bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIM技术在现代建筑工程项目管理中的应用分析
Authors: 丁 宝玲
Published: November 2020

在最近的几年时间里，我国社会经济水平得到了显著的提升，从而为各个领域的发展壮大带来了良好的机遇。在这种形势下，尽管建筑工程行业得到了良好的进步，但是也加剧了整个行业内的竞争形式，建筑工程施工单位要想在严峻的竞争形势中长期处在不败的境地，那么最为重要的就是需要从各个细节入手来提升企业自身的综合实力，并且要加大力度来实施工程项目的管理工作，从而在保证工程施工质量的基础上，尽可能的促使企业能够获得更加丰厚的经济和社会收益。切实的开展工程项目管理工作对于当代建筑工程行业的发展能够起到积极的推动作用，尤其是将BIM技术引用到建筑工程项目管理工作之中，可以更加高效的保证企业实现既定的效益目标。这篇文章主要围绕BIM技术在建筑工程项目管理中的切实运用展开全面深入的分析研究，希望能够对我国建筑工程行业的稳步健康发展有所帮助。
机电安装工程造价管理中的常见问题与改进策略
Authors: 谭 志茹 , 姜 成利
Published: November 2020

近年来，我国加大了改革开放的力度，从而为我国社会经济的发展带来了良好的机遇，推动了我国建筑工程行业的稳步发展。在一个完整的建筑工程中，机电安装工程的作用是非常巨大的，机电安装工程涉及到的层面较多所以具有非常明显的复杂性，并且对于专业技术水平要求相对较高，如果在施工过程中出现任何的失误的情况，那么必然会对建筑工程整体施工质量造成一定的损害。这篇文章主要在针对极限安装工程造价管理工作展开全面深入的分析研究，并指出了机电安装工程造价管理工作中所存在的各类问题，针对性的提出解决的建议，希望能够对我国机电安装工程行业良好发展有所帮助。
Management of Exchange Rate Risk in SMEs
Authors: Badshah Imtiaz , Borgersen Trond-Arne
Published: November 2020

Exchange rate fluctuations represent a challenge for the internationalization of all firms, both big and small. This paper reflects on two aspects of the exchange rate challenge - (i) the exchange rate pass-through and (ii) hedging of exchange rate risk and how SMEs manage these two aspects of exchange rate risk. The exchange rate challenges that SMEs face might differ from the risks larger firms are exposed to, and their management of the risks might vary. In family-owned SMEs, longer planning horizons than listed firms might imply a weaker exchange rate pass-through, while smaller financial buffers might pull pass-through rules in the opposite direction for the same SMEs. When considering hedging, the paper argues for both operational hedging and external hedging to represent a management challenge for SMEs, pushing the exchange rate risk towards the forefront of the factors hampering internationalization among SMEs.
Sosialisasi dan Simulasi Perhitungan Listrik Prabayar Di Wilayah Petukangan Utara Jakarta Selatan
Authors: Putri Tri Wahyu Oktaviana , Anggaini Dwi , Senen Adri , Simamora Yoakim
Published: November 2020

Program listrik prabayar merupakan terobosan PT. PLN yang dikeluarkan tahun 2008. Salah satu alasan selain untuk meningkatkan pelayanan, dibuatnya program listrik prabayar ini diantaranya adalah kejadian salah baca meter, tagihan yang tidak menentu, tunggakan rekening dan salah pemutusan. Listrik Prabayar atau Token adalah terobosan dari PLN dalam menjawab permasalahan yang kerap terjadi dalam sistem pencatatan meteran. Sistem token ini selain meminimalisasi aksi-aksi penyimpangan, juga mampu mengajak masyarakat lebih bijak dalam menggunakan listrik. Akan tetapi, pada kenyataannya banyak masyarakat yang belum mengetahui perhitungan listrik prabayar yang selama ini mereka gunakan. Oleh karena itu perlu diberikan sosialisasi perhitungan listrik prabayar dan simulasi perhitungannya pada masyarakat.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Jam Digital dan Lampu Hias LED dengan Arduino Di Pesantren Daarussalaam
Authors: Mowaviq Muhammad Imbarothur
Published: November 2020

Pondok pesantren di Indonesia memiliki peranan penting sebagai lembaga penyebaran agama sekaligus keceradasan rakyat dan moral bangsa. Dapat dikatakan bahwa pondok pesantren memiliki tujuan ganda sebagai institusi yang mempertahankan nilai-nilai keislaman dengan titik berat pada aspek pendidikan. Sedangkan dalam dunia pendidikan sendiri, aspek teknologi tidak bisa dipisahkan sebagai penunjang sistem belajar. Dengan perkembangan teknologi, salah satunya mikrokontroler, santri haruslah dapat mengenali teknologi tersebut agar tidak tertinggal. Arduino merupakan mikrokontroler yang dirakit dalam satu papan dan memiliki perangkat lunak yang dapat diakses secara gratis. Arduino dirancang untuk memudahkan penggunaan elektromekanik dalam berbagai kegiatan. Mikrokontroler yang digunakan pada Arduino berjenis atmel AVR dengan berbagai jenis lainnya. Dengan diadakannya pelatihan, santri dari Pondok Pesantren Daarussalaam dapat meningkatkan pengetahuannya tentang teknologi terbaru, terutama tentang mikrokontroler. Mereka juga dapat membuat secara mandiri lampu hias dari led dan juga jam digital. Sekolah juga dapat menggunakannya untuk kegiatan praktek di sekolah yang didampingi secara langsung oleh guru mereka. Kegiatan ini, mesti terus dikembangkan terutama dengan berbagai bentuk dari aplikasi mikrokontroler menggunaka arduino.

