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Background: Peanut consumption could impact cardiometabolic health through gut microbiota, a hypothesis that remains to be investigated. A randomized clinical trial in Vietnam evaluated whether peanut consumption alters gut microbiome communities. Methods: One hundred individuals were included and randomly assigned to the peanut intervention and control groups. A total of 51 participants were provided with and asked to consume 50 g of peanuts daily, while 49 controls maintained their usual dietary intake for 16 weeks. Stool samples were collected before and on the last day of the trial. After excluding 22 non-compliant participants and those who received antibiotic treatment, 35 participants from the intervention and 43 from the control were included in the analysis. Gut microbiota composition was measured by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Associations of changes in gut microbial diversity with peanut intervention were evaluated via linear regression analysis. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze associations of composition, sub-community structure, and microbial metabolic pathways with peanut intervention. We also performed beta regression analysis to examine the impact of peanut intervention on the overall and individual stability of microbial taxa and metabolic pathways. All associations with false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected p-values of <0.1 were considered statistically significant. Results: No significant changes were found in α- and β-diversities and overall gut microbial stability after peanut intervention. However, the peanut intervention led to lower enrichment of five phyla, five classes, two orders, twenty-four metabolic pathways, and six species-level sub-communities, with a dominant representation of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Escherichia coli D, Holdemanella biformis, Ruminococcus D bicirculans, Roseburia inulinivorans, and MGYG-HGUT-00200 (p < 0.05 and FDR < 0.1). The peanut intervention led to the short-term stability of several species, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii F and H, and a metabolic pathway involved in nitrate reduction V (p < 0.05; FDR < 0.1), known for their potential roles in human health, especially cardiovascular health. Conclusions: In summary, a 16-week peanut intervention led to significant changes in gut microbial composition, species-level sub-communities, and the short-term stability of several bacteria, but not overall gut microbial diversity and stability. Further research with a larger sample size and a longer intervention period is needed to confirm these findings and investigate the direct impact of gut-microbiome-mediated health effects of peanut consumption. Trial registration: The International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR). Registration number: ITMCTR2024000050. Retrospectively Registered 24 April 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beach erosion and coastal protection are complex and interconnected phenomena that have a substantial impact on coastal environments worldwide. Among the various coastal protection measures, seawalls have been widely implemented to mitigate erosion and protect coastal assets. However, the interrelationship between beach erosion and seawalls remains a critical topic for investigation to ensure effective and sustainable coastal management strategies. Seawalls impact the shoreline, particularly through the "end effect", where the seawall functions similarly to a groin, causing erosion on the downdrift side relative to the direction of wave approach. This study provides a detailed analysis of the interplay between beach erosion and seawall structures in Loc An, Vietnam, employing both remote sensing and numerical approaches. Sentinel-2 images were employed together with an analytical solution to observe the shoreline change at the Loc An sand spit and to determine input values for the numerical model. Based on the shoreline dynamics, a numerical scheme was employed to study the shoreline evolution after the construction of a seawall. Our findings show that the shoreline evolution can be divided into three stages: (1) The first stage corresponds to the elongation of the sand spit without interference from coastal structures. (2) The second stage shows the effect of jetties on the shoreline, as signaled by the buildup of sand updrift of the jetties. (3) The third stage shows the effectiveness of the seawall, where the shoreline reaches its equilibrium condition. The study provides a quick and simple method for estimating shoreline diffusivity (ε) in situations where measured data is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs) pose significant challenges due to drug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. This study utilizes whole-genome sequencing to analyze temporal trends in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in clinical E. coli isolates from pediatric UTI cases in central Vietnam. (2) Methods: We conducted whole-genome sequencing on 71 E. coli isolates collected from pediatric UTI patients between 2018 and 2020. ARGs were identified, and their prevalence over time was analyzed. Statistical tests were used to correlate ARG presence with antibiotic resistance. (3) Results: Of the 47 E. coli isolates with complete data, 40 distinct ARGs were identified, with a median of 10 resistance genes per isolate. A significant increase in the total number of ARGs per isolate was observed over time, from an average of 8.88 before June 2019 to 11.63 after. Notably, the prevalence of the aadA2 gene (aminoglycoside resistance) rose from 0% to 26.7%, and that of the blaNDM-5 gene (beta-lactam and carbapenem resistance) increased from 0% to 23.3%. Key correlations include blaEC with cephalosporin resistance, blaNDM-5 with carbapenem resistance, and sul2 with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim resistance. (4) Conclusions: Whole-genome sequencing reveals complex and evolving antibiotic resistance patterns in pediatric E. coli UTIs in central Vietnam, with a marked increase in ARG prevalence over time. Continuous surveillance and targeted treatments are essential to address these trends. Understanding genetic foundations is crucial for effective intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Four Vietnamese breeding lines (2 Japonica and 2 Indica) were directly compared in field settings for phenotypic traits associated with yield. These Vietnamese rice genomes were newly de novo assembled and annotated, and a phylogenetic analysis of the phytochrome C (phyC) confirmed the positioning and diversity between the four varieties. The four lines showed enough phenotypic and genetic differences to be used as parental lines for climate-adaptation breeding programs. This study begins by examining phenotypic variations in field growth among four parental Vietnamese rice lines, consisting of two Indica (PD211/GL37) and two Japonica (J23/SRA2-1) cultivars, which differ in life-cycle durations. Their phenotypic observations revealed both similarities and differences in growth patterns and field responses, setting the stage for further genomic investigation. We then focused on the sequencing and de novo genome assembly of these lines using high-coverage Illumina sequencing and achieving pseudochromosome assemblies ranging between 379 Mbp and 384 Mbp. The assemblies were further enhanced by annotation processes, designating between 44,427 and 48,704 gene models/genome. A comparative genomic analysis revealed that the Japonica varieties (J23/SRA2-1) exhibited more genetic similarity than the Indica varieties (PD211/GL37). From this, a phylogenetic analysis on the phytochrome C (phyC) gene distinctly positions the Indica and Japonica lines within their respective clades, affirming their genetic diversity and lineage accuracy. These genomic resources will pave the way for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) critical for developing rice cultivars with shorter life cycles, thus enhancing resilience to adverse climatic impacts in Vietnam. This study provides a foundational step towards leveraging genomic data for rice breeding programs aimed at ensuring food security in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnam is a country highly vulnerable to climate change. Specifically, climate change has seriously impacted all aspects of Vietnam's economic and social life, especially agricultural production. In