пространство Орлича $L_M$ рассматривается с нормой Люксембурга, то множество $L_M\setminus (L_M)_0$ является алгебраической суммой множества $\mathcal{O}(L_M)$ и пространства $(L_M)_0$.
Доказано, что всякое несепарабельное перестановочно-инвариантное пространство $E$ такое, что $\mathcal{O}(E)\ne\varnothing$, содержит асимптотически изометрическую копию пространства $l_\infty$.
Библиография: 17 названий.
Population-Based Prevalence of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection among Infants in the Trachoma Endemic Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Nash Scott D. , Chernet Ambahun , Astale Tigist , Sata Eshetu , Zerihun Mulat , Nute Andrew W. , Jensen Kimberly A. , Gessese Demelash , Ayele Zebene , Melak Berhanu , Haile Mahteme , Zeru Taye , Tadesse Zerihun , Kelly Callahan E.
Published: October 2021

Infants ages < 6 months do not receive azithromycin as part of trachoma control and thus may serve as an infection reservoir in persistently endemic districts. The aim of this study was to determine the population-based Chlamydia trachomatis infection prevalence and infectious load among infants ages 1–12 months in persistently trachoma endemic districts in Amhara, Ethiopia. Across six districts, 475 infants were enumerated, and of these 464 (97.7%) were swabbed for infection testing. The C. trachomatis infection prevalence in the study area among infants was 0.2% (95% CI: 0.0–1.5). Among children ages 0–5 years positive for C. trachomatis, the median load was 31 elementary bodies (EB) (Inter quartile range: 7–244 EB), and the infection-positive infant had a load of 7,755 EB. While it is worth reconsidering azithromycin treatment recommendations for the potential mortality benefits, these results do not support lowering the treatment age for trachoma control.
The Development of Early Pottery in the Forest Zone of the Middle Volga Region (Eastern Europe)
Authors: Vybornov Alexander , Andreev Konstantin , Kudashov Aleksandr , Kulkova Marianna
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the Neolithisation in the forest zone of the Middle Volga River basin. The different conceptions of the process are considered. The archaeological materials from different sites located on this territory and neighbouring regions have been compared. The question was raised regarding animal domestication and its attributes in the forest zone of the Volga region in the Neolithic period. The hypothesis that pottery spread in the forest zone of the Middle Volga region under the influence of cultures from a forest-steppe zone of the Volga region was examined, and the chronological frame of this process was determined. However, the process has been essentially one of migration and was not autochthonous. The mobile lifestyle of early Neolithic hunters played a major part in their movements and did not connect with a productive economy (i.e. domestication). An indicator of these changes is pottery style. For the forest zone of the Middle Volga region, the earliest Neolithic vessels are characterized by rare ornamental patterns that appeared earlier than other types.
Synthesis, characterization, POM analyses and biological evaluation of n-[(2-methoxy-5- nitrophenyl)]-4-oxo-4-[oxy] butenamide based zinc(II) carboxylate complexes
Authors: S. Khan M. , Sirajuddin M. , Zubair M. , Khan H. , Tariq M. , Mehwish S. , Ullah N.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. The aim of medicinal chemistry is to links many scientific disciplines and allows the scientists in researching and developing new drugs with enhance and targeted properties. In this article we are exploring the preparation of four new zinc(II) carboxylate complexes based on N-[(2-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl)]-4-oxo-4-[oxy]butenamide which were characterized through FT-IR and EDX studies. The DNA binding ability and binding type of complexes were assessed by spectroscopic (UV-Visible) and viscosity measurements, exhibiting an intercalative pattern of interaction. The synthesized compounds were also assessed to know theoretically about their nature by molecular docking studies resulting also in intercalation mode. Analysis of the complexes for biological applications such as anti-microbial, anti-leishmanial, cytotoxicity and DNA damage activities showed that these complexes carries good anti-microbial, anti-leishmanial activity with no toxicity to human blood thyrocytes and DNA. The bioavailability prediction and drug likeness score has also been evaluated through Insilco studies.

