Search Results (1,111)

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and sediment flux (SF) are critical indicators of sediment delivery in the Lower Mekong and underpin deltaic geomorphic stability and ecosystem services. With recent evidence of declining sediment supply caused by upstream regulation and intensive in-channel extraction, there is a pressing need for data-efficient tools to reproduce non-linear sediment dynamics and assist management in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). This study evaluates three machine-learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—for data-driven prediction of SSC (2009–2023) and SF (2009–2021) at Tan Chau (Viet Nam). The predictive models were developed using daily discharge inputs from Kratie (Cambodia) and local hydrological data, including water levels and discharge, from the Tan Chau station. Across the held-out testing dataset, all models captured substantial variability in both targets, with consistently higher performance for SF than for SSC. RF achieved the highest skill (SSC: R² = 0.783; SF: R² = 0.867), followed by XGBoost and then SVM. Variable-importance analysis indicates that upstream discharge at Kratie is the most influential predictor for both SSC and SF, consistent with basin-scale hydrological forcing governing downstream sediment transport capacity. The observed record at Tan Chau further suggests an attenuation of wet-season SSC peaks during 2018–2022 relative to earlier years, signalling potential sediment-starvation dynamics that warrant continued monitoring. Overall, the results demonstrate the utility of ML-based sediment prediction models as a complement to conventional monitoring and as an evidence base to inform sediment-aware river–delta management and risk mitigation in the Lower Mekong. Full article

Background/Objectives. Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) significantly affects patients’ quality of life (QoL). However, data on disease severity and its correlation with QoL among Vietnamese patients remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, symptom severity, and the relationship between symptom burden and quality of life in patients with IBS-D in Vietnam. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with IBS-D based on the Rome IV criteria at an outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. Disease severity and QoL were assessed using the IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) and the standardized Vietnamese version of the IBS Quality of Life (IBS-QoL) questionnaire, respectively. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and overlap syndromes were also recorded. Results. Among the 123 patients enrolled (mean age 42.6 ± 14.5 years; 55.3% female), the median IBS-SSS score was 175 (interquartile range: 140–225), and the median IBS-QoL score was 72 (interquartile range: 54–85). The prevalence of overlap syndromes was relatively high, with functional dyspepsia accounting for 46.3% and gastroesophageal reflux disease for 8.9%. A moderate inverse correlation was observed between IBS-SSS and IBS-QoL scores (r = −0.494; p < 0.001). Notably, patients with severe IBS (IBS-SSS ≥ 300) had significantly higher rates of smoking (44.4% vs. 13.2%; p = 0.012) and diabetes (22.2% vs. 5.3%; p = 0.047) compared to the non-severe group. Conclusions. IBS-D imposes a substantial symptom burden and significantly reduces the quality of life in Vietnamese patients, particularly among those with severe disease. The high prevalence of overlap syndromes, along with contributing factors like smoking and diabetes, further increase the complexity and severity of the condition. Full article

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical actors in promoting environmentally sustainable supply chains, particularly in emerging economies where their collective environmental footprint is substantial. Despite growing attention to green supply chain management (GSCM), research has predominantly focused on large firms, leaving the motivational drivers shaping GSCM implementation in SMEs underexplored. Addressing this gap, the present study develops and empirically tests a motivation-based framework to examine how four organizational motives, cost, market, ethical, and legitimacy, drive the depth of GSCM implementation in SMEs. In addition, environmental uncertainty is conceptualized as a key contextual contingency moderating the effectiveness of these motives. Drawing on survey data from Vietnamese SMEs, the findings reveal that all four motives positively influence implementation depth, with ethical motives exerting the strongest effect. Furthermore, environmental uncertainty significantly amplifies these relationships. By integrating multiple theoretical perspectives and emphasizing the contingent role of environmental uncertainty, this study advances GSCM research by providing a nuanced, context-sensitive understanding of how SMEs operationalize sustainability practices in dynamic and resource-constrained environments. Full article

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) prevent severe disease in children, but high costs limit access. PCV10-SII (PNEUMOSIL), a 10-valent PCV prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, offers a cost-effective alternative. This study assessed its safety and immunogenicity in Vietnamese children aged 6 weeks–24 months. Methods: An open-label, single-arm study enrolled 304 children in three age groups: 6 weeks–6 months (n = 151), >6–12 months (n = 76), and >12–24 months (n = 77). Participants received two or three doses. Safety was evaluated through immediate reactions, adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and withdrawals. Immunogenicity was measured 28 days after the final dose using serotype-specific IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs), opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) titers, and seroresponse rates. The trial was approved by the IRB of the National Ethics Council (code: No. 75/CN-HĐĐĐ on date 4 June 2021) and was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05140720. Results: Of 304 enrolled participants, 294 (96.7%) completed follow-up. No immediate adverse events or serious adverse events occurred. Unsolicited adverse events were reported in 17%, mainly respiratory, while serious adverse events occurred in 4%. Mild local/systemic reactions (e.g., injection site pain, crying) resolved without sequelae. Immunogenicity was strong, with GMCs 1.8–9.11 µg/mL, GMTs 277.8–22,342, and seroresponse rates >90% for 9 of 10 serotypes, serotype 6B demonstrated a slightly lower seroresponse rate of 88.6%. Conclusions: PCV10-SII demonstrated favorable safety and robust immunogenicity, supporting its inclusion in national immunization programs as an affordable option for pneumococcal disease prevention. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health burden in Vietnam, yet few studies have examined pulmonary TB mortality trends at sub-national levels, where local epidemiological patterns may differ substantially from national averages and reveal high-risk populations requiring targeted interventions and inform resource allocation. Lang Son, Vietnam, is a mountainous border province with many ethnic minority residents, and extensive cross-border movement creates distinct challenges for TB surveillance and treatment adherence. Although mortality has declined in line with national trends, rates in this border province remain higher than those in Vietnam’s major urban centers. This disparity suggests a hidden burden where Lang Son’s unique geographic challenges and ethnic diversity create health inequities that are often obscured by favorable national-level averages. To better understand local epidemiological patterns, this study examined temporal trends and gender differences in pulmonary TB mortality in Lang Son Province over a 12-year period (2005–2008 and 2011–2018). Using data from a population-based mortality registration system, we calculated crude and age-standardized mortality rates (ASR) per 100,000 person-years. Temporal trends were assessed using Poisson regression. The overall ASR was 7.7 per 100,000 person-years among men (95% CI: 6.5–9.0) and 1.9 among women (95% CI: 1.3–2.7), yielding a male-to-female ASR ratio of 4.1. The age-standardized pulmonary TB mortality declined by approximately 49.2% (from 6.3 (95% CI: 4.1–9.2) to 3.2 (95% CI: 1.9–4.9) per 100,000 person-years; p = 0.025). Notably, 69.9% of deaths occurred in individuals under age 70. While declines were observed in both sexes, sex-specific temporal trends were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Despite these improvements, persistently higher mortality among men and older adults highlights ongoing inequities in TB outcomes within the province. These pre-pandemic findings provide an essential epidemiological baseline for assessing COVID-19’s impact on TB control and underscore the need for age- and gender-targeted interventions at sub-national levels to accelerate Vietnam’s progress toward TB elimination. Full article

This study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) contributes to the formation of new quality productive forces (NQPF) at the employee level. While prior research has largely treated AI as an external technological driver, this study investigates whether AI becomes embedded within employees’ capabilities through confidence and skill transformation. Using survey data from 303 employees in Vietnamese commercial banks, the study applies exploratory factor analysis and regression models to analyze the relationships among AI confidence, skill transformation, work experience, and NQPF. The results show that AI confidence has a significant positive effect on NQPF, and this relationship is strengthened by skill transformation. However, work experience weakens this effect, suggesting uneven adaptation across employee groups. These findings indicate that the impact of AI on productive transformation depends not only on technological deployment but also on workforce capability development. The study contributes to the literature by providing micro-level evidence on how AI may be internalized within labor processes in emerging economies. Full article

In Vietnamese primary mathematics education, geometry instruction often emphasizes rote calculation and formula memorization rather than meaningful contextualization, leaving students disconnected from abstract concepts and lacking opportunities to connect learning with cultural identity. This quasi-experimental study investigates how integrating generative AI tools (ChatGPT, DALL·E, Canva) with the culturally grounded Vietnamese folktale Bánh Chưng—Bánh Giầy can support Grade 5 students’ understanding of circle geometry. Employing a mixed-methods design with 30 students divided into experimental (AI + storytelling) and control (traditional instruction) groups, the study measured cognitive and affective learning outcomes through pre/post-tests, a validated 25-item questionnaire, interviews, and classroom observations. Quantitative results revealed significant improvements in the experimental group across all measured dimensions, learning interest, attentional focus, conceptual understanding, mathematics passion, and cultural preservation awareness, with large effect sizes. Qualitative findings confirmed enhanced engagement, multimodal conceptual clarity, and cultural affective resonance. The study demonstrates that low-cost, teacher-mediated generative AI can effectively support learning in resource-constrained primary settings when anchored in local narratives. Implications for ethical AI integration and teacher professional development in Vietnamese contexts are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency (ID) is a critical comorbidity in chronic heart failure (CHF) that impairs myocardial energy metabolism and clinical outcomes. Despite its significance, data regarding ID prevalence in Southeast Asian CHF populations remain insufficient. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ID and identify its independent clinical correlates among CHF patients at a leading tertiary hospital in Vietnam using high-precision automated diagnostic platforms. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 138 adult CHF patients. Serum iron and ferritin were quantified using photometric and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) methods on cobas c702 and e602 systems. ID was defined according to 2021 ESC guidelines (ferritin < 100 ng/mL or ferritin 100–299 ng/mL with TSAT < 20%). Multivariable logistic regression identified independent factors associated with ID. Results: The overall ID prevalence was 75.4%, consisting of functional (39.9%) and absolute ID (35.5%). A significant gender disparity was observed (p = 0.0326): absolute ID was more prevalent in females (44.4%), while functional ID predominated in males (47.4%). Multivariable analysis revealed that NT-proBNP (aOR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.13–4.66; p = 0.021) and C-reactive protein (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.07–4.43; p = 0.031) were independent correlates of ID status. The association with anemia was borderline non-significant (p = 0.055). Conclusions: ID is nearly ubiquitous among Vietnamese CHF patients in this tertiary setting, driven by hemodynamic severity and systemic inflammation. These findings advocate for integrating routine iron status screening into the standard diagnostic workup for all CHF patients, regardless of hemoglobin levels. Full article

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable microbial polyesters that represent a promising sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Salterns, hypersaline environments, are recognized as significant sources of halotolerant microorganisms that can produce PHAs in high-salinity conditions; however, Vietnamese saltern ecosystems have not been extensively investigated. This research aimed to isolate and initially characterize salt-tolerant bacteria capable of synthesizing PHAs from the Hon Khoi saltern in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. A total of 37 halotolerant bacterial isolates were obtained, and potential PHA-producing strains were initially screened using Sudan Black B and Nile Blue A. TEM microscopy was then employed to confirm the existence of PHA granules. Furthermore, FTIR spectroscopy and GC–MS/MS spectrometry were utilized to analyze the chemical structure and monomer composition of the extracted polymers. Six isolates were identified as PHA-producing bacteria, including Salinivibrio sp. HK101 and HK116, Halomonas sp. HK105, Priestia sp. HK125 and HK142, and Bacillus sp. HK130. These strains exhibited growth across 3–10% NaCl and temperatures from 25 to 45 °C. Priestia sp. HK142 and Salinivibrio sp. HK101 exhibited the most substantial PHA accumulation, achieving 50.72 ± 1.83% and 42.07 ± 1.8% of DCW, respectively. These results indicate that the Hon Khoi saltern represents a promising source of halotolerant PHA-producing bacteria with potential relevance for future biopolymer production studies. Full article

Analyzing microplastics in marine organisms is essential for understanding the ecological and toxicological impacts of marine microplastic pollution in coastal food webs. This study investigated microplastic ingestion in three edible invertebrate species commonly found on Vietnamese sandy beaches, wedge clam Donax sp., hermit crabs Pagurus sp., and horn-eyed ghost crabs Ocypode ceratophthalmus, which differ in feeding modes and mobility, using micro-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR) with a detection limit of 20 µm. Results showed that all three species ingested microplastics, with ingestion patterns varying according to species-specific traits and habitat-related feeding behaviors. The highly mobile crabs Ocypode ceratophthalmus (omnivore) and Pagurus sp. (scavenger) were found to partially reflect the polymer pollution in their ambient environment. The higher ingestion rate and diversity of polymer types observed in sedentary Donax sp. suggest that this species could serve as a potential bioindicator for microplastic pollution, given its mixed suspension and deposit feeding habits that integrate pollution from both the water column and beach sediments. Overall, these results reveal widespread microplastic ingestion among edible beach fauna, highlighting potential ecological and human health concerns, and emphasizing the need for targeted pollution management and increased public awareness. Advancing our understanding will require larger datasets and controlled experiments to more robustly assess species-specific responses and the likelihood of trophic transfer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lycopene, a red lipophilic carotenoid hydrocarbon pigment found primarily in tomatoes and other red/pink fruits and vegetables, has anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and cardioprotective properties. There is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of lycopene intake on gastric cancer risk in the Asian population. We, thus, evaluate the association between lycopene intake and gastric cancer risk in a hospital-based case–control study, including 1182 incident cases of gastric cancer and 2995 controls in Vietnam. Methods: Lycopene intake was derived from a semi-quantitative, validated food frequency questionnaire. An unconditional logistic regression model was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for gastric cancer risk in relation to lycopene intake, adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results: Overall, there was a dose–response inverse association between lycopene intake and gastric cancer risk (OR_{per-SD increment} = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.95; P_trend = 0.002). Compared with quintile 1 (the lowest quintile), the ORs and 95% CIs of gastric cancer for quintiles 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the lycopene intakes were 0.63 (0.51–0.79), 0.64 (0.51–0.80), 0.65 (0.52–0.81) and 0.62 (0.50–0.78), respectively. A similar pattern of inverse association between lycopene intake and gastric cancer risk was seen only in females, ever alcohol drinkers, and individuals with H. pylori negative status, without type 2 diabetes and with blood group B (all P_{heterogeneity} > 0.05). Conclusions: We observed a reduced risk of gastric cancer in individuals with higher lycopene intake in the Vietnamese population, regardless of BMI or smoking status. Our results have great implications for a healthy dietary pattern (i.e., lycopene with major sources from fruits and vegetables) for strategies in the prevention and control programs of gastric cancer in low-and middle-income countries. Full article

Copy number variants (CNVs) are large-scale genomic alterations that contribute substantially to genetic diversity and may influence phenotypic variation in livestock. This study investigated the genome-wide CNV landscape of three Vietnamese indigenous chicken breeds. Whole-genome sequencing on the Illumina platform (3–5× coverage) was performed on 24 individuals from Dong Tao (DT), Cay Cum (CC), and Ri (RI) breeds. A total of 1743 CNVs were detected, clustering into 315 copy number variation regions (CNVRs). Most CNVRs were rare, with 31.7% present in only one animal among breeds. Across the genome, 122 unique CNVRs were distributed over 28 chromosomes, predominantly the first five. Losses were the most frequent type (45.9%), followed by gains (39.3%), and mixed events (14.8%). Within these CNVRs, 3633 genes were identified. In DT and RI, CNVR-embedded genes included several candidates, potentially related to adaptability, development, and phenotypic diversification. Notably, DT harbored genes such as EGLN1, OASL, GPX1, DUOX1/DUOXA2 (adaptation, stress/immune response) and LRP4, ZIC1, ZIC4, JARID2, KMT2C, OGN, OMD, and PLOD2 (developmental and skeletal traits), whereas in RI they included genes such as CACNA1S, CALCR, CAPN3, and MAPK13/MAPK14, which may contribute to muscle, bone, and physiological regulation. Functional enrichment analysis revealed numerous genes and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) associated with metabolic, developmental, and immune-related pathways. This study provides the first comprehensive genome-wide CNV profile of Vietnamese indigenous chickens and offers a valuable genomic resource for investigating the genetic basis of breed-specific and adaptive phenotypes. Full article

