Higher Values Research Articles

Satellite based oil spill emergency response and recovery support

Oil spills at sea pose a complex and challenging problem. Detecting, reporting, and potentially acting on the spill are difficult tasks, especially if the information is only obtained from the perspective of a vessel. Near-real time and relevant information is crucial for effective management of an oil spill event. This paper demonstrates how satellite-based images, combined with methods for thickness extraction and oil drift trajectory, can provide end-users with actionable and timely information for emergency response and recovery support. The results show the high value of quick delivery and the importance of using multiple sensors and data sources during an emergency, which enhance situational awareness and decision making. We highlight the value of satellite imagery for oil detection and show how it can be used to document the polluter, identify relative oil thickness, model oil drift, and compare different sensors.

Prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across diverse environments in rural Madagascar

It is estimated that billions of people around the world are affected by micronutrient deficiencies. Madagascar is considered to be particularly nutritionally vulnerable, with nearly half of the population stunted, and parts of the country facing emergency, near famine-like conditions (IPC4). Although Madagascar is generally considered among the most undernourished of countries, empirical data in the form of biological samples to validate these claims are extremely limited. Our research drew data from three studies conducted between 2013–2020 and provided comprehensive biomarker profile information for 4,710 individuals from 30 communities in five different ecological regions during at least one time-point. Estimated prevalences of nutrient deficiencies and inflammation across various regions of rural Madagascar were of concern for both sexes and across all ages, with 66.5% of the population estimated to be deficient in zinc, 15.6% depleted in vitamin B12 (3.6% deficient), 11.6% deficient in retinol, and lower levels of iron deficiency (as indicated by 11.7% deficient in ferritin and 2.3% deficient assessed by soluble transferrin receptors). Beyond nutrient status biomarkers, nearly one quarter of the population (24.0%) exhibited chronic inflammation based on high values of α-1-acid glycoprotein, and 12.3% exhibited acute inflammation based on high values of C-reactive protein. There is an 8-fold difference between the lowest and highest regional observed prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, a 10-fold difference in vitamin A deficiency (based on retinol), and a 2-fold difference in acute inflammation (CRP) and deficiencies of zinc and iron (based on ferritin), highlighting strong geographical variations in micronutrient deficiencies across Madagascar.

Assessment of Leaf Area Index and its Relationship with Growth and Yield of Fodder Cowpea as Influenced by Sources of Irrigation and Nutrients

Background: Fodder cowpea is an important leguminous, short duration, warm season crop widely cultivated. Though India ranks first in livestock population, the productivity is found lesser than the world average due to deficiency in availability of green fodders. As fresh water application usage is increasing for the cultivation of field crops and high value crops, fodder crops are found negligible crops but responds well to water and nutrients. Leaf area index is one of the determinative parameters for the increased yield, an attempt was made to determine the relationship between the growth and yield of fodder cowpea with the application of domestic sewage water and nutrients. Methods: studies were conducted during 2019 and 2020 to study the relationship between different sources of irrigation water and nutrients on the growth and yield of fodder cowpea. Treatments in main plot consists of irrigation with water using well water (I1), domestic sewage water (I2) and well water and domestic sewage water alternatively (I3). Treatments in sub plot consists of no nutrient (N1), Farm Yard manure alone (N2), Farm Yard manure + NPK (N3) and NPK alone (N4), in split plot design and replicated thrice. The leaf constant was determined graphically plotted in regression and used for calculation of leaf area. The relationship between leaf area index and the growth and yield parameters of fodder cowpea were determined. Result: Our investigation concluded that the application of domestic sewage water along with farmyard manure + NPK significantly increased plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and leaf area index of fodder cowpea. The data also reveals that leaf area index correlated positively with plant height, number of leaves per plant, biomass per plant and yield of fodder cowpea.