                   

KEY WORDS: Zn(II) carboxylate complex, DNA binding, Anti-leishmanial activity, Cytotoxicity, Docking study

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 365-380.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.11
Solvent free synthesis of hydrazine carbothioamide derivatives as a precursor in the preparation of new mononuclear Mn(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes: Spectroscopic characterizations
Authors: H. Al-Hazmi G. , A. Saad H. , M. Alosaimi A. , S. Refat M.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. Over the last few years considerable attention has been devoted to the study of Schiff base complexes of metal(II) containing nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur donor ligands due to their diverse biological activities. Therefore, the Schiff base thiosemicarbazone derivatives of 2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine carbothioamide (HL1) and 2-(4-bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine carbothioamide (HL2) were synthesized with solvent free technique using silica gel as material support for the reaction. The structures of the precursor’s organic products confirmed with their 1H, 13C NMR, IR and microanalysis data. Six new manganese(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) complexes of HL1 and HL2 2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide derivatives with the general formulation [ML1Cl] and [ML2Cl], where M = Mn2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ were prepared and well discussed by using elemental analyses, magnetic moments, molar conductance, infrared and electronic spectral techniques. The assignments data of spectroscopic analysis confirm that the synthesized thiosemicarbazone Schiff bases of acts as a tridentate ligand as sulfur-oxygen-nitrogen donating atoms. The values of magnetic moments agreed with the data of electronic spectra which both suggested a four-coordination geometry of the synthesized complexes.

                   

KEY WORDS: Schiff base, Thiosemicarbazone, Manganese(II) complex, Copper(II) complex, Zinc(II) complex

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 413-424.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.14
Simulation studies on corrosion of stone coated roofing sheets sold in Nigeria
Authors: O. Omokpariola D. , C. O. Omokpariola E. , U. Okechukwu V.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. Acid rain condition were simulated on three selected stone-coated roofing sheets sold in Nigeria to assess the rate of metallic dissolution using (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 M) concentration of sulfuric acid, simulated acid rain (0.5 M  of HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4) for 30 days in a controlled environment. Six metals (Pb, Fe, Zn, Al, Si, and Cd) concentration were determined using same concentration of sulfuric acid and distilled water for three hours at elevated temperature of 55 ºC. The results showed that as concentration increases across the three samples, the corrosion rate of stone-coated roofing sheets increases. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the weight loss of the samples were significant by all input variables. The fourth order polynomial model conducted for weight loss and corrosion showed best fit with regression (R2) which ranged from 0.95 and 0.99 across three samples except for 1.00 M of sulfuric acid at 0.8953, 0.8862, and 0.8933 for Sample 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Metal dissolution conducted for three hours showed that zinc had highest dissolution across different concentration, followed by iron respectively, aluminum dissolved at 0.75 M sulfuric acid; lead dissolved at 0.25 M, 1 M and distilled water while silicon and cadmium had relatively low dissolution accordingly. Acid rain has negative impact on corrosion stone-coated roofing sheets thus influencing its lifespan and durability.

                   

KEY WORDS: Simulation, Acid rain, Metal dissolution, Corrosion, Stone-coated roof, Nigeria