 

Kata kunci: Pesantren, Teknologi, dan Arduino
Sosialisasi Energi Baru Terbarukan Untuk Pelajar SMP Annida Al Islamy Duri Kosambi, Cengkareng
Authors: Diantari Retno Aita
Published: November 2020

Energy is a basic human need, which continues to increase in line with the level of life. Oil fuel / fossil energy is one of the nonrenewable energy sources which has been a mainstay to meet energy needs in all sectors of activity. The lack of students' understanding of the process of the occurrence of electrical energy makes them not much to save electricity in everyday life. During this time, most students in using electrical energy do not think about the impact on environmental sustainability. The activity of disseminating new and renewable energy is an effort or step taken to reduce dependence on fossil energy and simultaneously preserve the environment. This activity is a socialization activity led by STT-PLN lecturers to provide education to the public about the importance of understanding the use of electrical energy wisely in an effort to protect the environment.
Implementasi Teknologi Energi Surya Sebagai Wujud Mandiri Energi Listrik Di Masjid Al-Falah Serua Ciputat Tangerang Selatan
Authors: Widyastuti Christine , Handayani Oktaria , Koerniawan Tony
Published: November 2020

The existence of street lighting and or public facilities is one of the things that is very important for the smooth running of residents' activities, especially at night. However, not all of them had lighting installed as in the Al-Falah Serua Ciputat Mosque in South Tangerang. This village is a village that is electrified but electricity supply for public facilities and roads is still minimal, due also to the large cost of using electricity. Therefore it is necessary to install public and street lighting facilities in this case in the form of solar lights as an effective alternative to solutions in lighting and to reduce the cost of using electricity from PLN. The solar lights are very suitable to be installed in this location, considering that the lights do not require electricity from residents' houses and PLN, and geographically the location is very potential for utilizing solar power because it is still very green. Solar lights are installed at strategic points on the road to Al Falah Mosque and the front porch of Al Falah Mosque itself. The lamp used is a HILIOS SL-40W lamp with 40Watt power. In addition to street lighting and public facilities, an economic analysis is also carried out on this activity by comparing the total costs required between incandescent lighting with solar power. Where the nominal difference obtained in rupiah is Rp 311,055.2 lighter than PJU incandescent lamps, and solar lights are not affected by TDL (basic electricity tariff).
Edukasi Penggunaan Instalasi Listrik Yang Baik Untuk Menghindari Bahaya Kebakaran Akibat Listrik Di Kelurahan Gondrong Kecamatan Cipondoh Kota Tangerang
Authors: Mauriraya Kartika Tresya , Afrianda Rio , Pasra Nurmiati , Pahiyanti Novi Gusti , Makkulau Andi , Fernandes Alex , Sukmajati Sigit
Published: November 2020

This community partnership program aims to help the public to know the security of residential installations and fire prevention efforts due to an electrical surge. As well as providing motivation to be able to continue to encourage and apply to the community in the partner area to always prevent fires due to electrical short circuit and use electrical equipment according to standards. With the partnership program activities of the community in the Gondrong neighborhood, Cipondoh Sub-district will be able to provide education on integrated electrical installations to avoid fire hazards due to electricity
Sosialisasi Pemanfaatan Tenaga Surya Sebagai Sumber Energi Listrik Di Desa Ciherang Pondok, Kabupaten Bogor
Authors: Nur Chairat Arief Suardi
Published: November 2020

One of the obstacles faced in providing electricity in rural areas is renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, which potentially in all rural areas also require inexpensive costs plus a lack of knowledge about these technologies. With a variety of goodness that exists in solar energy, counseling or socialization must be given about its utilization. Ciherang Pondok Village is located on a plateau in the area of ​​Caringin District, Bogor Regency. The village is located at a strategic point, so it has enough light intensity to utilize solar power as a source of electrical energy. Extension activities are carried out by the lecture method to convey various general information about the use of solar power as a solution to the problem of electrical energy in the countryside. As a result, the knowledge of the local community increases and can apply directly independently how to use solar energy to be used as a source of electrical energy so that the availability of energy and people's access to energy are guaranteed at affordable prices in the long term while paying attention to environmental sustainability.
Rancang Bangun Lampu Jalan Tenaga Surya Pada Jembatan Penghubung Desa Di Kabupaten Lebak Banten
Authors: Simamora Yoakim , Senen Adri , Oktaviana Putri Tri Wahyu , Anggaini Dwi
Published: November 2020

