Tra Vinh University

The swamp eel ( Monopterus albus ) is a commercially significant freshwater species that is widely cultivated in Asia. Garlic ( Allium sativum ) is known to contain bioactive compounds that possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory properties, and it has increasingly been used as a natural feed additive in aquaculture. This study examined the effects of dietary garlic powder levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g kg⁻¹) on the growth performance and hematological indices of M. albus fry over two consecutive 45-day rearing phases. The experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design with three replicates in 16.4-liter plastic trays containing 4 cm in Experiment 1 and 7 cm in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, fry were used at the onset of exogenous feeding (0.026 ± 0.003 g). The 10 g kg⁻¹ dosage significantly improved weight gain, daily weight gain, specific growth rate in weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to higher dosages (15–20 g kg⁻¹) (P ≤ 0.05). Survival was significantly higher at 10–15 g kg⁻¹ than for those at other levels (P ≤ 0.05). Erythrocyte, leukocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts peaked at 5 g kg⁻¹ and significantly declined at 15–20 g kg⁻¹ (P ≤ 0.05). Experiment 2 used larger fry that had been pre-reared for 45 days (0.84 ± 0.24 g). No significant differences in growth or length parameters (P ≥ 0.05) and survival reached 100% across all groups, while fry fed a 10 g kg⁻¹ dosage exhibited a significantly lower FCR (P ≤ 0.05). Erythrocyte counts remained stable at 0–10 g kg⁻¹ and gradually decreased at higher dosages. Leukocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts increased significantly at 5 g kg⁻¹ compared with the control (P ≤ 0.05) and remained stable across the 5–20 g kg⁻¹ range, while neutrophil counts were significantly elevated at 5–10 g kg⁻¹ (P ≤ 0.05). Overall, dietary garlic powder at 5–10 g kg⁻¹ appears optimal for balancing growth, feed efficiency, survival, and hematological stability, whereas higher levels may inhibit growth performance and physiological status in M. albus fry.

This study examines how human resource management practices, work–family conflict, and family support influence organizational commitment among female healthcare workers in public hospitals, considering the mediating roles of work–life balance and job satisfaction and the moderating role of gender stereotypes. Using a mixed-methods design, survey data were collected from 695 female healthcare workers in four public hospitals in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that compensation and benefits, working conditions, and work environment significantly improve work–life balance, while all HRM practice dimensions positively affect job satisfaction. Job satisfaction emerges as the strongest predictor of organizational commitment and serves as a key mediating mechanism. Work–family conflict displays asymmetric effects: work-to-family interference weakens commitment, whereas family-to-work interference strengthens it. Family support enhances work–life balance, and gender stereotypes shape organizational commitment both directly and indirectly by moderating work–family relationships.

Abstract The high carbon footprint of Portland cement production has raised urgent concerns regarding the environmental sustainability of conventional concrete. To address this, there is growing interest in utilizing natural pozzolans as partial cement replacements in construction materials. Among these, natural zeolite offers promise due to its inherent silica-alumina structure and pozzolanic potential. However, most studies to date have focused on thermally activated or synthetic zeolites, with limited research on the performance of untreated natural zeolite in conventional curing conditions. This study explores the influence of natural zeolite type F, used as a cement replacement at 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%, on the fresh, mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of concrete. Experimental evaluations included slump, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption, electrical surface resistivity (ESR), rapid chloride ion penetration (RCPT), and microstructure characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Experimental results revealed that a 15% zeolite replacement level delivered optimal performance, achieving a 56-day compressive strength of 67.1 MPa, RCPT of 1719 Coulombs, and ESR of 15.08 Ω·cm. Water absorption decreased significantly over time, and SEM images showed a denser microstructure with fewer voids. XRD confirmed the consumption of portlandite and enhanced pozzolanic activity. FTIR spectra supported these findings by revealing stronger O–H and sharper Si–O–T bands in zeolite-blended mixes, particularly at 15% replacement, indicating effective hydration and secondary gel formation. A multi-criteria assessment integrating mechanical and durability metrics further confirmed that the 15% zeolite mix attained the highest overall performance score (OPS = 0.90), outperforming both control and higher replacement levels. This research demonstrates that natural zeolite can be effectively used without calcination to enhance both the sustainability and durability of concrete, offering a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative binder, particularly in regions with accessible zeolite resources.

