Barrier Factors Affecting Development of Intelligent Transport System Projects

This paper identifies potential barrier factors affecting effectiveness and development (ED) of ITS projects as well as criteria for measuring ED of ITS projects in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The study discovers the barrier constructs, and analyzes data using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling method (PLS-SEM). The results provides a general and comprehensive overview of the main issues of ITS, and identifies 28 barrier factors with five main constructs affecting ED of ITS projects, namely the lack of undivided attention from the government (AG), financial constraints for ITS (FC), inadequate transport infrastructure (ITI), the over-development of urbanization (ODU), and the readiness and integration for ITS (RI). This paper fill the knowledge gap by discovering the causal relationships between barrier constructs and ED of ITS projects in Vietnam. Also it proposes several solutions for these issues, which are also a useful measurement tool for government agencies, planners, and traffic system designers to help them self-assess and make action plans now or in the near future

Spatiotemporal evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Delta variants during large nationwide outbreak of COVID-19, Vietnam, 2021

We analyzed 1,303 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from Vietnam, and found the Alpha and Delta variants were responsible for a large nationwide outbreak of COVID-19 in 2021. The Delta variant was confined to the AY.57 lineage and caused >1.7 million infections and >32,000 deaths. Viral transmission was strongly affected by nonpharmaceutical interventions

Barrier Factors Affecting Development of Intelligent Transport System Projects

This paper identifies potential barrier factors affecting effectiveness and development (ED) of ITS projects as well as criteria for measuring ED of ITS projects in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The study discovers the barrier constructs, and analyzes data using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling method (PLS-SEM). The results provides a general and comprehensive overview of the main issues of ITS, and identifies 28 barrier factors with five main constructs affecting ED of ITS projects, namely the lack of undivided attention from the government (AG), financial constraints for ITS (FC), inadequate transport infrastructure (ITI), the over-development of urbanization (ODU), and the readiness and integration for ITS (RI). This paper fill the knowledge gap by discovering the causal relationships between barrier constructs and ED of ITS projects in Vietnam. Also it proposes several solutions for these issues, which are also a useful measurement tool for government agencies, planners, and traffic system designers to help them self-assess and make action plans now or in the near future

The Association between POU1F1 Gene Polymorphisms and Growth as well as Carcass Traits of Noi Native Chickens

The study was conducted to detect and analyze the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the POU1F1 (POU class 1 homeobox 1) gene and growth as well as carcass traits in Noi native chickens. Blood samples were taken at the wings, DNAs were extracted based on the phenol: chloroform technique and genotypes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. The frequencies of CC genotypes for three polymorphic sites (POU1F1_HhaI SNP, POU1F1_EcoRI SNP, POU1F1_BspHI SNP) were the highest. The corresponding C allele frequencies were higher than those of T alleles. Of three polymorphisms, POU1F1_BspHI SNP was found to be significantly linked with growth and carcass traits. Chickens bearing TT genotype showed higher body weight at 91 days, carcass weight, breast weight, and thigh weight than those of chickens with CC genotype. This SNP can be a useful marker for the selection of Noi chicken for improvement of growth and carcass traits

Application of supply chain management in construction industry

The application of the supply chain management (SCM) in industry has achieved much success, especially in the manufacturing sector. In the current market, the Vietnamese construction companies must compete not only with domestic companies but also with foreign ones, the application of SCM is essential to improve efficiency and increase their competitive advantage. In this paper, a survey was carried out to identify factors that cause limitation in applying SCM to the Vietnamese construction industry. A qualitative approach was based on prime contractor’s perspective at the construction phase of the project. The survey questionnaire was designed by synthesizing and inheriting the previous studies and consultation with experts. The survey participants are those who have had working experience with main contractors and joined in the construction projects. The face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data. Descriptive statistics analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were used to analyze data. The results indicated seven leading causes which limited the application of SCM in the construction industry

A simple strategy to enhance the in vivo wound-healing activity of curcumin in the form of self-assembled nanoparticle complex of curcumin and oligochitosan

While the wound healing activity of curcumin (CUR) has been well-established, its clinical effectiveness remains limited due to the inherently low aqueous CUR solubility, resulting in suboptimal CUR exposure in the wound sites. Previously, we developed high-payload amorphous nanoparticle complex (or nanoplex) of CUR and chitosan (CHI) capable of CUR solubility enhancement by drug-polyelectrolyte complexation. The CUR-CHI nanoplex, however, exhibited poor colloidal stability due to its strong agglomeration tendency. Herein we hypothesized that the colloidal stability could be improved by replacing CHI with its oligomers (OCHI) owed to the better charge distribution in OCHI. The effects of key parameters in drug-polyelectrolyte complexation (i.e. pH, salt inclusion, CUR concentration, and OCHI/CUR charge ratio) on the physical characteristics and preparation efficiency of the CUR-OCHI nanoplex produced were investigated. The in vivo wound healing efficacy of the CUR-OCHI nanoplex and its cytotoxicity towards human keratinocytes cells were examined. The results showed that CUR-OCHI nanoplex exhibited prolonged colloidal stability (72 h versus 90% after 7 days versus 9 days for the native CUR resulting in smaller scars, attributed to its generation of high CUR concentration in the wound sites.Nanyang Technological UniversityAccepted versionThe authors would like to acknowledge the research funds from Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute and Nuclear Research Institute (Grant number: 07/17/VNCHN) and from Nanyang Technological University's Undergraduate Research Experience on Campus (URECA) for Suen Ern Lee

