Evaluation Factors Influencing Construction Price Index in Fuzzy Uncertainty Environment

NGUYEN, Phong Thanh,HUYNH, Vy Dang Bich,NGUYEN, Quyen Le Hoang Thuy To Korea Distribution Science Association 2021 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.8 No.2

In recent years, Vietnam's economic growth rate has been attributed to the growth of many well-managed industries within Southeast Asia. Among them is the civil construction industry. Construction projects typically take a long time to complete and require a huge budget. Many socio-economic variables and factors affect total construction project costs due to market fluctuations. In recent years, crucial socioeconomic development indicators of construction reached a fairly high growth rate. Also, most infrastructure and construction projects have a high degree of complexity and uncertainty. This makes it challenging to predict the accurate project price. These challenges raise the need to recognize significant factors that influence the construction price index of civil buildings in Vietnam, both micro and macro. Therefore, this paper presents critical factors that affect the construction price index using the fuzzy extent analysis process in an uncertain environment. This proposed quantitative model is expected to reflect the uncertainty in the process of evaluating and ranking the influencing factors of the construction price index in Vietnam. The research results would also allow project stakeholders to be more informed of the factors affecting the construction price index in the context of Vietnam's civil construction industry. They also enable construction contractors to estimate project costs and bid rates better, enhancing their project and risk management performance.

Methiopropamine, a methamphetamine analogue, produces neurotoxicity via dopamine receptors

Nguyen, Phuong-Tram,Dang, Duy-Khanh,Tran, Hai-Quyen,Shin, Eun-Joo,Jeong, Ji Hoon,Nah, Seung-Yeol,Cho, Min Chang,Lee, Yong Sup,Jang, Choon-Gon,Kim, Hyoung-Chun Elsevier Pub. Co 2019 Chemico-biological interactions Vol.305 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Methiopropamine (MPA) is structurally categorized as a thiophene ring-based methamphetamine (MA) derivative. Although abusive potential of MPA was recognized, little is known about the neurotoxic potential of MPA up to now. We investigated whether MPA induces dopaminergic neurotoxicity, and whether MPA activates a specific dopamine receptor. Here, we observed that treatment with MPA resulted in dopaminergic neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. MPA treatment potentiated oxidative parameters (i.e., increases in the level of reactive oxygen species, 4-hydroxynonenal, and protein carbonyl), M1 phenotype-related microglial activity, and pro-apoptotic property (i.e<I>.,</I> increases in Bax- and cleaved caspase-3-expressions, while a decrease in Bcl-2-expression). Moreover, treatment with MPA resulted in significant impairments in dopaminergic parameters [i.e., changes in dopamine level, dopamine turnover rate, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels, dopamine transporter (DAT) expression, and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2) expression], and in behavioral deficits. Both dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 and D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride protected from these neurotoxic consequences. Therefore, our results suggest that dopamine D1 and D2 receptors simultaneously mediate MPA-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in mice via oxidative burdens, microgliosis, and pro-apoptosis.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> MPA-induced initial oxidative burdens are prerequisite for neurotoxic consequences. </LI> <LI> Dopamine receptors facilitate microglial, and proapoptotic changes induced by MPA. </LI> <LI> Dopamine receptors mediate dopaminergic impairments induced by MPA. </LI> <LI> Microglia, but not astroglia, may be the neurotoxic target against MPA insult. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Role of dopamine D1 receptor in 3-fluoromethamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in mice

Nguyen, Phuong-Tram,Shin, Eun-Joo,Dang, Duy-Khanh,Tran, Hai-Quyen,Jang, Choon-Gon,Jeong, Ji Hoon,Lee, Yu Jeung,Lee, Hyo Jong,Lee, Yong Sup,Yamada, Kiyofumi,Nabeshima, Toshitaka,Kim, Hyoung-Chun Elsevier 2018 Neurochemistry International Vol.113 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>3-Fluoromethamphetamine (3-FMA) is an illegal designer drug of methamphetamine (MA) derivative. Up to date, little is known about the neurotoxic potential of 3-FMA. In the present study, we investigated the role of dopamine receptors in neurotoxicity induced by 3-FMA in comparison with MA (35 mg/kg, i.p.) as a control drug. Here we found that 3-FMA (40, 60 or 80 mg/kg, i.p.) produced mortality in a dose-dependent manner in mice. Treatment with 3-FMA (40 mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in significant hyperthermia, oxidative stress and microgliosis (microglial differentiation into M1 phenotype) followed by pro-apoptotic changes and the induction of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUDP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. Moreover, 3-FMA significantly produced dopaminergic impairments [i.e., increase in dopamine (DA) turnover rate and decreases in DA level, and in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT), and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT-2)] with behavioral impairments. These dopaminergic neurotoxic effects of 3-FMA were comparable to those of MA. SCH23390, a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, but not sulpiride, a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist significantly attenuated 3-FMA-induced neurotoxicity. Although both SCH23390 and sulpiride attenuated MA-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity, sulpiride is more effective than SCH23390 on the dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Interestingly, SCH23390 treatment positively modulated 3-FMA-induced microglial activation (i.e., SCH23390 inhibited M1 phenotype from 3-FMA insult, but activated M2 phenotype). Therefore, our results suggest that the activation of dopamine D1 receptor is critical to 3-FMA-induced neurotoxicity, while both dopamine D1 and D2 receptors (dopamine D2 receptor > dopamine D1 receptor) mediate MA-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> 3-FMA facilitates mortality in a dose-dependent manner. </LI> <LI> 3-FMA-induced initial oxidative burdens are prerequisite for the neurotoxicity. </LI> <LI> D1R facilitates microglial and pro-apoptotic changes induced by 3-FMA. </LI> <LI> D1R mediates dopaminergic impairments induced by 3-FMA. </LI> <LI> The neurotoxicity induced by 3-FMA are comparable to that induced by MA. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Brand Value and Financial Performance: Evidence from Bancassurance Service Providers in Vietnam