Numerical simulation of combined effects of a vertical magnetic field and thermal radiation on natural convection of non-Newtonian fluids confined between circular and square concentric cylinders

BackgroundThis study addresses magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection involving non-Newtonian fluids. Focusing on the annular region between concentric circular and square cylinders, the research examines the impact of a vertical magnetic field and thermal radiation. MethodsThe Multiple Relaxation Time Lattice Boltzmann Method (MRT-LBM) is employed to simulate momentum and energy interactions in non-Newtonian fluid. Control parameters like Rayleigh number, Hartmann number, Radiation parameter, aspect ratio, square cylinder subdivision, and power-law index are systematically varied, while maintaining a constant Prandtl number. Significant findingsUsing shear-thinning fluid (n < 1) significantly improves cooling, particularly in conjunction with radiation effect. Correlations for the mean Nusselt number are established, offering insights. Results emphasize the substantial influence of parameters like Ra, Rd, and AR. High values of the latter promote the flow intensity and heat evacuation. For n < 1, increasing Ra from 103 to 5 × 104 results in a substantial increase in the heat transfer rate reaching 65 %. For shear-thickening fluid, the heat transfer rate is reduced by 25.31 % at Ra = 5 × 104 when Ha is increased from 0 to 50 in the absence of radiation. In addition, radiation enhances the heat transfer rate by 71.41 % by incrementing Rd from 0 to 0.8 for Ha = 0. The most pronounced effect of the radiation parameter is observed in the cases of Newtonian and shear-thickening fluids. Conversely, Ha and n act by reduction effects on the outputs of the problem. The attenuating effect of the magnetic field is more pronounced in the case of shear-thinning fluids. The plot of mean Nusselt number vs. AR shows an hysteresis phenomenon due to the existence of multiple steady solutions in a range of this parameter. In the latter range of AR, heat transfer induced by multicellular flow is higher than that induced by bicellular one. Heat transfer is somewhat enhanced by the RC configuration, compared to SC one.

Reversal of the Regioselectivity of Iron‐Promoted Hydrogenation and Hydrohalogenation of gem‐Difluoroalkenes

AbstractThe reaction regioselectivity of gem‐difluoroalkenes is dependent on the intrinsic polarity. Thus, the reversal of the regioselectivity of the addition reaction of gem‐difluoroalkenes remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we described an unprecedented reversal of regioselectivity of hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) to gem‐difluoroalkenes triggered by Fe−H species for the formation of difluoroalkyl radicals. Hydrogenation of the in situ generated radicals gave difluoromethylated products. Mechanism experiments and theoretical studies revealed that the kinetic effect of the irreversible HAT process resulted in the reversal of the regioselectivity of this scenario, leading to the formation of a less stable α‐difluoroalkyl radical regioisomer. On basis of this new reaction of gem‐difluoroalkene, the iron‐promoted hydrohalogenation of gem‐difluoroalkenes for the efficient synthesis of aliphatic chlorodifluoromethyl‐, bromodifluoromethyl‐ and iododifluoromethyl‐containing compounds was developed. Particularly, this novel hydrohalogenation of gem‐difluoroalkenes provided an effect and large‐scale access to various iododifluoromethylated compounds of high value for synthetic application.

Analysis of Environmental Impact and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 625 Produced Using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

Inconel 625 is a nickel-based superalloy widely used in industries such as energy, space, and defence, due to its strength and corrosion resistance. It is traditionally time- and resource-intensive to machine, leading to increased environmental impact and material waste. Using additive manufacturing (AM) technology enables a reduction in resource consumption during the manufacture of high value components, as material is only deposited where it is required. This study compares the environmental impact of manufacturing an Inconel 625 impeller through machining and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) by employing established life cycle assessment methods. WAAM shows significant advantages, cutting energy consumption threefold and reducing material waste from 85% to 35%. The current work also evaluates the mechanical properties of WAAM-produced components through tensile and axial fatigue testing, in addition to the use of optical and electron microscopy for metallurgical analysis and fractography. This demonstrates yield and ultimate tensile strengths exceeding industrial standards, with comparable or superior fatigue life to other AM methods. The improved fatigue performance extends the service life of components, bolstering sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacements, thereby lessening associated environmental impacts. These findings underscore the promise of WAAM in enhancing both environmental sustainability and mechanical performance in manufacturing Inconel 625 components.

Piezotronic Transistors Based on GaN Wafer for Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensing with High Linearity and High Stability.