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 461-470.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.18
Evaluation of risk caused by intake of trace metal through consumption of Pleurotus tuber-regium collected around automobile village in Abia State
Authors: P. Onyedinma U. , Siddhant  , C. Nwaru E. , O. Chukwu P. , B. Ajong A. , Dehmchi F.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. The bioaccumulation of trace metals in mushrooms poses a health risk to consumers. Despite the fact that mushroom eating has been linked to numerous health advantages, little attention has been paid to the relative health risks associated with trace metal build-up in this nutritional source in Nigeria. Pb, Cd, Fe, Hg and As in Pleurotus tuber-regium collected from mechanic workshops in Umuahia were analysed and the associated health risks for the consumers were evaluated. The trace metal contents in the mushroom and its substrates showed a descending order of Fe > Pb > Cd > As > Hg. The heavy metals concentration ranges in fruity body of the Pleurotus tuber-regium were Fe (62.16-98.17 mg kg-1), Pb (0.18-1.21 mg kg-1), Cd (0.05-0.34 mg kg-1), As (0.25-0.51 mg kg-1) and Hg (0.009-0.021 mg kg-1). The estimation of weekly intake values was lower than PTWIs of mushroom species except for Fe. According to the THQ and the HI calculations for trace metal contents in the mushrooms, mercury did not pose any risk on human health; whereas the other determined trace metals gave THQ values of 1 < THQ < 10 and showed the possibility of long-term risk.

                   

KEY WORDS: Trace metals. Mushroom, Estimated weekly intake, Target hazard quotient, Bioaccumulation

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 229-241.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.2
Levels of major and trace metals in eggplant and soil
Authors: Asafew K. , S. Chandravanshi B.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. Eggplant is one of the widely used edible vegetables in the world including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the metal contents of eggplants and their corresponding soils collected from five different areas of Ethiopia. Levels of nine selected metals (Na, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd) were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentration ranges (mg/kg) of the metals in eggplant were Na (1,384-1,917) > Ca (110-158) > Fe (55.9-94.8) > Mn (34.5-44.2) > Zn (17.9-29.2) > Cu (4.3-10.0) > Pb (1.8-4.5) and in soil Fe (4,714-5,508) > Na (843-1,120) > Ca (237-788), Mn (617-763) > Zn (50.7-99.4) > Cu (44.8-74.0) > Pb (13.8-15.8), respectively. Ni and Cd were below the detection limit. The results indicated that eggplant is a good source of essential macro and micro metals. It is also free from toxic metal Cd. However, it contains higher level of Pb, well above the WHO/FAO permissible level. The bioavailability of the metals in eggplant was investigated by analysis of soil pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid and salinity. Transfer factor exhibited a higher accumulation of Na from the soil to the eggplant but for the other metals it was < 1.

                   

KEY WORDS: Eggplant, Minerals, Soil properties, Transfer factor, Ethiopia

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 243-255.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.3
Synthesis, characterization and urease inhibitory activities of Zn(II) complexes bearing C1-symmetric ligands derived from (R)-phenylethanamine
Authors: Nayab S. , Alam A. , A. Khan F. , Khan H. , Khan S. , A. Khan F.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT. A series of Zn(II) complexes, supported with N-substituted phenylethanamine derivatives, [LnZnCl2] (where Ln = LA ((R)-1-phenyl-N-(thiophene-2-ylmethyl)ethanamine; LB (R)-N-(5-meyhylthiophene-2-yl)methyl-1-phenylethanamine; LC ((R)-N-(furan-2-ylmeththyl)-1-phenylethanamine and LD (R)-N-((5-methylfuran-2-yl)methyl)-1-phenylethanamine) were synthesized and characterized. The urease inhibitory activities of these complexes were determined against selected urease inhibitors where [LBZnCl2] was found to be the most prominent inhibitor of Jack bean urease (J. B. urease) (IC50 = 10.39±0.78 μM), whereas the activity of Bacillus pasteurii urease (B. P. urease) was predominantly inhibited by [LAZnCl2] (IC50 = 8.68±0.7 μM). Additionally, MOE-Dock program was used to affirm the probable binding modes of these complexes into the crystal structure of J. B. urease which certainly verified the inhibitory mechanism of these novel complexes.