Background: Fenestration is a well-established modification of the Fontan procedure intended to reduce systemic venous pressure and limit early postoperative complications. However, the optimal fenestration diameter that balances clinical benefits with systemic oxygenation remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the association between fenestration size and early outcomes following extracardiac Fontan surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients who underwent fenestrated extracardiac Fontan surgery at Cho Ray Hospital between January 2020 and March 2025. Fenestration diameters ranged from 4 to 8 mm. Postoperative complications were categorized as pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious, renal, or mortality events. Continuous outcomes included postoperative pleural drainage duration, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and perioperative change in peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2). Correlation analyses were employed to assess the associations between fenestration size and outcomes. Results: Twenty patients (median age: 5 years; 70% male) were included. Pulmonary complications were most common (85%), with pneumonia and pleural effusion observed in 65% of cases. Fenestration size was not associated with overall complication incidence; however, cardiovascular complications differed between groups (p = 0.045), without a linear trend (p for trend = 0.271). Oxygenation improved significantly perioperatively (median SpO2 increased from 76% to 86%, mean change: 10.6%; p = 0.001). Fenestration size correlated inversely with perioperative SpO2 change (ρ = –0.75; p < 0.001), while larger fenestrations correlated with shorter pleural drainage (ρ = –0.71; p = 0.001) and reduced hospital stay (ρ = –0.59, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Fenestration significantly impacts early outcomes after a Fontan operation. Larger fenestrations promoted faster recovery, with shorter pleural drainage and hospital stays, but conferred a smaller oxygenation benefit. Individualized fenestration sizing may help optimize early outcomes in pediatric Fontan patients.

Background: Minimally invasive surgery has emerged as a major developmental trend in open-heart surgery worldwide over the past two decades. In Viet Nam, minimally invasive open-heart surgery in pediatric patients has been developing since 2014 and is currently performed at several major cardiovascular centers. This study reports the early outcomes of minimally invasive open-heart surgery in children at Cho Ray Hospital. Objective: To evaluate the early outcomes of minimally invasive cardiac surgery in pediatric patients at Cho Ray Hospital. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted by reviewing medical records of pediatric patients with congenital or acquired heart diseases who underwent surgery at the Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Cho Ray Hospital, from January 2020 to December 2025. Surgical approaches did not involve full median sternotomy and were performed with cardiopulmonary bypass support. Patients with isolated patent ductus arteriosus or isolated coarctation of the aorta were excluded. Results: A total of 40 pediatric patients underwent minimally invasive open-heart surgery, including 24 females (60%). The mean age at operation was 6.8 years (range: 3 months to 15 years), with a mean body weight of 25.5 kg (range: 4.7–65 kg). Preoperative diagnoses were ventricular septal defect in 23 patients (57.5%), atrial septal defect in 13 patients (32.5%), mitral regurgitation in 2 patients (5%), cor triatriatum in 1 patient (2.5%), and left atrial myxoma in 1 patient (2.5%). Minimally invasive surgical approaches included lower partial sternotomy in 11 patients (27.5%), right submammary thoracotomy in 18 patients (45%), and right vertical axillary thoracotomy in 11 patients (27.5%). The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 19.8 days (range: 6–39 days). Early postoperative outcomes were favorable, with no in-hospital mortality, no reoperations, and no atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (0%). Postoperative complications were infrequent, consisting of pneumothorax in 2.5% of patients and surgical site infection in 2.5%. Conclusion: In this study, the complication rate was very low, and no mortality was observed. Cardiac lesions were completely repaired, with no significant residual defects detected on postoperative echocardiography. Minimally invasive open-heart surgery in pediatric patients at Cho Ray Hospital demonstrated good and safe short-term outcomes. Minimally invasive open-heart surgery in pediatric patients performed at Cho Ray Hospital is safe and associated with favorable short-term outcomes.

