An analysis of multi drug resistant tuberculosis control in Vietnam

Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis is a major global health problem. Viet Nam is 14th among 27 MDR-TB high burden countries with an estimated about 5,100 MDR-TB cases among notified TB cases per year. Management of MDR-TB in Viet Nam is one of the main objectives of the TB control programme. This thesis provides an understanding of the current situation of MDRlXDR-TB in Vietnam and its control policies focusing on case finding strategy, targeting groups for MDR-TB screening. MDR-TB contacts, one of the high risk groups recommended by the WHO is a focus of this thesis. The thesis presents screening practices of household contacts of TB patients, feasibility of TB contact investigations, and to identify challenges and solutions for a successful implementation of an efficient contact investigation among MDR -TB patients in Viet Nam. Since 2009, the programmatic management of drug resistant tuberculosis (PMDT) was piloted in Viet Nam following the development of 2009 country MDR TB guideline. A year after the WHO updated guideline was disseminated, the country revised its guideline and SOP to be in line with WHO's recommendations and contextualized to local capacity and resources. The PMDT has been rolled out and scaled up in the country. However, lack of resources, limited communication on policy changes to lower level, unable to provide screening to all risk groups, inadequate capacity to perform diagnosis of mono and poly resistant TB and second- line DST have posed significant challenges for the NTP to implement their policy. This study found that only about 30% MDR TB cases was detected. through the PMDT system. The possible reasons we identified were: (1) delay in fully rolling out PMDT policies and limited capacity of the system, mostly due to inadequate resources, (2) operational factors, and (3) neglecting high risk groups during MDR- TB screening, particularly close contacts of MDR TB patients. Noteworthy, the NTP strategy relies on "passive case finding" while the proportion of household contacts of smear-positive tuberculosis patients screened for TB under the current passive screening approach of the Vietnam National TB program is very low compared with prevalence of TB among contacts in high burden countries, particularly for contacts under 5 years of age. Although screening of close contacts of MDR-TB patients is recommended by the NTP of Viet Nam, this is generally not done. Therefore, a different approach is needed. This study applied Social network Analysis (SNA), which is a more comprehensive approach than traditional contact tracing. However, with SNA of 99 MDR-TB index patients we were not able to detect new MDR-TB cases. The fact we found no new MDR-TB cases may be explained by reduced fitness of MDR-TB and the short follow up time of our study of 6 months. The results of this study suggest that there are several interventions that could improve the PMDT program in Viet Nam. Firstly, the National TB control Program should standardize and decentralize training on PMDT and provide staff with updated information on policy changes through proper communication channels. Capacity on MDR-TB diagnosis and treatment should be strengthened. PMDT should expand ambulatory care of MDR-TB treatment and expand risk group for MDR-TB screening. MDR TB case finding could be strengthened by provision of information and education of close contacts of MDR-TB patients, with special attention to children; and to perform more research on how active contact investigations should be done for MD-TB to have the best yield. The NTP should allocate more resources to MDRTB control, particularly well-trained staff

DISTRIBUTION AND SOURCES OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN AQUATIC SEDIMENT FROM CAN GIO COASTAL WETLAND, HOCHIMINH CITY

The distribution of fifteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indicated from USEPA as priority pollutants was studied in surface sediments (0 - 20 cm) of coastal wetland area of Can Gio district, Hochiminh City. PAHs were recovered from the sediments by solvent extraction and then analyzed by means of high performance liquid chromatography system. Total concentrations of the ∑PAHs in the range 5 – 38 ng/g dw were detected, and a distinct spatial trend was observed. The contents of Nap, Ace, Flu, Phe and dBA were below detection limit. Diagnostic ratios such as benzo[a]anthracene/chrysene and fluoranthene/pyrene were achieved to evaluate the emission sources of PAHs. These ratios indicated an anthopogenic source (pyrolysis) of PAHs for sediments. Furthermore PAHs were associated mainly with fine particle sediments. Although the PAHs contents were below Vietnamese standard but potential risk to ecosystem needs further study since the high percentages of carcinogenic PAHs

The Influence of Social Capital on Startup Ability of Rural Labor in Nghe An Province, Vietnam

The research is to identify social capital’s factors that have influence on rural labor’s startup ability in Nghe An. Researching data is collected from 695 rural labors in Nghe An, Vietnam (chosen from 4 districts represented for geographic regions in researching province). Collected data is audited by Binary Logistic model. Analyzed results show that factors belong to social capital have influence on rural labor’s startup ability, such as: home town neighborhood and friends’ influence, relationships, collectives, commercial banks, local policies and regulations, information sharing. The research makes clearly the roles of social capital on rural labor’s startup ability

The pedagogical training management of gifted high school teachers in the region of Red River Delta based on a competency approach