Road is a vital public facility that connects one region to another region. Hence, the existence of public street lighting is a key to supports people’s activities at night. But not all roads are equipped with public street lighting. For example, the village roads in Sukarame Village, Sajira sub-district, Lebak regency, Banten. This village is fully electrified but the supply for public street lighting is still limited. Therefore, it is neccesary to install public street lighting in the form of solar lamps as an effective alternative for street lighting and public facilities. Solar lamp is chosen because it doesn’t need power supply and the village’s geographical is very potential for utilizing solar lamps. Solar lamps installed in 3 strategic points, which are village road in front of local kindergarten, village road in front of public field, and mosque’s terrace. Besides solar lamp installation, this research also focused in economic analysis of this program. The analysis was done by comparing total cost needed for conventional public street lighting using bulbs that connect to grid with total cost needed for public street lighting using solar lamps. Despite solar lamp’s price is more expensive, for the long-term usage, public street lighting using solar lamps is more economically profitable compared to conventional public street lighting with the cost difference of Rp 636,582.80 per lamppost for 3 years usage period.
Revitalisasi Tempat Pembuangan Sampah Sementara Di Perumahan Buana Gardenia Untuk Peningkatan Kesehatan Lingkungan
Authors: Kusumastuti Dyah Pratiwi , Handayasari Indah , Sepriyanna Irma , Sm Hastanto
Published: November 2020

A comfortable and healthy residential area must be supported by the availability of adequate facilities and infrastructure such as the availability of clean water networks, road networks, drainage systems, worship facilities, green open spaces and temporary garbage storage facilities. The available temporary garbage collection sites must be able to accommodate the volume of waste up to the relevant transportation service schedule. However, sometimes transportation delays can occur, so that it can cause problems in residential areas, especially in Buana Gardenia housing such as unpleasant odors and the flow of water that is blocked due to rubbish that falls into the waterways. Waste that falls into the water channel over time can clog the flow of water in it, other than that due to organic rotting in the water channel can cause sedimentation in the bottom of the channel so that the channel becomes shallow. To anticipate the fall of rubbish into the waterways due to the full volume of waste and delays in transportation from related agencies. In the community service activities at the Buana Gardenia housing complex, a temporary garbage shelter will be revitalized. The revitalization results can reduce the waste that falls into the water channel so that the flow of water in the channel flows smoothly, reducing the number of mosquito larvae and puddle when it rains.
Pelatihan Mikrokontroler Dalam Pengenalan Robotika Sebagai Respon Revolusi Industri 4.0 Di SMK Media Informatika Dasana Indah Tengerang
Authors: Sitorus Meyhart Bangkit , Gifson Albert , Mangapul Juara , Aziz Hastuti
Published: November 2020

Industry 4.0 fundamentals involve at least 4 thing : interconnection (machines, devices and people are connected), information transparency (data analysis needs), decentralized decisions (effects of interconnection and information transparency) and technical assistance (the purpose of industry 4.0). Collaboration between machines / devices and humans is very important to implement Industry 4.0. In this collaboration, the role of the microcontroller as a connector between machines and humans. Microcontroller Training for Introduction of Robotics as a Response to the Revolution of Industry 4.0 at SMK Media Informatika Dasana Indah Tengerang is aimed for students and teacher so they know about Industry 4.0 and its application in microcontroller programming. Therefore the method of PKM program consists of seminar and workshop. The seminar explained about Industry 4.0 Revolution and the workshop is programming Line Follower which is embedded with Arduino Uno. Result of this PKM program in the form of industry 4.0 revolution seminar combine with microcontroller programming workshop, this combination give bigger impact compared with just given a seminar or just a workshop. The students and teacher who attend this event get additional knowledge about Industry 4.0 and how to program a microcontroller.
Pelatihan Pelaksanaan K3 Terhadap Risiko Kebakaran Di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al Huda
Authors: Putri Pratiwi Setyaning
Published: November 2020

Indonesia is the most vulnerable country to disasters in the world based on data released by the United Nations Agency for the International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UN-ISDR) [1]. This will certainly have an impact on the number of fatalities if there is no understanding and good handling of the parties involved. Alert and alert attitudes are still very minimal and are often not taught in formal teaching and learning activities. In addition to human resources, disaster risk reduction can also be pursued by providing adequate K3 facilities in each building. Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al Huda which is on Jalan Al Huda Rawasapi RT 02/09 Kelurahan Jatimulya - Tambun Selatan Bekasi District has a moderate earthquake risk. In addition, the location of schools that are not on the main road and access roads to locations that are relatively difficult to pass by fire trucks make it vulnerable in the event of a fire disaster. The solution offered is education of OHS implementation of disasters and the provision of facilities and infrastructure to deal with these disasters. The expected output targets are one PKM article published through an ISSN journal, one ISBN proceeding article from a national seminar organized by STT-PLN, and publication in print / electronic media.
Sistem Informasi Wisata Situs Batu Tulis Guna Meningkatkan Potensi Desa Ciaruteun Ilir, Kec. Cibungbulang, Kab. Bogor, Jawa Barat
Authors: Purwanto Yudhy Setyo , Rifai M. Farid , Jatnika Hendra , Karmila Sely
Published: November 2020

Although it has been known for a long time the management of historical tourism potential of Situs Batu Tulis Ciaruteun has not been well categorized, because: 1) a simple management system, and still uses conventional and manual methods, especially for site information and cultural activities; and 2) The form of reservation and registration of entry into cultural/historical attractions still uses manual methods so that it influences the management and financial management of this site. These things cause the development of tourism objects to be hampered and in the end, become undeveloped. The potential for the development of cultural/historical tourism objects is very large considering the historical and cultural contributions that can be given. Data collection methods used are using observation, literature study and interviews, while the method of implementing activities is by creating a special website that combines 3 historical sites (Batu tulis, Tapak Gajah, dan Muara Cianten) which are located nearby. The solutions offered are: 1) creating a special website for cultural/historical attractions fot Situs Batu Tulis and its surroundings which contains historical information, cultural activities, and other activities; 2) create a management information system for reservation and registration of visits that is integrated with the website; and 3) provide training on the usages of the website and reservation and registration information system for village officials, youth groups, and object administrator. The contributions that will be felt by the surrounding community include: 1) improving the quality of life through economic empowerment including: welfare, hygiene, and health; 2) Increasing the popularity of the region which in turn can become the superior assets of region and province; and 3) increasing the understanding of history and culture of the surrounding community.
Aplikasi Penerimaan Siswa Baru (PSB) Berbasis Web Pada SDIT Yasir Cipondoh
Authors: Siswipraptini Puji Catur , Siregar Riki Ruli A. , Ningrum Rahma Farah
Published: November 2020

