Preventive Approach to Unsubstantiated Claims and Disputes in the UK Construction Industry

Globally, claims and disputes are an unfortunate reality in construction projects. Recent statistics reveal that construction claims in the UK increased by 21% in 2018 compared to other countries such as India (8%), Mexico (3%), Ireland (2%), and Cyprus (2%). Though, construction industry is known for array of standard forms of contract and administrative tendencies; unsubstantiated claims and chronic disputes remain prevalent in the sector. Yet, there is little research on preventive approach to unsubstantiated claims that ultimately lead to disputes. The study advocates the use of Systematic and Technical Appraisal (STA) to prevent unsubstantiated claims and disputes in the construction industry. The study research method is based on qualitative research technique and use of case studies. The research question is: does systematic and technical appraisal of construction claims help prevent unsubstantiated claims and disputes in the UK construction industry? The study population sample is drawn from experienced industry stakeholders including clients, contractors, consultants, experienced quantity surveyors and cost managers in addition to use of construction case studies. Initial findings reveal that claim management processes in the construction sector are far-off from perfection. Other findings reveal that robust systematic and technical claim appraisal process has potential to prevent unsubstantiated claims; which in most cases lead to disputes. The study is part of an on-going PhD study to seek to develop an effective claim management system for the UK construction industry

Preventive Approach to Unsubstantiated Claims and Disputes in the UK Construction Industry

Globally, claims and disputes are an unfortunate reality in construction projects. Recent statistics reveal that construction claims in the UK increased by 21% in 2018 compared to other countries such as India (8%), Mexico (3%), Ireland (2%), and Cyprus (2%). Though, construction industry is known for array of standard forms of contract and administrative tendencies; unsubstantiated claims and chronic disputes remain prevalent in the sector. Yet, there is little research on preventive approach to unsubstantiated claims that ultimately lead to disputes. The study advocates the use of Systematic and Technical Appraisal (STA) to prevent unsubstantiated claims and disputes in the construction industry. The study research method is based on qualitative research technique and use of case studies. The research question is: does systematic and technical appraisal of construction claims help prevent unsubstantiated claims and disputes in the UK construction industry? The study population sample is drawn from experienced industry stakeholders including clients, contractors, consultants, experienced quantity surveyors and cost managers in addition to use of construction case studies. Initial findings reveal that claim management processes in the construction sector are far-off from perfection. Other findings reveal that robust systematic and technical claim appraisal process has potential to prevent unsubstantiated claims; which in most cases lead to disputes. The study is part of an on-going PhD study to seek to develop an effective claim management system for the UK construction industry

Perennial Forage Grass Production on the Marginal Arabian Peninsula Land

Increasing water scarcity and soil salinization call for more diversified agricultural production systems that have the potential to sustain in marginal environments. Perennial forage grasses have been developed to replace conventional forages for the development of livestock sector in the Gulf and African regions. Perennial forage crops are known to reduce soil erosion, nitrogen leaching, and to increase water holding capacity, carbon sequestration and soil health. Here we review traditional and indigenous perennial forage grasses such as Chloris gayana, Cenchrus divisus, Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus setigerus for saline and marginal Arabian Peninsula lands. The annual dry matter yields of Chloris gayana ranges between 35 and 60 t ha−1, depending on the variety, climate and soil fertility conditions. It is persistent and produces drought-tolerant forage with a usual productive life of 3 years.C. ciliaris is an appropriate fodder grass because of significant returns and nutritive values, drought resistance and high palatability. C. ciliaris is considered a ‘wonder crop’ for its ability to withstand strong wind, drought, salinity and heavy grazing, and rapidly responding to rain. C. ciliaris has high water-use efficiency and moderate-to-high tolerance to salinity. However, this plant species cannot survive under waterlogging condition. C. divisus is a wild relative of pearl millet with high growth potential under harsh environmental conditions. C. divisus has also been widely used for xerophytic landscaping and amenity horticulture under harsh conditions. Despite their advantages, these grasses need to fit into current cropping patterns and farming systems, and prove their utility in marginal lands affected by salinity and alkalinity. We conclude that producing perennial forage grasses on the marginal lands of Arabian Peninsula are feasible if appropriately managed to circumvent negative ecological and environmental effects. For large scale adoption, creating marketing opportunities is also vital

