Oil and Gas - The Mother of Inflation - GineersNow Petroleum magazine

JULY 2022
N E W S
Marine Engine Market
to Rise at a CAGR of
4.58%; Advent ...
Jury Says Offshore Rig
Clerks are Independent
Contractors ...
Top Reasons to Choose
an Engineering Major
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E D I T O R ‘ S N O T E
Since crude oil is a
significant economic
input, an increase
in oil prices affects
inflation, which tracks the total
rate of price growth across the
economy. Inflation, calculated
by the yearly increase in the
U.S. Consumer Price Index
(CPI), reached a 40-year
high in March 2022, amid
COVID-19 supply interruptions.
Crude oil prices reached their
highest level in ten years due
to sanctions placed on Russia
following its invasion of Ukraine.
By considering the index
weighting of around 4% for
energy commodities, energy
made up about 7.3 percent
of the CPI as of December
2021. Because crude oil is
a crucial component of the
petrochemicals needed to
produce plastic, rising oil prices
also have an indirect influence
on inflation in addition to their
direct impact. Therefore, more
expensive oil tends to drive
up the cost of many items
manufactured of plastic.
The cost of oil accounts for
around half of the retail price
of gasoline, and consumer
prices also take transportation
expenses, such as fuel prices,
into consideration. The core
CPI index, which excludes
energy and food costs due to
Oil & Gas: The
Mother of Inflation
their higher volatility, reflects the indirect inflationary effects of
crude oil prices.
Higher inflation tends to raise oil prices in the short term. In the
longer run, oil prices may decrease as a result of the Federal
Reserve increasing interest rates and slowing economic growth
in order to contain inflation.
While the price of oil has traditionally been connected with
inflation, that relationship has grown less pronounced since the
1970s. This association has probably loosened as a result of the
expansion of the service industry, which consumes less energy
than manufacturing.
Oil prices have historically had a greater impact on the cost
of goods than services because it is a crucial component of
manufacturing and a significant cost in shipping. This helps to
explain why there is a strong correlation between crude and PPI
and a relatively weak correlation between crude and CPI.
4

C O N T E N T S
8
Power Up Your Site With
Typhoon-Ready Essentials
20
Lg Launches New Virtual
Platform For Air Solution ...
24
Oil & Gas: The Mother of
Inflation
v
56
Big data and Artificial
Intelligence to control algal
blooms
64
Prestigious Springer Quartier
building project
72
How To Find The Best
Engineers For Your Projects?
44
Marine Engine Market to Rise
at a CAGR of 4.58%; Advent ...
80
Global Virus Network (GVN)
Adds Four Preeminent ...
48
Jury Says Offshore Rig Clerks
are Independent Contractors
...
52
Top Reasons to Choose an
Engineering Major
88
Efficient Generation for
Sustainable Power
96
Studies Indicating T-Cells May
Be Needed For Long-Term ...
6

FEATURE STORY
POWER UP YOUR SITE WITH
TYPHOON-READY ESSENTIALS
Typhoons occur and why every construction site needs to be a Typhoon-Ready. Click here to see the
list of essential equipment.
A typhoon is one of the most typical natural disasters that challenge human capabilities and can be
destructive to any construction site. It is necessary for engineers, architects, and construction workers
to be prepared and plan ahead to determine or survey the area with potential exposure to high winds,
heavy rains, and flooding.
With severe weather events, there will be cases of emergency and site-specific risks. We need the right
equipment and gear to help minimize the risk and prevent losses of the project. Two of the must-have
emergency equipment are flashlights and generators. Invest in high-grade equipment to withstand the
typhoon’s strength and aid site emergencies that needs power.
Here are the top picks for spotlights and navigators to get you
ahead before a typhoon:
Pelican Spotlight Remote Area
Lighting System (8-LED light)
PL9480YLW
This spotlight is a sound investment for every
construction site. It has a running time of 28 hours
with a 50,000-hour life expectancy. It also has a light
output of 4,000 lumens and a low-battery indicator
that will help you determine when to change the
batteries.
An amazing feature of this product is that it can be
paired with an iPhone application to control multiple
units. It also has a 12-volt power supply.
You can also walk around with this product with no
problem since it has a convenient shoulder strap and
a quick-release function.
8

Pelican Spotlight Remote Area
Lighting System (6-LED light)
PL9460YLW
Its advanced Remote Area Lighting System (RALS)
gives off a light output of 12,000 lumens, which by
calculation is 6,000 lumens per light head. It has a
Bluetooth function that allows the user to control
the light intensity from 0%-100%.
It has rechargeable batteries that it cannot easily run
out of power. However, its batteries are made of lead
batteries that are sealed, which can emit hydrogen
gas, so remember to charge it with its lid opened.
It can also be left charging to help you prepare in
case you need to use it on a construction site. To top
it off, it can also run continuously on wall power.
Pelican Spotlight Remote Area
Lighting System (24-LED light)
PL2000NCYLW
There might be times when there is a need for a
search-and-rescue operation on a construction site
during a typhoon, and what better way to conduct it
is to have a powerful light that can provide visibility
to the rescuers.
This is the best spotlight that light up an area to a
hundred yards with a running time of 15 hours.
Pelican Flashlight Nemo (Yellow)
PL9430SLBLK
This flashlight comes in handy when you need to
go to various places and look for things in heavy
weather. It comes in yellow color, which is visible
in the dark and it is submersible that it can be use
under the water.
It runs on 4.5 volts, and its size is 19.8cm long. A
must-have, even for the household.
9

Saving
lives
every day
Part of Blue Ocean Robotics

FEATURE STORY
Navigator Generator (Gasoline)
NVRD6910EX
Another essential item in terms of
preparedness has a backup power supply.
This generator runs on 11 horsepower and
up to 5000 watts. It is unique from other
generators because it uses gasoline instead
of diesel.
Navigator Generator (60Hz-
Diesel) NVNDG5000SE
This generator gives out a max output of
5000 watts and low noise while it is on
power. It can carry up to 15L of diesel,
giving off 6 hours of power.
Navigator Generator (60-Hz-
Diesel, Max Output of 11KVA)
NVNDG11S
This generator is a more advanced and
more powerful that it can carry up to 42
liters of diesel, giving a continuous running
time of 8 hours. It is an ultra-silent type of
generator.
12

Navigator Generator (60Hz-
Diesel, Max Output of 5500W)
NVNDG5500CLE
This generator can hold up to 12 liters of
diesel and give off a running power of 6
hours on ¾ load. Its maximum power can
reach up to 5500 watts. Its motor is also
single-phase.
Ridgid PowerClear Drain
Cleaning Machine RG59138
The powerful, compact and versatile new
PowerClear drain cleaner effortlessly cleans
tub, shower or sink blockages from 3/4”
(20mm) to 1 1/2” (40mm) diameter.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to
maneuver in small spaces like under a sink.
Typhoons has an impact to every livelihood. Protect your construction site,
workers and project by having a concrete weather-proof plan and properly
securing materials and equipment.
These high quality products are essential to any construction site that will
help everyone to be prepared in times of emergency, especially during a
typhoon.
13

FEATURE STORY
Co Ban Kiat Hardware, Inc.
Ground Floor, Cobankiat Building II
231 Juan Luna St. Binondo Manila, Philippines.
Phone +632 8243-1931
Phone +632 8242-6925
Phone +632 8894-6561 & +638-272-931-981
Email info@cobankiat.com.ph;
ind@cobankiat.com.ph
Coby’s Design Center
Unit 467 level 4 Shangri-La Plaza
Edsa Corner Shaw Boulevard
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Phone +632 86364895
Where to Buy?
For over 100 years, Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. has been the most trusted distributor of home
improvement and hardware items in the Philippines.
Let’s shop wisely. #StayAtHome and order online at your convenience. Visit us on the following
sites and enjoy deals, discounts, and more!
Lazada Store:
Website: https://shop.cbkhardware.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbkhardware/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cbkhardware
Join our Fast-Growing Viber Community https://bit.ly/39Lngjg
16

