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Abstract Background Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a vaginal inflammation characterized by disruption of the lactobacillus microbiota and increased counts of different aerobic bacteria. AV may result in severe complications, especially during pregnancy, including preterm delivery, neonatal and maternal infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AV in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the relationship between AV and pregnancy outcomes. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study included 323 pregnant women attending for routine antenatal care in the Hue University Hospital. Vaginal samples collected at the third trimester of pregnancy were evaluated for AV according to the scoring system of Donders and cultured for identification of predominant bacteria. Pregnancy was followed to its end, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded for both mothers and infants. Results The proportion of pregnant women diagnosed with AV in the third trimester was found to be 15.5%, with the vast majority of the cases (84%) displaying the light AV and 16% the moderate AV. The vaginal cultures in the women with AV revealed most frequently Streptococcus agalactiae (6%), followed by Enterococcus spp (4%), Staphylococcus aureus (4%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (2%). In addition, AV during the last trimester of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of puerperal sepsis (OR 8.65, 95% CI: 1.41—53.16, p = 0.020) and there was a slightly increased risk for neonatal infections, which was statistically insignificant. Conclusions The proportion of AV is relatively high in Vietnamese pregnant women. Since it is associated with an increased risk of puerperal sepsis, it needs to be diagnosed and treated before delivery.

This study explores the practical application of online applications in innovating the organization of teaching activities within public schools in Hue City, Vietnam. The research investigates the nuanced dynamics of execution and efficiency in using online applications across various teaching categories. The study employs a systematic approach to participant selection using stratified sampling based on geographical criteria to ensure representation from both the northern and southern regions of the city. A total of 192 teacher survey questionnaires were distributed focusing on the execution and efficiency of online applications in categories such as warm-up activities, knowledge building, review and consolidation, practice activities and testing and assessment. The commitment to data quality is demonstrated by the high response rate with 187 valid questionnaires collected (97.3% of the expected sample). Statistical analyses including mean scores, standard deviations and correlation coefficients were employed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of online application integration in teaching activities. The findings reveal varying levels of execution and efficiency across different teaching categories emphasizing the need for targeted improvement strategies. Strong positive correlations were observed in specific categories such as practice activities highlighting a consistent association between effective execution and efficiency. The study contributes valuable insights to the discourse on technology integration in education, offering recommendations for teachers, administrators and policymakers seeking to optimize the impact of online applications on teaching practices in the Vietnamese educational context.

This study conducted a comparative analysis of critical reading skills among engineering students at private universities in Malaysia and Vietnam, using the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reading framework. Involving 182 undergraduates, the research included a quantitative critical reading test followed by statistical analysis (T-tests) to examine score variability among first-year and final-year students. The analysis revealed significant performance differences among first-year students but not among final-year students from both countries. To complement the quantitative data, semi-structured interviews with 16 participants across different critical reading levels were conducted. These interviews aimed to capture students' perspectives on the PISA test, highlighting challenges such as the Western orientation of texts, English vocabulary, and the format of open-ended questions. Integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, the study offers an in-depth understanding of the critical reading abilities of engineering students in Malaysia and Vietnam, underscoring the importance of considering cultural and linguistic factors in educational assessments.

Educational reforms in many Asian countries, particularly in China and Vietnam, have highlighted the pivotal role of the constructivist approach. However, the implementation of constructivism into the classroom is still very challenging for teachers. Although there is a wealth of research on constructivism, few studies have focused on the difficulties teachers often encounter when organizing constructivist lessons, especially in the EFL context. To address this gap, this study employed a mixed-methods approach, including triangulated data (a questionnaire, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews) with the participation of 120 EFL teachers in a private university in Vietnam. The findings indicate that teachers faced a wide array of problems in their constructivist classes, including conceptual, pedagogical, cultural, political, and technological dilemmas. Furthermore, they did not comprehend constructivism as they believed, probably due to a superficial understanding of this approach or the effect of Confucian culture. Additionally, this study verifies and contributes to the framework of Windschitl regarding the four dilemmas teachers often confront in constructivist classrooms. Theoretical and practical implications for future researchers as well as for educational stakeholders and institutional leaders on what should be taken into careful consideration prior to the incorporation of constructivism, were also discussed in detail.