this article, we focus on analyzing the current situation and the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and food security in Vietnam, especially in the Mekong River Delta (MRD) region. Vietnam's climate change scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5) have warned of serious increases in temperature, rainfall, and sea level rises for the MRD in coming times. This will lead to a risk of flooding in nearly 50% of the region's area and will seriously affect agricultural production in many aspects such as soil quality degradation, scarcity of water resources, increased droughts and floods, reduced crop productivity, and so on. These impacts will reduce Vietnam's food supply capacity, but do not compromise national food security from a short-term perspective. Faced with this situation, the Government of Vietnam has implemented many comprehensive measures to transform agriculture towards ecology, sustainability, and low carbon emissions, with the goal of green growth and neutral carbon emissions by 2050. In particular, the focus is on combining nature-based solutions with the application of modern science and technology in agricultural production, raising awareness and the response capacity of domestic people, with international cooperation in addressing climate change issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the importance of environmental management accounting practices in businesses. It examines how market competition, environmental unpredictability, organizational size, and corporate governance influence the adoption of environmental management accounting tools and environmental performance. Data were collected from a survey of 397 individuals across various industries in Vietnam. The study found that greater environmental unpredictability, more intense market competition, larger organizational scale, and more effective corporate governance promote the use of environmental management accounting, leading to improved environmental performance. Additionally, environmental management accounting methods mediate the relationships among market competition, environmental uncertainty, organizational size, corporate governance, and environmental performance. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the significance of environmental management accounting practices in Vietnam and offers practical insights for corporate leaders in developing countries. Overall, the findings suggest that businesses in competitive and unpredictable environments should prioritize the implementation of environmental management accounting practices to improve their environmental performance. This has practical implications for corporate leaders in developing countries like Vietnam, emphasizing the need for robust accounting practices to navigate environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2011 to 2012, Northern Vietnam suffered its first large-scale hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemic. Two sets of official guidelines were issued during the outbreak to handle the HFMD crisis. The city of Hai Phong was used as a model to analyze the impact of the released guidelines. A total of 9621 HFMD cases were reported in Hai Phong city from April 2011 to December 2012. Three distinct waves of HFMD occurred. Enterovirus A71 and Coxsackievirus A16 were successively associated with the epidemics. Two periods, before and after the guidelines' release, could be distinguished and characterized by different patient patterns. The time to admission and severity changed notably. Guideline publications help the health system refocus on the 0.5–3 years age group with the highest incidence of the disease. The three waves showed different special distribution, but the main routes of infection were rivers and local secondary roads, most likely through local trade and occupational movements of people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (FMCDM) is a critical field that addresses the inherent uncertainty and imprecision in complex decision scenarios. This study tackles the significant challenge of evaluating energy storage technologies (ESTs) in Vietnam's offshore wind sector, where traditional decision-making models often fall short due to their inability to handle fuzzy data and complex criteria interactions effectively. To overcome these limitations, the novel T-spherical fuzzy Einstein interaction operation matrix energy decision-making approach is introduced. This methodology integrates T-spherical fuzzy sets with matrix energy concepts and Einstein interaction operations, thereby eliminating the need for traditional aggregation processes and criteria weight determinations. My approach provides a structured evaluation of ESTs, highlighting that hydrogen storage, among others, demonstrates significant potential for high energy capacity and long-term storage. The findings not only underscore the robustness of this new method in managing the complexities of renewable energy assessment but also offer a comprehensive tool for selecting the most suitable ESTs to support Vietnam's energy transition strategies. This study recognizes limitations related to data dependency, which could affect the generalizability of the results. Future research is suggested to expand the ESTs considered and integrate extensive real-world operational data, aiming to deepen the exploration of economic impacts and long-term viability of these technologies. This revised approach emphasizes both the challenge of evaluating ESTs under uncertain conditions and my innovative solution, enhancing the relevance and applicability of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gottschelia, collected for the first time in Indochina, inspired an attempt to review the genus phylogeny to identify a more precise position of Indochinese plants. The genetic distance between African and Asian populations of G. schizopleura sensu lato was confirmed. The two groups should be treated as different species. A new combination, G. microphylla comb. nov., has been proposed for Asian plants. Aside from molecular genetics, distinguishing this species from the presumable strictly African G. schizopleura is also possible by morphological characteristics, as well as by its distribution. At the same time, at least three groups are distinguished among Asian haplotypes of G. microphylla, each of which can be interpreted as a species or, at least, subspecies. A morphological description, intravital photographs of the general habitat, and details of the morphological structures are provided. The position of Gottschelia in the phylogenetic schema of Jungermanniales does not allow us to attribute it to any of the known families and forces us to describe a new family, Gottscheliaceae, which is phylogenetically somewhat related to the Chaetophyllopsidaceae re-evaluated here and very different from Gottscheliaceae morphologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of delegated monitoring by a group leader and peer monitoring by group members on loan defaults in a group-based lending program in Vietnam. The data used in the study were collected from a questionnaire survey of 675 participants involved in a group-based lending program conducted from August to October 2022 in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam. This group-based lending program employs a unique monitoring system that involves hiring the group leader to supervise the group and encouraging group members to monitor each other. The empirical findings derived from the Probit model indicated that delegated monitoring significantly reduces loan defaults, but there was no evidence supporting the effectiveness of peer monitoring within the group. Additionally, under the delegated monitoring scheme, commissions and group size plays an important role in decreasing loan defaults. The implication of the findings is that the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) could maintain large group sizes to provide incentives for group leaders through commissions to enhance repayment rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droughts have a substantial impact on water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems worldwide. Agricultural sustainability and production in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam are being jeopardized by droughts caused by climate change. Conventional forecasting methods frequently struggle to comprehend the intricate dynamics of meteorological occurrences connected to drought, necessitating the use of