How does culture impact on women's leadership in higher education? A case study in Vietnam

Whilst the subject of women and educational leadership is well documented internationally, research in this field is rare in Vietnam. This scarcity consolidates the commonly held belief that equity has been achieved in this country which masks the persistence of gender discrimination and social injustice. Drawing on the experiences of six women leaders, this study explored how culture shaped the way women led as well as their beliefs and perceptions about leadership in higher education in Vietnam. This qualitative research was conducted within a phenomenological theoretical framework which is concerned with people’s lived experience. Five out of six women leaders were Heads of Departments or Divisions at a technical university. They were personally interviewed in depth and the data gathered was analyzed using a thematic approach. The findings indicated that both the indigenous and organisational culture substantially influenced the female participants’ exercising of leadership and consequently contributed to the poor representation of women in senior positions. The women encountered more challenges in filling their roles when they were younger. Age appeared to be a very important factor in the practice of leadership in Vietnam. The women in this study were overwhelmed with huge workloads and domestic duties. The merit awards they strove for assigned them more responsibilities and made it harder for them to balance their work and other areas of life. In spite of these difficulties, the women could be proud of their leadership because of the democratic and transformational leadership styles they embraced. Traditional gender roles and socio-cultural norms together with the selection process and stereotypical tasks lowered the women’s self-confidence and career aspirations. This study indicates that to promote women’s progress and their representation in leadership positions, cultural change is necessary. This process will require the efforts and cooperation of many authorities, organisations and policy makers

A study of economic efficiency, adaptive measures to extreme climatic events, and drivers of disease in Vietnamese white leg shrimp aquaculture

This thesis delves into three key research areas centered on shrimp farming: evaluating operational efficiency in shrimp farming, analyzing adaptive choices made by farmers, and forecasting disease occurrences in shrimp farms in the context of evolving climate and environmental influences. The research employed a blend of methodologies derived from pertinent literature, coupled with data acquired through surveys. Rigorous checks for robustness were employed, leading to statistically substantial outcomes that address various inquiries concerning the economic facets of shrimp cultivation in the face of severe weather conditions. The specific locale chosen for this study is the Vannamei shrimp farming in the provinces of Bac Lieu and Ca Mau, situated in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam. These provinces hold diverse shrimp farming systems and contribute significantly to the nation's shrimp output. Their geographical vulnerability to the impacts of climate change also aligns well with the study's core objectives. The first objective assessed efficiency in shrimp yield for both intensive and extensive systems, linking factors like climate perception, education, adaptation, disease, and location to efficiency. This aids in identifying factors that mitigate inefficiencies in well-managed farms during adverse weather. The second objective analyzed factors influencing farmers' choices in adopting adaptive measures across intensive and extensive systems. Socioeconomic status, knowledge sharing, access to services, farm characteristics, and perceptions were key factors shaping adaptive decisions, with policy implications for climate adaptation in shrimp farming. The final objective predicted disease outbreaks in intensive shrimp farming, identifying risk and protective factors. Training, extension services, and protective measures were crucial in minimizing disease, with shrimp crop duration and operational years affecting disease likelihood

Some Solutions to Help Students Enjoy Learning English More

When teaching a large class of students, the teacher's biggest concern is which method to use to partially satisfy the learning needs of the majority of students. Each class has its unique characteristics, different learning needs, and the same level of students between classes at Tan Trao University. Some methods work well for one class, but not for another. This concern becomes much greater when the level of the student and the level of the curriculum has quite a big difference. Teachers often have to add the function of "curriculum designer" for a particular class. In addition to teaching according to the school's general curriculum, teachers must prepare more types of exercises and support activities to help students become more interested in learning and learn English more effectively. In this research paper, the writer of this article would like to mention some solutions that I have applied to students of Kindergarten Class C K8 and their feedback on my solution

Utilizing Visual Stimuli to Foster Engagement Among English Speaking Skill Learners During Instructional Sessions