Pedagogical training for teachers is always an important issue of every education system. Teachers impart knowledge, give academic advice to students, and assist students in applying knowledge to develop society. This study investigated the gifted high school teacher pedagogical training management in the region of the Red River Delta according to the competency approach. Based on the available data, the research indicated three main things: (i) Professional pedagogical competence of gifted high school teachers; (ii) Pedagogical training activities for gifted high school teachers; (iii) Management of pedagogical training activities for gifted high school teachers. This study conducted a survey of 547 departmental and school managers in gifted high school teachers in nine provinces in Red River Delta, including Hanoi, Ha Nam, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Quang Ninh, and Vinh Phuc. These findings are only preliminary research, and they will be an important basis for proposing management solutions to improve the effectiveness of pedagogical training activities for gifted high school teachers

Développement de patrons de conception à ancrage social pour architectures multi-agent

La croissance explosive des domaines d'application tels que le commerce électronique, la gestion des connaissances, les systèmes coopératifs, l’informatique point-à-point, mobile ou cognitive change profondément et irréversiblement nos vues sur l’ingénierie logicielle et les systèmes eux-mêmes. Ceux-ci doivent maintenant supporter des architectures ouvertes pouvant évoluer continuellement afin d’intégrer, modifier ou retirer des composants nouveaux ou existants devant répondre aux exigences et conditions changeantes de l’environnement. Pour ces raisons – et d’autres – le paradigme orienté agent gagne en popularité sur les techniques traditionnelles de développement logiciel, y compris celles dites structurées et orienté objet. Ce genre de systèmes et technologies demande des méthodologies adaptées. Tropos est une méthodologie d’analyse et de conception de systèmes agent. Elle propose une ontologie socio-intentionnelle basée sur trois niveaux : 1) éléments atomiques de base, 2) patron de conception à ancrage social, 3) styles organisationnels. Ce travail se focalise sur le deuxième niveau. Il identifie des patrons de conception à ancrage social à utiliser dans Tropos, en développe certains (appel d’offre, mise au enchères et courtier) sur l’environnement de programmation agent JACK en utilisant le modèle théorique BDI et en tenant compte des spécifications FIPA

Some Impact of the English Competence Assessment Test Based on Output Standards on English Teaching at Tan Trao University

The standardized English proficiency assessment has yielded significant and positive impacts on the English teaching and learning processes at Tan Trao University. This assessment not only serves as a tool to evaluate students' English proficiency but also constitutes an integral component of the educational process, encompassing curriculum design and instructional methodologies. One of the paramount effects of this assessment is the establishment of clear standards regarding proficiency levels and requisite skills. This initiative provides educators and students with a precise understanding of the competencies required for English language acquisition. Consequently, the university can devise tailored language programs that ensure students are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in academic and professional environments. Furthermore, the assessment instills a sense of pressure on students as they prepare and engage in a high-stakes testing environment. However, this pressure serves as a motivator for students to enhance their individual English proficiency. Consequently, students are propelled towards autonomy and responsibility in their English language learning endeavors, whether through supplemental coursework or independent study. the assessment fosters improvements in the quality of English language instruction at the university. Educators must possess comprehensive knowledge of the assessment's content and requisite skills, prompting them to explore and implement effective pedagogical strategies. This results in a diversification of teaching methodologies, ranging from the utilization of extensive learning resources to the organization of practical activities and classroom discussions.&nbsp

Concepts of Agri-Competitiveness in Theorical and Imperical Researchs

The purpose of this study is to analyze the competitiveness of exported agricultural products through theoretical and empirical studies, estimation methods and determinants. Not only summarizing the competitiveness theories of agricultural products exported from previous studies, the article also clarifies the concept of competitiveness of agricultural products at the level of products/services, firms/ farms, industry, thereby helping firms from agricultural countries - which rely heavily on agricultural production and agricultural products export to find the right ways to identify definitions and concepts, then choose the right methods of measurement, compare its export agricultural products competitiveness. Since, the study also proposed the use of synthetic indicators to measure the competitiveness of agricultural exports which is an important basis for the state agencies in the study and propose their export policy of agricultural products in the near future

