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Abstract This study aims to investigate the potential for enhancing financial contributions to nature conservation and/or environment protection contributed by citizens and/or the private sector in Vietnam. Specifically, the study empirically examines the antecedents of the utilization patterns and financial contribution of city dwellers to public and national parks. We introduce and use a novel CBMM analytic method (Bayesian mindsponge mindspongeconomics combined with Culture Tower) to analyze the dataset of 535 Vietnamese urban residents surveyed in late 2020. Empirical results demonstrate that the more frequently individuals visit parks, the more likely they are to contribute financially to projects in parks as a whole. In addition, having trees in the house positively correlates with donations to national park conservation projects, while the intention to visit a national park in the next 12 months encourages urban residents to contribute to planting projects in public parks. These results suggest that improved environmental literacy and nature connectedness can help encourage citizens to act collectively to help alleviate the financial burden in dealing with environmental issues. We also found that the increased frequency of bushmeat consumption impedes people’s intention to support conservation projects, implying that the consumer culture of nature might be a hindrance in the efforts to engage the public. Based on the findings, this study offers not only the key solution to alleviate financial burdens for nature conservation but also paves the way to nurture and foster environmental culture associated with closer nature connectedness and improved consumption culture for a sustainable future in years to come.

Generalized lymphangiomatosis (GLA) is a very rare condition in adults, characterized by diffused proliferation of lymphatic vessels that requires differential diagnosis from other vascular disorders such as cavernous or capillary hemangioma. This is because of overlapping characteristics on histopathological examination. Therefore, imaging features such as CT and MRI are useful to evaluate morphological characteristics, location, and the extent of the spread as well as differential diagnosis with other pathologies. We report a case of a 22-year-old female patient with left hemothorax after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for the treatment of hand sweating. The patient underwent drainage and cleaning of the left pleura. Chest computed tomography and lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple fat infiltration foci of the lumbar spine and pelvis. A wing bone biopsy of the pelvis was initially performed for the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis. Afterwards, the patient continued to have pleural drainage and developed hemothorax and chylothorax, amounting to 3000 mL. The chest tube was blocked with a mixture of biological glue and lipiodol (2 mL of glue, ratio of glue to lipiodol: 1:4) and a 3 i-ED coil complex. After the intervention, the pleural fluid decreased; the left pleural fluid was still 15 mm thick, and the amount of fluid drained after 1 week was 100 mL. Aspiration of the chest wall lesion showed fluid rich in fat droplets. Combined with the results of lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging and the old biopsy, this was consistent with generalized lymphangiomatosis.

Undoubtedly, the significance of employing effective strategies for vocabulary acquisition in language learning cannot be overstated. Following this, the authors' research delves into the potential relationship between vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) and the vocabulary size of undergraduate students at the University of Danang - University of Foreign Language Studies (UD-UFLS). This study has three primary objectives: firstly, to gather and analyze the diverse strategies employed by undergraduate students for acquiring new English vocabulary; secondly, to examine the vocabulary size of these university students; and finally, to investigate the impact of VLS on the overall vocabulary size of the learners. Through this comprehensive approach, the authors' aim to gain deeper insights into the dynamic interplay between strategies and vocabulary knowledge, ultimately serving as a foundation for students at the university to make well-informed choices as they embark on their language -learning journey.

Betacyanin là nhóm chất màu tự nhiên quan trọng dùng để thay thế chất màu tổng hợp do đặc tính bền, không độc hại và có nhiều hoạt tính sinh học có lợi cho sức khỏe. Trong nghiên cứu này, betacyanin từ vỏ quả thanh long ruột trắng (Hylocereus undatus) được chiết bằng ethanol và xử lý siêu âm. Ảnh hưởng của các thông số đến hiệu suất chiết và bền màu của betacyanin đã được khảo sát. Kết quả cho thấy việc bổ sung các acid hữu cơ vào ethanol làm tăng đáng kể hiệu quả chiết và bền màu của betacyanin, trong đó ascorbic acid hiệu quả hơn citric acid. Điều kiện chiết tốt nhất đạt được là 40% (v/v) ethanol, 0,005 mol/L ascorbic acid, pH 2, 1/20 g/mL tỷ lệ rắn lỏng, 40oC, và 20 phút. Hiệu suất chiết betacyanin là 0,472 mg/g và sự phân hủy màu sau 24 giờ là nhỏ hơn 5%. Cao chiết chứa betacyanin có hoạt tính kháng oxi hóa và gây độc tế bào ung thư biểu bì KB. Như vậy, vỏ quả thanh long là nguồn nguyên liệu tiềm năng để sản xuất betacyanin, mang đến giá trị kinh tế và môi trường.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of wedelolactone, a major flavonoid from Vietnamese Eclipta prostrata (L) L., on inflammation and insulin resistance. Methods: Wedelolactone was extracted from the leaves of Vietnamese Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. with methanol by Soxhlet. The effects of wedelolactone on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activities in Raw 264.7 cells were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), specific immunofluorescent dyes and luminometric analysis, respectively. In addition, its effects on glucose uptake and the protein expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) were examined in 3T3-L1 cells by immunofluorescent dyes and Western blot. Results: Wedelolactone at 30 μg/mL significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 (P

Calcination temperature is a crucial parameter that can be easily controlled to induce a change in material properties. Herein, iron tungstate (FeWO4) was synthesized via a hydrothermal method using iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate and sodium tungstate dihydrate as precursors and calcined at the temperature between 300 oC and 700 oC. With increasing calcination temperature, the saturation magnetization of FeWO4 nanoparticles decreased from 6.6 emu/g for FeWO4 to 0.4 emu/g for FeWO4_700, whereas their band gaps increased from 1.95 eV for FeWO4 to 2.20 eV for FeWO4_700. More crystallinity and crystal defects, and morphological changes at higher calcination temperatures contributed to varying magneto-optical properties of FeWO4 nanoparticles.