E-learning has gained popularity as a method of delivering education recently and offers many advantages to enhance the learning experience for students. Technology allows teachers to design more interactive and engaging lessons that cater to different learning styles. It can also provide opportunities for teachers to incorporate virtual simulations and real-time data which can help students better understand complex concepts. The total number of survey samples was 187 teachers. Awareness of the need and purpose of applying information literacy in the organization of teaching activities was created to analyze. The results of the findings were interpreted in three ways: (1) Self-assessment of teachers' competence in applying technology in organizing teaching activities. (2) Awareness of the necessity of using online applications in organizing teaching activities in schools. (3) Awareness of the goal of using online applications in the organization of teaching activities. Based on the results of the current study, the article establishes the process of applying online applications in the organization of teaching activities and proposes recommendations for subjects directly related to the application of online applications. High school administrators, teachers and educational management agencies at all levels are using online innovation to organize teaching activities in high schools.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic infections remain prevalent in Viet Nam. Therefore, ensuring quality assurance in intestinal parasite testing is crucial for screening laboratories. The challenges associated with liquid or glass slide samples necessitate the exploration of digital slide applications, which can offer numerous benefits to program suppliers and participants. OBJECTIVES: Compare the true and concordance rates of digital and glass slides for diagnosis. DESIGN: Experimental research design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 30 medical professionals from 30 hospitals participated in the trial. The sets of slides encompassed a range of densities, including negative and coinfected slides. Seven types of glass slides were selected for scanning and digital slide production. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were true and concordance variables. Secondary outcomes included time sample sending and time completion. The digital slides were uploaded to a secure website for participant access while glass slides were sent individually by mail. Data collection involved participants analyzing specimens and reporting their results using a scoring method based on parasite detection and identification accuracy. SAMPLE SIZE: 210 glass and digital slide-reading results each. RESULTS: The mean true rate between original and glass slides diagnosis was 97.6% (range 90.0%–100%), and it slightly increased to 98.1% (range 90.0%–100%) when using digital slides. The average concordance diagnosis rate between glass and digital slides was 99.5%. Importantly, there were no differences in the diagnostic results between glass and digital slides. The findings revealed that the use of digital slides reduced the total time required by approximately 1.1 days compared with that of glass slides. CONCLUSION: Altogether, the application of digital slides in the external quality assessment program for intestinal parasites offers convenience for users through online platforms and saves operational time process. LIMITATIONS: The small sample size in this experimental study limited the statistical significance of the comparisons.

Abstract Tessellations (surface architectures of arrays of hard tiles) are common in natural and man-made designs. Boxfishes (Ostracioidea) are almost completely encased in a tessellated armor and have evolved a plethora of cross-sectional carapace shapes, yet whether the scutes constructing these exhibit comparable variation is unknown. Using high-resolution microCT and semi-automatic segmentation algorithms, we quantitatively examined thousands of scutes from 13 species of diverse body form. A cluster analysis revealed that certain scute types are associated with specific carapace regions independent of carapace shape. Scute types differentiate between carapace edges and flat regions, as well as between the head region with many carapace openings and the more consistently closed abdominal region, pointing at a constructional commonality or constraint shared by all boxfish species. However, the dimensions of edge scutes varied systematically with carapace shape (e.g., scute aspect ratio tended to increase with decreasing carapace height). This suggests that protection is maintained across body forms by managing scute- and carapace-level mechanisms for increasing bending resistance. Future studies on other taxa are necessary to understand whether these architectural principles are specific evolutionary solutions for building a boxfish carapace or whether they are shared by other biological systems that serve a similar protective function.