SDIT Yasir is an Islamic elementary school located in Cipondoh, Tangerang. The Web-Based New Student Admission was created to make prospective students easier to register the school and to manage data student easily for school. Users of this application are prospective students and the registration part at SDIT Yasir. There are 5 menus available on this application, namely registration, check email, payment, payment verification and change payment data.
Pelatihan Online Basic PHP Programming untuk Aparatur Sipil Negara (ASN) dan Non ASN Pemerintah Kota Bekasi
Authors: Rofiah Syahbaniar , Arifin Rita Wahyuni
Published: November 2020

Technology currently plays an important role in the Government sector, with the existence of this technology each sector can maximize its system. State Civil Apparatuses (ASN) and Non-ASN Government in mastering basic PHP programming is very much needed. Implementation of Community Service (PkM) is carried out in accordance with the form of the implementation of the MoU that has been carried out between Bekasi City Government and Bina Insani University. The training was conducted online through a meeting zoom which was attended by 88 participants with the overall results of the training giving a positive response in the range of grades 4 (Good / Satisfied / Good) and 5 (Very Good / Very Satisfied / Very Good).
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCRAMBLE METHOD IN IMPROVING THE ABILITY OF READING ALOUD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CLASS II
Authors: Sulaeman Yeni , Fauziah Muhardila , Aan Aan
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to improve the students 'reading aloud ability of grade II by using the scramble method and to find out the students' sentence comprehension skills. This research is a classroom action research conducted in two learning cycles. Where each cycle consists of two meetings with a meeting time of 2x30 minutes each. The data obtained were based on observations of the learning process, learning activities and the results of the reading comprehension test aloud. The results showed that the students' ability to read aloud in grade II increased after the application of the scramble method in the learning process where each meeting carried out a reflection by researchers and peers. The results of the observation process of the learning process in the first cycle of meeting experienced several shortcomings so that they affected student learning activities so that the tests given at the second meeting were categorized as good enough. In the second cycle the learning process has increased from the pre-cycle results so that learning activities become more conducive and fun, students become active and enthusiastic about the learning process. 95% of students actively participate in learning and the test results given have increased by an average of 93.50 in the very good category. So the application of the scambel method can improve the ability to read aloud students of class II SDN Nameng 1 Rangkasbitung.
Ghana's New Region Creation Doctrine: The Jurisprudence of No Jurisdiction and the Faux Economics of Balkanisation
Authors: Asare Stephen Kwaku
Published: November 2020

Ghana recently created six new regions, amid controversy over who was entitled to vote in the region-creating referenda and its likely economic consequences. The Supreme Court declined jurisdiction to address the suffrage controversy, paving the way for voters in only the specified areas of the affected regions to vote for creating the regions. This article evaluates the Court's reasons for declining jurisdiction and the arguments made to support the creation of the regions. It concludes that there is merit in the claim that all voters in the affected regions should have participated in the referenda and raises substantial doubts about the arguments in favour of creating the regions. It also concludes that creating new regions gives the semblance of increased decentralisation but only results in deconcentration, hence more centralisation. The exercise continues the post-independence drift from regional power-sharing to fragmented powerless regions. Since the resulting fragmentation of the country provides no clear benefits but imposes certain costs, the article suggests either a constitutional amendment or statutory reforms to raise the bar for creating new regions.
Devolution, Urban Autonomy and Local Governance in the Cities of the SADC
Authors: Pieterse Marius
Published: November 2020

This article considers the links between urban autonomy and the constitutional and legal powers, functions and responsibilities of urban local government in countries of the South African Development Community (SADC). It evaluates SADC cities’ constitutional status, their operational, functional and financial autonomy, their collaborative and strategic space and the different accountability structures to which they answer. It further reflects on structural and political challenges to effective urban autonomy in the region and suggests ways in which it may be better enabled, so as to equip the cities of the SADC for the role they must play in pursuit of targets in the New Urban Agenda and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11.
Criminal Forfeiture under Kenya's Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act: Nature and Challenges
Authors: Gikonyo Constance
Published: November 2020

Criminal forfeiture is an asset confiscation mechanism used to seize benefits gained from an offence that one is convicted of. In Kenya, the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act provides the facilitating legislation. The present state of the regime's underutilisation prompts an examination of the substantive law and procedure provided in this statute. The analysis indicates that the provisions are technical in nature and the process is systematic. This ensures that a procedurally and substantively fair process is undertaken, in keeping with constitutional provisions. Nonetheless, identified challenges, including the complex nature of the provisions, translate to unclear interpretation and consequently ineffective implementation. This state of affairs is reversible through increased understanding of the criminal forfeiture provisions and their operation. This can potentially lead to an upsurge in its use and facilitate depriving offenders of criminal gains, removing the incentive for crime and reducing proceeds available to fund criminal activities.
The Public Interest Safeguards in Arbitration in Ghana
Authors: Dagbanja Dominic Npoanlari
Published: November 2020

Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims mostly challenge public interest regulatory measures. This has led to efforts to reform international investment agreements (IIAs), with some states terminating them. Orthodox capital protection-centred scholarship maintains support for IIAs, claiming they are necessary to attract investment for development. Policy space-centred critical scholarship rejects or is critical of IIAs saying their limitations on regulatory autonomy are unjustifiable because private capital alone cannot lead to development. An assessment of public interest safeguards in public-private arbitration in national constitutions and statutes is missing in this scholarship. Accordingly, I analyse the constitutional foundations of public-private arbitration in Ghana and show that in conformity with the constitutional role of public institutions, arbitration legislation safeguards the public interest. Therefore for Ghana and similarly placed African states to retain their right to regulate, arbitral tribunals must respect and uphold the protections accorded the public interest constitutionally and in arbitration legislation.
Conventicles: Organising Dissent in Restoration Scotland
Authors: McIntyre Neil
Published: November 2020

This article uncovers the dynamics of presbyterian conventicling after the Restoration settlement of 1661–2. In contrast to traditional accounts that have tended to foreground the exploits of dissenting clergy and especially itinerant preachers, particular attention is paid to the participation and organisational strategies of lay activists. It is argued that conventicles were formidable not only as sites of alternative worship, but as a well-organised and highly politicised opposition to Restoration governance that was genuinely popular in nature.
Of Mountains and Seeds
Authors: Mishra Ananya
Published: November 2020

This session considers the works of Indigenous thinkers and poets. It will reflect on how language and poetry can help us understand relations between humans and non-humans, to be attentive to local markers and traces in ecology, and how the deep histories of elements can also be inferred from seeds. Through a literary reading of a recent translation of late Dongria Kondh poet and elder Dambu Praska’s song (Lament of Niyamraja, a film by Surya Shankar Dash), the talk will discuss how literary metaphors are archives of interpretations of the climate crisis as confronted already by several Indigenous communities.
Branched Ubiquitination: Detection Methods, Biological Functions and Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Wang Yane-Shih , Wu Kuen-Phon , Jiang Han-Kai , Kurkute Prashant , Chen Ruey-Hwa
Published: November 2020

Ubiquitination is a versatile posttranslational modification that elicits signaling roles to impact on various cellular processes and disease states. The versatility is a result of the complexity of ubiquitin conjugates, ranging from a single ubiquitin monomer to polymers with different length and linkage types. Recent studies have revealed the abundant existence of branched ubiquitin chains in which one ubiquitin molecule is connected to two or more ubiquitin moieties in the same ubiquitin polymer. Compared to the homotypic ubiquitin chain, the branched chain is recognized or processed differently by readers and erasers of the ubiquitin system, respectively, resulting in a qualitative or quantitative alteration of the functional output. Furthermore, certain types of branched ubiquitination are induced by cellular stresses, implicating their important physiological role in stress adaption. In addition, the current chemical methodologies of solid phase peptide synthesis and expanding genetic code approach have been developed to synthesize different architectures of branched ubiquitin chains. The synthesized branched ubiquitin chains have shown their significance in understanding the topologies and binding partners of the branched chains. Here, we discuss the recent progresses on the detection, functional characterization and synthesis of branched ubiquitin chains as well as the future perspectives of this emerging field.
Essential Oil of Calotropis procera: Comparative Chemical Profiles, Antimicrobial Activity, and Allelopathic Potential on Weeds
Authors: Al-Rowaily Saud L. , Abd-ElGawad Ahmed M. , Assaeed Abdulaziz M. , Elgamal Abdelbaset M. , Gendy Abd El-Nasser G. El , Mohamed Tarik A. , Dar Basharat A. , Mohamed Tahia K. , Elshamy Abdelsamed I.
Published: November 2020

Plants are considered green resources for thousands of bioactive compounds. Essential oils (EOs) are an important class of secondary compounds with various biological activities, including allelopathic and antimicrobial activities. Herein, the present study aimed to compare the chemical profiles of the EOs of the widely distributed medicinal plant Calotropis procera collected from Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In addition, this study also aimed to assess their allelopathic and antimicrobial activities. The EOs from Egyptian and Saudi ecospecies were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed via GC-MS. The correlation between the analyzed EOs and those published from Egypt, India, and Nigeria was assessed by principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC). The allelopathic activity of the extracted EOs was tested against two weeds (Bidens pilosa and Dactyloctenium aegyptium). Moreover, the EOs were tested for antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial and two fungal strains. Ninety compounds were identified from both ecospecies, where 76 compounds were recorded in Saudi ecospecies and 33 in the Egyptian one. Terpenes were recorded as the main components along with hydrocarbons, aromatics, and carotenoids. The sesquiterpenes (54.07%) were the most abundant component of EO of the Saudi sample, while the diterpenes (44.82%) represented the mains of the Egyptian one. Hinesol (13.50%), trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (12.33%), 1,4-trans-1,7-cis-acorenone (7.62%), phytol (8.73%), and myristicin (6.13%) were found as the major constituents of EO of the Saudi sample, while phytol (38.02%), n-docosane (6.86%), linoleic acid (6.36%), n-pentacosane (6.31%), and bicyclogermacrene (4.37%) represented the main compounds of the Egyptian one. It was evident that the EOs of both ecospecies had potent phytotoxic activity against the two tested weeds, while the EO of the Egyptian ecospecies was more effective, particularly on the weed D. aegyptium. Moreover, the EOs showed substantial antibacterial and antifungal activities. The present study revealed that the EOs of Egyptian and Saudi ecospecies were different in quality and quantity, which could be attributed to the variant environmental and climatic conditions. The EOs of both ecospecies showed significant allelopathic and antimicrobial activity; therefore, these EOs could be considered as potential green eco-friendly resources for weed and microbe control, considering that this plant is widely grown in arid habitats.
Recent Advances in Electrochemiluminescence and Chemiluminescence of Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Han Shuang , Zhao Yuhui , Zhang Zhichao , Xu Guobao
Published: November 2020