The utilization of imagery proves highly effective in stimulating interest and fostering motivation for learners during the process of honing English speaking skills. Through this approach, not only does it facilitate learners in easily conceptualizing and comprehending concepts visually, but it also provides a platform for them to discuss and articulate ideas with confidence and creativity. Imagery serves as a bridge between language and real-life experiences, thereby igniting learners' passion and curiosity, aiding in their rapid and effective progress in language acquisition. In the journey of refining English speaking skills, imagery transcends mere static pictures to become gateways to myriad worlds. When educators incorporate images into the classroom, they bring not only pictures but also emotions, stories, and even dreams. Each detail within an image serves as a key, unlocking the door to imagination, enabling learners to step into a rich world where language extends beyond words on paper to vibrant images within the mind. Through the integration of imagery, the learning process becomes vivid and captivating, transforming each lesson into an adventure, a voyage filled with exploration and anticipation.&nbsp

Board Gender Diversity, Bank Risk and Performance: Evidence from Vietnam

The focus of this article is on the correlation between board diversity, financial performance, and risk. In particular, the study examines the presence of female and foreign directors on corporate boards. The research uses a sample of 15 Vietnamese listed banks during 2014-2020. The findings indicate that the number of female directors on boards does not have a significant relationship with bank performance or risk. Additionally, the study reveals a negative relationship between the presence of foreign directors and bank risk.   CITE THIS PAPER: Hong, L. T. T.; Ngan, C. T. T. (2023). “Board Gender Diversity, Bank Risk and Performance: Evidence from Vietnam” Journal of World Economy: Transformations & Transitions (JOWETT) 3(06):26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52459/jowett3626052

Effects of drought stress on growth and flavonoid accumulation of fish mint (Houttuynia cordata Thumb.)

Fish mint (Houttuynia cordata Thumb.) is a popular medicinal plant grown primarily because of its pharmacological values. Drought stress has on the relationship between growth and physio-biochemical changes, especially flavonoid content. The impacts of various drought stress conditions on the fish mint development were investigated, including 85% of field capacity (FC), 75% FC, 65% FC and 55% FC in 14, 21 and 28 days. Agronomic, physiological and biochemical parameters during the growth of fish mint plants under drought stress conditions were assessed. According to the results of variance analysis, drought stress results in a considerable drop in the measured parameters (shoot height, leaf number, leaf area and fresh weight). Similarly, all of the above-mentioned parameters were also decreased with increasing the number of drought days. Furthermore, drought period and level caused a drop in respiration, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll and starch content. The concentration of carotenoids and flavonoids, on the other hand, increased dramatically as drought stress periods and levels increased. In comparison to the control, the drought treatment (65% FC) in 7 days maintained the growth rate and increased flavonoid accumulation from 2.42 mg to 3.04 mg. These findings might give a scientific foundation for growing fish mint plants under drought stress to boost flavonoid content

On simultaneous diagonalization via congruence of real symmetric matrices

Simultaneous diagonalization via congruence (SDC) for more than two symmetric matrices has been a long standing problem. So far, the best attempt either relies on the existence of a semidefinite matrix pencil or casts on the complex field. The problem now is resolved without any assumption. We first propose necessary and sufficient conditions for SDC in case that at least one of the matrices is nonsingular. Otherwise, we show that the singular matrices can be decomposed into diagonal blocks such that the SDC of given matrices becomes equivalently the SDC of the sub-matrices. Most importantly, the sub-matrices now contain at least one nonsingular matrix. Applications to simplify some difficult optimization problems with the presence of SDC are mentioned

Smart Cities, Healthy Citizens: Integrating Urban Public Health in Urban Planning

