Agri-Food Value Chain Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Study of Chu-mango Business Linkages in Dong Thap, Vietnam

This study aims to identify important factors that directly influence value chain performance (quality, responsiveness, flexibility and efficiency), which are explained by value chain integration (collaboration, commitment, coordination and joint decision-making) in the case of unexpected risk (the COVID-19 pandemic). This study contributes to maintaining the business linkage model among farmers – cooperatives – enterprises in the caseof the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for data analysis following an iterative process based on theoretical and empirical analyses toobtain a structural model fit and test the research hypothesis. The findings indicate that the VCI positively influenced the VCP of Chu-mango business linkages at the 1% significance level through coordination (Beta = 0.345;construct reliability (CR) = 3.272), collaboration (Beta = 0.289; CR = 3.128), and joint decision-making (Beta = 0.324; CR = 3.245). This study provides empirical data on the relationship between VCI and VCP through the Chu -mango value chain in Dong Thap Province during the COVID-19 pandemic to raise awareness from stakeholders and encourage value chain thinking to improve performance. This result may pave the way for relevant policymakers to look for policies and strategies for better inclusiveness of stakeholders to show the importance of the VCI in improving the performance. Moreover, the study is an empirical case contributing to the agribusiness value chain in a developing country; it applies the agribusiness value chain of the tropical fruit domain and can be used for otheragricultural products in other cases of unexpected risks

The Factors Affecting the Level of Information Disclosure on Financial Statements in the Industrial Enterprises Listed on Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange

This research analyzes the factors affecting the level of information disclosure on financial statements in the industrial enterprises listed on Ho Chi Minh stock exchange. Using financial statements of 87 industrial enterprises of the fiscal year 2017, the research shows that there are 6 factors affecting and having a positive relations with the level of information disclosure. These include: the scale of business, Duration of operation, Audit firm reputation, Solvency, Financial leverage and Return on Equity (ROE). The result points to signals that help the State Securities Commission to control better of information disclosure of firms. In addition, the study recommends measures for shareholders, especially those in large companies to strengthen the supervision, control managers in the disclosure of business information

Degradation of 2,3,7,8-TCDD by a consortium of bacterial strains isolated from heavil herbicide/dioxin contaminated soil in Bienhoa airbase

From two different soil sources in Bienhoa airbase (heavy herbicide/dioxin contaminated West-South region and bioremediated cell), five microbial strains were isolated and their 2,3,7,8-TCDD biodegrability in consortium was investigated. Based on the colony and cell morphological characteristics as well as 16S rRNA gene sequences, these strains were classified into 5 genera, including Methylobacterium (strain BHBi1), Hydrocarboniphaga (strain BHBi4), Agrobacterium (strain BHBi5), Bosea (strain BHBi7) and Microbacterium (strain BH09). Two strains BHBi7 and BHBi4 were the first representatives of the genera Bosea and Hydrocarboniphaga that were isolated from heavyly herbicide/dioxin contaminated soil. All five strains were able to grow well in mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with soil extract (SE) containing 2,3,7,8-TCDD (this congener is the main soil total compound toxicity) and other congeners, including PCDDs, PCDFs, 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, PAHs and their intermediates. This microbial consortium degraded 2,537.34 ngTEQ/kg of 2,3,7,8-TCDD congener in soil, equivalent to 59.1% lost of total toxicity in comparison to the control without bacterial seeding (4,294.12 ng TEQ/kg). Such a high ratio of dioxin degradation by a bacterial consortium was reported here for the first time, contributing more evidences for convincing the successful dioxin bioremediation of “Active Landfill” technology at large scale in Z1 area at Bienhoa airbase, Dongnai, Vietnam

The Modern Induced Matter Approach of General Relativity for Quantum Mechanics

Wesson and his co-workers developed so-called space-time-matter theory (5D-STM) as a generalization of Kaluza-Klein theory, where the extra-dimension in the 5D space-time is no more compacted, but keeping extended in a macroscopic scale to describe the properties of matter in 4D physics. In a trend of 5D-STM approach (or the induced-matter theory), following a bi-cylindrical model of geometrical dynamics, a recent study has shown that the higher 6D-dimensional gravitational equation leads to bi-geodesic description in an extended timespace symmetry which fits Hubble expansion in a ”microscopic” cosmological model. As a duality, the geodesic solution is mathematically equivalent to the basic Klein-Gordon-Fock equations of free massive elementary particles. The 4D-embedded dual solutions of the higher dimensional gravitational equation could shed light on origin of physical reality in quantum mechanics, which is to compare with the achievements of the 5D-STM theory

Isolation and identification of indole acetic acid producing bacteria from the coasts of Ben Tre and Tra Vinh Provinces