About CBK Hardware
For over one hundred years, a family’s surname has become synonymous with the country’s
biggest hardware supply company. Co Ban Kiat Hardware Incorporated of the Cobankiat family
has a regular client network of more than 1,500 industrial organizations, 1,600 traditional
community hardware stores, and 584 home building specialty chains of stores across Luzon
Visayas and Mindanao. This ever-growing conglomerate traces its humble roots to Manila
Chinatown, as a pioneer enterprise started by the family’s patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat, in 1920.
Despite the ruins of World War II, the business got back to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a storefront
from the very same spot where it was known for three decades.
While the Filipinos continued to rebuild their lives post-war, CBK Hardware saw the opportunity
to introduce the retail concept once unheard of in the hardware industry. Cobankiat Hardware
brought the first DIY business in Asia. The Hardware Workshop Store is the fruit of this endeavor.
CBK Hardware further cemented its legendary distribution channel with the creation of Coby’
Design Center in Edsa Shangri La in 1996, a specialty store that caters to the discriminating taste
of modern Filipinos.
In 1997, Mr. Johnny Cobankiat, the 4th generation Cobankiat leader, set another milestone for
the company when he brought the franchise of Ace Hardware USA to the Philippines and signed
up CBK Hardware as one of its major suppliers. This further expanded into delivering quality
world-class products nearer to families of Filipino overseas workers in the countryside.
A century’s excellence can quickly pass, and guided by the vision to be the largest network
supplier of the biggest global brands in the hardware industry, CBK Hardware resolves to source
the best products to supply its customers anytime and every time.
17

FEATURE STORY
LG Launches New Virtual
Platform For Air Solution
Technology
The LG HVAC Virtual Experience Provides Visitors with the Opportunity to Explore a Wide Range of
Residential and Commercial Solutions
As consumers and business have looked to online recourses to help influencer their purchase
decision, virtual experiences have become a key trend. In light of this, LG Electronics
(LG) Home Appliance & Air Solution Company has opened a new online showroom,
LG HVAC Virtual Experience. Utilizing the latest in digital technology, this interactive
online showroom lets visitors get to know LG’s diverse range of residential and commercial indoor
environmental solutions from the comfort and safety of their homes.
The showroom delivers an intuitive, virtual experience that lets visitors view the compa-ny’s latest
solutions in a variety of virtual environments to learn about the benefits they provide, such as greater
comfort, improved indoor air quality and seamless control, all important in helping customers make
informed and important decisions for the family or employees.
20

Upon entering LG HVAC Virtual Experience, visitors can choose from a range of busi-ness and living
space categories: Residential Apartment, Residential Villa, Office Gen-eral, Office High-Rise, Retail
and Hotel. Customers can roam the 3D environments freely using their mouse or touchscreen. Menus
offer additional information on every model, including specifications, features, product videos and case
studies. Simple to use and navigate, LG’s new virtual platform is a great tool for consumers, industry
profes-sionals and partners looking to create healthier and more comfortable indoor spaces.
What’s more, the virtual showroom allows visitors to see the behind-the-scenes details and technologies.
Press the onscreen Airflow and Piping buttons to see how air travels in an air conditioner or air purifier
and how pipes direct water and refrigerant through a system. Virtually switch operational modes and
observe how airflow changes from one air conditioner to another. Beyond the technology and science,
the showroom is also a great place to check out all the products’ stylish designs to see how they match
various virtual interiors.
LG HVAC Virtual Experience is an open, engaging online resource that will give visi-tors a thorough
understanding of LG’s latest, optimized HVAC solutions for all kinds of spaces, helping them figure out
which products are best suited to their specific needs.
Visit LG Virtual HVAC Experience to discover the company’s latest indoor environ-mental comfort
technologies on your PC or smartphone.
About LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company
The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company is a global leader in home appliances, smart home
solutions, air quality systems as well as visionary products featuring artificial intelligence. The company
is creating total solutions for the home with its industry leading core technologies and is committed
to making life better for consumers around the world by developing thoughtfully designed kitchen
appliances, living appliances and air solution products. Together, these products deliver enhanced
convenience, superb performance, efficient operation and compelling health benefits. For more
information, visit www.LG.com.
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As the cost of practically everything, including food, electricity,
and housing, skyrocketed, inflation has taken center stage in
dinner table talks. According to the Consumer Price Index,
it increased 8.6 percent from a year earlier in May, reaching
its highest level since 1981. There are worries that the 1970s when the
inflation rate averaged 7.1 percent for an entire decade and wreaked
havoc on household finances and the economy, may happen again.
24

25

C O V E R
S T O R Y
An entire generation of customers who are used to low or no
inflation finds this to be a tremendous shock. According to
Bloomberg Economics, US households will have to spend
an additional $5,200 this year, or around $433 per month, to
maintain the current level of consumption.
The causes of the price hikes are widely known: the Covid-19
outbreak disrupted supply chains, causing shortages of
items; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reduced supplies of
essential commodities; and at the same time, the government
provided companies and consumers with trillions of dollars
in relief. How long this excruciating period of high inflation
will persist and whether it will have any lasting effects are
unknown. Understanding what causes inflation and placing
the current situation in perspective are useful places to start
when seeking solutions.
Components of the consumer price index
All the necessities—energy, transportation, food, and housing—
are experiencing the highest inflation pressures. From roughly
$40 per barrel in 2020 to more than $120 per barrel now, the
price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil increased by over
twofold. The Automobile Association of America said that this
has caused the cost of a gallon of regular-grade gasoline to
increase from around $2.15 to roughly $5.
The same is true with food. Anyone who has visited a grocery
shop will confirm that costs are rising at double-digit rates
for practically everything. Price drops for products like pasta,
some meats, fresh vegetables, bread, and butter were
common only last year.
The highest price rises, however, were for goods that made
up a lower percentage of the average consumer’s spending,
if we take that into account. Nevertheless, when all personal
expenditure was included, above double-digit price increases
over the previous three months were present in at least 16
percent of purchases, including rises of 49 percent for motor
fuel and 107 percent for fuel oil in May.
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C O V E R
S T O R Y
Price of Goods
Thanks to productivity and
technological advancements,
there is a bright side, albeit one that
customers may not immediately
see. When we examine prices as a
percentage of income, many items
aren’t any more or less of a drain
on wages now than they were a
generation ago. In other words,
income increased more quickly
during this time even though many
things are now more expensive
than they were in 1998.
In terms of energy, the average
cost of residential utilities like
electricity and cooking gas is a
lesser percentage of salaries.
However, in recent months,
customers have been spending
over 1.5 times more to fill up their
gas tanks, and the profits from fuel
oil have more than doubled.
When it comes to protein, items
like steaks, bacon, and roasts are
more costly, but chicken, pork
chops with the center cut, and
some other types of beef are less
expensive now than they used to
be.
coffee is now considerably less
expensive than a cup of coffee
from a specialty café.
Along with other essentials like
whole milk, pasta, wheat, and
bread, rice, which is regarded
as the most important food in the
world since it feeds half of the
world’s population, costs less as a
percentage of income.
Since the beginning of the
1990s, inflation has been mostly
nonexistent with a few minor
exceptions. In fact, the Fed has
been more concerned about
avoiding deflation. Consumers
haven’t experienced inflation at
this level in a very long time, so
you can’t blame them for being
alarmed by the present rate of
price increases. It will take a long
time for inflation to decline to the
Fed’s objective of 2%. Even if
there have been some pockets
of moderate price growth in core
commodities, gas prices continue
to rise along with strong service
costs.
Like fresh tomatoes, strawberries,
and bananas, many agricultural
products are less expensive.
Wine costs significantly higher
on average whereas orange juice
and malt beverages are less
expensive as a percentage of
income. Additionally, roast ground
40