Piezotronic effect utilizing strain-induced piezoelectric polarization to achieve interfacial engineering in semiconductor nanodevices exhibits great advantages in applications such as human-machine interfacing, micro/nanoelectromechanical systems, and next-generation sensors and transducers. However, it is a big challenge but highly desired to develop a highly sensitive piezotronic device based on piezoelectric semiconductor wafers and thus to push piezotronics toward wafer-scale applications. Here, we develop a bicrystal barrier-based piezotronic transistor for highly sensitive pressure sensing by p-GaN single-crystal wafers. Its pressure sensitivity can be as high as 19.83 meV/MPa, which is more than 15 times higher than previous bulk-material-based piezotronic transistors and reaches the level of nanomaterial-based piezotronic transistors. Moreover, it can respond to a very small strain of 3.3 × 10-6 to 1.1 × 10-5 with high gauge factors of 1.45 × 105 to 1.38 × 106, which is a very high value among various strain sensors. Additionally, it also exhibits high stability (current stability of 97.32 ± 2.05% and barrier height change stability of 95.85 ± 3.43%) and high linearity (R2 ∼ 0.997 ± 0.002) in pressure sensing. This work proves the possibility of designing a bicrystal barrier as the interface to obtain a strong piezotronic effect and highly sensitive piezotronic devices based on wafers, which contributes to their applications.

Pengembangan Desain Bentuk Dan Makna Pembuatan Kapal Pinisi Berbasis Kearifan Lokal

Pinisi can be said to be a symbol and symbol of extraordinary technical progress and is still based on high artistic values ​​and traditional culture. Because of the nature of the pinisi boat, it is not only used as a means of transportation or as a means of high value export commodities, but is also something of a symbolic nature. Because of its symbolic nature, in the process of making it as well as in the processes of launching it and its use it is required in traditional ceremonies which are based on belief in a power. By understanding the form and meaning of the Pinisi shipbuilding ritual, efforts can be made to preserve and develop this culture. Apart from that, this research can also provide deeper insight into the local wisdom and unique culture of the Bulukumba people. The distinctive and unique shape of the pinisi ship contains symbols that symbolize strength, courage, beauty and skill. The symbolism in the ritual of making pinisi ships in Bulukumba Regency illustrates the importance of the values ​​of togetherness, cooperation and collaboration in society. Apart from that, the ritual of making pinisi boats also has a symbolic meaning as a form of togetherness, cooperation, hierarchy and obedience to authority in society. Pinisi ships also have

Vacancy Suppression and Resonant Level Rendering Extraordinary Power Factor in Sn0.99In0.01Te/Tourmaline Composite.

SnTe, as a potential medium-temperature thermoelectric material, reaches a maximum power factor (PF)usually above 750K, which is not conducive to continuous high-power output in practical applications. In this study, PF is maintained at high values between 18.5 and 25µWcm-1K-2 for Sn0.99In0.01Te-xwt% tourmaline samples within the temperature range of 323 to 873K, driving the highest PFeng of 1.2Wm-1K-1 and PFave of 22.5µWcm-1K-2, over 2.5 times that of pristine SnTe. Such an extraordinary PF is attributed to the synergy of resonant levels and Sn vacancy suppression. Specifically, the Seebeck coefficient increases dramatically, reaching 88µVK-1 at room temperature. Meanwhile, by Sn vacancy suppression, carrier concentration, and mobility are optimized to ≈1019cm-3 and 740cm2V-1s-1, respectively. With the tourmaline compositing, Sn vacancies are further suppressed and the thermal conductivity simultaneously decreases, with the minimum lattice thermal conductivity of 0.9W m-1 K-1. Finally, the zT value ≈0.8 is obtained in the Sn0.99In0.01Te sample. The peak of the power output density reaches 0.89W cm-2 at a temperature difference of 600K. Such SnTe alloys with high and "temperature-independent" PF will offer an option for realizing high output power in thermoelectric devices.

Hydrothermal carbonization: Sustainable pathways for waste‐to‐energy conversion and biocoal production

AbstractHydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology emerges as a sustainable method to convert wet biomass, including food waste and municipal solid waste into high‐energy dense biocoal. This process, conducted at temperatures ranging from 180 to 260°C and pressures of 10–50 bar, effectively transforms the organic material in wet biomass into solid, liquid, and gaseous outputs. The solid product, biocoal, possesses a high carbon concentration and heating values on par with lignite coal, presenting a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Despite operational commercial‐scale HTC facilities globally, further adoption across various feedstocks can improve waste management and energy production. The process can achieve energy yields up to 80%, particularly at temperatures favoring the generation of secondary char with higher heating values. HTC not only aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration in solid waste but also promotes environmental sustainability by yielding nutrient‐rich by‐products for agriculture. As a versatile and energy‐efficient solution, HTC technology is a pivotal innovation in waste‐to‐energy conversion, addressing the imperative for sustainable waste management. Other supplementary benefits are presented; they include higher employability, reduction of a nation's reliance on imported energy, and better waste control, therefore considering all pillars of sustainability. Future research should focus on optimizing process efficiency and exploring the broader applicability of HTC to various biomass feedstocks, enhancing its role in the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.