Introduction Thyroid tumours are a common condition and open surgery is a conventional method for treating benign thyroid tumours when surgery is indicated. In this study, we evaluate the outcomes of benign thyroid tumour treatment using transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach (TOETVA) and compare the results with those of conventional open thyroidectomy (COT). Patients and Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study between 100 patients who underwent TOETVA and 100 who underwent COT surgery for benign diseases from June 2018 to December 2021 in our hospital. Outcomes between the two groups, including post-operative complications, operative time and length of stay, were compared. Results The surgical time in the TOETVA group was significantly longer than in the COT group. The operative time of lobectomy in the TOETVA and COT groups was 77.5 ± 13.3 and 51.5 ± 4.2 min, respectively, with a P < 0.001. The operative time of total thyroidectomy in the TOETVA and COT groups was 108.1 ± 7.0 and 65.0 ± 4.1 min, respectively, with a P < 0.001. There was no difference in post-operative length of stay between the two groups. In TOETVA group, there were no patients who converted to open surgery. Amongst all 200 patients in the study, there were no cases of post-operative bleeding. The transient hypoparathyroidism rate after surgery in the TOETVA and COT groups was 3% and 2%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.651). Similarly, the transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury rate showed no difference between the two groups, with rates of 5% and 4% in the TOETVA and COT groups, respectively (P = 0.733). There were no cases of post-operative infection in either group in our study. At 3 months postoperatively, the cosmetic satisfaction were significantly higher in the endoscopic groups than in the conventional group (P < 0.001). Conclusions TOETVA is a safe and effective method, with a low complication rate and optimal aesthetic results compared to traditional surgery to treat benign thyroid tumours.

This investigation delves into the comparative reticence and passive participation tendencies among engineering students from Malaysia and Vietnam, challenging the prevailing pedagogical paradigms that prioritize vocal engagement and analytical prowess in educational forums. Through a meticulous phenomenographic qualitative analysis of 16 students from two private tertiary institutions, this study unveils the profound influence of ingrained cultural hierarchies and the authoritative educator archetype on the students’ hesitance to initiate inquiries in academic settings. The findings illuminate the pivotal role of educator responsiveness in either fostering or hindering student engagement and the development of critical analytical faculties. Proposing pedagogical strategies aimed at nurturing an educational milieu conducive to active participation and critical thinking for South East Asian learners, this research extends its implications to a broader academic discourse on culturally responsive teaching methodologies that promote inclusivity and active learning across diverse educational landscapes.

The graphene oxide-silver nanocomposites (AgNPs@GO) have attracted much attention due to their targeted effect and nontoxicity against normal cells. The toxic factors, including the chemical reagents during the synthesis of AgNPs@GO, must be considered and minimized for the cancer treatment application. This study aims to apply the response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) for investigating independent factors, including mass ratio Ag+/GO, temperature, and reaction time, to find the optimal conditions for graphene oxide-silver nanocomposite (AgNPs@GO) synthesis. The green tea leaves extract was used as an alternative reducing agent for the green synthesis of AgNPs@GO. The maximum absorption wavelength of AgNPs, highly dependent on silver nanoparticles' size and shape, was utilized as the target function. The results show optimal conditions for the green synthesis of AgNPs@GO with the mass ratio of Ag+/GO is 2:1 at 30 °C for 40 minutes. The average maximum absorption wavelength of the synthesized AgNPs@GO at the optimal condition of 416.78 nm, with silver nanoparticles on the GO sheet having an average size of 21.2 ± 5.61 nm, the round shape and distributed on the GO sheets uniformly, without aggregation. In addition, the synthesized AgNPs@GO was against HepG2, MDA231, and MDA453, with the IC₅₀ of 152.582, 152.428, and 199.844 μg/mL, respectively.

