Non-Price Competition in the Port Sector: A Case Study of Ports in Turkey

Soner ESMER,Hong-Oanh NGUYEN,Yapa Mahinda BANDARA,Kazım YENİ 한국해운물류학회 2016 The Asian journal of shipping and Logistics Vol.32 No.1

Although the port sector has been facing increasing competition, there is limited research on how ports compete using non-price competition strategies. There are a few studies on non-price competition in the port sector. However they mainly focus on the marketing aspect. This paper seeks to fill this gap in the literature, especially from a combined marketing-economic perspective. Especially the paper’s main objective is to identify the determinants of non-price competition in the port sector and evaluate their effect on various aspects of non-price competition. We start with a general conceptual framework to explain how competition in the sector can be affected by various factors and then propose an analytical framework on non-price competition. The analytical model is then used to support the design of a survey questionnaire. Next, hypothesis tests are conducted using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) and data collected from a survey of Turkish ports. Based on the analysis results, the implications for port management and future research are also discussed.

A study on emission and fuel consumption of motorcycles in idle mode and the impacts on air quality in Hanoi, Vietnam

Yen-Lien T. Nguyen,Anh-Tuan Le,Khanh Nguyen Duc,Vinh Nguyen Duy,Cong Doan Nguyen 서울시립대학교 도시과학연구원 2021 도시과학국제저널 Vol.25 No.4

This study aims to develop the models of emission and fuel consumption during idling of motorcycles (MCs) in Hanoi, including the unsteady and steady idling stages. Five MC models commonly used in Hanoi were selected to measure the instantaneous emission and fuel consumption rates under the controlled conditions at the laboratory conditions. The instantaneous emission and fuel consumption models during idling were developed for the test MCs in the unsteady idling stage. The R2 of obtained models are higher than 0.9. The average emission and fuel consumption rates in the steady idling stages were determined. The average idling emissions of pollutants CO, CO2, HC and NOx were 60.9, 534.3, 10.3 and 1.8 g/h, respectively. The average fuel loss during idling is around 180 g/h. The emission released from the MC fleet in Hanoi during idling was estimated for the year 2018. The total idling emissions from the MC fleet of 3.9 million vehicles in the year 2018 of CO, CO2, HC and NOx were 6.5, 57.1, 1.1 and 0.2 kt, respectively. The total fuel loss during idling of the MC fleet in 2018 was ∼19.3 kt. The air pollutants eliminated in the idle mode as CO, CO2, HC and NOx contributed 2.23%, 3.19%, 1.14% and 1.03%, respectively, of the total emission from the MC fleet in Hanoi.

A two-step design of experiments approach to investigate the simultaneous effects of ion-pairing and chemical enhancers to improve the permeability of lornoxicam in a topical hydrogel patch

Nguyen Huu-Manh,Duong The-Khang,Nguyen Van-Khuyen,Nguyen Thi-Khanh-Ly,Dong Thi-Hoang-Yen,Nguyen Canh-Hung,Tung Nguyen-Thach 한국약제학회 2024 Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation Vol.54 No.2

Purpose A two-step experimental design was used to develop a lornoxicam (LOR)-loaded topical hydrogel patch. We specifically focused on the simultaneous effect of the ion pair formation agent (triethanolamine [TEA]) and the chemical enhancer (cremophor RH40 [RH40]) on flux and conducted physicochemical studies and skin physiology assessments to obtain further information. Methods Drug-in-adhesive patches were fabricated using a micrometer-adjustable film applicator. The applied Design of Experiments (DoE) approach consisted of the Fractional Factorial Resolution V + design and the Central Composite Face design established by the MODDE® 12.0 software. Molecular-level drug-excipient interactions were investigated using infrared (IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. The effects on skin physiological function was assessed using DermaLab Combo. Results DoE results revealed that TEA enhanced flux by 3.14-fold, whereas RH40 reduced it by 4.62-fold. The addition of RH40 resulted in the disappearance of the proton peak within the region of 12–13 ppm, suggesting competition for hydrogen bonding with LOR between TEA and RH40. The optimized formulation (4% TEA, 0% RH40, and 0.2% Al(OH)3) increased skin hydration by 6.20-fold. Opposing effects of TEA and RH40 on skin elasticity were observed. Conclusion Expected flux and adhesion strength for the optimized formulation were 7.18 μg·cm–2·h–1 and 11.79 mJ, respectively. Our understanding of the conflicting effects of TEA and RH40 has been advanced. The integrated use of the two-step DoE, physicochemical studies, and skin physiology assessments was proven to be effective in elucidating the simultaneous effects of different permeation-modifying strategies on patches, thus having substantial value for the successful execution of future research endeavors.