Beneficial plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have been reasonably applied to rescue crucial issue for agriculture by salinity soil. Observed most of PGPB was found in endophyte, rhizosphere and soil. Indole acetic acid (IAA)-producing bacteria could naturally stimulate and facilitate plant growth. The knowledge of IAA production and content of bacteria resident in the marine environment has been typically insufficient and limited to date. In recent years, unwarrantable intrusions of sea water have been enlarged in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam, threatening productive rice fields, local fruits, and cash crops. Therefore, finding PGPB in the coastal regions in the Mekong River Delta as a creative resource for sustainable agriculture is necessary and is a prompt challenge. In this study, IAA-producing bacteria from coastal regions of Ben Tre and Tra Vinh Provinces were isolated and adequately identified. Out of 202 bacterial isolates, 10 isolates showed the possible ability to produce IAA from L-tryptophan. These 10 isolates were objectively evaluated the capacity to produce IAA under 5% (w/v) NaCl in King B and marine broths. The results revealed that IAA production decreased in 5% NaCl, even though bacterial growth increased. These 10 IAA-producing bacteria were classified at the species level, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, M. pelagius, M. daepoensis, and Mameliella phaeodactyli by 16S rRNA gene analysis. The most IAA producer in King’s B broth, the isolate C7, was investigated in more detail. The isolate C7 produced the maximum IAA amount (192.2 ± 1.14 µg/ml) under the presence of 20 g/l yeast extract, 2 g/l of L-tryptophan and 1% NaCl. The isolate C7 was able to grow at 1–17% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 4%), but not in the absence of NaCl, indicating it is a moderate halophilic bacteria. This study highlighted the considerable ability to produce IAA of marine bacteria, which could be thoughtfully considered to use naturally as biofertilizers to promote plant growth in saline intrusion lands.

Crude oil-utilizing strain Desulfovibrio vulgaris D107G3, a mesophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from Bach Ho gas-oil field in Vung Tau, Vietnam

Some of anaerobic, mesophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria that produce H₂S and cause microbial metal corrosion can degrade crude oil in anaerobic conditions. In this study, a mesophilic sulfate-reducing bacterial strain D107G3 isolated from Bach Ho gas-oil field in Vung Tau, Vietnam that is able to utilize crude oil in the anaerobic condition is reported. The strain D107G3 was classified as a Gram-negative bacterium by using Gram staining method. Basing on scanning microscopy observation, the cell of a strain D107G3 had a curved rod shape. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain D107G3 was identified as Desulfovibrio vulgaris with 99.7% identity. The suitable conditions for its growth that was determined via estimating its H₂S production was the modified Postgate B medium containing 1% (v/v) crude oil, 1% NaCl (w/v), pH 7 and 300C incubation. In these conditions, the strain D107G3 can consume 11.4 % of crude oil total and oxidize heavy crude oil (≥ C45) for one month at anoxic condition. These obtained results not only contribute to the science but also continue to warn about the dangers of mesophilic sulfate reducing bacteria to the process of crude oil exploitation, use, and storage in Vung Tau, Vietnam.Trong bài báo này, chủng vi khuẩn khử sunphat (KSF) ưa ấm D107G3 phân lập từ giếng khoan dầu khí mỏ Bạch Hổ, Vũng Tàu, Việt Nam có khả năng sử dụng dầu thô trong điều kiện kị khí được công bố. Chủng D107G3 được xác định là vi khuẩn Gram âm nhờ phương pháp nhuộm Gram. Quan sát trên kính hiển vi điện tử quét cho thấy tế bào chủng D107G3 có hình que cong. Kết quả phân tích trình tự gen 16S rRNA đã xác định được chủng D107G3 thuộc loài Desulfovibrio vulgaris với độ tương đồng 99.7%. Thông qua đánh giá lượng H₂S tạo thành đã khám phá được điều kiện thích hợp cho sinh trưởng của chủng D107G3: môi trường Postgate B cải tiến chứa 1% (v/v) dầu thô, 1 % NaCl (gL⁻¹), pH 7 và nuôi cấy ở 30°C. Trong điều kiện đó, chủng D107G3 đã sử dụng được 11.4 % hàm lượng dầu tổng số, thành phần dầu bị phân huỷ là các n-parafin có mạch C≥45 sau 1 tháng nuôi cấy kỵ khí. Các kết quả này đóng góp về mặt khoa học và tiếp tục cảnh báo mối nguy hại của KSF ưa ấm đến việc khai thác, sử dụng và bảo quản dầu mỏ ở Vũng Tàu, Việt Nam

The Potential of the Rice Value Chain in the Mekong Delta to Develop High Value Export Markets

This study aims at analyzing the current status of the rice value chain in the Mekong Delta focusing on export channels. The study assessed primary data collected from respondents related to the chain in the year 2020. Research results show that about 35% of rice in the region is used for export, of which most of the rice exported belongs to the high quality segment. Although improvements achieved recently, the regional rice value chain still faces many limitations. The study proposes solutions to strengthen the rice value chain and increase the volume of high quality rice exported into more demanding high income markets