Abstract It is shown that Birkhoff’s theorem for the general theory of relativity is overcome in the f(R)-theory of gravitation. That means, the f(R)-theory of gravitation, unlike Einstein’s general theory of relativity, does not forbid gravitational radiation from a spherically symmetric source (whether stationary or non-stationary). As a consequence, in the f(R)-theory a spherically symmetric gravitational deformation (e.g., collapse/expansion or pulsation) could emit gravitational waves (of tensor- and scalar polarization modes), a phenomenon impossible in the general relativity. A test model is examined and it turns out that the gravitational radiation is strongest when the surface of the deforming object is in the vicinity of the (modified) event horizon, even suddenly flares up just outside the latter. In this letter, within the f(R)-theory of gravitation, a gravitational wave equation and a formula for the gravitational emission power are derived. These formulae, along with searching for signals, can be used for the experimental test of the f(R)-theory. In general, including the spherically symmetry case, gravitational radiation of both tensor- and scalar polarization modes are allowed, although under some circumstance the contribution of scalar modes is strongly suppressed.

AbstractThe primary objective of this investigation is to attain a profound understanding of the favored English language acquisition strategies of self-identified extroverted learners in Vietnam. Employing a mixed-methods paradigm, the study used both survey questionnaires and qualitative interviews to gather data. The research participants, majoring in English, were instructed to self-determine their extroversion inclination based on the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The sample encompassed 17 self-proclaimed extroverted students, with a deliberately selected subset partaking in the qualitative interview segment. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to understand extroverted students’ preferences for different strategies. The qualitative data were further analyzed through thematic analysis, providing comprehensive perspectives on the students’ experiences and proclivities. Findings revealed that extroverted students favored cognitive, compensatory and metacognitive approaches. The implications of this research bear significant importance for language education, particularly in regions where English proficiency is paramount for economic competitiveness and scholarly achievement. By discerning the preferred learning strategies of extroverted students, teachers can devise captivating lessons, administer targeted feedback and advocate efficacious techniques that nurture self-awareness, growth and evolution. This may culminate in a more personalized and effective language learning experience, intensifying motivation and success in language acquisition. The study contributes to the overarching knowledge and apprehension of language learning, offering valuable insights for future research in the discipline.

Phillip Mitchell Johansen,1,&ast; Alan M Nguyen,2,&ast; Ali Ahmed Mohamed,1,&ast; Natasha Mehta,2,&ast; Julie Georgia Pilitsis,1,&ast; Benjamin Westerhaus,2,&ast; Anthony Giuffrida2,&ast; 1Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA; 2Cantor Spine Institute, Fort Laderdale, FL, USA&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Phillip Mitchell Johansen, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, BC 71, Room 235, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA, Tel +1 (561) 297-4341, Email p.m.johansen27@gmail.comIntroduction: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pathology is typically diagnosed and treated with fluoroscopy-guided intraarticular injections. Most practitioners use only an anteroposterior (AP) or oblique view. Although injection into the periarticular space may yield adequate pain relief, intraarticular needle placement is imperative to identify SIJ pathology and plan future management. This study highlights the importance of obtaining an additional lateral view during fluoroscopy to better evaluate SIJ disease.Methods: A retrospective review of 38 patients who underwent fluoroscopy guided SIJ injection was conducted, for which IRB approval was granted by the MetroWest Medical Center Institutional Review Board. Patient demographics (age, sex, BMI) and pre- and post-operative numerical rating scale (NRS) scores were collected, and initial needle location was reviewed. Patients were placed into groups according to initial needle location. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Mann–Whitney U-test with significance defined as p < 0.05.Results: The 21 females and 17 males had a mean age and BMI of 70.5 years and 27.8 kg/m2, respectively. Thirty-one patients had initial intraarticular needle placement confirmed with lateral arthrogram, and 7 patients had initial periarticular needle placement, requiring needle readjustment in lateral confirmatory view. Both groups had similar demographic characteristics. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups’ mean NRS score improvement (p=0.108).Conclusion: Using only the AP or oblique view during needle placement results in miss rates of nearly 20% while adding a lateral view can lower miss rates to near 0%. While pain relief may be adequate in either case, proper diagnosis and future management relies upon accurate needle placement.Keywords: corticosteroid injections, fluoroscopy, intraarticular, periarticular

This study explores the nexus between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade openness, exchange rate, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in Vietnam between 1986 and 2020.

AbstractThe present study investigates the relationship between innovation (INN) and foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction across 66 developing countries from 2013 to 2021. Adopting the Difference Generalized Method of Moments estimation, the study reveals a statistically positive INN-FDI nexus. Panel Granger causality analysis further indicates a bidirectional between the two variables. Additionally, via feature importance analysis, it is evident that market size, labor resources, and financial development play a critical role in strongly influencing FDI inflows, while innovation shows smaller magnitude. Furthermore, trade openness demonstrates a significantly positive impact on FDI with low impact, while inflation has an insignificantly negative effect on FDI. Policy implications are also discussed.

The ingested foreign body is a very unusual etiology of liver abscess. This clinical scenario is infrequently reported in the literature. A 66-year-old male patient presented to the hospital because of abdominal pain along with 7 days of right upper quadrant pain and intermittent low-grade fever. He was living in an epidemiological area of Fasciola infection. Physical examination showed right hypochondria tenderness without guarding or rebounding. Laboratory results were significant for leukocytosis, predominant neutrophils, and increased inflammatory markers. The liver function tests were within normal limits. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT scan were consistent with a hepatic abscess spread from segment 4B to segment 3. The patient was preliminarily diagnosed with a parasitic hepatic abscess. After management with fluid infusion and antibiotics, the patient was discharged in stable condition. Two weeks later, on the follow-up visit, the patient reported intermittent low-grade fever had persisted. After consulting the CT scan, an abnormal high-attenuation linear structure was identified inside the liver lesion, which is suspected of being a foreign body. Laparoscopic surgery was performed, and a fishbone was removed from the abscess cavity. Perforation was not found in the stomach, duodenum, or in the bowel. One week later, their condition was fully resolved. Liver abscess due to a foreign body should be suspected when a patient has radiology findings suggestive of an abscess, but the clinical presentation does not indicate the common etiologies. Meticulous observation on abdominal CT scans or ultrasonography can help with diagnosis and guide treatment.