Complete human mtDNA genome sequences from Vietnam and the phylogeography of Mainland Southeast Asia

International audienceVietnam is an important crossroads within Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA) and a gateway to Island Southeast Asia, and as such exhibits high levels of ethnolinguistic diversity. However, comparatively few studies have been undertaken of the genetic diversity of Vietnamese populations. In order to gain comprehensive insights into MSEA mtDNA phylogeography, we sequenced 609 complete mtDNA genomes from individuals belonging to five language families (Austroasiatic, Tai-Kadai, Hmong-Mien, Sino-Tibetan and Austronesian) and analyzed them in comparison with sequences from other MSEA countries and Taiwan. Within Vietnam, we identified 399 haplotypes belonging to 135 haplogroups; among the five language families, the sequences from Austronesian groups differ the most from the other groups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 111 novel Vietnamese mtDNA lineages. Bayesian estimates of coalescence times and associated 95% HPD for these show a peak of mtDNA diversification around 2.5-3 kya, which coincides with the Dong Son culture, and thus may be associated with the agriculturally-driven expansion of this culture. Networks of major MSEA haplogroups emphasize the overall distinctiveness of sequences from Taiwan, in keeping with previous studies that suggested at most a minor impact of the Austronesian expansion from Taiwan on MSEA. We also see evidence for population expansions across MSEA geographic regions and language families

Complete human mtDNA genome sequences from Vietnam and the phylogeography of Mainland Southeast Asia

International audienceVietnam is an important crossroads within Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA) and a gateway to Island Southeast Asia, and as such exhibits high levels of ethnolinguistic diversity. However, comparatively few studies have been undertaken of the genetic diversity of Vietnamese populations. In order to gain comprehensive insights into MSEA mtDNA phylogeography, we sequenced 609 complete mtDNA genomes from individuals belonging to five language families (Austroasiatic, Tai-Kadai, Hmong-Mien, Sino-Tibetan and Austronesian) and analyzed them in comparison with sequences from other MSEA countries and Taiwan. Within Vietnam, we identified 399 haplotypes belonging to 135 haplogroups; among the five language families, the sequences from Austronesian groups differ the most from the other groups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 111 novel Vietnamese mtDNA lineages. Bayesian estimates of coalescence times and associated 95% HPD for these show a peak of mtDNA diversification around 2.5-3 kya, which coincides with the Dong Son culture, and thus may be associated with the agriculturally-driven expansion of this culture. Networks of major MSEA haplogroups emphasize the overall distinctiveness of sequences from Taiwan, in keeping with previous studies that suggested at most a minor impact of the Austronesian expansion from Taiwan on MSEA. We also see evidence for population expansions across MSEA geographic regions and language families

An observational study of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infections among vaccinated healthcare workers in Vietnam

Background Data on breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infections in vaccinated individuals are limited. Methods We studied breakthrough infections among Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccinated healthcare workers in an infectious diseases hospital in Vietnam. We collected demographic and clinical data alongside serial PCR testing, measurement of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and viral whole-genome sequencing. Findings Between 11th–25th June 2021 (7-8 weeks after the second dose), 69 staff tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. 62 participated in the study. Most were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and all recovered. Twenty-two complete-genome sequences were obtained; all were Delta variant and were phylogenetically distinct from contemporary viruses obtained from the community or from hospital patients admitted prior to the outbreak. Viral loads inferred from Ct values were 251 times higher than in cases infected with the original strain in March/April 2020. Median time from diagnosis to negative PCR was 21 days (range 8–33). Neutralizing antibodies (expressed as percentage of inhibition) measured after the second vaccine dose, or at diagnosis, were lower in cases than in uninfected, fully vaccinated controls (median (IQR): 69.4 (50.7-89.1) vs. 91.3 (79.6-94.9), p=0.005 and 59.4 (32.5-73.1) vs. 91.1 (77.3-94.2), p=0.043). There was no correlation between vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody levels and peak viral loads or the development of symptoms. Interpretation Breakthrough Delta variant infections following Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccination may cause asymptomatic or mild disease, but are associated with high viral loads, prolonged PCR positivity and low levels of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies. Epidemiological and sequence data suggested ongoing transmission had occurred between fully vaccinated individuals