Improvement of Plant Responses by Nanobiofertilizer: A Step towards Sustainable Agriculture

Drastic changes in the climate and ecosystem due to natural or anthropogenic activities have severely affected crop production globally. This concern has raised the need to develop environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategies, particularly for keeping pace with the demands of the growing population. The use of nanobiofertilizers in agriculture opens a new chapter in the sustainable production of crops. The application of nanoparticles improves the growth and stress tolerance in plants. Inoculation of biofertilizers is another strategy explored in agriculture. The combination of nanoparticles and biofertilizers produces nanobiofertilizers, which are cost-effective and more potent and eco-friendly than nanoparticles or biofertilizers alone. Nanobiofertilizers consist of biofertilizers encapsulated in nanoparticles. Biofertilizers are the preparations of plant-based carriers having beneficial microbial cells, while nanoparticles are microscopic (1–100 nm) particles that possess numerous advantages. Silicon, zinc, copper, iron, and silver are the commonly used nanoparticles for the formulation of nanobiofertilizer. The green synthesis of these nanoparticles enhances their performance and characteristics. The use of nanobiofertilizers is more effective than other traditional strategies. They also perform their role better than the common salts previously used in agriculture to enhance the production of crops. Nanobiofertilizer gives better and more long-lasting results as compared to traditional chemical fertilizers. It improves the structure and function of soil and the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes of plants. The formation and application of nanobiofertilizer is a practical step toward smart fertilizer that enhances growth and augments the yield of crops. The literature on the formulation and application of nanobiofertilizer at the field level is scarce. This product requires attention, as it can reduce the use of chemical fertilizer and make the soil and crops healthy. This review highlights the formulation and application of nanobiofertilizer on various plant species and explains how nanobiofertilizer improves the growth and development of plants. It covers the role and status of nanobiofertilizer in agriculture. The limitations of and future strategies for formulating effective nanobiofertilizer are mentioned

Improvement of Plant Responses by Nanobiofertilizer : A Step towards Sustainable Agriculture

Drastic changes in the climate and ecosystem due to natural or anthropogenic activities have severely affected crop production globally. This concern has raised the need to develop environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategies, particularly for keeping pace with the demands of the growing population. The use of nanobiofertilizers in agriculture opens a new chapter in the sustainable production of crops. The application of nanoparticles improves the growth and stress tolerance in plants. Inoculation of biofertilizers is another strategy explored in agriculture. The combination of nanoparticles and biofertilizers produces nanobiofertilizers, which are cost-effective and more potent and eco-friendly than nanoparticles or biofertilizers alone. Nanobiofertilizers consist of biofertilizers encapsulated in nanoparticles. Biofertilizers are the preparations of plant-based carriers having beneficial microbial cells, while nanoparticles are microscopic (1-100 nm) particles that possess numerous advantages. Silicon, zinc, copper, iron, and silver are the commonly used nanoparticles for the formulation of nanobiofertilizer. The green synthesis of these nanoparticles enhances their performance and characteristics. The use of nanobiofertilizers is more effective than other traditional strategies. They also perform their role better than the common salts previously used in agriculture to enhance the production of crops. Nanobiofertilizer gives better and more long-lasting results as compared to traditional chemical fertilizers. It improves the structure and function of soil and the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes of plants. The formation and application of nanobiofertilizer is a practical step toward smart fertilizer that enhances growth and augments the yield of crops. The literature on the formulation and application of nanobiofertilizer at the field level is scarce. This product requires attention, as it can reduce the use of chemical fertilizer and make the soil and crops healthy. This review highlights the formulation and application of nanobiofertilizer on various plant species and explains how nanobiofertilizer improves the growth and development of plants. It covers the role and status of nanobiofertilizer in agriculture. The limitations of and future strategies for formulating effective nanobiofertilizer are mentioned.Peer reviewe

Development and Characterization of Porous Hydroxyapatite Scaffold by Using Polymeric Sponge Method