sophisticated prediction techniques. This study assesses the effectiveness of various statistical models (ARIMA), machine learning, and deep learning models (Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, RNN, and LSTM) in forecasting the SPEI over different time periods (1, 3, 6, and 12 months) across six prediction intervals. The models were developed and evaluated using data from 11 meteorological stations spanning from 1985 to 2022. These models incorporated various climatic variables, including precipitation, temperature, humidity, potential evapotranspiration (PET), Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) Anomaly, and sea surface temperature in the NINO4 region (SST_NINO4). The results demonstrate that XGBoost and LSTM models exhibit outstanding performance, showcasing lower error metrics and higher R² values compared to Gradient Boosting and RNN. The performance of the model fluctuated depending on the forecast step, with error metrics often increasing with longer prediction horizons. The use of climatic indices improved the accuracy of the model. These findings are consistent with earlier research on drought episodes in the Mekong Delta and support studies from other areas that show the effectiveness of advanced modeling tools for predicting droughts. The work emphasizes the capacity of machine learning and deep learning models to enhance the precision of drought forecasting, which is vital for efficient water resource management and agricultural planning in places prone to drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential applications of hydrogen in various fields of the energy sector are attracting attention worldwide, including the use of hydrogen for decarbonizing power systems. In Vietnam, hydrogen is considered to gradually replace natural gas in power generation to achieve the country's net zero target by 2050 but there is a lack of research about this new subject. This study focuses on the computational simulation of the evolution of Vietnam's power system in the period 2030–2050 according to non-conversion and slow, moderate, and accelerated scenarios of natural gas-to-hydrogen conversion at gas turbine power plants. Based on a total power system generation capacity of 150.5 GW in 2030, the modeling results show that the system capacity range of the scenarios is between 568.7 GW and 584.6 GW. In terms of economic performance, the slow conversion scenario has the lowest system cost of USD 1269.0 billion, and the accelerated scenario represents the highest system cost of USD 1283.2 billion. As for CO2 emissions of the power system, the accelerated scenario has the lowest cumulative CO2 emissions in the studied period while the non-conversion appears highest, 2933 and 3212 million tons, respectively. Based on the study results, the possible pathway recommendation of natural gas-to-hydrogen conversion for Vietnam's power system is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a combination of molecular and morphological data, we herein report a new species within the bufonid Bufo gargarizans species complex. This is a widespread species complex with distribution from eastern Russia and the Korean Peninsula to China and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Records of this species have been documented in the Guangxi and Yunnan Provinces near the border with Vietnam and, for the first time from Vietnam, in Ha Giang Province. The new record of Bufo cf. gargarizans from Vietnam is from Ha Tinh Province. This species has never been reported from Vietnam so far south, about 550 km south from the previously known locality in Ha Giang Province. The female specimen was found in the Ha Tinh Province, Vu Quang National Park of central Vietnam and two specimens (male and female) were found Ha Giang Province. They are clearly distinguished from B. gargarizans and all the mentioned species by a specific color pattern on the belly and creamy-yellowish throat with large, bright red speckles. Genetic divergences of three Vietnam specimens from Ha Giang and Ha Tinh Provinces in the ND2 gene sequences between the B. sp. nov. and all other congeners ranged from 4.3% (with B. andrewsi) to 7.0% (with B. stejnegeri). We give a description of the morphological characters and coloration of the new record and provide an expanded diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, future precipitation and drought in the Ca river basin, Vietnam, were projected based on an ensemble of 27 CMIP6 models for four climate change scenarios. The impact of climate change on precipitation and drought was investigated. Monthly precipitation observation data were adjusted using the bias correction method. To detect drought events, the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) was employed. Changes in drought were assessed using SPI3, SPI6, and SPI12. Although the amount of annual total precipitation slightly increased, the drought events may become more severe. There is a high likelihood of increased drought intensity and severity in Vietnam due to climate change. The frequency of droughts is likely to change depending on the location and climate change scenario. We found that the frequency and severity of droughts may be altered depending on the window size of SPI. The short-term drought events will be more frequent and severe, and long-term drought events will become more severe in the Ca river basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most important foodborne pathogens, and the rise of antibiotic resistance to it is a significant threat to global public health. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence, molecular characterization, and antibiotic resistance of STEC isolated from raw meat in Vietnam. The findings in this study showed that the prevalence of STEC in raw beef, pork, and chicken meat was 9.72% (7/72), 5.56% (4/72), and 1.39% (1/72), respectively. The STEC isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (91.67%) and tetracycline (91.67%), followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (83.33%), streptomycin (75%), and florfenicol (66.67%). The incidence of STEC virulence-associated genes, including stx1, stx2, eae, and ehxA, was 8.33% (1/12), 91.67% (11/12), 33.33% (4/12), and 58.33% (7/12), respectively. STEC serogroups O157, O26, and O111 were detected in 3 out of 12 STEC isolates. Two isolates were found to be ESBL producers carrying the blaCTX-M-55 gene, and three isolates were colistin-resistant strains harboring the mcr-1 gene. Notably, a STEC O111 isolate from chicken meat harbored both the blaCTX-M-55 and mcr-1 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expeditionary studies of the functioning of landscapes of mid-mountain monsoon (including fog) forests have been being conducted within the landscape and ecological station in the territory of the Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park and the adjacent Hon Giao since 2018 and are currently underway. One of the research objectives is to clarify the biogeochemical migrations of the material composition of soils in the "leaf debris–soil" system. We have consistently studied natural objects for their material composition as well as the intensity and rate of involvement of chemical elements in physicochemical migration processes in the "leaf debris–soil" system. Our findings indicate an active influx of a select group of examined elements (Se, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Bi), particularly Bi, Pd, Se, and Cd, through the leaf debris and the detachment of aboveground plant organs, warranting their integration into organogenic soil horizons. Subsequently, lateral migration (Pd, Cd, Se) ensues. Slope processes within subordinate landscape facets, in addition to soil moisture and aeration processes, contribute to the subsequent redistribution of elemental volumes introduced into organogenic soil horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: We aimed to investigate the carriage of colistin-resistant genes among both patients with a history of antibiotic exposure and apparently healthy adults with no recent healthcare contact. Materials and Methods: Stool swabs were collected from healthy people, and specimens were collected at the infection foci from the patients. Eleven primer/probe sets were used to perform the Multiplex Real-Time PCR assay with the QuantiNova Multiplex Probe PCR kit for screening the carriage of colistin-resistant genes (mcr-1 to mcr-10) and 16S rRNA gene as internal control. Results: In total, 86 patients and 96 healthy residents were included. Twenty two patients (25.9%) were positive with at least one colistin-resistance encoding gene. The mcr-1 gene was the most frequent (16.5%), followed by mcr-9, mcr-6, and mcr-4 genes, where the prevalence was 11.8%, 10.6%, and 9.4%, respectively. No patient was positive with mcr-3, mcr-7, and mcr-8 genes. Eight patients (9.4%) were positive with multiple colistin-encoding genes. Twenty-three healthy people (24.0%) were positive with at least one colistin-resistance encoding gene, and the mcr-10 gene was the most frequent (27.0%), followed by the mcr-1, mcr-8, and mcr-9 genes, where the prevalence was 24.3%, 21.6%, and 13.5%, respectively. No person was positive with the mcr-2 and mcr-5 genes. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, infection control measures, and stewardship interventions to mitigate the spread of colistin resistance in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we advance a model for the traction power supply of a medium-capacity railway system along the major Pham Van Dong (PVD) arterial route situated in the northeastern sector of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. This study simulates an in-depth analysis of the carrying capacity and feasibility of traction power supply for this scenario based on a safe moving-block system utilizing Communications-based Train Control (CBTC). The research results show that the 750 V DC traction system uses a rigid overhead conductor rail system (ROCS) with distances between traction power stations of up to 6 km with double feeding. The system provides a service frequency of 36 trains per hour per direction, and has a transport capacity of up to 47,520 passengers per hour per direction. The implementation of this solution, as proposed, has the potential to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, reduce environmental pollution, and provide a complete and modern urban railway network for HCMC. The system could also be implemented in other similar global scenarios. Additionally, this investigation also demonstrates the feasibility of applying the new ROCS to medium-capacity railway systems (MCSs), which have garnered increasing attention in recent years owing to their discernible advantages over extant systems. The outcomes of this study underscore the pragmatic nature of the proposed solution, which orients sustainable and integrated development in the realm of urban rail transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the SKYVaricella vaccine in healthy Vietnamese children aged 12 months to 12 years. Methods: This open-label, single-arm study involved 201 children divided into two groups: 60 children aged 12 months to 5 years and 141 children aged 6 to 12 years. Safety was assessed through immediate reactions, solicited adverse events within 7 days, and unsolicited events up to Day 42. Immunogenicity was evaluated by seroconversion rates (SCR) and geometric mean titer (GMT) increments using fluorescent antibody-to-membrane antigen (FAMA) on the day of vaccination (D0) and 42 days after vaccination (D42). Results: All participants completed the follow-up. Immediate adverse events included pain (8.0%), redness (8.0%), and swelling (20.9%) at the injection site. Within 7 days, pain (17.9%) and swelling (12.4%) were mild and self-resolving. Unsolicited adverse events were infrequent and mild. Both age groups achieved 100% SCR. GMT of varicella-zoster virus antibodies increased from 1.37 (SD 1.97) at D0 to 18.02 (SD 2.22) at D42, a 13.12-fold rise. No Grade 3 adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The SKYVaricella vaccine shows a robust immunogenic response and favorable safety profile in Vietnamese children aged 12 months to 12 years. These findings endorse its potential inclusion in pediatric vaccination programs as a reliable preventive option against varicella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited information regarding the influence of mangrove growth on the morphological evolution of intertidal mudflats. In this study, Tan Phu Dong district, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam, was selected for investigating how mangrove growth influenced the morphological evolution of an intertidal mudflat. The authors analyzed a series of satellite images (from 1995 and 2022), calculated the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and documented field visits and observations in pursuit of the objective of the study. The findings revealed that fine-grained sediment accumulated as unconsolidated substratum (US) in the first step of the morphological evolution of the intertidal mudflat, with sediment accumulation of 910 ha in 1995. The US provided favorable conditions for mangroves to grow, while mangrove growth helped compact the US into a compact substratum (CS) in addition to promoting continuous sediment accumulation, increased the vegetation cover of the island, and elevated the substrate density of the remaining areas. As a result, the US and CS decreased steadily between 1995 and 2020, from 910 ha in 1995 to 401 ha in 2020 and from 433 ha in 2005 to 111 ha in 2020, respectively. Meanwhile, the low-vegetation area (LVA), medium-vegetation area (MVA), and high vegetation area (HVA) gradually increased between 1995 and 2015, from 0 ha in 1995 to 104 ha in 2015, from 0 ha in 1995 to 96 ha in 2015, and from 0 ha in 1995 to 114 ha in 2015, respectively. However, the LVA decreased slightly between 2015 and 2020 due to significant sand accumulation, which significantly killed the mangrove trees. In contrast, the MVA and HVA steadily increased between 2015 and 2020, from 96 ha in 2015 to 116 ha in 2020 and from 114 ha in 2015 to 221 ha in 2020, respectively. In 2022, there was a steady increase in HVA (298 ha in 2022), although the date of the 2022 satellite retrieval was 28 January 2022. This study recommends that the technical design of the existing coastal protection works should be revised or adapted to take account of sediment accumulation as the first step in the morphological evolution of the examined intertidal mudflat, rather than mangrove growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to effectively support decision-makers in evaluating leading e-commerce companies in Vietnam from a sustainability perspective. In addition, this study evaluates and analyzes criteria that affect the performance of e-commerce companies in Vietnam to find the best practices for e-commerce implementation of managers. In this way, companies can save costs and increase marketing and promotion efficiency, helping to reach more customers. In doing so, an integrated framework based on MCDM is proposed for the first time in e-commerce industry assessment. In the first stage, the fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation Laboratory method is applied to determine the weights of 9 criteria based on collected data. This study lists prominent quantitative evaluation criteria, taking into account the sustainability aspect. In the second phase, ranking the top 12 e-commerce companies in Vietnam according to their performance based on these nine criteria was done by applying the neutrosophic fuzzy axiomatic design method. According to an analysis of the data, the external financial assistance coefficient (12.7%) is the most crucial factor determining how competitive international e-commerce businesses are. The results of this study can help underperforming companies make strategic decisions to improve their performance. Integrating these two techniques provides a new method for evaluating global trading companies that have hitherto remained unaddressed in the trading industry and, therefore, leave a gap that needs to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In human resource management, training is considered one of the most effective ways to improve employees' task performance. However, the effectiveness of training depends mostly on the resources and effort of learners, especially the operant resources. This study investigates the influence of operant resources on individual task performance within the framework of knowledge management. Building on existing research, a quantitative model was developed and tested using data from 296 Vietnamese managers and senior employees. Data analysis employed SPSS 21 and AMOS 24 software. The findings provide strong support for all nine proposed hypotheses, demonstrating a positive impact of operant resources on both learner behavior and subsequent task performance. The research highlights the significant role of individual operant resources in enhancing learning outcomes and employee effectiveness. Managerial implications are derived from these results, offering practical guidance for businesses to improve training activities and ultimately boost employee task performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental changes and human impact can alter biodiversity in negative manners that affect mankind's sustainable development. Particularly, such effects on inland waters are even more concerning, as those ecosystems play essential roles in sustaining human life as well as relevant wildlife. Thus, in this study, we investigated such effects on microbial diversity in inland waters in Vietnam using bacterial communities in sediment as indicators. To do this, we collected sediment samples from various locations in three respective regions (Red river in the north, Ba river in the central area, and Mekong delta flood zone in the south) using standard methods, extracted their total DNA, sequenced their V3-V4 16S rRNA gene fragments using an Illumina Miseq platform and analyzed the sequences to infer the diversity of the bacterial communities in the samples. These communities were compared in terms of richness (alpha diversity) and composition (beta diversity), and the correlations between their diversity levels and environmental factors, as well as human activities, were analyzed by using standard statistical tools. Our results showed that the communities were different from each other solely by region, in richness and critically in composition, although there were some communities distinctively different from all the others. Among environmental factors, only water salinity (and conductivity) had negative correlations with alpha-diversity indices of the bacterial communities, and phosphate concentration and turbidity had positive correlations, while the other factors had almost no correlations, which partially explains the region-specific diversity. These results also suggest that climate change incidences, especially sea intrusion, can have significant effects on microbial diversity in inland waters. The impact of human activities did not appear severe, solely affecting bacterial community richness, but not significantly affecting bacterial community composition. However, apparently reduced bacterial diversity in several sites with intense human impacts and distinct environmental conditions should be noted and deserve further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farm households along the coastlines of Myanmar and Vietnam are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding, saltwater intrusion, and rising sea levels. There is little information available on the relative vulnerability of men- and women-headed households, and the governments of Myanmar and Vietnam have not identified or implemented any adaptive measures aimed specifically at vulnerable peoples. This study aims to fill these gaps and assess the relative climate change vulnerability of men- and women-headed farm households. This study considers 599 farm households from two regions of Myanmar and 300 households from Thua Thien Hue province of Vietnam for the period 2021–2022. We offer a livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) analysis of men- and women-headed farm households using 46 indicators arranged into seven major components. The aggregate LVI scores indicate that farm households in Myanmar are more vulnerable (scores of 0.459 for men and 0.476 for women) to climate-related natural disasters than farm households in Vietnam (scores of 0.288 for men and 0.292 for women), regardless of the gender of the head of household. Total vulnerability indexing scores indicate that women-headed households are more vulnerable than men-headed households in both countries. Poor adaptive capacity and highly sensitive LVI dimensional scores explain the greater vulnerability of women-headed farm households. The findings also highlight the importance of the adaptive capacity components reflected in the LVI analysis in reducing farm households' vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower plants (HPPs) create barriers across rivers and fragment aquatic ecosystems, river reaches and habitats. The reservoirs they create slow the flowing water and convert the riverine into lacustrine ecosystems. The barriers created by HPPs interrupt the seasonal migrations of many fish species, while the reservoirs drive away fish species that are dependent on flowing water habitats. This paper assesses the distribution of fish species in the 3S rivers—Sekong, Sesan and Sre Pok, in Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam—using IUCN Red List-assessed species distribution by HydroBasin Level 8 from the freshwater reports of the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) and their connectivity with the Mekong. There are currently 61 commissioned dams in the 3S basins and a further 2 under construction, 23 of which are larger than the 30 MW installed capacity. A further 24 HPPs are proposed or planned in these basins. The changes in connectivity caused by the dams are measured by adapting the River Class Connectivity Index (RCICLASS); the original connectivity of the 3S basin taking into account the two major waterfalls in the Sesan and Sre Pok rivers was estimated at 80.9%. With existing dams, the connectivity has been reduced to 23.5%, and with all planned dams, it is reduced further to 10.9%. The resulting re-distribution of fish species occurring throughout the 3S basins is explored, by focusing on migratory guilds and threatened and endemic fish species. With all dams built, it is predicted that the total numbers of species in HydroBasins above the dams will be reduced by 40–50%. The Threatened Species Index is estimated to fall from over 30 near the confluence of the three rivers to less than 10 above the lowest dams on the 3S rivers. The analysis demonstrates how widely available global and regional datasets can be used to assess the impacts of dams on fish biodiversity in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian is one of the most valuable and expensive fruits in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Leaf nutritional disorders are considered to be causes of reductions in fruit yield and quality. However, studies on the nutritional balance in durian leaf are limited. In this study, we used the DRIS method for leaf limitation nutrient diagnosis at the stage 2 months before durian flowering. Our objectives were to (i) establish DRIS norms for the macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) in durian leaf and (ii) determine nutrient value ranges that are insufficient or excessive in durian production. A total of 180 leaf samples were collected and examined from 90 durian orchards cultivated on alluvial soils in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The results indicate that DRIS establishment for durian was highly reliable due to the significant positive correlation (r > 0.5) among nutrient indices. The limiting nutrients in durian leaf at the investigation stage were S, Mg, Ca, and P, where S and Mg were the most deficient. The optimal ranges of nutrients in durian leaf were determined and recommended in this study. Further studies are necessary to validate the efficiency of DRIS using nutrient omission trials under durian cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of financial development and renewable energy consumption in Vietnam and some selected countries in Southeast Asia. After researching over the period from 1970 to 2022, using quantitative analyses, including the ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects method (FEM), and random effects method (REM), and measuring the Driscoll–Kraay standard errors to assess cross-dependence between countries as well as a Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) estimation analysis to evaluate the robustness of the research, the research results confirm that financial development has a negative impact on renewable energy consumption, which reflects the important role of fossil energy sources in meeting energy consumption demand. Similarly, increased per capita income negatively affects renewable energy consumption. This study also confirms the positive impact of foreign direct investment on renewable energy use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, approach the living standards of developed countries, their copper demand is set to rise. This study investigates Vietnam's