This research examines the salient drivers of the adoption of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending in Vietnam, a fast-growing country with expanding digitalized finance activities. This research is grounded in theories of trust, perceived risks, regulation, economic behaviors, and technological innovation. From these theoretical foundations, five key drivers are derived: trust, perceived risk, regulatory framework, economic status, and usefulness of technology. A quantitative method was used, based on 285 respondents from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with the analysis employing multiple linear regression to investigate the effect of independent variables on the adoption of P2P lending. The findings demonstrate that all five drivers have a significant effect on the usage of P2P lending, with perceived risk and trust having the greatest impact. The research calls for the reinforcement of user trust by enhancing transparency of the platforms and secure operation, reducing perceived risks, and issuing clearer regulation policies. Economic stability and user-friendly technology are key facilitators for widespread adoption. The research contributes to the expanding FinTech literature in emerging economies and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, platform developers, and financial institutions to support the sustainable growth of P2P lending within Vietnam.

ABSTRACT Rare earth elements (REEs), widely used in electronics, energy, and agriculture, are increasingly released into the environment, raising concerns about their ecological impacts. Although not essential nutrients, REEs can modify plant physiology by mimicking calcium, altering ionomes, and modulating jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and redox signalling. At low concentrations, they stimulate growth and stress tolerance, whereas higher exposures impair photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. These plant-level shifts cascade to above- and belowground invertebrates through changes in tissue quality, secondary metabolites, and volatile organic compounds, with emerging evidence of altered growth, survival, fecundity, and behaviour. Pollinators encounter REEs via nectar, pollen, dust, and water, where sublethal effects on physiology and biochemistry raise concerns for pollination services. Yet, most studies rely on short-term laboratory assays at unrealistically high concentrations. We highlight pathways of exposure, organismal responses, and food-web implications, and identify research priorities to assess REEs as hidden modulators of agroecosystems.

Nghiên cứu này được thực hiện nhằm tìm một giải pháp ứng dụng siêu tụ điện tích trữ năng lượng điện trên xe gắn máy thay thế cho accu để khởi động điện cho động cơ, đèn tín hiệu,… Siêu tụ điện có ưu điểm nạp, xả nhanh, độ bề cao, thân thiện với môi trường. Trong nghiên cứu, phương án tính toán, thiết kế bộ gồm 6 siêu tụ điện 350 F – 2,7 V thay thế cho accu để khởi động động cơ xe gắn máy với thời gian nạp nhanh hơn 50 lần, số lần khởi động động cơ đạt 5 đến 10 lần (mỗi lần 3 giây), trọng lượng nhẹ hơn 5,6 lần so với accu được trình bày. Kết quả thực nghiệm cho thấy việc dùng siêu tụ thay thế accu để khởi động xe gắn máy là hoàn toàn khả thi.

In vitro propagation of strawberry presents many challenges that must be addressed to enhance survival rates during ex vitro acclimation and to ensure the production of high-quality seedlings. This study aimed to develop an optimized protocol for the disinfection, multiplication, rooting, and acclimatization of “My Da” cultivar. Results showed that treating runner segments of “My Da” cultivar with 1% NaClO was effective. For multiplication, Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg. L-1 BAP with 0.3 mg. L-1 kinetin for “My Da” yielded the highest shoot proliferation, leaf count, and plant height. Rooting was most effective on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.3 mg. L-1 BAP provided optimal rooting results. In the acclimatization stage, seedlings grown in organic compost was an improved survival rate. RAPD analysis revealed cultivar-dependent somaclonal variation, with the highest polymorphism in the OPK03 marker. The genotype-specific protocol supports efficient large-scale propagation and highlights the need for genetic monitoring in commercial systems.

The objective of the study is to survey knowledge about stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 311 patients with type 2 diabetes who received outpatient care at Tra Vinh General Hospital between May and July 2024. The results showed that 25.1% of patients with type 2 diabetes had satisfactory knowledge, and 74.9% had inadequate knowledge about stroke prevention. Age was found to be significantly associated with stroke prevention knowledge among patients with type 2 diabetes (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that the knowledge about stroke in diabetic patients is limited,highlighting the need for timely interventions to improve understanding of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes.