Petrological and Biostratigraphic Characteristics of Pre-Cenozoic Carbonate Rocks in the Northern Song Hong Basin, Vietnam

Pre-Cenozoic carbonate rocks in the northern Song Hong basin, Vietnam that are being considered and studied by oil companies in exploration and exploitation. The hydrocarbon accumulations in these rocks have been discovered and have significantly commercial reserves, in which the porosity plays an important role in estimating the capacity of hydrocarbon. The carbonate rocks are composed mainly of crystalline limestone, packstone, wackestone and mudstone, which have been experienced dolomitization, compaction and dissolution. The main carbonate pore systems include fracture, vuggy and intercrystalline porosity. The predominance of larger benthic foraminiferal assemblages indicates that the carbonate sediments were formed during the late Paleozoic (Carboniferous-Permian) and were deposited in shallow marine environment. Furthermore, the obtained petrological and biostratigraphic characteristics are well-correlated with the carbonate formations exposed in adjacent Cat Ba island area. The results of this study are either used in petroleum exploration or used in a local stratigraphic correlation in northern Vietnam

PREPARATION AND FTIR STUDIES OF PMMA/PVC POLYMER BLENDS, PVC-g-PMMA GRAFT COPOLYMERS AND EVALUATING GRAFT CONTENT

This study presents the qualitative and quantitative analyses of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(vinyl chloride) blends (PMMA/PVC), as well as PVC-g-PMMA graft copolymers. Graft copolymerizations of methyl mathacrylate (MMA) onto PVC macromolecules were carried out mixture of cyclohexanone/N,N-dimethylformamide as solvents, dibenzoyl peroxide as initiator and nitrogen medium. FTIR spectra of PMMA/PVC blends showed that there were molecular interactions between C=O groups of PMMA and C-Cl groups of PVC. Assignments of infrared absorption bands for specific groups of PMMA/PVC blends have been contributed. Using regression method, linear calibration curve between PMMA mole content and peak areas of C=O groups in FTIR spectra of the blends has been found when C=O peak areas were multiplied by an appropriate factor. PMMA grafted content and total PMMA formed content in PVC-g-PMMA graft copolymers have been evaluated. The results showed that grafted PMMA content was increased since PVC was initiatly dechlorinated by NaOH solution. The grafted PMMA content and total formed PMMA content were 5.05 wt.% and 11.25 wt.% respectively when MMA monomers were grafted onto neat PVC and modified PVC molecules

Extraction of Polyphenols from Mentha aquatica Linn. var. crispa

Mentha aquatica Linn. var. crispa is commonly used as a spice in many Asian countries. Although its biological activities, such as its applications, antimicrobial properties, have been studied, its antioxidation properties have not been investigated. This study establishes the most suitable extraction conditions concerning the independent variables affecting the total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of M. aquatica extract (stem and leaf). Investigated factors include the type of solvent used; solvent concentration, the ratio of raw material to solvent, extraction time and extraction temperature. The efficiency of polyphenol extraction was evaluated by TPC and AA through the ability to neutralize the free radicals 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2\u27-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was used as the evaluation indicator. The results have shown that acetone at a concentration of 50%, at a ratio of 1:20 (w/v), extraction time of 2 h and a temperature of 40 °C give the highest values of TPC and AA, with values of 120.92 mg GAE g-1 dw for TPC, 169.36 μmol TE g-1 dw by DPPH assay, 264.03 μmol by ABTS assay, and 425.35 μmol Fe2+ g-1 dw by FRAP assay. This study demonstrates that extracts of M. aquatica can be used for research as food antioxidant

Experiência de aprendizagem de estudantes de enfermagem na prevenção e controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde (PC-IACS) em países asiáticos: um estudo qualitativo exploratório