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NEWS
Marine Engine Market to Rise at a
CAGR of 4.58%; Advent of Electric
Modes of Transportation to Favor
Market Growth
Key Companies Covered in Marine
Engine Market Research Report
are Caterpillar, Cummins, Hyundai
Heavy Industries, Man Diesel &
Turbo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Wartsila,
Kongsberg, Mahindra Powerol, Chrysler,
General Motors, Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd.,
Doosan Infracore, Honda Motors Co. Ltd.
The global Marine Engine Market will derive
growth from the advent of electric automobiles
for trading purposes. The market was valued
at USD 12.05 Billion in 2018 and exhibit a
CAGR of 4.58% from 2019 to 2026.
Trade activities have become an integral
part of the economy of a country. Improving
global relations and agreements have given
rise to an increase in the number of trade
activities across the world. The growing trade
activities will have a direct impact on the world
economy. A primary factor of all trade activities
is the mode of transport and distance. A costeffective
transport will enable enhanced trade
activities, all within lesser time. Marine trade
activities are gaining rapid popularity on a
global scale due to its advantages over other
modes. Low time for transport, lesser traffic
and congestion, and the ability of marine
automobile to carry larger weights are some of
the benefits offered by marine transport.
The demand for marine automobile will have
a positive impact on the marine engines
market. Several factors have contributed to the
increasing demand for marine engines in recent
44

years. Moreover, technological advancements
and cost-effective transportation have aided
market growth. The report identifies a few of
the primary factors that have constituted an
increase in the global Marine Engine Market size
in recent years and highlights leading growth
drivers. Additionally, the report discusses a
few of the factors that have restrained market
growth. Besides this, the report labels leading
companies in the market.
Global Supply Chains of
Manufacturing and Resource
Production to Provide Impetus
for Market Growth
The increasing resource production and
improved raw material production will aid
the demand for trade activities across the
world. The increasing number of supply
chains will create more trade opportunities,
which in turn will have a direct impact on
marine automobile and marine engine.
The involvement of industrial expertise and
experienced examination in manufacturing
of marine automobile will benefit the overall
industry. These factors have a significant
influence on the export activities of a country.
The advancements in marine carriage ships
such as high fuel efficiency, improved stability,
and larger spaces will provide platforms for
growth of the global Marine Engine Market in
the coming years.
Asia Pacific to Emerge as the
Leading Region
region. The growing adoption of ships and
boats for entertainment and travel purposes
will contribute to market growth. The enormous
oil and gas industry in Asia Pacific has led to
an increase in export activities. The growing
population has created an overall increase
in the demand for resources across diverse
industries. Asia Pacific generated an engine
market revenue of USD 5.13 Bn in 2018.
List of leading companies that
are operating in the global
Marine Engine Market are:
Caterpillar
Cummins
Hyundai Heavy Industries
Man Diesel & Turbo
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Wartsila
Kongsberg
Mahindra Powerol
Chrysler
General Motors
Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd.
Doosan Infracore
Honda Motors Co. Ltd.
Category By Fuel
Heavy Fuel Oil
Intermediate Fuel Oil
Marine Diesel Oil
Marine Gas Oil
LNG
The growing trade activities in several
countries across the Asia Pacific has led to
a huge demand for marine engines in this
45

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NEWS
Jury Says Offshore Rig Clerks
are Independent Contractors in
High Stakes Trial For Chamberlain
Hrdlicka Client - New Tech Global
In a worker classification case with significant
implications for the oil and gas industry, a
jury seated in the U.S District Court for the
Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette
Division took a little over an hour to find that
a group of rig clerks working on offshore oil
rigs were independent contractors rather than
employees of New Tech Global, an oilfield
services company that processed invoices for
the plaintiff rig clerks.
Plaintiffs brought the action under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA), initially as a
class action, which was later decertified by
the court and limited to the three individuals
who filed the lawsuit. The rig clerks asserted
that they were employees of New Tech Global
(NTG), a Houston-based upstream oil and
gas consultancy services company. NTG was
represented in the matter by Annette Idalski,
lead counsel, and Peter Hall, both shareholders
of Chamberlain Hrdlicka; associate Kyle
Winnick, also with Chamberlain Hrdlicka; and
Donna Currault of Gordon, Arata, Montgomery,
Barnett, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, LLC,
who served as local counsel.
The NTG defense team successfully
demonstrated that the plaintiffs were
independent contractors rather than employees
and that they were in no way “economically
dependent” on NTG. Evidence was presented
showing that each plaintiff could cease running
invoices through NTG with no financial penalty
and were free to contract at any time with a
different invoice company. All three plaintiffs,
outside of their invoice servicing relationship
with NTG, had formed their own businesses,
writing off “hundreds of thousands of dollars”
in business expenses – incurred during
periods they claimed to be NTG employees.
Two of the plaintiffs’ corporations employed
48

their spouses and paid them salaries and one
spouse filed an unemployment claim against
her husband’s corporation. In addition to
claiming to be employees under the FLSA, the
plaintiff’s also sought overtime compensation –
despite all reporting annual salaries in excess
of $100K and performing office-environment
work.
NTG’s business relationship with the plaintiffs
was strictly limited to processing invoices.
Notably, NTG did not: invest in the rigs the
plaintiff’s worked on, provide any instruction
or documentation on how jobs were to be
done, control hours, evaluate performance or
furnish equipment needed to be a rig clerk (a
computer).
The jury found that none of the three individuals
were employees of NTG. This decision made
moot the question of whether the plaintiffs
were entitled to overtime. It also made moot
whether the individuals were eligible to
receive overtime compensation in light of the
highly compensated (over $100,000 per year)
exemption under the Fair Labor Standards
Act.
“For us, this case was vitally important – for
both NTG individually and for the oil services
industry as a whole. Our business model
depends on flexibility and scalability and our
industry cherishes independence. We are a
diversified company and invoice servicing is
just one of our offerings. We build mutually
beneficial relationships with our independent
contractors, where they have the freedom to
focus on their current project while leveraging
our network and relationships for future work,
if they so choose,” said Larry A. Cress, P.E.,
President and CEO of NTG.
“This matter had huge implications –
operationally and financially for NTG. We
firmly believed in the merits of our defense
and business model and are pleased that
the jury quickly and decisively agreed. As oil
and gas is an economic engine across the
country, the clarity provided in this matter will
allow innovation in exploration and production
to continue. Utilizing independent contractors
eases the tidal flow of energy prices and
supply in the U.S. market,” said David O’Neil,
General Counsel of NTG.
“From a legal standpoint, plaintiffs’ assertions
were found to be wholly without merit. We
believe this decision compliments a similar
March decision by the Fifth Circuit finding that
directional drilling engineers can be classified
as independent contractors. These twin
decisions that Chamberlain Hrdlicka has had
the privilege of spearheading bring a level of
worker classification certainty to oil and gas
services, with implications for other industries
that face worker classification claims,” said
Idalski, who serves as Chamberlain’s National
Chair of Labor & Employment.
About New Tech Global (NTG)
NTG Global is recognized as a global leader
in upstream oil and gas consultancy services.
NTG is comprised of three primary business
divisions that include Consulting, Engineering
Services and Oilfield Staffing. Its U.S.
branch offices are located in Fort Worth, TX;
Midland, TX; Denver, CO and Canonsburg,
PA. Internationally, NTG has branch offices in
Mexico City and Dubai with ongoing activity in
more than 25 countries around the world.
About Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Chamberlain Hrdlicka is a diversified
business law firm with offices in Atlanta,
Houston, Philadelphia and San Antonio.
The firm represents both public and private
companies, as well as individuals and familyowned
businesses across the nation. The
firm offers counsel in labor and employment
litigation, tax planning and tax controversy,
corporate, securities and finance, energy law,
estate planning and administration, intellectual
property, international and immigration law,
commercial and business litigation, real estate
and construction law.
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NEWS
Top Reasons to Choose an
Engineering Major
Engineering is one of the most popular and potentially profitable majors in academic world.
Find out why you should choose this field.
There are many majors in college like civil
law, computer science, aerospace,
environmental history, philosophy,
mathematics but the scope of
engineering disciplines is very vast. The reality
is that undergrads tend to be quite confused
about the scope, career options, salary rates
when it comes to the field of engineering.
Most college and university students believe
that they should choose to learn engineering,
be it mechanical engineering, petroleum
engineering, electronics engineering,
mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering, biomedical engineering, and
any other sub-field.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons why
students should choose engineering as their
future career.
Engineers Know How to Handle
Any Problem
When you choose to learn engineering in
college, your professors will do their best to
help you prepare for the problems awaiting
you in the real world. During your academic
journey, you will focus on different strategies
on how to cope with any problem. In general,
you will learn to come up with solutions for any
problem without wasting too much time in the
process. Regardless of how grandiose the
problem is, engineers are capable of finding
the most suitable ways to solve one. They are
always ready to face any problem and never
stop working on it until they see the best
solution. If they are stuck, they will use all
possible sources like Reddit, Facebook, or
Wikipedia to find the way out of this or that
situation.
Career Stability
Let’s face the truth – engineers rarely happen
to be on the lookout for a job. Almost all
businesses require some level of engineering
work to operate and succeed.
The truth is that skilled engineers always have
a chance to use their solid problem-solving
skills in order to bring the best possible
changes to a particular business segment. As
a result, they enjoy 100% career stability.
Engineers Have Skills that Can
Be Applied in Any Field
52