                   

KEY WORDS: Zn(II) complexes, (R)-Phenylethanamine, Urease inhibition, Molecular docking

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 301-314.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.7
Methodical Approach to Forecasting the Intensification of Innovative Development of Regions Using the Mathcad Program
Authors: Popelo Olha , Tulchynska Svitlana , Lagodiienko Nataliia , Radin Michael A. , Moskalenko Artem
Published: October 2021

The authors have improved the methodical approach to assessing and forecasting the intensification of innovative development of regions, which contains a justification for the selection of statistical indicators of innovative development of regions, which are checked for compliance with the grouping by correlation analysis. The use of correlation analysis using Mathcad software makes it possible to eliminate autocorrelation relationships between selected assessment indicators of innovative development of regions. Confirmation of the weight of the grouping of evaluation indicators provides calculations of impact factors and determination of the most influential indicators on the integrated index of innovative development of regions using Mathcad software. The influence of the most influential indicators is also taken into account when forecasting the integrated index on the basis of estimated indicators using the Bartlett method. Predictive values and calculations of the integrated index of innovative development can be used in the practice of local and regional authorities to develop effective measures to enhance the intensification of innovative development of regions, taking into account the most influential factors for a particular region. The proposed methodological approach to forecasting innovative development was tested on the example of Polish regions, all calculations were performed using Mathcad software. For a more thorough analysis, three different voivodeships of Poland were selected, which belong to the voivodeships with high, medium and low levels of innovative development, have different and most influential indicators on the value of the integrated index. Such voivodeships include Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Pomeranian and Swiętokrzyskie. When forecasting with the use of Mathcad software, which makes it possible to eliminate errors in calculations, an increase in the average value of the integrated index of innovation development was obtained.
Controle da programação de um empreendimento: estudo de caso
Authors: Oliveira Natália Castro de , Mutti Cristine do Nascimento
Published: October 2021

In the current scenario of crisis in the country, construction companies need to invest in management and in process control. The PPC is one of the most complex processes in companies. This is due to the large number of variables that influence the system and the interdependence between them and external factors. This research was a case study conducted during the execution of a residential building, which had its planning in development and being applied daily. In order to carry out the control in the building site the PPC tool was applied weekly, with daily control. The main problems identified were: unfinished prior task, low productivity, lack of sub contractor´s labor, lack of labor and lack of building materials. Refining the PPC can identify more easily those responsible for delays and take corrective action on site.
Lean construction e obras públicas: um mapeamento sistemático na literatura
Authors: Weber Lucas Eduardo , Santos Débora de Gois
Published: October 2021

Public enterprises are of utmost importance for the development of a nation. However, its construction is usually characterized by several problems such as non-compliance with the deadline, the value and the poor quality presented. Thus, the applicability of the principles of Lean Construction in the public sector comes with the objective of mitigating these problems. The objective of this research was to provide an overview of research involving the themes of Lean Construction and Public Works through a Systematic Mapping Study. As a result, it was evidenced that there is little research that addresses the two themes simultaneously, but with growth of publications in recent years. Research focuses on publications in the International Group for Lean Construction, the countries with the most publications located in the Northern Hemisphere such as the United States, Norway and the United Kingdom, and the vast majority of studies are based on case studies. Thus, the need to disseminate Lean Construction and its applications in the public sector remains proven.
Análise do índice de velocidade de vendas do mercado imobiliário de Fortaleza sob a ótica da previsão de demanda
Authors: Moreira Felipe Fernandes , Campos Vanessa Ribeiro
Published: October 2021

Demand forecasting is a key aspect of medium to long term investments, since such commitments are strongly dependent on how the present conditions will behave in the future. The objective of this paper is to study the sales velocity rate of the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, from the perspective of demand forecasting, more precisely by investigating the relationship between variables related to real estate public financing as well as the gross aggregated value of the construction national industry. Such analysis aligns with quantitative methods that aims at causality relationships among factors for forecasting demand. After subsequent data handling, the analysis was conducted by fitting trend lines with linear regression models that reveal with statistical significance correlation within dependent and independent variables. In conclusion, the analysis revealed time lags between the sales velocity rate and relevant economic data of the national real estate market, fact that can be employed on the development of forecasting models.
Comparativo entre os processos de gerenciamento de requisitos e de comissionamento de edifícios
Authors: Araujo Barthira Leston , Silva Gabriel Augusto Sehn , Martins Nátali Vergara , Schramm Fábio Kellermann
Published: October 2021