Urban planning that incorporates public health considerations is crucial for the development of smart cities that prioritize the well-being and health of their citizens. This study presents key findings on integrating urban public health into urban planning to create environments that promote physical and mental well-being. The study identifies and explores several crucial considerations for achieving this integration.The first consideration is healthy urban design, which involves designing urban spaces and infrastructure that promote physical activity, accessibility, and safety. Walkable neighborhoods, well-connected sidewalks, bike lanes, and efficient public transit systems encourage active transportation. Incorporating parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities provide opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, while inclusive and accessible public spaces reduce pollution and noise.Air quality and pollution control emerge as another vital consideration. The study highlights the importance of implementing policies to mitigate air pollution, reduce emissions, and promote clean energy sources. Designing urban areas to minimize exposure to pollution sources, increasing green spaces and urban forests, and utilizing smart technologies for monitoring air quality are key strategies for improving air quality and mitigating the heat island effect.Ensuring accessible healthcare and services is essential for equitable public health. The research emphasizes the need to strategically locate healthcare facilities to serve both urban and underserved areas. Attention should be given to the needs of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income communities, and individuals with disabilities. The integration of telemedicine and digital health solutions can enhance access to healthcare services.Promoting active transportation and safety is crucial in urban planning. The study highlights the importance of pedestrian and cyclist safety through well-designed crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and lighting systems. Dedicated cycling infrastructure, traffic management strategies, and smart traffic systems contribute to reducing accidents and improving road safety.Noise pollution management is an often overlooked aspect of urban planning. The research emphasizes the significance of designing buildings with sound insulation and implementing zoning regulations to separate noise-sensitive areas from noise-generating activities. Green buffers and sound barriers are effective in mitigating noise impacts, while monitoring noise levels and enforcing regulations minimize excessive noise.The study also underscores the importance of integrating elements that promote mental health and social well-being into urban planning. Creating inclusive and socially connected neighborhoods, designing public spaces that encourage socialization and relaxation, and prioritizing the provision of community centers and social services all contribute to mental health and well-being.Data and technology integration play a crucial role in informing urban planning decisions and improving public health outcomes. The study highlights the value of collecting and analyzing health-related data to identify health disparities, understand the impact of the built environment on health, and guide decision-making processes. Utilizing smart technologies, such as wearable devices and health monitoring systems, promotes individual health awareness and facilitates targeted interventions.Evaluation and monitoring are essential components of successful urban planning. Continuously monitoring and evaluating the impact of urban planning decisions on public health outcomes, collecting data on health indicators, and using this information to assess intervention effectiveness and inform future planning efforts are critical for sustainable development.Integrating urban public health considerations into urban planning enables the creation of smart and healthy environments that support the well-being of citizens. This holistic approach ensures that urban development fosters economic growth, technological advancement, and the health and happiness of the people who live and work in these cities

δ-equality of intuitionistic fuzzy sets: a new proximity measure and applications in medical diagnosis

Intuitionistic fuzzy set is capable of handling uncertainty with counterpart falsities which exist in nature. Proximity measure is a convenient way to demonstrate impractical significance of values of memberships in the intuitionistic fuzzy set. However, the related works of Pappis (Fuzzy Sets Syst 39(1):111–115, 1991), Hong and Hwang (Fuzzy Sets Syst 66(3):383–386, 1994), Virant (2000) and Cai (IEEE Trans Fuzzy Syst 9(5):738–750, 2001) did not model the measure in the context of the intuitionistic fuzzy set but in the Zadeh’s fuzzy set instead. In this paper, we examine this problem and propose new notions of δ-equalities for the intuitionistic fuzzy set and δ-equalities for intuitionistic fuzzy relations. Two fuzzy sets are said to be δ-equal if they are equal to an extent of δ. The applications of δ-equalities are important to fuzzy statistics and fuzzy reasoning. Several characteristics of δ-equalities that were not discussed in the previous works are also investigated. We apply the δ-equalities to the application of medical diagnosis to investigate a patient’s diseases from symptoms. The idea is using δ-equalities for intuitionistic fuzzy relations to find groups of intuitionistic fuzzified set with certain equality or similar degrees then combining them. Numerical examples are given to illustrate validity of the proposed algorithm. Further, we conduct experiments on real medical datasets to check the efficiency and applicability on real-world problems. The results obtained are also better in comparison with 10 existing diagnosis methods namely De et al. (Fuzzy Sets Syst 117:209–213, 2001), Samuel and Balamurugan (Appl Math Sci 6(35):1741–1746, 2012), Szmidt and Kacprzyk (2004), Zhang et al. (Procedia Eng 29:4336–4342, 2012), Hung and Yang (Pattern Recogn Lett 25:1603–1611, 2004), Wang and Xin (Pattern Recogn Lett 26:2063–2069, 2005), Vlachos and Sergiadis (Pattern Recogn Lett 28(2):197– 206, 2007), Zhang and Jiang (Inf Sci 178(6):4184–4191, 2008), Maheshwari and Srivastava (J Appl Anal Comput 6(3):772–789, 2016) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)