Background: Healthcare-associated infection prevention and control (HAI-PC) education programs in Asian countries seem limited and require improvement and support. Objective: This study explored students’ learning experiences with HAI-PC education programs in Asian countries (two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities) to support a pedagogical model in HAI-PC. Method: A qualitative exploratory study design was employed, and inductive content analysis was conducted. Students were selected to participate in the focus group to investigate their experiences with HAI-PC using five structured questions. There were 48 nursing students in total from four universities, 28 from 2 universities in Cambodia, and 20 from two universities in Vietnam. Results: The summary results gained from the four universities were synthesized by grouping them into sub-categories and four primary categories, which were students’ HAI-PC competence, students’ current learning methods in HAI-PC Education, the HAI-PC teaching and learning environment, students’ capacity, and entrepreneurial skills in HAI-PC development. Conclusion: This study revealed evidence to improve nursing education in HAI-PC in Asian countries. The new learning method of the simulation scenario and the model fascinated the students; they were happy and more confident about their future careers in practicing HAI-PC skills in their clinical practicum and hospital practice. The current HAI-PC education faces issues related to education and healthcare systems in Asian countries, highlighting the need for improvement.Enquadramento: Os programas de educação em prevenção e controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde (PC-IAS) em países asiáticos parecem ser limitados e necessitam de melhorias e apoio. Objetivo: Este estudo explorou as experiências de aprendizagem dos estudantes com programas de educação em PC-IAS em países asiáticos (duas universidades vietnamitas e duas universidades cambojanas) para apoiar um modelo pedagógico em PC-IAS. Método: Foi utilizado um desenho de estudo exploratório qualitativo, e foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo indutiva. Os estudantes foram selecionados para participar no grupo focal para investigar as suas experiências com PC-IAS usando cinco perguntas estruturadas. No total, participaram 48 estudantes de enfermagem de quatro universidades, sendo 28 de duas universidades no Camboja e 20 de duas universidades no Vietname. Resultados: Os resultados resumidos das quatro universidades foram sintetizados agrupando-os em subcategorias e quatro categorias principais, que eram competência dos estudantes em PC-IAS, métodos de aprendizagem atuais dos estudantes em Educação em PC-IAS, ambiente de ensino e aprendizagem em PC-IAS, capacidade dos estudantes e habilidades empreendedoras no desenvolvimento de PC-IAS. Conclusão: Este estudo revelou evidências para melhorar a educação em enfermagem em PC-IAS em países asiáticos. O novo método de aprendizagem do cenário de simulação e o modelo cativaram os estudantes; eles ficaram felizes e mais confiantes em relação às suas futuras carreiras na prática de habilidades em PC-IAS no estágio clínico e na prática hospitalar. A educação atual em PC-IAS enfrenta questões relacionadas aos sistemas de educação e saúde em países asiáticos, destacando a necessidade de melhorias

Simulação como método de ensino na formação em enfermagem na prevenção e controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde em países asiáticos: um estudo qualitativo

Background: Applying simulation for nursing education, especially in healthcare-associated infection prevention and control (HAI-PC) in developing countries has limited evidence. The study was conducted to explore educators’ perceptions of simulation as a teaching method for nursing education in HAI-PC in two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was applied. A focus group of 37 educators from four universities was conducted for data collection. Inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis was applied in analysing the data. Results: The core category was constructed to reflect educators’ perception of scenario-based simulation (SBS) as a teaching method for nursing education in HAI prevention and control. This main category included three subcategories: (i) enhancing nursing competence; (ii) preparing students for simulation; and [1] promoting simulation pedagogy competence. Conclusions: The findings identified the importance and benefits of applying simulation as a teaching method in nursing education. Additionally, it emphasized the necessity of enhancing knowledge associated with HAIs and providing additional training on simulation for educators to improve the quality of conducting simulations.Enquadramento: A aplicação da simulação no ensino de enfermagem, especialmente na prevenção e controlo de infeções associadas aos cuidados de saúde (IACS), em países em desenvolvimento, tem evidências limitadas. O estudo foi conduzido para explorar as perceções dos educadores sobre a simulação como método de ensino para a formação em enfermagem na prevenção e controlo de IACS em duas universidades vietnamitas e duas universidades cambojanas. Métodos: Foi aplicado um desenho qualitativo exploratório. Um grupo de discussão com 37 educadores de quatro universidades foi conduzido para a recolha de dados. A análise qualitativa de conteúdo indutiva e dedutiva foi aplicada na análise dos dados. Resultados: A categoria central foi construída para refletir a perceção dos educadores sobre a simulação baseada em cenários (SBC) como método de ensino para a formação em enfermagem na prevenção e controlo de IACS. Esta categoria principal incluiu três subcategorias: (i) aprimoramento da competência em enfermagem; (ii) preparação dos estudantes para a simulação; e [1] promoção da competência em pedagogia de simulação. Conclusões: Os resultados identificaram a importância e benefícios da aplicação da simulação como método de ensino na formação em enfermagem. Além disso, enfatizou a necessidade de aprimorar o conhecimento associado às ICACS e fornecer treinamento adicional sobre simulação para educadores, visando melhorar a qualidade da condução das simulações

