COMPARISION OF THREE DIGESTION METHODS FOR SOIL ARSENIC DETERMINATION. APPLICATION FOR HO CHI MINH CITY SOIL ARSENIC ANALYSIS

Joint Research on Environmental Science and Technology for the Eart

A novel hybrid evidential belief function-based fuzzy logic model in spatial prediction of rainfall-induced shallow landslides in the Lang Son city area (Vietnam)

The main objective of this study is to investigate potential application of an integrated evidential belief function (EBF)-based fuzzy logic model for spatial prediction of rainfall-induced shallow landslides in the Lang Son city area (Vietnam). First, a landslide inventory map was constructed from various sources. Then the landslide inventory map was randomly partitioned as a ratio of 70/30 for training and validation of the models, respectively. Second, six landslide conditioning factors (slope angle, slope aspect, lithology, distance to faults, soil type, land use) were prepared and fuzzy membership values for these factors classes were estimated using the EBF. Subsequently, fuzzy operators were used to generate landslide susceptibility maps. Finally, the susceptibility maps were validated and compared using the validation dataset. The results show that the lowest prediction capability is the fuzzy SUM (76.6%). The prediction capability is almost the same for the fuzzy PRODUCT and fuzzy GAMMA models (79.6%). Compared to the frequency-ratio based fuzzy logic models, the EBF-based fuzzy logic models showed better result in both the success rate and prediction rate. The results from this study may be useful for local planner in areas prone to landslides. The modelling approach can be applied for other areas

Synthesis of gelatin stabilized gold nanoparticles with seed particles enlargement by gamma Co-60 irradiation

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with size from 13 to ~36 nm were synthesized by γ-irradiation method using gelatin as stabilizer. The AuNPs with controllable size were prepared using various concentration of Au3+ from 0.5 to 2 mM and seed particle enlargement with different ratios of [Au3+]/[Auo] up to 50. Maximum absorption wavelength (λmax) was measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy, and particle size was determined from TEM images. Results showed that the size of AuNPs increased with the Au3+ concentration. The seed enlargement approach is efficient to control the size of AuNPs. The value of λmax shifted from 527.5 nm (seed particles) to 537.5 nm, and the size of AuNPs increased from 13 nm (seed particles) to ~36 nm for concentration ratio of [Au3+]/[Auo] up to 40. Thus, γ-irradiation method is favorable for production of AuNPs with controllable size and high purity. The AuNPs/gelatin synthesized by γ-irradiation with the advantages of environmental friendly and mass production process may be potentially promising for applications in medicines, cosmetics and in other fields as well. Keywords. Gold, Nanoparticles, Gelatin, γ-irradiation

HIV-Associated TB in An Giang Province, Vietnam, 2001–2004: Epidemiology and TB Treatment Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Mortality is high in HIV-infected TB patients, but few studies from Southeast Asia have documented the benefits of interventions, such as co-trimoxazole (CTX), in reducing mortality during TB treatment. To help guide policy in Vietnam, we studied the epidemiology of HIV-associated TB in one province and examined factors associated with outcomes, including the impact of CTX use. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We retrospectively abstracted data for all HIV-infected persons diagnosed with TB from 2001-2004 in An Giang, a province in southern Vietnam in which TB patients receive HIV counseling and testing. We used standard WHO definitions to classify TB treatment outcomes. We conducted multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for the composite outcome of death, default, or treatment failure during TB treatment. From 2001-2004, 637 HIV-infected TB patients were diagnosed in An Giang. Of these, 501 (79%) were male, 321 (50%) were aged 25-34 years, and the most common self-reported HIV risk factor was sex with a commercial sex worker in 221 (35%). TB was classified as smear-positive in 531 (83%). During TB treatment, 167 (26%) patients died, 9 (1%) defaulted, and 6 (1%) failed treatment. Of 454 patients who took CTX, 116 (26%) had an unsuccessful outcome compared with 33 (70%) of 47 patients who did not take CTX (relative risk, 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-0.5). Adjusting for male sex, rural residence, TB smear status and disease location, and the occurrence of adverse events during TB treatment in multivariate analysis, the benefit of CTX persisted (adjusted odds ratio for unsuccessful outcome 0.1; CI, 0.1-0.3). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In An Giang, Vietnam, HIV-associated TB was associated with poor TB treatment outcomes. Outcomes were significantly better in those taking CTX. This finding suggests that Vietnam should consider applying WHO recommendations to prescribe CTX to all HIV-infected TB patients