Metal nanoclusters (NCs), including Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Ni and alloy NCs, have become more and more popular sensor probes with good solubility, biocompatibility, size-dependent luminescence and catalysis. The development of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) and chemiluminescent (CL) analytical methods based on various metal NCs have become research hotspots. To improve ECL and CL performances, many strategies are proposed, from metal core to ligand, from intermolecular electron transfer to intramolecular electron transfer. Combined with a variety of amplification technology, i.e., nanostructure-based enhancement and biological signal amplification, highly sensitive ECL and CL analytical methods are developed. We have summarized the research progresses since 2016. Also, we discuss the current challenges and perspectives on the development of this area.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Random Poly(ester-Carbonate)s Bearing Pendant Primary Amine in the Main Chain
Authors: Dong Peng , Feng Jing , Li Sujuan , Sun Tingli , Shi Qingshan , Xie Xiaobao
Published: November 2020

Starting from primary amine bearing cyclic carbonate tert-butyl-(2-oxo-1,3-dioxan-5-yl) carbamate (TBODC) and caprolactone (CL), amphiphilic poly(caprolactone-ran-amino trimethyl carbonate)s (P(CL-ran-ATC)s) random copolymers with controlled molecular weight and composition were synthesized via ring opening polymerization (ROP) and deprotection, using stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)2) as catalyst and benzyl alcohol (BnOH) as initiator. Therefore, hydrophilic/lipophilic ratio (HLR) of the P(CL-ran-ATC)s copolymers can be finely adjusted by the feed ratio of TBODC and CL. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) of P(CL-ran-ATC)s were proportional to HLR, and P(CL-ran-ATC)s presented more vigorous bactericidal activity towards S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of P(CL-ran-ATC 50.9%) are 2000 μg mL−1 and 3000 μg mL−1 for S. aureus and E. coli. While P(CL-ran-ATC 50.9%) exhibited deficient hemolytic activity as 1.41%. In addition, the P(CL-ran-ATC)s showed extremely low cytotoxicity towards fibroblast L929 cells.
Stimuli-Responsive Micelles with Detachable Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) Shell Based on Amphiphilic Polyurethane for Improved Intracellular Delivery of Doxorubicin
Authors: Xu Kang , Liu Xiaojun , Bu Leran , Zhang Hena , Zhu Caihong , Li Yuling
Published: November 2020

Polyurethanes (PUs) have various biomedical applications including controlled drug delivery. However, the incompletely release of drug at tumor sites limits the efficiency of these drug loaded polyurethane micelles. Here we report a novel polymer poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-SS-polyurethane-SS-poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) triblock polyurethane (PEtOz-PU(PTMCSS)-PEtOz). The hydrophilic pH-responsive poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) was used as an end-block to introduce pH responsiveness, and the hydrophobic PU middle-block was easily synthesized by the reaction of poly (trimethylene carbonate) diol containing disulfide bonds (PTMC-SS-PTMC diol) and bis (2-isocyanatoethyl) disulfide (CDI). PEtOz-PU(PTMCSS)-PEtOz could self-assemble to form micelles (176 nm). The drug release profile of PEtOz-PU(PTMCSS)-PEtOz micelles loaded with Doxorubicin (DOX) was studied in the presence of acetate buffer (10 mM, pH 5.0) and 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT). The results showed that under this environment, DOX-loaded polyurethane micelles could release DOX faster and more thoroughly, about 97% of the DOX was released from the DOX-loaded PEtOz-PU(PTMCSS)-PEtOz micelle. In addition, fluorescent microscopy and cell viability assays validated that the DOX-loaded polyurethane micelle strongly inhibits the growth of C6 cells, suggesting their potential as a new nanomedicine against cancer.
Development of Hybrid and Templated Silica-P123 Membranes for Brackish Water Desalination
Authors: Elma Muthia , Mujiyanti Dwi Rasy , Ismail Noor Maizura , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Rahma Aulia , Rahman Sazila Karina , Fitriani Fitriani , Rakhman Arief , Rampun Erdina Lulu Atika
Published: November 2020