Predictive value of laboratory indicators for in-hospital death in children with community-onset sepsis: a prospective observational study of 266 patients

Background and objectivesThis study aimed to identify predictors of sepsis-associated in-hospital mortality from readily available laboratory biomarkers at onset of illness that include haematological, coagulation, liver and kidney function, blood...

Test characteristics of glycated albumin in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus

This study determined the test characteristics of glycated albumin in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus. The gold standard for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus is the oral glucose tolerance test which requires patient preparation, drinking of glucose solution, and multiple sample collections. A possible alternative biomarker for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is glycated albumin does not require patient preparation and only one sample is collected. Glycated albumin levels are higher among Black Americans than in Caucasians.The study involved 200 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus was made using the World Health Organization 2013 diagnostic criteria. The test characteristics of glycated albumin were determined using the area under the curve of the receiver operator characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus was 9.0%. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for glycated albumin was 0.8 (95% CI 0.7-0.9; p=0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of glycated albumin were 83.3% and 86.8% respectively. The positive predictive value was 38.5% and the negative predictive value was 98.1%. Glycated albumin has high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values and therefore, can be used as a preliminary test for gestational diabetes mellitus.

Effects of natural Ionones and derived novel analogues with simplified structures on behavioral responses of whiteflies.

Whiteflies are major pests in agriculture, causing damage to crops and transmitting plant viruses. Using Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as semiochemicals offers a sustainable approach for combating whiteflies. One such group of compounds, represented by β-ionone, has been found to possess repellent/attractant properties. To further explore the behavioral effects of these compounds on whiteflies, we selected five natural ionone compounds and synthesized six novel analogues to examine the impact of structural variations on whitefly behavior. Our results demonstrated that β-ionone and its analogues have a significant impact on the behavior of whiteflies. Among them, 0.01% pseudo ionone solution exhibited an attractant effect on whiteflies. Notably, the application of 1% β-ionone and 0.1% β-ionol solution demonstrated a notable repellent effect and oviposition deterrent effect on whitefly. We also found that the novel ionone analogue (±)1A exhibited a strong repellent effect. Both β-ionol and compound (±)1A possess high logP values and low saturation vapor pressures, which contribute to enhanced lipophilicity, making them more likely to penetrate insect antennae and prolong their presence in the air. The newly discovered ionone analogue (±)1A and β-ionol exhibit improved repellent effects, while pseudo ionone shows an attractant effect. These three compounds hold promising potential for development as novel biological control agents. Our work highlights the efficacy of VOCs as a protection method against whiteflies. These findings indicate that our new technology for a 'push-pull' control method of B. tabaci can offer a novel tool for integrated pest management (IPM). © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Risk factors for embolism in children with refractory Mycoplasmapneumoniae pneumonia and construction of a nomogram model for prediction of embolism

To study the risk factors for embolism in children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) and to construct a nomogram model for prediction of embolism. This retrospective study included 175 children diagnosed with RMPP at Children's Hospital Affiliated toZhengzhou University from January 2019 to October 2023. They were divided into two groups based on the presence of embolism: the embolism group (n=62) and the non-embolism group (n=113). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen for risk factors of embolism in children with RMPP, and the R software was applied to construct the nomogram model for prediction of embolism. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of D-dimer, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lung necrosis, and pleural effusion were risk factors for embolism in children with RMPP (P<0.05). The area under the curve of the nomogram model for prediction of embolism constructed based on the aforementioned risk factors was 0.912 (95%CI: 0.871-0.952, P<0.05). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed that the model had a good fit with the actual situation (P<0.05). Calibration and decision curve analysis indicated that the model had high predictive efficacy and clinical applicability. Higher levels of D-dimer, IL-6 and NLR, lung necrosis, and pleural effusion are risk factors for embolism in children with RMPP. The nomogram model based on these risk factors has high clinical value for predicting embolism in children with RMPP.