Experiências do estudante de enfermagem na aprendizagem da prevenção e controlo de IACS em países asiáticos através do uso de simulação baseada em cenários: um estudo qualitativo exploratório

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have posed a major threat to both patients and to the safety healthcare personnel worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 10% of hospitalized patients are affected by HAIs worldwide. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of nursing students in learning HAIs prevention and control by the application of the scenario-based simulation pedagogy now in use in two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among 160 nursing students from 2 Cambodian universities and 2 Vietnamese universities, and by using the purposive-sampling method. The data were collected through a focus group discussion and analyzed by the Graneheim and Lundman method (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004). Results: Two themes and six categories were generated. 1) First theme: factors for enhancing student learning on the prevention and control of HAIs by use of scenario-based simulation; and 2) Second theme: factors hindering students learning on HAI prevention and control by use of scenario-based simulation. Conclusion: The findings showed that SBS is an effective learning method for nursing students that can be applied to enhance the quality of nursing education in the Asian countries as SBS not only improves the clinical skills, but also the soft skills of nursing students. However, the effective outcomes and impacts can only be achieved in the context with the appropriate learning materials and equipment, simulation facilities and the instructors with pedagogical skills.Enquadramento: As infeções associadas a cuidados de saúde (IACS) têm representado uma grande ameaça tanto para os pacientes quanto para a segurança dos profissionais de saúde em todo o mundo. De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde, 10% dos pacientes hospitalizados são afetados por IACS em todo o mundo. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar as experiências dos estudantes de enfermagem na aprendizagem da prevenção e controlo de IACS através da aplicação da pedagogia de simulação baseada em cenários, atualmente em uso em duas universidades vietnamitas e duas universidades cambojanas. Métodos: Um estudo qualitativo foi conduzido entre 160 estudantes de enfermagem de duas universidades cambojanas e duas universidades vietnamitas, utilizando o método de amostragem propositada. Os dados foram recolhidos através de uma discussão em grupo focal e analisados pelo método de Graneheim e Lundman (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004). Resultados: Dois temas e seis categorias foram gerados. 1) Primeiro tema: fatores que contribuem para a aprendizagem dos estudantes na prevenção e controlo de IACS pelo uso de simulação baseada em cenários; e 2) Segundo tema: fatores que impedem a aprendizagem dos estudantes na prevenção e controlo de IACS pelo uso de simulação baseada em cenários (SBC). Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que a SBC é um método de aprendizagem eficaz para estudantes de enfermagem que pode ser aplicado para melhorar a qualidade da educação em enfermagem nos países asiáticos, uma vez que a SBC não só melhora as habilidades clínicas, mas também as habilidades interpessoais dos estudantes de enfermagem. No entanto, os resultados e impactos efetivos só podem ser alcançados no contexto com os materiais e equipamentos de aprendizagem apropriados, instalações de simulação e instrutores com habilidades pedagógicas