Water scarcity is still a pressing issue in many regions. The application of membrane technology through water desalination to convert brackish to potable water is a promising technology to solve this issue. This study compared the performance of templated TEOS-P123 and ES40-P123 hybrid membranes for brackish water desalination. The membranes were prepared by the sol–gel method by employing tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) for the carbon-templated silica (soft template) and ethyl silicate (ES40) for the hybrid organo-silica. Both sols were templated by adding 35 wt.% of pluronic triblock copolymer (P123) as the carbon source. The silica-templated sols were dip-coated onto alumina support (four layers) and were calcined by using the RTP (rapid thermal processing) method. The prepared membranes were tested using pervaporation set up at room temperature (~25 °C) using brackish water (0.3 and 1 wt.%) as the feed. It was found that the hybrid membrane exhibited the highest specific surface area (6.72 m2·g−1), pore size (3.67 nm), and pore volume (0.45 cm3·g−1). The hybrid ES40-P123 was twice thicker (2 μm) than TEOS-P123-templated membranes (1 μm). Lastly, the hybrid ES40-P123 displayed highest water flux of 6.2 kg·m−2·h−1. Both membranes showed excellent robustness and salt rejections of >99%.
Microfluidic Nano-Scale qPCR Enables Ultra-Sensitive and Quantitative Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Xie Xin , Gjorgjieva Tamara , Attieh Zaynoun , Dieng Mame Massar , Arnoux Marc , Khair Mostafa , Moussa Yasmine , Al Jallaf Fatima , Rahiman Nabil , Jackson Christopher A. , Messery Lobna El , Pamplona Khristine , Victoria Zyrone , Zafar Mohammed , Ali Raghib , Piano Fabio , Gunsalus Kristin C. , Idaghdour Youssef
Published: November 2020

A major challenge in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic is the high false-negative rate of the commonly used RT-PCR methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection in clinical samples. Accurate detection is particularly challenging in samples with low viral loads that are below the limit of detection (LoD) of standard one- or two-step RT-PCR methods. In this study, we implemented a three-step approach for SARS-CoV-2 detection and quantification that employs reverse transcription, targeted cDNA preamplification, and nano-scale qPCR based on a commercially available microfluidic chip. Using SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA and plasmid controls, we demonstrate that the addition of a preamplification step enhances the LoD of this microfluidic RT-qPCR by 1000-fold, enabling detection below 1 copy/µL. We applied this method to analyze 182 clinical NP swab samples previously diagnosed using a standard RT-qPCR protocol (91 positive, 91 negative) and demonstrate reproducible and quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 over five orders of magnitude (<1 to 106 viral copies/µL). Crucially, we detect SARS-CoV-2 with relatively low viral load estimates (<1 to 40 viral copies/µL) in 17 samples with negative clinical diagnosis, indicating a potential false-negative rate of 18.7% by clinical diagnostic procedures. In summary, this three-step nano-scale RT-qPCR method can robustly detect SARS-CoV-2 in samples with relatively low viral loads (<1 viral copy/µL) and has the potential to reduce the false-negative rate of standard RT-PCR-based diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections.
Comparative Performances of Microalgal-Bacterial Co-Cultivation to Bioremediate Synthetic and Municipal Wastewaters Whilst Producing Biodiesel Sustainably
Authors: Leong Wai Hong , Kiatkittipong Kunlanan , Kiatkittipong Worapon , Cheng Yoke Wang , Lam Man Kee , Shamsuddin Rashid , Mohamad Mardawani , Lim Jun Wei
Published: November 2020

The potentiality of a microalgal-bacterial culture system was explored in bioremediating wastewater while generating biomass for biodiesel production. A pre-determined optimal activated sludge and microalgal ratio was adopted and cultivation performance was evaluated in both synthetic and municipal wastewater media for nitrogen removal along with biomass and lipid generation for biodiesel production. The microalgal-bacterial consortium grown in the municipal wastewater medium produced higher biomass and lipid yields than those in the synthetic wastewater medium. The presence of trace elements in the municipal wastewater medium, e.g., iron and copper, contributed to the upsurge of biomass, thereby leading to higher lipid productivity. Both the microbial cultures in the synthetic and municipal wastewater media demonstrated similar total nitrogen removal efficiencies above 97%. However, the nitrification and assimilation rates were relatively higher for the microbial culture in the municipal wastewater medium, corresponding to the higher microbial biomass growth. Accordingly, the feasibility of the microalgal-bacterial consortium for bioremediating real municipal wastewaters was attested in this study by virtue of higher biomass and lipid production. The assessment of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) composition showed the mixed microbial biomasses comprised 80–93% C16 to C18 FAME species, signifying efficient fuel combustion properties for quality biodiesel requirements.
Study on the Nonlinear Dynamics of the Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors
Authors: Suo Liangcheng , Ren Jiamin , Zhao Zemeng , Zhai Chi
Published: November 2020

Chemical processes often exhibit nonlinear dynamics and tend to generate complex state trajectories, which present challenging operational problems due to complexities such as output multiplicity, oscillation, and even chaos. For this reason, a complete knowledge of the static and dynamic nature of these behaviors is required to understand, to operate, to control, and to optimize continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). Through nonlinear analysis, the possibility of output multiplicity, self-sustained oscillation, and torus dynamics are studied in this paper. Specifically, output multiplicity is investigated in a case-by-case basis, and related operation and control strategies are discussed. Bifurcation analysis to identify different dynamic behaviors of a CSTR is also implemented, where operational parameters are identified to obtain self-oscillatory dynamics and possible unsteady-state operation strategy through designing the CSTR as self-sustained periodic. Finally, a discussion on codimension-1 bifurcations of limits cycles is also provided for the exploration of periodic forcing on self-oscillators. Through this synergistic study on the CSTRs, possible output multiplicity, oscillatory, and chaotic dynamics facilitates the implementation of novel operation/control strategies for the process industry.
A Standardized Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Education Curriculum: Multi-Institutional Needs Assessment Survey
Authors: Mutter Olga , Hylton Jordan , Jeronis Stacey , Jaspan David , Rose Marisa
Published: November 2020