STATUS PEMANFAATAN IKAN KAKAP (Lutjanus spp.) BERBASIS DATA PANJANG IKAN DI PERAIRAN TAMAN NASIONAL TAKA BONERATE

Snappers (Lutjanus spp.) are the most common reef fish caught in Taka Bonerate National Park due to its high economic value and primarily targeted species. Without proper management measures, intensive fishing activities might result in unsustainable fish stocks. Therefore, in order to maintain sustainable utilization, it is important to understand the stock status of snapper fisheries. This study aimed to analyze the snappers' stock status in Taka Bonerate National Park's waters. Data were collected from January to December 2022 at three small-scale fisheries landing sites. The results showed that snappers are classified as slow-growing species with growth rates for species L. bohar, L. quinquelineatus, L. gibbus respectively 0,12, 0,39, and 0,35 per year to reach their respective asymptotic lengths of 83,41 cm, 29,5 cm, and 46,80 cm. The stock status of L. gibbus and L. bohar were indicated at overfished status where the exploitation rate (E) was &gt; 0.5 and the SPR was &lt; 0.3, hence a proper management measures is required. Furthermore, the species of L. quinquelineatus has a value of E is 0.5 and SPR is at 0.3, indicating that the utilization level of this species was at an optimal level. Keywords: Snapper, Taka Bonerate, Fisheries Management.

Investigation on electrochemical corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of Fe-nano particles produced by high-energy ball milling technique

Abstract This study focuses on converting iron particles from grinding sludge, after removing impurities, into Fe-nanoparticles using high-energy ball billing. The goal is to examine the corrosion behaviors and mechanical properties of these Fe-nanoparticles. Nanostructured Fe-powder was synthesized through a process involving 10 h of high-energy ball milling, followed by conventional hot pressing and sintering. Structural and microstructural properties were thoroughly examined using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and elemental diffraction spectroscopy. Upon sintering, SEM and TEM analyses unveiled the formation of a nanostructured alloy within the samples. Notably, the milled sample exhibited high hardness value, measuring at 155 HV. However, it is noteworthy that the un-milled sample demonstrated superior compression strength compared to its milled counterpart. Furthermore, the corrosion behavior of the samples was evaluated through electrochemical corrosion studies. Interestingly, the sample subjected to 10 h of milling (coin number 5) displayed a significantly lower corrosion rate, measuring at 1.3921 mm/year, suggesting enhanced corrosion resistance attributed to the nano structuring process.

Evaluation of Satellite-Based Rainfall Estimates against Rain Gauge Observations across Agro-Climatic Zones of Nigeria, West Africa

Satellite rainfall estimates (SREs) play a crucial role in weather monitoring, forecasting and modeling, particularly in regions where ground-based observations may be limited. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of three commonly used SREs—African Rainfall Climatology version 2 (ARC2), Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) and Tropical Application of Meteorology using SATellite data and ground-based observation (TAMSAT)— with respect to their performance in detecting rainfall patterns in Nigeria at daily scales from 2002 to 2022. Observed data obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) are used as reference data. Evaluation metrics such as correlation coefficient, root mean square error, mean error, bias, probability of detection (POD), false alarm ratio (FAR), and critical success index (CSI) are employed to assess the performance of the SREs. The results show that all the SREs exhibit low bias during the major rainfall season from May to October, and the products significantly overestimate observed rainfall during the dry period from November to March in the Sahel and Savannah Zones. Similarly, over the Guinea Zone, all the products indicate overestimation in the dry season. The underperformance of SREs in dry seasons could be attributed to the rainfall retrieval algorithms, intensity of rainfall occurrence and spatial-temporal resolution. These factors could potentially lead to the accuracy of the rainfall retrieval being reduced due to intense stratiform clouds. However, all the SREs indicated better detection capabilities and less false alarms during the wet season than in dry periods. CHIRPS and TAMSAT exhibited high POD and CSI values with the least FAR across agro-climatic zones during dry periods. Generally, CHIRPS turned out to be the best SRE and, as such, would provide a useful dataset for research and operational use in Nigeria.

The Effectiveness of Osseodensification Drilling versus the Conventional Surgical Technique on Implant Stability: A Clinical Trial.