NGUYEN, Xuan Hung,DANG, Thuy Quynh,DINH, Thi Thao Quyen,DO, Phuong Thanh,PHAM, Thu Uyen,MAI, Duc Duong Korea Distribution Science Association 2022 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.9 No.6

The objective of this article is to assess the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation on Corporate Brand Value (CBV) and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP). At the same time, the article examines the mediated role of CBV on the relationship between CSR implementation and CFP. In-depth interviews and observation techniques were used in this article on 4 experts to collect qualitative information. Quantitative analysis was based on primary data obtained from 454 employees working at enterprises providing Bancassurance services. The article uses various models of Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Analysis (SEM) using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 20.0 software. In addition, a 5-point Likert scale is used to measure observed variables. Research results show that CBV plays an intermediate role in the relationship between CSR implementation and CFP. At the same time, the implementation of CSR toward communities, customers, and workers directly impacts CBV and CFP. The article draws a new conclusion; there is no relationship found between the implementation of CSR and CFP. The result proposes implications for the state and Bancassurance service providers to develop and implement CSR-related policies and activities to enhance their brand value and financial performance.

Immunohistochemical expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase in neuroblastoma and its relations with some clinical and histopathological features

Thu Dang Anh Phan,Thao Quyen Nguyen,Nhi Thuy To,Thien Ly Thanh,Dat Quoc Ngo 대한병리학회 2024 Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine Vol.58 No.1

Background: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations have been identified as a prominent cause of some familial and sporadic neuroblastoma (NB). ALK expression in NB and its relationship with clinical and histopathological features remains controversial. This study investigated ALK expression and its potential relations with these features in NB.Methods: Ninety cases of NB at the Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam from 01/01/2018 to 12/31/2021, were immunohistochemically stained with ALK (D5F3) antibody. The ALK expression and its relations with some clinical and histopathological features were investigated.Results: The rate of ALK expression in NB was 91.1%. High ALK expression (over 50% of tumor cells were positive with moderate-strong intensity) accounted for 65.6%, and low ALK expression accounted for 34.4%. All the <i>MYCN</i>-amplified NB patients had ALK immunohistochemistry positivity, most cases had high ALK protein expression. The undifferentiated subtype of NB had a lower ALK-positive rate than the poorly differentiated and differentiated subtype. The percentages of ALK positivity were significantly higher in more differentiated histological types of NB (p = .024). There was no relation between ALK expression and: age group, sex, primary tumor location, tumor stage, <i>MYCN</i> status, clinical risk, Mitotic-Karyorrhectic Index, prognostic group, necrosis, and calcification.Conclusions: ALK was highly expressed in NB. ALK expression was not related to several clinical and histopathological features. More studies are needed to elucidate the association between ALK expression and ALK gene status and to investigate disease progression, especially the oncogenesis of ALK-positive NB.

Critical Factors of Subcontractor Evaluation and Selection: A Case Study in Vietnam

VO, Khoa Dang,PHAM, Cuong Phu,PHAN, Phuong Thanh,VU, Ngoc Bich,DUONG, My Tien Ha,LE, Loan Phuc,NGUYEN, Quyen Le Hoang Thuy To Korea Distribution Science Association 2021 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.8 No.3

A contractor or a main contractor is a company with full capacity to construct all project's works for the owner. A subcontractor is an organization that works with the main contractor to execute and complete work packages for the project. Selecting an effective subcontractor will help the efficiency and success of any projects in the construction industry. Therefore, this study identified subcontractor evaluation factors in Vietnam by collecting questionnaire survey data from engineers and staffs in the construction industry project environment. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was then performed to identify the critical factors when evaluating and selecting the subcontractor in construction projects. Moreover, when considering the impact level in terms of the average value, the research results showed that the most critical concern was the subcontractor's reputation. Furthermore, the top five factors affecting the sub-contractor evaluation and selection are (i) reputation, (ii) price, (iii) construction techniques, (iv) ability to implement projects according to commitments, and (v) subcontractor competence (the team of workers, technician staff, engineers with full capacity according to regulations). These research results provide an overall perspective that will help main contractors develop suitable subcontractors' evaluation and selection factors in their projects in the construction industry.