Requirements Management (RM) has been subject of relevant studies, while Building Commissioning (BCx) has been poorly addressed, particularly in Brazil. This article aims to compare the processes of Requirements Management and Building Commissioning, seeking to identify points of agreement, differences between these processes, as well as opportunities for improvement, especially in Building Commissioning. The methodology used was Narrative Literature Review on Requirements Management and Building Commissioning. Both processes were analyzed according to: (a) the objectives; (c) procedures; and (c) tools used in each phase of the building life cycle. The main results point out the possibility of including Building Commissioning in Requirements Management, since BCx deals with part of client requirements and could add product value. Requirements Management, in turn, can include procedures and technics from BCx to improve the evaluation of its outcomes. Thus, even though Building Commissioning has been developed to deal with building systems requirements, it has been reframed to include whole building requirements.
gestão da inserção de tecnologia e inovação em empresas construtoras: um mapeamento sistemático de literatura
Authors: Barbosa Ivan Carlos Alves , Granja Ariovaldo Denis , Olivieri Hylton
Published: October 2021

The construction industry is a major driver of economies. In Brazil, this industry is strongly dominated by the use of conventional construction methods by contractors, which, in general, employ low-skilled labor. On the one hand, with the increasing development of the housing market in recent years, the construction companies began to analyze the feasibility of the insertion of innovative construction systems, coupled with the need to increase competitiveness and to promote cost reductions efforts. But on the other hand, the implementation of these systems faces barriers such as cultural factors and lack of advice on how to manage this process properly. Additionally, the insertion of these systems is usually focused on short-term gains, meaning the neglect of aspects of the required integrated management related to their implementation. In this sense, there is an opportunity to explore how innovative technological systems should be inserted by construction companies. The research presents a Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) focused on the management of technology insertion and innovation in construction companies. The results suggest that the analyzed documents are predominantly conceptual, or they mix concepts with techniques, and the theme is encouraging researches for more than thirty years, with a increasing intensity in the last ten years
Análise de custo e desempenho térmico para um projeto de habitação de interesse social
Authors: ISKANDAR RAPHAELA , RESENDE FABIANA BARBOSA , BRANDSTETTER MARIA CAROLINA
Published: October 2021

The Housing Program of Social Interest aims to provide the access to adequate housing for low-income population segments in urban and rural areas. To be considered financially viable, this popular construction type shouldt have basic attributes, in finishing as well as in recreation areas. According these parameters, it is common among builders to look for economic buildings, forgetting the analysis of building performance, the main objective of ABNT NBR 15575. According to the procedures and requirements of this standard, a case study was carried out aims analyzing the thermal performance of main vertical sealing and ceiling materials used in a standard Minha Casa, Minha vida project, comparing them with the cost, in order to find the low-cost model for this type of building without impairing performance. Twelve design combinations were simulated in the Design Builder software to evaluate the thermal performance according to the Brazilian performance standard and their costs were estimated for each alternative. The results compare the models pointing to the best cost benefit ratio, being the system with soil-cement walls and without ceiling the best option.
importância de pesquisas sobre teoria da produção para a construção
Authors: Vivan André Luiz , Paliari José Carlos
Published: October 2021