Despite the rapidly growing body of research on sound symbolism, one issue that remains understudied is whether different types of sensory information interact in their sound symbolic effects. The experimental study reported here consisted of two tasks and focused on one such potential interaction: size associations and cuteness. First, a forced-choice task was conducted in which size ratings were elicited for pseudowords containing different vowels and consonants. The pseudowords were introduced as names of alien creatures, which were used as visual stimuli in the experiment. Second, the cuteness of alien creatures was assessed in a judgement task. Both tasks were completed by the same group of German speakers. In line with previous research, /aː/ was associated with largeness and /iː/ was associated with smallness. Further, we found that cuteness modulates size associations in /aː/ and /iː/. For /aː/ judged size increased, while for /iː/ judged size decreased with increasing cuteness. Regarding consonants, we found that /ʁ/ evoked higher size associations than other consonants under investigation. Interactions of cuteness and consonants did not reach significance. Our findings call for the integration of other possible factors and features that might show sound symbolic effects or interactions with such in sound symbolism research.

Comparing language tests and test preparation materials holds important implications for the latter's validity and reliability. However, not enough studies compare such materials across a wide range of indices. Therefore, this study investigated the text complexity of IELTS academic reading tests (IRT) and IELTS reading practice tests (IRPrT). Fine-grained quantitative analyses were undertaken to delineate measures of lexical, syntactic, and discourse complexity across a corpus of 108 IRT and 108 IRPrT published by Pearson, Macmillan, and Cengage Learning. The results suggest little difference between IRT and IRPrT at the lexical level; however, there were significant differences in some measures of syntactic and discourse level complexity. The findings bear implications for stakeholders including learners as test takers, instructors, material developers, and language testing researchers. We interpret this to mean that while IRPrT materials are lexically conducive to the practice for IRT and can provide a similar experience, the IRPrT do show some differences in the amount of subordination and idea repetition at the discourse level. Therefore, instructors and learners may seek to supplement practice with these structures when preparing for IRT, and the designers of such practice materials should consider aligning these factors in the future.

Although widely used in the textile industry, methyl orange is considered one of the most toxic dyes, which have negative impacts on the aquatic environment and needs to be removed from water bodies. Hence, the present paper reports the synthesis of new floating photo-Fenton catalysts based on the immobilization of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the surface of Luffa sponges for the oxalate-induced-degradation of methyl orange. The floating catalytic sponges were prepared through a simple precipitation method followed by a reflux heating process and then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectrometry, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments. According to the experimental results, methyl orange was effectively degraded over our floating catalytic sponges under light illumination at near neutral pH. The catalytic activity was also found to be enhanced with the increase in crystallinity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles, which can be achieved by the reflux heating. Besides, owing to the floating feature, these sponges are easily separated from the solution, thereby not forming a secondary source of pollution for water

In Vietnam, erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent and recognized to be associated with mental disorders; however, societal taboos impede a comprehensive understanding of this connection. Our study aims to investigate the factors related to higher levels of anxiety and/or depression (HAD) in individuals with ED. Between November 2022 and March 2023, a face-to-face survey was conducted at the Center for Andrology of Viet Duc University Hospital, involving 390 patients diagnosed with ED. The survey included 51 questions covering general patient information, the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The stepwise Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method was used to identify factors associated with HAD. The study revealed an average age of 37.63 (11.84) years among participants, with a HAD prevalence of 17.69%. Several factors were associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to the HAD group in ED patients. These factors included non-office workers (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: [1.01, 1.21], p = .025), medium and high levels of work-related stress (OR: 1.23; [1.06, 1.44], p = .008; OR: 1.22; [1.04, 1.45], p = .018), multiple shameful experiences related to ED (OR: 1.16; [1.08, 1.25], p < .001), moderate and severe ED (OR: 1.17; [1.03, 1.32], p = .013; OR: 1.31; [1.14, 1.51], p < .001), and dissatisfaction with intercourse skills (OR: 1.09; [1.01, 1.17], p = .028). Our findings suggest a 16% higher likelihood of HAD status in individuals with multiple shameful experiences related to ED, while moderate and severe ED are associated with respective increases of 17% and 31% in the likelihood. These findings emphasize the importance of considering mental health in the care of individuals with ED.

In the present work, AlN was modified with vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), and its effect on the properties of a thermally conductive composite of high impact polystyrene (HIPS), and AlN was investigated. Three composites, HIPS/AlN5, HIPS/AlN9, and HIPS/moAlN9, were prepared by mixing HIPS and AlN in a toluene solution, followed by hot pressing. The HIPS/AlN composite was characterized by tensile test, impact strength, flexural strength, and hardness shore D. The sample HIPS/moAlN9 showed the improvement of these properties compared to that of the HIPS/AlN9 sample. The increment of those mechanical properties was due to the good interaction between the modified AlN and HIPS resin matrix, which was revealed by morphology observation by SEM. Incorporating modified AlN into the HIPS matrix was also found to enhance the thermal conductivity by about 20%, from 0.15 for HIPS to 0.18 (W/m·K) for HIPS/moAlN9. It was explained due to the good adherence of AlN to the HIPS, which provided more thermal conductive routes than HIPS/AlN. This approach provides a possible strategy to prepare thermally conductive HIPS composite, which may be suitable for electronic device that required heat dissipation.

Abstract Secure environmental contexts are crucial for hominin interpretation and comparison. The discovery of a Denisovan individual and associated fauna at Tam Ngu Hao 2 (Cobra) Cave, Laos, dating back to 164–131 ka, allows for environmental comparisons between this (sub)tropical site and the Palearctic Denisovan sites of Denisova Cave (Russia) and Baishiya Karst Cave (China). Denisovans from northern latitudes foraged in a mix of forested and open landscapes, including tundra and steppe. Using stable isotope values from the Cobra Cave assemblage, we demonstrate that, despite the presence of nearby canopy forests, the Denisovan individual from Cobra Cave primarily consumed plants and/or animals from open forests and savannah. Using faunal evidence and proxy indicators of climates, results herein highlight a local expansion of rainforest at ~ 130 ka, raising questions about how Denisovans responded to this local climate change. Comparing the diet and habitat of the archaic hominin from Cobra Cave with those of early Homo sapiens from Tam Pà Ling Cave (46–43 ka), Laos, it appears that only our species was able to exploit rainforest resources.