Camellia hakodae Ninh flowers are an endemic Vietnamese species with limited phytochemical and biological characterization. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile and evaluate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the total flower extract. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and maceration with methanol and ethanol at different concentrations were carried out to evaluate the efficiency of extracting total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), quantified by colorimetric assays, along with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the resulting extracts. The highest TPC (94.9 ± 4.5 mg GAE/g) and TFC (3.1 ± 0.2 mg QE/g) were obtained using UAE with 70% methanol, while maceration with 70% ethanol showed comparable TPC values. The optimized extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of 29.06 µg/mL, close to that of ascorbic acid (28.16 µg/mL) and significant anti-inflammatory activity in the proteinase inhibition assay (IC₅₀ = 2.72 mg/mL) compared to acetylsalicylic acid (IC₅₀ = 3.16 mg/mL). GC-MS and LC-QTOF-MS/MS analyses revealed diverse metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, terpenoids, and nitrogen-containing compounds, with representative constituents, such as quinic acid, catechins, flavonol glycosides, and loliolide, providing strong chemical evidence for the observed bioactivities. This integrated study demonstrates that C. hakodae flower is a rich source of multifunctional bioactive compounds and highlights its strong potential for applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and cosmeceuticals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite extensive research on nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward pain management globally, limited evidence exists regarding the actual implementation of multimodal pain management practices among Vietnamese nurses. This study aimed to (1) assess nurses’ implementation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological postoperative pain management interventions, (2) examine the relationships among knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and (3) identify predictors of competent practice with attention to the relative contributions of formal training versus clinical experience. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 230 nurses working in Urology Departments from two tertiary public hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, between April and June 2024, focusing on postoperative pain management. Pain management knowledge, attitudes, and practices were assessed using validated instruments. Independent samples t-tests compared trained versus untrained nurses. Multiple linear regression identified predictors of practice competency. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) quantified the magnitude of training effects. Results: Nurses demonstrated moderate-to-good competency, with pharmacological interventions (M = 3.74) implemented more consistently than non-pharmacological interventions (M = 3.48, p < 0.001). Trained nurses significantly outperformed untrained nurses across all domains with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 1.34–1.54). A clear hierarchy emerged in non-pharmacological practice: environmental (M = 4.01) > physical (M = 3.69) > cognitive–behavioral (M = 3.27) > spiritual (M = 2.60). Strong KAP correlations were observed (r = 0.70–0.85, p < 0.001). Prior training was the strongest predictor of both pharmacological (β = 1.31, p < 0.001) and non-pharmacological practice (β = 0.58, p < 0.001), while clinical experience showed no significant effect (p > 0.40). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that formal training—not clinical experience—is strongly associated with competent postoperative pain management practice among Vietnamese nurses, with large effect sizes demonstrating practical significance. The strong KAP relationships support targeted educational interventions addressing knowledge gaps to improve practice. These findings have implications for nursing education research in Vietnam and similar healthcare settings. Full article

Background: Overweight and obesity are emerging public health concerns among young adults. However, evidence on associated sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors among young industrial workers in low- and middle-income countries remains limited. This study aimed to identify factors associated with overweight and obesity among Vietnamese young industrial workers aged 18–30 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2295 young industrial workers (55.6% men and 44.4% women) recruited from factories and industrial zones in three geographic regions of Vietnam. Sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, lifestyle behaviors, and physical activity were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight and classified using WHO Western Pacific Region (WPRO) cut-offs; overweight/obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 23.0 kg/m². Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Long Form (IPAQ-LF) and categorized by total MET-min/week according to IPAQ scoring guidelines. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Overall, 10.4% of participants were overweight (BMI 23.0–24.9 kg/m²) and 7.0% were obese (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m²), yielding a combined prevalence of 17.4%. After multivariable adjustment, increasing age (aOR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10–1.20), male sex (aOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.59–2.76), and regular alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.04–1.81) were independently associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity, while residence in the Southern region was inversely associated (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.42–0.76). High total physical activity (vs. low activity) was positively associated with overweight/obesity, whereas moderate physical activity was not independently associated. Other dietary behaviors were not significantly associated after adjustment. Conclusions: Among Vietnamese young industrial workers, overweight and obesity were associated with age, sex, alcohol consumption, and geographic region. The observed association with high total physical activity likely reflects the occupational context of physical activity in this population, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between occupational and leisure time physical activity when interpreting physical activity obesity relationships. These findings underscore the relevance of early, workplace relevant prevention strategies targeting modifiable behaviors, particularly alcohol use. Full article