One of the key reasons why you should choose
engineering as your major is that it enables
you to develop great creative thinking. In
other words, you will learn to find new ways to
apply the knowledge that you have to handle
any problem in many other areas. To design a
new robotic car, generator, or battery, you will
need a lot of creativity. With the help of your
creative skills, you will find yourself capable
of dealing with various problems not only in
the field of engineering but in everyday life as
well.
Education Abroad
How about working on your engineering
homework assignment somewhere in Paris,
Stockholm, or Berlin? Taking into account the
fact that the field is universal, international
reach is possible more than ever. A lot of
colleges and universities all over the globe
are welcoming international students and are
ready to provide aspiring professionals with
academic opportunities. This boost helps
undergrads get closer to the international job
offers, as a result.
You Add Wonders to the World
Look at this world, and you will see innovations
here and there. Starting with your virtual
assistant to making food order on the internet,
innovations are everywhere. And engineers
are the ones who innovate our everyday life!
Today’s world is innovated by them and thus,
it is turned into a world of wonders. If you
happen to have some innovative ideas that
you believe will 100% revolutionize the world,
choosing engineering as a college major
is your first step to implement your ideas
successfully. We believe that knowing that the
whole world may know your name is enough
to give preference to engineering.
Contribution to Society
In their everyday lives, professional engineers
tend to contribute to society. Regardless of
the sub-field of engineering that you’re going
to be engaged in, you will be proud of things
like providing the logistics and infrastructure,
distributing medicines, or doing anything else
that will add to the well-being of the society
members.
High Salaries
Engineers are among the highest-paid
professionals in the world. Nearly in every
country, engineers have good salaries. What
is more, even recent graduates can expect
some really bright future when it comes to
income.
The key aspect to keep in mind is that
engineers will always have a comfortable
income. In case you plan to become filthy rich,
it is important to understand that you will have
to advance in the world of business. That’s
where engineering can help you get what you
really desire. Being an engineer your whole life
won’t get you to living in the most impressive
and expensive luxury villa, but it will definitely
ensure that you will be absolutely comfortable
with your bills.
Engineering is one of the ever-evolving
disciplines. There are many fields that you’re
free to pick from according to your passions,
as well as a great assortment of jobs available
at the moment. And even if you look for
professional engineering homework help at
the very beginning of your academic journey
(everyone needs help sometimes, after all!),
you will soon become skilled enough to make
your mark on the world in an enduring and
positive way.
53

N E W S
S T O R I E S
Big data and Artificial
Intelligence to control algal
Toxic algal blooms are a problem
that is globally increasing due to
nutrients pollution and climate
change. Although the use of
chemicals may provide temporary
relief to the problem, it does not offer
a solution. Now an alternative method
for chemical algae control is available.
Based on the acquisition of big data,
artificial intelligence and ultrasound, this
novel method can control algal blooms in
large water surfaces without disrupting
the ecosystem.
blooms
Toxic blooms of algae are increasing
globally in our waterways, causing a
variety of health-related issues and
environmental degradation. Climate
change and pollution lie at the source
of most algal blooms, making it a
problem that is not easy nor quick to
solve. Nitrogen and Phosphorous form
the main food source for algae, which
enters our waterways through pollution
from industrial or urban sources. These
nutrients may build-up in the sediments of
our lakes and waterways, providing food
for algae for years to come, even when
nutrient inflow to the lake has already
stopped.
Blue-green algae, also known as
cyanobacteria, may cause illness in
humans and kill animals because they
canproduce a variety of toxins and release
them in the water. In the production of
drinking water, algae growth may hinder
the treatment process by cloggingup
filters, increased THM formation
and increased use of water treatment
chemicals. In addition, taste and odor
molecules produced by blue-green algae
give a foul taste and odor to the water
which is difficult to remove from the final
product.
56

For the last 100 years, the main practice of
water treatment plant operators to remove
algae from their reservoirs has been the
addition of chemicals. Chemicals that
have been dosed in our waterways may
include copper sulfate or other algaecides
as well as metals (Fe, Cu, Ag, Al, Ca).
Although these methods are considered
as fast working and economical, their
impact on the ecological balance of
a waterbody cannot be disregarded.
Effects of chemical algal control may
include toxicity, lysis of the algal cells and
non-target response, which will lead to a
degradation of the overall quality of the
water.
Based on a European Research project,
LG Sonic has developed a method to
selectively control algae in freshwater
lakes and reservoirs called the MPC-
Buoy (Monitor, Predict, Control). In-situ
monitoring equipment is used to detect
and determine algae species, and
predict blooms based on water quality
parameters. The MPC-Buoy controls
algae by using relatively low power, an
ultrasonic signal that is emitted over the
surface of the reservoir. The ultrasound
of one MPC-Buoy system can cover a
surface area of approximately 50 acres.
Algae rely on their buoyancy to float
close enough to the water surface to
take up sunlight. This allows them to
outcompete other organisms in the water
such as plants, that are also depending
on sunlight intake. The ultrasound used
by the MPC-Buoy systems fixes the algal
cells in a deeper layer of the water column,
preventing them to take up sunlight at the
surface.
Why do we need to use data to
control algae?
Many different algal types can bloom in
a water body. Some of these algae are
plant cells, while others are bacteria.
Algae may vary in size, shape and cell
characteristics. Typically, the type of
algae that blooms depends on water
temperature and sun hours. As a
result, algal types may change several
times during a season. In addition to that,
algae are also highly adaptive. Some algal
types can resist extreme temperatures
or pH values and cope with fluctuations
in these conditions better than other
organisms such as plants. Because of
algae’s adaptability, algae can easily
develop resistance to algaecides and
other treatment methods, including
ultrasound.
LG Sonic has been researching the
effect of ultrasound on specific algal
types, different types of water bodies and
variations in water quality since 2005.
In collaboration with different European
universities, they have created a database
defining optimal ultrasonic parameters for
different algal species and water quality
characteristics. By continuously updating
these ultrasonic parameters, the system
prevents algae from becoming resistant
to ultrasound.
The MPC-Buoy automatically monitors,
analyzes and predicts algal presence
in the waterbody. For the collection of
water quality data, near real-time sensors
are used to measure pH, Chlorophyll a,
Phycocyanin, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen,
and optionally nitrogen and phosphorous.
Based on this information, the MPC-Buoy
can determine the presence of different
algal species and forecast algal blooms.
57

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Data Sources
By using different sources of data and
combining those in a unique algorithm,
LG Sonic can forecast algal blooms 3
to 10 days in advance. This allows for
effective mitigation strategies through
the MPC-Buoy systems. The algorithm
can be fed by different data sources,
such as hydrological characteristics of
the water body and meteorological data
sources. The hydrological data consists
of streams of data generated by in-situ
water quality measurement and remote
sensing satellite imagery.
The use of remote sensing has an
unparalleled advantage when forecasting
algal blooms and specifically scum layers
because remote sensing is the only datasource
that provides a spatial overview of
water quality parameters over the entire
lake. For this forecast, mostly data from
Sentinel-2 and Landsat satellites are
used due to the resolution. Sentinel-2
and Landsat satellites can provide a
resolution between 10 and 30 meters and
provide images every 5-8 days. Other
satellites such as MODIS and Sentinel-3
show images on a more frequent basis,
but the resolution is generally lower, which
makes them unsuitable for smaller lakes
and reservoirs.
For the collection of in-situ water quality
data, near real-time sensors are used to
measure pH, Chlorophyll a, Phycocyanin,
Turbidity, Dissolved oxygen, Nitrogen,
and Phosphate. Nutrients, temperature,
and oxygen can be measured at different

depths in the reservoir to identify lake
stratification and nutrient release from
the sediments. Meteorological data is
provided through different data sources.
Sun irradiance is measured through an
irradiance sensor installed on the water
quality monitoring buoys on the lake while
wind speed and rainfall are gathered
through the closest weather station.
Effective algae control
The MPC-Buoy controls algae by using
relatively low power, an ultrasonic signal
that is emitted over the surface of the
reservoir. The ultrasound of one MPC-
Buoy system can cover a surface area
of approximately 50 acres. Algae rely
on their buoyancy to float close enough
to the water surface to take up sunlight.
This allows them to outcompete other
organisms in the water such as plants,
that are also depending on sunlight intake.
The ultrasound used by the MPC-Buoy
systems fixes the algal cells in a deeper
layer of the water column, preventing them
to take up sunlight at the surface. Currently,
LG Sonic is running project in Dubai in
collaboration with Dubai Municipality to
treat algal blooms in Al Quadra lakes. 60
days after the installation of systems, bluegreen
algae concentration was reduced
by 73%.