Cut carrot pieces are popular convenience foods, which enable the use of misshapen or physiologically imperfect produce. Cut carrots curl due to residual stress, which limits their shelf life and causes unnecessary food waste. The aim of this study is to identify the geometrical and environmental factors which have the most influence on their longevity. An analytical equation was developed using compound cylinder solutions, and this was used to define carrot-specific finite element (FE) models. Over 100 longitudinally cut Lancashire Nantes carrot halves were characterized, each was modelled analytically and verified using FE models. This model was evaluated by comparing predicted curvatures to ones experimentally measured over a week. The average radius of curvature decreased from 1.61 to 1.1 m a week after. A 1.32× reduction in the elastic modulus after 7 days was observed. The moisture content reduction relates to 22% weight loss, correlating to the decreasing radius of curvature. Subsequently, carrots are recommended to be stored in humidity-controlled environments. The experimental results from this study match the predictions made using mechanical principles. The research provides a methodology to predict the deformation of cut root vegetables, and the procedure is likely to be applicable to other plant structures.

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.

We have repeated the experiment performed recently by ATOMKI Laboratory (Debrecen, Hungary), which may indicate a new particle called X17 in the literature. In order to obtain a reliable and independent result, we used a different structure of the electron–positron pair spectrometer at the VNU University of Science. The spectrometer has two arms and simpler acceptance and efficiency as a function of the correlation angle, but the other conditions of the experiment were very similar to the published ones. We could confirm the presence of the anomaly measured at Ep = 1225 keV, which is above the Ep = 1040 keV resonance.

Sarah Guo,1 Mark S Borchert,2,3 Melinda Chang,2,3 Sudha Nallasamy,1– 3 Mark W Reid,2,3 Sandy Zhang-Nunes,1,3 Jessica R Chang,1,3 Angeline M Nguyen1– 3 1Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 3Roski Eye Institute at the University of Southern California, Department of Ophthalmology, Los Angeles, CA, USACorrespondence: Angeline M Nguyen, Tel +1 323-361-2347, Fax +1 323-361-9812, Email angnguyen@chla.usc.eduPurpose: To evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of the Nictavi Tarsus Patch™ (NTP) in inducing temporary eyelid closure for the management of lagophthalmos in the pediatric and young adult population.Methods: We prospectively enrolled 20 patients < 21 years of age who had previously been managed for lagophthalmos to trial the NTP in clinic. Inter-palpebral fissure distance (IPFD) was compared before and after the placement of the NTP in the eyes-closed position using paired t-tests. Subjects then underwent a 3-night home trial with the NTP, and parent and subject perceptions of effectiveness, comfort, and complications with the patch were analyzed using Likert scale survey questions.Results: Twenty subjects ages 2– 20 years with paralytic (65%) and non-paralytic (35%) lagophthalmos were enrolled. The NTP improved lagophthalmos from a mean pre-placement IPFD of 3.3 mm to post-placement IPFD of 0.4 mm (p < 0.01). Overall, 80% of subjects achieved successful eyelid closure defined as ≤ 1 mm of post-placement IPFD. When stratified by subtype, 100% of subjects with paralytic lagophthalmos achieved successful eyelid closure compared to 71% of subjects with non-paralytic lagophthalmos. On a scale of 1 (worst) to 5 (best), parents rated the NTP at 4.3± 0.7 for comfort while wearing, 4.3± 1.0 for comfort in removing, 4.6± 0.7 for ease of use, and 4.3± 0.9 for effectiveness. Ninety-three percent of parents reported preferring NTP to other eyelid closure methods previously tried and indicated that they would use it again.Conclusion: The NTP is an effective, tolerable, and safe method of eyelid closure for children and young adults.Keywords: lagophthalmos, eyelid closure, Nictavi Tarsus Patch, pediatric

Hung Manh Pham,1,2 Anh Phuong Nguyen,1,2 Huong Thi Thu Nguyen,3,4 Tam Ngoc Nguyen,3,4 Thanh Xuan Nguyen,3,4 Thu Thi Hoai Nguyen,3,4 Huong Thi Thanh Nguyen,5,6 Anh Trung Nguyen,3,4 Quang Ngoc Nguyen,1,2 Giang Song Tran,1 Huyen Thi Thanh Vu3,4 1Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; 2Department of Cardiology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; 3Department of Geriatrics, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; 4Scientific Research Department, National Geriatric Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; 5Physiology Department, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; 6Dinh Tien Hoang Institute of Medicine, Hanoi, 100000, VietnamCorrespondence: Anh Phuong Nguyen, Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam, Tel +84 989314464, Email npa6@bachmai.edu.vnPurpose: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of frailty on in-hospital adverse outcomes and net adverse clinical events (NACE) in older patients with acute coronary syndrome.Patients and Methods: This observational study included elderly patients (≥ 60 years old), diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at admission from February 2021 to August 2021. The primary outcome was net adverse clinical events (NACE) defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, and major bleeding. Secondary outcome was in-hospital adverse outcomes including arrhythmia, acquired pneumonia, stroke, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. Frailty was assessed using the Frail scale (FS). Data about socio-demographics, comorbidities, body mass index, ACS type, coronary angiography, left ventricular ejection fraction, and length of hospital stay were also collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to identify the potential association between frailty and outcomes.Results: Of the 116 ACS patients, 38 patients were frail (32.76%). Frail subjects were more often female (50%) and older (p < 0.01) and had higher rates of in-hospital adverse outcomes (OR = 2.37, p = 0.05) and NACE (OR = 7.12; p < 0.01). In univariate analysis, the increased frail score was significantly associated with increased odds of NACE (unadjusted OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.17– 3.35 for each score increase in Frail Score). In multivariable logistic regression, models controlling for age, gender, PCI, LVEF, and coronary angiography (adjusted OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.12– 4.29 for each score increase in Frail Score).Conclusion: This study revealed the reference data of frailty assessment in older patients with ACS in Vietnam. Our result indicated that over 30% of ACS older patients presented with frailty which was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital adverse outcomes and NACE. This study also provided promising information about the simple FRAIL scale’s potential role in the risk stratification of older patients with ACS.Keywords: Frail scale, elderly, acute coronary syndrome

Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor of the salivary glands that accounts for 6%-10% of all salivary gland malignancies. It has a propensity to considerably recur, metastasize to the lung or cervical lymph nodes. In addition, ACC can potentially be fatal. The parotid gland is where ACC most frequently begins. The purpose of this paper was to describe an unusual case of parotid gland ACC in a 58-year-old Vietnamese adult female. Before surgery, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed the existence of tumor cells with acinar differentiation. Following that, she underwent successful surgery without complications. The existence of ACC was verified by the postoperative final histologic results.

Micro: bit was officially released in 2016 and it was used by over one million students in the UK and its use in schools became a part of the curriculum. After being successfully deployed in the UK, Micro: bit was transferred and applied in many countries around the world. This article will present a systematic review on the use of Micro: bit in science education. Micro: bit is a small, programmable device that is gaining popularity in classrooms around the world due to its affordability, ease of use, and versatility. The systematic review aimed to identify the current state of the field, explored the ways in which Micro: bit is being used in science education and identified gaps in the literature. The systematic review included 37 studies that were published between 2012 and 2023. The results show that Micro: bit is being used in a variety of science education contexts, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. The studies identified several benefits of using Micro: bit in science education, such as improving students' programming and computational thinking skills, enhancing their understanding of scientific concepts, and increasing their motivation and engagement. Moreover, the systematic review also identified several challenges associated with using Micro: bit in science education, such as a lack of teacher training and support, limited access to technology, and the need for more research on its effectiveness. The systematic review concludes with recommendations for future research and implications for practice. Overall, this systematic review highlights the potential of Micro: bit to enhance science education and encourages further exploration of its use.

Abstract The f(R) theory of gravitation developed perturbatively around the general theory of relativity with cosmological constant (the $$\varLambda $$ Λ CDM model) in a flat FLWR geometry is considered. As a result, a general explicit cosmological solution that can be used for any model with an arbitrary, but well-defined, f(R) function (just satisfying given perturbation conditions) is derived. This perturbative solution shows how the Hubble parameter H(t) depends on time (along with the cosmological constant and the matter density) to adapt to the evolution of the Universe. To illustrate, this approach is applied to some specific test models. One of these models appears to be more realistic as it could describe three phases of the Universe’s evolution. Despite the fact that the perturbation is applied for a flat FLWR geometry (according to the current cosmological observation) indicates that the obtained solution can mainly describe the evolution of the late Universe, it may also work for an early Universe. As a next step, the present method can be applied to the case with a more general FLRW geometry to increase the precision of the description of different stages in the evolution of the Universe. Finally, it is shown that in a desription of the Universe’s evolution the perturbative f(R)-theory can be considered as an effective GR with the cosmological constant $$\varLambda $$ Λ replaced by an effective parameter $$ \varLambda _{eff}[\rho (t)] $$ Λ eff [ ρ ( t ) ] . This trick leads to a simpler way of solving an f(R)-theory regardless its specific form.

AbstractThe primary objective of this research was to examine how gender influences self-perceived extroverted learners in their choice and application of language acquisition strategies. This research employs an intricate descriptive methodological framework alongside a multi-method paradigm to investigate the impacts of gender on the self-perceived extroverts’ language acquisition strategies. The participant’s extroversion identification was self-determined, premised on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Data was accumulated via survey questionnaires and subsequent interviews, thereby furnishing both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. The derived findings uncover discrepancies between female and male extroverts concerning their predilections and strategic approaches. Female extroverts display a positive association with colors, interpreting them as augmenting engagement, personalization, and mnemonic aid. Conversely, male extroverts voice apprehensions about colors being diverting or detrimental to their instinctual learning progression, favoring a streamlined, content-centric method. Female extroverts underscore immersive and interactive experiences, enriching real-world communication competencies and personal connection to the language. Male extroverts exhibit a preference for diversified experiences, pragmatic application, and autonomous exploration. Female extroverts perceive the act of seeking clarification as indispensable for active engagement, communication, vocabulary enhancement, and cultural comprehension, while male extroverts prioritize self-guided discovery, problem-solving, and learning within context.

AbstractThe purpose of this inquiry was to examine the degrees of reflective teaching (RT) amongst English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers working at a private language center in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, and to provide suggestions for its successful implementation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating a quantitative survey and a qualitative interview. The results evinced that although the majority of participants perceived themselves as being involved in RT practices, their self-reported levels did not consistently correlate with their actual practices. Most teachers were categorized as contextual levels, with only a minor number attaining the dialectical level. In the meantime, a few teachers were classified under the technical level. Demographic information had an insignificant impact. The results imply that supplementary professional development (PD) opportunities could be advantageous for EFL teachers in the area to enhance their RT skills. Despite being conducted in a solitary English language center, the findings of this study may have far-reaching implications for EFL teachers in other developing nations.

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of related party transactions (RPTs) on firm value (FV) with moderating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of an emerging market. For a sample of 625 listed firms on the Vietnamese Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2019, we do quantitative analysis utilizing the appropriate method for panel data with modification to strengthen the study’s robustness. We design a regression model to test the result. According to the findings of the study, RPTs have an effect on corporate value. This is in keeping with the belief that CSR reporting, which represents a company’s ethical concerns, might act as a deterrent to opportunism by management. Our study makes recommendations to improve transaction transparency with corporate stakeholders, contributing to the growth of the Vietnamese stock exchange.

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a critical role in English learning, as it fosters a better understanding of language nuances, enhances learner motivation, and improves communication skills, thereby leading to a more effective and enriching learning experience. However, the impact of EI on English language acquisition among Vietnamese learners remains underexplored creating a gap in educational studies. This study aimed to investigate the Vietnamese students’ perspectives of the impacts of EI on their second language acquisition (SLA). A mixed-methods approach was employed combining quantitative data collected through a questionnaire and qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study involved 105 English-major students selected through convenience sampling. The findings revealed a positive correlation between EI and SLA, with characteristics such as motivation, self-confidence, interpersonal skills, a goal-oriented mindset, and emotional openness significantly impacting language learning outcomes. These findings have implications for language learning theory, pedagogy, and curriculum development, emphasizing the need to address learners’ emotional well-being and incorporate EI skills within language learning contexts. By integrating these elements, educators can create a conducive learning environment that enhances both linguistic and emotional competencies.

In EFL countries where English is rarely practiced outside the classroom, textbooks have become the major input source for learners. Particularly in Vietnam, multiple textbook series are available simultaneously for the same grade. Thus, it is important to examine if their vocabulary is appropriate and of similar difficulty. This study aims to investigate and compare the lexical demands, sophistication, diversity, and lengths of reading passages in the eight latest series for Vietnamese 10th graders with 53,360 tokens in total. The results revealed that the most frequent 1,000, 2,000-3,000, and roughly 4,000-word families in the BNC/COCA wordlist, plus proper nouns, marginal words, transparent compounds, and acronyms, were respectively needed for 85%, 95%, and 98% coverage. Additionally, pairwise comparisons uncovered that the passages differ significantly in length yet insignificantly in lexical sophistication and diversity. Therefore, the series appear to be well-suited to co-implementation and facilitative to vocabulary development despite not being optimized for independent learning. The study still calls for simplifying the eight textbook series to promote meaning-focused output. Finally, implications for exploiting and revising these textbook series are discussed.

By investigating Vietnamese English learners' perspectives on influential cultural factors and barriers these factors bring to the development of learner autonomy, this study seeks to draw attention to proper consideration of the host cultural values in importing and implementing Western educational theories. A phenomenological approach was employed, and qualitative data were collected from in-depth interviews with 15 English majored students from a public university in the Mekong Delta. Using Hofstede et al.'s (2010) six-dimensional model of cultural differences as a theoretical framework, the study reveals that all the six dimensions, at different levels, hinder the development of learner autonomy. The study also uncovers cultural assimilation - a state in which individuals perceive a certain cultural characteristic as their personality traits without any adjustment, corresponding to the Restraint factor. These results emphasize the significance of cultural analysis and imply the need for constructing a culturally appropriate pedagogy to promote learner autonomy. The paper concludes by discussing some possible directions for further research in the field.

Although group work activities are commonly employed in communicative second language (L2) classes, there are few studies that investigate how much teachers and students, the two main stakeholders, agree or differ on how group work activities should be conducted. To fill this gap, this study, which was carried out at a public university in Vietnam, examined the perceptions of both teachers and students to uncover matches and mismatches in their perceptions of important issues for effective group work implementation. The study explored the actual experiences of six teachers and ten students, who were chosen by convenience sampling. Thematic analysis of the interviews indicated that the benefits of group work were widely agreed upon, as were the preferences for group size and self-selection of group members. However, there was disagreement over ways of grouping, the role of leadership, and the use of peer assessment. The findings have significant implications for relevant stakeholders, especially in the Asian English as a foreign language (EFL) context, about what would work well and what needs to be addressed to maximize the effectiveness of group work implementation.

In the first two decades of the 21st century, Vietnam has been proactive and active in international integration in all fields. Cultural exchange, cooperation, and international integration are considered bright spots. That has contributed to enhancing understanding, consolidating, and deepening the relationship between Vietnam and other countries, organizations, regions, and the world; at the same time, contributing to the strengthening of integration in other fields, maintaining stability, socio-economic development, and raising Vietnam's position and role in the international arena. The article focuses on analyzing Vietnam's international cultural integration guidelines and policies, clarifying the implementation process and achievements in different aspects. Since then, the limitations have been pointed out, and some solutions have been proposed to further promote the international cultural integration of Vietnam in the context of deepening cooperation.

Although invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for 75% of all primary breast cancers diagnosed, there are other, more uncommon kinds, including invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC). Invasive cribriform carcinoma has 2 subtypes: pure and mixed. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are the best imaging methods for assessing the characteristics of breast ICC (MRI). Our goal in this article was to report a rare instance of breast ICC in a 38-year-old Vietnamese woman. During a clinical examination, a spherical mass in the left breast without ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes was seen. On ultrasonography, the lesion was classified as BI-RADS 4C. The lesion was with an apparent diffusion coefficient value of 0.46 × 10−3 mm2/s. Lesion showed a quick initial increase on dynamic T1-weighted imaging with contrast enhancement, followed by a wash-out in the delayed phase. The final histopathological findings confirmed the presence of ICC.

Well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, a rare subtype of infiltrating ductal carcinoma, is a kind of mucinous cancer of the breast. It accounts for around 2% of all invasive breast cancers. The average age of presentation is 65-70 years, whereas women under the age of 35 account for 1% of cases. They are classified as pure or mixed carcinomas depending on the amount of mucin they include; knowing the difference is crucial for prognosis and therapy. Despite the lack of sufficient proof, the primary therapy for breast cancer is still surgery. Special forms of breast cancer are still being treated, although this is still a contentious topic. In this article, we intended to present a case of a mixed mucinous carcinoma in a 52-year-old female who was assessed by advanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations are rare, congenital, and high-flow vascular malformations characterized by abnormal communication between feeding arteries and draining veins without intervening capillaries. Arteriovenous malformations are considered the most dangerous type of vascular malformation because progressive symptoms and infiltration can result in potentially life-threatening consequences. Left untreated, arteriovenous malformations can cause significant cosmetic deformities, severe bleeding, and high-output cardiac failure associated with arteriovenous shunting. The effective treatment of arteriovenous malformations located in the head and neck region is quite challenging due to high rates of recurrence and potentially lethal complications. We describe a case presenting with large arteriovenous malformations in the face and neck. Despite attempting several treatments, including external carotid artery ligation and embolization with liquid embolic agents, the patient continued to experience recurrence and symptoms of bleeding and pain. After admission, reconstructive plastic surgery was performed, supplemented by percutaneous direct puncture embolization, using glue injected into the venous and transarterial embolization. The patient was discharged with clinical recovery. Digital subtraction angiography remains the gold standard for assessing symptomatic and aggressive arteriovenous malformations, both before and after treatment. The treatment of head and neck arteriovenous malformations often requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best clinical results.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy which can cause severe sleep disturbance. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is a choice for severe cases, which has shown to improve sleep quality, but the available evidence is limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CTR on sleep quality and hand symptoms and functions in patients with CTS. Methods This was a prospective study in 2019–2020 on patients with CTS and poor sleep quality undergoing CTR. Patients were evaluated before and at 1, 3, and 12 months after CTR by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaires. Results There were 33 patients with 27 females (82%) and a median age of 51 years. The median time of CTS diagnosis and having sleep disorder before CTR were 12 and 6 months, respectively. The outcomes significantly improved after CTR, with the median PSQI and Boston symptom and function scores reduced from 12, 33, and 23 before CTR to 9, 14, and 11 at 1 month; 7, 13, and 9 at 3 months; and 1, 11, and 8 at 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The correlations between the PSQI and Boston symptom and function scores were > 0.6 at all time-points. Conclusions Surgical decompression significantly improves sleep quality and the hand symptoms and functions in patients with CTS. Long-term evaluations are lacking and thus are required in future studies.