SIMULATION AS A TEACHING METHOD FOR NURSING EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN ASIAN COUNTRIES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

BACKGROUND: Applying simulation for nursing education, especially in healthcare-associated infection prevention and control (HAI-PC) in developing countries has limited evidence. The study was conducted to explore educators’ perceptions of simulation as a teaching method for nursing education in HAI-PC in two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative design was applied. A focus group of 37 educators from four universities was conducted for data collection. Inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis was applied in analysing the data. RESULTS: The core category was constructed to reflect educators’ perception of scenario-based simulation (SBS) as a teaching method for nursing education in HAI prevention and control. This main category included three subcategories: (i) enhancing nursing competence; (ii) preparing students for simulation; and [1] promoting simulation pedagogy competence. CONCLUSIONS: The findings identified the importance and benefits of applying simulation as a teaching method in nursing education. Additionally, it emphasized the necessity of enhancing knowledge associated with HAIs and providing additional training on simulation for educators to improve the quality of conducting simulations

EXPERIENCES OF THE NURSING STUDENT IN LEARNING HAI PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN ASIAN COUNTRIES THROUGH THE USE OF SCENARIO-BASED SIMULATION: AN EXPLORATIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have posed a major threat to both patients and to the safety healthcare personnel worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 10% of hospitalized patients are affected by HAIs worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of nursing students in learning HAIs prevention and control by the application of the scenario-based simulation pedagogy now in use in two Vietnamese and two Cambodian universities. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted among 160 nursing students from 2 Cambodian universities and 2 Vietnamese universities, and by using the purposive-sampling method. The data were collected through a focus group discussion and analyzed by the Graneheim and Lundman method (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004). RESULTS: Two themes and six categories were generated. 1) First theme: factors for enhancing student learning on the prevention and control of HAIs by use of scenario-based simulation; and 2) Second theme: factors hindering students learning on HAI prevention and control by use of scenario-based simulation. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that SBS is an effective learning method for nursing students that can be applied to enhance the quality of nursing education in the Asian countries as SBS not only improves the clinical skills, but also the soft skills of nursing students. However, the effective outcomes and impacts can only be achieved in the context with the appropriate learning materials and equipment, simulation facilities and the instructors with pedagogical skills

Repositioning of the global epicentre of non-optimal cholesterol

High blood cholesterol is typically considered a feature of wealthy western countries(1,2). However, dietary and behavioural determinants of blood cholesterol are changing rapidly throughout the world(3) and countries are using lipid-lowering medications at varying rates. These changes can have distinct effects on the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, which have different effects on human health(4,5). However, the trends of HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels over time have not been previously reported in a global analysis. Here we pooled 1,127 population-based studies that measured blood lipids in 102.6 million individuals aged 18 years and older to estimate trends from 1980 to 2018 in mean total, non-HDL and HDL cholesterol levels for 200 countries. Globally, there was little change in total or non-HDL cholesterol from 1980 to 2018. This was a net effect of increases in low- and middle-income countries, especially in east and southeast Asia, and decreases in high-income western countries, especially those in northwestern Europe, and in central and eastern Europe. As a result, countries with the highest level of non-HDL cholesterol-which is a marker of cardiovascular riskchanged from those in western Europe such as Belgium, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Malta in 1980 to those in Asia and the Pacific, such as Tokelau, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. In 2017, high non-HDL cholesterol was responsible for an estimated 3.9 million (95% credible interval 3.7 million-4.2 million) worldwide deaths, half of which occurred in east, southeast and south Asia. The global repositioning of lipid-related risk, with non-optimal cholesterol shifting from a distinct feature of high-income countries in northwestern Europe, north America and Australasia to one that affects countries in east and southeast Asia and Oceania should motivate the use of population-based policies and personal interventions to improve nutrition and enhance access to treatment throughout the world.Peer reviewe