N E W S
S T O R I E S
Prestigious Springer Quartier
building project
Weight reduced by 1,240 tonnes thanks to much lower use of concrete
In 2015, the MOMENI Group acquired
publisher Axel Springer’s Hamburg
headquarters, built in 1956, intending to
create a premium property with office,
retail, restaurant and residential space in
the SPRINGER QUARTIER. Internationally
renowned architects Gerkan, Marg and
Partner (gmp) took on the challenge of
dynamically renovating the Springer highrise
office block, listed since 1997, and of
expanding it into a modern, contemporary,
urban building. The entire complex is to
earn a gold rating under internationally
recognised LEED system specifications. In
order to achieve this goal and be able to cope
with the particular structural environment,
void former modules from HEINZE Cobiax
64
Deutschland GmbH were included in the
plans during the structural design phase
by WTM Engineers Hamburg, in order to
reduce the amount of concrete and building
weight. As a result, it was possible for the
main construction contractors, Ed. Züblin
AG, as general contractors, to reduce the
amount of concrete needed for the new wing
by 496 m³, and to achieve weight savings of
12,400 kN.
The new building’s inner city location and the
various uses for the ground and basement
levels, compared to the uniformly designed
upper floors, presented a challenge for
the architect and structural engineer. The
proximity of adjacent buildings, whose

foundations could not be disturbed during
the civil engineering work, also had to be
taken into account. In order to achieve
gmp architects’ ideas, the structural design
experts at WTM Engineers Hamburg
suggested using Cobiax SL modules, since
using void formers compared to reinforced
concrete allows weight to be reduced
by up to 35 percent. “Our planning office
had already met with positive experiences
using Cobiax products in other projects,
and so they came up with a perfect
solution for this challenging project,” recall
Detlev Haasse and Christopher Gabbert,
Project Managers at WTM Engineers. The
patented Cobiax system, consisting of 250
cm long reinforced steel modules, where
void formers are installed once the halfparts
have been put together, replaces up
to 35 percent of concrete in areas where
no concrete is required for the (bending)
load-bearing ability of the slab. “Significant
savings in materials and weight can be
achieved through using our technology,”
explains Dipl.-Ing. Volkmar Wanninger,
Managing Director of Heinze Cobiax
Deutschland GmbH. “The positive impact
on the building’s structural design provides
the architects with previously unthinkable
opportunities for designing further spaces:
on the one hand through shallower slab
depths, and on the other through spanning
up to 20 m.”
These advantages could be exploited to
the full in the SPRINGER QUARTIER, as
various areas of the building could not have
direct foundations, complicated foundation
issues arose at the property boundaries
and the varied uses on some floors made
it necessary to use different retaining wall
designs. “Weight savings achieved by
using our void former systems made many
of the retaining walls viable in the first
place, as well as constructing some parts
of the building overhanging by up to 8 m,”
explain Gabbert and Müller with one voice.
Any values needed for planning the use of
void former systems were calculated for
the demanding architectural geometry in
the SPRINGER QUARTIER using “Quick
and Light” software, which Cobiax provides
to all structural engineers free of charge.
These structural design specifications
were subsequently incorporated into the
structural and reinforcement plans by the
Ed. Züblin AG Hamburg Technical Office,
and so could be implemented on the
construction site.
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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Inner city location demands
complex logistics
A particular challenge for large-scale
construction sites in inner-city locations
was the limited space available and the
requirement to minimise the impact on
normal city traffic. “Due to the SPRINGER
QUARTIER’s central location, the time slots
when materials could be delivered to the
construction site were very tight. What’s
more, there was only limited space available
on site for unloading delivery vehicles, “
reports Christoph Wieghaus, site manager
for Ed. Züblin AG. Ed. Züblin AG is part of
the STRABAG SE group of companies, one
of Europe’s leading construction services
technology groups.
Since a total of 5,500 tonnes of steel and
about 34,000 m³ of concrete were needed
for shell construction, all deliveries had to
be precisely coordinated to avoid traffic
jams in the surrounding streets. Delivering
the Cobiax SL void former modules to the
construction site over a total of seven loads
was also included in the time planning. We
pre-assembled the void former systems
for the first delivery at the HEINZE Cobiax
Deutschland factory, so the concreting work
could start straight away. For the remaining
six, the individual components were
assembled and processed on site instead.
“After finishing the first mid-layer slabs,
those areas could be used as temporary
storage and assembly space for the Cobiax
modules,” explained Wieghaus. “After preassembling
the void former modules, we
then put them into position on the individual
slab sections.” On the first day using the
void former modules, the Cobiax Team gave
training to all workers on site to ensure quick
and easy assembly. For the laying itself,
plans were drawn up where the slab surfaces
were covered in void formers. These were
drawn up by the Cobiax experts, taking into
account the structural engineering design
calculations, in order to avoid any structural
problems with the slabs.

Once the modules had been put into position
as specified in the plans, the concreting was
done in two stages. “The pre-concreting for
putting the void former system into position,
to prevent them bouncing around, was
done using the concrete pouring bucket.
Pouring the concrete and assembly work
was suspended in order to concrete in the
Cobiax void formers on the surfaces, and
presented a further challenge in terms of
the limited space,” explains Wieghaus.
“This means the spacers, which also
function as structural parts, create the bond.
Subsequently, in a second step, the slab is
concreted over.”
Potential savings from using
void former modules
The cost of the entire supporting structure of
the building also came down, thanks to the
smaller amount of concrete and reinforcing
steel used. “An added bonus is that the
smaller amount of concrete also reduces
the emission of pollutants toxic to the
environment. For the SPRINGER QUARTIER
project, saving 496 m³ of concrete meant
reducing CO2 by 105 tonnes. Among other
things, this results from eliminating 80
concrete mixer journeys to the construction
site. “Within the next 5 years, we want
to reduce CO2 emissions by a total of 1
million tonnes, through using our products
in reinforced concrete construction, in order
to progress the rethink towards sustainable
construction”, concludes Wanninger. As
more than 14 million square metres of
Cobiax voided flat slabs have already been
produced, corresponding to 2 million tonnes
of concrete saved and a CO2 reduction of
180,000 tonnes, this objective seems quite
realistic.

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
How To Find The Best
Engineers For Your
Projects?
engineer that’s looking for work, then pay
attention to all the things listed below. If you
understand how companies hire engineers,
then you can alter your approach to appease
them.
On that note, here’s how you find the best
talent:
Build A Strong Brand Image
The right engineer can make or break
a project. It’s crucial that you recruit
the best person for the job every time.
As a result, you’ll have someone who
can carry your vision forward and help you
achieve all of your goals.
How do you find the top engineers? You have
many considerations and steps to follow. In
this article, you’ll see some of the best tips to
help you find the most talented engineers for
your needs. Additionally, if you’re an upcoming
The hiring process starts from within.
Engineering is an interesting industry in that
there are so many businesses looking for
different engineers. As such, qualified and
talented engineers are in demand. This means
that you may struggle to get people to apply
for jobs or to work for your company as they
may have better job offers from elsewhere.
So, you have to build a strong company image.
Create a brand that engineers can identify
with. Make it clear what your business wants
to do and what your key aims are for the future.
There’s a higher chance of someone wanting
to work for you if they know your company
is moving in the right direction. Give them a
sense of direction, let them know what they’re
in for. Talented engineers want to be part of
something special; they want to have a sense
of purpose. If your brand image is pretty poor
72

and doesn’t impress them, then you’ll fail to
find any applicants for your positions.
Attend Networking Events &
Trade Shows
You need to try and connect with as many
engineers as possible. Therefore, trade
shows and networking events are the perfect
situations for this. They give you an excuse
to get amongst engineers and talk to them.
Networking events are particularly effective
at gaining some new contacts within the
industry. From here, you can follow-up with
emails or calls to let them know about an
exciting new position at your company for an
upcoming project.
Trade shows work in a similar way, but
they’re more about getting your business out
there. Engineering trade shows give you the
opportunity to create a little booth and advertise
your business. Use big and bold banners at
your event to draw in the crowds and direct
people to your booth. In essence, you drive
crowds of budding engineers straight to your
business. Here, you can talk about your brand,
disclose information on projects, and provide
people with resources to learn more. Again,
you can generate lots of leads by getting a lot
of contact information from this event. Now,
you’re in a position to speak to lots of talented
engineers about your latest job.
73