Molecular cloning gene and nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding an endo-1,4-β-glucanase from Bacillus sp VLSH08 strain applying to biomass hydrolysis: Research article

Bacillus sp VLSH08 screened from sea wetland in Nam Dinh province produces an extracellular endo-1,4-beta-glucanase. According to the results of the classified Kit API 50/CHB as well as sequence of 1500 bp fragment coding for 16S rRNA gene of the Bacillus sp VLSH 08 strain showed that the taxonomical characteristics between the strain VLSH 08 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciene JN999857 are similar of 98%. Culture supernatant of this strain showed optimal cellulase activity at pH 5.8 and 60 Celsius degree and that was enhanced 2.03 times in the presence of 5 mM Co2+. Moreover, the gene encoding endo-1,4-beta-glucanase from this strain was cloned in Escherichia coli using pCR2.1 vector. The entire gene for the enzyme contained a 1500-bp single open reading frame encoding 500 amino acids, including a 29-amino acid signal peptide. The amino acid sequence of this enzyme is very close to that of an EG of Bacillus subtilis (EU022560.1) and an EG of Bacillus amyloliquefaciene (EU022559.1) which all belong to the cellulase family E2. A cocktail of enzyme containing this endo-1,4-beta-glucanase used for biomass hydrolysis indicated that the cellulose conversion attained to 72.76% cellulose after 48 hours.Chủng vi khuẩn Bacillus sp VLSH08 được tuyển chọn từ tập hợp chủng vi khuẩn phân lập ở vùng ngập mặn tỉnh Nam Định có khả năng sinh tổng hợp enzyme endo-1,4-beta-glucanase ngoại bào. Kết quả phân loại chủng vi khuẩn Bacillus sp VLSH08 bằng Kit hóa sinh API 50/CHB cũng như trình tự gen mã hóa 16S rRNA cho thấy độ tương đồng của chủng Bacillus sp VLSH08 và chủng Bacillus amyloliquefaciene JN999857 đạt 98%. Dịch lên men của chủng được sử dụng làm nguồn enzyme thô để nghiên cứu hoạt độ tối ưu của enzyme ở pH 5,8 và nhiệt đô 60oC. Hoạt tính enzyme tăng 2,03 lần khi có mặt 5 mM ion Co2+. Đồng thời, gen mã hóa cho enzyme endo-1,4-betaglucanase cũng được tách dòng trong tế bào Escherichia coli sử dụng vector pCR 2.1. Gen mã hóa cho enzyme này có chiều dài 1500 bp, mã hóa cho 500 axit amin, bao gồm 29 axit amin của chuỗi peptid tín hiệu. So sánh cho thấy trình tự gen endo-1,4-beta-glucanase của chủng Bacillus sp VLSH08 có độ tương đồng cao với enzyme này của chủng Bacillus subtilis (EU022560.1) và của chủng Bacillus amyloliquefaciene (EU022559.1). Tất cả các enzyme nhóm này đều thuộc họ cellulase E2. Enzyme của chủng này cũng đã được phối trộn với các enzyme khác tạo thành cocktail để thủy phân sinh khối cho kết quả cellulose bị thủy phân 72,76% sau 48 giờ

A Novel Thermostable Cytochrome P450 from Sequence-Based Metagenomics of Binh Chau Hot Spring as a Promising Catalyst for Testosterone Conversion

Biotechnological applications of cytochromes P450 show difficulties, such as low activity, thermal and/or solvent instability, narrow substrate specificity and redox partner dependence. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, an exploitation of novel thermophilic P450 enzymes from nature via uncultured approaches is desirable due to their great advantages that can resolve nearly all mentioned impediments. From the metagenomics library of the Binh Chau hot spring, an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a thermostable cytochrome P450—designated as P450-T3—which shared 66.6% amino acid sequence identity with CYP109C2 of Sorangium cellulosum So ce56 was selected for further identification and characterization. The ORF was synthesized artificially and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli C43(DE3) using the pET17b system. The purified enzyme had a molecular weight of approximately 43 kDa. The melting temperature of the purified enzyme was 76.2 ◦C and its apparent half-life at 60 ◦C was 38.7 min. Redox partner screening revealed that P450-T3 was reduced well by the mammalian AdR-Adx4-108 and the yeast Arh1-Etp1 redox partners. Lauric acid, palmitic acid, embelin, retinoic acid (all-trans) and retinoic acid (13-cis) demonstrated binding to P450-T3. Interestingly, P450-T3 also bound and converted testosterone. Overall, P450-T3 might become a good candidate for biocatalytic applications on a larger scale