Oseltamivir Is Adequately Absorbed Following Nasogastric Administration to Adult Patients with Severe H5N1 Influenza

In the absence of a parenteral drug, oral oseltamivir is currently recommended by the WHO for treating H5N1 influenza. Whether oseltamivir absorption is adequate in severe influenza is unknown. We measured the steady state, plasma concentrations of nasogastrically administered oseltamivir 150 mg bid and its active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate (OC), in three, mechanically ventilated patients with severe H5N1 (male, 30 yrs; pregnant female, 22 yrs) and severe H3N2 (female, 76 yrs). Treatments were started 6, 7 and 8 days after illness onset, respectively. Both females were sampled while on continuous venovenous haemofiltration. Admission and follow up specimens (trachea, nose, throat, rectum, blood) were tested for RNA viral load by reverse transcriptase PCR. In vitro virus susceptibility to OC was measured by a neuraminidase inhibition assay. Admission creatinine clearances were 66 (male, H5N1), 82 (female, H5N1) and 6 (H3N2) ml/min. Corresponding AUC0–12 values (5932, 10,951 and 34,670 ng.h/ml) and trough OC concentrations (376, 575 and 2730 ng/ml) were higher than previously reported in healthy volunteers; the latter exceeded 545 to 3956 fold the H5N1 IC50 (0.69 ng/ml) isolated from the H5N1 infected female. Two patients with follow-up respiratory specimens cleared their viruses after 5 (H5N1 male) and 5 (H3N2 female) days of oseltamivir. Both female patients died of respiratory failure; the male survived. 150 mg bid of oseltamivir was well absorbed and converted extensively to OC. Virus was cleared in two patients but two patients died, suggesting viral efficacy but poor clinical efficacy

Rule-based Classification of Airborne Laser Scanner Data for Automatic Extraction of 3D Objects in the Urban Area

LiDAR technology has been widely adopted as a proper method for land cover classification. Recently with the development of technology, LiDAR systems can now capture high-resolution multispectral bands images with high-density LiDAR point cloud simultaneously. Therefore, it opens new opportunities for more precise automatic land-use classification methods by utilizing LiDAR data. This article introduces a combining technique of point cloud classification algorithms. The algorithms include ground detection, building detection, and close point classification - the classification is based on point clouds’ attributes. The main attributes are heigh, intensity, and NDVI index calculated from 4 bands of colors extracted from multispectral images for each point. Data of the Leica City Mapper LiDAR system in an area of 80 ha in Quang Xuong town, Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam was used to deploy the classification. The data is classified into eight different types of land use consist of asphalt road, other ground, low vegetation, medium vegetation, high vegetation, building, water, and other objects. The classification workflow was implemented in the TerraSolid suite, with the result of the automation process came out with 97% overall accuracy of classification points. The classified point cloud is used in a workflow to create a 3D city model LoD2 (Level of Detail) afterward

THỰC TRẠNG SỬ DỤNG ĐẤT NGHĨA TRANG, NGHĨA ĐỊA TẠI THÀNH PHỐ TAM KỲ, TỈNH QUẢNG NAM

We used the methods of information collection, secondary data, and random interviews of 150 households to investigate the status of the cemetery and graveyard land use and conducted a survey on residents’ opinions concerning the construction of crematoriums and cremation sites. The results show that the sites are scattered in the communes and wards of the city with an area of ​​406.1 ha, accounting for 4.3% of the natural land. The cemeteries are commonly situated among other types of land use. In some cases, they are next to residential areas. The results enable us to propose solutions to improve the efficiency of management and use of this type of land in the locality.Chúng tôi sử dụng phương pháp thu thập thông tin, số liệu thứ cấp và phỏng vấn ngẫu nhiên 150 hộ dân để điều tra về thực trạng sử dụng đất nghĩa trang, nghĩa địa và thăm dò ý kiến của người dân về việc thực hiện xây dựng lò hỏa táng, các khu hỏa táng, các khu nghĩa trang và nghĩa địa tập trung. Kết quả cho thấy đất nghĩa trang, nghĩa địa nằm rải rác tại các xã, phường của thành phố với diện tích 406,1 ha, chiếm 4,3% diện tích đất tự nhiên. Tình trạng sử dụng đất nghĩa trang, nghĩa địa xen lẫn trong các loại hình sử dụng đất khác là khá phổ biến. Nhiều khu chôn cất hiện nằm gần khu dân cư. Từ kết quả nghiên cứu, chúng tôi đề xuất các giải pháp nhằm nâng cao hiệu quả quản lý và sử dụng hợp lý đối với loại đất này tại địa bàn

Robust-optimal control of rotary inverted pendulum control through fuzzy descriptor-based techniques

Abstract Expanding upon the well-established Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model, the T–S fuzzy descriptor model emerges as a robust and flexible framework. This article introduces the development of optimal and robust-optimal controllers grounded in the principles of stability control and fuzzy descriptor systems. By transforming complicated inequalities into linear matrix inequalities (LMI), we establish the essential conditions for controller construction, as delineated in theorems. To substantiate the utility of these controllers, we employ the rotary inverted pendulum as a testbed. Through diverse simulation scenarios, these controllers, rooted in fuzzy descriptor systems, demonstrate their practicality and effectiveness in ensuring the stable control of inverted pendulum systems, even in the presence of uncertainties within the model. This study highlights the adaptability and robustness of fuzzy descriptor-based controllers, paving the way for advanced control strategies in complex and uncertain environments

Adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control of an actuator powered by two opposing pneumatic artificial muscles

Abstract Pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) is a potential actuator in human–robot interaction systems, especially rehabilitation systems. However, PAM is a nonlinear actuator with uncertainty and a considerable delay in characteristics, making control challenging. This study presents a discrete-time sliding mode control approach combined with the adaptive fuzzy algorithm (AFSMC) to deal with the unknown disturbance of the PAM-based actuator. The developed fuzzy logic system has parameter vectors of the component rules that are automatically updated by an adaptive law. Consequently, the developed fuzzy logic system can reasonably approximate the system disturbance. When operating the PAM-based system in multi-scenario studies, experimental results confirm the efficiency of the proposed strategy

Numerical Simulation of Low Salinity Water Flooding on Core Samples for an Oil Reservoir in the Nam Con Son Basin, Vietnam

Low-salinity water flooding (LSWF) is environment-friendly and operates similarly to conventional waterflooding without the need for synthetic chemical materials. The application of LSWF makes sense in Vietnam as HC production has steadily declined since 2002, and the majority of main oil fields have become near mature and mature fields. In the next years, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) should be a top priority for Petro Vietnam to boost its oil production, for which the key issue is how to select a suitable EOR technology. In this study, LSWF of the Lower Miocene sand using low salinity water from Lower Oligocene sand was investigated. Previously at the Ruby field in the Cuu Long Basin, an LSWF feasibility study was carried out based on a conventional core flooding experiment, which is time-consuming and costly. This study targets the Chim Sao field in the Nam Con Son Basin, for which a cheaper and faster assessing method is required. As a result, a numerical code written in Matlab was developed and successfully validated with the core flooding experiment results obtained at the Ruby field. The LSWF simulation was conducted using the multiple ion-exchange mechanisms (MIE), and the results obtained showed an increase in the oil recovery factor by 2.19% for the Lower Miocene Sand. Another important outcome of this study is the innovative proposal and successful simulation to use the abundant low salinity water from the underlying Lower Oligocene sand as a natural LSW source to inject into the Lower Miocene oil reservoir that can be a decisive factor to help apply LSWF in practice on a wide scale not only for Chim Sao but also other similar oil fields in southern offshore Vietnam