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Post Online Job Adverts
While a lot of hiring gets done by
connecting with individuals, it’s still worth
putting job adverts out there. This gives
you a chance to find other engineers that
you may not have been able to reach
out to. After all, not everyone can attend
events! Online job adverts are still one of
the most effective ways of finding talented
individuals to be part of your team. There
are lots of websites you can hire engineers
from, so try and put your ads up on as
many as possible. From here, you just wait
for engineers to connect to you.
Make sure you write a compelling advert
for your job. Be clear about the engineer’s
roles and your company mission. Go back
to the point about your brand image;
make them feel like your business is worth
working for. Also, include all the essential
skills, qualifications, and experience that
you’re after. Make candidates list all of
these things as part of their application, so
you can easily vet the ones that don’t tick
all the right boxes.
Ask For A Portfolio
It goes without saying that you need
a portfolio of work before hiring any
engineer. In this line of work, you depend
on experience. You need to know that the
person you’re interested in has the skills
and experience to carry out your project.
The best way to see this is by looking at
their previous jobs. All engineers should

create their own portfolio - this is a pro
tip for any young engineers reading this
article! It shows businesses what you’re
capable of, and it can be the difference
between getting hired or not.
Ideally, you should look for examples of
projects that are similar to yours. While
any experience is better than none, this is
a great way to separate the best from the
rest. It’s less risky to hire an engineer when
you know they have experience dealing
with projects that are a lot like yours.
Look For Referrals
This last tip is brilliant at both sourcing
potential engineers and vetting them.
Referrals will tell you how good a candidate
is at their job. It lets you know what previous
clients think about them. As such, you
get a feel for how they work and whether
or not they’ll bring something positive to
your business. Ask fellow businesses for
referrals when you’re looking for a new
engineer. Instantly, this can help you
build a shortlist. If you find any from other
sources, then ask them for referrals. They
will put you in touch with their previous
clients, so you can contact them and ask
questions about the engineer.
Ultimately, this gives you peace of mind
that you’re hiring someone you can trust.
Never close a deal and shake someone’s
hand unless you have clear referrals from
elsewhere.
There you have it, this is how you find
the best engineers for your projects. Go
through each of these points and make
sure you cover all of them before hiring
someone. For engineers, look at these
points and use them to improve your
chances of getting jobs.

ads

ads

N E W S
S T O R I E S
Global Virus Network (GVN)
Adds Four Preeminent Academic
Institutions To Strengthen Global
Collaboration In Viral Research
And Response To Pandemics
The Global Virus Network (GVN),
comprising foremost experts around
the world in every class of virus
causing disease in humans and some
animals, today announced the addition of
three new Centers of Excellence including
the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), part of
the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Radboud
University Medical Center in the Netherlands
and the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public
Health in the United States of America (USA),
and one Affiliate, the University of the West
Indies at St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago
through GVN’s Center of Excellence in HIV
and HCV Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory
in the Center for Integrated Global Biomedical
Sciences, at the University at Buffalo, The
State University of New York (SUNY), USA.
The latest additions bolster GVN to 61 Centers
of Excellence, with 11 Affiliates in 34 nations.
The GVN is a global authority and resource
for the identification and investigation,
interpretation and explanation, control and
suppression, of viral diseases posing threats
to mankind.
“We look forward to working with each of
these esteemed new members to combat
the current pandemic emergency and plan
for, and mitigate, future outbreaks,” said Dr.
Christian Bréchot, President of the GVN and
Associate Vice President for International
Partnerships and Innovation, Professor,
Division of Infectious Disease, Department of
80

Internal Medicine at the USF Health Morsani
College of Medicine.
“These new Centers and Affiliate offer not just
deeper global reach, but encompass some
of the world’s most cutting-edge science
and thought leadership,” said Dr. Robert
Gallo, GVN co-founder and international
scientific advisor, who is also The Homer &
Martha Gudelsky Distinguished Professor
in Medicine and Director of the Institute of
Human Virology (IHV) at the University of
Maryland School of Medicine.
The Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), Chinese
Academy of Sciences, offers, among other
world-leading expertise, valuable resources
in bat viruses and coronaviruses and will be
an important Center for studying response to
emerging viral diseases.
“I support increasing global collaborations
and transparency in science, particularly
related to this current pandemic crisis,”
said Dr. Zhengli Shi, Professor at WIV and
director of GVN’s new Center in China. “In
addition to sharing our coronavirus research
and any new breakthroughs with my fellow
colleagues at the GVN, I am also looking
forward to sharing my experience in Africa,
particularly the National Museums of Kenya
and the Kenya Wildlife Service, regarding
our surveillance studies in bats, rodents and
camels in East Africa.”
Radboud University Medical Center in the
Netherlands is renowned for conducting
research in innate immunity, non-specific
vaccines, targeting leukocytes, and
metabolic differentiation, especially against
coronaviruses.
“I am looking forward to increasing my
collaborations with the GVN,” said Dr.
Mihai Netea, a GVN Task Force member
who will direct the new Center, and who
also heads the division of Experimental
Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,
Radboud University Medical Center in the
Netherlands. “I am pleased that our research
in understanding the factors influencing
variability of human immune responses,
the biology of sepsis and immunoparalysis
in bacterial and fungal infections, and the
study of the memory traits of innate immunity
is already helping to shape GVN’s thoughtleadership
on utilizing innate immunity to
mitigate our current pandemic and future
ones.”
81

N E W S
S T O R I E S
The Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
in the USA leads major genomic studies of
Lassa virus, Ebola virus, and Zika virus and
have carried out extensive work in virology and
microbial diagnostics, including contributions
to the development of innovative technologies.
“My lab has contributed to a range of fields
including human and microbial genomics,
information theory, and infectious disease
diagnostics and surveillance, while
developing new and cutting-edge diagnostic
and computational technologies for outbreak
prevention and response,” said Dr. Pardis
Sabeti, a Professor at the Center for Systems
Biology and Department of Organismic and
Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, the
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), who
will direct the GVN Center. “Together with the
GVN, we can expand our study of pandemic
resilience in the future.”
The University of the West Indies (UWI) St.
Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago routinely
investigates a variety of important human
and animal pathogens vectored by mosquito,
tick, culicoides and bats including dengue,
Chikungunya, Zika and bat coronaviruses,
and will contribute to many of GVN’s initiatives.
UWI St. Augustine joins the GVN as an Affiliate
through GVN’s Center of Excellence in HIV and
HCV Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, at the
University at Buffalo, SUNY, USA.
“We look forward to working with our GVN
collaborators, particularly at the University
at Buffalo, SUNY to share our expertise in
viral epidemiology research, as well as, to
participating in broader training programs to
enhance our virus research capacity,” said Dr.
Christine Carrington, Professor of Molecular
Genetics and Virology at UWI St. Augustine
and Director of the new GVN Affiliate.
Dr. Gene D. Morse, Distinguished Professor
and Director at the Center for Integrated
Global Biomedical Sciences at the University
at Buffalo, SUNY who leads the GVN Center
of Excellence said, “I am pleased to see my
colleagues from Trinidad and Tobago come
under the GVN umbrella. I look forward to
helping them share resources with the GVN,
test and develop antiviral therapies and
biomarkers, promote translational science and

build infrastructure and capacity for global
virology research.”
GVN members collaborate on research areas
including immunology and vaccines, antiviral
drug therapy, virus-host interaction, diagnostic
virology and epidemiology, morphogenesis
and structural biology, emerging and reemerging
viruses, viruses as biotechnological
tools and trending topics in virology. GVN is
at the frontline of virology research to share
knowledge, collaborate, and train the next
generation of virologists as effective tools to
combat epidemics of the future.
About the Global Virus Network
(GVN)
The Global Virus Network (GVN) is essential
and critical in the preparedness, defense and
first research response to emerging, existing
and unidentified viruses that pose a clear and
present threat to public health, working in
close coordination with established national
and international institutions. It is a coalition
comprising eminent human and animal
virologists from 61 Centers of Excellence and
11 Affiliates in 34 countries worldwide, working
collaboratively to train the next generation of
virologists, advance knowledge about how
to identify and diagnose pandemic viruses,
mitigate and control how such viruses spread
and make us sick, as well as develop drugs,
vaccines and treatments to combat them. No
single institution in the world has expertise
in all viral areas other than the GVN, which
brings together the finest medical virologists
to leverage their individual expertise and
coalesce global teams of specialists on the
scientific challenges, issues and problems
posed by pandemic viruses.

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Efficient Generation for
Sustainable Power
88
A
move away from traditional coal
and nuclear energy has created
significant opportunities for combined
heat and power generation (CHP).
Companies such as Yanmar are providing
low carbon solutions that are becoming an
increasing part of the energy mix.
Countries across the world are finally taking
much larger steps to reduce their carbon
footprint. Chief among these is Germany,
which is now going even further by turning
its back on coal-fired and nuclear-powered
generation.
Ambitious targets
As such, heavy-polluting coal plants across
the nation are being closed and nuclear
power is being phased out by 2023. This offers
potential on the one hand for the creation of
fast-reacting natural gas plants that fire up
quickly to ensure a stable energy supply.
On the other hand, there are significant
benefits on a micro-generation level with
combined heat and power (CHP) units such
as Yanmar’s ‘neoTower’ being installed in many
businesses and homes. They create energy
for self-use and feed any excess back into the
grid.
These efficient gas engine power plants can
play an important role in the future energy mix.
In brief, CHP units run on clean natural gas,
which they use to generate electricity and
heat. They gain their high energy efficiency by
capturing and using the excess heat that comes
from the engine during electricity generation,
as the single fuel source provides both heat
and electricity. By generating directly (and
locally), grid transmission losses are avoided,
which also increases the energy efficiency and
lowers the carbon emissions.
The German Government believes that CHP is
the best way forward to help decarbonise its
economy. In addition, it overcomes the potential
problems of intermittent supply to the grid.

As such, Germany has enacted the CHP
law to support cogeneration by boosting
the number of highly efficient CHP plants in
Germany. It also rewarded owners of CHP
systems with significant financial bonuses
lasting up to ten years for the electricity
generated via their cogeneration ‘plants’. This
support has made consumers and
businesses keen to install ultra-efficient lowcarbon
generation solutions in their homes
and workplaces.
Gas-powered technology for a
better world
Yanmar has a long-standing reputation for
providing quality sustainable power solutions
to a variety of industry sectors, from marine to
agriculture, and from power generation to
air conditioning. It has established a new
company in Germany, Yanmar Energy Systems
Europe, to provide a full manufacturing, sales
and service solutions for a range of heating,
ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) and
power generation requirements.
With a mission to deliver clean and efficient
CHP solutions to customers in Germany
and throughout Europe, Yanmar is already
making sufficient strides in helping German
consumers reduce their energy carbon
footprint, according to Chief Executive Officer
Yosuke Tajima.
“Our mission is to provide optimal heat and
power solutions to customers throughout
Europe. Demand for power continues to
rise, along with a significant need to reduce
CO2 emissions. CHP is recognised as highly
efficient, which is why the German Government
is supporting it with customer incentives to
divest from carbon-intensive generation.
Yanmar’s highly efficient solutions will help
meet the challenges of the future.”
Reliable partners for added
value
The Yanmar Group also acquired a majority
holding in RMB AG (RMB), a major German
provider of industry-leading CHP units. This
ensured that its efficient gas-powered solutions
are not only meeting customer needs, but also
supporting Germany’s energy policy goals.
The strategic goal with RMB is the joint
development of cogeneration units with
Yanmar engines. It also aims to continue its
market leadership of the micro-CHP sector,
combining the best of Japanese and German
manufacturing with unrivalled technological
expertise.
It’s a perfect match for RMB’s General Manager
Jens Brake, who has been instrumental in
promoting CHP’s role in the energy mix. An
engineer by trade, he designed his first CHP
system in 2008 and helped to bring RMB’s
revolutionary neoTower unit to the market three
years later. In 2015, the first cogeneration units
with Yanmar engines were unveiled, available
with an electrical capacity of 25 and 30kW.
89

N E W S
S T O R I E S
“Combined heat and power is the best
current solution for today’s energy needs
in both the commercial and domestic
sectors,” says Jens. “From a business
perspective, if you compare it to the other
energy sources, the biggest driver is the
cost savings for customers. Essentially,
they are producing electrical power and
heat with their own power plant – and doing
it at a low cost.”
A spark of genius?
This business model is known as
“Sparkspread’, which is basically the
difference between the cost of producing
and using your own energy, compared
to the cost of buying it. In the case of a
CHP unit, owners in Germany are paying
roughly four euro cents for one kilowatt hour
of natural gas. This is then used to create
electricity (for their own use) that would
otherwise have cost them around 28 cents
per kilowatt hour to buy.
Therefore, for many people it’s not entirely
about saving the planet. This is because
the cost savings from these reliable, highly
efficient units do stack up, with a return on
investment in less than four years in some
cases.
The proof is with the customer
A good example may be found at a typical
customer installation: the Sportpark
Hilden, near Düsseldorf, which is one of
a successful chain of fitness centres that
have been in operation since 1977. Its
owner, Hans Buschmann, didn’t
need too much convincing about the
benefits of CHP, having installed several
units at various sports centres before.
However, the Sportpark Hilden’s
constantly increasing requirement for heat
and power around the clock, 365 days
of the year, made him choose wisely.
“We’re open 16 hours a day every
day and need energy constantly for
heating the swimming pool, showers and
saunas, as well as our electrical power
requirements,” says Hans.

“We installed the latest neoTower 30 CHP
system, because of the obvious ecological
and financial benefits, and the ability to
produce our own energy where it is
needed. We have a responsibility to our
customers to work ecologically, but it’s also
in the interests of our company to be costeffective.”
With its busy peak periods
running throughout the year, especially
during the winter season, CHP was the
most efficient option. Furthermore, it was
the CHP’s additional benefit of
being able to use excess heat as an energy
source to warm the centre’s swimming
pool and hot water (a constant, year-round
energy demand) that made sound
economic sense.
“The cost savings are significant – we’ve
been able to reduce our energy bills by
50 per cent – and that makes a huge
difference to the bottom line,” adds Hans.
“Furthermore, the neoTower’s ease of
operation, combined with long maintenance
intervals, means that we don’t need to
worry about it at all.
“In fact, with its quiet operation, we hardly
know it’s there! We’ve used CHP for ten
years with great success and see no
better alternative at present. Based on our
previous experience, we expect a return on
investment in less than three-and-a-half
years.”
Germany’s efforts to support companies
and individuals that invest in energy
efficient technology have to be
commended. As other nations make the
transition to a low-carbon economy, CHP is
expected to play a significant part in this,
with companies like Yanmar committed
to providing efficient and innovative
co-generation technology for a more
sustainable future.

N E W S
S T O R I E S
Studies Indicating T-Cells May Be
Needed For Long-Term Protection
From The SARS-Cov-2 Virus
According to the National Institutes
of Health (NIH), the tide in the
global fight against COVID-19,
the disease caused by the SARS-
CoV-2 virus, may soon begin to turn. Last
month, three pharmaceutical companies
announced promising results from vaccine
trials. Countries around the world are now
poised to begin the largest mass vaccination
campaigns since the 1950s. Researchers led
by Dr. Dan Barouch of Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center used monkeys to look at levels
of antibodies and immune cells required to
prevent reinfection with the virus. NIH
said some questions remain about what types
and amounts of immune system components
are needed to produce long-term immunity
against SARS-CoV-2. This information would be
valuable both for tracking the effectiveness of
vaccines and designing new ones in the future.
It said that This finding suggests that T cells are
needed for long-term protection from the virus.
“Antibodies alone can protect, including at
relatively low levels, but T cells are also helpful
if antibody levels are insufficient,” Barouch
says. “Such knowledge will be important in
the development of next generation vaccines,
antibody-based therapeutics, and public
health strategies for COVID-19.”
Active biotech companies in the Covid-19
developments this week include Sorrento
Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SRNE), BioVaxys
Technology Corp. (OTCPK: LMNGF) (CSE:
BIOV), INOVIO (NASDAQ: INO), CytoDyn Inc.
96