Logistics Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Loyalty During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam

Xuan Hung NGUYEN(Xuan Hung NGUYEN ),Thuy Dương TRAN(Thuy Dương TRAN ),Phan Hoai Diem VU(Phan Hoai Diem VU ),Yen Chi DINH(Yen Chi DINH ),Thi Mai Huong DUONG(Thi Mai Huong DUONG ),Thi Ngoc Hien THAN(Thi 한국유통과학회 2022 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.9 No.9

The goal of the study is to examine and assess how the factors of logistics service quality provided by logistics service providers influence customer loyalty and satisfaction in Vietnam. This study employs samples of the Kansei technique. The article’s data was gathered through an online survey of 388 distinct Vietnamese customers who used logistics services before and during the Covid-19 outbreak. After the data was obtained, it was evaluated using SmartPLS 3.0’s Cronbach’s Alpha test and structural equation model (SEM). Staff service quality, operational service quality, and technical service quality are the three factors that determine the quality of logistics services in the study. Out of the 10 proposed hypotheses, research findings show that five are acceptable. The Covid-19 Pandemic in Vietnam had a significant impact on all dimensions, but it had no effect on how satisfied customers were with the logistics service providers. Nevertheless, loyalty is considerably influenced by only one factor, which is customer satisfaction, and customer trust moderates the relationship between these two factors. As a consequence of that, several managerial implications have been proposed to help logistics service providers improve their services to attract and keep Vietnamese customers using their service in the long term.

Effect of adding non-ferromagnetic nanoparticles to grain boundary on coercivity of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnet

Pham Thi Thanh,Nguyen Van Duong,Nguyen Hai Yen,Nguyen Huy Ngoc,Nguyen Mau Lam,Kieu Xuan Hau,유성조,Nguyen Huy Dan 한국물리학회 2018 Current Applied Physics Vol.18 No.3

In this work, we investigated the influence of additional compounds of Nd-Cu-Al, Dy-Nb-Al, Dy-Zr-Al and Nb-Cu-Al on coercivity of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets. The additional nanoparticles with size in the range of 40e80 nmwas mixed with the micrometer Nd-Fe-B powder before sintering process. The results show that the coercivity of the sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets can be improved by introducing additional nanoparticles to their grain boundaries. The improvement of the coercivity of the magnets is clearly dependent on composition and fraction of the additional compounds. While the Dy-Nb-Al, Dy-Zr-Al and Nb-Cu-Al compounds degrade the coercivity of the sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets, the Nd-Cu-Al nanoparticles considerably improve this quantity. The coercivity the sintered Nd16.5Fe77B6.5 magnets has been enhanced about 40% by adding 3 wt% of the Dy-free compound of Nd40Cu30Al30.

Factors Affecting Online Reservation Decisions through Hotel Websites: An Empirical Study from Can Tho City, Vietnam

Hai Quynh Tram NGUYEN,Yen Nhi LE,Ly Giau LAM,Thi Yen Nhi LE,Trieu Di NGUYEN,Thi Kim Yen PHAM,Trong Luan NGUYEN 한국유통과학회 2022 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.9 No.5

Many consumers are opting for online booking over traditional booking systems. Customers can actively seek out information about hotels and lodging services, as well as book rooms, at any time and from any location. Customers also feel more supported when they interact with virtual assistants or professionals. Recognizing this issue, several hotels have focused on improving their websites by incorporating aspects that encourage customers to book directly through the hotel’s website. The study’s goal is to discover what factors impact people’s decisions to book a hotel stay through the hotel’s website. Therefore, hotel managers and owners can make decisions to improve the hotel website to attract residents to Can Tho City. The factors are website quality, affective commitment, social presence, and e-trust that affect customers’ decision to book through the hotel website. The study uses quantitative methods to collect data from 180 residents living in Can Tho. Through data analysis on SPSS and Amos software, the research results show that three factors considered, namely website quality, affective commitment, and social presence, positively influence customers’ booking decisions. This finding also suggests that e-trust is less critical to residents in Can Tho City, different from what the study had predicted.

Effect of adding non-ferromagnetic nanoparticles to grain boundary on coercivity of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnet

Thanh, Pham Thi,Van Duong, Nguyen,Yen, Nguyen Hai,Ngoc, Nguyen Huy,Lam, Nguyen Mau,Hau, Kieu Xuan,Yu, Seong Cho,Dan, Nguyen Huy ELSEVIER 2018 Current Applied Physics Vol.18 No.3

<P>In this work, we investigated the influence of additional compounds of Nd-Cu-Al, Dy-Nb-Al, Dy-Zr-Al and Nb-Cu-Al on coercivity of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets. The additional nanoparticles with size in the range of 40-80 nm was mixed with the micrometer Nd-Fe-B powder before sintering process. The results show that the coercivity of the sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets can be improved by introducing additional nanoparticles to their grain boundaries. The improvement of the coercivity of the magnets is clearly dependent on composition and fraction of the additional compounds. While the Dy-Nb-Al, Dy-Zr-Al and Nb-Cu-Al compounds degrade the coercivity of the sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets, the Nd-Cu-Al nanoparticles considerably improve this quantity. The coercivity the sintered Nd16.5Fe77B6.5 magnets has been enhanced about 40% by adding 3 wt% of the Dy-free compound of Nd40Cu30Al30. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</P>