This article briefly discusses the need for innovative research on efforts to structure an explicit theory of production management in construction. It is a theoretical article that records the first considerations of the authors, in front of a research project in development by them. The main objective is to stimulate the discussion and development of innovative research for the body of knowledge in question, highlighting the importance of the subject for both the academic and practical spheres. The relevance of the article is due to two aspects: the expressive need for participation of national authors in the subject and the latent need for innovation and paradigm rupture in what concerns the development of an explicit theory of production management in construction.
Métodos alternativos para escavação e lançamento de cabos em usinas fotovoltaicas
Authors: Eccel João Vítor , Haito Ricardo Juan José Oviedo
Published: October 2021

Sustainable energies generation, in which the photovoltaic energy generation is included, has been growing expressively. This fact causes the number of construction companies that work in this area to increase, intensifying competition and forcing companies to find out solutions to get advantages over others. One area where advantages could be exploited is trench execution and cable plowing, since it is one of the longest phases in the construction of photovoltaic power plants. The goal of this study is to identify alternative methods for trench excavation and cable plowing in photovoltaic power plants in Brazil. An exploratory qualitative research was conducted. Data on executive methods were collected in the literature and in interviews. Two alternative methods were identified as advantageous over the conventional method. For example, the use of plowing method’s mechanized operations could lead to shorter schedules. It also requires less workers in the field, reducing risks of injuries. In addition, plowing method requires less elements in the trench.  Hence, companies could consider their use to improve productivity in the field, making themselves more competitive.
evolução do conhecimento de construtibilidade
Authors: Abreu João Paulo Maciel de , Marchiori Fernanda Fernandes , Haito Ricardo Juan José Oviedo
Published: October 2021

In civil construction there is a constant search for improvement. Among the ways to achieve it, the concept of constructability stands out. Constructability can be understood as a characteristic of a building or construction project to be easily performed. Since 1962, in Emmerson Report, this concept is growing and involving different areas of construction research. Notwithstanding, there is no consensus about the meaning of this concept, that can be associated to terms such as constructability, buildability, among others, with similar constructs but different scopes in construction life-cycle. The aim of this paper is to show the evolution of constructability knowledge in researches conducted in Brazil and other countries, specially USA, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong. To reach this aim, a bibliometric integrative review was carried out in international databases, including journals and event proceedings, and Brazilian thesis repositories. Three hundred forty-three researches mentioned the terms “constructability” or “buildability” as well its equivalent “construtibilidade”. As a result, it was observed the consolidation of this concept in 2000’s, and the emergence of new ways and tools related to constructability analysis such as indicators systems or analysis using BIM 4D; contributing to the discussion about how to put the constructability concept into practice.
Produtividade da mão de obra na execução de alvenaria estrutural em edifício residencial
Authors: Muller Hyago Maurício Bremm , Rodegheri Priscila Mirapalhete , Paliari José Carlos
Published: October 2021

The search for improvements in the construction industry has made companies better know their production processes in order to reduce consumption of material and activity that do not add value to the product, as well as ensure better productivity of their teams. For these reasons, this research sought to measure, through a case study, indicators of labor productivity in the execution of the structural masonry of a residential building located in the city of São Carlos, SP, run by a small company. The results showed that the studied team has a higher productivity when compared to the indicators provided by the Sinapi and TCPO tables. In the analysis of time distribution, we observed significantly low unproductive activity and values ​​of good and productive activity and compatible with values ​​presented in the literature. Although it has occurred in a short period of time, this study enlightened that small businesses have optimized their processes in order to remain competitive in the marketplace, demonstrating the efficiency of their team.
Proposição de modelo de maturidade para serviços de fiscalização de obras públicas
Authors: Weber Lucas Eduardo , Carvalho Mayana Chagas , Franca Veruschka Vieira , Santos Débora de Gois
Published: October 2021

