VinUniversity

Rapid growth in the consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages has become a major public health concern in Vietnam. This study assesses the potential impacts of excise taxation on the consumption and welfare distribution of alcoholic beverages (beer and liquor) and non-alcoholic beverages, using nationally representative data from the 2018 Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey (VHLSS) and a quality-adjusted Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS). We estimate price and expenditure elasticities and simulate alternative excise tax scenarios. The results indicate that demand for beverages in Vietnam is price responsive. A simulated 20% excise tax on non-alcoholic beverages is associated with a reduction in consumption of approximately 31%, while a 20% increase in alcohol excise taxes is associated with reductions of about 29.7% for liquor and 26.6% for beer. These effects are strongest among low-income households, reflecting greater price sensitivity. The simulated tax burden remains modest—equivalent to around 0.46% of total household expenditure for non-alcoholic beverages and 3.9% for alcoholic beverages—while generating additional fiscal revenue. These findings suggest that excise taxation on beverages, particularly when designed to target harmful products such as sugar-sweetened beverages, can contribute to reduced discretionary beverage consumption and support fiscal sustainability. Integrating tax reforms with complementary measures, including nutrition education and non-communicable disease prevention, may further enhance equity and effectiveness.

BACKGROUND Kennedy disease, also known as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), is a rare and incurable X-linked neuromuscular disorder mainly affecting men aged 30 to 60 years. Polymyositis can present similarly, but can be excluded by measuring muscle enzymes, performing muscle imaging, and electromyography. This report describes the case of a 52-year-old man with a 10-year history of progressive limb weakness due to Kennedy disease, established by genetic testing. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of gradually progressive proximal limb weakness and persistently elevated creatine kinase levels ranging from 808-2300 U/L (normal 39-308 U/L). One year prior to this admission, the limb weakness had worsened, but initial electromyography, neuroimaging, and muscle biopsy showed no specific abnormalities. Despite a trial of immunosuppressive therapy due to suspected polymyositis, there was no clinical improvement. Neurological examination later revealed gynecomastia, proximal muscle atrophy, and bilateral tongue atrophy with tremor. Electromyography showed chronic neurogenic changes and reduced sensory nerve action potentials. Repeat expansion analysis identified a hemizygous pathogenic CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene using a short-read next-generation sequencing-based repeat detection algorithm (ExpansionHunter), with an estimated repeat number of 51 (range 50-53). At 6-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated mild progression of motor symptoms but remained functionally stable. CONCLUSIONS This report presents a rare case of Kennedy disease, initially diagnosed as polymyositis, and highlights the importance of follow-up with genetic testing when neurological and electromyography investigations are not typical for polymyositis. Early identification of Kennedy disease helps avoid unnecessary immunosuppressive treatments.

Abstract This study developed a 1D compartment model with 21 continuous stirred tank reactors to evaluate NH 3 co‐firing (0%–30%) with bituminous coal (BC) and Ninh Binh anthracite (NB) in a 500 MWe pulverized coal (PC) combustor, advancing low‐emission power generation for using Vietnam's coal resources. The model employs 341 reactions, including 117 nitrogen‐related, and accurately predicts combustion performance and emissions. Without NH 3 co‐firing, BC and NB show comparable combustion, with NB's higher fixed carbon (61.8 wt.% vs. 54.7 wt.%) driving faster heat release. At 10% NH 3 , NO x emissions remain stable (123.6–126.5 ppm vs. 122.3–125.5 ppm at 0%), the pathway favouring N 2 O conversion to N 2 . At 30% NH 3 , NO x increases significantly (639.8 ppm for BC, 565.7 ppm for NB) due to the NH 3 ➔ NH 2 ➔ HNO ➔ NO pathway, amplified by the BC's higher volatile matter (29.5 wt.% vs. 13.3 wt.%). CO 2 emissions decrease by 28.2% for BC and 28.0% for NB, leveraged by NH 3 's carbon‐free nature. However, increased NO x emissions at 30% NH 3 indicate trade‐offs which require further investigation. This model can be used for evaluating NH 3 co‐firing ratios in industrial‐scale combustors, balancing NO x control and CO 2 reduction while elucidating emission formation pathways.

Innovation competency and entrepreneurial capacity have emerged as essential factors for future healthcare professionals in the context of digital transformation and complex patient demands. While global medical education has incorporated innovation training, research on innovation competency and entrepreneurial capacity among Vietnamese health students and related factors remains limited. This study aims to assess the current level of innovation competency and entrepreneurial capacity among Vietnamese health students and identify factors associated with their development. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2025 to July 2025, involving 370 students from various health-related majors across Vietnam. Participants completed an innovation competency scale based on Chell & Athayde’s (2009) five domain model and a validated entrepreneurial capacity questionnaire, developed based on Turker’s (2009) methodological proposal for scale development. The innovation competency scale includes creativity, leadership, energy, self-efficacy, and risk propensity, while the entrepreneurial capacity questionnaire consists of 4 domains of entrepreneurial capacity: management and business competency, entrepreneurial capacity, human resources competency, and interpersonal competency. Data were collected via an online survey and analysed using RStudio software, applying descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA and regression. The mean scores of participants’ innovation competency and entrepreneurial capacity were 137.06/217 (SD = 28.91) and 173.40/280 (SD = 35.20), respectively. Significant differences in innovation competency were observed across gender (p = 0.044), academic year (p < 0.001), major (p = 0.043), and geographic region (p = 0.005). Entrepreneurial capacity differed significantly by gender (p < 0.001) and academic year (p = 0.008). Linear mixed-effects model analysis revealed that participation in entrepreneurship courses, competitions, practice opportunities, and strong educational performance were positively associated with entrepreneurship education performance (p < 0.05). The findings contribute to existing research by offering one of the first integrated assessments of innovation competency and entrepreneurial capacity among health students in Vietnam amidst a rapidly transforming context of healthcare education. Overall, Vietnamese health students showed strong motivation and solid understanding in management and business; however, skills related to opportunity recognition, leadership, risk propensity, and communication remain limited. This suggests that current training emphasizes theory over practice. Educational interventions such as experiential learning, leadership training, and risk management workshops would contribute to innovation and entrepreneurial capacity among Vietnamese health students.

Flexible electronics demand stretchable, high-performance interconnects for wearable and implantable applications. However, conventional methods such as direct-ink writing or doped-activator metallization face challenges including thermal degradation risks from high-temperature sintering, complex multi-step chemical procedures with toxic precursors. Here, we introduce an updated laser-induced selective metallization (LISM) for fabricating stretchable copper electrodes directly on a commercial polysiloxane rubber. This approach employs a spray-coated copper carbonate hydroxide activator, followed by near-infrared laser activating. Laser irradiation leads to the reduction of copper ions, along with the formation of amorphous carbon domains and micro-nanoscale surface structures. Electroless copper plating (ECP) and electroplating (EP) are subsequently performed to form continuous, low-resistivity serpentine traces. Comprehensive characterization verifies the successful reduction of copper and the robust integration of the electrode into the substrate. Mechanical testing shows that the structure maintains its electrical performance under repeated cyclic deformation. Functional demonstrations including electrocardiogram (ECG) patch, LED arrays, and wireless antennas showcase practical applicability of the proposed approach. Additionally, LISM operates at ambient temperature without toxic precursors and it minimizes chemical consumption and provides exceptional durability. This method advances next-generation electronics requiring both mechanical flexibility and electrical reliability.