copper stock and flow from 1995 to 2050, employing dynamic material flow analysis and five socioeconomic pathway scenarios (SSPs). Based on this, the secondary copper reserves of Vietnam were assessed. The results showed that the domestic copper demand is expected to grow to 526–1062 kt, resulting in a rapid increase in scrap generation. In 2022, Vietnam's secondary copper reserves stood at 2.2 Mt and are projected to reach 6.8–8.6 Mt by 2050 under the SSP2 scenario. This corresponds to 3.6–4.6 times the 1.8 Mt primary copper reserve of Vietnam. However, these primary and secondary reserves cannot meet the cumulated demand by 2050. On the other hand, a large amount of copper, 8.9 Mt to 10 Mt, will become difficult-to-recover resources, such as waste in landfill sites, dissipated materials, or mixed metal loss. To promote the sustainable use of copper in Vietnam, we recommend increased geological expedition and mining investment, and improved waste management systems related to secondary resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical solution used for managing dental caries. The mixed-methods study consists of a quantitative study (questionnaire survey) and a qualitative study (in-depth interview) to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards SDF among dentists in Vietnam. A descriptive approach and a thematic approach were performed to analyze data, respectively. The questionnaire survey invited 436 licensed dentists registered for the national annual dental meeting and 226 dentists participated (response rate: 52%). Among them, 174 (77%, 174/226) dentists knew SDF, and 69 (40%, 69/174) dentists used SDF for caries management. Most of them considered SDF therapy as non-invasive (84%, 146/174) and simple (80%, 140/174). However, most of them expressed concern that SDF could discolor the tooth (74%, 128/174). Their most preferred teeth for SDF therapy were primary posterior teeth (92%, 160/174). The in-depth interview consulted 16 dentists to reach data saturation. They learned about SDF from outside curriculum resources as an effective anti-caries agent. They understood the advantages (simple, non-invasive, timesaving) and disadvantages (tooth discoloring, ammonia odor) of SDF. They used SDF to arrest caries in uncooperative children in the clinic and people living in rural areas in outreach services. Most dentists in Vietnam are supportive of SDF therapy, and they know its advantages and disadvantages for caries management. The results addressed the aim of the study to investigate Vietnamese dentists' perspectives towards SDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health of urban populations is increasingly at risk due to the amplification and chronification of urban heat stress by climate change. This is particularly true for urban environments in humid tropical climates, including many cities in Southeast Asia. It is also in these locations where increasing climatic risks may be exacerbated by urban growth, underscoring the need to develop effective mitigation strategies for strengthening urban resilience and supporting climate change adaptation. Conservation and widespread implementation of green infrastructure (GI) are regarded as one means to counter heat as a public health threat. However, for lower-income countries across Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, knowledge gaps remain with respect to the effectiveness of greening interventions for heat mitigation. To address this gap, in the context of urban expansion in the humid tropical city of Huế, Vietnam, diurnal cooling potential and regulation of outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) within a wide, shallow street canyon were systematically assessed for selected elements of GI along a quantitative and qualitative dimension using ENVI-met. Tree-based interventions were found to be most effective, potentially decreasing UTCI by −1.9 K at the domain level. Although lower in magnitude, green verges and green facades were also found to contribute to OTC, with green verges decreasing UTCI by up to −1.7 K and green facades by up to −1.4 K locally. Potential synergistic cooling impacts were identified through a combination of GI elements. However, no scenario was found to decrease heat stress to zero or moderate levels. Substantially reducing heat stress may thus require further measures and a closer consideration of local morphological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy (CE), a sustainability concept that promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction, has garnered significant popularity in recent years due to its potential to address pressing environmental and economic challenges. This study applies the Bayesian Mindsponge Mindspongeconomics (BMM) framework/analytic method, based on the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF), to the factors influencing young adults' pro-environmental behavior and their purchases of green products at different price levels. The findings indicate that young adults who are knowledgeable about the CE and who value environmental protection and energy conservation are more likely to engage in waste sorting, while the factors that affect their willingness to pay (WTP) more for green and energy-saving products vary at different price tiers. This study demonstrates that knowledge of the CE, daily waste sorting habits, and environmental concern positively impact young adults' WTP for products that are priced 5%, 10%, and 15% higher, respectively. Furthermore, this study also highlights the potential of educational programs and cultural influences in nurturing a generation that prioritizes environmental value. This research integrates multidisciplinary perspectives and offers practical implications for policymakers, educators, and businesses seeking to promote green literacy and foster an environmental culture among the youth, contributing to the broader goals of green transformation and sustainable development associated with the CE and the green economy, especially in the urban areas of emerging countries and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of urbanization on household health expenditure. Using a unique bi-annually household-level dataset from 2012–2016 from Vietnam, we obtain key findings as follows. To mitigate possible endogeneity concerns, we utilize a two-stage least squares regression (2SLS) approach, employing the development of information and communication (ICT) infrastructure at the province level as an instrumental variable (IV). The key findings can be summarized as follows. First, urbanization significantly reduces Vietnamese households' inpatient and outpatient health expenses. Second, the self-treatment expenses of households increase as the process of urbanization advances. In addition, we perform various robustness checks, encompassing different measures of urbanization, the use of lag of urbanization as an additional IV, and the plausible exogenous IV. The outcomes derived from these rigorous sensitivity analyses substantiate the reliability and consistency of our key results. Finally, we propose different ways to explain these results, including health insurance expenses and household income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses how the local institutional environment affects the internationalization of manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam, exploiting a multi-dimensional institutional index and large-scale enterprise data. The authors find that the internationalization of manufacturing SMEs was influenced by several institutional aspects, such as the transparency of local authorities, access to land, informal charges, and local labor policies. Improvements in these institutional aspects can substantially enhance participation in international trade and its magnitude. This pattern diverges from their large and foreign counterparts, whose trade participation is primarily affected by land access and the transparency of local authorities. Additionally, the authors find heterogeneous effects of the institutional environment on SMEs in different manufacturing industries. Heavy industries rely more on the costs of entry and time costs, while land access is crucial for SMEs in manufacturing industries that require large-sized factories. Our findings suggest that the government should provide a supportive institutional environment to SMEs, which will lead to higher international participation and boost domestic economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between risk preferences and entrepreneurial decisions within the Vietnamese context through controlled laboratory experiments. Specifically, we examine whether individuals with higher levels of risk aversion are more likely to become fixed-wage employees, while those with a propensity for risk-taking are more likely to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Our findings underscore a significant relationship between risk aversion and the initiation of new businesses at the point of decision-making. Individuals exhibiting greater risk aversion demonstrate a decreased likelihood of venturing into entrepreneurship compared to their risk-taking or risk-neutral counterparts. Importantly, this relationship withstands variations in experimental measures of risk preferences, affirming its robustness across diverse contexts. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of risk attitudes in shaping entrepreneurial behavior and hold implications for policy interventions aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E. coli is an important zoonotic pathogen capable of causing foodborne illness and bovine mastitis. Bacteriophages have been increasingly considered a promising tool to control unwanted bacteria. The aim of this study is to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli isolated from raw milk and the efficacy of phage in controlling multidrug-resistant E. coli in raw milk. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed the highest resistance rates of E. coli isolates to co-trime (27.34%) and ampicillin (27.34%), followed by streptomycin (25.18%), tetracycline (23.02%), and the lowest resistance rates to ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, and ceftazidime, all at a rate of 2.16%. All isolates were susceptible to meropenem. Of the 139 E. coli isolates, 57 (41.01%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 35 (25.18%) were classified as MDR strains. Molecular characterization indicated that 5 (3.6%) out of the 139 isolates were STEC strains carrying stx1 gene. Seven (5.04%) isolates were phenotypically identified as ESBLEC, and four isolates (2.88%) were resistant to colistin. The results of the genotypic test revealed that four out of seven ESBLEC strains carried both blaTEM and blaCTX-M-1, two harbored blaTEM, and one possessed blaCTX-M-1, while mcr-1 was detected in all four colistin-resistant E. coli isolates. In particular, one isolated E. coli strain (EM148) was determined to be a multidrug-resistant strain simultaneously carrying blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1, and mcr-1. A total of eight phages were successfully recovered from raw milk. The application of phage PEM3 significantly reduced viable counts of multidrug-resistant host EM148 in raw milk by at least 2.31 log CFU/mL at both 24 °C and 4 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edwardsiella ictaluri is responsible for causing bacillary necrosis (BNP) in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in Vietnam. This study offers a comprehensive genomic characterization of E. ictaluri to enhance understanding of the molecular epidemiology, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance. E. ictaluri isolates were collected from diseased striped catfish in the Mekong Delta. The species was confirmed through PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using minimum inhibitory concentrations for commonly used antimicrobials. Thirty representative isolates were selected for whole genome sequencing to delineate their genomic profiles and phylogeny. All strains belonged to ST-26 and exhibited genetic relatedness, differing by a maximum of 90 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Most isolates carried multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, with the tet(A) gene present in 63% and floR in 77% of the genomes. The ESBL gene, blaCTX-M-15, was identified in 30% of the genomes. Three plasmid replicon types were identified: IncA, p0111, and IncQ1. The genomes clustered into two clades based on their virulence gene profile, one group with the T3SS genes and one without. The genetic similarity among Vietnamese isolates suggests that disease spread occurs within the Mekong region, underscoring the importance of source tracking, reservoir identification, and implementation of necessary biosecurity measures to mitigate spread of BNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Malaria continues to be a significant global health challenge. The efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) has declined in many parts of the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Vietnam, due to the spread of resistant malaria strains. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of the Dihydroartemisinin (DHA)–Piperaquine (PPQ) regimen in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria and to conduct molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance in Binh Phuoc and Dak Nong provinces. Materials and Methods: The study included 63 uncomplicated malaria falciparum patients from therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) treated following the WHO treatment guidelines (2009). Molecular marker analysis was performed on all 63 patients. Methods encompassed Sanger sequencing for pfK13 mutations and quantitative real-time PCR for the pfpm2 gene. Results: This study found a marked decrease in the efficacy of the DHA-PPQ regimen, with an increased rate of treatment failures at two study sites. Genetic analysis revealed a significant presence of pfK13 mutations and pfpm2 amplifications, indicating emerging resistance to artemisinin and its partner drug. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the standard DHA-PPQ regimen has sharply declined, with rising treatment failure rates. This decline necessitates a review and possible revision of national malaria treatment guidelines. Importantly, molecular monitoring and clinical efficacy assessments together provide a robust framework for understanding and addressing detection drug resistance in malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoscale eddies are structures of seawater motion with horizontal scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers, impact depths of tens to hundreds of meters, and time scales of days to months. This study presents a statistical analysis of mesoscale eddies in the South China Sea (SCS) from 1993 to 2021 based on eddies extracted from satellite remote sensing data using the vector geometry eddy detection method. On average, about 230 eddies with a wide spatial and temporal distribution are observed each year, and the numbers of CEs (52.2%) and AEs (47.8%) are almost similar, with a significant correlation in spatial distribution. In this article, eddies with a lifetime of at least 28 days (17% of the number of total eddies) are referred to as strong eddies (SEs). The SEs in the SCS that persist for several years in similar months and locations, such as the well-known dipole eddies consisting of CEs and AEs offshore eastern Vietnam, are defined as persistent strong eddies (PSEs). SEs and PSEs affect the thermohaline structure, current field, and material and energy transport in the upper ocean. This paper is important as it names the SEs and PSEs, and the naming of eddies can facilitate research on specific major eddies and improve public understanding of mesoscale eddies as important oceanic phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuna products are among the most popular seafoods in the world and widely traded across the globe. China is a major contributor to the worldwide tuna industry as both a producer and an exporter. Employing the Constant Market Share model, this study examines the factors influencing the variations in China's tuna exports from 2002 to 2022, focusing on global, country, and product type levels. Results show that (1) China's expanded tuna exporting trade is partially due to the rising worldwide demand for tuna, which is mostly prominent in China's tuna exports to the USA, Vietnam, and Malaysia, as well as its exports of frozen tuna products. (2) China's competitive edge in tuna exports has steadily strengthened in most of its principal exporting markets, especially in Japan and the fresh tuna markets. Nevertheless, the competitiveness structure of Chinese tuna exports has challenges in satisfying the diverse requirements of different nations (regions) for various types of tuna products. (3) The second-order effect has been the primary driver of