Background/Objective: To ensure that implants are able to support prosthetic rehabilitation, a stable and functional union between the bone and the implant surface is crucial to its stability and success. To increase bone volume and density and excel bone-implant contact, a novel drilling method, called osseodensification (OD), was performed. To assess the effectiveness of the osseodensification drilling protocol versus the conventional surgical technique on implant stability. Methods: Bone Level Tapered Straumann implants were placed side-by-side with both OD and subtractive conventional drilling (SD) in 90 patients from CESPU-Famalicão clinical unit. IT was measured using a manual torque wrench, and the Implant stability quotient (ISQ) value was registered using the Osstell® IDX. Results: According to the multifactorial ANOVA, there were statistically significant differences in the mean IT values due to the arch only (F(1.270) = 4.702, p-value = 0.031 < 0.05). Regarding the length of the implant, there were statistically significant differences in the mean IT in the OD group (p = 0.041), with significantly lower mean IT values for the Regular implants compared to the Long. With respect to the arch, the analyses of the overall ISQ values showed an upward trend in both groups in the maxilla and mandible. High levels of IT also showed high ISQ values, which represent good indicators of primary stability. Conclusions: OD does not have a negative influence on osseointegration compared to conventional subtractive osteotomy.

The Monitoring of Accumulations of Elements in Apple, Pear, and Quince Fruit Parts.

In this study, the distribution of biogenic macro and micro element contents in the peel, pulp, and seeds of some cultivated fruits was observed. The element concentrations of these fruits, which have high commercial value and consumption in the world, were analyzed with ICP-OES. In the "Golden" and "Starking" apple varieties, the lowest and highest calcium amounts were detected in the pulp and seed parts of the fruits, respectively. Additionally, the lowest and highest calcium amounts of pear and quince fruits were found in the seed and pulp and peel and seed parts of the fruits, respectively. Potassium amounts of "Golden" and "Starking" apple parts were established to be between 3585.82 (seed) and 3930.87mg/kg (pulp) and 3533.82 (peel) and 5671.55mg/kg (pulp), respectively. Potassium amounts of pear and quince fruit parts were measured to be between 2340.65 (seed) and 5405.97mg/kg (pulp) and 4455.23 (seed) and 8551.12mg/kg (pulp), respectively. Iron quantities of the parts of "Golden" and "Starking" apple fruits were established from 4.80 (pulp) and 17.14mg/kg (seed) to 7.80 (pulp) and 14.53mg/kg (peel), respectively. While the Fe quantities of pear fruit parts are found to be between 4.51 (pulp) and 15.40mg/kg (peel), the Fe contents of the parts of quince fruits were determined to be between 5.59 (pulp) and 27.27mg/kg (peel). Zinc quantities of the parts of pear and quince fruits were recorded to be between 8.43 (pulp) and 12.71mg/kg (seed) and 0.96 (pulp) and 37.82mg/kg (seed), respectively. In fruit parts, the highest element was found in the seed, followed by pulp and peel in decreasing order.

Political Skill of B to B Sales Team as a Dynamic Capability: A Strategic Resource Perspective

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify the key internal and external collective conditions and determinants for sales managers in the B to B context, which would allow the articulation of Team Political Skill as a firm’s dynamic capability at organizational and strategical level. Methodology/approach This study employs qualitative methods based on grounded theory, with an exploratory discovery, which jointly used in-depth interviews and online focus groups targeting sales management positions (Sales managers, sales supervisors) and CEOs of 24 B to B different firms in Chile and Peru. Findings The study reports that the political skill of B to B sales teams is articulated as a dynamic capacity when it is capable of generating organizational co-creation routines and an identification culture based on innovation, which translates into intrafirm collaborative organizational learning, strengthening its strategic intelligence, customer orientation and providing a distinctive and differentiating seal in the market at organizational level. Research implications This research suggests from the perspective of resource-based theory that B to B salespeople team political skills not only is a tactical resource to achieve sales results but also becomes an active differentiator of high strategic value for B to B firms in their organizational performance. Therefore, the sales team acts as a key predictor of higher social effectiveness and work performance. Additionally, this study highlights the pivotal role of the sales supervision role and competitive environment in the evolution of individual salespersons’ political skills toward group consolidation. Practical implications The current work offers initial strategies regarding for B to B sales managers can establish political skill development plans in their salespeople and to incorporate innovative supervision and supporting mechanisms that bolster the B to B sales team as a strategic resource in an ever-increasing competitive and complex environment, as seen in the recent post pandemic environment. Originality/value/contribution of the paper To identify unexplored dimensions and collaborative processes in B to B salespersons’ individual and collective team political skills and how these potentially consolidate themselves as a distinctive firm’s dynamic capability in their sales performance.