Although breast vascular tumors are exceedingly rare, the benign group's most common tumor, the hemangioma, is frequently found in lumpectomy or mastectomy tissues during histological analyses. The 3 types of hemangiomas are capillary, cavernous, and venous. The most typical kind of hemangioma is cavernous. Cavernous hemangiomas are benign blood vessel tumors that arise from established blood vessels. The best imaging technique for examining the makeup of breast vessels is magnetic resonance imaging. In this article, we purposed to describe an exceptionally uncommon case of giant breast cavernous hemangioma.

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) lipomas are incredibly uncommon. Prestyloid or poststyloid compartments are the only locations for PPS lipomas. Liposarcoma is a crucial differential to rule out. In order to treat PPS lipomas, the required radiological tests, including magnetic resonance imaging, a biopsy of the lesion if that is available, and lipoma removal surgery are all necessary. We intended to describe a unique giant PPS lipoma that affects both prestyloid and poststyloid compartments

While task mapping for multi-core systems is known as an NP-hard problem, mapping for neuromorphic systems even scale it up due to a high number of neurons per core and a high number of core per system. Moreover, mapping for neuromorphic systems also has several challenges such as heterogeneous computing core or communication fabrics, and potential defects in neurons or routing units. Therefore, this paper presents a genetic algorithm framework named HeterGenMap which is a Genetic Algorithm framework for mapping multiple-layer Spiking Neural Network systems to solve the aforementioned problems. The results show that HeterGenMap improves the overall communication cost by 11.04-26.77% in comparison to the linear mapping. Moreover, under link faulty scenarios, neuron defects, or multi-chip designs, HeterGenMap can reduce the communication cost by 3.41-31.34%, 7.01%-41.51%, and 34.21-45.56% in comparison to the linear approach, respectively. The validation in hardware also demonstrated that HeterGenMap reduces the inference time by 63.10-77.87% from the linear mapping.

The first-principles calculations of the cesium lead trihalides, CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br and I), doped with divalent ions such as Cd2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Ni2+, Sn2+ and Zn2+ are carried out within the density functional theory to explore ion-sensing ability of CsPbX3 for divalent ions. Here the formation energy of the divalent ions doped CsPbX3 are calculated to evaluate the ability of absorption of the divalent ions. To investigate change in photoluminescence intensity of CsPbX3 due to the divalent ions incorporation, change in electronic structures of CsPbX3 due to the divalent ions dopings are also discussed by comparing the calculated electronic density of states.

Monitoring construction site safety through physical observations is inherently flawed due to the complex and dynamic nature of construction sites. To overcome these challenges and enhance worker safety management, decentralized model training-assisted edge intelligence emerges as a promising solution. However, despite the potential benefits, our investigation reveals that no research for worker safety prediction has been grounded in the Federated Learning (FL) approach. In this context, we present a novel approach to worker safety prediction, leveraging FL in outdoor construction environments while preserving the privacy and security of sensitive data. Our methodology involves deploying sensor-based IoT devices at construction sites to collect highly granular spatial and temporal weather, building, and worker data. This data is then collaboratively utilized for training Deep Neural Network (DNN) models on the edge nodes in a cross-silos manner. To implement our approach, we establish a test-bed utilizing the EdgeX framework and constrained devices such as Raspberry Pi 4Bs, acting as edge nodes. Following the collaborative training, the resultant global model is deployed on participating nodes for edge inference, ensuring optimal network resource utilization and data privacy. The experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach in improving the utilization of construction safety management systems and reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities in the future. The outcome is a system that exhibits enhanced speed and responsiveness, a crucial aspect for time-sensitive applications such as the prediction of worker safety.

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) is growing rapidly and is being applied in a variety of industries including healthcare, smart homes, and smart cities. Many standard IoT platforms are proposed to connect and communicate with IoT devices easily and securely such as oneM2M, Google Weave and Apple HomeKit. However, this makes IoT application development difficult as it requires IoT devices and applications to support multiple protocols to connect different IoT platforms. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a consistent schema to support interoperability in heterogeneous IoT networks. In this paper, we propose how to design and implement interoperating schema between two edge servers oneM2M and Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) with heterogeneous IoT devices. Specifically, we build proxies for bridging oneM2M Mobius edge server and OCF IoTivity edge server. The sensor data is collected from various IoT devices and sent to an edge server with a compatible platform. Next, the data stored in each server will be exchanged with the other server through a proposed interworking proxy. We also use a rules engine to automatically identify registered devices to support edge server interaction within the same domain and across domains. In addition, we build a web application in each edge server to provide friendly IoT services (data visualization) to clients from different environments. In order to evaluate our system, we collect the delay time of each process in the edge servers. The results show that our proposal is completely applicable in practice.

In this study, the biomass of Phragmites australis was chemically modified using NaOH and subsequently citric acid to produce an effective adsorbent named SA-RPB. The absorbent was characterized using XRD, SEM, BET, and FT-IR methods. The study's findings indicated that the adsorbent existed mainly as cellulose crystals, contained micropores with an average diameter of 15.97 nm, and had a large number of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on the surface. The adsorption process of SA-RPB was evaluated through the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution. Adsorption kinetics showed that the pseudo-second-order model well described the adsorption process. The adsorption isotherm process satisfactorily fitted with the Langmuir model with the maximum adsorption capacity of 191.49 mg/g at 303 K. These findings show that MB may be efficiently removed from aqueous solutions using the adsorbent made from the raw biomass of Phragmites australis treated with NaOH and then citric acid.