CD40 Co-stimulation Inhibits Sustained BCR-induced Ca<SUP>2+</SUP> Signaling in Response to Long-term Antigenic Stimulation of Immature B Cells

Yen Hoang Nguyen,Ki-Young Lee,Tae Jin Kim,Sung Joon Kim,Tong Mook Kang 대한생리학회-대한약리학회 2011 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.15 No.3

Regulation of B cell receptor (BCR)-induced Ca²⁺ signaling by CD40 co-stimulation was compared in long-term BCR-stimulated immature (WEHI-231) and mature (Bal-17) B cells. In response to long-term pre-stimulation of immature WEHI-231 cells to Ձ-IgM antibody (0.5∼48 hr), the initial transient decrease in BCR-induced [Ca²⁺]_i was followed by spontaneous recovery to control level within 24 hr. The recovery of Ca²⁺ signaling in WEHI-231 cells was not due to restoration of internalized receptor but instead to an increase in the levels of PLCՃ2 and IP₃R-3. CD40 co-stimulation of WEHI-231 cells prevented BCR-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and it strongly inhibited the recovery of BCR-induced Ca²⁺ signaling. CD40 co-stimulation also enhanced BCR internalization and reduced expression of PLCՃ2 and IP₃R-3. Pre-treatment of WEHI-231 cells with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) strongly inhibited CD40-mediated prevention of the recovery of Ca²⁺ signaling. In contrast to immature WEHI-231 cells, identical long-term Ձ-IgM pre-stimulation of mature Bal-17 cells abolished the increase in BCR-induced [Ca²⁺]_i, regardless of CD40 co-stimulation. These results suggest that CD40-mediated signaling prevents antigen-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of immature B cells through inhibition of sustained BCR-induced Ca²⁺ signaling.

Cytotoxic Oleane-type Triterpene Saponins from Glochidion eriocarpum

Nguyen Xuan Nhiem,김영호,Vu Kim Thu,Phan Van Kiem,Chau Van Minh,Bui Huu Tai,TRANHONG QUANG,Nguyen Xuan Cuong,Pham Hai Yen,Hye-Jin Boo,강정일,강희경 대한약학회 2012 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.35 No.1

The anticancer activity of ten compounds from the aerial parts of Glochidion eriocarpum were evaluated on two human cancer cell lines, HL-60 and HCT-116. Compounds 1-4 displayed highly potent cytotoxic activity on the HCT-116 cancer cell line with IC50 values ranging of 0.41~1.16 μM. Compounds 1-4 significantly inhibited the HL-60 cell line with IC50 values ranging of 4.51~6.33 μM. These results suggested that the benzoyl group at the C-22 position in oleane-type triterpene saponins was essential for cytotoxicity towards tumor cells. Moreover, compounds 2 and 3 showed more potent cytotoxicity than compounds 1 and 4 against HL-60 and HCT-116 cells. With respect to the mechanism underlying cytotoxicity, compounds 1-4 increased chromatin condensation, a typical apoptotic characteristic in HL-60 and HCT-116 cells. In the mechanism of apoptosis induction, compounds 1-4 reduced Bcl-2expression, whereas the expression of Bax was increased compared to controls in HCT-116 cells. In addition, compounds 1-4 decreased the level of procaspase-3. The cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) poly merase (PARP), a vital substrate of effector caspase, was observed in HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, the induction of apoptosis was also accompanied by an activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 kinase in HCT-116 cells. These findings provide evidence demonstrating that the pro-apoptotic effects of compounds 1-4 are mediated through the activation of ERK and p38 in HCT-116 cells.

Dual-hop Relaying Networks for Short-Packet URLLCs: Performance analysis and Optimization

Nguyen Thi Yen Linh,Ngo Hoang Tu,Pham Ngoc Son,Vo Nguyen Quoc Bao 한국통신학회 2022 Journal of communications and networks Vol.24 No.4

This paper investigates short-packet communications for the dual-hop decode-and-forward relaying system to facilitate ultra-reliable and low-latency communications. In this system, based on the transmit antenna selection and partial relay selection techniques, a selected relay having the highest received signal-to- noise ratio (SNR) serves as a forwarder to support the unavailable direct link between the source and destination, whereas a max- imum ratio combining technique is leveraged at the destination to achieve the highest diversity gain. Approximated expressions of end-to-end (e2e) block error rates (BLERs) are derived over quasi-static Rayleigh fading channels and the finite-blocklength regime. To gain more insights about the performance behavior in the high-SNR regime, we provide the asymptotic analysis with two approaches, from which the qualitative conclusion based on the di- versity order is made. Furthermore, the power allocation and relay location optimization problems are also considered to minimize the asymptotic e2e BLER under the configuration constraints. Our analysis is verified through Monte-Carlo simulations, which yield the system parameters’ impact on the system performance.