Although silver nanoparticles have long attracted scientists due to their remarkable antibacterial properties, the tendency of AgNPs to agglomerate results in diminished antibacterial activities and increased toxicity against normal cells. Among carbon-based nanomaterials, graphene oxide (GO), the oxidized form of graphene, can be utilized as a base for AgNPs to grow and disperse. Regarding the chemical approach, it is conventional to engage sodium borohydride (NaBH4) or hydrazine to reduce silver ions. However, using excessive amounts of these chemicals raises concerns about toxicity in biomedical applications and environmental issues. Here, this work report the synthesis of AgNPs@GO nanocomposites by reducing silver nitrate on GO using various green reducing agents, including ascorbic acid, Houttuynia cordata Thunb. leaf extract, Coffea robusta L. Linden (Robusta green coffee) bean extract, and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (green tea) leaf extract. The synthesized AgNPs@GO were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectrum, UV–Vis analysis, and dynamic light scattering, followed by an evaluation of the antibacterial activity using the diffusion agar method. The results demonstrate the high potential of green tea as a green-reducing agent in the synthesis procedure of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs@GO using green tea extract showed a similar UV–Vis spectral shape compared to the AgNPs@GO synthesized using NaBH4 with the maximum absorption wavelengths of AgNPs at 428 nm and GO at 203.5 nm. The AgNPs@GO synthesized also had the smallest average diameter (609.67 nm) and the highest magnitude of the zeta potential (29.83 mV) among all synthesized samples. Noteworthy is that AgNPs@GO synthesized with green tea extract demonstrated significant stability over 40 days. Furthermore, the results of the antibacterial experiments reveal that the diameter of the inhibitory zone was approximately 2 mm, half that of the control drug amoxicillin (1 mg/mL). In summary, green tea leaf extract emerged as the most effective reducing agent for the eco-friendly synthesis of stable and durable AgNPs@GO. This indicates a suitable and straightforward process for large-scale antibacterial production with potential applications in biological wastewater treatment.

AbstractThe objective of this study is to evaluate the critical reading (CR) strategies utilized by English major students at a university in Vietnam, identifying both frequently employed and underutilized tactics. The study encompassed a quantitative survey of 147 students who had successfully finished a CR course in their curriculum, supplemented by qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews with 12 individuals. The findings suggest that students have a significant inclination to depend on lower-level cognitive abilities, rather than actively participating in higher-level critical thinking. The study reveals several obstacles that impede the development of effective critical reading skills. These include deficiencies in language proficiency, a limited comprehension of critical reading strategies, insufficient instructional assistance, and a dearth of diverse and captivating critical reading tasks. This study offers a thorough examination of the critical reading techniques and challenges encountered by students majoring in English, illuminating potential areas for enhancing pedagogical practices in reading instruction.

AbstractUsing the GJR-GARCH method, this study examines the safe-haven role of gold, US dollar, and Bitcoin over a period including the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 3 April 2006 to 19 May 2023. The study supports the hypothesis that the safe-haven role of assets changes over periods of crisis. Specifically, gold loses its role as a safe-haven asset during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this role has been restored in the Dutch, US and German markets during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Similarly, Bitcoin is not a safe-haven asset during the COVID-19 pandemic but is a strong safe-haven asset for the stock markets of some European countries, and a weak safe-haven asset for China when the Russia-Ukraine conflict occurred. Only the USD acts as a stable safe-haven asset through periods of crisis. However, this role is weakened in Russia. These results partly help investors and portfolio managers choose a safe haven for their assets, especially during volatile market periods.

Introduction: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that the function of venous system is impaired due to insufficiency of venous valves. The prolonged periods of standing or sitting is considered the most crucial risk factor of CVI. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CVI among seafood processing workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through clinical examination and face-to-face interviews with 1160 seafood processing workers in Hai Phong from March to November in 2023 to assess the prevalence and associated factors to CVI. Results: The prevalence of CVI was 51.9%; the prevalent symptom was restless legs (54.0%); nocturnal cramps (49.3%); tight feeling in calves (43.2%); pins and needles (36.4%); edema lower legs (28.6%). Of all participants 4.1% were C0, 82.9% were C1, 11.0% were C2 and 2.0% were C3. Some factors associated with CVI: female (OR = 2.51, p=0.002); advanced age; prolonged periods of standing or sitting (OR = 2.08, p=0.001); overweight and obesity (OR =1.82, p=0.037); Abdominal obesity (OR =2.11, p=0.025); diabetes (OR = 1.95, p=0.045); hypertension (OR =2.59, p=0.004); gave birth to 2 and 3 children (OR = 1.78 and 2.35, p=0.002); working time over 8 hours per day (OR =3.87, p