At the completion of training in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn), residents are expected to have comprehensive knowledge of the field. However, there is no comprehensive Ob/Gyn residency education curriculum. We hypothesize that there is a need for a standardized curriculum. A needs assessment survey was administered to determine the current state of resident didactic education, the perceptions that Ob/Gyn residents, program directors (PDs), and assistant program directors (APDs) have regarding centralization and standardization of education, and the need for a standardized Ob/Gyn residency education curriculum. In 2019, a web-based survey was distributed to Ob/Gyn residents and program leadership from three institutions. The main outcomes were measured on a 5-pt Likert scale. A total of 50 (3 PDs, 5 APDs, and 42 residents) participants completed the survey with a response rate of 68% (50/73). Almost all (94%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that residents nationwide should have equal access to high-quality Ob/Gyn educational resources. Further, 92% agreed or strongly agreed that core Ob/Gyn resources should be centrally located. A majority, 76%, agreed or strongly agreed that there is a need for a national curriculum. This study demonstrates a perceived need for a centrally located, standardized Ob/Gyn residency education curriculum.
A Relevant Screening of Organic Contaminants Present on Freshwater and Pre-Production Microplastics
Authors: Campanale Claudia , Dierkes Georg , Massarelli Carmine , Bagnuolo Giuseppe , Uricchio Vito Felice
Published: November 2020

Microplastics (MPs) have recently been discovered as considerable pollutants of all environmental matrices. They can contain a blend of chemicals, some of them added during the manufacture of plastic to improve their quality (additives) and others adsorbed from the surrounding environment. In light of this, a detailed study about the identification and quantification of target organic pollutants and qualitative screening of non-target compounds present on MPs was carried out in different types of samples: environmental MPs, collected from an Italian river, and pre-production MPs, taken from the plastic industry. Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were chosen as target compounds to be quantified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), while the non-target screening was carried out by High Resolution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HRGC–MS). The target analysis revealed concentrations of 16 priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-PAHs) in the range of 29.9–269.1 ng/g; the quantification of 31 PCBs showed values from 0.54 to 15.3 ng/g, identifying CB-138, 153, 180, 52, and 101 primarily; and the detected OCPs (p,p’-DDT and its metabolites) ranged between 14.5 and 63.7 ng/g. The non-target screening tentatively identified 246 compounds (e.g., phthalates, antioxidants, UV-stabilizers), including endocrine disruptors, toxic and reprotoxic substances, as well as chemicals subjected to risk assessment and authorisation. The large assortment of plastic chemicals associated with MPs showed their role as a presumable source of pollutants, some of which might have high bioaccumulation potential, persistence, and toxicity.
Development of a Genus-Specific Brucella Real-Time PCR Assay Targeting the 16S-23S rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer from Different Specimen Types
Authors: Nyarku Rejoice , Hassim Ayesha , Jonker Annelize , Quan Melvyn
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to develop a 16S-23S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid internal transcribed spacer (ITS) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for the early diagnosis and rapid screening of brucellosis. Blood, milk, and tissue samples were spiked with B. abortus biovar 1 (B01988-18 strain) to determine the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the assay. The 95% limit of detection of the ITS qPCR assay was highest in tissue, followed by blood, then milk, i.e., 0.48, 4.43, and 15.18 bacteria/PCR reaction, respectively. The diagnostic performance of the assay was compared to the Brucella cell surface protein (BCSP) 31 qPCR assay and bacterial culture. Out of 56 aborted foetal tissue samples from bovine, ovine, and caprine, 33% (19/56) were positive for Brucella spp. The sensitivity and specificity of the ITS qPCR assay was 87% and 95% respectively, compared to 92% and 89% for the BCSP31 qPCR assay and 47% and 55% for bacterial culture, respectively. The assay was efficient, sensitive, and specific, making it a valuable tool in the early detection of the Brucella pathogen.
EDUCAÇÃO INDÍGENA DIFERENCIADA: FORTALECENDO IDENTIDADES ÉTNICAS
Authors: Monteiro Luciano Araujo
Published: November 2020

Objetivo: apresentar a importância da educação indígena, diferenciada e bilíngue, com o intuito de reforçar as identidades étnicas. Metodologia: utilização da Constituição Federal de 1988 e de dados estatísticos governamentais. Além disso, estão sendo utilizados como referências bibliográficas autores que trabalham a questão indígena. Resultados: foi evidenciada a importância da educação indígena diferenciada como fator de identidade, sendo um importante elemento de agregação étnica, a fim de que as várias etnias existentes em território nacional possam requerer direitos sociais, como a demarcação de terras e o manejo sustentável dos recursos naturais. Conclusão: torna-se cada vez mais imperativa as mobilizações, por parte de comunidades indígenas (por intermédio de suas Associações), sendo que, atualmente, há no Legislativo Federal e no Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) estratégias com o intuito de retirar do indígena os direitos constitucionais que lhe são garantidos, como o direito ao território, tendo como justificativa legal, o chamado marco temporal.