the expansion in Chinese tuna exports, with its contribution rate consistently rising in recent years. In response to the changes in international and domestic tuna markets, China must implement strategies to maximize the potential of the tuna importing market, further improve its global competitiveness, enhance communication and coordination among domestic and international tuna stakeholders, and cultivate domestic tuna markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH) has intensified efforts in its aim to eliminate AIDS by 2030. Expanding the program for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) is a significant step towards achieving this goal. However, there are still HIV-exposed children who do not have access to PMTCT services, and some who have participated in the program but still contracted HIV. This study focused on assessing the prevalence and profile of HIV mutations among children under 18 months of age who had recently tested positive for HIV, while gaining insights into the implementation of early infant diagnostic (EID) tests. Between 2017 and 2021, 3.43% of 5854 collected dry blood spot (DBS) specimens from Vietnam's Central and Southern regions showed positive EID results. This study identified a high prevalence of resistance mutations in children, totaling 62.9% (95% CI: 53.5–72.3). The highest prevalence of mutations was observed for NNRTIs, with 57.1% (95% CI: 47.5–66.8). Common mutations included Y181C and K103N (NNRTI resistance), M184I/V (NRTI resistance), and no major mutations for PI. The percentage of children with any resistance mutation was significantly higher among those who received PMTCT interventions (69.2%; 95% CI: 50.5–92.6%) compared with those without PMTCT (45.0%; 95% CI: 26.7–71.1%) with χ2 = 6.06, p = 0.0138, and OR = 2.75 (95% CI: 1.13–6.74). Mutation profiles revealed that polymorphic mutations could be present regardless of whether PMTCT interventions were implemented or not. However, non-polymorphic drug resistance mutations were predominantly observed in children who received PMTCT measures. Regarding PMTCT program characteristics, this study highlights the issue of late access to HIV testing for both mothers and their infected children. Statistical differences were observed between PMTCT and non-PMTCT children. The proportion of late detection of HIV infection and breastfeeding rates were significantly higher among non-PMTCT children (p < 0.05). Comparative analysis between children with low viral load (≤200 copies/mL) and high viral load (>200 copies/mL) showed significant differences between the mothers' current ART regimens (p = 0.029) and the ARV prophylaxis regimen for children (p = 0.016). These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive surveillance to assess the effectiveness of the PMTCT program, including potential transmission of HIV drug-resistance mutations from mothers to children in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ca Mau Peninsula, situated in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, features low-lying terrain. In addition to the challenges posed by climate change, land subsidence in the area is exacerbated by the overexploitation of groundwater and intensive agricultural practices. In this study, we assessed the land subsidence susceptibility in the Ca Mau Peninsula utilizing three boosting machine learning models: AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). Eight key factors were identified as the most influential in land subsidence within Ca Mau: land cover (LULC), groundwater depth, digital terrain model (DTM), normalized vegetation index (NDVI), geology, soil composition, distance to roads, and distance to rivers and streams. The dataset includes 2011 points referenced from the Persistent Scattering SAR Interferometry (PSI) method, of which 1011 points are subsidence points and the remaining are non-subsidence points. The sample points were split, with 70% allocated to the training set and 30% to the testing set. Following computation and execution, the three models underwent evaluation for accuracy using statistical metrics such as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), specificity, sensitivity, and overall accuracy (ACC). The research findings revealed that the XGB model exhibited the highest accuracy, achieving an AUC and ACC above 0.88 for both the training and test sets. Consequently, XGB was chosen to construct a land subsidence susceptibility map for the Ca Mau Peninsula. In addition, 31 subsidence points measured by leveling surveys between 2005 and 2020, provided by the Department of Survey, Mapping and Geographic Information Vietnam, were used for validating the land subsidence susceptibility from the XGB method. The findings indicate a 70.9% accuracy rate in predicting subsidence susceptibility compared to the leveling measurement points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

François' langur is an Endangered colobine inhabiting limestone habitats in southern China and northern Vietnam. Its global population has been estimated to be just more than 2000 mature individuals. Populations in Vietnam are highly fragmented with reportedly fewer than 200 adults in total and 50 in a single location. Although the François' langur in Vietnam is highly imperiled as remnant populations persist in only three to four sites, little research has been carried out to provide a reliable estimate of its remaining population. In this study, we conducted field surveys in Lam Binh District, Tuyen Quang Province, northeastern Vietnam. In total, we recorded at least 16 groups of François' langurs, with 156 individuals, raising the total number of individuals by approximately 10% compared to a previous study. The group structure, group size, activity budget, and density of the Lam Binh population resemble those reported in François' langurs in China and other limestone langur species. The results show that the behavior ecology of limestone langurs significantly differs from that of forest langurs probably because they occupy separate habitats with distinctly different environmental variables. During our surveys, we detected a number of direct threats to this population, namely illegal logging, hunting, firewood collecting, hydropower development, grazing, and mining. It is recommended that the protection forest be elevated to the nature reserve status to better protect the most important population of the François' langur in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, Gram-negative bacteria, strain KR3-3T isolated from fresh soil in Korea and strain VNH31T obtained from soil samples from motorbike repair workshop floors in Vietnam, were identified. Phylogenetic analysis utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed their affiliation with the family Sphingobacteriaceae and their relation to the genus Pedobacter, exhibiting 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities lower than 98.00% with all known species within the genus Pedobacter. Growth of VNH31T and KR3-3T was impeded by NaCl concentrations exceeding >0.5% and 1.5%, respectively, while they both thrived optimally at temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 °C. Notably, neither strain reduced nitrate to nitrite nor produced indole. Negative results were observed for the acidification of D-glucose and hydrolysis of urea, gelatin, casein, and starch. VNH31T exhibited growth on β-galactosidase, sodium acetate, L-serine, and L-proline, whereas KR 3-3T demonstrated growth on D-glucose, D-mannose, D-maltose, N-acetyl-glucosamine, sucrose, sodium acetate, L-serine, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, and L-proline. Core genome-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two isolates formed distinct clusters within the genus Pedobacter. The DNA G+C contents of KR3-3T and VNH31T were determined to be 44.12 mol% and 32.96 mol%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness values (67.19–74.19% and 17.6–23.6%, respectively) between the Pedobacter isolates and the closely related type strains fell below the threshold values utilized for species delineation. Following comprehensive genomic, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic analyses, the isolated strains are proposed as two novel species within the genus Pedobacter, named Pedobacter albus sp. nov. (type strain KR3-3T = KACC 23486T = NBRC 116682T) and Pedobacter flavus sp. nov. (type strain VNH31T = KACC 23297T = CCTCC AB 2023109T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]