A series of Nd1-xCdxFeO3 (x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from Nd(III), Cd(II) and Fe(III) nitrates by a simple co-precipitation method in boiling water with a 5% sodium hydroxide aqueous solution (without any surfactants) and annealed at 700, 850 and 950°C for 1 h. SEM and TEM analyses showed particle sizes in the range of 50-70 nm. According to XRD the average crystallite size increased with the annealing temperature, but decreased when the cadmium concentration increased. As the annealing temperature was raised from 700 to 950°C, the magnetic properties, such as coercivity (Hc), remanent magnetization (Mr) and saturation magnetization (Ms), of the Nd0.8Cd0.2FeO3 sample also increased. In general, the Hc, Mr and Ms values increased with the degree of cadmium doping. The synthesized Nd1-xCdxFeO3 nanopowders havemuch larger coercivity values than some other rare-earth perovskites, such as Nd1-xSrxFeO3, NdFe1-xCoxO3, LaFe1-xTixO3, YFe1-xNixO3, Y1-xCdxFeO3, La1-xCdxFeO3 or Bi1-xCdxFeO3. The high Hc value (1916.52-4833.41Oe) of the synthesized Nd1-xCdxFeO3 nanopowders enables their use for permanent magnets or magnetic recording on hard disks and tapes.

In this paper, we concern about a modified version of the Keller-Segel model. The Keller-Segel is a system of partial differential equations used for modeling Chemotaxis in which chemical substances impact the movement of mobile species. For considering memory effects on the model, we replace the classical derivative with respect to time variable by the time-fractional derivative in the sense of Caputo. From this modification, we focus on the well-posedness of the Cauchy problem associated with such the model. Precisely, when the spatial variable is considered in the space Rd{{\mathbb{R}}}^{d}, a global solution is obtained in a critical homogeneous Besov space with the assumption that the initial datum is sufficiently small. For the bounded domain case, by using a discrete spectrum of the Neumann Laplace operator, we provide the existence and uniqueness of a mild solution in Hilbert scale spaces. Moreover, the blowup behavior is also studied. To overcome the challenges of the problem and obtain all the aforementioned results, we use the Banach fixed point theorem, some special functions like the Mainardi function and the Mittag-Leffler function, as well as their properties.

Audrey D Nguyen,1 Zsuzsanna H McMahan,2 Elizabeth R Volkmann1 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USACorrespondence: Elizabeth R Volkmann, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 1000 Veteran Ave, Ste 32-59, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA, Tel +1 310-825-2448, Email evolkmann@mednet.ucla.eduPurpose: The primary aim is to identify the micronutrient deficiencies commonly reported in SSc. The exploratory aim is to evaluate associations between micronutrient deficiencies and SSc clinical manifestations.Patient and Methods: We conducted a scoping review of all published reports on SSc and nutrition in PubMed from its inception to August 2020. Clinical trials, observational studies, meta-analyses, and case series (with ≥ 20 cases) containing data on nutritional deficiency and SSc were included. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for reporting our findings. Two reviewers (ADN and ERV) studied the titles and abstracts of all search results with pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: Among 790 retrieved publications, 35 full-length articles and 3 abstracts met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Included studies took place across multiple geographic locations and included patients with both diffuse and limited cutaneous SSc. Vitamin D deficiency was the most commonly reported deficiency described in SSc, followed by vitamin B12, vitamin B9, selenium, zinc, and iron. In addition, some small studies found deficiencies in vitamins B1, B6, C, E, and A. While some studies reported associations between specific micronutrient deficiencies and SSc disease features (eg, interstitial lung disease was commonly associated with vitamin D deficiency and elevated homocysteine [Hcy]), the evidence to support these associations was not robust.Conclusion: Micronutrient deficiencies are common in SSc and are associated with specific SSc features. Routine screening for micronutrient deficiencies may lead to early detection of malnutrition. Future studies are needed to understand how interventions to replete micronutrient deficiencies affect patient outcomes in SSc.Keywords: systemic sclerosis, micronutrient deficiency, vitamin deficiency, malnutrition, nutritional deficiency

Joy Li,1 Angeline M Nguyen,2,3 Talia Kolin,2– 4 Melinda Y Chang,2,3 Mark W Reid,2 Thomas C Lee,2,3 Sudha Nallasamy2,3 1Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2The Vision Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 3USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 4Veterans Affairs Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center, Los Angeles, CA, USACorrespondence: Sudha Nallasamy, The Vision Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, MS #88, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA, Tel +1 323 361 4510, Fax +1 323 361 7993, Email sudha.nallasamy@gmail.comBackground: While video glasses have been shown to be an effective tool for real-time pediatric strabismus telemedicine consultations, the high cost of the hardware-to-hardware conferencing system and bandwidth limitations may present barriers to accessibility and widespread adoption. This study evaluates the use of video glasses with a more affordable hardware-to-software video conferencing system for real-time strabismus consultations across multiple graders.Methods: A pediatric ophthalmologist (Grader 1) wearing video glasses simultaneously performed and recorded strabismus examinations in primary gaze, with and without correction, both at distance and near. Recorded parameters included strabismus category, angle measurements, and ocular motility. Three years later, four pediatric ophthalmologists (Graders 1– 4) reviewed and graded streamed video feed transmitted at 1 megabit per second (Mbps) from a hard-wired codec to software. Agreement between streamed and gold standard in-person findings was determined by weighted kappa (κ) for categorical variables, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for continuous variables, and percent agreement.Results: Eighteen patients aged 4– 11 years (median, 7 years) were included. Agreement in strabismus category between in-person and streamed examinations was perfect for both horizontal and vertical deviations (κ=1.0). Almost perfect agreement was found for degree manifest (tropia vs intermittent tropia vs phoria) across graders (κ=0.91, range 0.86– 0.97). Agreement for angle measurements was excellent across graders (ICC = 0.97, range 0.97– 0.98). Extraocular motility agreement was 90% for all graders combined, with Grader 1 having 100% agreement between her in-person and streamed examinations.Conclusion: Feed obtained from video glasses streamed through a hardware-to-software video conferencing system at 1 Mbps is a reliable tool for pediatric strabismus telemedicine evaluations.Keywords: telemedicine, strabismus, ophthalmology, pediatrics