Disputes in Managing Projects: A Case Study of Construction Industry in Vietnam

VO, Khoa Dang,NGUYEN, Phong Thanh,NGUYEN, Quyen Le Hoang Thuy To Korea Distribution Science Association 2020 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.7 No.8

The construction industry in developing countries like Vietnam, which incorporates small and medium construction enterprises, is typically more prone to disputes and contract dispute-related lawsuits. A dispute may occur at any time in the life cycle of the project. It is sometimes solved with the intermediation of a lawyer or directly by stakeholders. Understanding the causes of disputes in a construction project not only improves the efficiency of a company but also increases the success of projects. This study was carried out using a questionnaire survey at construction projects in Ho Chi Minh City. Sample data with 117 observations were analyzed to find the disputing factors in construction projects: diversity of working style among the parties; reluctance to work; and poor teamwork. Correlation coefficient on a rank of factors between design consultant and contractor; Design consultant and project owners are positively correlated. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) analysis identified six groups of factors in construction disputes: cooperation, technology, economics, productivity, information, and behavior. The findings are useful for enterprise practice and provide participants with an overview of sources of dispute. Thus, a more complete risk management plan can be formulated, which will accelerate project progress and improve the likelihood of success.

Fluctuation of 20-hydroxyecdysone in Individual Organs of Achyranthes japonica during Reproductive Growth Stage and Its Accumulation into Seed

부경환,이동선,Quyen Van Nguyen,Seong-Beom Jin,강승태,Cao Dang Viet,박세필,Key Zung Riu 한국응용생명화학회 2013 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.56 No.3

To better understand 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E)fluctuation and accumulation in perennial plant, 20E concentration in individual organs of Achyranthes japonica during reproductive growth stage were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Concentrations of 20E in root and floral part were much higher than those in stem and leaf during reproductive growth stage and rapidly increased from flowering stage in August to seed-setting stage in October, and thereafter decreased at the stage of seed maturing in November. In contrast,the 20E concentrations in stem and leaf gradually decreased during reproductive growth. In the analysis of detailed fluctuation of 20E in floral part, the 20E concentration was highest in the seed at the early stage of seed development, compared to flower,peduncle, seed coat, and/or seed in other growth stages, and decreased during seed maturation. The accumulation of 20E in reproductive organs, especially seed and root, suggests that 20E has a defensive role for protection of especially newly developing organs against phytophagous insects.

Economic Cooperation in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region

Binh Hai Le,Dang Quyen Nguyen,Kieu Trang Vu,Hiep Ngoc Luu,Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary 세종대학교 경제통합연구소 2020 Journal of Economic Integration Vol.35 No.2

This paper investigates the impact of regional economic cooperation between Vietnam and its partners during the 2000-2015 period, focusing on the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). Overall, the GMS represents a significant portion of Vietnam’s trade portfolio. China is the dominant trading partner in the GMS, exhibiting strong influence over Vietnam’s trade, especially its imports. However, using the gravity model of trade, we find that Vietnam has not benefited from GMS cooperation, as exemplified by its significant trade deficit, particularly with China. We further find that human capital enhancement and financial development are key factors to facilitate Vietnam’s trade, and mitigate its trade deficit with other GMS member countries. To this end, this study provides some important policy implications for the Vietnamese government as well as policymakers in other countries, when trading with larger partners in the context of regional economic cooperation.

Ultrafine Copper Nanoparticles Exhibiting a Powerful Antifungal/Killing Activity Against Corticium Salmonicolor

Cao, Van Du,Nguyen, Phuong Phong,Khuong, Vo Quoc,Nguyen, Cuu Khoa,Nguyen, Xuan Chuong,Dang, Cap Ha,Tran, Ngoc Quyen Korean Chemical Society 2014 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.35 No.9

In this paper ultrafine copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were prepared from copper salt via chemical reduction method with sodium citrate dispersant and polyvinylalcol (PVA) capping polymer. The colloidal CuNPs were characterized by using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Our obtained results indicated that the CuNPs were produced ranging from 2 to 4 nm in diameter. The colloidal solution at 7 ppm of CuNPs exhibited a powerful antifungal activity against Corticium salmonicolor (C. Salmonicolor). Fungal killing assays showed colloid solutions containing 10 ppm of CuNPs killed entirely the cultured fungus. A highly killing activity against the fungus was also performed when the CuNPs were sprayed on pink disease-infected rubber trees. These positive results may offer a great potential to produce CuNPs-based eco-fungicide for pink disease.