(OTCQB: CYDY), Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ:
NVAX).
BMJ. Com reported on a similar test but
humans were the patients here, to find out
how long the T Cells last after an infection.
The results were that Robust cellular immunity
persists for at least for six months after
even mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2
infection, research has shown. The study of
100 people showed that all had a cellular
immune response against SARS-CoV-2 six
months after infection although the size of
response was 50% higher in those who had
experienced symptomatic disease. There
has been concern that the cellular immune
response following covid-19 infection may not
be sustained. “This data is reassuring,” lead
study author Paul Moss, from the University
of Birmingham, told a Science Media Centre
briefing on 2 November. “However, it does not
mean that people cannot be re-infected. We
need to have much larger population studies
to show that.” Moss also added that the
findings “can’t be taken as confirmation that
an ‘immunity passport’ would be feasible.”
BioVaxys Technology Corp.
(OTCPK: LMNGF) (CSE: BIOV.CNQ)
BREAKING NEWS: COVID-T CLINICAL
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM INITIATED
REGULATORY ADVISORY GROUP ENGAGED
- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (“BioVaxys”) is
pleased to announce that it has initiated the
clinical development program for Covid-T,
the Company’s novel diagnostic platform for
detecting T-cell activity. The US Food and
Drug Administration (“FDA”) has tentatively
agreed to permit that BioVaxys can file for a
pre-Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) for
Covid-T. Under an EUA, FDA may allow
the use of unapproved medical products,
or unapproved uses of approved medical
products in an emergency to diagnose,
treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening
diseases or conditions when certain statutory
criteria have been met, including that there
are no adequate, approved, and available
alternatives. Covid-T addresses an unmet
need for a low-cost, easy-to-administer, and
accurate tool to test for the presence of T-cells
which may offer lasting protection against
SARS-CoV-2. It is believed that detection of
T-cells can potentially identify safe and/or atrisk
populations. Covid-T also provides an
ability to evaluate the effectiveness of any
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate in stimulating
T-cell immunity. Mass availability of Covid-T
would complement antibody testing and
various public health risk mitigation strategies.
James Passin, CEO
of BioVaxys, stated, “We believe that our
low cost, scalable, easy-to-administer test
for T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 may help
solve the urgent global public health crisis of
prioritizing the distribution of Covid-19
vaccines; we look forward to rapidly advancing
Covid-T towards commercialization.”
Current methods of measuring T-cell immunity
require drawing blood from the test subject,
followed by a time-consuming and expensive
analysis of the blood sample at laboratories
possessing specialized equipment. Covid-T
is based on the well-established concept
of Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (“DTH”),
the oldest and most reliable test of human T
lymphocyte function. The process involves an
intradermal “skin prick” of an immunogenic
composition of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein,
where an inflammatory response develops
24-72 hours after skin exposure to the s-spike
antigen.
BioVaxys
anticipates that once clinical testing is
complete, Covid-T would have the potential
for detecting differences in T-cell responses
between the original SARS-CoVC-2 virus and
the two new strains of SARS-Cov-2 the had
originally been identified in the UK and South
Africa---B.1.1.7 and 501Y.V2, respectively---
but which are spreading worldwide.
97

98

99

N E W S
S T O R I E S
“Although our
vaccine programs are of major importance
to us, Covid-T is a priority for BioVaxys,
especially given the unmet need for such a
simple, disposable, and accurate tool to test
for the presence of T-cells against SARS-
CoV-2,” says BioVaxys President and Chief
Operating Officer Ken Kovan. BioVaxys has
prepared the clinical development plan for
Covid-T, and engaged global regulatory
advisory group Rio Pharmaceutical Services
(“RPS”) of Bridgewater, NJ, to provide
strategic regulatory guidance, prepare an
FDA pre-submission guidance package,
recommend regulatory pathway, and support
BioVaxys on the registration
filing.
RPS has provided pharmaceutical and
medical-device advisory services across
the entire drug, biologic and device
development and approval spectrum of
the pharmaceutical industry since 2000.
Collectively, the RPS team of pharmaceutical
industry executives offers nearly 150 years of
experience in providing advice and support
services for medical, scientific, clinical-trial
and regulatory issues to clients including
a majority of Fortune 500 pharmaceutical
companies.
Read this full release and more
news for BioVaxys Technology at:
https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/newsbiov/
Other recent
developments in the biotech industry
include:
Sorrento
Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SRNE) recently
announced positive preliminary results from
its Phase 1b study of human allogeneic
adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
(COVI-MSC) for patients suffering from
COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress
(ARD) or acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS). This ongoing study (PSC-CP-004)
is a single arm, non-randomized Phase 1b
study of the safety and preliminary efficacy of
COVI-MSCs administered every other day for
three infusions for a total of 1 x 106 cells/kg.
The primary objective is to evaluate the safety
of intravenous infusion of allogeneic adipose
MSC cells in patients with COVID-19-induced
ARD or ARDS. The secondary objective is to
evaluate efficacy outcome variables to give
guidance
regarding the risk/benefit ratio in patients with
COVID-19 respiratory distress.
The first three
patients enrolled tolerated treatment well and
improved rapidly. Each of the three patients
was discharged from the hospital within a week
of starting the patient’s COVI-MSC infusions
and two patients were discharged on the day of
their last infusion. One of the patients had been
in the hospital for three weeks, unable to be
weaned from significant oxygen support, and
another patient with uncontrolled diabetes had
been discharged previously but had to be
readmitted due to recurrent ARD. Each of the
infusions were well-tolerated and no patient
reported any infusion-related adverse events.
A fourth patient is currently at the beginning of
a course of treatment, with no safety issues
100

following the patient’s first infusion. Additional
enrollment continues. INOVIO (NASDAQ:
INO),
a biotechnology company focused on
bringing to market precisely designed
DNA medicines to treat and protect people
from infectious diseases and cancer, and
Advaccine Biopharmaceuticals Suzhou Co.,
Ltd. (“Advaccine”), an emerging biotech
company with next-generation technology in
vaccines, both preventive and therapeutic,
recently announced that they have entered
into a collaboration and license agreement for
COVID-19 DNA vaccine candidate INO-4800.
Under the collaboration and license
agreement, Advaccine will have the
exclusive right to develop, manufacture
and commercialize INO-4800 within Greater
China, inclusive of Mainland China, Hong
Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Advaccine will
license its plasmid manufacturing process for
use with INO-4800 and other INOVIO pipeline
product candidates to INOVIO with the right
to sublicense to INOVIO’s manufacturing
partners. Additionally, Advaccine will provide
its clinical data to INOVIO in support of
INOVIO’s global INO-4800 regulatory filings
and INOVIO will provide its INO-4800 clinical
data for Advaccine to incorporate into its
marketing applications in Greater China
Advaccine will make to INOVIO an upfront
payment of $3.0 million as well as pay
an aggregate of $108.0 million upon the
achievement of specified development
and sales-based milestones for INO-4800
in Greater China. INOVIO will be entitled to
receive a royalty equal to a high single-digit
percentage of annual net sales in each region
within Greater China.
CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY),
a late-stage biotechnology company
developing Vyrologix (leronlimab-PRO 140),
a CCR5 antagonist with the potential for
multiple therapeutic indications, announced
this month a research manuscript submitted by
Nicholas J. Agresti, M.D. has been accepted
for publication in the Journal of Translational
Autoimmunity. Dr. Agresti’s research findings
were based on four critically ill COVID-19
patients treated with leronlimab under eIND.
The manuscript Ms.
No. JTAUTO-D-20- 00043R1 is entitled
“Disruption of CCR5 Signaling to Treat
COVID-19-Associated Cytokine Storm: Case
Series of Four Critically Ill Patients Treated
with Leronlimab.” Nicholas J. Agresti, M.D.,
stated, “We are very thankful with the clinical
outcomes for these patients and are honored
by the acceptance of our research for
publication. We hope this work will continue
to advance research to understand how to
effectively mitigate the effects of COVID-19.”
Novavax, Inc.
(NASDAQ: NVAX),
a late-stage biotechnology company
developing next-generation vaccines
for serious infectious diseases, recently
announced that it has finalized an agreement
with the Government of Canada to supply up
to 76 million doses of NVX-CoV2373, the
company’s recombinant protein-based
COVID-19 vaccine. Canada has committed to
purchase 52 million doses of the vaccine with
the option for up to an additional 24 million
doses. NVX-CoV2373 is currently in Phase
3 clinical development for the prevention of
COVID-19. “We thank the
Government of Canada for their confidence
in our program and ongoing partnership in
the regulatory review and delivery of a safe,
effective COVID-19 vaccine for the citizens
of Canada,” said John J. Trizzino, Chief
Commercial Officer and Chief Business
Officer, Novavax. “Novavax is proud to play
our part in working tirelessly together with
governments, scientists, regulators and
others in the global effort to put an end to the
pandemic.” The company expects to supply
NVX-CoV2373 to Canada beginning as early
as the second quarter of 2021, following
authorization by Canada’s regulatory agency.
101

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Virden, Manitoba
Tel: 204-748-3704
Estevan, Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-634-5504
www.virdenmeter.com