In recent years, scrupulous attention has been given to the preparation of porous hydroxyapatite (HA). Porous HA exhibits strong bonding to the bone and provide a mechanical interlock leading to a firm fixation of the material. Bone tissue grows well into the pores, increasing strength of the HA implant. Its high surface area leads to excellent osteoconductivity and resorbability providing fast bone ingrowth. This paper briefly describes the preparation of porous HA scaffold by polymeric sponge method for artificial bone application. The technique of saturating a body of porous polyurethane foam with slurry containing HA powder, water and additives was applied and proved to be successful. The characterization of the hydroxyapatite porous scaffolds was assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)

Usefulness of Library Resources Utilization by B.Ed. Students in Private Sector Universities in Khyberpahtoonkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the utilizations of existing resources of the libraries of private universities of KPK. Total 03 universities from private sector were included in the study. The data for this survey was collected through a questionnaire from B.ED students. The results showed that libraries were under-utilized despite students expressed willingness for using libraries. Lack of human and material resources were the main reason for under-utilization. Student mostly visited library for reading books, preparation of assignment and consume spare time. Library staff needed professional training, purchase of library resources need simplification for timely procurement, digital linkage with national and international libraries needs to be enhanced and proper utilization is required for improved efficiency of the current libraries. It is concluded that improved library facilities can enhance the utilization of libraries

Role of bacillus cereus in improving the growth and phytoextractability of brassica nigra (L.) K. Koch in chromium contaminated soil

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) mediate heavy metal tolerance and improve phytoextraction potential in plants. The present research was conducted to find the potential of bacterial strains in improving the growth and phytoextraction abilities of Brassica nigra (L.) K. Koch. in chromium contaminated soil. In this study, a total of 15 bacterial strains were isolated from heavy metal polluted soil and were screened for their heavy metal tolerance and plant growth promotion potential. The most efficient strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and was identified as Bacillus cereus. The isolate also showed the potential to solubilize phosphate and synthesize siderophore, phytohormones (indole acetic acid, cytokinin, and abscisic acid), and osmolyte (proline and sugar) in chromium (Cr+3 ) supplemented medium. The results of the present study showed that chromium stress has negative effects on seed germination and plant growth in B. nigra while inoculation of B. cereus improved plant growth and reduced chromium toxicity. The increase in seed germination percentage, shoot length, and root length was 28.07%, 35.86%, 19.11% while the fresh and dry biomass of the plant increased by 48.00% and 62.16%, respectively, as compared to the uninoculated/control plants. The photosynthetic pigments were also improved by bacterial inoculation as compared to untreated stress-exposed plants, i.e., increase in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a + b, and carotenoid was d 25.94%, 10.65%, 20.35%, and 44.30%, respectively. Bacterial inoculation also resulted in osmotic adjustment (proline 8.76% and sugar 28.71%) and maintained the membrane stability (51.39%) which was also indicated by reduced malondialdehyde content (59.53% decrease). The antioxidant enzyme activities were also improved to 35.90% (superoxide dismutase), 59.61% (peroxide), and 33.33% (catalase) in inoculated stress-exposed plants as compared to the control plants. B. cereus inoculation also improved the uptake, bioaccumulation, and translocation of Cr in the plant. Data showed that B. cereus also increased Cr content in the root (2.71-fold) and shoot (4.01-fold), its bioaccumulation (2.71-fold in root and 4.03-fold in the shoot) and translocation (40%) was also high in B. nigra. The data revealed that B. cereus is a multifarious PGPR that efficiently tolerates heavy metal ions (Cr+3 ) and it can be used to enhance the growth and phytoextraction potential of B. nigra in heavy metal contaminated soil

An Overview of Functional Food

Functional foods are responsible for the improvement of human health and can significantly reduce the probability of disease in the host body. Functional foods are directly or indirectly part of different food ingredients and can induce functional activities in the host biological system. Functional foods are present in fruits, vegetables, dairy, bakery, cereals and meat products. Functional foods are not additional food supplements, drugs or antibiotics, they are the main component of a normal human and animal diet. Functional foods are cost-effective and easily available in the market. Daily consumption of functional foods can prevent the gastrointestinal diseases and also provide ease against different acute and chronic diseases. Adequate administration of probiotics in a human food can convert a normal food into functional food. This chapter will highlight the effective role of functional food in an individual’s daily life