KHÁM PHÁ CÁC KHÍA CẠNH CỦA TRẢI NGHIỆM ẨM THỰC HUẾ CỦA KHÁCH DU LỊCH NỘI ĐỊA

Although the local cuisine in many tourist destinations has played an important role in attracting tourists, and the local culinary experience could significantly influence tourists’ behaviours, the topic of the culinary experience of tourists has just emerged in the tourism literature in Vietnam. Through the case of Hue cuisine, this study aims to explore aspects of the culinary experience of tourists using the Experience Economy framework. Based on the qualitative data obtained in semi-structured interviews with twenty domestic tourists, the thematic analysis results show that four themes emerged in the culinary experience with Hue traditional cuisine. They include esthetics, education, escapism and entertainment. Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed to enhance the culinary experience of domestic tourists visiting Hue, such as: telling stories about Hue specialties to tourists, enabling tourists to observe or get involved in certain cooking or decorating activities, or creating attractive check-in area with Hue local food.Mặc dù ẩm thực của một điểm đến có sức hấp dẫn thu hút khách du lịch và trải nghiệm ẩm thực địa phương có tác động đáng kể đến hành vi du lịch của du khách, tuy nhiên, chủ đề nghiên cứu về trải nghiệm ẩm thực của khách du lịch vẫn còn rất mới mẻ ở Việt Nam. Thông qua trường hợp ẩm thực Huế, nghiên cứu này nhằm khám phá các khía cạnh nội dung của trải nghiệm ẩm thực của du khách sử dụng khung lý thuyết về Kinh tế trải nghiệm. Dựa trên dữ liệu định tính thu được thông qua các cuộc phỏng vấn với 20 khách du lịch nội địa, kết quả phân tích chủ đề cho thấy rằng có bốn chủ đề xuất hiện trong trải nghiệm ẩm thực dân gian Huế của du khách. Các chủ đề này bao gồm: trải nghiệm thẩm mỹ, trải nghiệm học hỏi, trải nghiệm thoát ly thực tế và trải nghiệm giải trí. Dựa trên kết quả này, một số khuyến nghị được đưa ra nhằm nâng cao trải nghiệm của du khách đến Huế, chẳng hạn như: kể chuyện về món ăn đặc sản Huế, cho khách xem hoặc tham gia vào một số công đoạn chế biến trình bày món ăn, hoặc tạo các điểm check-in đẹp với món ăn đặc sản Huế

THE IMPACT OF QUESTIONING AND SEMANTIC MAP IN PRE-READING STAGE ON STUDENTS' READING COMPREHENSION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Pre-reading activities play an important role in language reading classrooms since they help to activate students’ background knowledge of the topics being taught, which results in improving students’ reading comprehension. Most studies in the literature focus on exploring the effects of individual pre-reading activities such as brainstorming, pre-teaching vocabulary, questioning on students’ performance in doing comprehension tasks. Few studies have been conducted to explore whether one technique is better than the others in activating students’ schemata in reading lessons. The current study investigates the impact of Questioning and Semantic map in Pre-reading stage on EFL gifted high school students’ reading comprehension. The participants were 52 gifted students from two science classes for twelfth graders (they were non gifted English students). They shared the same culture, native language, educational background and age. The data were collected through two reading proficiency tests (pre-test and post-test) and individual interviews. The findings revealed that both Questioning and Semantic map had positive impacts on gifted students’ reading comprehension. Especially, the students who received Semantic treatment had significantly better improvement in their reading skill. The findings shed lights on what can be done to improve EFL students’ reading performance.  Article visualizations

ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AGRITOURISM IN BINH DINH PROVINCE, VIETNAM

This study evaluates the potential for agritourism development in Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam. The analytical hierarchical process is used to determine the weights of four factors with 25 measurement criteria to assess agritourism potential. The research results show that Binh Dinh Province has great agritourism potential based on four evaluation factors, including (1) local agricultural tourism resources, (2) the trend for agritourism development and the agritourism market, (3) the local community’s willingness, and (4) the supporting activities of the local government. In particular, the local agricultural tourism resources factor received the highest score, followed by the local community’s willingness and the supporting activities of the local government. The trend for agritourism development and the agritourism market was rated the lowest. Therefore, Binh Dinh has viable opportunities to encourage the growth of agritourism to improve farmers’ livelihoodsDu lịch nông nghiệp đem lại nhiều cơ hội cho phát triển kinh tế cũng như đa dạng hóa các loại hình du lịch và cải thiện đời sống sinh kế của người dân. Nghiên cứu sử dụng phương pháp phân tích thứ bậc (AHP) để tính các trọng số của các tiêu chí đánh giá tiềm năng phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp tại các huyện, thị xã phía bắc tỉnh Bình Định. Tiếp theo, kết quả mô hình hóa sơ đồ mạng cho thấy cả 4 địa phương An Lão, Hoài Ân, Phù Mỹ, thị xã Hoài Nhơn đều được đánh giá ở mức điểm cao về tiềm năng phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp trên các khía cạnh tài nguyên du lịch, xu hướng phát triển du lịch, sự ủng hộ của người dân địa phương và sự quan tâm của chính quyền địa phương. Tuy nhiên, yếu tố xu hướng phát triển thị trường du lịch nông nghiệp được đánh giá ở mức điểm thấp hơn. Điều này cũng xuất phát từ việc phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp tại các huyện, thị xã phía Bắc tỉnh Bình Định cũng mới bắt đầu nhận được sự quan tâm trong vài năm gần đây, số lượt khách tham quan các huyện, thị xã phía Bắc tỉnh Bình Định còn ít so với tiềm năng du lịch của địa bàn