Public enterprises play an important role in the social and economic development of society, but their constructions are often characterized by inefficiency in the use of public resources, constant delays in delivery and poor quality. In this context, the construction supervision phase has a great responsibility, as it is one of the phases that contributes to the quality assurance of the public enterprise. The aim of this paper is to propose a maturity model based on the best practices of public entities' inspection teams in order to verify the degree of maturity in relation to the practices established by the TCU. For the exemplification, the proposed model was applied in a public institution, whose key stage analyzed referred to the concreting service and its respective key recommendations. In general, it proved to be effective and easy to apply for the evaluation of maturity in the sector of public works inspections. As a result of the application of the model, it was verified that the institution studied is at the transition level for the mature, with a maturity level of 87%, and the institution places more emphasis on services subject to requests for corrections and technological control.
Estrategias de internacionalización de las empresas consultoras de ingeniería españolas
Authors: Lozano-Torro Alicia , Pellicer Eugenio , Sanz Amalia , Jimenez Jaime
Published: October 2021

El contexto de crisis económica en España en el periodo 2008-2013 y el entorno globalizado actual han convertido la internacionalización en una de las principales vías de supervivencia para las ingenierías españolas. Pero los elevados riesgos que implica el mercado internacional obligan a las ingenierías a la adopción de determinadas decisiones estratégicas. El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar las estrategias de internacionalización que las ingenierías españolas consideran más importantes para obtener establecerse con éxito en mercado externos. Partiendo de las estrategias identificadas en la revisión de la literatura se entrevistan 10 directivos de ingenierías españolas con experiencia internacional. Los resultados muestran que las estrategias más valoradas son la relacionada con la estructura, que debe modificarse para hacerla más flexible, en la que prevalecen ventajas tales como la disposición de recursos humanos cualificados, elaboración de trabajos de alta calidad, prestación de servicios especializados y la adquisición de experiencia en el mercado nacional. Además, el tamaño de las empresas favorece la internacionalización porque facilita la obtención de ciertas ventajas competitivas, como unos recursos humanos altamente cualificados o una mayor capacidad financiera. Estas conclusiones facilitan el proceso de internacionalización de las empresas de ingeniería, sobre todo en un contexto de crisis económica.
Gerenciamento de risco em apoio estratégico à pequenas e médias empresas da construção civil
Authors: Olimpio Luiz Carlos Magalhães , Campos Vanessa Ribeiro
Published: October 2021

Due to the numerous uncertainties in the construction industry, their companies require a decision-making that promotes greater managerial control and financial security. Risk management is the main systematic method to deal effectively with risks and opportunities. Although this method has shown to be effective in preserving resources, increasing performance, and promoting better control of cost, time and quality, there are observed few applications in small and medium-sized civil construction companies. For these, a proactive risk management process strategically geared to opportunities and threats may be required for survival, given the high competitiveness and variability of the construction market. The main normative that guides the positioning of companies in the face of risks is ISO 31.000 - Risk Management, which in 2018 has undertaken updates in its directives. These changes bring more strategic and inclusive provisions to risk management. Through a systematic review of the literature, this paper produces a SWOT matrix to identify strategic factors for SMEs in construction sector. Then it is identified contributions of risk management that maximizes forces and opportunities, and minimizes weaknesses and threats, considering the specificities of these companies.
Gestão em SST: mapeamento sistemático de literatura com foco na construção civil
Authors: Philippsen Jr. Luiz , Weber Adriana Santos , Weber Ismael
Published: October 2021

Safety and health aspects are part of the strategic planning of contemporary organizations. These aspects must be observed and implemented in the day-to-day work and in all the products and goods developed by the organizations. The construction industry, as part of this contemporary organizational reality, increasingly adopts related practices to improve safety at the construction site. However, unlike traditional industrial sectors, the construction industry has specificities that also take it systematically among the most dangerous industrial sectors to work. This article presents an analysis of the scientific production on occupational safety and health management – OSHM, with focus on civil construction, specifically at the construction sites level. Throughout a systematic mapping study protocol, 108 published researches were collected by Web of Science. Using software and tools for bibliometric analyses, this article shows the main researches, authors, countries and institutions of research, the publication and dissemination platforms and the possible relations between the researches, researchers and subjects.